More Food, Less Guilt 29 Under 500 Calories Recipes

ByMandy

Trying to eat lighter but hate feeling hungry? These recipes stay under 500 calories and still give you a real meal. No need for second helpings when the first one does the job. More food, less frustration—because nobody likes leaving the table still hungry.

Grilled ribs garnished with herbs and served with a side of sauce and onions.
Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Focaccia Bread

Slices of focaccia bread topped with rosemary and flaky salt, arranged on brown parchment paper.
Focaccia Bread. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

The versatility of Focaccia Bread allows for pairing with nearly any meal. Whether you’re planning a simple snack or a full dinner, it holds its own. The crunch and chew you get with each bite makes it memorable. Keeping it under 500 calories makes it a smart choice too.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

Rotel Dip

A skillet filled with creamy cheese dip topped with chopped tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, and sliced jalapeños, surrounded by triangular tortilla chips.
Rotel Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Ideal for game nights or casual hangouts, Rotel Dip is a crowd-pleaser. It’s creamy, with just the right kick to keep things interesting. Enjoy it with your favorite chips or veggies. And you stay within a 500-calorie limit, which is pretty neat.
Get the Recipe: Rotel Dip

Mexican Street Corn Salad

A bowl of Mexican street corn salad garnished with lime wedges and cilantro.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Turn your meal into a fiesta with Mexican Street Corn Salad. It’s fresh, packed with taste, and works great as a side or even by itself. It fits well within the under 500 calorie category. What’s not to love about a dish that brings flavor and health together?
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Sourdough Bagels

A plate with a bagel seasoned with seeds sits next to a baking tray holding more bagels, also topped with seeds.
Sourdough Bagels. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Imagine sinking your teeth into a freshly made Sourdough Bagel. These are perfect for breakfast or as a snack throughout the day. Each one stays below 500 calories, helping keep your calorie count in check. Plus, they’re a fun twist on the classic bagel experience.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Bagels

Asian Style Pork Chops

Close-up of sliced grilled pork belly garnished with sesame seeds and green chili, served on a bed of kale.
Asian Style Pork Chops. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Asian Style Pork Chops are a go-to for a quick, satisfying meal. They pack a punch without piling on the calories. You’ll love how they maintain tenderness and moisture. Under 500 calories, these chops are a smart addition to any meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Asian Style Pork Chops

Dense Bean Salad

A spoonful of chickpea salad with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, parsley, and feta cheese being served from a bowl.
Dense Bean Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

This salad is a powerhouse of nutrients without a high calorie count. Dense Bean Salad is filling, perfect for those who are health-conscious. You can have it alone or as a side dish. Plus, it stays under 500 calories, making it an all-around win.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

A plate of bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers filled with cheese, secured with toothpicks, next to a small dish of dipping sauce.
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For those who love a hint of spice and smoke, these Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers are a must-try. They’re great for sharing and sure to be a highlight at any gathering. Despite their indulgent taste, they remain under 500 calories. Enjoy without the worry!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers

Sourdough Bread

Sliced loaf of bread on a cutting board with a knife beside it.
Sourdough Bread. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Freshly baked and inviting, Sourdough Bread is ideal for any occasion. It pairs perfectly with a variety of spreads and toppings. Each slice keeps you within your calorie goals. Plus, the unique sourdough tang is irresistibly good.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Bread

Antipasto Salad

A bowl of salad with mixed greens, prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, olives, artichokes, and roasted red peppers.
Antipasto Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bursting with colors and ingredients, Antipasto Salad proves a feast for the eyes and the palate. It’s great as a meal starter or a light dinner option. The bonus is that all this goodness fits neatly into an under-500-calorie plan. Enjoy this wholesome, easy-to-assemble salad anytime.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Banana Bread

Close-up of a sliced banana bread loaf, showcasing its moist, textured interior with visible banana chunks.
Banana Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Homemade Banana Bread keeps snack time simple and sweet. It’s great for breakfast or as an afternoon pick-me-up. Plus, you can enjoy a slice knowing it’s below 500 calories. Perfect for those looking for a healthier treat!
Get the Recipe: Banana Bread

Hot Honey Chicken Salad

A honey hot chicken salad with succulent fried chicken pieces, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, cucumber slices, and mixed greens, all topped with a creamy dressing.
Hot Honey Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Hot Honey Chicken Salad brings a spicy-sweet twist to your mealtime. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it’s fulfilling but not heavy. Plus, it’s crafted to keep your meal under 500 calories. A great way to enjoy big flavors without the big calorie count.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Beef Wellington

Beef Wellington sliced on a wooden board with a side salad in the background.
Beef Wellington. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re looking for something special, Beef Wellington is a standout choice. It’s rich in taste and ideal for a more formal dining experience. It even fits into the under-500-calorie bracket. A great way to enjoy fine dining at home.
Get the Recipe: Beef Wellington

Chicken Noodle Soup

A bowl of chicken noodle soup with vegetables.
Chicken Noodle Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Everyone needs a go-to soup that feels like a warm hug, like Chicken Noodle Soup. It’s comforting, light, and ideal for any meal. Plus, it’s quick to serve and stays below 500 calories. A staple dish that you can rely on being both nutritious and low in calories.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup

Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)

Mexican taco salad cups on a plate.
Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!). Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

With the Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!), you’re set for a tasty meal that won’t keep you tied up in the kitchen. These cups are a convenient choice for a meal that’s both light and satisfying. You get a bundled-up package of flavor in every bite. Stick to this recipe and you stay under 500 calories easily.
Get the Recipe: Best Taco Salad Cups Recipe (Super Easy!)

Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes

Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes topped with blue cheese, drizzled with ranch dressing, and garnished with green onions.
Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Mix things up with Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes for a creative twist on two favorites. Enjoy the heartiness of potatoes paired with the kick of buffalo chicken, all while keeping your calorie intake in check. These are perfect for a filling dinner or lunch. And each serving keeps it below 500 calories for peace of mind.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Baked Potatoes

Best Tuna Casserole

Tuna casserole in a white baking dish.
Best Tuna Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bring back a homestyle classic with Best Tuna Casserole, comforting without being calorific. You’re looking at a dish that’s warm, filling, and perfect for any occasion. It’s a go-to for a meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor or nutrition. Plus, you won’t cross the 500-calorie line, so enjoy without the worry.
Get the Recipe: Best Tuna Casserole

Caprese Pesto Tarts

Fresh cherry tomatoes and herbs served in crispy puff pastry cups on a wooden surface.
Caprese Pesto Tarts. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Caprese Pesto Tarts offer a quick, tasty option when time or calories are tight. They’re simple to throw together and packed with taste. Ideal for entertaining or just when you’re after a light bite. Keeping under 500 calories per serving, these tarts could be your new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Tarts

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Baked rice casserole with melted cheese on top, garnished with chopped herbs.
Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This casserole is a solid choice when you want something homey yet not heavy. It’s like comfort food without the calorie countdown. Chicken and Rice Casserole is great for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week. And yes, it’s under 500 calories, so you can dig in without second-guessing.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole

Best Zucchini Bread

Sliced zucchini bread on a white surface, showing a moist interior with visible green flecks of zucchini.
Best Zucchini Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Best Zucchini Bread slips in under the radar as a sweet treat that’s not too sinful. Ideal for when you need a nibble alongside your coffee or as a pick-me-up during the day. It’s a moist, tasty bread that won’t make you fret over your meal plan. You’re safe here with a recipe under 500 calories.
Get the Recipe: Best Zucchini Bread

Buffalo Chicken Salad

A croissant sandwich filled with buffalo chicken and blue cheese, served on a white plate with celery sticks in the background.
Buffalo Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

This dish shakes things up in the salad world with its punch of spicy flavor. Buffalo Chicken Salad is a quick mix-up for a meal that’s both refreshing and a little feisty. Reach for this when you’re after something less heavy but still filling. And sitting pretty at less than 500 calories, it’s a smart meal move.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

A bowl of golden-brown, crispy fried arancini served in a white dish on a plain background.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Want a snack that’s got some bite without the caloric sting? Try Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites. They’re just what you need when you want a kick without kicking your diet to the curb. Keep your snack game strong and your calorie count under 500 with these bites.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Close-up of a bowl of chicken tortilla soup with crispy tortilla strips, avocado pieces, corn, cheese, and herbs in a rich red broth.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a no-fuss solution to dinner that’ll leave you both content and calorie-conscious. It’s a bowl full of comfort with a side of sensible. Weeknights or lazy weekends, it’s a surefire hit. Keep it cozy and under 500 calories with this simple soup.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Close-up view of cooked bacon strips and fried eggs on a white plate, garnished with parsley.
Crispy Air Fryer Bacon. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Get your crunch on with Crispy Air Fryer Bacon, minus the oil-splattered guilt. This recipe swaps the pan for the air fryer, keeping your calorie intake as low as your bacon is crispy. It’s perfect for a side, topping, or just because you fancy some bacon. And it’s all happening with fewer than 500 calories.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken breast slices served over a bed of greens with lemon wedges on the side.
Chipotle Grilled Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fire up the grill for some Chipotle Grilled Chicken that’s big on taste but small on calories. It’s a stellar way to serve up some protein with a spicy twist. Have it solo or toss it into a salad or wrap. Either way, you keep things nicely within a 500-calorie budget.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Grilled Chicken

Crunchy Onion Rings

A close-up of crispy, golden-brown onion rings sprinkled with chopped parsley and black pepper on a white parchment-lined surface captures perfection in every bite.
Crunchy Onion Rings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Enjoy Crunchy Onion Rings without the usual calorie splurge. This recipe caters to anyone’s craving for a crispy treat. Whether as a side or just for snacking, they’re just right. You can munch away, happy in the knowledge that you’re not breaking the 500-calorie barrier.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings

Buffalo Chicken Dip

A hand dips a tortilla chip into a cheesy baked dish topped with sliced green onions.
Buffalo Chicken Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Spice up your dip game with Buffalo Chicken Dip, perfect for pairing with veggies or some crispy crackers. It’s an instant hit for its creamy spiciness that doesn’t overload on the calories. Ideal for parties, and yet, it won’t mess up your meal plan since it’s under 500 calories. Dig in with veggies for an even healthier snack.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Wingstop Louisiana Rub

A wooden spoon rests in a bowl filled with a colorful spice mixture, including herbs like cilantro or parsley, with visible red and green flakes.
Wingstop Louisiana Rub. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Craving Wingstop’s kick? Wingstop Louisiana Rub nails it at home. You get all the smoky heat without the deep-fried regret. Toss ’em on the grill and keep every mouthful under 500 calories – it’s all the flavor without the fallout.
Get the Recipe: Wingstop Louisiana Rub

Mushroom Stroganoff

Creamy mushroom sauce with herbs and sliced mushrooms, stirred with a wooden spoon.
Mushroom Stroganoff. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Vegetarian and craving something creamy? Mushroom Stroganoff has got you covered. It’s a hearty dish with a dose of veggies that doesn’t skimp on the creamy taste. Whip it up and fill up without fretting – it keeps to the under-500-calorie promise.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff

Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe

Grilled ribs garnished with herbs and served with a side of sauce and onions.
Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For some low-and-slow goodness, Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe is your go-to. These ribs are fall-apart tender and don’t skimp on juiciness. Perfect for when you’ve got a meaty craving but still want to watch your calorie intake. And they do all this with less than 500 calories per serving.
Get the Recipe: Best Oven Baked Ribs Recipe

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *