55 Top Healthy Vegetarian Dinner Ideas in 2024
Healthy vegetarian dinner ideas that taste good and look pretty? Yes, please!
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This compilation is an awesome guide to making delicious and easy weeknight dinners with nutritious veggies and plenty of other wholesome ingredients.
Even if you’re a newbie in the kitchen, it’s time to grab the basics and make these healthy vegetarian dinners.
We’ve made them as easy as possible – incredible flavours, essential nutrients, and good-looking dishes are an added bonus.
Jump to
Why do these healthy vegetarian ideas rock?
Wondering what kind of recipes you’ll find here? Think: pastas, casseroles, chillis, soups, stuffed peppers, salads, enchiladas, pitas, and more.
Something for everyone.
All these healthy vegetarian dinner recipes are:
- well, HEALTHY – each recipe is packed with protein, nutritious ingredients and has a healthy amount of fat. Further down we’ll explain what it means for our bodies.
- high protein – 15-20g+ protein per serving, wow!
- easy – you don’t have to be a chef to make them, just read the easy-breezy instructions and voilà!
- speedy – it takes 30 minutes tops to prep most of the dinner ideas. Some need a bit more time to be cooked in the oven or on the stovetop.
- vegetarian only – less saturated fat and cholesterol, good for you and the planet kind of meals.
Why are these easy vegetarian dinner recipes so healthy?
These healthy vegetarian dinner ideas showcase the diversity of plant-based foods (and if you like these you should try our 79 best vegetarian recipes ever!). Each recipe is unique but meets the following nutritional criteria:
- 15-20g+ protein
- less than 10g saturated fat
- less than 25g overall fat
- fresh fruits/veggies
- mostly wholegrain carbohydrates
Why protein?
There are many proven reasons to eat more protein. Your body needs it to build muscle, reduce hunger, boost metabolism and so much more.
Optimal daily protein intake depends on your body weight, age, physical activity level and other factors (such as whether you are looking to lose weight or achieve healthy weight maintenance). Use this online calculator to see how much protein and other nutrients you need every day if you’re interested.
A high protein diet may also help you with weight loss. Check out this article on vegetarian high protein foods and how they can help you lose weight.
And don’t forget about this round-up. It has many healthy vegetarian dinner ideas for weight loss.
If you’re an active or sporty vegetarian and need some help with your meal choices, check out our weekly high protein meal plans.
What about fat?
Do we need fats in our diet? Absolutely! But we need adequate amounts of healthy fat.
There are different types of fat but you should stick to unsaturated fats, if you want to reduce your risk of heart disease. It’s best to keep an eye on your overall fat intake too.
That’s why our healthy vegetarian dinners have no more than 10g saturated fat and less than 25g overall fat.
They’re sure to make meatless Monday even better. Or even the rest of the days of the week!
Onto the best super healthy vegetarian dinner recipes!
1. Sweet Potato and Broccoli Salad Bake (Protein Recipe)
Bonus: super simple to throw together, filled with plant-based protein
This time-saving traybake with sweet potato, broccoli, and quinoa is big on superfood nutrition and even bigger on taste.
2. Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Soup
Bonus: full of healthy plant protein and really basic ingredients
A beautiful vegan soup starring cauliflower and lentils, spiced with a taste of Morocco. High in protein, works for lunch or dinner.
3. Roasted Cauliflower Steak with Red Pepper Sauce
Bonus: perfect weight loss dinner; juicy, flavoursome and light
After the perfect cauliflower steak? Try this simple & delicious roasted cauliflower steak with ricotta and pepper sauce!
Subscribe to get our FREE 7-Day Vegetarian High Protein Meal Plan for Weight Loss
4. Creamy Polenta With Mushrooms
Bonus: made with healthy and nutritious ingredients
Enjoy a taste of the Med with our creamy mushroom and sundried tomato polenta – total perfection!
5. Vegan Pad Thai
Bonus: easy, authentic pad thai recipe with numerous health benefits
Searching for a sweet, spicy and simple vegan noodle dish for dinner? This tofu vegan pad thai hits the mark every time!
6. Roasted Asparagus and Tomato with Halloumi
Bonus: simple and quick
After a healthy, quick to make meal? Try our roasted asparagus and tomatoes with halloumi and quinoa. Ready in 30 minutes!
7. Healthy Vegan Poke Bowl with Sesame Tofu
Bonus: many tofu and veggie benefits
Need a fresh and healthy new recipe for lunch or dinner? Our vegan poke bowl with sesame tofu is for you – try it now!
8. Vegan Mushroom Stew with Coconut
Bonus: healthy and filling
After something light and tasty for dinner? Try our high protein coconut mushroom stew – did we mention it’s vegan too?
9. Sweet Potato Tacos
Bonus: light, healthy and quick to whip up
Watching your weight but love Mexican food? Give taco night a healthy twist with these light, tasty sweet potato tacos!
10. Vegan Broccoli Casserole
Bonus: hearty and warming recipe
Looking for healthy comfort food options? This vegan broccoli casserole is hearty, filling & surprisingly light! Try it now!
11. Chickpea Salad Sandwich
Bonus: kind of like a tuna salad but vegetarian
Upgrade your vegetarian sandwich offerings with this chickpea salad sandwich (and then one of these other amazing veggie sandwich recipes!)! It’s simple and speedy with 20g of protein!
12. Lentil Tabbouleh
Bonus: full of good, filling ingredients and lentil benefits
Looking for an easy tabbouleh recipe? Get a load of our lentil tabbouleh – a protein packed take on the classic dish!
13. Vegan Stuffed Peppers
Bonus: filling, flavourful
Vegan stuffed peppers packed with quinoa – and loads of flavour. Full of protein and with clear instructions in easy steps.
14. Vegan Coconut Chickpea Curry
Bonus: chickpea benefits
Vegan Chickpea Curry. Our awesome vegan take on the insanely popular dish. Ridiculously tasty and nutritious – just look at all that protein, fibre and iron.
15. Aubergine and Lentil Vegetarian Moussaka
Bonus: hearty and quick prep
This healthy high protein vegetarian moussaka is a true veggie delight with Greek soul and full of flavour and texture (and if that sounds good to you, you need to check out our othervegetarian high protein dinner ideas!)!
16. Dragon Noodles
Bonus: pack a punch of flavour and health benefits
Love spice? Love noodles? Want both those things in 1 healthy package? Try our delicious spicy dragon noodles now!
17. Black Bean Burrito Bowl
Bonus: super healthy, nutritious
In this healthy burrito bowl we’ve got quinoa, avocado, pineapple, tofu and Adobo sauce for a sizzling taste bud fiesta!
18. Easy Baked Feta with Veggies
Bonus: high in vitamins and nutrients
Melted Feta and Veggie Bake. Easy and quick. 10 minutes prep time, then for 30 minutes in the oven. High in vitamins A, C and B6, protein and fiber.
19. Bean and Pasta Vegetarian Casserole
Bonus: packed with protein, fibre and unsaturated fats
A dump and bake dish that will please everyone, this bean and pasta vegetarian casserole makes a perfect healthy dinner.
20. Kale and White Bean Soup
Bonus: comforting, filling and flavourful
Fill up and power up on our hot vegetarian kale and white bean soup. It’s an absolute pearl for your healthy slim down diet.
21. Oven Roasted Broccoli Halloumi Traybake
Bonus: a practical weeknight dinner
Looking for a healthy (cheap family dinners this way!) vegetarian dinner? Try this simple oven roasted broccoli with halloumi & lentils. 32g protein each!
22. Greek Pitas
Bonus: an easy meal, both high in protein and fiber, packed with fresh vegetables
Greek Pitas Recipe. Ready in 10 minutes. High in vitamin A, C and iron. Bursting out with delicious ingredients, perfect as a snack or healthy meal.
23. The Bicep Buster
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp
Bonus: a great recipe to up your protein intake
Time to get those guns on show! This protein-packed baked potato is an absolute protein star – and awesomely tasty to boot! Love it.
24. Kidney Bean Chickpea Salad
Bonus: an easy recipe with plenty of nutrients
This simple chickpea salad is the first step to eating better by building powerful eating habits with simple yet delicious and healthy ingredients! This recipe is an excellent source of ‘complete’ protein which is perfect for a vegetarian diet.
25. Vegan Tofu Bolognese
Bonus: a complete meal with tasty and healthy meat replacement
Vegan Bolognese. It was about time we veganized the Italian classic. And we’re proud to say we were successful. Please welcome, the amazing Anti Bolognese! Try it now 😉
Ingredients
For the pasta
- 7 oz wholegrain pasta (choose your favourite, wholegrain would be best)
- 1 tsp olive oil
For the tofu
- 7 oz firm tofu (ideally get fresh tofu from the supermarket)
- 1 tsp olive oil
For the sauce
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 red onion
- 2 clove garlic
- 1 can tomatoes, diced (1 can = 14.5 oz)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 handful basil, fresh (or 2 tbsp frozen or dry basil)
- 1 tsp oregano, dried
- 1 tsp maple syrup (or brown sugar)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
For the pasta
- Cook the pasta as instructed. Once finished, add a dash of olive oil, some salt and oregano for taste.
For the sauce
- Dice the onion and garlic into small pieces.
- Heat up oil in a pan and add the onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes. Now pour in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, maple syrup, salt and pepper. Let it simmer.
For the tofu
- Dice the tofu into small pieces or crumble it for a mince like effect.
- Heat up oil to medium heat in a large frying pan and add the tofu. Add some salt and let it fry for 15 min or until it’s crunchy. Make sure to stir occasionally, have patience and taste test! If you crumbled it, reduce cooking time by about 3 minutes.
- Once everything is ready, stick some pasta on your plate, pour the sauce on top and add the tofu.
- Enjoy!
NOTES
Nutrition
26. Lentil Patties
Bonus: filling, protein-packed patties
These awesome high-protein vegetarian lentil patties can be used as lentil burgers or fritters, and even made vegan, too!
27. Creamy Asparagus Risotto
Bonus: great cooking tips
Awaken the Italian in You! Quick to make, so satisfying and tasty to eat. We’ve also included the key surprisingly easy tips to getting the perfect risotto.
28. Sweet Potato Burritos
Bonus: great cooking tips, excellent for an easy family dinner
Sweet Potato Burritos – bursting with Mexican flair and tantalising flavours, this authentic recipe is easy to make for one or the whole big family!
29. Sweet and Spicy Roasted Cauliflower Curry
Bonus: cauliflower health benefits
An exciting fusion of Pakistani spices combine with crunchy roasted cauliflower in this classically cooked dish.
30. Chickpea Wraps
Bonus: taste great and satisfy hunger
Chickpea Wraps – these firm faves are really easy to make, super tasty and oh-so satisfying (and you should also try our other veggie wraps if you liked this one!). We’ll even show you how to roll them properly!
31. Easy Tomato Spinach Pasta
Bonus: packed full of vitamins and protein
A simple but delicious dish that requires bugger all washing up! It’s also an easy way to get all that healthy spinach into your system. Vegetarian and ready in 25 mins.
32. Vegetarian Tacos – Authentic Mexican Flavours!
Bonus: tacos from wraps hack
These vegetarian tacos are really hard to beat (though they are maybe matched by some of our other fave vegetarian tacos!). There’s just something about that crunchy mix of onions, peppers and beans surrounded by crispy tacos, topped off with a sweet mango and avocado sauce. They’re really, really gooood! 😛
33. Vegetarian Toad in the Hole
Bonus: light, fluffy, with delicious veggie sausages
Vegetarian toad in the hole paves the way for a meat-free future – why eat meat when you can have this instead?
34. Spiced Carrot and Red Lentil Soup
Bonus: delicious and filling
Red Lentil Soup. Delicious – six ingredients, 30g of protein per bowl. If you’re looking for some comforting soups, this one is healthier than pretty much anything, tasty and high in fiber too.
35. Pasta Arrabiata
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp
Bonus: great health benefits
After a healthy pasta arrabiata recipe? Try ours! With aubergine and a crushed almond topping, this is the best out there!
36. Butternut Squash Enchiladas
Protein: 26g
Calories: 621kcal
Ready in: 45 minutes
Recipe by: TheAlmondEater
Bonus: cosy and filling
Butternut Squash Enchiladas are filled with tender butternut squash, black beans, and rice before being drenched in smoky enchilada sauce and baked with cheese on top. They’re vegetarian, very filling and will surely tickle your taste buds.
37. Vegetarian Stuffed Shells
Protein: 21g
Calories: 335kcal
Ready in: 1 hour
Recipe by: ASimplePalate
Bonus: cheesy and flavourful
Vegetarian stuffed shells; made with roasted peppers, carrots, cauliflower, and spinach in a cheesy red sauce! No ricotta cheese is needed for the filling. Just lots of roasted veggies and fresh herbs for bright flavour!
38. Creamy Red Lentil Curry
Protein: 20g
Calories: 404kcal
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: OurPlant-BasedWorld
Bonus: quick, versatile, and nutritious
This Creamy Red Lentil Curry is one of my favorite dishes because it’s super flavorful, nutritious, protein-packed, and you can make it in a blink of an eye. It makes a super healthy lunch or dinner. If you like spicy curries, some curry paste and extra fresh ginger or powder can boost the spiciness.
39. Best Vegan Carbonara
Protein: 33g
Calories: 642kcal
Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: VeganPunks
Bonus: rich, creamy, and make ahead
Vegan carbonara is so easy to make, packed with protein and can be made in one pot too! It’s dairy-free, meat-free and perfect for cosy vegan dinners.
40. Tofu Quinoa Bowl
Protein: 23g
Calories: 449kcal
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: VeganPunks
Bonus: simple and great for meal prepping
Mexican Baked Tofu Quinoa Bowl is easy to prepare, perfect for meal prepping and is packed with healthy plant-powered protein. Ancho, chilli and cumin give it that Mexican flavour and the tofu, beans and quinoa deliver the filling, protein-packed meal.
41. Tahini Pasta
Protein: 10g
Calories: 338kcal
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: RainbowPlantLife
Bonus: dairy-free, and vegan
Tahini pasta is rich, comforting, and ultra-creamy. It is a perfectly balanced vegan dinner the whole family will like.
42. Vegan Red Pepper Pasta
Protein: 25g
Calories: 555kcal
Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: MyVeganMinimalist
Bonus: veggies, nutrients and a super creamy sauce
This vegan roasted red pepper pasta requires just 6 simple ingredients and is made within 20 minutes. Creamy, packed with nutrients and so easy even your kids could help make it!
43. Pambazos Veganos
Protein: 31.1g
Calories: 614kcal
Ready in: 40 minutes
Recipe by: BrokeBankVegan
Bonus: interesting and delicious meal, can be made with different sorts of fillings
Pambazos are an exceptionally tasty Mexican sandwich featuring chile-brushed bread filled with chorizo, potatoes, lettuce, salsa, crema, and queso. Try this plant-based version for a delicious and healthy twist on a classic!
44. Baked Tortellini
Protein: 22g
Calories: 377kcal
Ready in: 45 minutes
Recipe by: OurHappyMess
Bonus: cheesy, lasagna-like but quicker
Ready in 45 minutes, this easy baked cheese tortellini casserole is packed with oven-roasted vegetables and is cheesy weeknight perfection!
45. Smoky & Cheesy Vegetable Lentil Bake
Protein: 21g
Calories: 329kcal
Ready in: 1 hour (just 15 min prep)
Recipe by: HappyVeggieKitchen
Bonus: one-pot dinner for the whole family, comforting and smoky
This veggie packed lentil bake is pure comfort food with a smoky, Mexican inspired twist! It’s a well rounded, protein filled vegetarian dinner that is completely stress free to prepare (more high protein veggie dinner ideas this way!). You can personalize this recipe with your favorite toppings, vegetables and cheeses and it always turns out delicious thanks to the incredible mix of spices.
46. Udon with Spicy Tofu & Greens
Protein: 24g
Calories: 521kcal
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: Plant-BasedOnABudget
Bonus: rich, spicy, and comforting
Noodles for days! This Udon with Spicy Tofu & Greens recipe will hit all the right spots. Salty, spicy and beyond comforting!
47. Mediterranean Pasta with White Beans, Feta & Rocket
Protein: 23g
Calories: 433kcal
Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: HappyVeggieKitchen
Bonus: fresh and healthy
A tasty, simple vegetarian pasta dinner packed with white beans (cannellini beans work well), fresh tomatoes, feta and parmesan cheese, herbs and arugula / rocket! Perfect for a weeknight dinner, you will love the mix of flavors and textures.
48. Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Feta
Protein: 20g
Calories: 399kcal
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: EatTheGains
Bonus: light and refreshing
Light and refreshing lemon asparagus pasta combine pasta and asparagus with a creamy lemon feta sauce made from greek yogurt, feta, lemon, and herbs. It’s one of the best vegetarian pasta recipes, that comes together in 20 minutes, is packed with protein, and so delicious!
49. Tortellini Pesto Salad
Protein: 20g
Calories: 496kcal
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: EvergreenKitchen
Bonus: great make-ahead dish
An easy and delicious 20 minute dinner. This vegetarian tortellini is brimming with flavor from pesto, sundried tomatoes, baby spinach, and feta cheese. Tortellini keeps well as meal prep for the week; it’s also a great make-ahead dish for potlucks and entertaining.
50. Vegan Yakisoba( Japanese Stir-fried Noodles)
Protein: 35g
Calories: 764kcal
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: JoyfulDumplings
Bonus: amazing sweet, tangy and savory flavor
This Vegan version of Japanese Yakisoba is made with bouncy noodles, colorful vegetables, and protein. Maple syrup adds a bit of sweetness to the sauce to balance out the flavors and toasted sesame oil adds an extra nutty flavor.
51. Vegetarian Mince Chilli
Protein: 21g
Calories: 267kcal
Ready in: 55 minutes
Recipe by: AMummyToo
Bonus: rich and tasty, can be made vegan
This is honestly the best vegetarian mince chilli! It’s rich, packed with veg and delicious. What’s more, it’s sure to satisfy even the meat-eaters in your family, thanks to the use of Quorn or soya mince.
52. Baked Feta Pasta
Protein: 21g
Calories: 392kcal
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: GarlicSaltAndLime
Bonus: viral tiktok trend
Feta and cherry or constellation tomatoes baked/roasted with seasonings and then mixed into a sauce. Add your favorite pasta and, voila!
53. Easy Baked Vegetable Lasagna Primavera
Protein: 38g
Calories: 378kcal
Ready in: 1 hour 45 minutes (30 minutes prep)
Recipe by: HealthySeasonalRecipes
Bonus: perfect comfort food
This Easy Vegetable Lasagna Primavera is loaded with fresh veggies including zucchini, mushrooms and spinach. It is light and healthy and takes a half-hour to get into the oven thanks to using purchased sauce and oven-ready noodles.
54. Lentil Dahl
Protein: 26g
Calories: 107kcal
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: NourishPlate
Bonus: vegan, gluten-free, low calorie and cheap
Simple and delicious lentil dhal made with just a few pantry ingredients. Red lentils are rich in iron and are an excellent source of plant-based protein which makes this dish really nourishing and filling.
55. Vegetarian Pasta Bake With Veggies
Protein: 26g
Calories: 519kcal
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: CozyPeachKitchen
Bonus: easy, cheesy, and just delicious
This simple but satisfying pasta bake is loaded with fresh veggies, seasoned tempeh, and ziti (and if your mouth is watering at the thought of this, you need to try our other veggie pasta bakes!). It’s perfect for busy weeknights and makes great leftovers.
Healthy vegetarian dinner ideas FAQ
What should I eat for dinner as a healthy vegetarian?
You should choose meals with a healthy amount of fat and high in protein.
Fruits, vegetables, legumes, soybeans, nuts, seeds, grains, eggs and dairy products are great options for vegetarians.
Why am I gaining weight as a vegetarian?
If you consume more calories than your body needs, it gradually results in unwanted weight gain.
Just because vegetarian options are considered healthier you shouldn’t replace animal proteins with unlimited portions of fats and carbs.
Look for vegetarian sources of protein, fiber, healthy fats, and stay away from processed foods to maintain a healthy weight.
How did it go? Let us know in the comments which healthy meatless meals for dinner you liked the most!
Dave Bell
I’m not a foodie, although I do love eating. I believe food should serve us and our goals, not hinder. Taking control and responsibility for what I eat is important to me. Lots of veggie protein is my way forward.
This article has been medically reviewed by James LeBaigue MSc Learn More
James LeBaigue MSc
James has a Masters Degree in Sport and Exercise Nutrition, as well as an Advanced Diploma in Human Nutrition.
He loves combining his scientific knowledge along with food in the real world, and these recipes are the result.
He’s on top of all the latest evidence and guidelines to make sure our nutrition advice on the website is as accurate as it can be.
By day he works as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner in a busy NHS GP Practice.
Each recipe is tested and then eaten (much to James’ delight), many times before it is deemed worthy to be published. Bon appetit!
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