These 11 Vegan Recipes Under 500 Calories Helped Me Feel Better

Energy sneaks back when you stop accidentally eating your body weight in one sitting, and these 11 under-500 calorie plant-based meals make that switch smoother than expected. You don’t have to count anything or pretend you love steamed cardboard. Just regular meals that somehow make you feel like you’re not dragging a backpack full of bricks all day. It’s food that keeps you going without making your jeans angry.

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.

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Quinoa Salad

Packed with a variety of ingredients, this offers a balanced mix that feels hearty without being heavy. It’s light enough for a quick lunch while still giving you the energy needed to power through your day. Quinoa Salad is easy to assemble and pairs well with different sides. The recipe makes you appreciate how simple ingredients can come together so well.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad

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.

Perfect for mornings when you want something warm and filling, this recipe brings layers of texture to your breakfast table. Vegan French Toast Casserole takes a simple idea and turns it into something comforting and shareable. It’s such a versatile dish that works well for breakfast, dessert, or even a snack. You’ll be pleased with how well it holds its flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Vegan French Toast 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.

Lentils are incredibly versatile, but this recipe takes them to a new level of comfort and richness. Marry Me Lentils gives a hearty feel without overwhelming, making it great for dinner or meal prep. The dish pairs well with bread, rice, or even as its own standalone meal. It highlights how lentils can be dressed up for flavor without too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Lentils

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.

Simple yet refreshing, this salad is perfect for when you want something lighter but still filling. Cucumber Tomato Salad provides a crunch that’s paired with an ideal balance of ingredients. It works well as a side dish or can be a standalone snack during busy days. The flavor is clean and highlights the simple ingredients in the mix.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

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.

Noodles are such a comfort food, and this recipe brings that feeling while keeping it light with creative pairings. Sesame Soba Noodles work well for a quick lunch or dinner, bringing together great texture and a little flair. This dish is especially great if you’re looking for a break from heavier meals. It’s proof you can enjoy noodle dishes while keeping calories in check.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Soba Noodles

Pico de Gallo

Fresh with a strong pop of flavor, this recipe proves simple ingredients can steal the show. Pico de Gallo can be a dip, topping, or served alongside a main dish to amp up the experience. It’s quick to prepare, making it a go-to option when you’re short on time. Whether paired with meals or on its own, this mix works every time.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Guacamole

Smooth and creamy with just the right amount of flavor to keep things interesting, this recipe offers comfort in every bite. Guacamole works great as a snack, a meal companion, or even part of a bigger spread during gatherings. It’s filling but doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down. Once it’s ready, you’ll keep coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

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.

Combining layers and great texture, this enchilada-inspired recipe is ideal for a crowd or family dinner. Vegan Enchilada Casserole balances flavor and portion size, making each serving just right. It’s convenient to make and keeps well for leftovers. There’s something about it that keeps things comforting but not too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Enchilada Casserole

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.

Roasting brings out some of the best flavors, but this recipe makes it simple to get a mix of ingredients without a lot of fuss. Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables is a great option when you need a filling side or main dish. It’s colorful and wholesome with all its textures. Trying this recipe makes you appreciate roasted dishes in a new way.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

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.

For those days when you crave something hearty, this brings layers of comfort and earthy richness to the table. Mushroom Pie is packed with texture and warmth that makes it ideal for family meals or potlucks. It shows how mushrooms can hold their own as the centerpiece of a dish. Once plated, it’s hard to believe something so rich is under 500 calories.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pie

Lentil Bolognese

A spin on a classic, this lentil-based recipe keeps the texture of traditional pasta pairings intact while reducing calorie counts. Lentil Bolognese works well with any pasta or even as a topping for bread. The balance between hearty lentils and sauce makes it delicious for dinner but still light. It demonstrates how plant-based meals can feel luxurious.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Bolognese