Enter your email & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from us every week! By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Hurry the Food Up. From warming soups, to exciting salads, it’s a whole smorgasbord of delicious dishes that will fill you up without sending you off to bed bloated. Don’t get me wrong, a lot of the time I love to wolf down a big hearty dinner like a veggie wellington. But sometimes that’s just not the vibe. Maybe you’re someone whose appetite is biggest during the day, or maybe you need something light to eat before an evening exercise class. Whatever your reason, sometimes a light dinner is just what the doctor ordered.
What do we mean by ‘light’ vegetarian dinner ideas?
What exactly constitutes quick light dinner ideas? For us that means dinners under 500 calories. We wouldn’t go too far under 500, but 300-500 calories of the right food can still be a meal. If you’re cooking light dinner recipes for weight loss, you will be trying to maintain a slim calorie deficit. These light vegetarian dinner ideas can be great for that! However there’s a caveat: you still have to make sure that you eat enough throughout the day. If you don’t eat enough, you will get tired and hungry and you won’t be able to sustain yourself, let alone achieve your weight loss goals! That’s why I tend to enjoy light dinners after big lunches – you know, like those great stonking marvellous Sunday roasts, where you’re still full by dinner time, but want something yummy to tide you over through the night. Well, now you know where to come!
Super soups & cracking curries : fibre for the win!
You’ll notice there are a lot of soups and curries among our Top 15 Light Vegetarian Dinner Ideas. That’s because soups and curries are really good at being light but still filling. This is thanks to a lot of their bulk coming from liquid, veggies and legumes. Vegetables and legumes are fairly usually low in calories and fat, but high in fibre, which means that soups and curries loaded with veggies will be very filling (thank you fibre) and also relatively light (thank you low calorie count). For example, our delicious vegan tikka masala has 12g fibre per serving and this delicious spiced pumpkin red lentil soup contains a whopping 18g fibre per serving!
Light AND Healthy
Of course, low calorie does not equal healthy. But you can rest assured that you are getting only healthy vegetarian recipes for dinner here (and if that’s what you are after, you should also try our healthy vegetarian dinner ideas)! We’ve made sure to find light vegetarian dinner ideas that are low in saturated fats, free from overly processed ingredients, high in protein and full of fresh veggies. You can eat them as part of a weight loss plan (try our FREE 7-day Vegetarian Weight Loss Meal Plan for inspiration), or just as part of a general effort to be more healthy. Either way, you’re gonna love ‘em! Bonus: creamy, vegan454 calories per serving The classic curry takes on a new face with our vegan tikka masala. Full of healthy veg and fragrant flavours, this is sure to win your heart! Ready in: 1 hourRecipe by: SaraHaasBonus: hearty, warming291 calories per serving If you love pumpkin, you’re going to love this spiced pumpkin and red lentil soup for sure, (I recommend you also to try our other pumpkin soup recipes). With warm spices like cinnamon and cardamon, this soup is hearty, filling, and incredibly easy! Bonus: creamy, quick327 calories per serving Make the best scrambled eggs you’ve ever had with our quick & easy but simple to follow recipe – so good you’ll never look elsewhere again! Bonus: transportable, simple482 calories per serving Chickpea Wraps – these firm faves are really easy to make, super tasty and oh-so satisfying. We’ll even show you how to roll them properly! Ready in: 30 minutesRecipe by: SplashOfTasteBonus: low-carb, gluten-free218 calories per serving Baked goats cheese, cherry tomatoes bursting with flavor & a hint of spice make the perfect light meal. Bonus: keto-friendly, low carb315 calories per serving This low-carb pie that’s keto-friendly is incredibly tasty – and the best thing – it takes only five minutes to prep! Seriously! Ready in: 45 minutesRecipe by: MamazillaFoodBonus: low-carb, gluten-free347 calories per serving This recipe for a crustless zucchini quiche is so easy to prepare and requires only a few simple ingredients. It’s really versatile and can be served any time of day. Bonus: fresh veggies, vegan364 calories per serving Low Carb High Taste Zoodles. Italian style spiralized zucchini noodles ready in just 15 minutes, excellent for a quick lunch recipe or dinner. Bonus: packed with protein and veggies458 calories per serving Fill up and power up on our hot vegetarian kale and white bean soup (then try one of these other veg soup recipes for weight loss!). It’s an absolute pearl for your healthy slim down diet. Ready in: 35 minutesRecipe by: IFoodRealBonus: colourful, gluten-free384 calories per serving This Arugula Beet Salad is the perfect combination of sweet and peppery flavors. Tossed with crunchy candied pecans, creamy feta and an easy balsamic dressing, this flavorful salad is restaurant quality worthy! Bonus: filling, spicy487 calories per serving 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. Ready in: 11 minutesRecipe by: SweetlySplendidBonus: gluten-free, super speedy295 calories per serving Vegetarian Stuffed Sweet Potatoes – A savory, Mexican inspired sweet potato that is stuffed with black beans (if you like the sound of this, you’ll probably enjoy our sweet potato bakes too). The salty, crispy skin is the perfect balance with the cool avocado. Bonus: vegan, speedy465 calories per serving Vegan Chickpea Curry. Our awesome vegan take on the insanely popular dish. Ridiculously tasty and nutritious – just look at all that protein, fibre and iron. Ready in: 40 minutesRecipe by: HealthfulBlondieBonus: crispy, colourful405 calories per serving Crispy roasted cauliflower tacos topped with the most delicious creamy and zesty cilantro yogurt crema. These vegetarian tacos are healthy, packed with protein, and can be customized to your preferences (and if you enjoy them, why not try some of these other vegetarian taco ideas?). Bonus: simple, protein packed254 calories per serving Looking for a healthy soup recipe? Try our curried lentil soup – it’s warming and spicy, with just 337 calories per serving (and one of our best ever vegetarian lentil recipes!)! Ready in: 30 minutesRecipe by: FitFoodieNutterBonus: packed with veggies, simple333 calories per serving Healthy, vibrant, full of flavour and ready in 30 minutes, this vegan Pad Thai will tick all the boxes for a quick yet delicious plant-based lunch or dinner. Free from gluten, eggs, & refined sugar. Bonus: packed with veggies, simple337 calories per serving Dal khichdi is a great weight loss dinner! It’s healthy, light but still filling, and a source of complete protein. Try it now! Ready in: 45 minutesRecipe by: RainbowNourishmentsBonus: vegan, gluten-free366 calories per serving This Moroccan-inspired vegetable tray bake is easy, healthy and soo tasty! It’s packed with plant-based protein, wholesome vegetables and has an irresistible spiced dressing. Bonus: vegan, hearty367 calories per serving Who said meat-free recipes can’t deliver? This meatless (aka vegan) chili proves that you can still enjoy your favourite meals, but in a new, animal friendly way. Ready in: 25 minutesRecipe by: ItsNotComplicatedBonus: fresh veggies, high iron371 calories per serving A salad base of kale, sweet potato and almonds are tossed with a light, creamy dressing seasoned with fresh lemon juice and mustard. Bonus: high protein, simple251 calories per serving The perfect Omelette. Just eggs in this deliciously simple and perfect natural omelette. Omelettes the way they should be. Vegetarian, healthy and ready in 7 minutes. Ready in: 35 minutesRecipe by: AmyCaseyCooksBonus: vegan, low input229 calories per serving Roasted Harissa Cauliflower, Chickpeas, and Spinach. A north African thick spice sauce, harissa is warm, smoky, tangy, and spicy. It’s a perfect compliment to the nutty and slightly sweet cauliflower and chickpeas. Bonus: fresh veggies, transportable339 calories per serving A refreshing and tangy summer veggie wrap that’s easy to make and perfect for on the go – ideal for bbqs, picnics or wherever it’s needed! Ready in: 50 minutesRecipe by: EatTheGainsBonus: Gluten-free, high protein303 calories per serving Easy Sweet Potato Frittata with asparagus, artichokes, and goat cheese packs protein, carbs, and healthy fats. Perfect for balanced breakfast, brunch, or meal prep. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and paleo and Whole30 friendly. Bonus: vegan, versatile326 calories per serving 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: freeze-able, transportable469 calories per serving Easy Veggie Quesadillas with a Melted Mozzarella and Cheddar Combo. A few clever steps and you’ll be chowing down on gooey, crispy quesadillas in no time! Try it now! We hope you were inspired by these light vegetarian dinner ideas (if you were, you should see our low calorie veggie dinner ideas too!)! Let us know which were your favourites in the comments below!
title: “26 Healthy Light Vegetarian Dinner Ideas” ShowToc: true date: “2024-10-23” author: “Catherine Wilson”
Enter your email & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from us every week! By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Hurry the Food Up. From warming soups, to exciting salads, it’s a whole smorgasbord of delicious dishes that will fill you up without sending you off to bed bloated. Don’t get me wrong, a lot of the time I love to wolf down a big hearty dinner like a veggie wellington. But sometimes that’s just not the vibe. Maybe you’re someone whose appetite is biggest during the day, or maybe you need something light to eat before an evening exercise class. Whatever your reason, sometimes a light dinner is just what the doctor ordered.
What do we mean by ‘light’ vegetarian dinner ideas?
What exactly constitutes quick light dinner ideas? For us that means dinners under 500 calories. We wouldn’t go too far under 500, but 300-500 calories of the right food can still be a meal. If you’re cooking light dinner recipes for weight loss, you will be trying to maintain a slim calorie deficit. These light vegetarian dinner ideas can be great for that! However there’s a caveat: you still have to make sure that you eat enough throughout the day. If you don’t eat enough, you will get tired and hungry and you won’t be able to sustain yourself, let alone achieve your weight loss goals! That’s why I tend to enjoy light dinners after big lunches – you know, like those great stonking marvellous Sunday roasts, where you’re still full by dinner time, but want something yummy to tide you over through the night. Well, now you know where to come!
Super soups & cracking curries : fibre for the win!
You’ll notice there are a lot of soups and curries among our Top 15 Light Vegetarian Dinner Ideas. That’s because soups and curries are really good at being light but still filling. This is thanks to a lot of their bulk coming from liquid, veggies and legumes. Vegetables and legumes are fairly usually low in calories and fat, but high in fibre, which means that soups and curries loaded with veggies will be very filling (thank you fibre) and also relatively light (thank you low calorie count). For example, our delicious vegan tikka masala has 12g fibre per serving and this delicious spiced pumpkin red lentil soup contains a whopping 18g fibre per serving!
Light AND Healthy
Of course, low calorie does not equal healthy. But you can rest assured that you are getting only healthy vegetarian recipes for dinner here (and if that’s what you are after, you should also try our healthy vegetarian dinner ideas)! We’ve made sure to find light vegetarian dinner ideas that are low in saturated fats, free from overly processed ingredients, high in protein and full of fresh veggies. You can eat them as part of a weight loss plan (try our FREE 7-day Vegetarian Weight Loss Meal Plan for inspiration), or just as part of a general effort to be more healthy. Either way, you’re gonna love ‘em! Bonus: creamy, vegan454 calories per serving The classic curry takes on a new face with our vegan tikka masala. Full of healthy veg and fragrant flavours, this is sure to win your heart! Ready in: 1 hourRecipe by: SaraHaasBonus: hearty, warming291 calories per serving If you love pumpkin, you’re going to love this spiced pumpkin and red lentil soup for sure, (I recommend you also to try our other pumpkin soup recipes). With warm spices like cinnamon and cardamon, this soup is hearty, filling, and incredibly easy! Bonus: creamy, quick327 calories per serving Make the best scrambled eggs you’ve ever had with our quick & easy but simple to follow recipe – so good you’ll never look elsewhere again! Bonus: transportable, simple482 calories per serving Chickpea Wraps – these firm faves are really easy to make, super tasty and oh-so satisfying. We’ll even show you how to roll them properly! Ready in: 30 minutesRecipe by: SplashOfTasteBonus: low-carb, gluten-free218 calories per serving Baked goats cheese, cherry tomatoes bursting with flavor & a hint of spice make the perfect light meal. Bonus: keto-friendly, low carb315 calories per serving This low-carb pie that’s keto-friendly is incredibly tasty – and the best thing – it takes only five minutes to prep! Seriously! Ready in: 45 minutesRecipe by: MamazillaFoodBonus: low-carb, gluten-free347 calories per serving This recipe for a crustless zucchini quiche is so easy to prepare and requires only a few simple ingredients. It’s really versatile and can be served any time of day. Bonus: fresh veggies, vegan364 calories per serving Low Carb High Taste Zoodles. Italian style spiralized zucchini noodles ready in just 15 minutes, excellent for a quick lunch recipe or dinner. Bonus: packed with protein and veggies458 calories per serving Fill up and power up on our hot vegetarian kale and white bean soup (then try one of these other veg soup recipes for weight loss!). It’s an absolute pearl for your healthy slim down diet. Ready in: 35 minutesRecipe by: IFoodRealBonus: colourful, gluten-free384 calories per serving This Arugula Beet Salad is the perfect combination of sweet and peppery flavors. Tossed with crunchy candied pecans, creamy feta and an easy balsamic dressing, this flavorful salad is restaurant quality worthy! Bonus: filling, spicy487 calories per serving 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. Ready in: 11 minutesRecipe by: SweetlySplendidBonus: gluten-free, super speedy295 calories per serving Vegetarian Stuffed Sweet Potatoes – A savory, Mexican inspired sweet potato that is stuffed with black beans (if you like the sound of this, you’ll probably enjoy our sweet potato bakes too). The salty, crispy skin is the perfect balance with the cool avocado. Bonus: vegan, speedy465 calories per serving Vegan Chickpea Curry. Our awesome vegan take on the insanely popular dish. Ridiculously tasty and nutritious – just look at all that protein, fibre and iron. Ready in: 40 minutesRecipe by: HealthfulBlondieBonus: crispy, colourful405 calories per serving Crispy roasted cauliflower tacos topped with the most delicious creamy and zesty cilantro yogurt crema. These vegetarian tacos are healthy, packed with protein, and can be customized to your preferences (and if you enjoy them, why not try some of these other vegetarian taco ideas?). Bonus: simple, protein packed254 calories per serving Looking for a healthy soup recipe? Try our curried lentil soup – it’s warming and spicy, with just 337 calories per serving (and one of our best ever vegetarian lentil recipes!)! Ready in: 30 minutesRecipe by: FitFoodieNutterBonus: packed with veggies, simple333 calories per serving Healthy, vibrant, full of flavour and ready in 30 minutes, this vegan Pad Thai will tick all the boxes for a quick yet delicious plant-based lunch or dinner. Free from gluten, eggs, & refined sugar. Bonus: packed with veggies, simple337 calories per serving Dal khichdi is a great weight loss dinner! It’s healthy, light but still filling, and a source of complete protein. Try it now! Ready in: 45 minutesRecipe by: RainbowNourishmentsBonus: vegan, gluten-free366 calories per serving This Moroccan-inspired vegetable tray bake is easy, healthy and soo tasty! It’s packed with plant-based protein, wholesome vegetables and has an irresistible spiced dressing. Bonus: vegan, hearty367 calories per serving Who said meat-free recipes can’t deliver? This meatless (aka vegan) chili proves that you can still enjoy your favourite meals, but in a new, animal friendly way. Ready in: 25 minutesRecipe by: ItsNotComplicatedBonus: fresh veggies, high iron371 calories per serving A salad base of kale, sweet potato and almonds are tossed with a light, creamy dressing seasoned with fresh lemon juice and mustard. Bonus: high protein, simple251 calories per serving The perfect Omelette. Just eggs in this deliciously simple and perfect natural omelette. Omelettes the way they should be. Vegetarian, healthy and ready in 7 minutes. Ready in: 35 minutesRecipe by: AmyCaseyCooksBonus: vegan, low input229 calories per serving Roasted Harissa Cauliflower, Chickpeas, and Spinach. A north African thick spice sauce, harissa is warm, smoky, tangy, and spicy. It’s a perfect compliment to the nutty and slightly sweet cauliflower and chickpeas. Bonus: fresh veggies, transportable339 calories per serving A refreshing and tangy summer veggie wrap that’s easy to make and perfect for on the go – ideal for bbqs, picnics or wherever it’s needed! Ready in: 50 minutesRecipe by: EatTheGainsBonus: Gluten-free, high protein303 calories per serving Easy Sweet Potato Frittata with asparagus, artichokes, and goat cheese packs protein, carbs, and healthy fats. Perfect for balanced breakfast, brunch, or meal prep. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and paleo and Whole30 friendly. Bonus: vegan, versatile326 calories per serving 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: freeze-able, transportable469 calories per serving Easy Veggie Quesadillas with a Melted Mozzarella and Cheddar Combo. A few clever steps and you’ll be chowing down on gooey, crispy quesadillas in no time! Try it now! We hope you were inspired by these light vegetarian dinner ideas (if you were, you should see our low calorie veggie dinner ideas too!)! Let us know which were your favourites in the comments below!
