Chances are you found this page because you are looking for some healthy recipes under 500 calories each.
Are you feeling sluggish, bloated, and unhealthy?
Do you want to get back on the healthy eating train?
But you’re not sure where to start?
Look no further…
Here is a comprehensive list of some of the best healthy recipes, all under 500 calories per serving and easy to make!
These recipes will help you feel healthy from the inside out, after all, we all know that abs are made in the kitchen, right?
The Over Simplified Formula to Lose Weight
Chances are you know exactly how to lose weight already.
Eat fewer calories than you burn every day!
Simple right?
Except it’s not that simple and we all know it.
One of the most common mistakes people make when trying to lose weight is miscounting the calories in each meal.
The good news for you is this article has done the leg work for you and found some delicious healthy recipes under 500 calories each.
13 Healthy Recipes Under 500 Calories
Each healthy recipe has the time it takes to prepare and cook the meal, how many calories and the ingredients you’ll need to make it.
Don’t you find it annoying when you see an awesome looking recipe and read all the spiel about how to make it only to realise you haven’t got any of the ingredients to make it?
Well, this time it’s different!
Choose the recipe that you have the ingredients for already.
And maybe add some ingredients of recipes you like the look of to your grocery list for next week.
1) Twisted Mac and Cheese
Because who doesn’t love mac and cheese?!
This recipe is a classic but reinvented to make it pretty much guilt-free. A delicious dish to fuel your body for those workouts. By substituting pasta with squash you save on calories and carbs without losing any flavour.
How long will it take? 1 hour 15 minutes
How many calories? 296 Cals per serving
What will you need?
- Squash
- Oil Spray
- Broccoli
- Ghee
- Whole wheat flour
- Low-fat/ Plant-based milk
- Low-fat cheese
- Parmesan
- Salt and Pepper to season.
Click here for the full recipe Pop Sugar Health and Fitness
2) Sticky Cauliflower Bites
A tasty veggie alternative to sticky chicken or beef. These Asian inspired cauliflower bites might not sound like much but they are delicious as a side, starter, snacks, finger food or main. Low calorie, meat-free and still delicious!
How long will it take? 30 minutes
How many calories? 229 Cals per serving
What will you need?
- Cauliflower
- Egg whites
- Panko bread crumbs,
- Paprika, Cumin,
- Garlic powder,
- Salt and Pepper,
- Vegetable oil,
- Honey,
- Soy Sauce,
- Apple cider vinegar,
- Sweet chilli sauce,
- Garlic cloves,
- Sesame seeds and onion (for garnish).
Click here for the recipe Diethood
3. BBQ Lentil Burgers with Ranch Dressing
A healthy, veggie alternative to beef burgers. Perfect for weekend barbecues and weeknight dinners alike. These burgers combine delicious seasoning and spices with filling lentils for a flavoursome dish for all the family.
Time: 20 mins (prep) 30 mins (cook)
Calories: 367
Ingredients:
- Lentils
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomato paste
- Dried parsley
- Brown rice
- BBQ sauce
- Egg
- Whole grain panko or GF breadcrumbs
- Whole wheat buns
- Ranch dip
- lettuce tomato, (optional toppings)
Find the full recipe on Shaw’s Simple Swaps
4. Moroccan-Spiced Eggplant Stew
Comforting, tasty AND healthy! The ingredients in this recipe give it a delicious smokey taste. The stew can be made ahead of time and frozen for a quick weekday meal. Each serving is only 240 calories! What more could you want?
Time: 5 mins (prep) 50 mins (cook)
Calories: 240
Ingredients:
- Eggplant
- Olive or coconut oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Salt
- Cans of tomatoes
- Chickpeas
- Maple syrup or coconut sugar
- Harissa paste (or sub another hot sauce)
- Cilantro or parsley
- White rice, brown rice, or quinoa
- Lemon
Find the full recipe on Minimalist Baker
5) Creamy Chicken and Quinoa Casserole
Looking for hearty comfort food that is also healthy? Look no further! This casserole is delicious and nutritious and makes for a great family dinner. It’s the perfect recipe for an Autumn evening. You won’t regret it… trust me.
How long will it take? 1hr 15 mins
How many calories? 317 Cals
What will you need?
- Milk,
- Chicken Broth,
- Flour,
- Quinoa,
- Chicken breasts,
- Gruyere (or any kind) Cheese,
- Broccoli,
- Seasoning.
Click here for the full recipe Pinch Of Yum
6. Tomato Sourdough Soup
This is a super low-calorie dinner for all the family! Tomato soup is a classic but this homemade, healthy version is so much tastier. It’s so easy to make, you can make it as a family. The sourdough adds a creamy thickness to the soup to make it more filling and satisfying!
Time: 30 mins
Calories: 98
Ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Cumin seeds
- Garlic
- Vegetable stock
- Ripe tomatoes
- Can of chopped Italian tomatoes
- Superfine sugar
- Sourdough bread
- Cilantro
- Salt and pepper
Find the full recipe on Simply Fresh Dinners
7) Squash and Lentil Soup
A perfect meal for the autumn evenings. This soup is packed with vitamins and goodness. Super healthy, super tasty and pretty easy to make. Make a large batch and freeze it for those busy days when cooking healthy is difficult.
How long will it take? 45 mins
How many calories? 421 Cals
What will you need?
- Olive Oil,
- Yellow Onion,
- Butternut Squash,
- Red Lentils,
- Sage,
- Vegetable broth,
- Salt and Pepper
Click here for the full recipe Simple Veganista
8) Curried Rice and Noodles
Looking for a meat-free option? This Asian inspired dish is top-notch! It is bursting with flavours and delicious veggies. It’s also a great alternative to a fattening take- away dish. AND it only takes 30 minutes! Winner!
How long will it take? 30 mins
How many calories? 360 Cals
What will you need?
- Angel Hair Pasta,
- Eggs,
- Canola Oil,
- Yellow Summer Squash,
- Red Pepper,
- Garlic,
- Curry Powder,
- Ginger Powder,
- Red Pepper Flakes,
- Basmati Rice,
- Soy Sauce,
- Lime Juice,
- Sesame Oil,
- Onions,
- Cashews
Click here for the full recipe Taste Of Home
9) Southwestern Chicken Ramen Salad
A superb lunch/ picnic/ dinner/ sharing dish recipe! This is a true all-rounder! It is loaded with veggies and goodness. If you are not a meat-eater, swap the chicken for more beans or some tofu. Delicious. Simple.
How long will it take? 25 mins
How many calories? 165 Cals
What will you need?
- Coleslaw,
- Chicken,
- Corn Kernels,
- Black Beans,
- Avacado,
- Red Pepper,
- 6 Onions,
- Olive Oil,
- Cider Vinegar,
- Lime juice,
- Honey,
- Garlic Powder,
- Onion Powder,
- Chili Powder,
- Paprika,
- Cumin,
- Salt and Pepper,
- Ramen Noodles,
- Almonds.
Click here for the full recipe The Seasoned Mom
10) Turkey Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
These delicious stuffed potatoes are so easy to make and ridiculously tasty. A great mid-week recipe. Fast, healthy, delicious and only 227 calories per serving. What have you got to lose? Give them a try…
How long will it take? 20 mins
How many calories? 227 Cals
What will you need?
- Sweet Potatoes,
- Olive Oil,
- Cumin,
- Salt and Pepper,
- Ground Turkey,
- Garlic,
- Chili Powder,
- Oregano,
- Paprika,
- Canned Crushed Tomatoes,
- Cheese,
- Parsley
Click here for the full recipe Cookin Canuck
11) Hearty Italian White Bean Soup
As Autumn arrives and the night cools down, give this comforting bean soup a go. So delicious and so filling. Packed full of delicious veggies and straightforward to make.
How long will it take? 30 mins
How many calories? 164 Cals
What will you need?
- Olive oil,
- Potato,
- Carrots,
- onion,
- Celery,
- Zucchini,
- Jalapenos,
- Beans,
- Vegetable Broth,
- Tomato Sauce,
- Parsley,
- Thyme.
Click here for the full recipe Taste of Home
12) Red Curry Shrimp and Cilantro Rice
Spicy, fragrant and healthy! What is not to love?! This curry is full of delicious Asian inspired flavours. It makes for an easy weeknight dinner or Friday night treat. Perfect if you are in a rush but you don’t want to compromise on taste or quality.
How long will it take? 30 mins
How many calories? 405 Cals
What will you need?
- Long grain rice,
- Lime,
- Cilantro,
- Oil,
- Ginger,
- Garlic,
- Red Thai Curry Paste,
- Coconut Milk,
- Fish Sauce,
- Baby Bok Choy,
- Fish Sauce,
- Peeled Shrimp.
Click here for the full recipe Good Housekeeping
13) Chicken with Cheesy Broccoli Soup
How long will it take? 30 mins approx
How many calories? 360 Cals
What will you need?
- Broccoli,
- Parsnips,
- Chicken Stock,
- Low Fat Cheese,
- Almonds,
- Chicken Breast,
- Lemon Juice,
- Salt and Pepper.
Click here for the full recipe Women’s Health
Healthy Recipes Under 500 Calories Summary
There you have it. 13 healthy recipes under 500 calories! All the tools you need to kick start your healthy eating.
Enjoy!
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