This compilation is an awesome guide to making delicious and easy weeknight dinners with nutritious veggies and plenty of other wholesome ingredients. 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. Even if you’re a newbie in the kitchen, it’s time to grab the basics and make these healthy vegetarian dinners. We’ve made them as easy as possible – incredible flavours, essential nutrients, and good-looking dishes are an added bonus.
Why do these healthy vegetarian ideas rock?
Wondering what kind of recipes you’ll find here? Think: pastas, casseroles, chillis, soups, stuffed peppers, salads, enchiladas, pitas, and more. Something for everyone. All these healthy vegetarian dinner recipes are:
well, HEALTHY – each recipe is packed with protein, nutritious ingredients and has a healthy amount of fat. Further down we’ll explain what it means for our bodies. high protein – 15-20g+ protein per serving, wow! easy – you don’t have to be a chef to make them, just read the easy-breezy instructions and voilà! speedy – it takes 30 minutes tops to prep most of the dinner ideas. Some need a bit more time to be cooked in the oven or on the stovetop. vegetarian only – less saturated fat and cholesterol, good for you and the planet kind of meals.
Why are these easy vegetarian dinner recipes so healthy?
These healthy vegetarian dinner ideas showcase the diversity of plant-based foods (and if you like these you should try our 79 best vegetarian recipes ever!). Each recipe is unique but meets the following nutritional criteria:
15-20g+ protein less than 10g saturated fat less than 25g overall fat fresh fruits/veggies mostly wholegrain carbohydrates
Why protein?
There are many proven reasons to eat more protein. Your body needs it to build muscle, reduce hunger, boost metabolism and so much more. Optimal daily protein intake depends on your body weight, age, physical activity level and other factors (such as whether you are looking to lose weight or achieve healthy weight maintenance). Use this online calculator to see how much protein and other nutrients you need every day if you’re interested. A high protein diet may also help you with weight loss. Check out this article on vegetarian high protein foods and how they can help you lose weight. And don’t forget about this round-up. It has many healthy vegetarian dinner ideas for weight loss. If you’re an active or sporty vegetarian and need some help with your meal choices, check out our weekly high protein meal plans.
What about fat?
Do we need fats in our diet? Absolutely! But we need adequate amounts of healthy fat. There are different types of fat but you should stick to unsaturated fats, if you want to reduce your risk of heart disease. It’s best to keep an eye on your overall fat intake too. That’s why our healthy vegetarian dinners have no more than 10g saturated fat and less than 25g overall fat. They’re sure to make meatless Monday even better. Or even the rest of the days of the week!
Onto the best super healthy vegetarian dinner recipes!
Bonus: super simple to throw together, filled with plant-based protein This time-saving traybake with sweet potato, broccoli, and quinoa is big on superfood nutrition and even bigger on taste. Bonus: full of healthy plant protein and really basic ingredients A beautiful vegan soup starring cauliflower and lentils, spiced with a taste of Morocco. High in protein, works for lunch or dinner. Bonus: perfect weight loss dinner; juicy, flavoursome and light After the perfect cauliflower steak? Try this simple & delicious roasted cauliflower steak with ricotta and pepper sauce! Bonus: made with healthy and nutritious ingredients Enjoy a taste of the Med with our creamy mushroom and sundried tomato polenta – total perfection! Bonus: easy, authentic pad thai recipe with numerous health benefits Searching for a sweet, spicy and simple vegan noodle dish for dinner? This tofu vegan pad thai hits the mark every time! 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: 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! 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: 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! Bonus: hearty and warming recipe Looking for healthy comfort food options? This vegan broccoli casserole is hearty, filling & surprisingly light! Try it now! Bonus: kind of like a tuna salad but vegetarian Upgrade your vegetarian sandwich offerings with this chickpea salad sandwich (and then one of these other amazing veggie sandwich recipes!)! It’s simple and speedy with 20g of protein! Bonus: full of good, filling ingredients and lentil benefits Looking for an easy tabbouleh recipe? Get a load of our lentil tabbouleh – a protein packed take on the classic dish! Bonus: filling, flavourful Vegan stuffed peppers packed with quinoa – and loads of flavour. Full of protein and with clear instructions in easy steps. Bonus: chickpea benefits 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. Bonus: hearty and quick prep This healthy high protein vegetarian moussaka is a true veggie delight with Greek soul and full of flavour and texture (and if that sounds good to you, you need to check out our othervegetarian high protein dinner ideas!)! Bonus: pack a punch of flavour and health benefits Love spice? Love noodles? Want both those things in 1 healthy package? Try our delicious spicy dragon noodles now! 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: high in vitamins and nutrients 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. Bonus: packed with protein, fibre and unsaturated fats A dump and bake dish that will please everyone, this bean and pasta vegetarian casserole makes a perfect healthy dinner. Bonus: comforting, filling and flavourful 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: a practical weeknight dinner Looking for a healthy (cheap family dinners this way!) vegetarian dinner? Try this simple oven roasted broccoli with halloumi & lentils. 32g protein each! Bonus: an easy meal, both high in protein and fiber, packed with fresh vegetables Greek Pitas Recipe. Ready in 10 minutes. High in vitamin A, C and iron. Bursting out with delicious ingredients, perfect as a snack or healthy meal. Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUpBonus: a great recipe to up your protein intake Time to get those guns on show! This protein-packed baked potato is an absolute protein star – and awesomely tasty to boot! Love it. Bonus: an easy recipe with plenty of nutrients This simple chickpea salad is the first step to eating better by building powerful eating habits with simple yet delicious and healthy ingredients! This recipe is an excellent source of ‘complete’ protein which is perfect for a vegetarian diet. Bonus: a complete meal with tasty and healthy meat replacement Vegan Bolognese. It was about time we veganized the Italian classic. And we’re proud to say we were successful. Please welcome, the amazing Anti Bolognese! Try it now 😉 Bonus: filling, protein-packed patties These awesome high-protein vegetarian lentil patties can be used as lentil burgers or fritters, and even made vegan, too! Bonus: great cooking tips Awaken the Italian in You! Quick to make, so satisfying and tasty to eat. We’ve also included the key surprisingly easy tips to getting the perfect risotto. Bonus: great cooking tips, excellent for an easy family dinner Sweet Potato Burritos – bursting with Mexican flair and tantalising flavours, this authentic recipe is easy to make for one or the whole big family! Bonus: cauliflower health benefits An exciting fusion of Pakistani spices combine with crunchy roasted cauliflower in this classically cooked dish. Bonus: taste great and satisfy hunger Chickpea Wraps – these firm faves are really easy to make, super tasty and oh-so satisfying (and you should also try our other veggie wraps if you liked this one!). We’ll even show you how to roll them properly! Bonus: packed full of vitamins and protein 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. Vegetarian and ready in 25 mins. Bonus: tacos from wraps hack These vegetarian tacos are really hard to beat (though they are maybe matched by some of our other fave vegetarian tacos!). There’s just something about that crunchy mix of onions, peppers and beans surrounded by crispy tacos, topped off with a sweet mango and avocado sauce. They’re really, really gooood! 😛 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: delicious and filling Red Lentil Soup. Delicious – six ingredients, 30g of protein per bowl. If you’re looking for some comforting soups, this one is healthier than pretty much anything, tasty and high in fiber too. Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUpBonus: great health benefits After a healthy pasta arrabiata recipe? Try ours! With aubergine and a crushed almond topping, this is the best out there! Protein: 26gCalories: 621kcalReady in: 45 minutesRecipe by: TheAlmondEaterBonus: cosy and filling Butternut Squash Enchiladas are filled with tender butternut squash, black beans, and rice before being drenched in smoky enchilada sauce and baked with cheese on top. They’re vegetarian, very filling and will surely tickle your taste buds. Protein: 21gCalories: 335kcalReady in: 1 hourRecipe by: ASimplePalateBonus: cheesy and flavourful Vegetarian stuffed shells; made with roasted peppers, carrots, cauliflower, and spinach in a cheesy red sauce! No ricotta cheese is needed for the filling. Just lots of roasted veggies and fresh herbs for bright flavour! Protein: 20gCalories: 404kcalReady in: 20 minutesRecipe by: OurPlant-BasedWorldBonus: quick, versatile, and nutritious This Creamy Red Lentil Curry is one of my favorite dishes because it’s super flavorful, nutritious, protein-packed, and you can make it in a blink of an eye. It makes a super healthy lunch or dinner. If you like spicy curries, some curry paste and extra fresh ginger or powder can boost the spiciness. Protein: 33gCalories: 642kcalReady in: 25 minutesRecipe by: VeganPunksBonus: rich, creamy, and make ahead Vegan carbonara is so easy to make, packed with protein and can be made in one pot too! It’s dairy-free, meat-free and perfect for cosy vegan dinners. Protein: 23gCalories: 449kcalReady in: 30 minutesRecipe by: VeganPunksBonus: simple and great for meal prepping Mexican Baked Tofu Quinoa Bowl is easy to prepare, perfect for meal prepping and is packed with healthy plant-powered protein. Ancho, chilli and cumin give it that Mexican flavour and the tofu, beans and quinoa deliver the filling, protein-packed meal. Protein: 10gCalories: 338kcalReady in: 30 minutesRecipe by: RainbowPlantLifeBonus: dairy-free, and vegan Tahini pasta is rich, comforting, and ultra-creamy. It is a perfectly balanced vegan dinner the whole family will like. Protein: 25gCalories: 555kcalReady in: 25 minutesRecipe by: MyVeganMinimalistBonus: veggies, nutrients and a super creamy sauce This vegan roasted red pepper pasta requires just 6 simple ingredients and is made within 20 minutes. Creamy, packed with nutrients and so easy even your kids could help make it! Protein: 31.1gCalories: 614kcalReady in: 40 minutesRecipe by: BrokeBankVeganBonus: interesting and delicious meal, can be made with different sorts of fillings Pambazos are an exceptionally tasty Mexican sandwich featuring chile-brushed bread filled with chorizo, potatoes, lettuce, salsa, crema, and queso. Try this plant-based version for a delicious and healthy twist on a classic! Protein: 22gCalories: 377kcalReady in: 45 minutesRecipe by: OurHappyMessBonus: cheesy, lasagna-like but quicker Ready in 45 minutes, this easy baked cheese tortellini casserole is packed with oven-roasted vegetables and is cheesy weeknight perfection! Protein: 21gCalories: 329kcalReady in: 1 hour (just 15 min prep)Recipe by: HappyVeggieKitchenBonus: one-pot dinner for the whole family, comforting and smoky This veggie packed lentil bake is pure comfort food with a smoky, Mexican inspired twist! It’s a well rounded, protein filled vegetarian dinner that is completely stress free to prepare (more high protein veggie dinner ideas this way!). You can personalize this recipe with your favorite toppings, vegetables and cheeses and it always turns out delicious thanks to the incredible mix of spices. Protein: 24gCalories: 521kcalReady in: 30 minutesRecipe by: Plant-BasedOnABudgetBonus: rich, spicy, and comforting Noodles for days! This Udon with Spicy Tofu & Greens recipe will hit all the right spots. Salty, spicy and beyond comforting! Protein: 23gCalories: 433kcalReady in: 25 minutesRecipe by: HappyVeggieKitchenBonus: fresh and healthy A tasty, simple vegetarian pasta dinner packed with white beans (cannellini beans work well), fresh tomatoes, feta and parmesan cheese, herbs and arugula / rocket! Perfect for a weeknight dinner, you will love the mix of flavors and textures. Protein: 20gCalories: 399kcalReady in: 20 minutesRecipe by: EatTheGainsBonus: light and refreshing Light and refreshing lemon asparagus pasta combine pasta and asparagus with a creamy lemon feta sauce made from greek yogurt, feta, lemon, and herbs. It’s one of the best vegetarian pasta recipes, that comes together in 20 minutes, is packed with protein, and so delicious! Protein: 20gCalories: 496kcalReady in: 20 minutesRecipe by: EvergreenKitchenBonus: great make-ahead dish An easy and delicious 20 minute dinner. This vegetarian tortellini is brimming with flavor from pesto, sundried tomatoes, baby spinach, and feta cheese. Tortellini keeps well as meal prep for the week; it’s also a great make-ahead dish for potlucks and entertaining. Protein: 35gCalories: 764kcalReady in: 20 minutesRecipe by: JoyfulDumplingsBonus: amazing sweet, tangy and savory flavor This Vegan version of Japanese Yakisoba is made with bouncy noodles, colorful vegetables, and protein. Maple syrup adds a bit of sweetness to the sauce to balance out the flavors and toasted sesame oil adds an extra nutty flavor. Protein: 21gCalories: 267kcalReady in: 55 minutesRecipe by: AMummyTooBonus: rich and tasty, can be made vegan This is honestly the best vegetarian mince chilli! It’s rich, packed with veg and delicious. What’s more, it’s sure to satisfy even the meat-eaters in your family, thanks to the use of Quorn or soya mince. Protein: 21gCalories: 392kcalReady in: 30 minutesRecipe by: GarlicSaltAndLimeBonus: viral tiktok trend Feta and cherry or constellation tomatoes baked/roasted with seasonings and then mixed into a sauce. Add your favorite pasta and, voila! Protein: 38gCalories: 378kcalReady in: 1 hour 45 minutes (30 minutes prep)Recipe by: HealthySeasonalRecipesBonus: perfect comfort food This Easy Vegetable Lasagna Primavera is loaded with fresh veggies including zucchini, mushrooms and spinach. It is light and healthy and takes a half-hour to get into the oven thanks to using purchased sauce and oven-ready noodles. Protein: 26gCalories: 107kcalReady in: 30 minutesRecipe by: NourishPlateBonus: vegan, gluten-free, low calorie and cheap Simple and delicious lentil dhal made with just a few pantry ingredients. Red lentils are rich in iron and are an excellent source of plant-based protein which makes this dish really nourishing and filling. Protein: 26gCalories: 519kcalReady in: 30 minutesRecipe by: CozyPeachKitchenBonus: easy, cheesy, and just delicious This simple but satisfying pasta bake is loaded with fresh veggies, seasoned tempeh, and ziti (and if your mouth is watering at the thought of this, you need to try our other veggie pasta bakes!). It’s perfect for busy weeknights and makes great leftovers.
What should I eat for dinner as a healthy vegetarian?
You should choose meals with a healthy amount of fat and high in protein. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, soybeans, nuts, seeds, grains, eggs and dairy products are great options for vegetarians.
Why am I gaining weight as a vegetarian?
If you consume more calories than your body needs, it gradually results in unwanted weight gain. Just because vegetarian options are considered healthier you shouldn’t replace animal proteins with unlimited portions of fats and carbs. Look for vegetarian sources of protein, fiber, healthy fats, and stay away from processed foods to maintain a healthy weight. How did it go? Let us know in the comments which healthy meatless meals for dinner you liked the most!
