Whether you enjoy an occasional meatless meal or follow a vegetarian diet, these easy vegetarian dinner recipes make busy weeknights less stressful.
84 Easy Vegetarian Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes or Less
Vegetarian Pad Thai
This is a simple pad thai loaded with crisp vegetables and zesty flavor. It’s quick, simple, and fresh-tasting. —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
Also, check these best vegetarian recipes to give an interesting twist to your veggies.
Enchilada Pasta
Enchilada pasta pairs beans and pasta in a comfort food mash-up, piling on the vegetables and spices for a well-rounded one-pot meal.Black Bean Rice Burgers
A salsa and sour cream sauce helps dress up these hearty vegetarian burgers. "My fiance, who's a confirmed meat-and-potatoes man, loves these sandwiches and asks for them often," relates Laura Wimbrow of Ocean City, Maryland.Want to mimic a meaty taste? Learn how to create umami flavor in plant-based foods.
Easy Moroccan Chickpea Stew
When I’m invited to a potluck, I easily double or triple this healthy vegetarian recipe to treat the crowd to an exotic dish of enticing, bold flavors. —Heather Demeritte, Scottsdale, ArizonaSpinach Pizza Quesadillas
This simple four-ingredient dinner is special to me because my daughter and I created it together. You can make variations with other veggies you might have at home. It's a smart way to get kids to eat healthier. —Tanna Mancini, Gulfport, FloridaVegetarian Skillet Lasagna
This flavorful weeknight vegetarian skillet lasagna is sure to please any meat lover at your dinner table. Serve with a mixed green salad to complement the meal. —Taste of Home Test KitchenKimchi Fried Rice
Our easy Korean kimchi fried rice recipe bulks up leftover white rice with spicy, pungent kimchi. When topped with a fried egg, it makes a quick, filling meal.Curried Egg Salad
A curry kick gives this egg salad big appeal. We love it when the weather gets warm. —Joyce McDowell, West Union, OhioPressure-Cooker Manchester Stew
While in college, I studied abroad. A vegetarian at the time, I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious and diverse vegetarian food in Britain could be. After returning to the States, I re-created my favorite meal from my favorite restaurant and named it after the University of Manchester. When the enticing aroma fills the kitchen, I'm back in England! —Kimberly Hammond, Kingwood, TexasBlack Bean and Cheese Enchiladas
Picante sauce gives lots of zip to the tasty filling in these meatless black bean and cheese enchiladas. Each generous serving is packed with fresh-tasting ingredients—and fiber, too. — Taste of Home Test KitchenInstant Pot Stuffed Peppers
Instant Pot stuffed peppers are a no-brainer—flavorful, fiberful and easy to make. Enjoy them with sour cream, chopped cilantro or any Southwestern-style topping of your choice.Avocado Egg Salad Toast
I had a surplus of avocados after purchasing too many for an event. A few days later, I was making egg salad sandwiches for lunch and had the fantastic idea to use avocado to bind it together instead of traditional mayo. Not only was this version unbelievably delicious but the healthy fats in the avocado make this a much better option than the traditional mayo-laden version. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, AlbertaVegetarian Skillet Enchiladas
Whether served for meatless Monday or your family's everyday vegetarian meal, these unconventional enchiladas will leave everyone asking for more. —Susan Court, Pewaukee, WisconsinRavioli with Creamy Squash Sauce
Store-bought ravioli speeds assembly of this cozy, restaurant-quality dish that tastes so good your family won't notice it's meatless. —Taste of Home Test KitchenPinto Bean Zucchini Boats
Zucchini shells take center stage when filled with vegetables, beans and sauce. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, WisconsinSouthern Okra Bean Stew
When this spicy stew's simmering on the stove, my family has a hard time waiting for dinner. It's much like a thick tomato-based soup with a hearty mix of okra, brown rice and beans. Everyone leaves the table feeling satisfied—and eager to have it again soon. —Beverly McDowell, Athens, GeorgiaGrilled Chickpea Salad Sandwich
When my mother comes to visit, she enjoys a good old-fashioned chicken salad sandwich. As a vegetarian, I make chickpea salad sandwiches all the time and finally had the guts to make one for her. After some hesitation, she tasted it and was instantly hooked! —Dannika Stevenson, Akron, OhioChickpeas are one of the best meat substitutes you can buy.
Garlic Spaghetti
Call it spaghetti aglio e olio, call it garlic spaghetti or call it delicious—any of those will be perfectly accurate!Buffalo Tofu Wrap
My family loves the tofu filling in this wrap! For parties, we often serve it as a dip with tortilla chips or pita bread. My husband requests this often, and it's super easy to double the recipe if needed. —Deanna Wolfe, Muskegon, MichiganAir-Fryer Spinach Feta Turnovers
These quick and easy turnovers are one of my wife's favorite entrees. The refrigerated pizza dough makes preparation a snap! —David Baruch, Weston, FloridaLoaded Mexican Pizza
My husband is a picky eater, but this healthful Mexican-style pizza has such amazing flavor that he actually looks forward to it. Leftovers taste even better the next day. —Mary Barker, Knoxville, Tennessee. If you’re looking for more recipes, then learn how to make vegan pizza.Cool Beans Salad
This protein-filled dish could be served as a colorful side dish or a meatless main entree. When you make it, double the recipe because it will be gone in a flash! The basmati rice adds a unique flavor and the dressing gives it a bit of a tang. —Janelle Lee, Appleton, WisconsinMushroom Burgers
This mushroom burger recipe is perfect for your next meatless Monday. This 30-minute recipe makes vegetarian burgers that are moist, tender and full of flavor.Greek Brown and Wild Rice Bowls
This fresh rice dish tastes like the Mediterranean in a bowl! It is short on ingredients but packs in so much flavor. For a hand-held version, leave out the rice and tuck the rest of the ingredients in a pita pocket. —Darla Andrews, Boerne, TexasHearty Vegetarian Chili
Rich and flavorful, this chili is absolutely packed with fun veggies like mushrooms, beans and sun-dried tomatoes. It's so filling, you'll win over any meat lover. —Pam Ivbuls, Omaha, NebraskaClassic Egg Salad
Egg salad is a refreshing, tasty change from lunchmeat or peanut butter sandwiches. The touch of mustard and lemon juice gives it extra zip. —Annemarie Pietila, Farmington Hills, MichiganSpinach Quesadillas
My family gave these cheesy quesadillas oohs and aahs. Remove the spinach from the heat as soon as it wilts so it keeps a little bit of crunch. —Pam Kaiser, Mansfield, MissouriIndian Spiced Chickpea Wraps
Raita, an Indian condiment made with yogurt, elevates this vegetarian dish to a satisfying gourmet wrap. If you're in the mood to experiment, try diced mango or cucumber for the pineapple and add fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, VirginiaHearty Asian Lettuce Salad
This meatless version of your favorite restaurant salad packs 13 grams of protein per serving and is bursting with juicy flavor. It's a brilliant choice for lunch or a busy-day dinner. —Taste of Home Test KitchenEggplant Sandwich
This eggplant sandwich with tomato and goat cheese is grilled to perfection and layered on a crusty ciabatta roll for a delicious meatless meal.Spinach Tortellini Soup
Spinach tortellini soup comes to the rescue when you're staring down dinnertime and haven't a clue what to make! This filling, flavorful 20-minute soup recipe will please the whole family.The Ultimate Grilled Cheese
This grilled cheese with cream cheese makes for a simple, satisfying twist on the traditional recipe.Mushroom Tacos
Mushroom tacos are mighty tasty when made with well-seasoned portobello mushrooms, sweet red pepper and plenty of spices. Serve them with warmed tortillas and cheese, and everyone will be happy.Vegetarian Pad Thai
This is a simple pad thai loaded with crisp vegetables and zesty flavor. It’s quick, simple, and fresh-tasting. —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova ScotiaFor a heartier meal, check out our favorite plant-based meat brands.
Skillet Mac and Cheese
This skillet mac and cheese takes a few more minutes than the boxed stuff, but we promise the final result is worth it. A thick and creamy cheese sauce is stirred together with perfectly cooked pasta, then topped with whatever you like.Creamy Lentils with Kale Artichoke Saute
I've been trying to eat more meatless meals, so I experimented with this hearty saute and served it over brown rice. It was so good that even those who aren't big fans of kale gobbled it up. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, MichiganSweet Potato Bowl
This sweet potato bowl provides you a hearty plant-based meal option that you can readily whip up in 30 minutes.Grilled Corn Hummus Tostadas
This recipe is a combo of Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines, giving it a unique taste. Avocado and hummus may sound like a weird mix, but they really go together well. —Lauren McAnelly, Des Moines, IowaAre you craving a taste of Mexico without the meat? Look no further than these delicious Vegetarian Mexican Recipes to amp up your menu!
Quinoa-Stuffed Squash Boats
My colorful “boats” with quinoa, garbanzo beans and pumpkin seeds use delicata squash, a winter squash with edible skin that’s cream-colored with green stripes. In a pinch, acorn squash will do—but don't eat the skin! —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, WisconsinCheddar Bean Burritos
My family goes meatless several nights a week, and this recipe is one of our favorites. I usually puree a can or two of chipotle peppers in adobo and freeze them in ice cube trays so I can use a small amount when I need it. —Amy Bravo, Ames, IowaCauliflower & Tofu Curry
Cauliflower, garbanzo beans and tofu are each subtle on their own, but together they make an awesome base for curry. We have this recipe weekly because one of us is always craving it. —Patrick McGilvray, Cincinnati, OhioQuinoa & Black Bean Stuffed Peppers
If you're thinking about a meatless meal, give these no-fuss peppers a try. They come together with just a few ingredients and put a tasty spin on a low-fat dinner! —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, PAWarm Rice & Pintos Salad
During my undergrad years, my roommate taught me how to cook vegetarian dishes like brown rice with pintos. It's so versatile; you can turn it into a wrap or casserole. —Natalie Van Apeldoorn, Vancouver, British ColumbiaMushroom and Brown Rice Hash with Poached Eggs
I made my mother's famous roast beef hash healthier by using cremini mushrooms instead of beef, and brown rice instead of potatoes. It's ideal for a light main dish. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, GeorgiaApple, White Cheddar & Arugula Tarts
These tarts remind me of the autumns I spent in Michigan, where I grew up. —Maria Davis, Hermosa Beach, CaliforniaBlack Bean Nachos
These black bean nachos are easy to customize and require just 10 minutes in the oven to bake to cheesy perfection.Garden Vegetable Gnocchi
When we go meatless, we toss gnocchi (my husband's favorite) with veggies and a dab of pesto. I use zucchini in this, too. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, UtahTofu Chow Mein
This is an easy recipe for a "tofu beginner," as it teaches people how to use it. If you have time, one way to prepare it is to cut the tofu block in half and wrap well in a terry kitchen towel. Let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour to absorb excess water. For a complete meal, serve with Chinese soup and egg rolls! — Autumn SinClaire, Gold Beach, OregonEasy Chana Masala
I love this quick and healthy Indian-inspired dish so much I always make sure to have the ingredients stocked in my pantry. It makes weeknight dinners feel a little more special. —Janeen Judah, Houston, TexasFeta Garbanzo Bean Salad
Greek chickpea salad is packed with nutrients and super-easy to make. It's the perfect lunch on the go.Warm Squash & Quinoa Salad
Whenever I see butternut squash at the supermarket, I buy one. It's amazing tossed with earthy quinoa, Italian spices and crunchy pine nuts. And don't get me started on the browned butter! Yum. —Carly Taylor, Libertyville, IllinoisBlack Bean Bulgur Salad
The only cooking in this easy bulgur salad is heating the broth and bulgur. You can adapt the recipe to your preference; if you want to add chopped cooked chicken, use chicken broth in place of vegetable broth. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, OhioCheesy Summer Squash Flatbreads
When you want a meatless meal with Mediterranean style, these flatbreads smothered with squash, hummus and mozzarella deliver the goods. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, WisconsinRicotta, Tomato & Corn Pasta
I love to make healthy meals with produce from my latest farmers market trip. This pasta takes just 30 minutes from pantry to dinner table. You can easily make it a meat entree by adding cooked, shredded chicken. —Jerilyn Korver, Bellflower, CaliforniaQuick Italian Veggie Skillet
When you don’t know what to serve, Italian flavors are a good starting point. We combine cannellini and garbanzo beans for this snappy rice dish. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, CaliforniaMuffin-Tin Lasagnas
This is a super fun way to serve lasagna for make-ahead lunches, potlucks or other fun get-togethers. My daughter took some of these to work and by noon was emailing me for the recipe. —Sally Kilkenny, Granger, IowaGrilled Flatbread Veggie Pizza
We pile veggies onto flatbread for a fun way to eat healthier. Our go-to recipe for weeknights easily changes with different veggies or meats. —Darla Andrews, Lewisville, TexasPenne with Tomatoes & White Beans
I learned how to make this dish from friends in Genoa, Italy, where they're known for creating tasty combinations of veggies, pasta and beans. You can sub feta cheese to give this a Greek twist. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, IdahoGrilled Goat Cheese & Arugula Sandwiches
To create a more “grown-up” grilled cheese sandwich, I threw in tangy goat cheese and peppery arugula. I enjoy a similar combination on pizza, and it worked here, too! —Jess Apfe, Berkeley, CaliforniaTomato-Garlic Lentil Bowls
An Ethiopian recipe inspired this feel-good dinner that's tangy, creamy and packed with hearty comfort. —Rachael Cushing, Portland, OregonEggplant Flatbread Pizzas
I'm now a professional chef, but I loved making this recipe for the family on Friday nights as a home cook. We like to shake pizza up with unique, fresh toppings. —Christine Wendland, Browns Mills, New JerseyVegetarian Bean Tacos
I love Mexican food but was looking for a healthier option to share. My family devours these tasty tacos whenever I make them. —Amanda Petrucelli, Plymouth, IndianaThai Pasta with Spicy Peanut Sauce
We love how the whole wheat pasta and crisp, raw vegetables blend with the rich and creamy peanut sauce. The addition of fresh lime juice really brightens the flavor of the dish. Some eat it hot, but my husband and I prefer to wait until it's closer to room temperature. —Donna McCallie, Lake Park, FloridaTomato & Garlic Butter Bean Dinner
On the days I get home late and just want a warm meal, I stir together tomatoes, garlic and butter beans. Ladle it over noodles if you're in the mood for pasta. —Jessica Meyers, Austin, TexasAlso, check if there is a difference between butter beans vs lima beans and make grocery shopping a little less confusing.