19 Light Dinner Ideas to Refresh Your Menu for Under 500 Calories

Paleo Broccoli Rice-Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers won't leave you feeling stuffed to the brim. Two fully-loaded pepper halves—one serving of this healthy meal—has just 358 calories and 19 grams of carbs. That's because broccoli or cauliflower rice stand in for regular rice. Protein-rich, lean ground turkey and a just-spicy-enough blend of seasoning staples complete this tasty light dinner idea.

Seared Steak and Peppers with Cilantro Chimichurri

This mouthwatering main dish features flank steak, among the leanest cuts of beef. Since this cut is thin and quick-cooking, the delicious seared steaks are ready in a hurry. A zesty chimichurri sauce ties together the juicy steak and peppers, plus adds a pop of freshness to the light dinner recipe.

Garlic-Ginger Pork Lettuce Wraps

Get dinner on the table fast with help from your pressure cooker or Instant Pot—the pork filling will cook in just six minutes! Then, instead of tortillas or other carb-based wraps, tuck the filling of this light dinner idea inside fresh lettuce leaves with your choice of toppings. (We're fans of adding shredded carrots, sliced radishes, and green onion.)

Mexican Chopped Chicken Salad with Jalapeño Dressing

If you like tacos and enchiladas, then you'll love this fresh and light dinner recipe. It won't take much convincing for even your pickiest eaters to dive fork-first into this gorgeous rainbow-colored salad, since it tastes similar to all of their Mexican faves. Speed up prep by starting with leftover or rotisserie chicken and mix up the homemade salad dressing in advance. If you're feeling ambitious, line up your fruits and veggies in rows for the ultimate photo-ready meal!

Thai Rice Noodle and Grilled Steak Salad

Marinated flank steak hot off the grill mixes with rice noodles, fresh veggies, and a zesty homemade dressing to create this light dinner idea that feels like a hearty feast. Add a squeeze of lime for another hit of freshness.

Chicken with Basil Sauce and Cucumber Radish Salad

This French-Italian fusion recipe looks elegant and extravagant but is actually simple (it only takes 30 minutes) to whip up. The light dinner recipe is accompanied by a creamy basil sauce and a fresh salad of cucumbers, radishes, and broccoli sprouts.

Striped Bass en Brodo

Seafood isn't a hassle to make at home! You only need a handful of ingredients to enjoy this fish dish. Paired with tomato slices and seasoned with fresh thyme, this is one light dinner recipe you'll want to keep handy.

Creamy Spring Vegetables and Smoked Trout

Think of this springy supper like a lower-carb and lower-calorie twist on a pot pie. A trio of veggies and smoked trout make for a delicious and speedy dinner. And just look at that creamy sauce!

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Indian Cauliflower Fried Rice

Instead of the usual white rice, this light dinner recipe utilizes cauliflower rice for an extra helping of veggies. You can also substitute shredded yellow squash or zucchini for the carrots, and cut green beans for the peas, if you like. Anti-inflammatory turmeric plus cumin, ginger, and garam masala infuse each bite with Indian flair.

Orange Salmon and Green Onions

In the mood for fish and chips? This beautiful baked fish recipe is a brilliant dinner swap (and you have our complete permission to add a side of baked or air-fryer fries). Oranges and limes are the stars of the Asian-inspired sauce. While it tastes complex, this light dinner idea calls for just seven ingredients and can be on the table in 30 minutes.

Tahini-Ginger Noodles and Veggies

Skip those ho-hum microwave "diet" meals. This yummy veggie and noodle bowl is about to become your go-to healthy dinner! Tahini helps make the sauce for this dish extra creamy. Lemon juice and ginger give this easy dinner a burst of brightness.

Grilled Turkey Gyros

Lighten up traditional gyros by filling whole wheat pita rounds with grilled turkey patties, bright tomatoes, and a homemade cucumber-yogurt sauce. You'll get all the taste of the classic Greek wrap while cutting the fat, sodium, and calories. Just add a side of veggies and hummus to complete this light meal.

Turkey Burgers with Peaches and Blueberries

Savory meets sweet in this grilled turkey burger recipe topped with fresh seasonal fruit. Seasoned with spicy chili powder and served on garlic bread, this easy burger recipe is sure to wow dinner guests. Serve it open-faced to show off the colorful ingredients (and to make it even lower-cal).

Skillet Vegetables on Cheese Toast

We can't get enough roasted vegetables! The hands-off, healthy cooking technique accentuates the natural sugars in even the most bitter veggies. Layers of garlicky cooked carrots and mushrooms balance the creaminess of the goat cheese spread in this hearty open-face veggie sandwich. For a bit more protein, feel free to top each serving with a poached egg.

Roasted Vegetable Chicken Sausage Pizza

Pizza gets a fresh update when covered with fresh asparagus, sweet peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Chicken sausage pumps up the protein so each slice (11 grams of protein strong!) is surprisingly satisfying. This easy, kid-friendly light dinner recipe is perfect for a jam-packed weeknight evening.

Cumin-Crusted Veggie Burgers with Pineapple Salsa

Want a meal that's flavor-packed but won't take forever to make? Look no further. This unique beef-free burger is topped with a fresh pineapple salsa and comes together in 20 minutes flat. (By the way, a plant-based burger would work well here, too!)

Spicy Shrimp Pasta

Busy night? For a tasty, easy dinner, add shrimp, jalapeño peppers, and cherry tomatoes to a simple pasta dish for extra heartiness and spicy flavor. Start with a green salad, and you'll meet all your nutrition and flavor needs for a light meal.

Sheet-Pan Greens and Feta Frittata

Step outside the usual breakfast-for-dinner routine and try this protein-packed big-batch frittata. Filled with fresh herbs, chard, and tomatoes, this egg dish makes a quick and satisfying meal any night of the week.

Basil, Chicken, and Tomatoes

When you're craving the flavors you'd normally savor at an Italian restaurant but are also leaning into light eats, try this fast and fresh 20-minute solution. Jump-start the dish with store-bought rotisserie chicken. Then all that's left to do is slice or dice that chicken and dress it up with sliced tomatoes, avocado, and basil.