25 Summer Dinner Recipes Under 500 Calories
When it’s super-hot outside, the last thing we want to do is stuff ourselves with a heavy meal. The solution? These 25 dinners, all of which clock in at less than 500 calories and will leave you feeling light and wonderful.
1.
Veggie Sushi Rolls
They’ll be ready before your takeout would’ve arrived anyway.
2.
Sesame Salmon and Cucumber Salad
So light, so delicious.
3.
Chicken and Asparagus Lemon Stir-Fry
Mmm citrusy.
4.
Southwestern Veggie Hummus Wraps
No meat, no problem.
5.
Portobello Stuffed Pizza
We were skeptical, but a giant mushroom makes a mighty fine crust.
6.
Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza
Not that there’s anything wrong with regular pizza.
7.
Lentil Pasta with Arugula Pesto
Nope, carbs don’t have to be calorie bombs.
8.
Grilled Pesto Turkey Burgers
Honestly? We’re in it for the pesto.
9.
Green Chile Chicken Enchilada-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Bonus: Using the squash as a bowl saves dish-washing time later.
10.
Gazpacho with Crispy Chickpeas
It’s cold soup season.
11.
Mexican Chipotle Beef Stuffed Peppers
We may never use a normal bowl again.
12.
Ground Chicken Breast Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese
To be made as spicy as you please.
13.
Corona Steamed Mussels with Corn and Chorizo
Pretty much summer on a plate.
14.
Grilled Flank Steak Salad with Strawberries
One super-filling salad, coming right up.
15.
One-Pot Turkey Taco Skillet
Perfect for Taco Tuesday…or any day.
16.
Rainbow Spring Rolls with Ginger Peanut Sauce
Taste the rainbow—literally.
17.
Spicy Sesame Zoodles with Crispy Tofu
Have zoodles ever done us wrong? (No, they have not.)
18.
Marinated Fish Tacos
Good luck just having two.
19.
Blackened Chicken with Avocado Cream Sauce
FYI, this sauce would taste good on just about anything.
20.
Thai Carrot Salad with Curried Cashews
Make some extra cashews to snack on the next day.
21.
Paleo Burgers with Caramelized Balsamic Onions and Avocado
Buns are overrated anyway.
22.
Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders
Because sometimes you just want to eat like a kid.
23.
Hawaiian Baked Chicken
If only we were eating this in Hawaii.
24.
Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Make sure you know how to wrap it first.
25.
One-Pan Teriyaki Chicken and Noodles
Oh, and did we mention this one only takes 20 minutes?
Wellness Director
- Oversees wellness content
- PureWow's resident book reviewer
- Has worked in lifestyle media for 11 years
