67 Perfect Vegetarian Dinner Recipes

HurryTheFoodUp is reader-powered. If you click through using links on our site we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

The best vegetarian dinners are quick, easy, healthy and delicious! No obscure ingredients or mind-numbingly long prep times. Just simple, straightforward crowd pleasers that you can fit in around your busy schedule!

Lucky for you, you don’t even need to hunt around for an exciting, easy recipe that will charge up the taste buds and still be ready in no time. The best quick vegetarian dinner ideas are here, ready for your perusal.

This is a compilation of our favorite vegetarian meals, ranging from vegetarian casseroles to vegetarian fried rice to vegetarian pasta recipes – basically whatever you fancy!

There’s also a good deal of vegan recipes hiding amongst these delicious vegetarian dinner ideas, so there’s something for everyone.

Vegetarian dinner ideas – where do I start?

I’ve been a vegetarian for a long time now but I haven’t forgotten how intimidating it can be to make the leap to a vegetarian diet.

The good thing is that you’ve found this blog, and we have all kinds of vegetarian recipes for beginners!

The best place to start is by checking out our guide on how to go vegetarian. If that doesn’t convince you, you could start by incorporating the vegetarian dinner recipes below into your meal plans to see how you like them.

You might have heard that it’s too hard to get all the right nutrients with a vegetarian diet, but there’s no need to worry.

If you pay attention to your diet and make sure you’re eating healthy vegetarian meals, you will have no trouble getting the nutrients you need.

Plus, these quick vegetarian dinner recipes are good for your health because they reduce heart disease, diabetes and other illnesses, AND good for the planet (the UN said so!)

So if you’re new to a vegetarian diet, check out these easy vegetarian dinner recipes to get you started.

And if you’re already a vegetarian (or a vegan), then you already know how delicious a meatless chili sin carne or a vegetarian sloppy joe can be!

Oh, and we don’t just do dinners and lunches; we can cover you for breakfast too with delicious healthy recipes like these protein overnight oats!

Before we get to our recipe collection, let’s take a quick glance at what people also ask:

• What is the most famous vegetarian dish?
  Our top vegetarian dish is our chickpea curry. No doubt why, right? But we also have broccoli and cauliflower soup, and meatless chili con carne in our top hits.
• What should I make for my vegetarian friend?
  When coming up with recipes for a vegetarian, we’d suggest you start with what their favorite vegetable is. And also, what they are allergic to.

  Now, you have got your must and don’t veg – between these two, you can come up with a veritable feast!

  How about asparagus risotto, tomato and spinach pasta, or a vegetable frittata? And this vegetarian entrée, zucchini and basil soup, or this side, a Moroccan couscous salad.

  Finish off with berry cheesecake or strawberry custard pudding? Tell us in the comments if you tried our suggestions and how it went!

What is a vegetarian?

A vegetarian is someone who doesn’t eat meat or fish, usually for ethical reasons such as the environmental impact of animal agriculture, or animal cruelty.

There are some variations in vegetarian’s food when it comes to eggs and dairy, however!

Did you know there are 3 types of vegetarian?

Lacto vegetarians don’t eat eggs but do eat dairy like milk and cheese. Ovo vegetarians do eat eggs but don’t eat dairy.

Lacto-ovo vegetarians (the most common type) eat both eggs and dairy.

Then, of course, there are the vegans who are out there eating no animal products at all!

Vegetarian friendly foods include all fruit and veg, eggs, milk, cheese, beans, chickpeas, lentils, tofu, seitan, tempeh and other ‘fake’ meats.

How many people are vegetarian across the globe?

The number of vegetarians in the world is estimated at around 1.5 billion! That’s a lot!

While vegetarianism feels like a relatively new thing for those of us in Europe and the USA, a lot of those 1.5 billion people are in countries like India where there is a long cultural history of vegetarianism for religious reasons.

In the USA, the popularity of the vegetarian diet is pretty recent! In 2013 a poll showed that only 3% of respondents were vegetarian. In 2020 that number had gone up to 6% as strict veggie and 12% as flexitarian.

Why are these recipes good for dinner?

Our selection of the best vegetarian dinners are all healthy, filling and easy to prepare, making them perfect vegetarian ideas for dinner.

We try to make sure all these veg meals take less than 30 minutes to prepare. We know that most people have very busy lives and don’t want to spend too long in the kitchen.

We also know how tempting it is to turn to unhealthy, but easy options, like ready meals, when you get back from a long day and just want to crash.

That’s why we try to make it as easy as possible for you to make healthy vegetarian choices at dinner time, by keeping cooking times short and ingredients simple.

These also make great dinner options because they are all hearty recipes that will fill you up after a big day.

Why not wrap up your meal with a yummy high protein popsicle for dessert?

Quick & easy vegetarian dinners

Bonus: incredibly simple but oh so tasty

A delicious peanut sauce compliments this fantastic stir fry with simple-to-follow cooking tips. Beginner friendly and super quick to make!

Bonus: a bit sweet, a little bit spicy, and absolutely delicious! Perfect for freezing, too.

After a high protein, high fiber, low-calorie vegetarian dinner? Our Mexican bean stew is just the ticket! Try it now!

Bonus: easy, fast, tropical

This virtually vegan mango curry is refreshing, tropical, super-quick, and soooooo easy (it’s actually one of our top easy mango recipes ever!)! Don’t miss out on this one.

Bonus: cashews, lentils, arugula benefits

High protein, iron and fiber in exotic Arugula and Lentil Salad that’s healthy and vegan. Only 12 minutes to make with easy-to-find ingredients.

Bonus: combination of flavourful rice and smoky tofu

Indulge with this smoky and savory Buddha Bowl. The combination of smoked tofu, hummus, and turmeric rice makes for a perfect vegan lunch (or dinner!)

Bonus: tasty, filling, and interesting

After a delicious and filling dinner? Try our vegan pho recipe – a healthy Vietnamese noodle soup with crispy tofu topping (this one is also one of our fave ever high protein vegan soups!)!

Bonus: a practical weeknight dinner

Looking for a healthy vegetarian dinner? Try this simple oven-roasted broccoli with halloumi & lentils. 32g protein each!

Bonus: perfectly suited for breakfast

Quick, easy and traditional, this totally Mexican dish is one you can put together very quickly. Ideal for those midweek, post-work meals.

Bonus: full of flavor, fiber, and protein

Zhuzh-up your next Taco Tuesday with these ah-mazing lentil tacos. You will never go back to mince again!

Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp
Bonus: nutritious, tasty, versatile

Our delicious vegan take on the trendiest cafe food of the moment, Mushrooms on Toast. It’s perfect for everything from a savory breakfast to a light dinner. Add a zingy and fresh green salad for a quick midweek supper.

Bonus: easy vegetarian dinner that’s also cheesy & crispy

These pizza pancakes are perfect for lunch or dinner – super simple and full of the most exciting base and taste combos make it the best of both worlds (they even make it on our list of the best veggie pizza recipes)!

Bonus: a “quick and amazing” vegetarian dinner recipe

A simple but delicious dish that requires bugger all washing up! It’s also an easy way to get all that healthy spinach into your system.

Bonus: a super healthy and nutritious salad

If you’re looking for healthy vegetarian quinoa recipes, then this superfood salad featuring red lentils and quinoa will be your thing ! It’s jazzed up with crunchy almonds, tangy olives, and creamy avocado.

Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp
Bonus: so much flavor, in so simple a dish!

This elegant baked potato is a well of sophistication. Impress the neighbors, nay, impress anyone with this cultivated classy classic.

Bonus: spicy, creamy, full of herby goodness

One of our earliest recipes, it is a no-brainer why this remains a top favorite. So tasty and nourishing, it is the perfect thing to have on a cold night. Or any night!

Bonus: Meatless Monday, here you come!

Love spice? Love noodles? Love dragons? Want all of those things in 1 healthy package? Try our delicious spicy dragon noodles now!

Bonus: ridiculously tasty and nutritious – packed with protein, iron, and fiber!

We are massively fond of chickpeas, in case you haven’t guessed! Here’s our awesome vegan take on the insanely popular dish. 

Bonus: looooads of protein, fiber, plenty of nutrients

Full of protein, fiber, and loads of other nutrients this halloumi salad will keep you feeling full for hours – and you’ll secretly be looking forward to more!

Bonus: much more healthier than a takeaway

Looking for a speedy noodle dish, packed with vegetables and flavor? The search is over with this easy vegetable lo mein!

Bonus: super healthy, nutritious

In this healthy burrito bowl, we’ve got quinoa, avocado, pineapple, tofu, and Adobo sauce for a sizzling taste bud fiesta!

Bonus: a delicious meal in a bowl

This amazing aubergine curry (or eggplant curry) is quick, vegan, and soooo tasty. Eat as it is or on a bed of plain / jeera rice. Yum!

Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp
Bonus: quick vegetarian breakfast dish

This easy vegetarian shakshuka recipe breaks everything down into simple steps for a great Shakshuka result every time! High in protein and perfect for dinner or for breakfast!

Bonus: simple and quick

After a healthy, quick-to-make meal? Try our roasted asparagus and tomatoes with halloumi and quinoa. Ready in 30 minutes!

Bonus: versatile, delicious, healthy

There’s no better use for mushrooms than with garlic and cream – and if you want it, we know how to make it vegan without sacrificing taste. Your call.

Bonus: filling high protein

A super easy sweet potato mash meal that is going to fill you up, add protein to your diet, and taste oh so cheesy!

Bonus: colourful, high protein

This time-saving traybake with sweet potato, broccoli, and quinoa is big on superfood nutrition and even bigger on taste.

Bonus: crispy, juicy, flavorful

Get excited about cabbage with these crispy panko roasted cabbage steaks. A deliciously saucy and high protein dinner for two!

Bonus: simple, vegan

A tasty vegan eggplant and tomato pasta with navy beans and kale. Super healthy and super tasty!

Bonus: high in fiber, full of veggies

A tasty bowl of lentils with vegetables in a tahini sauce and cashews. This veggie comfort food is just what an autumn day calls for.

Bonus: light, healthy, creamy

Love mac and cheese, but wish it was healthier? Try our healthy mac and cheese now! The same nostalgic flavor – lighter!

Bonus: high protein, crispy

Looking for a healthy fritter recipe? Try these cottage cheese fritters, served with salsa. 21g protein per serving!

Bonus: simple, healthy, delicious

Looking for your new favorite dinner? Try these crispy tiktok smashed potatoes in the oven – even higher in protein!

Comfort food

Bonus: just 10 mins of prep!

This healthy high protein vegetarian moussaka is a true veggie delight with Greek soul and full of flavour and texture!

Bonus: easy-to-find ingredients, hearty and healthy

A spicy, creamy corn chowder that’s satisfying and filling. Simple to make, ready in 25 minutes. Vegetarian and healthy. Tastes best when it’s cold outside.

Bonus: healthy and filling

After something light and tasty for dinner? Try our high protein coconut mushroom stew – did we mention it’s vegan too?

Bonus: loaded with fiber and protein

Fill up and power up on our hot vegetarian kale and white bean soup. It’s an absolute pearl for your healthy slim down diet.

Bonus: when you need some Italian inspiration

Looking for lots of healthy veggies and good taste in one bowl? This lentil vegetable soup is the perfect option!

Bonus: creamy, hearty, simple

This creamy leek risotto is easy to make, filling, and oh-so comforting. We show you how to speed it up, too – ideal for an easy weeknight dinner!

Bonus: a nutritional powerhouse

Who said meatless meals can’t deliver? This meatless (aka vegan) chili proves that you can still enjoy your favourite meals, but in a new, animal friendly way.

Bonus: diet-friendly dish

The perfect comfort food in a bowl! Rice and creamy lentils come together in this wonderful one-pot dish. A filling and delicious meal!

Bonus: healthy, nutritious and lots of flavor!

Melted Feta and Veggie Bake. Easy and quick. 10 minutes prep time, then for 30 minutes in the oven. High in vitamins A, C and B6, protein and fiber.

Calories: 278 kcal per serving
Ready in: 45 minutes
Recipe by: MightyMrs

Bonus: quick, easy, cheesy

Quinoa Enchilada Bake is a perfect vegetarian main dish that is filling and delicious. Filled with quinoa, black beans, corn and melted cheese.

Bonus: nutritious, healthy

The sexiest lentil stew you have ever eaten. A nutritional powerhouse, this recipe is here to kickstart your year – and your health.

Bonus: sweet, distinctive flavour

Looking for new sheet pan ideas? Try this delicious roasted fennel and carrots with chickpeas! 22g protein per serving!

Bonus: one pot soup, for those busy nights!

Follow our fool-proof simple cooking steps for the perfect coconut curry lentil soup. Packed with protein, fiber and a high-summer taste!

Bonus: great cooking tips!

This cheesy, crispy, oven favourite broccoli cheese casserole is low effort and high reward – complete with cheat tips!

Bonus: light, fluffy, with delicious veggie sausages

Vegetarian toad in the hole paves the way for a meat-free future – why eat meat when you can have this instead?

Bonus: hearty vegan salad

Smooth and hearty meets sweet and crunchy, this sweet potato and beetroot salad has got it going on!

Bonus: packed with vitamins and nutrients, very easy

Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers baked in a delicious tomato sauce – foolproof instructions and packed with vitamins and nutrients – bring the health back!

Family favorites

Bonus: perfect for family dinner nights

One of the most delicious vegetarian recipes I’ve ever made. With loads of veggie fiber and protein means this recipe makes you wonder why you ever wanted meat in the first place.

Bonus: sweet, spicy and vegan

An exciting fusion of Pakistani spices come together with crunchy roasted cauliflower in this classically cooked dish. Eat it with rice or roti, for a delicious and easy vegetarian dinner.

Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp
Bonus: easy vegetarian dinner for busy weeknights

After a healthy pasta arrabbiata recipe? Try ours! With aubergine and a crushed almond topping, this is the best out there!

Bonus: full of beetroot-y goodness, vitamins and minerals

The beets are bangin’ in this eye-catching dish. Highly nutritious, beetroots are an awesome addition to any pasta meal – including this beauty!

Bonus: easy, family-friendly recipe

Bursting with sweet potatoes and tantalising Mexican flavors, this authentic burrito recipe is easy to make for one or the whole big family!

Bonus: light, healthy and quick to whip up!

Watching your weight but love Mexican food? Give taco night a healthy twist with these light, tasty sweet potato tacos!

Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp
Bonus: a delicious meal, with warm spices to add some zip

There are jacket potatoes, and there’s our version – loaded with fresh vegetables like red bell peppers and zucchini and spiced with fajita seasoning for a nice, zingy flavor. What’s not to love?

Bonus: tacos from wraps hack

These awesome high-protein vegetarian lentil patties can be used as lentil burgers or fritters, and even made vegan, too!

Bonus: easy dinner that’s vegan and dairy-free

Love a good bolognese but trying to eat less meat? Try our healthy, plant-based lentil bolognese – you’ll never look back!

Leftovers special

Bonus: high protein, vegan

A dump and bake dish that will please everyone, this bean and pasta vegetarian casserole makes a perfect healthy dinner (and if you like this, you should try some of our other healthy vegetarian dinner ideas here).

Bonus: protein, fiber, and bean-y benefits

These healthy refried beans are our take on the traditional Mexican dish, with a health-conscious twist!

Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: TheVegConnection
Calories: 368 kcal per serving
Bonus: simple ingredients and leftovers come together in a delicious recipe

This recipe brings the comfort food goodness of fried rice and the spicy tang of kimchi together in this Korean twist on an old classic. It’s a quick and easy way to turn your leftover rice into a stunning new meal!

Bonus: quick and easy weekday dinner recipe

Everybody should know how to make veggie fried rice. Hands down one of the most delicious and easiest ways to use up leftovers.

Dinner party recipes

Bonus: quick, easy, and delicious

This easy jackfruit burger is the vegan alternative to pulled pork – and it rocks! Mega-tasty and no little piggies are harmed anywhere along the line. Perfect recipe if you are looking for an impressive dish for a special barbeque!

Bonus: doesn’t fall apart, a fabulous source of protein

A black bean burger recipe that doesn’t fall apart, tastes awesome and can even be made vegan (check out these plant-based burger recipes for more vegan specific options)! These veggie burgers would be perfect for your dinner BBQ (or any of these veggie burgers too).

Bonus: many tofu and veggie benefits

Need a fresh and healthy new recipe for lunch or dinner? Our vegan poke bowl with sesame tofu is for you – try it now!

Calories: 285 kcal per serving
Ready in: 22 minutes
Recipe by: IndianAmbrosia

Bonus: simple, healthy, and tasty

Paneer Jalfrezi is a colorful vegetarian stir fry made with cottage cheese, onions, tomatoes, green peppers, and powdered spices (not our only veggie stir fry recipe either). Couple it with rice or roti for one of the best vegetarian meals!

Bonus: gluten-free, grain-free

The most scrumptious cauliflower steak, served with yummy red bell pepper and ricotta sauce. Crunchy, creamy, unctuous – just a winner of a dish! See for yourself!

That’s all folks! Hopefully one of these vegetarian dinner recipes will quell the hunger in your belly or solve your dilemma of what to make as a vegetarian main meal.

Since there’s everything from vegetarian tacos, to vegetarian jambalaya, to vegetarian curry, we’re pretty sure you can find the perfect addition to your rotation of vegetarian weeknight dinners on this list.

If you’ve got leftovers, check out these recipes to make with leftover veggies!