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30+ Vegetarian Recipes For Beginners: 2023 Edition

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Are you a freshly-minted vegetarian, on the lookout for easy vegetarian recipes to try out? Has your well of best ideas to keep yourself fed on a plant-based diet run dry?

Are you a beginner cook, daunted by the wealth of complicated-looking recipes out there that just seem out of your reach?

Beginner vegetarian cooks! Reveal yourselves! (You rock!)

30+ Vegetarian Recipes For Beginners: 2023 Edition | Hurry The Food Up

I have vegetarian recipes that will keep even the most newbie cooks of you happy, recipes that are easy to put together, full of healthy ingredients, and do not need a background in nutritional science to translate.

Easy (and tasty!) recipes for those new to vegetarian cooking to enjoy – that’s the mandate. And boy, do I have some tasty AND easy vegetarian recipes for you or what?

I love my vegetarian recipes. They are a great way of getting my 5-a-day. Whether you are looking for a simple, delicious meal or a healthy vegetarian recipe for the next Meatless Monday, I got you covered.

I have quick vegetarian recipes for the whole family to enjoy!

Whether it is your first time cooking or you are a seasoned professional new to vegetarian cooking, I have plenty of delicious ideas to keep your taste buds happy.

If you are new to the wonderful world of vegetarianism and are stuck, unsure how to get going, I have an easy primer to get you going.

Now, on to my selection of vegetarian recipes for beginners!

Easy for beginners to master, not too much faff, and good for the whole family to enjoy – that’s a promise!

Veggie Breakfasts for Beginners

Easy Tomato Omelette

Check out the recipe here
4.74 from 41 votes
Protein: 17g
Calories: 254kcal
Ready in:10 minutes
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp

Bonus: a foolproof recipe that even a brand-new cook can master!

Mastering the art of the perfect omelet is a basic kitchen skill that shouldn’t be overlooked. This tomato omelet recipe provides you with step-by-step instructions for making a filling breakfast or simple supper that is cooked to perfection, every time.

Easy Vegetable Frittata

Check out the recipe here
5 from 1 vote
Protein: 30g
Calories: 376kcal
Ready in:28 minutes
Recipe by: Abril Macías

Bonus: what an easy and delicious way to break your fast!

This simple vegetable frittata is full of veggie goodness and packed with protein. Give it a go, we dare you!

Avocado Toast with Cottage Cheese

Check out the recipe here
4.91 from 11 votes
Protein: 17g
Calories: 352kcal
Ready in:5 minutes
Recipe by: Hauke

Bonus: the 5-minute breakfast you will be able to do in your sleep!

Avocado Toast with a creamy, cheesy twist! Cottage cheese is the perfect partner to the creamy avocado and makes for a tasty and healthy breakfast (check out these cottage cheese snacks for more ways to use this awesome ingredient).

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Yogurt Breakfast with Raspberry Compote

Check out the recipe here
4.60 from 5 votes
Protein: 22g
Calories: 324kcal
Ready in:18 minutes
Recipe by: Abril Macías

Bonus: a simple and satisfying way to start your day

Healthy and easy breakfast that you can make in a jiffy! Even when you’re feeling pressed for time, you will have healthy options to turn to.

Avocado Spinach Smoothie

Check out the recipe here
4.72 from 28 votes
Protein: 14g
Calories: 292kcal
Ready in:6 minutes
Recipe by: Dave

Bonus: dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, vegan, AND ready in 6 minutes!

Want a breakfast smoothie that will actually fill you up? Try our super-charged, protein-packed avocado spinach smoothie (and check out these vegetable smoothies if you enjoyed this one!)!

Healthy Huevo Rancheros

Check out the recipe here
5 from 8 votes
Protein: 16g
Calories: 360kcal
Ready in:15 minutes
Recipe by: Abril Macías

Bonus: quick and easy traditional Mexican breakfast

A simple and easy meal that will fill you up with all the good stuff and keep you full through to lunch, so you don’t have to snack between meals.

Kat’s Vegan Overnight Oats in a Jar

Check out the recipe here
4.86 from 21 votes
Protein: 17g
Calories: 400kcal
Ready in:5 minutes
Recipe by: Kat

Bonus: could anything be easier than a no-cook recipe?

What’s the next best thing to someone bringing you breakfast in bed? Collecting a ready-made breakfast from the fridge, obviously! This delicious, Vegan Overnight Oats in a Jar only takes a couple of minutes to throw together, then ‘cook’ themselves overnight.

The 2 Ingredient Banana Egg Pancakes

Check out the recipe here
4.57 from 519 votes
Protein: 12g
Calories: 241kcal
Ready in:10 minutes
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp

Bonus: banana + egg = pancake!

Seriously, a 2-ingredient pancake deserves the “World’s Easiest” crown and every vegetarian beginner cook should have it in their repertoire.

Veggie Lunches for Beginners

Chickpea Salad with Quinoa

Check out the recipe here
5 from 3 votes
Protein: 21g
Calories: 433kcal
Ready in:20 minutes
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp

Bonus: a winner of a recipe from just a handful of ingredients

When you need only 15-20 mins to put together a colorful, tasty, and healthy salad that you will keep going back for more, it has got to be a keeper, right?

Leek and Potato Soup

Check out the recipe here
No ratings yet
Protein: 16g
Calories: 473kcal
Ready in:30 minutes
Recipe by: Abril Macías

Bonus: delicious, warming, and ready in under 30 mins!

Tired of soups that leave you feeling hungry? Try our fiber and protein-packed leek and potato soup with white beans now!

High Fibre Avocado Citrus Salad with Feta

Check out the recipe here
5 from 3 votes
Protein: 15g
Calories: 384kcal
Ready in:10 minutes
Recipe by: Abril Macías

Bonus: the hardest part of this recipe is ensuring you got ripe avocado!

After something different for lunch? Try this avocado and citrus salad with feta – it’s sweet, and sour & packs a punch! And takes only 10 mins to put together!

Greek Pitas

Check out the recipe here
4.85 from 26 votes
Protein: 25g
Calories: 520kcal
Ready in:10 minutes
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp

Bonus: 10 mins recipe that every vegetarian beginner cook can rely on

High in vitamins A, C, and iron. Bursting with fresh tomatoes, this quick vegetarian recipe is perfect as a snack or healthy lunch (and if you like it, why not check out our low calorie vegetarian lunches here!).

Vegetarian Banh Mi

Check out the recipe here
5 from 1 vote
Protein: 20g
Calories: 432kcal
Ready in:30 minutes
Recipe by: Abril Macías

Bonus: delicious, high in protein, and really easy to make!

Need a tasty sandwich that’s healthy too? Try our vegetarian banh mi, light and healthy take on the Vietnamese classic!

Vegan Lettuce Wraps

Check out the recipe here
5 from 3 votes
Protein: 15g
Calories: 370kcal
Ready in:35 minutes
Recipe by: Abril Macías

Bonus: super fun DIY lunch or snack to enjoy with friends or family

Looking for a light lunch or snack? Try our vegan lettuce wraps, inspired by Korean ssam & filled with crispy tofu! Make it your own by adding your favorite toppings!

Lentil Tabbouleh

Check out the recipe here
5 from 4 votes
Protein: 19g
Calories: 460kcal
Ready in:20 minutes
Recipe by: Abril Macías

Bonus: classic Middle Eastern dish that’s healthy and involves minimal cooking

Looking for an easy tabbouleh recipe? Get a load of our lentil tabbouleh – a protein-packed take on the classic dish!

Watermelon and Feta Salad

Check out the recipe here
4.75 from 4 votes
Protein: 15g
Calories: 368kcal
Ready in:10 minutes
Recipe by: Cristina Parés & HurryTheFoodUp

Bonus: fruity and fresh salads that can be made in ten minutes are a must for lunch

This exceptionally quick and easy watermelon and feta salad is incredibly tasty – and we even include a guide to picking the right watermelon! Nothing stopping you from giving it a go right away, is there?

No ratings yet
Prep Time:10 minutes
Total Time:10 minutes
Servings:2 servings
Calories:368kcal
Author: Cristina Parés & HurryTheFoodUp

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cut the watermelon into small cubes. Give the arugula a good wash. Add both to a bowl.
    32 oz watermelon, 2 handfuls arugula
  • Crumble the feta cheese and add that, too.
    3 oz low fat feta cheese
  • In a separate bowl, mix the olive oil with the salt and pepper, add the lemon juice and zest and the chopped mint leaves.
    ½ lemon, 2 sprigs mint, fresh, 2 tsp olive oil, Salt and pepper to taste
  • Dress with the olive oil and herbs mix before serving.
  • Garnish with crumbled walnuts.
    1 handful walnuts

NOTES

Need more salads?! Check out the evergreen chickpea salad for an awesomely quick and tasty lunch, or this pear and mustard salad for one with a unique twist!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
30+ Vegetarian Recipes For Beginners: 2023 Edition
Amount per Serving
Calories
368
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
19
g
29
%
Saturated Fat
 
5
g
31
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
7
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
4
g
Cholesterol
 
23
mg
8
%
Sodium
 
972
mg
42
%
Potassium
 
687
mg
20
%
Carbohydrates
 
43
g
14
%
Fiber
 
4
g
17
%
Sugar
 
31
g
34
%
Protein
 
15
g
30
%
Vitamin A
 
3107
IU
62
%
Vitamin C
 
55
mg
67
%
Calcium
 
87
mg
9
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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The Ultimate Avocado Sandwich

Check out the recipe here
4.83 from 23 votes
Protein: 16g
Calories: 432kcal
Ready in:5 minutes
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp

Bonus: made from just six simple ingredients

It’s time to make the humble lunchtime cheese sandwich something to be proud of again!

Veggie Dinners for Beginners

Tomato Mozzarella Bread

Check out the recipe here
4.43 from 7 votes
Protein: 23g
Calories: 353kcal
Ready in:10 minutes
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp

Bonus: super simple, 5-minute recipe for those lazy summer evenings

Tomato Mozzarella Bread. Easy to make Italian tomato and mozzarella bread. High in calcium and Mediterranean flair. Proof that vegetarian dinners can be easy AND delicious.

Vegan Broccoli Casserole

Check out the recipe here
5 from 3 votes
Protein: 14g
Calories: 463kcal
Ready in:35 minutes
Recipe by: Abril Macías

Bonus: cheesy and easy weeknight dinners are here!

Looking for healthy comfort food options? This vegan broccoli casserole is hearty, filling & surprisingly light! One of our best vegetarian meals ! Try it now!

Sweet Potato Tacos

Check out the recipe here
5 from 1 vote
Protein: 16g
Calories: 598kcal
Ready in:25 minutes
Recipe by: Abril Macías

Bonus: light, healthy, and quick to whip up

Tender sweet potatoes and warm tortillas come together to give taco night a healthy twist! Don’t let the ingredient list scare you – these bad boys can be whipped up oh so easily!

Chickpea Spinach Salad

Check out the recipe here
4.62 from 172 votes
Protein: 23g
Calories: 579kcal
Ready in:7 minutes
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp

Bonus: a high protein, high fiber meal ready in 7 minutes!

The PR person of the salad world, eating this salad once is enough to turn salad-haters into fans and to open up a whole new world of flavourful, filling salad possibilities.

Dragon Noodles

Check out the recipe here
4.75 from 12 votes
Protein: 13g
Calories: 575kcal
Ready in:20 minutes
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp

Bonus: easy vegetarian meal loaded with delicious chili and ginger

Love spice? Love noodles? Love to not slave over a hot stove? How about all these things in one healthy package? Try our delicious spicy dragon noodles now!

Bean and Pasta Vegetarian Casserole

Check out the recipe here
4.69 from 16 votes
Protein: 23g
Calories: 483kcal
Ready in:40 minutes
Recipe by: Abril Macias

Bonus: the perfect comfort food for those cold nights

A dump-and-bake dish that will please everyone, this bean and pasta vegetarian casserole makes a perfectly healthy dinner.

High-protein Burrito Bowl

Check out the recipe here
5 from 3 votes
Protein: 28g
Calories: 547kcal
Ready in:30 minutes
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp

Bonus: want to seem like a seasoned chef with minimal effort? Stop scrolling!

Egg-free, gluten-free, and ready in 20 minutes, this meal is one you can just throw together with minimal effort.

Vegan Chickpea Curry

Check out the recipe here
4.77 from 193 votes
Protein: 13g
Calories: 465kcal
Ready in:25 minutes
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp

Bonus: a 5-star recipe for all the noobs out there!

Our awesome vegan take on the insanely popular dish. Ridiculously tasty and nutritious – just look at all that protein, fiber, and iron.

Chickpea Wraps

Check out the recipe here
4.85 from 32 votes
Protein: 13g
Calories: 428kcal
Ready in:30 minutes
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp

Bonus: really quick and easy to make

Wrap and roll, baby! These are really easy to make, super tasty, and oh-so-satisfying. We’ll even show you how to roll them properly!

Veggie Snacks

Easy Sweetcorn Fritters

Check out the recipe here
4.76 from 33 votes
Protein: 12g
Calories: 237kcal
Ready in:20 minutes

Bonus: channel your inner Ina Garten with a fraction of effort!

Sweetcorn fritters can be made for any weeknight tea with the family. Served as a main or side dish, they’re so yummy!

High Society Cucumber Sandwiches with Cream Cheese

Check out the recipe here
4.73 from 61 votes
Protein: 7g
Calories: 307kcal
Ready in:5 minutes
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp

Bonus: posh sandwiches made easy!

The ultimate guide to cucumber sandwiches. Know the traps to avoid and the tricks to making the best cucumber sandwiches available in polite society.

Easy Nachos with Tangy Guacamole

Check out the recipe here
4.88 from 8 votes
Protein: 5g
Calories: 442kcal
Ready in:10 minutes
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp

Bonus: a super simple dish that won’t let you down

Tangy and tasty guacamole with crispy nachos that are healthy, vegan, and very easy to make. High in good fats, fiber, vitamin C, and iron. 10 minutes.

½ Cup Low Fat Yogurt with Dried Fruits

Check out the recipe here
No ratings yet
Protein: 7g
Calories: 148kcal

Bonus: zero cooking necessary!

A dollop of cool, creamy yogurt, a sprinkling of your favorite dried fruits, a garnish of some nuts and toasted seeds, and hey presto! One happy belly!

⚡️ Unlock 6 more meals for sporty people 💪🏽

The following recipes are the upgraded high-protein versions of our meals 😎

You lift weights, do sports and you need more calories? 

These locked recipes are upgraded versions of the recipes we have available on the blog: that means all of them are between 500-700kcal and contain at least 24g+ protein, many a lot more. 

To unlock them create a free account.

You’ll also get our free vegetarian 7-Day High Protein Meal Plan and our weekly veggie newsletter (from which you can unsubscribe whenever you want).

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Questions That Need Answers

How do you plan a vegetarian menu?

By referring to websites like ours! 😉

Seriously though, a good vegetarian menu contains plenty of leafy greens, fresh vegetables, fresh herbs, lentils & beans, and plenty of flavorful sauces to add some pizzazz. Like our buddha bowls, which are so delicious you will not miss the meat and are so simple to put together.

Here’s a two-day menu plan to get you started. If this whets your appetite (heh!), take a look around the rest of our website, where we have plenty of menu ideas.

What is the easiest vegetarian recipe for a beginner to follow?

I’d say, vegetarian fried rice. And I will tell you why it is the easiest – you make it with leftovers. Cut up your favorite vegetables, toss in some scrambled eggs, maybe some canned black beans for added body and it is the easiest stir fry in the world.

If you are looking for more, check out this collection.

I am a meat eater and want to transition to a vegetarian diet. How can I do this?

My wonderful colleague, HTFU’s very own Hauke, has written the definitive guide to going vegetarian. It is a veritable masterclass in all this vegetarian full of the whys and wherefores of becoming vegetarian, as well as helpful tips and the pitfalls to be avoided.

From there, you can browse through our site to select your favorite vegetarian meals to try out and enjoy.

Just remember to be open to trying new things!

Can vegetarians eat eggs and dairy?

Yes, and they are known as lacto-ovo-vegetarians. Plant-based meals form the bulk of their diet and they get the added nutrients from eggs, milk, yogurt, cream and cheese, and other dairy products.

As a vegetarian, my favorite vegetarian recipes are meatless recipes. If you are struggling to come up with ideas for tasty meals cos you are on a budget, I have some good news for you! We also have put together a handy compilation easy for students or if you are looking for cheap vegetarian meals.

So there you go! A quick and easy collection of vegetarian recipes for beginners to try and master (and if you like these, why not move on to our healthy vegetarian snack ideas – also easy to make and delicious!). Give them a test drive and come back here and tell me all about it!

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