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Low Calorie Vegetarian Dinners (Under 500 Calories)

By Sarah Bond, BS Nutrition, MS Sensory Science, Updated May 30, 2023

A vibrant collage showcases 37 vegetarian dinners under 500 calories, featuring delicious options like tacos, pasta, and curry—each dish a flavorful journey well within your dietary goals.

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This full list of low-calorie vegetarian dinners will help you hit your nutrition goals without sacrificing flavor. This quick and easy low-cal recipes list includes something for every craving, plus grams of fat for each serving.

Photo collage of 12 vegetarian dinners under 500 calories

If you’re following a low-calorie diet, it can seem daunting to find vegetarian options that meet your desired caloric intake. Following any diet is usually more accessible when you can quickly reference a list of recipes that are sure to taste great but will be within your daily goals. That’s exactly what this list includes!

In this post, you’ll find 37 vegetarian dinner ideas under 500 calories that are sure to rock your palette. Enjoy hearty gyros, veggie-packed lasagna, creamy bisque soup, or even jam-packed vegetarian sushi rolls!

To make things even easier, we’ve broken the recipes into categories so you can quickly find what you’re looking for!

Appetizers
Soups
Sandwiches
Pastas
Mains

Take it a step further and use these recipes to build an entire low-calorie weekly meal plan filled with delicious meals you’ll look forward to every day.

vegetarian low-calorie appetizers

With gorgeous magenta beet and cubes of feta, this Israeli Couscous Salad is the side dish so beautiful, it may as well just be the main course!

Israeli Couscous Salad with Beet and Feta

Try to think of a pink food. There aren't many, are there? The beautiful deep magenta shade of this beet Israeli couscous salad makes it that much more fun! Each bite is filled with delicious flavors that come from ingredients like feta, lemon juice, and beets. (279 calories, 8.1. grams fat)

Sweet potato salad with grains and cranberries.

Sweet Potato Salad with Quinoa and Hummus Dressing

Sweet potatoes do NOT have to be boring, and this sweet potato salad proves it. It's filled with delicious quinoa, arugula, onions, and feta, and it's topped with a yummy low-fat hummus dressing. Yum x 1 million! (267 calories, 10.3 grams fat)

Bulgur salad on a serving spoon.

Bulgur Salad with Feta and Pomegranate

This bulgur salad is a refreshing starter perfect for anyone who wants something light and delicious. It's made with whole grains, herbs, and juicy pomegranate seeds. Like many of my favorite appetizers, it also includes feta! (271 calories, 10.5 grams fat)

Love sushi but not a fan of how long it takes (not to mention the mess?) Today we’re making Mediterranean-inspired Greek Sushi rolls that take everything good about Greek salad and wrap it up into a delicious sushi rolls!

Greek Salad Sushi

Love sushi but not a fan of how long it takes to make (not to mention the mess!)? Instead, try your hand at making these perfectly crunchy Mediterranean-inspired Greek sushi rolls that take everything good about Greek salad and wrap it up into yummy rolls of sushi! (54 calories, 2.2 grams fat)

This Chimichurri Orzo Salad is tossed in a simple herby dressing that's loaded with veggies and sprinkled with feta cheese (and all in under 15 minutes!)

Chimichurri Orzo Salad

Need something quick and easy? Try this chimichurri orzo salad! It's loaded with veggies and made with lime juice, red wine vinegar, and plenty of spices. Topped with a simple herby dressing, this salad certainly doesn't skimp out on flavor! (448 calories, 30 grams fat)

vegetarian low-calorie soups

A bowl of tomato soup topped with cream, croutons, and fresh basil leaves, with a spoon resting inside the bowl.

Fresh Tomato Soup with Basil

Nothing screams cozy like a classic bowl of fresh tomato soup. This one uses garden-ripe tomatoes and fresh ingredients for a soup that's free of preservatives and full of all-natural flavor! It's an easy homemade soup that's perfect for using up those juicy summer tomatoes. (123 calories, 4.9 grams fat)

Cauliflower soup with chickpeas in a big bowl.

Easy Slow Cooker Cauliflower Soup

This recipe is great for days where prep time is slim. It only takes 5 minutes to prepare, and after that the rest of the magic happens in the slow cooker! Top with chickpeas seasoned with paprika and cumin. PS… This soup is accidentally vegan! (393 calories, 21.7 grams fat)

A bowl of creamy orange soup garnished with a swirl of cream and fresh herbs, with a spoon resting inside, on a green surface.

Slow Cooker Vegan Butternut Squash Soup

This rich and creamy soup is the perfect meal for enjoying on the couch under a warm blanket. It's made with butternut squash, veggie broth, coconut milk, and secretly has a granny smith apple mixed in! (298 calories, 15.4 grams fat)

Roasted pepper soup with tomatoes and toast on top.

Romesco Roasted Red Pepper Soup

This roasted red pepper soup draws inspiration from the delicious Spanish pepper sauce, romesco! With smoky roasted peppers, juicy Roma tomatoes, and a dollop of almond butter, this is a creamy soup that gets dinner on the table in under 15 minutes. (220 calories, 9.9 grams fat)

Roasted Pepper and Strawberry Gazpacho Soup

Roasted Red Pepper & Strawberry Gazpacho

This savory strawberry gazpacho soup sneaks fruity flavors in with strawberries. It's filled with cucumber, onion, and roasted red pepper flavors that are incredibly refreshing and served cold to create the ultimate cooling summer salad! (463 calories, 43.9 grams fat)

Creamy Vegan White Bean Soup

Creamy Vegan White Bean Soup

If you want your house to smell delicious, make this soup. It's a creamy white bean bowl of deliciousness that comes together with little effort. It's wonderfully warming and perfect for filling bellies! (383 calories, 8.5 grams fat)

vegetarian low-calorie sandwiches

Portobello mushroom gyros in foil.

Portobello Mushroom Gyros

Everything is better with tzatziki! You'll feel the same way when enjoying these vegetarian portobello mushroom gyros. They're seasoned with Mediterranean spices and are sauteed to meaty perfection! With only 368 calories each, this is definitely a go-to low-cal meal.

A pita wrap filled with lettuce, tomato, red onion, seasoned chickpeas, and a creamy spread—these delicious chickpea gyros are tied with twine and partially wrapped in paper for the perfect handheld meal.

Roasted Chickpea Gyros

Feed a crowd quickly and easily with roasted chickpea gyros. Load up on onion, lettuce, and tomato, and place it atop a pita flatbread with delicious tzatziki sauce for a refreshing meal any time of the day. (331 calories, 12.6 grams fat)

These vegetarian tacos are loaded with adobo-spiced pulled mushrooms (which have the same texture and taste as pulled pork) and a fresh corn ceviche that adds sweet crunch. Best vegetarian taco recipe of all time? Quite possibly.

Corn and Pulled Mushroom Vegetarian Tacos

Oyster mushrooms have never tasted so delicious! These vegetarian pulled “pork” mushroom tacos are loaded with adobo-spiced pulled mushrooms for a texture exactly like pulled pork! Add a fresh corn ceviche for a sweet crunch. (250 calories, 15.5 grams fat)

These Soyrizo Tacos are stuffed with homemade vegan chorizo and quick pickled red cabbage, topped off with a smoky adobo crème.

Soyrizo Tacos with Adobo Crème

What's better than an overflowing taco filled with delicious quick-pickled red cabbage and vegan chorizo? I'd say close to nothing. Topped off with a smoky adobo créme, these soyrizo tacos are not playing around! (245 calories, 13.9 grams fat).

A plate with four tacos filled with crumbled filling, sliced avocado, greens, and sauce—perfect for fans of spicy vegetarian recipes—sits next to a halved avocado, a lime wedge, and a jar of orange condiment on a purple table.

Kimchi Tempeh Tacos

Looking for an easy, Asian-inspired taco recipe sure to please your tastebuds and leave your stomach feeling nice and full? These kimchi tempeh tacos will do just that. They’re totally delicious and require only 20 minutes to make! Plus, the kimchi is great for your gut. (336 calories, 22.6 grams fat)

Mushroom carnitas tacos on a platter.

Mushroom Carnitas Tacos

Mushroom carnitas tacos are made with oyster mushrooms, pickled onions, and a delicious cilantro sauce. These gourmet tacos are packed with delicious vegetarian carnitas flavors and are a good low-cal option! (250 calories, 17.6 grams fat)

Mashed Potato Black Bean Burgers

Mashed Potato Black Bean Burgers

Finally, the search for the perfect black bean burger is over! These mashed potato black bean burgers make a healthy and filling meal, or you can make them into sliders for a mouth-watering vegetarian option perfect for the game day appetizer table. (144 calories, 2 grams fat)

vegetarian low-calorie pastas

Vegetable lasagna on a serving spatula.

Vegetarian Lasagna

Classic, authentic ingredients like marinara, zucchini, eggplant, bell pepper, and bechamel sauce complete this vegetarian lasagna. The sauce is a traditional lasagna addition and is made of milk, butter, flour, parmesan, and pepper. YUM. (441 calories, 16.8 grams of fat)

Cauliflower mac and cheese in a bowl.

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Homemade mac and cheese from scratch can be made just as quickly as your favorite boxed brand. And let me just say, this cauliflower version takes the cake for The Best Mac and Cheese award! Creamy, delicious, and perfectly ooey gooey. P.S… In addition to being low calorie, this meal is also 110% keto! (347 calories, 28.9 grams fat)

Sweet potato gnocchi in a bowl on a white background

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

I've said it once, and I'll say it again: sweet potatoes amaze me! They're just too versatile for their own good. In this recipe, we make an autumn-inspired gnocchi dish full of fluffy, tender, melt-in-your-mouth flavor. Complete with a buttery sage and rosemary sauce. (422 calories, 11.7 grams fat)

Sweet potato fettuccine noodles in a bowl on a yellow background

Sweet Potato Fettuccine in Gorgonzola Sauce

The sweet potatoes are at it again! This potato fettuccine is tossed in a delicious gorgonzola and cranberry medley that tastes just as decadent, rich, and creamy as it should. It's gluten-free too! (461 calories, 34.5 grams fat)

This spiralized zucchini pasta is tossed in creamy basil and avocado pesto to make a deliciously low carb and gluten-free dinner!

Zucchini Pasta with Creamy Avocado Pesto

Pasta is even better when it's coated in creamy avocado pesto, and that's a fact! This savory dish is made with spiralized zucchini noodles for an extra serving of veggies that pack a huge flavor punch. Low-carb, gluten-free, and oh so tasty. (362 calories, 34.1 grams fat)

Asparagus noodles in a bowl with pesto.

Asparagus Noodles with Pesto

While we're on the topic of veggie noodles, how about asparagus noodles? Though they're not as common, trust me when I say these are wonderfully flavorful. This pasta is a fun bright green color that serves as a delicious low carb dinner! (250 calories, 19.6 grams fat)

A roasted spaghetti squash half is elegantly filled with broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and cheese chunks, sitting on a vibrant orange surface beside a small jar of pesto and ice-filled glasses.

Pesto Spaghetti Squash Bowl

Why use a regular bowl when you can use a spaghetti squash bowl?! This quick and tasty pesto spaghetti bowl packs in the veggies without compromising on a single ounce of flavor. (478 calories, 40 grams fat)

vegetarian low-calorie mains

A cast iron skillet filled with orzo pasta, kale, roasted butternut squash, and crumbled feta cheese—one of 37 vegetarian dinners under 500 calories—placed on a red surface with fresh ingredients nearby.

Creamy Vegan Orzo with Caramelized Onions and Kale

This vegan orzo recipe is laced with caramelized onions and kale, all tied together in a creamy butternut squash sauce. My go-to dish that I know everyone at the table will love! It's perfect for both the main course and for a hearty side. Eat up! (447 calories, 5.6 grams fat)

A plate of white rice topped with crispy, sauced chicken pieces, garnished with sliced green onions and sticky garlic cauliflower. Accompanied by chopsticks, raw ginger, garlic, green onions, and a glass of water.

Sticky Garlic Cauliflower

You know your favorite sticky garlic chicken that you get from your favorite Chinese takeout restaurant? Picture that, but ten times better. That's what this sticky garlic cauliflower tastes like! It's vegetarian and even better than the “real” thing! (263 calories, 4 grams fat)

Spanish rice and beans close up.

Spanish Rice and Beans

Fill your belly with vital nutrients with Spanish rice and beans! It takes less than 30 minutes to make and is the absolute perfect main course (or side dish)! Plus, it supplies lots of good ole' protein. (359 calories, 7.2 grams fat)

Whole roasted cauliflower with orange background

Ultimate Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Serve up something new and different with ultimate whole roasted cauliflower. Slathered in whipped feta and drizzled with herb sauce, this is a statement-making dish. You'll surely wow your guests with this one! (377 calories, 36.5 grams fat)

Pulled mushrooms on a sandwich.

King Oyster Mushroom Pulled Pork

By shredding king oyster mushrooms, seasoning with spices, and baking, you can create a vegan mushroom pulled pork that rivals the real stuff! The perfect pulled pork alternative for sandwiches, tacos, nachos… or whenever you need vegan pulled pork. (163 calories, 10.2 grams fat)

Goat cheese pizza slices on yellow background

Goat Cheese Pizza with Mushrooms and White Sauce

Give regular cheddar a break and try this goat cheese pizza with mushrooms and white sauce! It gives 'za a tasty upgrade that's much needed in the world of food. Try this for your next Pizza Friday! (234 calories, 11.2 grams fat)

Vegan green bean casserole.

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

I've never met someone who doesn't like green bean casserole, and this vegetarian rendition proves it. Serve it up with crispy panfried onions for a mouth-watering meal that everyone will love! There's no way you'll wind up with leftovers. It's just too good! (356 calories, 29 grams fat)

Grilled watermelon steak slices topped with crumbled cheese, herbs, and balsamic glaze on a white plate, garnished with fresh mint.

Pan-Seared Watermelon Steak

I was skeptical at first too, but the truth is that watermelon can undergo a pretty transformational shift when you try to turn it into something else. This pan-seared recipe turns a classic refreshing slice into a chewy vegetarian steak. Top it with feta cheese and balsamic reduction for a meal sure to please. (88 calories, 4.9 grams fat)

Close up of grape pizza.

3 Cheese Roasted Grape Pizza

I know there's an on-going debate regarding pineapple on pizza, but what's the latest on grapes on pizza? Grab a fruity slice of this mouth-watering 3 cheese roasted grape pizza for something new and different. Don't worry, it still includes pizza's standard cheesiness! (222 calories, 14.9 grams fat)

Brussels Sprout Latkes with Dijon Yogurt Sauce

Brussels Sprout Latkes with Dijon Yogurt Sauce

Shout it from the rooftops, Brussels sprouts can taste great! Though they traditionally get a bad rep, these little sprouts are so tasty. Combine them with potatoes and form them into delicious latkes for a healthy dish made complete with creamy Dijon yogurt sauce. (236 calories, 13 grams fat)

This Stuffed Eggplant Parmesan recipe takes all that’s great about eggplant parm and stuffs it in the eggplant skin, meaning less mess and easy serving!

Stuffed Eggplant Parmesan

Stuffed eggplant is the way to go if you're looking for something tasty and creamy. It's a dinner idea that breaks from the typical parmesan routine while sticking to the classic flavors that we all love! Stuff the fixings into the eggplant for less mess and easy serving. (349 calories, 10.8 grams fat)

A colorful dish of creamy gorgonzola risotto with spinach and red bell peppers on an orange plate, garnished with lemon slices. Glasses of water and lemon halves sit nearby on a red surface.

Pepper and Gorgonzola Risotto

Risotto is a pretty under-appreciated dinner, considering the amount of flavorful creamy goodness it packs into one bowl. With two cheeses, spinach, green onions, and lemon, this pepper and gorgonzola risotto is no exception! (379 calories, 9.5 grams fat)

Eat vegetarian cookbook.

Let's eat more plants!

Packed with over 100 reader-favorite vegetarian recipes, my cookbook is your go-to guide for easy, healthy meals that make plant-based eating a breeze.

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1 Comment

PeriAnn Wills says:

January 7, 2021 at 10:12 pm

amazing! thanks <3

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