105+ Easy 500-Calorie Dinner Recipes - Cookin Canuck (2024)

This 30-minute chicken wonton stir fry uses store-bought wontons and a quick homemade stir fry sauce. It's packed with veggies and flavor!

Per serving: 215 calories

It's time to leave those fried chicken nuggets in the dust! This crispy and healthy baked panko chicken strips recipe will be a hit with both kids and adults.They're just as tasty, but without the added calories from frying.

Per serving: 279 calories

In this easy one-pot chicken recipe, chicken, quinoa, mushrooms and spinach nestle together for a healthy meal with minimal clean-up.

Per serving: 260 calories

Get ready to fire up the grill with this mouthwatering grilled curry chicken recipe! Marinated in a blend of soy sauce, curry powder, lime juice, garlic, and ginger, it's the perfect way to add some spice to your summer.

Per serving: 242 calories

Meatballs are always a crowd pleaser. These Italian Turkey Meatballs happily wallow in a pan of easy, homemade tomato sauce. Healthy comfort food at its best!

Per serving: 336 calories

Toss these Caprese Chicken Foil Packets in the oven or on the grill for an easy dinner. They're great for a make-ahead camping meal, too!

Per serving: 307 calories

This one-pot Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet Meal got rave reviews all around from my family. This will be a regular at our dinner table, for sure!

Per serving: 375 calories

Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas with peppers and onions is a super quick, easy meal that the whole family loves. No worries if you don't have a pressure cooker - stovetop instructions are included.

Per serving: 238 calories

One of my family's favorite weeknight meals! Serve these shredded Hoisin Instant Pot Chicken Breasts over rice with stir fried veggies on the side.

Per serving: 160 calories

Serve up this Healthy Turkey, Zucchini and Rice Casserole for an easy dinner packed with lean protein and veggies. A great make-ahead dinner option!

Per serving: 262 calories

Quick, easy and delicious! I promise these easy turkey cutlets will become a regular on your menu. A few herbs and spices, and a simple white wine sauce make these lip-smacking good.

Per serving: 150 calories

One of my favorite grilling recipes! These Smoked Paprika Chicken Kabobs are marinated in a spiced yogurt sauce, which makes them incredibly tender and delicious.

Per serving: 240 calories

Say goodbye to dry chicken! This easy oven baked chicken breast recipe, starring a sweet and savory rub, produces the most tender and juicy chicken. Serve it with rice and veggies, or on top of a salad.

Per serving: 130 calories

This hearty and healthy white chicken chili is packed with corns, beans and tons of flavor. It also happens to be dairy-free and gluten-free.

Per serving: 260 calories

Leftover turkey cranberry sandwich, wrap-style! Cranberry sauce, cream cheese and tons of veggies make this easy sandwich both tasty and healthy.

Per serving: 205 calories

Flavorful and comforting! This Indian-Inspired Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie is from the Skinnytaste Meal Prep cookbook. Rich in flavor and low in calories.

Per serving: 275 calories

An easy weeknight meal! Serve this delicious one pot chicken and rice recipe with a big green salad or a side of steamed vegetables for a healthy dinner the whole family will love.

Per serving: 286 calories

Take your backyard barbecue from good to great with these tender and tasty Grilled Chicken Drumsticks with a savory-sweet Maple Dijon Chili Sauce. Plus, they’re healthier than most drumstick recipes out there!

Per serving: 300 calories

15 minute recipe! This easy Chicken Kimchi Stir Fry recipe boasts veggies, lean protein, probiotics and tons of flavor all in one dish.

Per serving: 205 calories

Hoisin Chicken Quesadillas received more “yum”s and other happy sounds from my family than anything else I’ve made this month!

Per serving: 250 calories

This pesto turkey stuffed shells recipe is lightened up with one of my favorite baked pasta tricks. They were an immediate hit with my whole family!

Per serving: 325 calories

Who can resist a plateful of Honey Garlic Baked Turkey Meatballs?! Great as appetizers or served over rice as an easy dinner.

Per serving: 240 calories

I’ve been making this Braised Herb Balsamic Chicken recipe for years and it’s one of my family’s favorite weekday meals!

Per serving: 285 calories

The glaze on these Honey Balsamic Air Fryer Chicken Thighs is to die for! A quick and easy chicken recipe with tons of flavor.

Per serving: 276 calories

My family LOVES this Pesto Turkey Tortellini Soup recipe! And really, you can never have enough 30 minute recipes in your arsenal.

Per serving: 230 calories

This ground turkey lasagna recipe is great for feeding a crowd! Pair it with a salad for a meal that everyone will love.

Per serving: 330 calories

Spaghetti squash makes a fantastic, healthy meal when topped with an easy chicken puttanesca sauce.

Per serving: 220 calories

Made from staple pantry ingredients and chicken thighs, this easy and delicious One Pot Italian Chicken and Quinoa recipe is a lifesaver on a busy night.

Per serving: 265 calories

Ditch the mayo and serve this Tuna Pasta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette at your next backyard barbecue or picnic. A lightened-up classic is always a surefire winner!

Per serving: 200 calories

This baked Honey Rosemary Salmon recipe takes less than 15 minutes to put together. With only 6 ingredients. It’s a life saver for a busy weeknight cook!

Per serving: 243 calories

Parmesan Crusted Salmon is one of the easiest weeknight meals you can throw together! Serve it up with a side of rice and some steamed veggies or a salad.

Per serving: 290 calories

Seriously the BEST grilled salmon burgers! Juicy and flavorful, these patties are topped with an easy avocado sauce and served on a toasted bun.

Per serving: 310 calories

Seared ahi tuna is one of those recipes that looks really impressive, but is a breeze to make. Restaurant-quality, right from your own kitchen!

Per serving: 235 calories

This shrimp and vegetable stir fry recipe can be whipped up in minutes. Toss it with an easy stir fry sauce and serve it over a bed of rice.

Per serving: 175 calories

Poached salmon with dill sauce is such an easy and delicious way to cook salmon. It can be served hot or cold, for dinner, brunch or on a picnic.

Per serving: 230 calories

The crispy topping is everything! Make this baked cod with panko bread crumbs in just minutes. An easy, healthy recipe for a weeknight dinner.

Per serving: 215 calories

Easy 30-minute meal! This shrimp in red sauce is not only quick to make, but is infused with the flavors of a homemade tomato sauce and is fantastic served with pasta, rice or zucchini noodles.

Per serving: 235 calories

One of the quickest, most delicious grilled fish recipes! This Grilled Salmon recipe gets its flavor from a simple spice rub and a quick sear at high heat.

Per serving: 230 calories

Ditch the takeout and serve up a batch of this 30-minute low carb Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice! Your family won't even know that it's made with cauliflower.

Per serving: 235 calories

Baked teriyaki salmon in under 30 minutes! This easy and lower sugar teriyaki recipe is served over a delicious, ginger and garlic-flavored cabbage stir-fry.

Per serving: 330 calories

If you like the flavors of sushi, you are going to love this sushi salad! A wasabi soy dressing tops arugula, smoked salmon and pickled ginger for a fantastic meal.

Per serving: 215 calories

Singapore noodles, with a few changes, is one of my family's favorite meals. Shrimp, edamame and tons of veggies & flavor!

Per serving: 275 calories

Sweet, savory, heart healthy & ready in just 20 minutes!. This easy Maple Dijon Baked Salmon is a fantastic weeknight dinner option.

Per serving: 240 calories

Grilled California avocado and peach salsa over spiced, grilled mahi mahi is the perfect way to celebrate the fresh flavors of summer!

Per serving: 315 calories

15-minute dinner recipe! This amazing Roasted Salmon with Avocado Salsa recipe is fantastic for entertaining or an easy weeknight meal.

Per serving: 345 calories

Welcome spring with this Shrimp Pasta Primavera Salad! Packed with asparagus and snap peas, it’s perfect for a light dinner or picnic lunch.

Per serving: 220 calories

Tender white fish fillets are baked and smothered in a marsala wine mushroom sauce for a healthy, delicious baked halibut recipe.

Per serving: 315 calories

Another 20 minute meal! My family LOVED these Salmon Tostadas with Guacamole, and they couldn't be easier to make.

Per serving: 255 calories

Poached fish is one of the easiest healthy weeknight recipes you can make, and it gets even better when simmered in a quick homemade tomato sauce.

Per serving: 275 calories

Dinner or lunch in less than 15 minutes! This light salmon melt recipe has all of the flavor of the original with a fraction of the calories.

Per serving: 175 calories

Easy rice bowl recipe! This classic Italian puttanesca sauce is simmered with shrimp and ladled over rice for an easy, healthy meal.

Per serving: 340 calories

Classic panzanella salad transforms into a dinner salad with the addition of perfectly cooked salmon. Tons of veggies and even more flavor make this a summertime favorite!

Per serving: 380 calories

A family favorite! This easy grilled pesto salmon recipe in foil, with sautéed peppers and shallots, requires virtually no clean-up. It’s equally good for weeknight meals and entertaining!

Per serving: 255 calories

Fantastic for camping or mid-summer meals, these Caprese Potato Salmon Foil Packets are one of our favorite meals. So much flavor in every bite!

Per serving: 405 calories

Baked cod with olive tapenade is one of the easiest, healthiest meals in my recipe arsenal. Plus, it's inexpensive to make. It's a win-win-win!

Per serving: 170 calories

Salmon patties just got fancy and turned themselves into meatballs! Serve these Soy Honey Salmon Meatballs over rice and stir-fried veggies for a heart healthy, delicious dinner!

Per serving: 340 calories (6 meatballs)

Why should meat lovers get to have all the fun?! These healthy Italian Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers are packed with all of the flavors of this classic dish. And they're a breeze to make!

Per serving: 250 calories

Make a big batch of this vegan Red Lentil Dal in your Instant Pot and enjoy it for meatless lunches and dinners the rest of the week. So easy to make!

Per serving: 180 calories

Mushroom broccoli pasta is an easy dinner recipe that’s packed with fresh flavors and nutrients. And since the ingredients list is so simple, you probably won’t need to make an extra trip to the grocery store!

Per serving: 280 calories

Tomato rice soup is the ultimate healthy comfort food. And it's so easy to make! Serve it with a big green salad or grilled cheese sandwiches.

Per serving: 200 calories

Fresh crunchy vegetables, sweet mango and a creamy peanut dressing all meld together in this delicious Thai Peanut Salad. Serve it as a main course or side dish. Plus, it takes just 25 minutes to make!

Per serving: 290 calories

This hearty, healthy Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili is a great weeknight dinner, with tons of fiber and protein. Also included are directions for slow cooker and stovetop.

Per serving: 255 calories

Peanut butter noodles are a fantastic make-ahead meal. Packed with vegetables and tossed with a tasty peanut dressing, they can be served as a side dish or light plant based meal.

Per serving: 340 calories

No-cook black bean wraps are one of my favorite lunches! Seasoned beans are rolled up with a sweet and creamy mango avocado salsa for a quick and easy plant based meal.

Per serving: 240 calories

There's so much to love about Lemon Orzo Salad! Pasta salad recipes are ideal for potlucks, quick and easy to make and packed with so much flavor. Skip the feta cheese to make it vegan and dairy-free.

Per serving: 240 calories

Celebrate the arrival of spring with this easy crustless asparagus quiche recipe. You’ll never guess what the secret ingredient is to lighten it up!

Per serving: 110 calories

This Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup is creamy without a drop of cream, rich with herbs and spices and freezer-friendly, making it ideal for meal prep! Vegan, nutrient-dense and delicious, all in one bowl. Stovetop instructions are also included.

Per serving: 180 calories

Breakfast, lunch or dinner – this Crustless Broccoli Quiche is so packed with flavor that it's hard to believe it's light and healthy.

Per serving: 135 calories

This velvety smooth vegan sweet potato soup is creamy without the cream, and rich with spices and nutrients. It will warm you to your toes on a chilly evening!

Per serving: 255 calories

This isn’t your standard white bean soup recipe! Curry powder, coriander and ginger add a wonderful depth of flavor to this easy vegan soup, and a splash of coconut milk adds just the right amount of creaminess.

Per serving: 235 calories

The flavors in this Vegan Lentil Chili are rich, comforting and beyond delicious! You'll never miss the meat.

Per serving: 300 calories

Kick off your day with an Egg & Avocado Breakfast Quesadilla. Lots of protein & filled with flavor, it can also be served as a light dinner.

Per serving: 240 calories

This delicious (and easy!) plant-based Vegetable Curry Quinoa Bowl recipe are a fantastic way to work a healthy dose of vegetables and protein into your day!

Per serving: 240 calories

Drizzled with a light peanut dressing, this vegan Roasted Vegetable Bowl recipe is fantastic for meal prep lunches or dinners!

Per serving: 425 calories

It doesn't get anymore comforting than a bowl of hearty butternut squash stew! With quinoa and beans, this is a fantastic plant-based meal that comes together so easily.

Per serving: 255 calories

This vegan Slow Cooker Bean Soup with Sweet Potato is such an comforting and easy meal. Just throw everything in the crockpot and walk away!

Per serving: 220 calories

There's so much goodness in this easy Vegetarian Cauliflower Rice Skillet Meal! One-pot dinners are lifesavers on busy weeknights and this one is no exception.

Per serving: 250 calories

This is the veggie hummus avocado sandwich that I make day after day! Stacked with veggies, this vegan lunch is a tasty powerhouse of nutrients.

Per serving: 255 calories

Naan bread pizza is favorite around here, and this Thai Veggie version (hello, peanut sauce!) knocks it out of the park with flavor.

Per serving: 295 calories

This slow cooker vegan chickpea curry recipe has been a long-time favorite in our house. It’s packed with nutrients and flavor! Plus, it’s a breeze to make.

Per serving: 185 calories

A regular on our menu! This hearty Italian Chickpea Soup recipe (vegan) is a simple and satisfying soup that relies on pantry staples.

Per serving: 295 calories

One of the best pasta dishes I've eaten in a long time! This roasted cauliflower pasta is flavored with caramelized onions, spinach and hazelnuts. Mostly pantry staples!

Per serving: 315 calories

Add some kick to your meatless meals with this delicious and veggie-packed Vegan Thai Red Curry! It uses ingredients found in most grocery stores & it's a breeze to make.

Per serving: 190 calories

Pull out the crockpot for a batch of these vegan Slow Cooker Italian Chickpeas. Mix in some extra vegetables if you'd like and serve over rice or quinoa.

Per serving: 190 calories

This Crockpot Spiced Chickpea Stew (Vegan) is one of the first meatless meals I fell in love with. So much flavor and your kitchen will smell amazing!

Per serving: 295 calories

This veggie omelette packs in a ton of flavor and is ready in less than 20 minutes. It's perfect for brunch or a quick, healthy dinner!

Per serving: 165 calories

Roasted veggies are like candy - you can't stop eating them! These Roasted Vegetables & Chickpea Bowls are drizzled with hummus dressing and are perfect for a light lunch.

Per serving: 285 calories

The flavors in these vegetarian lasagna rolls are the definition of comfort food! Roasted eggplant, zucchini and mushroom give a great meaty texture and smoky flavor to this healthy dinner recipe.

Per serving: 370 calories (2 rolls)

It doesn't get any better than this Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tortilla Bake, made with an easy homemade enchilada sauce. You'll never miss the meat!

Per serving: 345 calories

White Bean Soup is the perfect comfort food when you are looking for a vegetarian soup to warm you up. Filled with herbs and brightened with lemon - your family will love this one.

Per serving: 340 calories

Will you miss the meat in this tasty Roasted Tomato and Mushroom Pasta recipe? Not a chance! Perfect for a meatless dinner option.

Per serving: 265 calories

When you just don’t know what to make for dinner, this recipe for Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice with a fresh avocado salsa swoops in to save the day!

Per serving: 270 calories

This comforting but light vegetable soup is packed with whole wheat orzo, cauliflower, kale and a whopping 9 grams of fiber per serving!

Per serving: 205 calories

This Instant Pot Lentil Soup with Sweet Potato is not only delicious and satisfying, but also happens to be vegan and gluten free!

Per serving: 190 calories

Oven roasted pork tenderloin gets all dressed up with an easy maple balsamic glaze. Lean, delicious, quick to make and impressive enough to serve to guests!

Per serving: 165 calories

This easy garlic butter pork chops take no more than 15 minutes and are flavored with herbs and a quick garlic butter. Juicy and delicious!

Per serving: 285 calories

This easy garlic butter pork chops take no more than 15 minutes and are flavored with herbs and a quick garlic butter. Juicy and delicious!

Per serving: 265 calories

It doesn't get any easier than these Herb Lemon Baked Pork Chops! Tender and absolutely delicious, serve these up with rice and veggies, or on a salad!

Per serving: 275 calories

Roasted Pork Tenderloin makes for an easy, but impressive dinner for entertaining or a busy weeknight. The maple Dijon sauce lends just the right amount of savory sweet flavors.

Per serving: 250 calories

These easy broiled pork chops are rubbed with a spice mixture, cooked in less than 10 minutes, then topped with a sautéed zucchini and corn salsa.

Per serving: 325 calories

Hearty, perfectly spiced and packed with protein, this Chorizo and Butternut Squash Lentil Soup is the kind of healthy comfort food that meat lovers crave!

Per serving: 305 calories

This Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pulled Pork is fantastic over rice, in tacos with slaw or on hamburger buns. Throw it all in the crockpot and walk away!

Per serving: 240 calories

Skip the take-out and cook up a batch of flavorful, healthier vegetable fried rice at home.

Per serving: 230 calories

Dress up grilled pork chops with this amazing and simple pineapple chili glaze. The result is tender, succulent pork that is ready in 15 minutes.

Per serving: 265 calories

These make-ahead baked eggs work equally for brunch, a holiday meal, weekday breakfasts or dinner. You can never go wrong with bacon and mushrooms!

Per serving: 265 calories

This toasted ham and cheese panini is the ultimate comfort food. A layer of pepper jelly adds extra flavor to this easy lunch or dinner recipe.

Per serving: 475 calories

Slow Cooker Spaghetti and Meatballs is always a family favorite. The lean meatballs are served in a delicious, easy homemade tomato sauce and clean-up is a breeze.

Per serving: 450 calories

Your family is going to love this one! Instant Pot Taco Soup with Potatoes is a breeze to make and chockfull of flavor.

Per serving: 270 calories

You just can't beat a healthy meal of stuffed peppers, especially when they are filled with classic Greek flavors!

Per serving: 230 calories

Dollop some creamy avocado sauce on top of these Korean BBQ Lettuce Wraps and serve them up as appetizers or entrees. Easy and delicious!

Per serving: 340 calories (3 wraps)

Looking for a low carb dinner recipe? These Ragu Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms are a fantastic way to enjoy the taste of your favorite spaghetti meal while cutting back on carbs.

Per serving: 195 calories

A traditional shepherd’s pie recipe gets a makeover, with a twist. Flavorful bison and nutrient packed sweet potatoes make this comfort food irresistibly good.

Per serving: 310 calories

This Chinese Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry recipe fromThe Skinnytaste Cookbookis just what every family needs...healthy, delicious and easy.

Per serving: 270 calories

Nutrition

Serving: 2thighs + ¾ cup sauce | Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 9.2g | Protein: 29.5g | Fat: 14.2g | Saturated Fat: 3.8g | Cholesterol: 157.8mg | Sodium: 679.6mg | Fiber: 1.9g | Sugar: 6.5g

Tried this recipe?If you make this recipe, I'd love to see it on Instagram! Just use the hashtag #COOKINCANUCK and I'll be sure to find it.