Whether you need an easy side dish or are craving a full meal, these 5-ingredient vegetarian recipes offer ideas for fast, flavorful dishes.
1/30
Sweet Potato & Bean Quesadillas
From the Recipe Creator:
Sweet potatoes and black beans roll up together for a quesadilla that’s easy, fast, fun and delicious. —Brittany Hubbard, St. Paul, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 quesadilla with 3 tablespoons salsa: 306 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 531mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 11g protein.
2/30
Quinoa and Peas
From the Recipe Creator:
Even picky eaters will love this protein-packed dish. If you have freshly shelled peas on hand, substitute them for the frozen. —Lori Panarella, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 174 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 244mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
Also, check these best vegetarian recipes to give an interesting twist to your veggies.
3/30
Curry Scramble
From the Recipe Creator:
I have eggs every morning, and this is a delightful change from the classic scrambled egg meal. I like to add sliced peppers on top if I have them on hand. —Valerie Belley, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 160 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 372mg cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat.
4/30
Acorn Squash Slices
From the Recipe Creator:
Roasted acorn squash slices are a favorite with my family. This recipe has a sweet maple flavor from syrup and an appealing nuttiness from pecans. It's easy, too, because you don't have to peel the squash. —Richard Lamb, Williamsburg, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3 pieces: 170 calories, 7g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fruit, 1 fat.
5/30
Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini Peppers
From the Recipe Creator:
Mini peppers are so colorful and are the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. They have all the crunch of pita chips but without the extra calories. —Christine Hanover, Lewiston, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 15 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
6/30
Bean Burritos
From the Recipe Creator:
I always have the ingredients for this cheesy burrito recipe on hand. Cooking the rice and shredding the cheese the night before saves precious minutes at dinnertime. —Beth Osborne Skinner, Bristol, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
2 burritos: 216 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 544mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
7/30
Spinach-Mushroom Scrambled Eggs
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I had breakfast at a hotel and enjoyed an amazing mushroom and egg dish. As soon as I got home, I made my own rendition. —Rachelle McCalla, Batesville, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 162 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 226mg cholesterol, 417mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat.
8/30
Roasted Tomato Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Just before the first frost of the season, we gather up all of the tomatoes from my mom’s garden to create this flavor-packed soup. Although it sounds like a lot of garlic, when it’s roasted, the garlic becomes mellow and almost sweet. We serve this soup with toasted bread spread with pesto. —Kaitlyn Lerdahl, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 276 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 421mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein.
9/30
Tomato & Garlic Butter Bean Dinner
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups (calculated without pasta and cheese): 147 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 353mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
10/30
Spinach Parmesan Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
For those who ignore Popeye and won’t eat their spinach, I find that spinach with garlicky butter and Parmesan helps change their minds. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 239 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 703mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
11/30
Jeweled Endive Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Every Christmas, friends have a huge potluck party. I wanted to bring something unique, so I topped off endive and watercress with jewel-toned pomegranate seeds. —Alysha Braun, St. Catharines, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 121 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 109mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
12/30
Mediterranean Omelet
From the Recipe Creator:
This fluffy omelet gives us reason to get a move on for breakfast. For a bit of extra flair, add some chopped fresh herbs like basil, oregano or tarragon. —Milynne Charlton, Scarborough, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 omelet: 236 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated fat), 395mg cholesterol, 472mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein.
13/30
Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Stacks
From the Recipe Creator:
We love eggplant Parmesan, but when it’s hot outside, the dish feels too heavy. Grilled eggplant slices topped with tomato, mozzarella and Parm satisfy everyone. —Joann Parlin, Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
2 eggplant stacks: 449 calories, 31g fat (18g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 634mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein.
14/30
Portobello & Onion Tart
From the Recipe Creator:
This fragrant tart is comfort with a capital “C,” especially with fresh rosemary or thyme. We pair it with a salad for dinner or an egg for breakfast. —Robin Wagganer, San Jose, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 503 calories, 33g fat (10g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 525mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 7g fiber), 15g protein.
15/30
Spinach-Artichoke Rigatoni
From the Recipe Creator:
I love pasta and so does my family, but they are not so keen on their veggies. This a one-pot meal that gets us all eating our spinach. —Yvonne Starlin, Hermitage, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 448 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 1224mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein.
16/30
Spanakopita Mashed Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
I learned to cook by watching my mom in the kitchen. Most of the recipes I make use only five or six ingredients and have a healthier bent. I created this recipe after I tried a spinach-topped baked potato. Flecks of red and green from the potato skin and spinach make these potatoes look festive and special. By not peeling the potatoes, you not only keep some nutrients, but you also save on prep time. —Ashley Levy, Columbia, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 145 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 379mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
17/30
Swiss Chard with Onions & Garlic
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make this sauteed Swiss chard a main dish by serving it with pasta, but it’s also a tasty side dish all on its own. My boys love it and ask for it often. —Rebekah Chappel, Portales, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 159 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch.
18/30
Kale Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
I love making meals that wow everyone. The flavor and nutrition in this kale salad set it apart from other 30-minute creations. —Gina Myers, Spokane, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 113 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1/2 starch.
19/30
Balsamic Zucchini Saute
From the Recipe Creator:
This super fast vegetarian dish is flavorful and uses only a few ingredients, so it’s easy to whip up while your entree is cooking. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 94 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
20/30
Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
When my mom made this spaghetti sauce, the house would smell so good that I'd open the windows to torture the neighbors. It even tastes wonderful the next day, when the flavors have really melded. —Vera Schulze, Holbrook, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup spaghetti with 3/4 cup sauce (calculated without cheese): 327 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 10g protein.
21/30
Insalata Caprese
From the Recipe Creator:
A classic Caprese salad has colors that resemble the Italian flag. For extra zing, I add a splash of balsamic vinegar. —Melba Wilson, Murrells Inlet, SC
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 160 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 257mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
22/30
Apple, White Cheddar & Arugula Tarts
From the Recipe Creator:
These tarts remind me of the autumns I spent in Michigan, where I grew up. —Maria Davis, Hermosa Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 tart: 518 calories, 33g fat (10g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 389mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 7g fiber), 12g protein.
23/30
Fresh Corn Omelet
From the Recipe Creator:
I throw in homegrown corn and from-scratch salsa when I make this super summertime omelet. Sprinkle on onions, mushrooms, peppers and breakfast meat to customize it. —William Stone, Robson, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 omelet (calculated without salsa): 336 calories, 25g fat (12g saturated fat), 500mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
24/30
Southwest Tortilla Scramble
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s my version of a deconstructed breakfast burrito that’s actually good for you. Go for hefty corn tortillas in this recipe. Flour ones can get lost in the scramble. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 195 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 217mg cholesterol, 391mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch.
25/30
Stuffed Mini Peppers
From the Recipe Creator:
There's plenty of both crunch and cream in these party appetizers. Fresh chives help them really stand out. —Jean McKenzie, Vancouver, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper half: 48 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 68mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
26/30
Lasagna Cups
From the Recipe Creator:
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, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 mini lasagnas: 414 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 970mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
27/30
Tomato & Avocado Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a vegetarian, and this is a tasty, quick and healthy lunch I could eat for every meal. At my house, we call these sandwiches HATS: hummus, avocado, tomato and shallots. These are ingredients I almost always have on hand. —Sarah Jaraha, Moorestown, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 278 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 379mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat.
28/30
Bean & Cheese Quesadillas
From the Recipe Creator:
My son doesn't eat meat, so I created this recipe as a way for me to cook one meal for the family instead of two. It's so easy, my toddler grandson helps me make it! —Tina McMullen, Salina, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 quesadilla: 544 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 1028mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 6g fiber), 21g protein.
29/30
Roasted Greek Potatoes with Feta Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
Lemony Greek potatoes are a traditional side dish for grilled chicken or steak. When they come out of the oven, we top them with feta for a little melty goodness. —Arge Salvatori, Waldwick, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 308 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
30/30
Confetti Quinoa
From the Recipe Creator:
If you have never tried quinoa, start with my easy side, brimming with colorful veggies. I serve it with orange-glazed chicken. —Kim Ciepluch, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 196 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 307mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
5-Ingredient Vegetarian Recipes FAQ
What 5-ingredient vegetarian dishes can I meal prep for dinner?
Vegetarian sheet-pan meals, pasta bakes and hearty soups with legumes or grains are ideal five-ingredient meal prep options. These dishes reheat well, store easily and can be made in large batches. To brighten up leftovers, add fresh herbs or a squeeze of citrus just before serving.
What easy vegetarian breakfasts contain only five ingredients?
Eggs are a versatile and easy way to make breakfast fast, but if you need other options, overnight oats, smoothies and toast with cottage cheese, nut butters and fruit are simple vegetarian breakfasts that can be made with a handful of ingredients. These meals are quick to assemble and easy to customize with what you have at home. To give the week a headstart, try baking a batch of whole-grain muffins or building a few yogurt parfaits to take with you on the go.
What vegetarian appetizers can I make with just a few ingredients?
To make easy vegetarian appetizers with just a few ingredients, try assembling ingredients you have on hand in fun ways or using pantry ingredients to make quick dips. Thread cheese and tomatoes onto skewers like these caprese skewers, or take a can of chickpeas and whip up a creamy hummus to serve with whatever vegetables and crackers are in the pantry and fridge. Pick up a box of puff pastry to keep in the freezer so you can make any number of sweet or savory puff pastry recipes. These recipes require little prep, making them ideal for last-minute entertaining.
