35+ Healthy and Easy Recipes Under 500 Calories

Nourish Your Body: Over 40 Delicious & Healthy Meals Under 500 Calories

Embark on a journey to effortless healthy eating with these incredible meal ideas, all thoughtfully designed to be under 500 calories! Discover a treasure trove of satisfying breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes that are not only incredibly easy to prepare but also pack a punch of flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re aiming for weight management, increased energy, or simply a healthier lifestyle, this guide offers a low-calorie meal plan that proves you don’t have to sacrifice taste for health.

A vibrant collage of various healthy, low-calorie breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes, clearly displaying text that says 'Meals Under 500 Calories'.

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Cut the Calories, Not the Flavor: Your Guide to Delicious Low-Calorie Eating

Eating healthy and managing calorie intake shouldn’t mean sacrificing taste or feeling perpetually hungry. The biggest challenge often lies in finding meals that are not only low in calories but also truly satisfying, bursting with flavor, and easy to fit into a busy schedule. This comprehensive guide is here to solve that dilemma! We’ve meticulously curated a collection of our absolute favorite breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes that expertly reduce the calorie count without ever compromising on the deliciousness you crave. Get ready to transform your meals and discover how vibrant and fulfilling low-calorie eating can be.

What’s in this Post

  • Energizing Breakfast Ideas
  • Satisfying Lunch Options
  • Delicious Dinner Recipes

Energizing Low-Calorie Breakfast Ideas

Kickstart your day the right way with a healthy and satisfying breakfast! These low-calorie breakfast recipes are specifically designed to provide you with sustained energy, essential nutrients, and delightful flavors to help you tackle whatever lies ahead. Forget skipping breakfast or settling for bland options – these meals are quick to prepare, many are perfect for meal prepping, and they’ll keep you feeling full and focused without overdoing the calories.

Baked Oatmeal Cups {5 Ways}

A tray of various Meal Prep Baked Oatmeal Cups, showing different flavors and textures, perfect for a quick breakfast.

Say goodbye to boring weekday mornings with these incredibly versatile and delicious meal prep Baked Oatmeal Cups! At just 235 calories per serving, these grab-and-go treats are a fantastic way to ensure you always have a wholesome breakfast ready. Explore five different delightful flavor variations, from fruity to nutty, making healthy eating exciting and convenient.

How to Meal Prep Overnight Oats {9 Easy Recipes}

Nine mason jars, each filled with a different flavor of overnight oats, showcasing colorful layers of fruit, nuts, and grains.

Master the art of effortless breakfast with this guide on how to meal prep delicious overnight oats. Offering nine easy recipes, each serving contains approximately 283 calories, making them a perfect, quick, and healthy breakfast solution. Prepare them the night before and enjoy a nutritious meal on the go, customized to your taste preferences.

Quick & Easy Baked Eggs

A beautifully arranged plate featuring a dozen baked eggs in various flavors, artfully presented next to a crisp napkin.

For those seeking a savory start to a busy day, these five easy baked egg recipes are a fantastic option, with each serving coming in at a lean 160 calories. These quick and healthy breakfast ideas are incredibly simple to make and offer a satisfying boost of protein to keep you full and energized throughout the morning.

2-Ingredient Banana Egg Pancakes {Meal Prep}

A mouth-watering close-up of golden banana egg pancakes, generously drizzled with maple syrup, ready to be enjoyed.

Who knew healthy pancakes could be this easy? These 2-Ingredient Banana Egg Pancakes are a delicious, grab-and-go breakfast idea that you can easily meal prep and store in the freezer. With just 342 calories per serving, they provide a naturally sweet and protein-packed start for even your busiest mornings.

Healthy Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits {Meal Prep}

Visually appealing Meal Prep Yogurt Parfaits layered in clear jars, showcasing vibrant fresh fruit, creamy yogurt, and crunchy granola.

Indulge in these delightful Healthy Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits, an excellent make-ahead breakfast idea that’s both creamy and crunchy. Each parfait provides approximately 221 calories and features rich Greek yogurt, your choice of homemade granola for texture, and an assortment of fresh, colorful fruits for natural sweetness and vitamins.

Easy Sweet Potato Hash Recipe

A hearty and colorful Meal Prep Whole 30 Sweet Potato Hash, bursting with savory ingredients and fresh herbs.

Looking for a savory breakfast that fits your healthy lifestyle? This Sweet Potato Hash is a fantastic option, easily meal prepped for busy weekdays. At 352 calories per serving, it’s packed with flavor and satisfying ingredients, plus it’s completely Whole30 friendly, making it a guilt-free and nourishing choice.

Easy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

A delicious cooked sausage hashbrown breakfast casserole, presented in a black casserole dish, with a spatula lifting a piece.

This Easy Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and incredibly simple to prepare. With each satisfying serving at around 235 calories, you can assemble it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning for a warm, comforting, and hearty breakfast that the whole family will love.

Easiest Healthy Acai Bowl Recipe

A beautifully styled Acai Bowl, topped with fresh fruit, granola, and a drizzle of honey, highlighting its vibrant colors and healthy ingredients.

Achieve a vibrant and nutritious breakfast with this Easiest Healthy Acai Bowl recipe! Requiring only acai powder, frozen blueberries, banana, protein-rich Greek yogurt, and a touch of honey, each bowl comes in at approximately 346 calories. It’s a refreshing and superfood-packed way to start your day, effortlessly combining taste with health benefits.

Easy Smoothie Bowls {3 Ways}

A trio of colorful smoothie bowls, each adorned with a unique variety of healthy and delicious toppings.

Elevate your breakfast game with these high-protein Easy Smoothie Bowls! At roughly 270 calories per serving, these bowls are a delicious and customizable breakfast idea that will keep you feeling full. Choose from Tropical, Very Berry, or Mean Green variations, then pile on your favorite nutritious toppings for a personalized and satisfying meal.

Starbucks Spinach Feta Wrap Copycat

A perfectly replicated Starbucks Spinach Feta Wrap, toasted and ready to enjoy, showcasing its wholesome ingredients.

Craving your favorite café breakfast? This Starbucks Spinach Feta Wrap is a spot-on copycat recipe, delivering all the flavor you love at 329 calories per serving. Made with fluffy egg whites, fresh spinach, and savory feta cheese, all nestled inside a perfectly toasted whole wheat wrap, it’s a healthier and equally delicious alternative to the original.

5-Ingredient Egg White Frittata {Meal Prep}

A light and fluffy egg white frittata, beautifully baked in a pan and ready for serving, showcasing its simple elegance.

Simplify your mornings with this incredibly easy 5-Ingredient Egg White Frittata. This high-protein meal prep breakfast is ideal for making ahead, offering a mere 181 calories per serving. It’s a light yet filling option that ensures you have a nutritious and quick breakfast ready to go, saving you time and stress on busy weekdays.

Freezer-Friendly Mini Breakfast Pizzas

Appetizing Freezer-Friendly Mini Breakfast Pizzas, topped with turkey sausage and egg, ideal for a quick and satisfying meal.

Make your mornings fun and flavorful with these Freezer-Friendly Mini Breakfast Pizzas! Packed with savory turkey sausage and egg, these individual pizzas are the ultimate grab-and-go option for hectic weekday mornings. Each mini pizza comes in at a satisfying 237 calories, providing a delicious and convenient way to fuel your day.

Sausage Egg McMuffin Copycat

A delicious and healthier Meal Prep Egg and Sausage McMuffin, a fantastic copycat of the classic fast-food breakfast.

Indulge in a healthier version of a fast-food favorite with this meal prep-friendly Sausage Egg McMuffin copycat. This recipe recreates the iconic McDonald’s breakfast sandwich with fewer calories – approximately 406 calories per serving – allowing you to enjoy a classic comfort food guilt-free and conveniently prepared in advance.

Satisfying Low-Calorie Lunch Options

Lunch is often where healthy eating habits can derail, especially when faced with tempting takeout options. But fear not! Our collection of low-calorie lunch recipes is here to offer healthier, more delicious alternatives that are a breeze to make and incredibly satisfying. These vibrant and flavorful meals are designed to keep you feeling full and focused through your afternoon, making them perfect for meal prep or quick assembly.

Kale Chicken Caesar Wraps

Fresh and appealing Chicken and Kale Caesar Wraps, perfect for a healthy and portable lunch.

Revolutionize your lunch routine with these nutrient-packed Kale Chicken Caesar Wraps. They are the ideal on-the-go meal, featuring a lighter Caesar dressing that reduces the calorie count to just 400 calories per serving without sacrificing that signature zesty flavor. Filled with tender chicken and leafy kale, these wraps are a fresh and satisfying choice.

Meal Prep Buffalo Chicken Wraps

A collection of Meal Prep Buffalo Chicken Wraps, showcasing how to efficiently prepare healthy and delicious lunches for the week.

Spice up your midday meal with these sensational Meal Prep Buffalo Chicken Wraps! A delicious and easy lunch idea, each wrap contains approximately 437 calories. These wraps are fantastic when packed bento-box style for your work week or school lunches, providing a burst of flavor and a satisfying meal without a calorie overload.

The Best DIY Instant Noodles

Four beautifully layered mason jars, each filled with homemade instant noodles, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs, ready for hot water.

Forget unhealthy store-bought packets and try these healthy homemade instant noodles, offering a delightful vegetarian lunch option at just 354 calories per serving. Easily prepped in mason jars, all you need to do is add hot water when you’re ready to eat for a quick, comforting, and incredibly flavorful meal.

Sheet Pan Greek Chicken {Meal Prep}

A vibrant Sheet Pan Greek Chicken meal, featuring perfectly roasted chicken, potatoes, and colorful vegetables, ideal for easy meal prep.

Streamline your cooking with this Sheet Pan Greek Chicken, an easy dinner recipe that conveniently doubles as fantastic meal prep! Each wholesome serving is about 359 calories, and you’ll absolutely adore the tasty combination of tender chicken, roasted potatoes, and savory Mediterranean vegetables all cooked on a single pan.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad {Meal Prep}

A generously sized bowl brimming with colorful Mediterranean chickpea salad, loaded with fresh ingredients.

Brighten your lunch with this vibrant Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, featuring artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s perfectly suited for meal prep, especially when layered in mason jars for easy grab-and-go lunches, and each delightful serving is only 224 calories. This salad offers a refreshing and satisfying burst of Mediterranean flavors.

Peanut Chicken Meal Prep Bowls {Low-Carb}

Visually appealing Peanut Chicken Meal Prep Bowls, packed with sautéed chicken, colorful veggies, and a rich peanut sauce, all low-carb.

These Peanut Chicken Meal Prep Bowls are a sensational low-carb lunch idea, offering a hearty and flavorful meal for 386 calories per serving. They’re brimming with colorful fresh vegetables, perfectly sautéed chicken, and a luscious, savory peanut sauce, making healthy eating incredibly delicious and easy to prepare in advance.

Low Carb Big Mac Salad {Meal Prep}

Layered Meal Prep Low Carb Big Mac Salad Jars, a healthy twist on the classic cheeseburger, perfect for on-the-go lunches.

Enjoy all the flavors of your favorite classic cheeseburger without the guilt with this Low Carb Big Mac Salad. This innovative recipe, at 426 calories per serving, can be easily meal prepped in mason jars, providing a fun, healthy, and convenient lunch that’s sure to be a conversation starter and a delight for your taste buds.

Dynamite Shrimp Sushi Jars {Meal Prep}

Creative Dynamite Shrimp Sushi Jars, artfully layered with sushi fixings and topped with a delectable sauce, ready for meal prep.

Bring the vibrant flavors of sushi to your lunchbox with these exciting Dynamite Shrimp Sushi Jars! These jars are brilliant for meal prep, each containing a satisfying 335 calories. They feature your favorite sushi fixings, including tender shrimp and a delicious, creamy sauce, making for a truly unique and healthy midday meal.

Baked BBQ Chicken {Meal Prep}

A close-up of a perfectly portioned meal prep container, featuring roasted baby potatoes, a fresh kale salad, and flavorful baked BBQ chicken.

This Baked BBQ Chicken is astonishingly easy to make and bursting with robust flavor, making it an excellent candidate for your meal prep routine. At just 384 calories per serving, we recommend serving it with tender baby potatoes and a crisp kale salad to create the ultimate, balanced, and mouth-watering lunch that you’ll look forward to all week.

Spiralized Zucchini Pad Thai Bowls {Low-Carb}

Fresh and vibrant Spiralized Pad Thai Chicken Meal Prep Bowls, a healthy low-carb option bursting with color and flavor.

Enjoy the authentic taste of Pad Thai in a lighter, low-carb format with these Spiralized Zucchini Pad Thai Bowls. This fantastic meal prep option, totaling 382 calories per serving, features lean chicken, a medley of fresh veggies, and a delectable Pad Thai sauce, all built upon a base of spiralized zucchini for a healthy twist.

Chickpea Quinoa Power Salad {Gluten Free}

A vibrant and nutritious Chickpea Quinoa Power Salad, showcasing a colorful mix of ingredients perfect for a healthy meal.

Power up your lunch with this incredible Chickpea Quinoa Power Salad, featuring a zesty Jalapeno Dressing. This gluten-free delight, just 270 calories per serving, is a vibrant rainbow slaw bursting with flavor, diced mango for sweetness, and chili-lime chickpeas for a spicy kick. It’s a truly invigorating and satisfying meal.

Taco Bell Power Bowl {Copycat Recipe}

A vibrant and fresh Taco Bell Power Bowl, a perfect homemade copycat recipe for a healthy meal.

Skip the drive-thru and make your own Taco Bell Power Bowl at home! This copycat recipe is not only an ideal meal prep idea but also a healthier alternative to the original, clocking in at 451 calories per serving. You can whip up this flavorful and satisfying bowl in just 30 minutes, bringing the taste of Taco Bell to your kitchen, healthily.

Delicious Low-Calorie Dinner Recipes

Evening meals should be a time to unwind and enjoy flavorful food without the worry of excess calories. This selection of healthy dinner options proves that you can have hearty, satisfying meals that the entire family will love, all while staying within your calorie goals. These recipes are packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and ensure you finish your day feeling full, satisfied, and nourished.

Easy Sausage, Peppers and Onions {Skillet Meal}

A single skillet filled with a delicious and vibrant mix of sausage, colorful peppers, and onions, perfect for an easy meal.

Simplify weeknight cooking with this incredibly Easy Sausage, Peppers and Onions Skillet. This one-pan wonder is made with lean turkey sausage, vibrant bell peppers, sweet onions, and a rich pasta sauce, creating a flavorful meal for just 312 calories per serving. It’s a quick, healthy, and satisfying dinner solution that requires minimal cleanup.

Hasselback Baked Caprese Chicken

A delightful plate of Hasselback Baked Caprese Chicken served alongside a fresh side salad, capturing the essence of summer flavors.

Imagine summer on a plate with this stunning Hasselback Baked Caprese Chicken! This elegant yet simple dish is made with creamy mozzarella cheese, perfectly sliced plum tomatoes, and fragrant fresh basil. At approximately 401 calories per serving, it’s a light, flavorful, and visually impressive dinner that’s perfect for any occasion.

Sheet Pan Bruschetta Chicken {Low Carb}

A beautifully prepared Sheet Pan Bruschetta Chicken meal, demonstrating effortless healthy eating and ideal for low-carb meal prep.

Enjoy a burst of Italian flavors with this Sheet Pan Bruschetta Chicken. This healthy, low-carb dinner idea is not only packed with fresh veggies but also incredibly convenient, as the entire recipe cooks on just one pan! Each delightful serving comes in at a mere 274 calories, making it a perfect quick and light weeknight meal.

30-Minute Sheet Pan Rosemary Chicken

A close-up of a perfectly cooked Sheet Pan Rosemary Chicken, showcasing its golden-brown skin and aromatic herbs.

Dinner is on the table in just 30 minutes with this delicious Sheet Pan Rosemary Chicken! This healthy, low-carb meal is incredibly easy to prepare and yields a flavorful dish for only 295 calories per serving. It’s also an excellent option for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy tasty, wholesome meals throughout the week without the fuss.

Whole Wheat Summer Pesto Pasta {One-Pot Meal}

A large bowl of vibrant Whole Wheat Summer Pesto Meal Prep Pasta, ideal for a quick one-pot meal and batch cooking.

Embrace the freshness of summer with this Whole Wheat Summer Pesto Pasta. This incredible one-pot meal simplifies dinner preparations, making it perfect for meal prep and batch cooking during a busy workweek. Each satisfying serving contains 474 calories, offering a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a hearty yet healthy pasta dish.

Super Easy Mini Vegetable Lasagna Cups

Adorable mini vegetable lasagnas baked in individual ramekins, offering a perfect single-serving portion of comfort food.

These Super Easy Mini Vegetable Lasagna Cups are an adorable and incredibly convenient individual-serving version of everyone’s beloved comfort food. At approximately 405 calories per serving, these mini lasagnas are not only cute but also a delightful way to enjoy a classic dish with portion control in mind. They are perfect for meal prepping and freezing.

Easy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

A skillet filled with succulent chicken parm meatballs, generously topped with melted mozzarella cheese and simmering in marinara sauce.

Craving Italian comfort food? These Easy Chicken Parm Meatballs are made right in a skillet, smothered in rich marinara sauce, and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. At 412 calories per serving, they’re perfect served with your favorite pasta for a hearty and flavorful dinner that comes together quickly and easily, satisfying all your cravings.

Easy Cashew Chicken {30-Minute Meal}

A vibrant Cashew Chicken Stir Fry, brimming with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and crunchy cashews, a healthier alternative to takeout.

Forget takeout and whip up this Easy Cashew Chicken Stir Fry in just 30 minutes! This recipe is not only better than your usual delivery but also fantastic for meal prep. With each savory serving at 333 calories, the flavorful sauce is primarily made using pantry staples, making it a convenient and wholesome weeknight favorite.

Kung Pao Shrimp {30-Minute Meal}

A tantalizing 30-Minute Kung Pao Shrimp dish, featuring succulent shrimp, crisp vegetables, peanuts, and a savory sauce, served over jasmine rice.

Get a restaurant-quality meal on your table in just 30 minutes with this amazing Kung Pao Shrimp! This easy stir-fry features succulent shrimp, crisp vegetables, and crunchy peanuts, all coated in a yummy, savory sauce and served over fluffy jasmine rice. At 449 calories per serving, it’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that truly is better than takeout.

PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps {Copycat Recipe}

Beautifully assembled PF Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps, a healthy and low-carb copycat recipe perfect for a quick meal.

Recreate the magic of your favorite restaurant dish with these copycat PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps! This healthy, low-carb meal comes together in just 30 minutes and features lean ground chicken and earthy mushrooms, all nestled in crisp lettuce cups. Each serving contains only 307 calories, making it a light, flavorful, and satisfying dinner option.

Instant Pot Chicken Tinga Tacos

Delicious Instant Pot Chicken Tinga Tacos, featuring tender chicken, chipotle, and fire-roasted tomatoes, ready in 30 minutes.

Whip up these incredible Instant Pot Chicken Tinga Tacos in just 30 minutes! Made with smoky fire-roasted tomatoes and spicy chipotle peppers, these gluten-free tacos offer a burst of authentic Mexican flavor. Each delicious serving is approximately 388 calories, making them a quick, easy, and healthy choice for a fun weeknight dinner.

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup {So Easy!}

A comforting bowl of Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, showcasing tender chicken, vegetables, and noodles in a rich broth.

Embrace the warmth and comfort of homemade soup with this Easy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup. This simple recipe allows you to create your favorite comfort food from scratch with minimal effort. The chicken comes out incredibly juicy and tender, and each heartwarming serving is a lean 234 calories, making it a perfect healthy meal for any day.

Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

A hearty bowl of Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup, rich with marinara sauce, ground chicken, rice, and colorful peppers.

Enjoy all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers in a much easier form with this Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup! This comforting soup is packed with savory marinara sauce, lean ground chicken, fluffy rice, and tender peppers. Each wholesome serving is just 331 calories, making it a hearty and healthy dinner option that comes together in a flash.

More Healthy Meal Prep Ideas & Resources

Looking to take your healthy eating and meal prepping further? Explore these additional resources and recipes designed to support your wellness journey and simplify your kitchen routine.

  • 10 Tips for Eating Healthy on a Budget + Cheap Dinner Ideas

  • The EASIEST Clean Eating Meal Prep Ideas

  • 80+ Healthy High-Protein Meal Prep Ideas

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