11 Vegan Meals Under 500 Calories That Actually Filled Me Up

I honestly didn’t expect 11 vegan meals under 500 calories to actually leave me full, but they did, and I wasn’t even mad about it. These meals didn’t feel like I was being punished for trying to eat lighter. I wasn’t left staring into the fridge twenty minutes later, so that’s a win in my book. If low-calorie meals can be this filling without turning me into a cranky snack monster, I’ll take it.

Close-up of guacamole on a tortilla chip, showing a textured mixture of avocado, herbs, and spices. — Guacamole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

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Vegan Enchilada Casserole

Close-up of a layered dish with melted cheese, corn, beans, diced tomatoes, and green onions. — Vegan Enchilada Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Sometimes you just want something comforting without the extra calories. Vegan Enchilada Casserole hits the spot, packing a punch without weighing you down. It’s loaded with flavors that’ll fill you up without overstuffing you. Perfect for days when you need a quick, hearty meal that doesn’t leave you hungry again in an hour.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Enchilada Casserole

Quinoa Salad

Looking for something light but still filling? Quinoa Salad offers a great way to get all the nutrients you need without the extra calories. It’s packed with protein, and the texture keeps you satisfied. You’ll be surprised at how much it keeps you full, making it perfect for a meal or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad

Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

A white dish with roasted root vegetables, including carrots, parsnips, red onions, and sweet potatoes, garnished with fresh dill and thyme. — Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Don’t feel like fussing with a complicated dish? Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables makes it easy to throw everything on a tray and let the oven do the work. This simple dish delivers hearty, fulfilling vegetables that won’t make you feel sluggish. It’s one of those meals that you don’t have to think twice about—just a great go-to for any time.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Lentil Bolognese

A pot of pasta with a tomato-based sauce, lentils, mushrooms, and vegetables on a light surface beside a bowl of grated cheese. — Lentil Bolognese. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

If you’re craving pasta but want something lighter, Lentil Bolognese is a solid option. It’s a hearty dish that’ll fill you up without leaving you feeling sluggish. Packed with lentils and rich in texture, you get the comfort of a pasta meal with none of the guilt. It’s the kind of dish you can make in big batches and enjoy all week.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Bolognese

Pico de Gallo

This fresh, crunchy mix brings a lot without weighing you down. Pico de Gallo is light yet filling, perfect for days when you need something quick. It’s easy to make and adds a punch to any meal. You’ll be surprised at how filling it can be without packing on the calories.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Vegan French Toast Casserole

Close-up of baked French toast with strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with syrup in a baking dish. — Vegan French Toast Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

When you’re craving something hearty but want to keep it light, Vegan French Toast Casserole is a solid choice. It packs a punch without taking you overboard on calories. It’s filling enough to keep you full for hours, so you don’t feel hungry soon after. A great option for anyone needing a no-fuss, light dish.
Get the Recipe: Vegan French Toast Casserole

Sesame Soba Noodles

Two bowls of soba noodle salad with carrots, edamame, and radish slices, placed on a patterned cloth with wooden chopsticks beside them. — Sesame Soba Noodles. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

If you’re after something simple but fulfilling, Sesame Soba Noodles hit the spot. The dish keeps you full with a balanced, light feel that won’t leave you sluggish. It’s a great pick if you want to avoid heavy meals but still need to feel satisfied. You’ll be surprised by how much it fills you up with so little.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Soba Noodles

Cucumber Tomato Salad

A bowl of fresh salad with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and herbs, seasoned with black pepper, with a serving spoon. — Cucumber Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

When you want something that won’t weigh you down but still hits the spot, Cucumber Tomato Salad is the way to go. It’s refreshing, simple, and surprisingly filling for how light it is. This salad is perfect for a quick meal or as a side to complement anything else. You’ll feel full and nourished, without the heavy feeling of other salads.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

Marry Me Lentils

A pan of lentil dish with spinach, fresh basil, tomato sauce, and melted cheese, garnished with lemon wedges. — Marry Me Lentils. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

If you’re in the mood for a cozy, hearty dish, Marry Me Lentils is a go-to. It’s one of those meals that feels like a hug, providing comfort without leaving you feeling overly full. Packed with protein and flavor, this dish will keep you satisfied for hours. Perfect for when you need a meal that’s filling but won’t slow you down.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Lentils

Mushroom Pie

Four individual pot pies with flaky crusts on a round tray, one open to reveal a mushroom filling. — Mushroom Pie. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Sometimes, you need a savory option that’s not too heavy. Mushroom Pie does the trick, offering a filling, flavorful meal without the extra calories. It’s great for days when you want something satisfying but not rich or overly indulgent. You’ll love how this dish sticks with you, keeping you full without feeling sluggish.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pie

Guacamole

Guacamole is always a winner when you want something light but filling. It’s perfect for snacking or as an addition to any meal without taking up too much room. You’ll be surprised at how satisfying this simple dish can be. With just the right amount of creaminess and texture, it’s fresh, easy, and doesn’t leave you feeling hungry.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole