500 calorie recipes

Dietetic melt-away mints: sugar-free chocolate mint squares made from milkcote coating, shortening, and peppermint extract. Dipped in more chocolate for a crisp shell.

A lighter take on chocolate mousse using cocoa powder, almond extract, and fluffy whipped topping set with gelatin. Rich chocolate flavor, airy texture, fewer calories than the classic.

Quick fruit cobbler with canned peaches and apricots, tapioca for thickening, and Bisquick biscuit topping. A low-calorie dessert ready in 45 minutes with minimal prep.

A feather-light strawberry mousse that skips the heavy cream entirely. Whipped egg whites and skim milk powder create the airy texture, while gelatin holds it all together. Low-calorie indulgence that actually satisfies.

Chopped cooked turkey simmered in a thick tomato-chili sauce with dry mustard and onion, spooned over hamburger buns. This low-calorie, 6-ingredient turkey barbecue is ready in 20 minutes and stretches leftovers into a new meal.

Blended strawberry punch with pineapple, apple, and orange juice topped with bubbly seltzer. A low-calorie, no-alcohol party punch that's fruity, fizzy, and refreshing for any gathering.

Caribbean fruit shake blending banana, pineapple juice, and orange juice with ice into a creamy, dairy-free tropical drink. Add grenadine for a gorgeous pink color.

Sugar-free cranberry orange gelatin salad made with whole orange, raw cranberries, and sugar-free gelatin. A light, low-calorie holiday side that's tangy, refreshing, and guilt-free.

Low-calorie cranberry apple pie with a spicy gingersnap cookie crust. McIntosh apples and fresh cranberries get food-processed into a chunky filling with dark brown sugar and cinnamon.

A delicious low-fat, low-sodium alternative to conventional corn chips.

Double cappuccino heaven is a mocha angel food cake bursting with espresso and cocoa, finished with a fluffy marshmallow frosting. Fat-free, light as a cloud, and rich in coffee flavor.

Light carrot cake made with applesauce instead of oil and egg whites instead of whole eggs, studded with raisins and drizzled with a fresh orange glaze. Lower in fat but still full of flavor.

Two-ingredient garlic cucumber relish pulsed in a food processor and drained through a coffee filter. A fresh, low-calorie condiment for grilled meats, sandwiches, and fish.

Poached salmon steaks in white wine with a creamy horseradish, sour cream, and mint sauce made from the strained poaching liquid. A light, elegant fish dinner for two.

Scalloped turkey and cauliflower baked in a light turkey stock gravy. A low-calorie main dish that puts leftover turkey to good use.

Wild rice and bulgur pilaf simmered in chicken broth with tarragon, onion, and parsley. A nutty, low-calorie whole grain side dish with two textures in every bite.