26 Healthy & Light Vegetarian Dinner Ideas
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Of all the healthy vegetarian recipes for weight loss that we have gathered over the years, these light vegetarian dinner ideas are some of the tastiest and most versatile we have ever seen!
From warming soups, to exciting salads, it’s a whole smorgasbord of delicious dishes that will fill you up without sending you off to bed bloated.
Don’t get me wrong, a lot of the time I love to wolf down a big hearty dinner like a veggie wellington. But sometimes that’s just not the vibe.
Maybe you’re someone whose appetite is biggest during the day, or maybe you need something light to eat before an evening exercise class. Whatever your reason, sometimes a light dinner is just what the doctor ordered.
What do we mean by ‘light’ vegetarian dinner ideas?
What exactly constitutes quick light dinner ideas? For us that means dinners under 500 calories. We wouldn’t go too far under 500, but 300-500 calories of the right food can still be a meal.
If you’re cooking light dinner recipes for weight loss, you will be trying to maintain a slim calorie deficit.
These light vegetarian dinner ideas can be great for that! However there’s a caveat: you still have to make sure that you eat enough throughout the day.
If you don’t eat enough, you will get tired and hungry and you won’t be able to sustain yourself, let alone achieve your weight loss goals!
That’s why I tend to enjoy light dinners after big lunches – you know, like those great stonking marvellous Sunday roasts, where you’re still full by dinner time, but want something yummy to tide you over through the night. Well, now you know where to come!
Super soups & cracking curries : fibre for the win!
You’ll notice there are a lot of soups and curries among our Top 15 Light Vegetarian Dinner Ideas.
That’s because soups and curries are really good at being light but still filling. This is thanks to a lot of their bulk coming from liquid, veggies and legumes.
Vegetables and legumes are fairly usually low in calories and fat, but high in fibre, which means that soups and curries loaded with veggies will be very filling (thank you fibre) and also relatively light (thank you low calorie count).
For example, our delicious vegan tikka masala has 12g fibre per serving and this delicious spiced pumpkin red lentil soup contains a whopping 18g fibre per serving!
Light AND Healthy
Of course, low calorie does not equal healthy. But you can rest assured that you are getting only healthy vegetarian recipes for dinner here (and if that’s what you are after, you should also try our healthy vegetarian dinner ideas)!
We’ve made sure to find light vegetarian dinner ideas that are low in saturated fats, free from overly processed ingredients, high in protein and full of fresh veggies.
You can eat them as part of a weight loss plan (try our FREE 7-day Vegetarian Weight Loss Meal Plan for inspiration), or just as part of a general effort to be more healthy.
Either way, you’re gonna love ‘em!
Subscribe to get our FREE 7-Day Vegetarian High Protein Meal Plan for Weight Loss
1. Weight Loss Tikka Masala
Bonus: creamy, vegan
454 calories per serving
The classic curry takes on a new face with our vegan tikka masala. Full of healthy veg and fragrant flavours, this is sure to win your heart!
2. Pumpkin Spice Lentil Soup
Ready in: 1 hour
Recipe by: SaraHaas
Bonus: hearty, warming
291 calories per serving
If you love pumpkin, you’re going to love this spiced pumpkin and red lentil soup for sure, (I recommend you also to try our other pumpkin soup recipes). With warm spices like cinnamon and cardamon, this soup is hearty, filling, and incredibly easy!
3. Scrambled Eggs with Cheese
Bonus: creamy, quick
327 calories per serving
Make the best scrambled eggs you’ve ever had with our quick & easy but simple to follow recipe – so good you’ll never look elsewhere again!
4. Chickpea Wraps
Bonus: transportable, simple
482 calories per serving
Chickpea Wraps – these firm faves are really easy to make, super tasty and oh-so satisfying. We’ll even show you how to roll them properly!
5. Baked Goats Cheese with Tomatoes
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: SplashOfTaste
Bonus: low-carb, gluten-free
218 calories per serving
Baked goats cheese, cherry tomatoes bursting with flavor & a hint of spice make the perfect light meal.
6. Low-Carb Spinach & Cheese Pie
Bonus: keto-friendly, low carb
315 calories per serving
This low-carb pie that’s keto-friendly is incredibly tasty – and the best thing – it takes only five minutes to prep! Seriously!
7. Crustless Greek Zucchini Pie
Ready in: 45 minutes
Recipe by: MamazillaFood
Bonus: low-carb, gluten-free
347 calories per serving
This recipe for a crustless zucchini quiche is so easy to prepare and requires only a few simple ingredients. It’s really versatile and can be served any time of day.
8. Low Carb High Taste Zoodles
Bonus: fresh veggies, vegan
364 calories per serving
Low Carb High Taste Zoodles. Italian style spiralized zucchini noodles ready in just 15 minutes, excellent for a quick lunch recipe or dinner.
9. Kale & White Bean Soup
Bonus: packed with protein and veggies
458 calories per serving
Fill up and power up on our hot vegetarian kale and white bean soup (then try one of these other veg soup recipes for weight loss!). It’s an absolute pearl for your healthy slim down diet.
10. Beet Salad with Arugula and Feta
Ready in: 35 minutes
Recipe by: IFoodReal
Bonus: colourful, gluten-free
384 calories per serving
This Arugula Beet Salad is the perfect combination of sweet and peppery flavors. Tossed with crunchy candied pecans, creamy feta and an easy balsamic dressing, this flavorful salad is restaurant quality worthy!
11. Spicy Corn Chowder
Bonus: filling, spicy
487 calories per serving
A spicy, creamy corn chowder that’s satisfying and filling. Simple to make, ready in 25 minutes. Vegetarian and healthy. Tastes best when it’s cold outside.
12. Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Ready in: 11 minutes
Recipe by: SweetlySplendid
Bonus: gluten-free, super speedy
295 calories per serving
Vegetarian Stuffed Sweet Potatoes – A savory, Mexican inspired sweet potato that is stuffed with black beans (if you like the sound of this, you’ll probably enjoy our sweet potato bakes too). The salty, crispy skin is the perfect balance with the cool avocado.
13. Vegan Coconut Chickpea Curry
Bonus: vegan, speedy
465 calories per serving
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.
14. Cauliflower Tacos with Cilantro Sauce
Ready in: 40 minutes
Recipe by: HealthfulBlondie
Bonus: crispy, colourful
405 calories per serving
Crispy roasted cauliflower tacos topped with the most delicious creamy and zesty cilantro yogurt crema. These vegetarian tacos are healthy, packed with protein, and can be customized to your preferences (and if you enjoy them, why not try some of these other vegetarian taco ideas?).
15. Curried Lentil Soup with Coconut
Bonus: simple, protein packed
254 calories per serving
Looking for a healthy soup recipe? Try our curried lentil soup – it’s warming and spicy, with just 337 calories per serving (and one of our best ever vegetarian lentil recipes!)!
16. 30 Minute Vegan Pad Thai
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: FitFoodieNutter
Bonus: packed with veggies, simple
333 calories per serving
Healthy, vibrant, full of flavour and ready in 30 minutes, this vegan Pad Thai will tick all the boxes for a quick yet delicious plant-based lunch or dinner. Free from gluten, eggs, & refined sugar.
17. Dal Khichdi & Kachumber Salad
Bonus: packed with veggies, simple
337 calories per serving
Dal khichdi is a great weight loss dinner! It’s healthy, light but still filling, and a source of complete protein. Try it now!
18. Moroccan Vegetable Traybake
Ready in: 45 minutes
Recipe by: RainbowNourishments
Bonus: vegan, gluten-free
366 calories per serving
This Moroccan-inspired vegetable tray bake is easy, healthy and soo tasty! It’s packed with plant-based protein, wholesome vegetables and has an irresistible spiced dressing.
19. Meatless Chili Sin Carne
Bonus: vegan, hearty
367 calories per serving
Who said meat-free recipes can’t deliver? This meatless (aka vegan) chili proves that you can still enjoy your favourite meals, but in a new, animal friendly way.
20. Kale & Sweet Potato Salad
Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: ItsNotComplicated
Bonus: fresh veggies, high iron
371 calories per serving
A salad base of kale, sweet potato and almonds are tossed with a light, creamy dressing seasoned with fresh lemon juice and mustard.
21. Best Easy Omelette Recipe
Bonus: high protein, simple
251 calories per serving
The perfect Omelette. Just eggs in this deliciously simple and perfect natural omelette. Omelettes the way they should be. Vegetarian, healthy and ready in 7 minutes.
22. Harissa Cauliflower & Chickpea
Ready in: 35 minutes
Recipe by: AmyCaseyCooks
Bonus: vegan, low input
229 calories per serving
Roasted Harissa Cauliflower, Chickpeas, and Spinach. A north African thick spice sauce, harissa is warm, smoky, tangy, and spicy. It’s a perfect compliment to the nutty and slightly sweet cauliflower and chickpeas.
23. Tangy Veggie Wrap
Bonus: fresh veggies, transportable
339 calories per serving
A refreshing and tangy summer veggie wrap that’s easy to make and perfect for on the go – ideal for bbqs, picnics or wherever it’s needed!
24. Sweet Potato & Asparagus Frittata
Ready in: 50 minutes
Recipe by: EatTheGains
Bonus: Gluten-free, high protein
303 calories per serving
Easy Sweet Potato Frittata with asparagus, artichokes, and goat cheese packs protein, carbs, and healthy fats. Perfect for balanced breakfast, brunch, or meal prep. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and paleo and Whole30 friendly.
25. Deliciously Creamy Garlic Mushrooms
Bonus: vegan, versatile
326 calories per serving
There’s no better use for mushrooms than with garlic and cream – and if you want it, we know how to make it vegan without sacrificing taste. Your call
26. Quesadillas with Melted Mozzarella & Cheddar
Bonus: freeze-able, transportable
469 calories per serving
Easy Veggie Quesadillas with a Melted Mozzarella and Cheddar Combo. A few clever steps and you’ll be chowing down on gooey, crispy quesadillas in no time! Try it now!
Ingredients
- 4 small cherry tomatoes
- ½ onion
- ½ bell pepper, red (your fave colour)
- 1 cup spinach
- 2 tbsp red pesto (check the notes, if you want to make your own)
- ½ cup cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella
- 2 wholegrain tortillas (check the notes, if you want to make them homemade)
Optional
- Sliced chilies for a kick!
Instructions
- Wash the tomatoes and pepper, peel the onions and cut them all into thin slices – the cheese too.
- Wash the spinach and let it drain in a sieve.
- Grab a tortilla and spread a layer of pesto over half of it. A tablespoon works well.
- Add a light layer of cheese on top and a quarter of the tomato, pepper and onion, followed by a few spinach leaves.
- Top it with another layer of cheese.
- Then fold the other half of the tortilla on top and place in a large frying pan (nonstick).
- Heat for 2-3 minutes. Flip and heat for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese has melted – a good indicator is a little running out the side.
- Pro Tip: place a heavy pot on top of the quesadilla so that it flattens nicely and cooks more evenly – this will also stop the insides escaping! If you don’t like the thought of putting a pot directly on your quesadillas then put a plate between the two.
NOTES
Nutrition
We hope you were inspired by these light vegetarian dinner ideas (if you were, you should see our low calorie veggie dinner ideas too!)! Let us know which were your favourites in the comments below!
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!
Comments
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So many delicious recipes there Ella! Added a few to my weekly recipe rotation:) Thank you for putting them all together.