And, with this 2024 edition, you’re getting 20! yes, 20 brand-new recipes! From low-calorie breakfasts to dinner recipes, even sides – I’ve got you covered. If you’re looking to eat a low-calorie vegetarian diet to help shed those pesky pounds, I think this collection will really help you out (as would this collection of veggie low calorie breakfast ideas). All dishes are under 450 calories, with a low fat content. 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. These dishes from Morocco to Vietnam, include low-calorie soups, salads, and dinners, have lots of flavors but not many calories, making them perfect for helping to achieve your weight loss goals. If you’re looking for more support on your weight loss journey, check out our Weekly Weight Loss Meal Plan. You can even try it out for 7-Days for FREE! Or for more options (that aren’t necessarily low calorie) try our healthy vegetarian recipes compilation. So let’s get to it!
Here are 60! Delicious low calorie meals just for you!
I’ve broken down this list into 4 mealtime categories so you can find exactly what you’re looking for.
Vegetarian low-calorie breakfasts
It is said to be the most important meal of the day and you can’t start your day off any better than with these breakfast bangers! Bonus: quick and colourful A classic homemade Jamaican breakfast made vegan and more nutritious – and bursting with the same sweet and scrumptiously savoury taste! Bonus: bring your cafe favorite home Our take on the tried and true combo of egg on Avocado Toast. It’s high-protein and delicious with just a hint of spice! Bonus: fresh and tasty Grab the seriously impressive health benefits from the little purple power balls and get them down you in the tastiest way known to women or men! Bonus: decadent and delicious These no-egg pancakes are easy, light, and fluffy. Perfect for savory or sweet toppings, look no further if you need pancakes without eggs! Bonus: grab and go brekkie Delicious and Healthy Breakfast Egg Muffins. Simple recipe, great taste. Low carb and high in protein. Perfect as a full meal or filling snack. Bonus: a nice breakfast with Mexican flair Huevos rancheros are a quick and easy traditional Mexican breakfast that makes a great low-calorie dish for vegetarians. Bonus: a fruity quick breakfast to go A fruity vegan smoothie, free from dairy products and packed with protein to fuel your day ahead. Love fruit and nuts? Then you’ll love this! Bonus: delicious, filling and fruity A healthy high-protein version of those famous Tiktok baked oats. They’ll fill you up and keep you smiling until lunch! Bonus: super fresh and cool perfect for summer mornings After a cool and refreshing summer drink that is healthy too? Try our pineapple and spinach smoothie with fresh mint (more delicious vegetable smoothies to be found here!)! Bonus: high protein and super tasty Looking for healthy new toast recipes? Try our greens and beans on toast! White beans in a herby green sauce, with feta! Bonus: a great option for a veggie-cooked breakfast This easy vegetarian shakshuka recipe breaks everything down into simple steps for a great Shakshuka result every time! Protein: 23gCalories: 354 kcalsReady in: 1 hourRecipe by: HeavenlyHomeCookedBonus: savory and spectacular Our spicy mushroom breakfast casserole is tasty and has everything you need for breakfast. It’s perfect for meal prep and will keep you going strong all morning! Protein: 10gCalories: 357 kcalsReady in: 20 minutesRecipe by: RachnaCooksBonus: colorful and protein-packed This is a detailed recipe on how to make overnight steel-cut oats. I have also shared 2 different ways to serve these overnight oats. Do try. Protein: 13gCalories: 226 kcalsReady in: 20 minutesRecipe by: HeavenlyHomeCookingBonus: decadent and delicious Our quick, easy, healthy, and delicious tropical smoothie bowl has everything you need to do breakfast right. Mango, bananas, pineapple, strawberries, and Greek yogurt come together to create paradise in a bowl (and if this sounds good to you, you’ll love our favorite easy mango recipes)!
Vegetarian low-calorie lunches
The majority of these recipes are ready in 30 minutes or less, which is just what you need in the middle of a busy day. Bonus: a little kick No complicated cooking steps means this refreshing carrot and ginger soup is ready in just ten easy minutes, and perfect for any weather. Take the stress out of cooking. Bonus: perfect for summer Speedy White Bean Salad – this tangy take on the classic is super-quick and super-tasty. It’s time to make lunch a thing to look forward to again. Bonus: tangy and delicious This tangy tempeh salad is just the best – quick, tasty, and packed with protein. And better yet – use whatever you have in the fridge! Bonus: creamy and smooth Make the most out of your veg with this Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup – tasty, easy, healthy, full of vitamins, and only five mins to prep! Bonus: perfect for summer This easy green bean fresh salad is ready in a staggering three minutes. Not many lunches can beat that! Bonus: easy and family-friendly Sweetcorn fritters can be made for any weeknight tea with the family (and if you need more recipes the kids will love, check out these veggie meals for kids now!). Served as a main or side dish, they’re so yummy! Bonus: low-calorie warming soup On the search for a quick, tasty homemade soup recipe? This pea and mint soup is deliciously easy and great for a vegan diet too! Bonus: protein-packed and great for picnics Looking for a quick lunch that’s packed with colorful veg and plenty of flavors? This tangy veggie wrap has got it all! Bonus: quick and super fresh After something different for lunch? Try this avocado and citrus salad with feta – it’s sweet, and sour & packs a punch! Bonus: warming and flavorsome Searching for a vegetarian soup recipe that’s big on health benefits & low on calories? Try this zucchini (courgette) basil soup! Bonus: Vegan and full of protein to fill you up until dinner Indulge in this smoky and savory Buddha Bowl. The combination of smoked tofu, hummus, and turmeric rice makes for a perfect vegan lunch (or dinner!) Protein: 17gCalories: 377 kcalsReady in: 30 minutesRecipe by: ChelseaDishesBonus: summery and exciting Use all of those summer garden veggies in this delicious (and just a bit spicy) vegetarian salad recipe. Protein: 2gCalories: 200 kcalsReady in: 50 minutesRecipe by: ItsNotComplicatedBonus: bright and simple My Roasted Red Pepper Soup (Roasted Capsicum Soup) with Basil Oil is so comforting to eat and full of vibrant flavors. The delicious combination of red peppers, tomato, and onion roasted to perfection offers a delightfully sweet and comforting taste. Protein: 1gCalories: 58 kcalsReady in: 20 minutesRecipe by: CrinkledCookBookBonus: spicy and tasty This recipe is super easy, a little spicy, and full of fresh flavor. It’s delicious any time of year, but black-eyed peas are said to offer good luck when eaten on New Year’s Day. Protein: 5gCalories: 159 kcalsReady in: 30 minutesRecipe by: BeyondTheChickenCoopBonus: filling and fantastic This vegan pasta salad has a light oriental dressing and is filled with fresh bell peppers and cucumbers. This Thai salad is sure to become a new favorite. Protein: 13gCalories: 350 kcalsReady in: 45 minutesRecipe by: SkinnySpatulaBonus: protein-packed and cozy This Greek chickpea soup with lemon is packed with vegetables and enhanced with Mediterranean flavors for a nutritious yet super tasty dinner. The perfect warming comfort food for a cold winter’s night, revithia soup is naturally vegan and pairs well with some crusty bread. Protein: 9gCalories: 210 kcalsReady in: 45 minutesRecipe by: CuisineAndTravelBonus: creamy and classic This vegan minestrone soup is packed with healthy ingredients like celery, potatoes, tomatoes, beans, and spinach, simmered in Italian seasoned tomato broth. It contains a variety of plant-based proteins, vitamins, and nutrients and is perfect for this cozy time of the year. Protein: 6gCalories: 145 kcalsReady in: 10 minutesRecipe by: MinistryOfCurryBonus: exciting new ingredients Delicious salad made with sprouted mung beans, diced tomatoes, cucumber, and onion, garnished with cilantro and lime juice.
Vegetarian low-calorie dinners
Enjoy this collection of low-calorie vegetarian dinners – watching your weight doesn’t have to taste boring (and once you’re done with these, why not explore our healthy vegetarian dinner recipes too!)! Bonus: leafy, creamy, and healthy Low Carb High Taste Zoodles. Italian-style spiralized zucchini noodles are ready in just 15 minutes, excellent for a quick lunch or dinner. Bonus: easy, breezy 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: the perfect weeknight meal Spinach Tomato Quesadillas. Easy to make and ready in 15 minutes max. It’s packed full of vitamins K and A, B2 and B6, C, calcium, and potassium. Incredible. Bonus: Low carb and super nutritious After the perfect cauliflower steak? Try this simple & delicious roasted cauliflower steak with ricotta and pepper sauce! Bonus: comforting and full of protein After a high protein, high fiber, low-calorie vegetarian dinner? Our Mexican bean stew is just the ticket! Try it now! Bonus: beautiful inside and out Looking for a light but filling soup to warm your belly this winter? Try our beetroot soup, topped with crunchy chickpeas! Bonus: fresh and full of nutritious corn This speedy and roasted creamy corn soup is here to show the world just how much vegan food rocks. Why should vegans have all the fun?! Bonus: you won’t miss the meat in this delicious meal A great example of amazing vegan comfort food for those chilly days! This chili sin carne is warming and full of flavor. Bonus: a quick and filling alternative to beef burgers These awesome high-protein vegetarian lentil patties can be used as lentil burgers or fritters, and even made vegan, too! Bonus: super quick and fab for lunch This mega quick lunch recipe from ace chef Jansen Schouten is bound to please – it’s tasty, nutritious, and most importantly – a break from the norm! Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUpBonus: could be a stew or a soup either way it’s delicious Boost immunity with this nutritious Moroccan Harira soup. A tasty and warming lunch option made from hearty whole foods. Protein: 13gCalories: 318 kcalsReady in: 30 minutesRecipe by: ChefSavvyBonus: cheesy and warm Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Bake. A healthier version of the Broccoli Rice Casserole we all love! Protein: 14gCalories: 326 kcalsReady in: 40 minutesRecipe by: RachnaCooksBonus: homemade goodness Matar Paneer is a staple main course and a very popular recipe in North India. It is tasty in a nice homestyle way. Protein: 18gCalories: 355 kcalsReady in: 20 minutesRecipe by: TheVegConnectionBonus: meat-free perfection Make classic Italian carbonara without any meat, but just as tasty! Mushroom carbonara is so satisfying and packed with savory flavor. Best of all, it’s simple and quick to make! Protein: 6gCalories: 191 kcalsReady in: 45 minutesRecipe by: TheVegConnectionBonus: colourful and protein-packed This wholesome vegan coconut lentil curry with piles of hearty butternut squash simmered in creamy coconut milk will become your favourite if you give it a try. Protein: 9gCalories: 295 kcalsReady in: 35 minutesRecipe by: TheGourmetRDBonus: bright and flavourful The ultimate summer skillet with gnocchi, sweet corn, zucchini, and red bell pepper in a light creamy lime sauce. Protein: 9gCalories: 269 kcalsReady in: 35 minutesRecipe by: JackSlobodianBonus: a classic Moroccan dish This Moroccan couscous recipe is super healthy and still packs a big punch of flavor. It’s quick and easy to make, using just one pot. Protein: 9gCalories: 250 kcalsReady in: 30 minutesRecipe by: ChoosingChiaBonus: pretty and tasty These Vietnamese noodle bowls are loaded with rice noodles, lemongrass tofu, and salad for a simple, healthy, and delicious meal! Protein: 2gCalories: 97 kcalsReady in: 25 minutesRecipe by: FitMealIdeasBonus: smooth and spicy Try this zucchini curry cooked in Indian style, a perfect weeknight meal that happens to be vegan, gluten-free, low in calories, and ready in under 30 minutes (and if you like that, you’ll love these vegan zucchini recipes!). It is a one-pot curry, creamy in texture, and goes well with Indian flatbread, naan, or rice. Protein: 19.2gCalories: 351 kcalsReady in: 30 minutesRecipe by: ASimplePalateBonus: clean and classic Stir fry vegetables in a delicious sweet and gingery sauce. Serve takeout at home in just 30 minutes with this delicious and easy dinner the whole family will love! Protein: 12gCalories: 377 kcalsReady in: 20 minutesRecipe by: ChampagneTastesBonus: perfect for summer These easy-to-make Vegan Sloppy Joes are filled with tomato sauce, chickpeas, and fresh veggies. They’re delicious, simple, and take about 20 minutes from start to finish. Protein: 42gCalories: 285 kcalsReady in: 22 minutesRecipe by: IndianAmbrosiaBonus: fun and colourful Paneer Jalfrezi is a colorful vegetarian stir fry made with cottage cheese, onions, tomatoes, green peppers, and powdered spices.
Vegetarian low-calorie sides
These side dishes are sure to go well with loads of your favourite meals: you can’t beat homemade baked beans! Bonus: crispy, cheesy, and wonderful Crowd-Pleasing Potato Gratin. 20-minute prep time, 40 minutes bake time, and always comes out great. Perfect for Christmas or Thanksgiving. Bonus: light and fresh Gỏi cuốn – these summer rolls are easy, authentic, and require absolutely no cooking. We’ve even included two simple but to-die-for sauces. Bonus: a classic for a reason Vegetarian Baked Beans. Thick and full-flavoured with a moreish tang. Low in calories, ready in 15 minutes, and just as good as the ‘original’ from Heinz! Bonus: yummy veg to have with any nut roast Roasted broccoli and cauliflower florets coated with a savory mix of cheese, tomatoes, spices, and olive oil make this easy lunch or side dish you’ll love! Bonus: fluffy and crisp Disbelieve that potatoes can be healthy and really tasty? I guarantee these curried potatoes are the best you’ll ever eat! Bonus: Traditional side dish great with a roast A family favorite that has spanned generations. We’re sure you’ll love this fresh cucumber salad as much as we do! Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Is vegetarian food low calorie?
Fresh fruit and vegetables are often low-calorie, low in fat, and high in fiber so they are a great way to add nutrients to your diet. However, it isn’t true that all vegetarian food is low in calories. If a meal is highly processed, or high in refined carbs, sugar, or unhealthy fats such as with many kinds of cheese, then these foods would be considerably higher in calories.
Can you lose weight by not eating meat?
Yes, it is possible to lose weight by not eating meat. If you’ve ever wondered how to lose weight on a vegetarian diet, Healthline agree that a vegetarian diet can be full of fiber and nutrients, however, this is only when people choose mostly whole foods. Eating a lot of processed foods on a vegetarian diet would not be conducive to losing weight as they often have a lot more calories and unhealthy fats in them. To help keep the calories down these meals are a healthy addition to any vegetarian meal plan (as are these vegetarian low calorie lunches that you should also check out!). But as I think you’ll agree, healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or tasteless! The simple ingredients found in these easy vegetarian recipes are full of color and flavour but most importantly, they are packed with vital nutrients. I hope you enjoyed this collection, let me know in the comments which recipe is your favourite?
