21 Under 500 Calorie Dinners That Even My Kids Will Eat
Dinner time can feel tricky when tastes do not match and plates stay full. These 21 under 500 calorie dinners made things easier without a lot of stress. The meals looked fun, tasted good, and brought no complaints to the table. Even the pickiest eaters gave them a try and asked for more later. Light, simple, and full of flavor, these dinners made the whole evening feel better.
Black Bean Burger
This simple dinner offers a tasty twist on burger night, using beans instead of meat. Packed with protein, it’s a hearty meal for everyone. Even picky eaters will appreciate how easy it is to enjoy. Black Bean Burger makes an excellent low-calorie option for a family-friendly dinner.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Burger
Crunchy Onion Rings
Perfect for those who love a crispy side, these are baked rather than fried to keep them lighter. Kids will love dipping them into their favorite sauces. You’ll find these Crunchy Onion Rings an easy addition to any meal. Complete your plate without worrying about too many extra calories.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings
Easy Vegan Veggie Wrap
A simple and colorful wrap that’s both fun and filling for busy nights. Fresh veggies keep this dinner light but delicious enough for everyone. Roll up an Easy Vegan Veggie Wrap and serve with any dip of choice. It’s a balanced, kid-approved option for under 500 calories.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Veggie Wrap
Pizza Bagels
Enjoy a playful twist on pizza night with these mini creations. With a toasted bagel base, they’re the perfect size for little hands to hold. Pizza Bagels make dinners effortless and fun for both adults and kids to enjoy together. You’ll want to save these for those quick and easy dinners.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Bagels
Cottage Cheese Pancakes
A light and fluffy dinner option that tastes great without being heavy. Protein-packed but still kid-friendly, these are far from boring. Whip up some Cottage Cheese Pancakes for a wholesome evening treat. They’re simple, low-calorie, and sure to bring smiles to the table.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Pancakes
Focaccia Bread
Ideal for pairing with almost anything at supper time. Its texture and mild flavor make Focaccia Bread perfect even for kids who prefer simple food. This bread is the centerpiece of a lighter dinner spread. Enjoy without fuss while staying within your calorie goals.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread
Grilled Eggplant
Get ready to serve something fun with this easy idea for cooking veggies in a new way. Soft on the inside and smoky from the grill, Grilled Eggplant is a great low-calorie helper. Even kids might be curious enough to give this one a try. Pair it with any main dish for a healthy, balanced dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Eggplant
Hashbrown Casserole
Dinner feels easy with crispy potatoes topped off in a baked dish everyone enjoys. Kids will especially love the familiar texture packed into Hashbrown Casserole. It’s simple enough to make on busy nights while staying on the lighter side. Comfort food gets a healthier spin, perfect for the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
Sweet and fun, this dish blends that hint of sweetness kids enjoy with a hearty base. Its flavors make Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows tasty but not overly heavy. Pair it with a small side or enjoy as it is for your light dinner choice. Great for moments when you want a combination of sweet and simple.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
Waldorf Salad
Loaded with crunch and natural sweetness, it’s a mix everyone can dig into. Easy to assemble, Waldorf Salad works as a light but filling dinner option. Its balance of flavors keeps it exciting without feeling heavy. A fresh and wholesome idea that’s great for under 500 calories.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad
Mozzarella Sticks
They’re cheesy, crunchy, and baked rather than fried, making them a lighter treat. Kids won’t be able to resist dipping while enjoying Mozzarella Sticks at dinner time. Pair them with something simple to turn snack time into a full meal. Great for a quick, no-fuss option that won’t weigh you down.
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella Sticks
7 Layer Salad
Colorful, fresh, and layered with different textures, it’s almost like building your dinner in one bowl. Making 7 Layer Salad is simple and works perfectly for a lighter family meal. It’s a refreshing take on packed dinners that tastes just as good as it looks. Everyone can grab a scoop of goodness without guilt.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad
Pico de Gallo
Fresh and zippy, this works as a topping, side, or mix in for a variety of meals. Kids can enjoy its mild flavors while Pico de Gallo keeps everything feeling light. Pair it up with other dishes for a healthy dinner idea under 500 calories. Perfect for those nights you want something easy but full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites
These have just the right balance of crunch and spice for kids and adults alike. A baked twist replaces frying, making Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites a better for you snack or dinner. Easy to whip together, they’re perfect for those moments you want something fun and quick. Add a dipping sauce for extra enjoyment without worrying about calories.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites
Sesame Soba Noodles
Easy and light with just the right amount of flavor, they’re great for simple nights. Sesame Soba Noodles come together quickly and are just as fun for kids as adults. They’re tasty without feeling too heavy, pairing well with extra veggies or proteins. A go-to option when you need a quick, kid-friendly dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Soba Noodles
Broccoli Casserole
Packed with tender broccoli and creamy goodness, Broccoli Casserole offers a wholesome meal under 500 calories. Kids enjoy the cheesy texture, making it easier to include vegetables at dinner. It’s a versatile dish that works as a side or the main course with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Chocolate Chip Cookies
A freshly baked batch of Chocolate Chip Cookies can be a great finishing touch to a dinner under 500 calories. These cookies feel indulgent while still fitting into a balanced meal plan. Kids naturally love the chocolate-filled bites, making them a family favorite. They provide just the right amount of sweetness without going overboard on calories.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookies
Tortilla Pizza
Using a tortilla as the base, Tortilla Pizza creates a quick and light version of a crowd-favorite dinner. Every bite is packed with familiar flavors that kids will enjoy, like gooey cheese and favorite toppings. It’s easy to customize for picky eaters and keeps the calorie count low while still being tasty. Ideal for an engaging meal that feels fun but is also practical.
Get the Recipe: Tortilla Pizza
Stuffed Mushrooms
Bite-sized and loaded with flavor, Stuffed Mushrooms make a great addition to dinners under 500 calories. They’re fun to eat and often appeal to kids thanks to their tasty fillings. Pair them with other dishes for a balanced and enjoyable meal without derailing your calorie goals. Their small size and bold flavor make them memorable for everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms
Tzatziki
Cool and refreshing, Tzatziki works perfectly as a sauce or dip for keeping meals light yet delicious. It’s a great match for veggies, meats, or bread, making it a fun and versatile option for children. The light flavors pair well with a range of dishes, helping to round out meals under 500 calories. Better still, it’s quick to prepare and works well as a side dish for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tzatziki
Sweet Potato Wedges
Perfectly baked until crispy, Sweet Potato Wedges are a great low-calorie side that appeals to kids. Their natural sweetness makes them fun to eat, while simple prep keeps them healthy. They pair easily with various dinner options and don’t feel heavy, making them ideal for rounding out a meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges
