From wholesome lunch options that are satisfying and nutritious to flavorful dinner creations that make meatless meals a true delight. Embrace the simplicity of these recipes with easy–to–find ingredients, ensuring that every meal you prepare is a breeze and a joy. Browse through this list, and take your pick: these wholesome recipes will fulfill and nourish you and add extra color to your meal. For many more dinner ideas, check out our mains category page. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and refreshing flavors, this salad is a plant-based choice and a quick solution (20 minutes!) for lunch and dinner.
2. Mushroom tofu
Mushroom tofu fillets offer a savory and satisfying vegetarian twist, providing a hearty texture reminiscent of chicken. Infused with earthy mushroom flavors and the delicate richness of tofu, these fillets make a delectable and versatile meat-free alternative. Whether grilled or sautéed, this tofu recipe delivers a delicious and protein-packed option for all eaters.
3. Lentil loaf
Lentil loaf with egg and Parmesan cheese offers a flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional meatloaf. Combining hearty lentils, eggs, and Parmesan creates a satisfying vegetarian alternative rich in protein and umami notes. All in all, this lentil loaf is a hearty and satisfying centerpiece for any meatless meal.
4. Chickpea curry
Chickpea curry is a vegetarian one–pot dinner, marrying the rich flavors of chickpeas with aromatic spices and a luscious tomato-based sauce. This hearty dish offers a protein–packed alternative that’s easy to prepare and savory goodness. Serve it with steamed rice or warm naan for a truly comforting dining experience.
5. Black bean soup
Next on our list is a comforting bowl of black bean soup, which works well as a wholesome vegetarian dinner option. With this bean soup, you can enjoy the rich flavors of black beans with a dollop of cool sour cream and the creamy goodness of sliced avocado. This 20–minute salad combines crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a zesty dressing for a refreshing and convenient lunch or dinner.
7. Orzo salad
Try a Mediterranean vegetarian salad with this delightful orzo salad featuring vibrant fresh vegetables and crumbled feta. This lunch box idea offers a blend of chewy orzo pasta, crisp cucumbers, and nutty chickpeas, a satisfying meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
8. Zucchini fritters with marinara dip
Try a vegetarian appetizer with crispy zucchini fritters seasoned and pan-fried to golden perfection. Served alongside a tangy marinara sauce, each bite offers a satisfying crunch, making it a wholesome and irresistible treat for any occasion.
9. Eggplant parmigiana
Eggplant Parmigiana is a beloved vegetarian classic in our home, perfect for an Italian Sunday lunch or dinner. We roast thinly sliced eggplant, bathe them in rich tomato sauce, and top with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. With its crispy exterior and gooey cheese interlaced with tender eggplant, it’s no wonder this dish is cherished worldwide. The crispy chickpea patties provide a flavorful crunch, and they make an excellent Middle Eastern meal when complemented by lettuce and smooth hummus.
11. Tofu curry
If you are new to tofu as a vegetarian protein source, this creamy curry is an excellent way to test it. We start with firm tofu bathed in a luscious blend of aromatic spices and coconut milk, and it all simmers for 30 minutes. This curry is fantastic for busy evenings when you crave a flavorful, plant–based meal without sacrificing taste or time.
12. Curry lentil soup
Curry lentil soup is a flavorful and protein–packed vegetarian meal that blends the earthy goodness of lentils and aromatic spices. This hearty soup satisfies the taste buds with its vibrant curry flavors but also offers a wholesome source of plant–based protein, a comforting choice for a meatless meal.
13. Tofu soup
This Asian–inspired tofu soup offers a delicious blend of tofu, fresh vegetables, and an aromatic broth. Our tofu soup is ready in less than 30 minutes and makes a nourishing vegetarian meal. If you love notes of soy, ginger, and subtle hints of chili, this soup is perfect.
14. Easy creamy pasta salad
Next on our list is a vegetarian creamy pasta salad featuring a luscious dressing made with egg–free mayonnaise and yogurt. Adding white beans enhances the protein content and adds a delightful texture to this lunchbox-friendly dish.
15. Lentil curry
Creamy lentil curry is a wholesome vegetarian dinner option and a reader favorite on our blog. The velvety texture of coconut milk blends seamlessly with hearty lentils and makes a rich and satisfying dish. It’s packed with protein and aromatic spices and offers an Indian-inspired journey for your taste buds (and a truly satisfying meatless meal). We drizzle with a zesty mustard dressing that adds flavor and upgrades this wholesome salad to a delicious midday meal. Packed with protein and vibrant colors, it’s a guilt-free choice that brings taste and health to your lunch table.
17. Tuscan white bean soup
Tuscan white bean soup is a hearty one-pot delight with creamy cannellini beans and vibrant vegetables like tomatoes, kale, and carrots. Simmered in a fragrant broth infused with garlic and Italian herbs, this vegetarian soup delivers a comforting dinner with the rustic flavors of Tuscany. Perfect for a cozy evening, it’s a plant-based option that satisfies the palate and the soul.
18. Black bean salad
Black bean salad with roasted sweet potato is a delicious vegetarian meal prep option. The hearty black beans provide protein and fiber, while the caramelized sweetness of the sweet potatoes adds a satisfying contrast. Drizzled with cilantro lime dressing, this colorful dish promises a delicious and wholesome dining experience throughout the week.
19. Sweet potato gnocchi
Homemade sweet potato gnocchi is a quick and easy recipe ready in just 30 minutes. These pillowy dumplings boast a perfect balance of sweetness and earthiness, making them an ideal choice for a satisfying vegetarian dinner. Toss them with sage, butter sauce, and freshly grated Parmesan for a restaurant–worthy dinner.
20. Roasted red pepper pasta
Creamy red pepper pasta is a weeknight-friendly vegetarian dish ready in just 20 minutes. Charred red peppers blend with almonds, creating a luscious base for a veggie–packed, protein-rich meal. Try this pasta for a meat–free alternative that satisfies both taste buds and time constraints. Each bite offers a blend of flavors with sweet notes of butternut squash complementing the richness of lentils, walnuts, and mushrooms.
22. Broccoli pasta
We highly recommend this creamy broccoli pasta featuring perfectly cooked orecchiette for a quick vegetarian dinner. The al dente pasta cradles vibrant green mashed broccoli sprinkled with Parmesan. It’s excellent for a last-minute dinner that kids and picky adults will love.
23. Vegetarian bell peppers
These vegetarian stuffed bell peppers boast a wholesome blend of lentils and fluffy rice, making a nutritious and satisfying meal. We recommend serving these stuffed bell peppers with caramelized onions and a dollop of our yogurt tahini sauce. The toppings make these peppers a simple yet sophisticated meal that will please all eaters.
24. Tomato risotto
Tomato risotto is a comforting Italian dinner with creamy Arborio rice infused with the vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes. The dish blends rich, savory notes complemented by a creamy texture for a perfect vegetarian meal. Garnish your risotto with fresh basil and grated Parmesan, and enjoy the wonders of Italian simplicity.
25. Mushroom Alfredo
Mushroom Alfredo offers a twist to classic Alfredo pasta, with earthy mushrooms adding a rich depth to the creamy sauce. We combine the goodness of sautéed mushrooms with a luscious Alfredo sauce to make a comforting pasta dish. It’s a flavorful, meat–free alternative that satisfies both taste buds and cravings – and is ready in 30 minutes. You can also prepare this in an air fryer for a crispier twist while retaining a delightful, moist interior. TIP: crispy tofu pairs well with peanut sauce, barbecue sauce, and tahini sauce.
27. Carrot ginger soup
Try a comforting vegetarian dinner with a bowl of rich and velvety carrot ginger soup, where the natural sweetness of carrots meets the warmth of fresh ginger. Pair this vibrant soup with oven-fresh focaccia or crostini for a symphony of flavors that will satisfy both the palate and soul.
28. Stuffed zucchini
Zucchini boats are a tasty and wholesome recipe to enjoy the wonderful flavor of zucchini. They are packed with a rich, savory filling made with lentils, tomatoes, fresh herbs, and walnuts. Our recipe contains no meat, and it’s suitable for most diets. Thanks to their robust flavor, you can serve them as a fulfilling meal or appetizer for most occasions.
29. Pasta alla Norma
You’ll love this pasta recipe because it’s tasty, healthy, and easy to make in about 30 minutes. Tender roasted eggplant, rich and creamy tomato sauce, and fresh basil pair wonderfully with al dente rigatoni pasta. It’s a family–friendly vegetarian dinner reminiscent of eggplant parmigiana (when you add a sprinkle of cheese on top).
30. Lentil bolognese
We end this list of vegetarian recipes with lentil Bolognese, the meat-free version of a classic Italian sauce, ragù alla Bolognese. Lentils are an excellent meat replacement because they have a rich taste, keep their texture, and are rich in minerals, iron, and plant protein. TIP: Pair your vegetarian bolognese sauce with fettuccine, spaghetti, or tagliatelle pasta.
High-protein vegetarian recipes Appetizer ideas Vegetarian soup ideas Bean recipes or lentil recipes.
30 High Protein Vegetarian Meals
30 Vegetarian Appetizers
30 Easy Soup Recipes
30 Bean Recipes (easy meals)
30 Easy Tofu Recipes
45 Easy Pasta Recipes
40 Italian Vegetarian Dishes
40 Easy Meatless Meals
Our aim is to help you and your family eat more veggies through delicious recipes with simple ingredients. Easy right? Comment * Name Email Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Notify me when Louise or Nico reply to my comment.
Δ Our aim is to help you and your family eat more veggies through delicious recipes with simple ingredients.