These Healthy Vegetarian Dinners Are Surprisingly Easy to Make (2024)

This is exactly what your #MeatlessMonday goals need.

By Christopher Michel
These Healthy Vegetarian Dinners Are Surprisingly Easy to Make (1)

You don't have to be a vegetarian to enjoy meatless meals. You just have to like tasty food and want more healthy dinner recipes in your life. Whether you’re interested in eating less meat, want to lower your carbon footprint, or are simply looking for more creative recipe ideas, we've got you covered. From hearty pasta dishes to fresh salads and plenty of quick dinner recipes, this list has a full array of hearty, tasty meals that are sure to leave your family full and satisfied.

1

Cauliflower Mac 'n' Cheese

These Healthy Vegetarian Dinners Are Surprisingly Easy to Make (3)

Mac and cheese is already creamy comfort food, but this cauliflower-boosted variety not only gets a boost of fiber and vitamins, the veggie purée actually makes it creamier. You're welcome.

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2

Vegetarian Chili with Grains and Beans

These Healthy Vegetarian Dinners Are Surprisingly Easy to Make (4)

The secret ingredient that keeps this classic dish every bit as meaty and filling as its beefier brethren? Wheat berries, which you can pick up in the grain section of most grocery stores.

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3

Trenton, NJ, Tomato Pie

These Healthy Vegetarian Dinners Are Surprisingly Easy to Make (5)

Skip the takeout—it’s time to bake your own pizza tonight. This “reverse” take features a crispy base and a homemade sauce and dough.

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4

Farro-and-Tomato Salad with Crispy Capers

These Healthy Vegetarian Dinners Are Surprisingly Easy to Make (6)

Top this tomato-filled salad with fresh flat-leaf parsley.

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5

Black Bean Veggie Burger with Couscous

These Healthy Vegetarian Dinners Are Surprisingly Easy to Make (7)

This hearty bean patty serves as the perfect base for your favorite burger toppings.

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6

Pea-and-Mint Stuffed Shells

These Healthy Vegetarian Dinners Are Surprisingly Easy to Make (8)

With mint, parsley, and peas, this pasta plate is summery and fresh—perfect for an outdoor dinner party.

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7

Crispy Brussels Sprouts Salad with Citrus-Maple Vinaigrette

These Healthy Vegetarian Dinners Are Surprisingly Easy to Make (9)

This may be the ultimate salad. Crispy roasted sprouts combine with mixed lettuce, crunchy apples, and toasted almonds, all topped with a sweet vinaigrette.

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8

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

These Healthy Vegetarian Dinners Are Surprisingly Easy to Make (10)

No wimpy leaf-lettuce salad, this. Packed with hearty Brussels sprouts, sweet apple slices, and rich, toasted hazelnuts, this formidable bowl is nearly a meal in itself—though it also pairs well with stuffed shells.

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9

Chopped Salad

These Healthy Vegetarian Dinners Are Surprisingly Easy to Make (11)

Fiber-filled chickpeas keep you full long after you’ve enjoyed this simple salad. It’s a great, light side dish you’ll be serving at all your summer dinners.

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10

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta with Pine Nut Gremolata

These Healthy Vegetarian Dinners Are Surprisingly Easy to Make (12)

Think canned pumpkin is just for holiday pie? Think again. Here, it ups the "yum" factor in this creamy sauce by 1000.

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11

Pearl Couscous With Leeks and Peas

These Healthy Vegetarian Dinners Are Surprisingly Easy to Make (13)

It takes just 20 minutes to whip up this easy side dish. It will be gone in even less time!

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12

Green Salad With Roasted Carrots and Creamy Tarragon Dressing

These Healthy Vegetarian Dinners Are Surprisingly Easy to Make (14)

Simply seasoned carrots are roasted to perfection in this bright bowl. The homemade dressing will get everyone eating their veggies—and even asking for seconds.

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13

Farro-and-Acorn Squash Salad

These Healthy Vegetarian Dinners Are Surprisingly Easy to Make (15)

This loaded salad is hearty enough to be served as a main dish.

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14

Wild Rice-and-Cider-Cranberry Pilaf

These Healthy Vegetarian Dinners Are Surprisingly Easy to Make (16)

Spice up this cranberry pilaf with a stick of cinnamon.

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15

Bucatini with Winter Pesto and Sweet Potatoes

These Healthy Vegetarian Dinners Are Surprisingly Easy to Make (17)

Ready in under 30 minutes, this deserves a spot in your weeknight dinner rotation come winter.

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16

Roasted Butternut Squash with Cider Vinaigrette

These Healthy Vegetarian Dinners Are Surprisingly Easy to Make (18)

A homemade vinaigrette with apple cider, whole-grain mustard, and red wine vinegar makes butternut squash even better.

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17

Roasted Red Cabbage-and-Collard Green Slaw

These Healthy Vegetarian Dinners Are Surprisingly Easy to Make (19)

This bright and beautiful slaw is mixed with a mouthwatering sweet and spicy sauce.

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18

Creamy Potato Salad

These Healthy Vegetarian Dinners Are Surprisingly Easy to Make (20)

Dijon mustard adds some tang to this classic potato salad.

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19

Charred Corn Salad

These Healthy Vegetarian Dinners Are Surprisingly Easy to Make (21)

Make sure to serve every Mexican-inspired meal with this queso fresco-topped side.

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20

Vegetable Kebabs with Lemon-Scallion Vinaigrette

These Healthy Vegetarian Dinners Are Surprisingly Easy to Make (22)

Fresh mint takes grilled vegetables to the next level.

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These Healthy Vegetarian Dinners Are Surprisingly Easy to Make (23)

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These Healthy Vegetarian Dinners Are Surprisingly Easy to Make (2024)

FAQs

What can I eat for dinner as a vegetarian? ›

50 Indian vegetarian dinner recipes that'll blow your mind
  • 1Indian lentil and egg curry. ...
  • 2Sweet spiced roast pumpkin and brown rice salad. ...
  • 3Tandoori-rubbed pumpkin wedges with lentil and herb salad. ...
  • 4Indian chana masala. ...
  • 5Curried vegetable hand pies. ...
  • 6Indian-style potatoes. ...
  • 7Roasted cauliflower dhal. ...
  • 8Spicy dhal with eggs.

What to feed a vegetarian guest? ›

Big-Batch Meatless Meals
  1. 1 / 11. Cheesy Vegetarian Lasagna. ...
  2. 2 / 11. Sheet Pan Roasted Tomatoes & Mushrooms. ...
  3. 3 / 11. Tofu Tikka Masala. ...
  4. 4 / 11. Vegan Eggplant Bolognese. ...
  5. 5 / 11. Vegetable Jambalaya. ...
  6. 6 / 11. Baked Ziti. ...
  7. 7 / 11. Vegan Chili. ...
  8. 8 / 11. Make-Ahead Creamy Mac & Cheese Casserole.

What is the most famous vegetarian dish? ›

Originating in the Middle East, falafel is one the most popular vegetarian foods in the world! As one of the most popular vegetarian foods in the world, falafel needs no introduction! However, the origin of these beloved patties is rather controversial.

What are the healthiest vegetarian foods? ›

These include whole fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Nuts and legumes, such as lentils, beans and peanuts, also are considered healthy plant-based foods. At the same time, cut back on less healthy choices. These include sugar-sweetened beverages, fruit juices and refined grains.

Can vegetarians eat pasta? ›

Vegetarians can eat pasta. The only ingredients included in dried pasta are usually wheat flour and water. Fresh pasta usually includes egg. If you are a vegetarian that does not consume eggs, be sure to check that the pasta you are buying does not have egg listed as an ingredient.

Do vegetarians eat eggs? ›

Well, the short answer is yes! Unless they are vegan (meaning they don't eat dairy products, eggs, or any other products which are derived from animals), some vegetarians do eat eggs and belong to a group known as lacto-ovo-vegetarians which according to the Vegetarian Society is the most common type of meatless diet.

What do vegetarians eat instead of meat? ›

These (mostly) vegetarian foods are high in protein and heart-healthy too.
  • Pulses. Pulses are an inexpensive protein choice, are high in fibre and a source of iron. ...
  • Soya beans. ...
  • Quinoa. ...
  • Nuts. ...
  • Seeds. ...
  • Cereals and grains. ...
  • Dairy. ...
  • Eggs.

What is the hardest part of being a vegetarian? ›

While you can get plenty of protein and fiber as a vegetarian, you may have a harder time getting some specific nutrients. Iron and omega-3s can be hard to get enough of, even though there are plant-based sources. It's not impossible to do if you don't eat meat or fish, just harder.

What is a silent vegetarian? ›

Often times the caterer will have a “silent” vegetarian option that you have to ask about. They don't put it as one of the standard options because they don't want a lot of non-veg people to order it and end up paying more.

What do vegetarians eat if they don't like vegetables? ›

Vegetarians who do not eat vegetables often rely on other sources of plant - based protein such as beans , legumes , tofu , and grains . They may also incorporate dairy and eggs into their diet .

Can vegetarians eat pizza? ›

You can top pizza with just about any ingredient you're craving and enjoy it year-round. Easily customizable, pizza can be made vegan, vegetarian or piled with meaty options. And the rise of at-home pizza ovens has made it even easier to whip up a pie. (Check out these crust recipes to get started.)

What to eat in dinner as a vegetarian? ›

You could also skip the overt protein altogether, and just rely on meaty vegetables and legumes like eggplant, beans, mushrooms, and cauliflower to fill the void. Try our cauliflower tacos, our vegan chicken-fried mushrooms & gravy, our creamy Tuscan white bean skillet, or our vegan seared "scallops" with succotash.

Is there a vegetarian Happy Meal option? ›

Happy Meal® Veggie Dippers - 2 pieces.

What can I eat for dinner instead of meat? ›

Then you'll definitely want to add these easy no-meat meals to your rotation.
  • Easy One-Pot Mac 'n' Cheese. ...
  • Black Bean & Corn Burgers. ...
  • Spinach & Mushroom Quesadilla. ...
  • Tuscan White Beans. ...
  • Honey-Lime Sweet Potato, Black Bean, and Corn Tacos. ...
  • Easy Vegetable Lo Mein. ...
  • Protein-Packed Buddha Bowl. ...
  • Black Pepper Stir-Fried Noodles.
May 30, 2024

What do vegetarians eat to replace meat? ›

Vegan Substitutes for Meat
  • TOFU. Tofu—a high-protein alternative to meat—is perhaps one of the most well-known plant-based meat substitutes. ...
  • SEITAN. Need an easy and convenient meat substitute for cold cuts or prepared meats? ...
  • JACKFRUIT. ...
  • TEMPEH. ...
  • BEANS.

What foods can vegetarians eat list? ›

A Vegetarian-Friendly Shopping List
  • Rainbow of fruits and vegetables.
  • Whole grains.
  • Nuts and seeds.
  • Beans and legumes.
  • Soy products such as tempeh and tofu and other non-soy meat substitutes.
  • Eggs and dairy products (if you choose to eat them)
  • Extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil and other nut oils.

References

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