Do you struggle to find Healthy Vegetarian Dinner Ideas your whole family will actually want to eat? This list is here to be your ultimate inspiration! From high protein recipes to pastas, stir-fries, and curries, I’ve got plenty of options to choose from.
Email Me the Recipe!
From time to time, we'll send you Well Plated emails. You can unsubscribe anytime. Have an account? Log In.
If the thought of healthy vegetarian dinner ideas makes you think of sad, boring food that leaves you missing the meat, then prepare to be pleasantly surprised.
You’ll be amazed at what you can make for dinner without meat!
The recipes on this list are not only good for you, but they taste fantastic too.
These delicious recipes will be enjoyed by everyone you serve them to (meat eaters or not)!
Vegetarian Recipe MVPs
When it comes to creating stellar vegetarian recipes, there are a few common vegetarian foods that I love to use. These ingredients are useful for providing protein, flavor, or texture to the dish.
Tofu (or Tempeh). An excellent protein swap for dishes that traditionally use meat. I also enjoy eating Crispy Tofu and Air Fryer Tofu on their own.
Beans. Full of fiber and protein, beans will keep you fuller for longer. They also have a delightfully creamy texture.
Veggies. From bell peppers to potatoes to broccoli, loading up on veggies can help add delicious flavor and make a dish more filling (thank you, fiber).
Grains. I love incorporating whole grains into vegetarian meals to make them more satisfying. Grains are a major crowd-pleaser too.
Versatile Vegetarian Side Dishes
These tasty side dishes will pair well with almost any of the vegetarian main dishes below.
When you want a meatless dinner that keeps you full, these high-protein vegetarian meals deliver. Each recipe includes at least 25 grams of protein per serving, making them perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or post-workout dinners.
Cottage Cheese Alfredo
This lighter Alfredo uses blended cottage cheese to create a creamy, comforting sauce that’s surprisingly high in protein. It’s a satisfying pasta dinner that feels indulgent without being heavy.
Tender pasta and broccoli come together in a simple, satisfying dish that’s big on flavor and protein. As written, it has 31 grams of protein per serving, but if you use protein pasta, it’ll boost that number even more.
These hearty portobello mushrooms are stuffed with a savory, protein-rich filling that makes them feel like a true main dish. 31 grams of protein per serving!
Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and basil are layered into a sandwich that’s simple but surprisingly satisfying with 26 grams of protein per sandwich.
Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a rich, cheesy mixture and baked until bubbly and golden. This is a comforting vegetarian dinner that sneaks in 28 grams of protein into each serving.
Eggs are gently simmered in a bold, garlicky tomato sauce for a meal that’s fast and flavorful. With 36 grams of protein, this is a breakfast-for-dinner that satisfies!
Store-bought naan turns into a quick, crispy pizza base topped with cheese and veggies. It’s an easy vegetarian dinner with 25 grams of protein per pizza.
This balanced bowl combines grains, vegetables, and protein-rich toppings for a nourishing, filling dinner. It’s endlessly customizable and great for meal prep. 28 grams of protein per bowl!
Creamy ricotta adds richness and protein to this simple, satisfying pizza. As written, it has 31 grams of protein per serving, but you can boost that even more by adding your favorite vegetarian sausage as a topping.
Some of our favorite vegetarian weeknight dinners are these hearty and cozy soups. These classic recipes have all the flavors you love and are great for meal prep.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Tender broccoli and rich cheddar cheese make this soup a classic for a reason. It’s comforting, satisfying, and pairs perfectly with crusty bread.
Sweet butternut squash is balanced with warming spices for a soup that’s both cozy and bold. It’s great when you want something comforting with a little kick.
Packed with beans and vegetables, this chili is hearty enough to stand on its own. It’s a filling, protein-rich option that’s perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
Plant-based Mexican food is just as flavorful and satisfying as the original. Serve these recipes with tortilla chips, salsa, and avocado (or the Best Guacamole Recipe) for a healthy and easy vegetarian dinner recipe.
Vegetarian Burrito
Filled with beans, rice, and vegetables, this burrito is hearty and satisfying. It’s a great meatless dinner that doesn’t leave you hungry.
From tofu stir-fry to vegetarian recipes with noodles, these delightful stir fries are certain to please everyone at your table and rival your favorite takeout dishes.
Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry
Crispy tofu and tender broccoli are tossed in a savory sauce for a fast, balanced dinner. It’s perfect for busy weeknights.
These warming, spice-forward dishes are perfect when you want something deeply flavorful. Serve with basmati rice and Homemade Naan for an extra special meal.
Tofu Curry
Tender tofu simmers in a richly spiced sauce for a comforting vegetarian dinner. It’s great served over rice or with naan.
Hi, Iโm Erin Clarke, cookbook author and the home cook behind Well Plated. Iโve helped millions of people cook healthier meals that actually taste amazing and sold over 190,000 books! Iโm here to help you save time, dirty fewer dishes, and feel great about what youโre eating, without overthinking it. Welcome!
If you could simply cut to the chase for the first recipe/photo with the mashed taters, carrots and peas, you would do me a good deed. I simply cannot wade through all of what you have to offer, but I do appreciate it. Any title for that recipe? thx.
If you could simply cut to the chase for the first recipe/photo with the mashed taters, carrots and peas, you would do me a good deed. I simply cannot wade through all of what you have to offer, but I do appreciate it. Any title for that recipe? thx.
Hi there!
If you could simply cut to the chase for the first recipe/photo with the mashed taters, carrots and peas, you would do me a good deed. I simply cannot wade through all of what you have to offer, but I do appreciate it. Any title for that recipe? thx.
Here you go Nora, https://www.wellplated.com/vegetarian-shepherds-pie/
Thank you for these recipes Erin!
You’re welcome Flavius! Enjoy!