These 11 Vegan Dinners Under 500 Calories Helped Me Eat Smarter

Trying to eat lighter can get boring fast, unless the food actually feels like real dinner. These 11 vegan meals manage to stay under 500 calories but still land like something you’d want seconds of—though you probably won’t need them. They hit the sweet spot between “healthy” and “don’t talk to me, I’m eating.” Somehow, dinner feels smarter without any spreadsheets involved.

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.

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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.

Weeknight dinners under 500 calories can feel limited, but Sesame Soba Noodles show how simple it can be to eat smarter. They balance a light broth and smooth sauce so you don’t miss heavier meals. You get a quick meal that fills without weighing you down. After a busy day, grabbing a bowl of these makes smart eating feel easy.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Soba Noodles

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.

Not every smart meal has to be salad, especially when Mushroom Pie steps in with a flaky top and warm filling. You get a slice that holds together well and always feels just right on your plate. It works as a standalone meal so you don’t have to worry about sides. After a long day, pulling this out makes eating under 500 calories feel enjoyable, not a chore.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pie

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.

When you want comfort without extra calories, Lentil Bolognese shows how simple smart dinners can be. It gives you a thick sauce that clings to pasta or bread without feeling heavy. The plant-based blend fills you up yet keeps it under 500 calories. It’s the kind of meal that helps you eat smarter without giving up comfort.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Bolognese

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.

Not every meal needs cooking to fit smart eating goals, and Cucumber Tomato Salad proves that. It brings a crisp mix that keeps dinner light and bright without making you feel like you missed out. You can portion it quickly and still feel sure you’re under 500 calories. It ends up as your go-to when you want something simple but still interesting.
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.

Even simple beans can feel special when you treat them right, and Marry Me Lentils do just that. They offer a gentle twist that makes dinner feel thoughtful without adding calories. Those lentils hold together well and taste good enough that you’ll eat them on repeat. It helps you eat smarter by giving you a go-to meal under 500 calories you can count on.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Lentils

Guacamole

Snack or dinner, Guacamole can be the answer when you want to eat well and still feel full. Creamy scoops go quickly, making it perfect for those who want something light but not boring. It’s easy to keep things healthy when options like this are on the table. Every bite makes you glad you didn’t overthink your choices.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

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.

Sweet breakfasts can double as dinners if you watch portions, and Vegan French Toast Casserole proves it. You get a warm, custardy meal that stays under 500 calories without feeling skimpy. It works for weeknight dinners when you want something cozy but light. You’ll keep it in mind whenever you want to eat smarter without missing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Vegan French Toast Casserole

Quinoa Salad

It’s always a relief to have something like Quinoa Salad in your back pocket, offering quick energy and a clean plate. The mix holds together well and brings new life to dinner, so nobody misses heavier food. You finish feeling good and ready for anything. Eating smarter can be this easy.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad

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.

Comfort food doesn’t have to break calorie counts, especially when Vegan Enchilada Casserole is on the menu. You get layers in one pan that heat through evenly without any extra thought. It works as a full meal so you don’t need sides. It helps you eat smarter by showing that robust dinners can stay under 500 calories.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Enchilada Casserole

Pico de Gallo

Fast, light, and always welcome, Pico de Gallo brings crunch and brightness to the table without adding extra calories. It works well as a topping or a side, making dinner decisions less stressful. Simple choices can lead to the best results. You’ll find yourself reaching for this more often.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Roasting can save time and calories when you have a recipe like Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables. It gives you a tray you can heat up quickly and call dinner. You get a mix that stays under 500 calories yet feels substantial enough to skip extra dishes. It ends up being a reliable choice when you want to eat smarter without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables