75+ Vegetarian Dinner Recipes

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These easy vegetarian dinner recipes are perfect for your meat-less Monday night. Vegetarian meals go beyond just salads and vegetables. You’ll find complete meals that make delicious vegetarian weeknight dinners for the whole family. Whether you’re craving burgers, hearty chilis, tacos, or nutritious pasta dishes, this roundup features the best vegetarian recipes that are wholesome, satisfying, and oh-so-good!

A generous notion for a balanced healthy lifestyle is to enjoy a couple of meat-free meals each week. Vegetarian dinner recipes are a great way to support your family’s well-balanced diet because they are low in saturated fat and less processed than a lot of meat dishes. Plus, you can easily turn them into freezer meals for a quick and easy way to enjoy vegetarian dishes more often. Below, you’ll find 77 of my favorite vegetarian dinner recipes and a few desserts that are popular on our weekly meal rotation and will certainly satisfy any hungry eater. All simple and easy to make, they are hearty and healthy and will be loved by the whole family.

What is Vegetarian Food?

Vegetarian food consists of plants such as grains, vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, and legumes. It eliminates meats like beef, pork, poultry, and seafood. Vegetarians can and do consume some dairy products, eggs, and even seafood, depending on one’s preference, but it is common to exclude these products from this diet as well. 

With that being said, vegetarian food is full of delicious, wholesome, flavor-packed recipes. They’re healthy meals that the entire family will love, even the meat eaters!

Tips for Making Vegetarian Dinner Recipes

1. Wash your vegetables well before chopping them. Some vegetables, especially root vegetables, will have loose dirt on them. Rinsing vegetables will clean away any bacteria.
2. Canned beans should be rinsed and drained. Canned beans are often quite salty and can also taste metallic, so it’s best to run them under cold running water before using them.
3. Choose freezer-friendly dishes. Recipes like chili and burgers can easily be frozen, so all you need to do is thaw and heat through to serve. Perfect for dinner after a busy day.
4. Stock your kitchen with food. Vegetarian cooking is made more accessible by stocking the pantry and the freezer and organizing your refrigerator. You’ll find this helps prepare healthy meals with access to everything you need.
5. Customize it. It’s easy to make vegetarian dinners unique to your tastes. Swap the beans and veggies to match whatever you have on hand.

How to Plan a Balanced Vegetarian Meal

1. Emphasize plant-based protein. You can easily get your protein from sources other than meats. Some excellent protein-rich foods that contribute towards satisfying vegetarian dishes are legumes like chickpeas and beans, lentils, nuts, and tofu.
2. Don’t just stick to one vegetable. Fill your plate with a variety of colorful and seasonal vegetables. Include leafy greens, cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower, bell peppers, and more! Eat the rainbow for a wide range of vitamins and minerals.
3. Bulk it up with grains and pasta. Your vegetarian dinner shouldn’t just include vegetables. Incorporate lots of healthy grains like quinoa, bulgur, brown rice, and farro into your meals to add nutrition and satiety.
4. Instantly add flavor with seasonings. Go beyond salt and pepper and use herbs and spices to enhance your vegetarian meals. Add homemade seasoning blends like 7 spice and ranch seasoning to your meals, or if you want a little heat, try Cajun seasoning.
5. Don’t forget the garnish. It’s easy to elevate even the best vegetarian recipes with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil. It’s a simple garnish that offers a refreshing and aromatic finish to your meal.

Best Vegetarian Dinner Recipes

This list of vegetarian dishes highlights some of my family’s favorites and my readers, too. From easy vegetarian weeknight dinners like soups and burgers to pasta, casseroles, and Lebanese recipes, you’ll find a variety of wholesome, nutritious vegetarian dishes to satisfy even the pickiest meat eaters. I also share a few dessert recipes to enjoy afterward.

Vegetarian Soups, Chilis, and Stews

• Vegetarian Black Bean Chili – Hearty and filling, this perfectly spiced black bean chili with quinoa is a meatless wonder and an excellent addition to your collection of vegetarian main meals! This bean chili is delicious and full of flavor, oh, and healthy, too!
• Zucchini Orzo Soup – This bright and flavorful soup recipe is full of veggies, including zucchini, carrots, and tomatoes. It’s made with all vegetarian ingredients – perfect for a weeknight meal.
• Vegetarian Lemon Rice Soup – A bright and comforting soup loaded with veggies and rice for a quick and nutritious recipe. This zesty delight brings together all your favorite fresh flavors for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
• Sweet Potato Soup – Warm and full of flavor, this soup is made with sweet potatoes, creamy coconut milk, and wonderfully aromatic with ginger and curry. It’s a must-add to your collection of the best vegetarian recipes.
• Roasted Red Pepper Soup – Snuggle up with this tomato and roasted red pepper creamy soup. It’ll warm your belly, be a total crowd-pleaser, and is one of my favorite vegetarian dishes.
• Cassava Stew (Yabeh) – Spicy tomato broth, chunky sweet potatoes and cassava root, and the best West African flavors make up this hearty vegetarian stew. It’s an incredibly flavorful and aromatic soup that takes humble ingredients to new heights.
• Wild Rice Mushroom Soup – Warming, earthy, and hearty, this mushroom soup is simple to make and comes together in one pot. Serve with French bread rolls for the ultimate comfort food dinner.
• Chickpea Noodle Soup – Inspired by the chicken noodle soup, this vegetarian version has similar ingredients but uses plant-based protein powerhouse chickpeas instead of chicken. Hearty, healthy, and oh-so-good!
• Mediterranean White Bean Soup – If you’re looking for vegetarian main meals that will fill you up, give you energy, and promise delicious leftovers, white bean soup checks off all those boxes and more!
• Vegetarian Minestrone Soup – This Italian inspired soup has a whopping 19 grams of protein per serving, making it a satisfying meal. Plus, it’s made with simple pantry ingredients and hearty veggies.

Vegetarian Salads

• Southwest Quinoa Salad – This nutritious and flavorful salad is at the top of the list of the best vegetarian recipes. Loaded with fresh, zingy, and healthy ingredients, this vegan southwest quinoa salad is all kinds of delicious.
• Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad – Made rich with colors, flavors, and nutrition, this butternut squash recipe is a delicious seasonal vegetarian dinner.
• Quinoa Avocado Salad – Made with simple ingredients and tossed in a tangy dressing, this protein-packed salad is flavorful yet incredibly light. Take your meal planning to a whole new level by adding this salad to your list of vegetarian dinner ideas.
• Chickpea Salad – Loaded with healthy ingredients, including cucumbers, tomatoes, avocado, red onions, and olives and dressed in a simple lemon dressing, this chickpea salad is always a good choice.
• Lentil Salad – Hearty salads like this one make for one of the best vegetarian weeknight dinners. They are made with healthy ingredients and are perfect for meal prep as the ingredients keep well.
• Lebanese Cabbage Salad – This simple salad is quick and easy to make and vibrant and fresh. Dressed in a tangy lemon and olive oil dressing, it’s a perfect side to accompany vegetarian main meals.
• Fresh Garden Salad – A basic green salad to accompany your main course is always welcomed. This garden salad features romaine lettuce, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions all tossed in a basic vinaigrette.
• Bulgur Chickpea Salad – Soaked bulgur wheat is tossed with fresh veggies and chickpeas in a zesty dressing. Quick and easy to make, this no-cook salad is surprisingly hearty and satisfying.

Vegetarian Side Dishes

• Whole Roasted Cauliflower – Rich, buttery, and oh-so-delightful, this is the perfect side dish to accompany all your vegetarian weeknight dinners. You’ll need just a few ingredients to make this garlic butter-crusted cauliflower and it’s ready to be served!
• Mushroom & Peas Risotto – Skip the labor and enjoy the simplicity of this quick method of making a creamy risotto. With earthy mushrooms, sweet peas, and velvety texture, this risotto will bring gourmet to your vegetarian dinner.
• Vegan Macaroni Salad – Grill up some veggie burgers and pair them with a classic creamy vegan mayo macaroni salad for one of the easiest vegetarian weeknight dinners. It’s a mouthwatering side dish with all the comforting flavors.
• Green Bean Casserole – Scratch-made mushroom soup is delicate and savory, tossed with crisp green beans and a crunchy panko topping. If you prefer, replace the dairy milk with unsweetened non-dairy.
• Baked Beans – These are so easy to make and have the best sweet, rich flavor. Baked beans are the perfect side dish for a cookout or to pair with one of our easy vegetarian main meals like a veggie burger.
• Potato Cauliflower Bake – Take your side dish game to the next level with this comforting bake. This cauliflower dish is a crowd favorite, perfect as a weeknight dinner to accompany other vegetarian dishes.
• Tomato Rice Pilaf – Serve as a side dish or bulk it up with chickpeas or baked tofu to make a well-balanced vegetarian dinner. This versatile side dish offers savory flavors with the richness of tomato and fragrant rice.
• Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice – Low carb and bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors, cauliflower rice is the perfect accompaniment to so many meals. And the best part is that it comes together in under 10 minutes.
• Air Fryer Potatoes – These taters are healthier than the traditional fried wedges and comes with the perfect texture – crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle. These potato bites are ready to be served with vegetarian main meals for a tasty dinner.
• Lemon Rice – Bursting with lemony flavor, you can pair this vegetarian side dish with any roasted air fryer vegetables and baked sweet potatoes for a complete vegetarian dinner.

Vegetarian Dinner Ideas with Pasta

• Pasta with Peas – This pasta is so easy to make and bursts with fresh and vibrant flavors. You’ll have a delicious dinner on the table quickly and effortlessly, making it a go-to option for busy nights when you crave a simple but satisfying vegetarian meal.
• Vegan Pumpkin Pasta – A savory fall-inspired pumpkin recipe made with a dairy-free sauce that is full of nutrients and vitamins. This seasonal pasta dish is a delightful balance of sweet and savory that’s wholesome and comforting.
• Eggplant Pasta Casserole – Enjoy this cheesy vegetarian casserole with extra veggies for a variety of textures, nutrition, and flavor the whole family will love! Use vegetarian-friendly cheese alternatives to fit your diet.
• Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta – This pasta recipe is made with only 6 ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s vegan, simple-to-make, and customizable with any protein for an easy meatless weeknight meal.
• Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes – A simple pasta dish with added plant-based protein tops the list when it comes to easy vegetarian main meals. Like this pasta dish. Blistered cherry tomatoes are the star of the show and perfectly delicious with tofu.
• Creamy Vegan Cashew Tomato Pasta – If you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, then this silky cashew pasta sauce is sure to please. You’ll love the velvety richness of this vegan dish that transforms a simple dinner into a gourmet experience.
• Hummus Pasta – If you’re anything like me, you know that hummus only enhances your favorite foods. That’s what happens in this pasta dish. It creates a velvety smooth, creamy finish with an added boost of protein and will easily be one of the best vegetarian recipes you’ll ever make!
• Lemon Pasta – Ready to serve in 20 minutes, this fresh and vibrant pasta dish is quick to make and calls for just a handful of ingredients. Grab your lemons, garlic, and a box of spaghetti, and get ready to be dazzled with this wonder.
• Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta – Loaded with protein, this 5-ingredient pasta is creamy, simple to make, and full of flavor. It’s a must-try on your repertoire of delicious vegetarian dishes.

Vegetarian Power Bowls

• Quinoa Buddha Bowl – This Buddha Bowl is filled with nourishing roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa, kale, crispy chickpeas, creamy avocado, and a tangy tahini dressing! You’ll love the variety of textures and flavors in this easy vegetarian meal!
• Mediterranean Hummus Bowl – These delicious hummus bowls are a great healthy dinner option made with fresh and vibrant ingredients. Easy and quick to make, these bowls are vegetarian and gluten-free.
• Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl – Chickpea gyro bites are served with lettuce, pita, bell peppers, and creamy tzatziki for one yummy meat-free recipe that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.
• Vegetarian Gyro Bowl – If you’re looking for vegetarian weeknight dinners that are satisfying and delicious, this gyro bowl is the answer. Full of superfoods and roasted veggies, this simple veggie bowl is packed with nutrients, fiber, and protein!
• Farro Grain Bowl – Easy to make, these healthy grain bowls are made with farro, butternut squash (feel free to swap with roasted sweet potatoes), beets, and tossed with a delicious balsamic vinaigrette.
• Vegetarian Burrito Bowl – With layers of fresh and vibrant ingredients, this burrito bowl is a hearty and meatless meal that will satisfy and nourish you well. Ditch the tortilla and dig in with your fork!
• Oven Roasted Chickpea Shawarma – Take your weeknight dinner to a new level with this delicious plant-based meal. Cauliflower and other veggies roast with chickpeas on a sheet pan and then load up in a power bowl for an easy weeknight vegetarian dinner.

Vegetarian Main Meals

• Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie – Make this classic comfort food hearty with mushrooms and quinoa instead of meat smothered in a rich gravy and topped with creamy potatoes. You’ll love this plant-based twist that promises a deliciously satisfying meal.
• Red Lentil Curry – Aromatic Indian spices in a savory tomato broth with red lentils are wholesome and full of some serious flavor. Rich spices and hearty lentils come together for a satisfying dish bursting with Indian flavors.
• Quinoa Stuffed Zucchini Boats – Full of color, flavor, and texture, this recipe has 10 grams of protein per serving and is easy to customize with leftover quinoa and whatever veggies you have on hand.
• Vegan Meatballs – Add these meatless meatballs to your repertoire of easy vegetarian weeknight dinners. Serve them over your favorite pasta for a fuss-free meatless dinner that’s sure to please.
• Ratatouille – A wonderfully light and fresh dish loaded with color and nutrient-dense veggies for a one-pot meal. Savor the vibrant flavors of this classic French masterpiece that’s made in one pot.
• Quinoa Stuffed Peppers – If you’re on the hunt for vegetarian dinner ideas that satisfy, these stuffed peppers are your answer. We loaded these peppers with plant-based protein for a hearty, healthy, delicious vegetarian meal.
• Eggplant Lasagna – Meat-free, low-carb, and absolutely delicious, this lasagna recipe is a tasty dinner loaded with flavor. It’s one of my favorite vegetarian main meals because it takes a classic recipe and turns it into a meatless delight.
• Cauliflower Curry – Easy to make and richly flavored, this curry is a well-balanced meal that’s perfect for the whole family. It’s an easy and healthy vegetarian idea that’s comforting and oh-so-good.
• Lentil Shepherd’s Pie – Serve this when you really want to take your vegetarian weeknight dinners to new heights. It’s made hearty with lentils, veggies, and spices, and like the classic, topped with mashed potatoes.

Vegetarian Lebanese Dinner Recipes

• Lebanese Mujadara – Try new flavors with this Middle Eastern lentil and rice recipe. With just 3 ingredients, including onions, brown lentils, and white rice you have a protein-rich meal that’s finger-licking good.
• Lebanese Spinach Stew – Wholesome, well-balanced, and perfect for feeding a family, this spinach stew with chickpeas is a hearty vegetarian Lebanese recipe full of rich flavor. It’s one of my favorite vegetarian main meals, and will become yours too!
• Vegetarian Stuffed Grape Leaves – This recipe is full of Lebanese flavor with rice and vegetables rolled in brined grape leaves. The perfect blend of delicious texture and aromatic flavors lets you celebrate Lebanese cuisine without leaving your home.
• Mujadara Hamra – This is a delicious and hearty Lebanese dish that features caramelized onions, lentils, bulgur, and warming spices to create a rich and savory flavor. Serve mujadara hamra with other vegetarian dishes for a well-rounded meal.
• Lebanese Crushed Lentil Soup – Just 30 minutes, and you can cozy up to an authentic, healthy Lebanese comfort food where each spoonful delivers a burst of flavor like a comforting hug.
• Mediterranean Pita Pockets – Perfectly roasted cauliflower is nestled into a pita pocket with fresh tomatoes, crisp romaine, and a drizzle of tahini. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this pita sandwich makes for a delicious and healthy meal for the whole family.
• Pasta in Yogurt Sauce – This is known as Lebanese spaghetti, and it’s simple to make, amazingly flavorful, and a total crowd-pleaser. Top with toasted pine nuts and fresh herbs for the most delectable pasta side.
• Lebanese Rice – The best vegetarian recipes are often the most simplest in form. Take this Lebanese rice. It’s a rice pilaf made of just 3 ingredients: long grain white rice, vermicelli noodles, and olive oil, and yet results in the most delicious comfort food.

Vegetarian Burgers, Tacos, and Sandwiches

• Quinoa Burger – Satisfy your burger cravings with this meatless option. Even meat-lovers will crave this loaded plant-based quinoa and black bean burger as a meatless option. It holds up great on the grill, too!
• Salsa Black Bean Burger – For being one of the simplest vegetarian dinner ideas, this burger has it all. Flavor, simplicity, and a protein punch. This is a great meat-free burger alternative that checks off all the boxes.
• Chickpea Burger – Filled with delicious Mediterranean flavor, this vegetarian meat-free burger is so simple and easy to make. Nestle it between your favorite hamburger buns and top with all your favorite fixings.
• Tofu Tacos – Seasoned tofu is served in tortillas with a fresh and zesty cabbage slaw and ready to serve in less than 20 minutes. These street-style tacos are irresistibly delicious and will become one of the best vegetarian recipes you’ll ever taste.
• Tempeh Tacos – Full of flavor and quick to make, these tempeh tacos are a delicious meat-free alternative. Load them with your favorite toppings for a vegan taco that the whole family will love.
• Walnut Tacos – Walnuts are seasoned and cooked as a great alternative to ground beef. Quick and easy to make, these walnut tacos are a delicious and filling meatless recipe!
• White Bean Avocado Sandwich – This vegan sandwich is packed with protein, nutrients, and flavor. The heartiness from the white beans and avocados will keep you feeling full, while the fresh arugula adds a welcoming peppery flavor.
• Veggie and Hummus Sandwich – If you are looking for super quick vegetarian dinner ideas, this sandwich is an excellent choice. It makes a quick weeknight dinner but also a great option to pack to work the next day.

Vegetarian Dessert Recipes

• Banana Nice Cream – Take humble bananas and transform them into a creamy chilled dessert that will perfectly satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. This dairy-free ice cream comes in four different ways.
• Chocolate Peppermint Mousse – Make sure you include this in your repertoire of the best vegetarian recipes. Only 3 ingredients for a wonderfully decadent vegetarian dessert recipe. You’ll swoon over every bite of this mint-infused chocolatey goodness.
• Bite-size Pumpkin Pies – These mini pies are filled with the best pumpkin filling, perfect for a holiday dessert after savoring all the tasty vegetarian dishes.
• Oatmeal Apple Cookies – Rich molasses, brown sugar, and fresh apples come together for a sweet and soft oatmeal cookie you’ll want to make again and again. These soft oatmeal cookies promise a wholesome treat that everyone can enjoy.
• Lemon Bars – These vegan lemon bars are bright, creamy, and delicious, made with a walnut oatmeal crust. You’ll feel like you’re biting into sunshine with this delightful treat that strikes the perfect balance of tart and sweetness.
• Flourless Chocolate Chip Cookies – Made in one bowl, these gluten-free and dairy-free cookies have a perfectly delicious taste and guarantee to satisfy any sweet tooth.
• Chocolate Coconut Balls – When you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, let these no-bake chocolate balls take care of that for you. Think of these like classic Mounds bars but healthier and made with better-for-you ingredients.
• No Bake Cookie Dough Bars – These bars are vegan, made without refined sugar, and a must on your list of best vegetarian recipes. They’re chewy, indulgent, and take only 15 minutes to put together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Take your dinners back with a plethora of meatless meals that will nourish and satisfy you. These vegetarian dinner ideas will get you on track to eating healthily without the loss of tasty meals the family loves. There are so many ways to enjoy vegetarian dinners, from comforting pasta recipes to meat-free burger alternatives, hearty soups and stews, tacos, and so much more.

Full List of Recipes

Check out the picture cards for all the recipes listed above. You can click on any of the recipe cards to take you directly to those recipes.

For more similar roundups of recipes, be sure to check out: Best Lebanese Recipes, Healthy Recipes with Canned Beans, Date Night Dinner Ideas, and Popular Viral Recipes.

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