66 Perfect Vegetarian Dinner Recipes – Weeknights just got easier
- Updated on Jul 20, 2022
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When your to-do list is as long as your arm, the kids aren’t in bed and you can’t be bothered to spend the next hour in the kitchen, the best thing you can have is a quick and easy vegetarian dinner recipe.
Lucky for you, you don’t even need to hunt around for an exciting, easy recipe that will charge up the taste buds and still be ready in no time.
The best quick vegetarian dinner ideas are here, ready for your perusal.
This is a compilation of our favorite quick-to-prepare, vegetarian meals, ranging from vegetarian casseroles to vegetarian fried rice to vegetarian pasta recipes – basically whatever you fancy!
There’s also a good deal of vegan recipes hiding amongst these delicious vegetarian dinner ideas, so there’s something for everyone.
Jump to
Free 7-Day Vegetarian Meal Plans
If you are looking to lose weight or get more protein into your veggie diet, check out our free meal plans:
7-Day Vegetarian Weight Loss Meal Plan
7-Day Vegetarian High Protein Meal Plan
Both meal plans have been put together with our best recipes and checked for nutritional accuracy by our registered nutritionist James!
And without further ado, here’s our list of Easy Vegetarian Dinner Recipes
Make sure to scroll all the way down if you are especially looking for recipes that suit your workouts (more calories, more protein).
Quick & Easy Vegetarian Dinners
Easy Vegetable Stir Fry with Creamy Peanut Sauce
Check out the recipe hereBonus: incredibly simple but oh so tasty
592 calories per serving
A delicious peanut sauce compliments this fantastic stir fry with simple-to-follow cooking tips. Beginner friendly and super quick to make!
Bonus: a bit sweet, a little bit spicy, and absolutely delicious! Perfect for freezing, too.
After a high protein, high fiber, low-calorie vegetarian dinner? Our Mexican bean stew is just the ticket! Try it now!
Bonus: easy, fast, tropical
This virtually vegan mango curry is refreshing, tropical, super-quick, and soooooo easy! Don’t miss out on this one.
Arugula Lentil Salad From Heaven
Check out the recipe hereBonus: cashews, lentils, arugula benefits
High protein, iron and fiber in exotic Arugula and Lentil Salad that’s healthy and vegan. Only 12 minutes to make with easy-to-find ingredients.
Smoked Tofu and Hummus Buddha Bowl
Check out the recipe hereBonus: combination of flavourful rice and smoky tofu
Indulge with this smoky and savory Buddha Bowl. The combination of smoked tofu, hummus, and turmeric rice makes for a perfect vegan lunch (or dinner!)
Vegan Pho Recipe – Vietnamese Noodle Soup
Check out the recipe hereBonus: tasty, filling, and interesting
After a delicious and filling dinner? Try our vegan pho recipe – a healthy Vietnamese noodle soup with crispy tofu topping!
Oven Roasted Broccoli Halloumi Traybake
Check out the recipe hereBonus: a practical weeknight dinner
Looking for a healthy vegetarian dinner? Try this simple oven-roasted broccoli with halloumi & lentils. 32g protein each!
Healthy Huevo Rancheros
Check out the recipe hereBonus: perfectly suited for breakfast
Quick, easy and traditional, this totally Mexican dish is one you can put together very quickly. Ideal for those midweek, post-work meals.
Bonus: full of flavor, fiber, and protein
Zhuzh-up your next Taco Tuesday with these ah-mazing lentil tacos. You will never go back to mince again!
Smooching Mushrooms on Toast
Check out the recipe hereBonus: nutritious, tasty, versatile
Our delicious vegan take on the trendiest cafe food of the moment, Mushrooms on Toast. It’s perfect for everything from a savory breakfast to a light dinner. Add a zingy and fresh green salad for a quick midweek supper.
Perfect Pizza Pancake Recipe
Check out the recipe hereBonus: easy vegetarian dinner that’s also cheesy & crispy
These pizza pancakes are perfect for lunch or dinner – super simple and full of the most exciting base and taste combos make it the best of both worlds!
Easy Tomato Spinach Pasta
Check out the recipe hereBonus: a “quick and amazing” vegetarian dinner recipe
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.
Bonus: a super healthy and nutritious salad
If you’re looking for healthy vegetarian recipes, then this superfood salad featuring red lentils and quinoa will be your thing! It’s jazzed up with crunchy almonds, tangy olives, and creamy avocado.
Bonus: so much flavor, in so simple a dish!
This elegant baked potato is a well of sophistication. Impress the neighbors, nay, impress anyone with this cultivated classy classic.
Quick and Easy Vegetarian Thai Green Curry (30 Minutes)
Check out the recipe hereBonus: spicy, creamy, full of herby goodness
One of our earliest recipes, it is a no-brainer why this remains a top favorite. So tasty and nourishing, it is the perfect thing to have on a cold night. Or any night!
Spicy Vegetarian Dragon Noodles
Check out the recipe hereBonus: Meatless Monday, here you come!
Love spice? Love noodles? Love dragons? Want all of those things in 1 healthy package? Try our delicious spicy dragon noodles now!
Bonus: ridiculously tasty and nutritious – packed with protein, iron, and fiber!
We are massively fond of chickpeas, in case you haven’t guessed! Here’s our awesome vegan take on the insanely popular dish.
Heavenly Halloumi Salad
Check out the recipe hereBonus: looooads of protein, fiber, plenty of nutrients
Full of protein, fiber, and loads of other nutrients this halloumi salad will keep you feeling full for hours – and you’ll secretly be looking forward to more!
Vegan Vegetable Lo Mein
Check out the recipe hereBonus: much more healthier than a takeaway
Looking for a speedy noodle dish, packed with vegetables and flavor? The search is over with this easy vegetable lo mein!
Black Bean Burrito Bowl
Check out the recipe hereBonus: super healthy, nutritious
In this healthy burrito bowl, we’ve got quinoa, avocado, pineapple, tofu, and Adobo sauce for a sizzling taste bud fiesta!
Amazing Aubergine (Eggplant) Curry
Check out the recipe hereBonus: a delicious meal in a bowl
This amazing aubergine curry (or eggplant curry) is quick, vegan, and soooo tasty. Eat as it is or on a bed of plain / jeera rice. Yum!
Bonus: quick vegetarian breakfast dish
This easy vegetarian shakshuka recipe breaks everything down into simple steps for a great Shakshuka result every time! High in protein and perfect for dinner or for breakfast!
Roasted Asparagus and Tomato with Halloumi
Check out the recipe hereBonus: simple and quick
After a healthy, quick-to-make meal? Try our roasted asparagus and tomatoes with halloumi and quinoa. Ready in 30 minutes!
Bonus: versatile, delicious, healthy
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.
Comfort Food
Aubergine and Lentil Vegetarian Moussaka
Check out the recipe hereBonus: just 10 mins of prep!
This healthy high protein vegetarian moussaka is a true veggie delight with Greek soul and full of flavour and texture!
Bonus: easy-to-find ingredients, hearty and healthy
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.
Vegan Mushroom Stew with Coconut
Check out the recipe hereBonus: healthy and filling
After something light and tasty for dinner? Try our high protein coconut mushroom stew – did we mention it’s vegan too?
Cheesy Tuscan Kale and White Bean Soup
Check out the recipe hereBonus: loaded with fiber and protein
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.
Bonus: when you need some Italian inspiration
Looking for lots of healthy veggies and good taste in one bowl? This lentil vegetable soup is the perfect option!
Comforting Leek Risotto with Cream Cheese
Check out the recipe hereBonus: creamy, hearty, simple
This creamy leek risotto is easy to make, filling, and oh-so comforting. We show you how to speed it up, too – ideal for an easy weeknight dinner!
Mouthwatering Meatless Chili Sin Carne (vegan)
Check out the recipe hereBonus: a nutritional powerhouse
Who said meatless meals can’t deliver? This meatless (aka vegan) chili proves that you can still enjoy your favourite meals, but in a new, animal friendly way.
Dal Khichdi and Kachumber Salad
Check out the recipe hereBonus: diet-friendly dish
The perfect comfort food in a bowl! Rice and creamy lentils come together in this wonderful one-pot dish. A filling and delicious meal!
Easy Baked Feta with Veggies
Check out the recipe hereBonus: healthy, nutritious and lots of flavor!
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.
Ready in: 45 minutes
Recipe by: MightyMrs
Bonus: quick, easy, cheesy
Calories: 278 kcal per serving
Quinoa Enchilada Bake is a perfect vegetarian main dish that is filling and delicious. Filled with quinoa, black beans, corn and melted cheese.
Bonus: nutritious, healthy
The sexiest lentil stew you have ever eaten. A nutritional powerhouse, this recipe is here to kickstart your year – and your health.
Roasted Fennel and Carrots with Chickpeas
Check out the recipe hereBonus: sweet, distinctive flavour
Looking for new sheet pan ideas? Try this delicious roasted fennel and carrots with chickpeas! 22g protein per serving!
Creamy Curried Lentil Soup with Coconut
Check out the recipe hereBonus: one pot soup, for those busy nights!
Follow our fool-proof simple cooking steps for the perfect coconut curry lentil soup. Packed with protein, fiber and a high-summer taste!
Bonus: great cooking tips!
This cheesy, crispy, oven favourite broccoli cheese casserole is low effort and high reward – complete with cheat tips!
Vegetarian Toad in the Hole
Check out the recipe hereBonus: 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?
Roasted Sweet Potato and Beetroot Salad
Check out the recipe hereBonus: hearty vegan salad
Smooth and hearty meets sweet and crunchy, this sweet potato and beetroot salad has got it going on!
Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers in Mediterranean Tomato Sauce
Check out the recipe hereBonus: packed with vitamins and nutrients, very easy
Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers baked in a delicious tomato sauce – foolproof instructions and packed with vitamins and nutrients – bring the health back!
Family Favorites
Mexican Vegetarian Tacos
Check out the recipe hereBonus: perfect for family dinner nights
One of the most delicious vegetarian recipes I’ve ever made. With loads of veggie fiber and protein means this recipe makes you wonder why you ever wanted meat in the first place.
Sweet and Spicy Roasted Cauliflower Curry
Check out the recipe hereBonus: sweet, spicy and vegan
An exciting fusion of Pakistani spices come together with crunchy roasted cauliflower in this classically cooked dish. Eat it with rice or roti, for a delicious and easy vegetarian dinner.
Bonus: easy vegetarian dinner for busy weeknights
After a healthy pasta arrabbiata recipe? Try ours! With aubergine and a crushed almond topping, this is the best out there!
Bonus: full of beetroot-y goodness, vitamins and minerals
The beets are bangin’ in this eye-catching dish. Highly nutritious, beetroots are an awesome addition to any pasta meal – including this beauty!
Bonus: easy, family-friendly recipe
Bursting with sweet potatoes and tantalising Mexican flavors, this authentic burrito recipe is easy to make for one or the whole big family!
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!
The King of Jacket Potatoes
Check out the recipe hereBonus: a delicious meal, with warm spices to add some zip
There are jacket potatoes, and there’s our version – loaded with fresh vegetables like red bell peppers and zucchini and spiced with fajita seasoning for a nice, zingy flavor. What’s not to love?
Vegetarian Tacos – Authentic Mexican Flavours!
Check out the recipe hereBonus: tacos from wraps hack
These awesome high-protein vegetarian lentil patties can be used as lentil burgers or fritters, and even made vegan, too!
Bonus: easy dinner that’s vegan and dairy-free
Love a good bolognese but trying to eat less meat? Try our healthy, plant-based lentil bolognese – you’ll never look back!
Leftovers Special
Bean and Pasta Vegetarian Casserole
Check out the recipe hereBonus: high protein, vegan
A dump and bake dish that will please everyone, this bean and pasta vegetarian casserole makes a perfect healthy dinner.
Healthy Refried Beans and Tortillas
Check out the recipe hereBonus: protein, fiber, and bean-y benefits
These healthy refried beans are our take on the traditional Mexican dish, with a health-conscious twist!
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: TheVegConnection
Calories: 368 kcal per serving
Bonus: simple ingredients and leftovers come together in a delicious recipe
This recipe brings the comfort food goodness of fried rice and the spicy tang of kimchi together in this Korean twist on an old classic. It’s a quick and easy way to turn your leftover rice into a stunning new meal!
Vegetarian Fried Rice
Check out the recipe hereBonus: quick and easy weekday dinner recipe
Everybody should know how to make veggie fried rice. Hands down one of the most delicious and easiest ways to use up leftovers.
Dinner Party Recipes
Ready in: 1 hour 25 minutes (just 10 minutes prep)
Recipe by: EatSomethingVegan
Calories: 213 kcal per serving
Bonus: simple and crispy
These Garlic Smashed Potatoes are full of flavor and really tasty. Perfectly browned and deliciously crispy, they’re just the side dish you want to add to your dinner table. Use new potatoes for a sweeter flavor.
Jackfruit Burgers – Veggie Pulled Pork
Check out the recipe hereBonus: quick, easy, and delicious
This easy jackfruit burger is the vegan alternative to pulled pork – and it rocks! Mega-tasty and no little piggies are harmed anywhere along the line. Perfect recipe if you are looking for an impressive dish for a special barbeque!
Bonus: doesn’t fall apart, a fabulous source of protein
A black bean burger recipe that doesn’t fall apart, tastes awesome and can even be made vegan! These veggie burgers would be perfect for your dinner BBQ.
Healthy Vegan Poke Bowl with Sesame Tofu
Check out the recipe hereBonus: 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!
Ready in: 22 minutes
Recipe by: IndianAmbrosia
Calories: 285 kcal per serving
Bonus: simple, healthy, and tasty
Paneer Jalfrezi is a colorful vegetarian stir fry made with cottage cheese, onions, tomatoes, green peppers, and powdered spices. Couple it with rice or roti for one of the best vegetarian meals!
Roasted Cauliflower Steak with Red Pepper Sauce
Check out the recipe hereBonus: gluten-free, grain-free
The most scrumptious cauliflower steak, served with yummy red bell pepper and ricotta sauce. Crunchy, creamy, unctuous – just a winner of a dish! See for yourself!
Ingredients
- 1 cauliflower (15-16 oz = approx. 400g)
- 9 oz potatoes (9 oz = 250g)
- 9 oz skim or low fat ricotta (1 block = 9 oz = 250g) (can be replaced for firm tofu or silken tofu)
- 1 ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup roasted bell peppers (200g)
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 ½ tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp parsley, fresh (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180 C.
- Cut potatoes (with skin on) into wedges and cauliflower into steaks 1 inch thick.9 oz potatoes, 1 cauliflower
- Place cauliflower, potatoes and ricotta block in a baking sheet. Mix onion powder, garlic powder, paprika and olive oil; evenly coat cauliflower, ricotta and potatoes with the help of a brush.9 oz skim or low fat ricotta, 1 ¼ tsp salt, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until cauliflower and potatoes are fork tender and ricotta is slightly golden. Halfway through (about 15 min. in) turn cauli steaks over.
- Meanwhile blend roasted bell peppers, garlic clove, sugar and ¼ tsp salt. Reserve until needed.1 cup roasted bell peppers, 1 clove garlic, 1 ½ tsp sugar, 1 ¼ tsp salt
- Serve cauliflower steaks and potatoes with roasted bell pepper sauce and baked ricotta. Finish with a dash of salt, black pepper and parsley.1 tbsp parsley, fresh, Black pepper
NOTES
Nutrition
⚡️ Unlock 6 more healthy vegetarian dinner ideas for sporty people 💪🏽
The following recipes are the upgraded high-protein versions of our meals 😎
Want to eat more vegetarian?
I’ve been vegetarian for a long time now but I haven’t forgotten how intimidating it can be to make the leap to a vegetarian diet.
The good thing is that you’ve found this blog, and we have all kinds of vegetarian dishes for beginners!
An easy way to start is incorporating some of the vegetarian dinner recipes above into your meal plans to see how you like them.
You might have heard that it’s too hard to get all the right nutrients with a vegetarian diet, but there’s no need to worry.
If you pay attention to your diet and make sure you are eating healthy vegetarian meals, you will have no trouble getting the nutrients you need.
Plus, in general healthy vegetarian meals are good for your health because they reduce heart disease, diabetes and other illnesses, AND are good for the planet (the UN said so!)
So if you’re new to a vegetarian diet, check out these easy vegetarian dinner recipes to get you started.
And if you’re already a vegetarian (or a vegan), then you already know how delicious a meatless chili con carne or a vegetarian sloppy joe can be!
Lastly here are two very frequently asked questions when it comes to veggie dinners.
What is the most famous vegetarian dish?
There is no definitive answer to this question as there are so many! In any case, why go with one when the possibilities are endless, right?
Going by popularity, curries are a massive hit on our website and the top one is the delicious Chickpea Curry. It’s vegan, it’s creamy, and easy enough for a beginner cook to try.
What should I make for my vegetarian friend?
We’d suggest you start with what their favorite vegetable is. And also, what they are allergic to. Now, you have got your must and don’t veg – between these two, you can come up with a veritable feast!
How about our stuffed peppers, the quick and easy Thai green curry or the easy vegetable stir fry?
Our roast cauliflower steak would make an impressive dinner party centrepiece! Finish off with the supremely yummy cashew milkshake.
That’s all folks! Hopefully, one of these vegetarian dinner recipes will quell the hunger in your belly or solve your dilemma of what to make as a vegetarian main meal.
Since there’s everything from vegetarian tacos, to vegetarian jambalaya, to vegetarian curry, we’re pretty sure you can find the perfect addition to your rotation of vegetarian weeknight dinners on this list.
Hauke Fox
I’m always on the lookout for these damn smart recipes. You know, those that only take a few minutes to put together and taste delicious. Vegetarian Cooking at home is a way to take back control over what I eat. I don’t like what many companies do to animals and the environment with their products.
Article has been medically reviewed by James LeBaigue
James LeBaigue
Healthy, nutritious and absurdly tasty food? That’s what I’m all about. I love recipes which are full of flavour but are good for you too. My job in family medicine led me to become a nutrition professional as well, with an aim to get people healthier just by the food they eat.
Comments
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50 comments
Looks like I’ve got a whole line up of veggie packed dishes! Yum! Thanks for including my Cauliflower Alfredo!
Your’re very welcome Samantha! It’s an awesome dish 😀
Trying this tonight! Can not wait 😀
Yay, enjoy, Kylie!
Hauke…thanks so much for including my skillet enchiladas in this healthy lineup! I’m having a proud moment – I really value your content. Keep rockin it! Thanks again and Happy 2018 to you…Cheers!
You’re very welcome, Traci! Glad you like the lineup, all the best in 2018 to you too 🙂
woah, I love the huge variety of options you give here.. Being a vegetarian this is surely going to be helpful in the coming days, in terms of ideas on what to make.
I am 12 years old and a vegitarian and this provides many helpful and easy ideas for my family. I will try to make as many as I posobly can!!
You’re very welcome Natalie. Enjoy cooking for your family!
Where are the recipes ? I see the photos, but no links to the recipes.
Hi KeeKee, just click the blue link in the ‘recipe by’ section and you’ll be taken straight to each one 🙂
These look and sound amazing, yum! I am going to attempt a vegetarian diet for a month and these are definitely going to help, thanks Dave!
Sounds like a plan to me, Jessica! Going veggie is great – and easy when you know where to look 🙂
how did you vegetarian month go?
What a great list! Saved almost every recipe on here!
Thanks Julie, really glad you’ve found some inspiration! 😀
Just made the coconut curry rice and vegggy dish and it was outstanding!
My 16 yr old daughter and I are going green to help save the planet anyway we can !
Thank you for the quick and great recipes!
That’s so awesome Paula! Really glad you enjoyed – and are doing whatever you can for the planet. Us too, one step at a time! Thanks for writing 🙂
What a great site! And what you say: tasty does not have to be complicated at all
I really like the Vegan Coconut Curry. It looks so fancy and delicious, I want to try it now. Definitely try the remaining recipes when I have time. Thank you for sharing the best recipe!
Glad you like the recipes!! Yep, deffo worth a try that Coconut Curry 😀
Thanks for the Amazing recipes. Just loved the Black Bean Tacos recipe and I am gonna try that tonight.
Hope you have an amazing 2020 !
You’re very welcome Harpreet, and the same to you. Enjoy the recipe and have a great 2020!
Thank you for such a great site! I’ve found several recipes here that I am going to try. Great ideas.
Oh, and I’m making your fried rice tonight. Have the rice cooking now so it will be cooled and ready for later. This sounds amazing! I’ll be adding firm tofu pieces as well. Can’t wait!
Thanks Gail! Really glad you like the ideas. Enjoy the rice – I’m sure the tofu will be very tasty in there too!
The rice dish was out-of-this-world delicious! That sauce is really excellent! I’M on your site again, looking for more inspiration. Thanks again. 🙂
Hey Gail! Good to have you back – and I’m glad you found something! Keep enjoying!
Made the fried rice last night – appreciate the quick and easy walk-through! Bookmarked this page for sure 🙂
Woop, yay! Glad you enjoyed it and found us, Alexa 🙂
Wow! amazing list. I’ve found some good recipes here that I am going to try.
Thanks! Awesome stuff.
yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I got hungry just by seeing this pictures, they all look delicious. Thanks for sharing the recipes, they’ll save a lot of week meals.
Oh finally !!!
Healthy veggie easy tasty recipes for real people with kids cats dogs and normally work – so hard to get the time to eat right and find inspiring veggie recipes that you know are going to taste of something !!!!
Thank you for sharing these x
Thanks Vicky! Really glad you’ve found the recipes useful and your comment is much appreciated!
Thanks for the vegetarian dinner recipes.
You’re very welcome 🙂
Hello, Hauke! The vegetarian challenge isn’t working on the link provided. Also, where is your facebook group as I would like to join?
Thank you!
Hi Jela! Thank you for the comment! I’m not sure to which link you refer. Did you purchase a course on our website? Would love to help further. Feel free to write in at daveandhauke@hurrythefoodup.com
Love these vegetarian dinner recipes, already done many of these. I think some of these recipes are breakfast recipes, btw thanks for sharing these recipes with us, will definitely gonna try these.
Haha true, I guess you can eat many of them at any time! Thanks, glad you like the look!
Hey!
Thank you so much for sharing so wonderful recipes I have to say I am definitely coming back to you because its is really helping me to prepare a nice dinner for my clients it a second time that I am cooking a completely vegetarian whole month I find it challenging a little but hey I think its the future! Thank you so much from private chef in Barcelona
That’s really good to hear you find this round up helpful, Matej! Saludos to Barcelona! 🙂
Great post you wrote. Actually I’m also vegetarian and I love to know about various recipes. Thanks for your post. It means alot.
Really glad this is helpful, Daniel!!
It looks Yummy! I saw the post but where is the recipes link? I want to saw.
Hi Henry, which recipe link do you mean? You can just click on the button underneath each recipe image and it’ll lead you straight to it 🙂
Such an informative post. Thank you for posting.
You’re welcome! 🙂