9 Vegan Recipes Under 500 Calories That Work With Real Life

You don’t need a food scale or a nutrition degree to enjoy meals that won’t wreck your day. With these 9 vegan options that stay under 500, there’s less stressing and more eating without weird math. They’re built for actual schedules, not just Pinterest boards. Whether it’s lunch between meetings or dinner after a long one, this is food that shows up without making life harder.

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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Pico de Gallo

Fresh, simple, and perfect for layering onto almost any meal, Pico de Gallo is a light and flavorful addition to your everyday dishes. It’s a great way to add bold contrasts to your meals without going overboard on calories. Each bite delivers a crisp freshness that pairs well with almost anything. You’ll find it works wonders with minimal effort needed.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

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.

Comfort meets convenience with Mushroom Pie, offering a hearty flavor without going overboard on calories. It’s rich enough to keep you full while still being light enough to fit into your busy schedule. Perfect for those who need warm, easy-to-make meals that don’t compromise their health goals. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, this pie fits into real-life meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pie

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.

Store-bought meals have competition when you have Vegan Enchilada Casserole in your meal rotation. This dish is built to provide layered textures and bold flavors without hitting high calorie counts. It’s an excellent option if you want something satisfying after a busy day while staying plant-based. Prep it for the week or enjoy it fresh—it’s versatile for any schedule.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Enchilada Casserole

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.

You don’t have to sacrifice taste or time when making Marry Me Lentils. This dish brings robust flavors into your everyday meals while keeping the calories in check. Perfect for meal prepping or quick lunches, it’s an easy, nutritious option for any day of the week. It’s designed for those moments when you want something simple but packed with a bit of character.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Lentils

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.

With a balance between sweet flavors and a fluffy texture, Vegan French Toast Casserole makes breakfast or brunch feel effortless. It’s ideal for making ahead and doesn’t need anything fancy to shine. You’ll get all the classic appeal of French toast but in a lighter form that fits easily into your day. Perfect for sharing or enjoying over a few mornings at home.
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.

Ideal for minimal prep and maximum flavor, this option works brilliantly when you need quick meals packed with variety. Sesame Soba Noodles fits perfectly into busy schedules while keeping calories in check. It’s versatile enough for last-minute additions like veggies or proteins. Simple and efficient meals like this keep plant-based eating realistic for every day.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Soba Noodles

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.

One of the easiest ways to get your veggies in, Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables offers a versatile option for any meal. The roasted texture makes these veggies stand out, and they pair easily with so many mains. You can prep a large batch and use leftovers through the week without anything losing its flavor. A low-effort, high-reward addition to your menu.
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.

Comfort food meets plant-based simplicity with Lentil Bolognese, giving a lighter take on a classic favorite. The texture is hearty enough to satisfy without feeling overwhelming, and it pairs easily with your favorite pasta. It’s packed with the depth of flavor you’d want while staying under 500 calories. Perfect for making in big batches and freezing for later.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Bolognese

Guacamole

Creamy and irresistibly fresh, Guacamole is more than just a dip; it’s a versatile addition to so many meals. It’s satisfying without being heavy, keeping it within the under-500-calorie range. Whether as a topping, spread, or side, it fits easily into a balanced day. Plus, it doesn’t take much effort to whip up whenever you need it.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole