60 Easy Vegetarian Low-Calorie Meals (2024 Edition!)
If you’re tired of scouring the internet for vegetarian low-calorie meals, then you’re in the right place! I’ve collected some of the best healthy vegetarian meals I could find and put them all in this handy list.
And, with this 2024 edition, you’re getting 20! yes, 20 brand-new recipes!
From low-calorie breakfasts to dinner recipes, even sides – I’ve got you covered.
Want to Save This Post?
Enter your email & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from us every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Hurry the Food Up.
Jump to
If you’re looking to eat a low-calorie vegetarian diet to help shed those pesky pounds, I think this collection will really help you out (as would this collection of veggie low calorie breakfast ideas). All dishes are under 450 calories, with a low fat content.
These dishes from Morocco to Vietnam, include low-calorie soups, salads, and dinners, have lots of flavors but not many calories, making them perfect for helping to achieve your weight loss goals.
If you’re looking for more support on your weight loss journey, check out our Weekly Weight Loss Meal Plan. You can even try it out for 7-Days for FREE!
Or for more options (that aren’t necessarily low calorie) try our healthy vegetarian recipes compilation.
So let’s get to it!
Here are 60! Delicious low calorie meals just for you!
I’ve broken down this list into 4 mealtime categories so you can find exactly what you’re looking for.
Vegetarian low-calorie breakfasts
It is said to be the most important meal of the day and you can’t start your day off any better than with these breakfast bangers!
1. Cornmeal Porridge
Bonus: quick and colourful
A classic homemade Jamaican breakfast made vegan and more nutritious – and bursting with the same sweet and scrumptiously savoury taste!
2. Egg on Avocado Toast
Bonus: bring your cafe favorite home
Our take on the tried and true combo of egg on Avocado Toast. It’s high-protein and delicious with just a hint of spice!
Subscribe to get our FREE 7-Day Vegetarian High Protein Meal Plan for Weight Loss
3. Beetroot Smoothie
Bonus: fresh and tasty
Grab the seriously impressive health benefits from the little purple power balls and get them down you in the tastiest way known to women or men!
4. No Egg Pancakes
Bonus: decadent and delicious
These no-egg pancakes are easy, light, and fluffy. Perfect for savory or sweet toppings, look no further if you need pancakes without eggs!
5. Breakfast Egg Muffins
Bonus: grab and go brekkie
Delicious and Healthy Breakfast Egg Muffins. Simple recipe, great taste. Low carb and high in protein. Perfect as a full meal or filling snack.
6. Healthy Huevo Rancheros
Bonus: a nice breakfast with Mexican flair
Huevos rancheros are a quick and easy traditional Mexican breakfast that makes a great low-calorie dish for vegetarians.
7. Vegan Blackberry Smoothie
Bonus: a fruity quick breakfast to go
A fruity vegan smoothie, free from dairy products and packed with protein to fuel your day ahead. Love fruit and nuts? Then you’ll love this!
8. Healthy Protein Baked Oats
Bonus: delicious, filling and fruity
A healthy high-protein version of those famous Tiktok baked oats. They’ll fill you up and keep you smiling until lunch!
9. Mint Pineapple & Spinach Smoothie
Bonus: super fresh and cool perfect for summer mornings
After a cool and refreshing summer drink that is healthy too? Try our pineapple and spinach smoothie with fresh mint (more delicious vegetable smoothies to be found here!)!
10. Healthy Greens & Beans on Toast
Bonus: high protein and super tasty
Looking for healthy new toast recipes? Try our greens and beans on toast! White beans in a herby green sauce, with feta!
11. Tomato Shakshuka
Bonus: a great option for a veggie-cooked breakfast
This easy vegetarian shakshuka recipe breaks everything down into simple steps for a great Shakshuka result every time!
12. Mushroom Breakfast Casserole
Protein: 23g
Calories: 354 kcals
Ready in: 1 hour
Recipe by: HeavenlyHomeCooked
Bonus: savory and spectacular
Our spicy mushroom breakfast casserole is tasty and has everything you need for breakfast. It’s perfect for meal prep and will keep you going strong all morning!
13. Overnight Steel Cut Oats
Protein: 10g
Calories: 357 kcals
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: RachnaCooks
Bonus: colorful and protein-packed
This is a detailed recipe on how to make overnight steel-cut oats. I have also shared 2 different ways to serve these overnight oats. Do try.
14. Tropical Smoothie Bowl
Protein: 13g
Calories: 226 kcals
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: HeavenlyHomeCooking
Bonus: decadent and delicious
Our quick, easy, healthy, and delicious tropical smoothie bowl has everything you need to do breakfast right. Mango, bananas, pineapple, strawberries, and Greek yogurt come together to create paradise in a bowl (and if this sounds good to you, you’ll love our favorite easy mango recipes)!
Vegetarian low-calorie lunches
The majority of these recipes are ready in 30 minutes or less, which is just what you need in the middle of a busy day.
15. Carrot and Ginger Soup
Bonus: a little kick
No complicated cooking steps means this refreshing carrot and ginger soup is ready in just ten easy minutes, and perfect for any weather. Take the stress out of cooking.
16. White Bean Salad
Bonus: perfect for summer
Speedy White Bean Salad – this tangy take on the classic is super-quick and super-tasty. It’s time to make lunch a thing to look forward to again.
17. High-protein Tangy Tempeh Salad
Bonus: tangy and delicious
This tangy tempeh salad is just the best – quick, tasty, and packed with protein. And better yet – use whatever you have in the fridge!
18. Easy Broccoli & Cauliflower Soup
Bonus: creamy and smooth
Make the most out of your veg with this Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup – tasty, easy, healthy, full of vitamins, and only five mins to prep!
19. Easy Green Bean Salad
Bonus: perfect for summer
This easy green bean fresh salad is ready in a staggering three minutes. Not many lunches can beat that!
20. Easy Sweetcorn Fritters
Bonus: easy and family-friendly
Sweetcorn fritters can be made for any weeknight tea with the family (and if you need more recipes the kids will love, check out these veggie meals for kids now!). Served as a main or side dish, they’re so yummy!
21. Pea & Mint Soup
Bonus: low-calorie warming soup
On the search for a quick, tasty homemade soup recipe? This pea and mint soup is deliciously easy and great for a vegan diet too!
22. Tangy Veggie Wrap
Bonus: protein-packed and great for picnics
Looking for a quick lunch that’s packed with colorful veg and plenty of flavors? This tangy veggie wrap has got it all!
23. Avocado Citrus Salad with Feta
Bonus: quick and super fresh
After something different for lunch? Try this avocado and citrus salad with feta – it’s sweet, and sour & packs a punch!
24. Zucchini (Courgette) Basil Soup
Bonus: warming and flavorsome
Searching for a vegetarian soup recipe that’s big on health benefits & low on calories? Try this zucchini (courgette) basil soup!
25. Smoked Tofu & Hummus Buddha Bowl
Bonus: Vegan and full of protein to fill you up until dinner
Indulge in this smoky and savory Buddha Bowl. The combination of smoked tofu, hummus, and turmeric rice makes for a perfect vegan lunch (or dinner!)
26. Summery Buffalo Chickpea Salad
Protein: 17g
Calories: 377 kcals
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: ChelseaDishes
Bonus: summery and exciting
Use all of those summer garden veggies in this delicious (and just a bit spicy) vegetarian salad recipe.
27. Roasted Red Pepper Soup
Protein: 2g
Calories: 200 kcals
Ready in: 50 minutes
Recipe by: ItsNotComplicated
Bonus: bright and simple
My Roasted Red Pepper Soup (Roasted Capsicum Soup) with Basil Oil is so comforting to eat and full of vibrant flavors. The delicious combination of red peppers, tomato, and onion roasted to perfection offers a delightfully sweet and comforting taste.
28. Lucky Black-Eyed Pea Salad
Protein: 1g
Calories: 58 kcals
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: CrinkledCookBook
Bonus: spicy and tasty
This recipe is super easy, a little spicy, and full of fresh flavor. It’s delicious any time of year, but black-eyed peas are said to offer good luck when eaten on New Year’s Day.
29. Thai Pasta Salad
Protein: 5g
Calories: 159 kcals
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: BeyondTheChickenCoop
Bonus: filling and fantastic
This vegan pasta salad has a light oriental dressing and is filled with fresh bell peppers and cucumbers. This Thai salad is sure to become a new favorite.
30. Greek Chickpea Soup with Lemon
Protein: 13g
Calories: 350 kcals
Ready in: 45 minutes
Recipe by: SkinnySpatula
Bonus: protein-packed and cozy
This Greek chickpea soup with lemon is packed with vegetables and enhanced with Mediterranean flavors for a nutritious yet super tasty dinner.
The perfect warming comfort food for a cold winter’s night, revithia soup is naturally vegan and pairs well with some crusty bread.
31. Vegan Minestrone Soup
Protein: 9g
Calories: 210 kcals
Ready in: 45 minutes
Recipe by: CuisineAndTravel
Bonus: creamy and classic
This vegan minestrone soup is packed with healthy ingredients like celery, potatoes, tomatoes, beans, and spinach, simmered in Italian seasoned tomato broth.
It contains a variety of plant-based proteins, vitamins, and nutrients and is perfect for this cozy time of the year.
32. Sprouted Mung Bean Salad
Protein: 6g
Calories: 145 kcals
Ready in: 10 minutes
Recipe by: MinistryOfCurry
Bonus: exciting new ingredients
Delicious salad made with sprouted mung beans, diced tomatoes, cucumber, and onion, garnished with cilantro and lime juice.
Vegetarian low-calorie dinners
Enjoy this collection of low-calorie vegetarian dinners – watching your weight doesn’t have to taste boring (and once you’re done with these, why not explore our healthy vegetarian dinner recipes too!)!
33. Low Carb High Taste Zoodles
Bonus: leafy, creamy, and healthy
Low Carb High Taste Zoodles. Italian-style spiralized zucchini noodles are ready in just 15 minutes, excellent for a quick lunch or dinner.
34. Creamy Garlic Mushrooms
Bonus: easy, breezy
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.
Ingredients
- 9 oz mushrooms (white or brown)
- 1 small onion
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup cream (make it vegan with coconut cream)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp parsley, fresh (1 tbsp fresh = 1 tsp dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional:
- 1-2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (vegetarian) (great if you have it!)
Instructions
- Give the mushrooms a quick wash. Slice length-ways and add to a pan with olive oil on medium heat, frying for about five-six minutes.9 oz mushrooms, 1 tbsp olive oil
- Chop the onion and garlic and add to the pan. Fry for another five minutes or so, until soft.1 small onion, 1 clove garlic
- Add the cream, salt and pepper, parsley, soy and Worcestershire sauce.½ cup cream, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp parsley, fresh, Salt and pepper to taste, 1-2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (vegetarian)
- Bring to the boil, then reduce heat and simmer for another five minutes. Voilà!
NOTES
Nutrition
35. Spinach Tomato Quesadilla
Bonus: the perfect weeknight meal
Spinach Tomato Quesadillas. Easy to make and ready in 15 minutes max. It’s packed full of vitamins K and A, B2 and B6, C, calcium, and potassium. Incredible.
36. Cauliflower Steak with Red Pepper Sauce
Bonus: Low carb and super nutritious
After the perfect cauliflower steak? Try this simple & delicious roasted cauliflower steak with ricotta and pepper sauce!
37. Mexican Bean Stew
Bonus: comforting and full of protein
After a high protein, high fiber, low-calorie vegetarian dinner? Our Mexican bean stew is just the ticket! Try it now!
38. Low Calorie Beetroot Soup
Bonus: beautiful inside and out
Looking for a light but filling soup to warm your belly this winter? Try our beetroot soup, topped with crunchy chickpeas!
39. Asian-style Creamy Corn Soup
Bonus: fresh and full of nutritious corn
This speedy and roasted creamy corn soup is here to show the world just how much vegan food rocks. Why should vegans have all the fun?!
40. Meatless Chili Sin Carne
Bonus: you won’t miss the meat in this delicious meal
A great example of amazing vegan comfort food for those chilly days! This chili sin carne is warming and full of flavor.
41. Lentil Patties
Bonus: a quick and filling alternative to beef burgers
These awesome high-protein vegetarian lentil patties can be used as lentil burgers or fritters, and even made vegan, too!
42. Fabulous Flatbread Pizzas
Bonus: super quick and fab for lunch
This mega quick lunch recipe from ace chef Jansen Schouten is bound to please – it’s tasty, nutritious, and most importantly – a break from the norm!
43. Harira
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp
Bonus: could be a stew or a soup either way it’s delicious
Boost immunity with this nutritious Moroccan Harira soup. A tasty and warming lunch option made from hearty whole foods.
44. Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bake
Protein: 13g
Calories: 318 kcals
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: ChefSavvy
Bonus: cheesy and warm
Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bake. A healthier version of the Broccoli Rice Casserole we all love!
45. Matar Paneer
Protein: 14g
Calories: 326 kcals
Ready in: 40 minutes
Recipe by: RachnaCooks
Bonus: homemade goodness
Matar Paneer is a staple main course and a very popular recipe in North India. It is tasty in a nice homestyle way.
46. Vegetarian Mushroom Carbonara
Protein: 18g
Calories: 355 kcals
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: TheVegConnection
Bonus: meat-free perfection
Make classic Italian carbonara without any meat, but just as tasty! Mushroom carbonara is so satisfying and packed with savory flavor. Best of all, it’s simple and quick to make!
47. Lentil Curry with Butternut Squash
Protein: 6g
Calories: 191 kcals
Ready in: 45 minutes
Recipe by: TheVegConnection
Bonus: colourful and protein-packed
This wholesome vegan coconut lentil curry with piles of hearty butternut squash simmered in creamy coconut milk will become your favourite if you give it a try.
48. Sweet Corn & Zucchini Gnocchi Skillet
Protein: 9g
Calories: 295 kcals
Ready in: 35 minutes
Recipe by: TheGourmetRD
Bonus: bright and flavourful
The ultimate summer skillet with gnocchi, sweet corn, zucchini, and red bell pepper in a light creamy lime sauce.
49. Moroccan Couscous
Protein: 9g
Calories: 269 kcals
Ready in: 35 minutes
Recipe by: JackSlobodian
Bonus: a classic Moroccan dish
This Moroccan couscous recipe is super healthy and still packs a big punch of flavor. It’s quick and easy to make, using just one pot.
50. Vietnamese Noodle Bowls
Protein: 9g
Calories: 250 kcals
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: ChoosingChia
Bonus: pretty and tasty
These Vietnamese noodle bowls are loaded with rice noodles, lemongrass tofu, and salad for a simple, healthy, and delicious meal!
51. Zucchini Curry
Protein: 2g
Calories: 97 kcals
Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: FitMealIdeas
Bonus: smooth and spicy
Try this zucchini curry cooked in Indian style, a perfect weeknight meal that happens to be vegan, gluten-free, low in calories, and ready in under 30 minutes (and if you like that, you’ll love these vegan zucchini recipes!). It is a one-pot curry, creamy in texture, and goes well with Indian flatbread, naan, or rice.
52. 30-minute Stir Fry Vegetables
Protein: 19.2g
Calories: 351 kcals
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: ASimplePalate
Bonus: clean and classic
Stir fry vegetables in a delicious sweet and gingery sauce. Serve takeout at home in just 30 minutes with this delicious and easy dinner the whole family will love!
53. Vegan Sloppy Joes
Protein: 12g
Calories: 377 kcals
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: ChampagneTastes
Bonus: perfect for summer
These easy-to-make Vegan Sloppy Joes are filled with tomato sauce, chickpeas, and fresh veggies. They’re delicious, simple, and take about 20 minutes from start to finish.
54. Paneer Jalfrezi
Protein: 42g
Calories: 285 kcals
Ready in: 22 minutes
Recipe by: IndianAmbrosia
Bonus: fun and colourful
Paneer Jalfrezi is a colorful vegetarian stir fry made with cottage cheese, onions, tomatoes, green peppers, and powdered spices.
Vegetarian low-calorie sides
These side dishes are sure to go well with loads of your favourite meals: you can’t beat homemade baked beans!
55. Crowd-Pleasing Potato Gratin
Bonus: crispy, cheesy, and wonderful
Crowd-Pleasing Potato Gratin. 20-minute prep time, 40 minutes bake time, and always comes out great. Perfect for Christmas or Thanksgiving.
56. Goi Cuon – Vietnamese Spring Rolls
Bonus: light and fresh
Gỏi cuốn – these summer rolls are easy, authentic, and require absolutely no cooking. We’ve even included two simple but to-die-for sauces.
57. Vegetarian Baked Beans
Bonus: a classic for a reason
Vegetarian Baked Beans. Thick and full-flavoured with a moreish tang. Low in calories, ready in 15 minutes, and just as good as the ‘original’ from Heinz!
58. Garlicky Roasted Broccoli & Cauliflower
Bonus: yummy veg to have with any nut roast
Roasted broccoli and cauliflower florets coated with a savory mix of cheese, tomatoes, spices, and olive oil make this easy lunch or side dish you’ll love!
59. Irish Bombay Potatoes
Bonus: fluffy and crisp
Disbelieve that potatoes can be healthy and really tasty? I guarantee these curried potatoes are the best you’ll ever eat!
60. Grandma’s Creamy Cucumber Salad
Bonus: Traditional side dish great with a roast
A family favorite that has spanned generations. We’re sure you’ll love this fresh cucumber salad as much as we do!
Low-Calorie Vegetarian Meal FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Is vegetarian food low calorie?
Fresh fruit and vegetables are often low-calorie, low in fat, and high in fiber so they are a great way to add nutrients to your diet. However, it isn’t true that all vegetarian food is low in calories.
If a meal is highly processed, or high in refined carbs, sugar, or unhealthy fats such as with many kinds of cheese, then these foods would be considerably higher in calories.
Can you lose weight by not eating meat?
Yes, it is possible to lose weight by not eating meat.
If you’ve ever wondered how to lose weight on a vegetarian diet, Healthline agree that a vegetarian diet can be full of fiber and nutrients, however, this is only when people choose mostly whole foods.
Eating a lot of processed foods on a vegetarian diet would not be conducive to losing weight as they often have a lot more calories and unhealthy fats in them.
To help keep the calories down these meals are a healthy addition to any vegetarian meal plan (as are these vegetarian low calorie lunches that you should also check out!). But as I think you’ll agree, healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or tasteless!
The simple ingredients found in these easy vegetarian recipes are full of color and flavour but most importantly, they are packed with vital nutrients.
I hope you enjoyed this collection, let me know in the comments which recipe is your favourite?
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
Leave a comment below
4 comments
Love vegetarian but the breakfast steel cut oats had a lot of sugar…
Hi Deb! Yep there’s a fair bit of sugar in that one. Still under 400 kcals though and deffo filling 🙂
Thank you for this selection! \m/
Glad you like it! 🙂