36 Sunday Dinners with 500 Calories or Less

June 28, 2020

Skip gallery slides

For this week’s Sunday dinner, try one of these low-calorie recipes. Each of these meals is full of bold flavor while having only 500 calories or less per serving. Whether you go vegetarian or opt for a protein like chicken or shrimp, you’ll feel satisfied with any of these dishes. Recipes like Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole and Tempeh & Mushroom Tacos are flavorful, healthy and a delicious way to end your weekend.

Start Slideshow

1 of 36

Sweet & Sour Chicken with Broccoli

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This easy chicken and broccoli recipe makes a delicious, healthier alternative to Chinese takeout--and it takes just 20 minutes to make, so it's ideal for an easy weeknight dinner. When toasted, ramen noodles make a tasty, crunchy topping for a stir-fry or salad. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June 2019

Advertisement

Advertisement

2 of 36

One-Pot Greek Pasta

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A little bit of Sunday meal prep goes a long way in this one-dish Mediterranean pasta recipe. The pasta is cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge to use for meals all week, but any leftover cooked pasta you have on hand will do. Chicken sausage with feta is especially good in this recipe. Source: EatingWell.com, February 2018

3 of 36

Cauliflower Tikka Masala with Chickpeas

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this vegetarian riff on a popular Indian dish, we swap in cauliflower and chickpeas for the chicken in tikka masala. The cauliflower's nooks and crannies are particularly good at soaking up all the intense flavors of the sauce. Serve over rice for an easy healthy dinner that's ready in just 20 minutes. Source: EatingWell Magazine, September 2019

Advertisement

4 of 36

Easy Salmon Cakes

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If you are trying to boost your intake of omega-3s, try this simple favorite. It is a great way to use convenient canned (or leftover) salmon. The tangy dill sauce provides a tart balance. Source: EatingWell Magazine, Winter 2004

5 of 36

Sweet Potato-Black Bean Burgers

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These vegan sweet potato-black bean burgers spiced with curry powder are easy to make. Blending the mixture with your hands gives you a soft, uniform texture then the outside gets crispy by cooking in a cast-iron pan. To make this recipe gluten-free too, use gluten-free oats and serve the patty in a lettuce wrap, omitting the bun. Source: EatingWell.com, February 2020

6 of 36

Grilled Peach & Brie Smothered Chicken

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This super-fast and healthy smothered chicken tastes best on the deck with a chilled glass of gewürztraminer. The fruity white pairs nicely with the peaches here. Source: EatingWell Magazine, July / August 2020

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

7 of 36

Instant-Pot Sausage & Peppers

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Yellow and green peppers, tomatoes and sweet onion come together in the Instant Pot and make this classic sandwich pop with flavor. Cooking sausage and peppers in your Instant Pot makes this even easier for a busy weeknight. While green peppers are classic, any color bell peppers will work well. Source: EatingWell.com, June 2020

8 of 36

Tempeh & Mushroom Tacos

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Tempeh is a vegetarian protein that crumbles easily; here it stands in for ground meat in this tempeh taco recipe. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Summer 2020

9 of 36

Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Casseroles make perfect meal-prep dinners--this enchilada version is so easy to prep ahead. The whole casserole can be built and left to hang out in the refrigerator for up to three days. Then all you have to do is bake it off on a busy night and you have a healthy dinner on the table in a jiff. The quick homemade enchilada sauce in this recipe is great when you don't have any of the canned sauce on hand--just season crushed tomatoes with spices and salt for an instant enchilada sauce. Source: EatingWell.com, February 2018

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

10 of 36

Salmon with Chopped Tomatillo Salad

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We made this chopped salad with pico de gallo in mind. Tangy tomatillos add fresh crunch to the classic mixture of tomatoes, cilantro and onion to brighten up this broiled salmon recipe. Source: EatingWell Magazine, July / August 2020

11 of 36

Easy Shrimp Tacos

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These easy shrimp tacos are inspired by the seafood tacos in Baja California. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Summer 2020

12 of 36

Grilled Flank Steak with Tomato Salad

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Cutting the steak immediately after cooking breaks all the rules on meat cookery, but in this recipe we do it intentionally in order to capture the juices and incorporate them into the dressing. Serve this grilled flank steak recipe with crusty bread to soak up the deliciousness. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June 2020

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

13 of 36

Mediterranean Portobello Mushroom Pizzas with Arugula Salad

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Roasted portobello mushrooms stand in for pizza crust in these comforting individual "pizzas." An easy arugula side salad makes a vibrant accompaniment. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Spring 2020

14 of 36

Zucchini Noodle Primavera

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This primavera recipe cuts carbs by swapping out the pasta for zucchini "noodles." This quick vegetarian dinner is chock-full of colorful vegetables smothered in a light, creamy sauce. We like using prepackaged spiralized zucchini noodles to keep this recipe ultra-fast, but if you have a spiralizer and zucchini on hand, you can easily make your own. Source: EatingWell.com, January 2020

15 of 36

Shepherd's Pie with Cauliflower Topping

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this easy shepherd's pie recipe, we keep the carbs in check by using creamy mashed cauliflower in place of mashed potatoes. The ground beef filling is cooked in the same skillet used for baking the pie, making assembly (and cleanup) a breeze. Source: EatingWell.com, January 2020

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

16 of 36

One-Pot Coconut Milk Curry with Chickpeas

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The assortment of vegetables in this vegan one-pot dish add varying textures and flavors to make each forkful exciting. The sweet potato balances the savory spices nicely. Serve this bright and flavorful curry with rice or rice noodles. Source: EatingWell.com, April 2020

17 of 36

Sweet & Sour Pork with a Sesame Crust

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You'll recognize the classic Chinese flavor pairing of sesame, soy and white pepper on these sweet and sour pork chops. White pepper is more mild and earthy than black pepper, but either will work here. Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2020

18 of 36

Sloppy Joe Casserole

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Like sloppy Joes? Then you'll love this sloppy Joe casserole recipe. This kid-friendly dinner has the classic sloppy Joe flavors kids love, while parents will like all the veggies that are packed in to make it a healthy meal. Source: EatingWell.com, December 2019

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

19 of 36

Coconut-Curry Chicken Cutlets

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This easy chicken cutlet recipe will help you get a healthy meal on the table in just 20 minutes. Coconut milk's creamy consistency is perfect for making quick pan sauces--no need to add a thickener. Source: EatingWell Magazine, May 2020

20 of 36

Rosemary Roasted Salmon with Asparagus & Potatoes

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Yukon Golds are great here because they get crispy on the outside but completely creamy on the inside. A brush stroke or two of balsamic glaze provides a rich color and a sweet finish to the roasted salmon. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June 2020

21 of 36

PLT Pizza

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

With pancetta, lettuce and tomato, this pie combines salad and pizza all in one, a pizz-alad if you will! It's a delicious mess--serve it with knives, forks and plenty of napkins. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June 2020

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

22 of 36

Philly Cheesesteak-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We've taken the key ingredients of a Philly cheesesteak--onions, peppers, thinly sliced beef and provolone cheese--and piled them into portobello mushroom caps to make a meaty and satisfying low-carb main dish. Source: EatingWell.com, February 2020

23 of 36

Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A quick lime marinade does double duty as a sauce in these tangy chicken tacos. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Summer 2020

24 of 36

Lentil Bowls with Fried Eggs & Greens

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Lentils are a quick and easy protein. We like French green lentils, which hold their shape when cooked. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Summer 2020

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

25 of 36

Southwestern Cauliflower Rice Bowls with Shrimp & Avocado Crema

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These healthy Southwestern cauliflower rice bowls, topped with black beans, corn and smoky chipotle shrimp, get a cool-down from homemade avocado crema and take just 30 minutes to make. Source: EatingWell.com, April 2020

26 of 36

Crispy Walleye with Pickled Fennel & Dill Tartar Sauce

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

One of chef Kippy Kuboy's most popular dishes at the Poplar Haus in Grand Marais, Minnesota, is his walleye po'boy. Here we serve the walleye recipe deconstructed, but go ahead and pile everything on a soft roll if you like. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June 2020

27 of 36

Chicken & Zucchini Casserole

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This baked chicken and zucchini casserole is creamy, hearty and low-carb! The whole family will love this easy casserole, plus it's a great way to get the kids to eat their veggies (concealed in a delicious cheese sauce!). Source: EatingWell.com, May 2020

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

28 of 36

Scallops & Cherry Tomatoes with Caper-Butter Sauce

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These pan-seared scallops come together in just 20 minutes for a delicious, easy dinner. You'll want some whole-wheat angel hair pasta or polenta to sop up all the rich, briny sauce. Source: EatingWell Magazine, May 2020

29 of 36

Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach & Feta Penne Pasta

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this quick 20-minute dinner recipe, tender penne pasta is combined with garlic, roasted red peppers and spinach and topped with crumbled feta cheese for a fast and easy Mediterranean-inspired meal. This recipe was graciously shared by EatingWell reader Dottie Carpenter, who states, "Recipes are no good if they're not shared!" Source: EatingWell.com, March 2020

30 of 36

Quick Beef Pho

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Traditional Vietnamese beef pho involves simmering whole herbs and aromatics for hours to achieve a rich, clear broth with a deep flavor; this shortcut version simmers ground spices for just 15 minutes, yet still achieves a savory, rich broth. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Spring 2020

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

31 of 36

Sheet-Pan Harissa Chicken & Vegetables

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This one-pan dinner gets a hit of flavorful heat from harissa, the popular North African chile-and-garlic paste. We use harissa paste from a tube for this recipe. It's got a concentrated chile flavor that makes an excellent spice rub for chicken and adds a subtle punch of heat to a refreshing herbed yogurt sauce. Source: EatingWell.com, March 2020

32 of 36

Grilled Pork Chops with Chile & Pineapple

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Never grilled pineapple? Get ready to be wowed. It caramelizes beautifully for a deeper flavor. Plus it's a totally tasty match with a grilled pork chop, cilantro and a little heat from serranos. Source: EatingWell Magazine, April 2020

33 of 36

Herby Mediterranean Fish with Wilted Greens & Mushrooms

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This Mediterranean fish recipe makes a tasty and healthful weeknight meal. Serve with wild rice or roasted potatoes. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Spring 2020

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

34 of 36

Sheet-Pan Shrimp Fried Rice

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Classic shrimp fried rice gets amped-up flavor with sambal heat. The textures are pretty spot on with hits of crispy and tender rice and are the same as you'd get if you prepared it in a wok or skillet. This sheet-pan shrimp fried rice recipe is a great way to use leftover rice, but you could also use pre-cooked microwave rice so that it can be coming to room temperature while you chop the veggies. Source: 400 Calorie Recipes

35 of 36

Turkey Meatballs with Green Beans & Cherry Tomatoes

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The flavor of the turkey meatballs is enhanced by the Asiago and prosciutto. We love keeping this turkey meatball recipe on hand for meal prep, since meatballs can be used in sandwiches, salads, pasta and more. Source: 400 Calorie Recipes

36 of 36

Creamy Mushroom & Tomato Farro Risotto

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Instead of arborio rice, this creamy grain dish features the bold nuttiness of farro, which pairs nicely with the black pepper and Parmesan. The cherry tomatoes add a nice touch of juicy sweetness, and the cremini mushrooms give a "meaty" feel to this vegetarian main dish. Source: 400 Calorie Recipes

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Up Next