Quick and Easy Vegetarian Recipes

Eating plant-based is more than just a fad. Incorporating more vegetarian dishes into your routine is a great way to cut back on calories, reduce saturated fats, and increase your fiber intake. Research shows that vegetarian diets are associated with lower rates of overweight and obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.^1,2 

The good news is you don’t have to fully revamp your diet and go completely meatless to reap the benefits. Incorporating a few extra plant-based meals into your routine each week can help you keep your weight in check, support your metabolic health, and reduce your risk of certain cancers. 

Below is a collection of our favorite quick and easy vegetarian recipes.

Zucchini Ravioli 

This fresh twist on the classic Italian dish will leave you satisfied without feeling overly full. Cut back on the carbs without cutting back on taste by using versatile zucchini in lieu of pasta. Try the vegan parmesan listed in the recipe, or use traditional cheese for a savory boost. 

Broccoli & Olive Pesto Pasta

Broccoli is full of powerful phytonutrients, and olives are packed with healthy fats, making this an exceptionally healthy (and delicious) meal. This pasta dish is perfect for weeknight dinners and is ready in 30 minutes. It can be made with traditional pasta, or with protein pasta (try red lentil or chickpea options). Try serving with a dollop of ricotta, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor. 

Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad with White Beans

This is a truly grown-up version of everyone’s favorite salad. Grilling romaine gives it a smoky flavor that is perfectly balanced with the homemade dressing. The herbed white beans provide extra protein and fiber, so this can easily be an entree instead of just a side salad.

Spicy Red Pasta with Lentils

Lentils are one of the healthiest and most versatile legumes. They are a great meat substitute in pasta dishes that call for a bolognese-type tomato sauce. In addition to providing protein and making this simple dish more hearty, lentils are also high in fiber. This rich and flavorful recipe hits the spot when you’re craving a classic pasta dish. 

Ratatouille Pasta

Your friends and family will think you graduated from a French culinary school after having this dish. Loaded with caramelized veggies and al dente pasta, it’s sure to become one of your favorite vegetarian dinner recipes. Don’t be intimidated by the fancy name or steps; it’s a simple dish that only requires you to chop and saute veggies and boil pasta. 

Spring Vegetable Risotto

If you’re looking for a fresh new dinner idea, look no further! This dish comes together in just 25 minutes and is packed with healthy veggies. You can use asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and peas as indicated, or any leftover veggies you have lying around. If you don’t have rice, you can easily swap in couscous. 

Easy Black Bean Tacos

Tacos are always a crowd-pleaser, and these are no exception. Topped with crunchy red cabbage (super high in antioxidants), creamy feta cheese, and fresh cilantro, these tacos are hearty and well-balanced. Try warming the tortillas in the air fryer to save even more time. 

Mediterranean Baked Sweet Potatoes

This star side dish is savory, sweet, and seriously filling. Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamins A and C, and chickpeas add fiber and protein. 

Strawberry, Avocado, & Goat Cheese Salad

This colorful salad will become one of your springtime staples. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and tangy. Strawberries are an excellent source of fiber, Vitamin C, and manganese. Compared to traditional cheese, goat cheese is lower in lactose and higher in calcium and healthy fats like MCT (medium chain triglycerides). Try it as a side salad, or top with your favorite vegetarian protein. 

Vegan Fried Rice

This yummy fried rice is packed with protein (almost 30g!) and requires just 10 ingredients. It’s loaded with veggies, so you can feel good about indulging in this healthy veggie and tofu stir fry. 

Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

Colorful and refreshing, these spring rolls are perfect for a springtime lunch. They use rice paper for the wrapper and rice noodles for the filling, so they are naturally gluten-free. You can make the peanut sauce, cut the veggies ahead of time, and store them in the fridge to make the prep even easier. 

Mexican Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

This dish is easy to make and packed with flavor! Bell peppers are colorful and high in vitamin C. Quinoa and black beans provide a good source of fiber and protein, ensuring they will fill you up. The dish is vegetarian and gluten-free and guaranteed to be enjoyed by all. 

Zucchini Brownies

These rich, chocolatey brownies will most definitely surprise you. They are gluten-free, vegan, and refined sugar-free, so you can indulge without the guilt. The zucchini adds moisture, potassium, and vitamin C. They are the perfect dessert after your favorite vegetarian meal!

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