55 Healthy Vegetarian Recipes You’ll Absolutely Love
Bonus: These veggie-packed ideas are easy to make.
Going meatless has never been easier — or more exciting. Trust us, you won’t even miss the meat with these healthy vegetarian recipes that are as craveworthy and satisfying as they are feel-good and nourishing. Though we love a good veggie side dish, these plant-powered meals definitely have *main character energy*, making it possible for you to get a healthy dinner on the table any night of the week (yep, it can be done!).
If you’re expecting a bunch of sad salads that’ll leave you with a rumbling stomach an hour later, you’re in for a serious surprise. From hearty stews and comforting pastas to stunning skillet meals and cheesy veg-topped pizzas, we’re talking big, bold flavors that are sure to please any palate — with nutrient-dense, plant-based proteins like tofu, beans, edamame and quinoa providing plenty of staying power. Some recipes even happen to be vegan-friendly meals without skimping on any of the good stuff (smoky black bean soup or a creamy Alfredo made with cauliflower, anyone?) And if you’re on the hunt for gluten-free recipes and keto recipes, we've got you covered, too.
With so many enticing and varied veg options, you might find yourself putting more meatless dishes on the weekly roster (and not just on Mondays!). No matter the season or the craving, these creative vegetarian recipes prove that meat is definitely not a must when it comes to whipping up a delicious, flavor-packed meal your family will love — and ask for on repeat.
Halloumi and Eggplant Salad
The iconic cheese from Cyprus (grilled to charred perfection!) and hearty cooked lentils provide a hefty dose of feel-good protein.
Get the Halloumi and Eggplant Salad recipe.
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Kale and Chickpea Toasts
Lemon-rubbed bread and a generous shower of grated Parm take these loaded toasts up a couple notches.
Get the Kale and Chickpea Toasts recipe.
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Peanut Sauce Soba with Crispy Tofu
(Air) fry up garlic-soy marinated cubes of tofu for a flavorful, protein-packed topping with minimal mess.
Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff
A duo of fresh and dried mushrooms, white miso and soy sauce lend rich, savory depth to this vegetarian version of the classic comfort dish. Seconds, please!
Get the Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff recipe.
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Sheet Pan Asparagus Frittata
Sliceable, large-format, absolutely heavenly nestled into a sandwich… what more could you ask for? Plus, the frittata slices can be frozen and rewarmed for the best make-ahead breakfast ever.
Get the Sheet Pan Asparagus Frittata recipe.
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Fully-Loaded Veggie Sandwiches
These seriously-stuffed sammies have it all: tomatoes, cukes, roasted veg, greens and our favorite part, both mashed avo and hummus. So satisfying!
Get the Fully-Loaded Veggie Sandwiches recipe.
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Chilaquiles Verdes
Breakfast for dinner, anyone? Avoid the dreaded sog by opting for a sturdy tortilla chip that can stand up to being tossed with the bright, homemade salsa verde.
Get the Chilaquiles Verdes recipe.
Wedge Salads with Buffalo Tofu Croutons
Fact: Hot sauce-marinated, cornflake-crusted tofu is far superior to normal croutons, especially when served with crunchy iceberg wedges drizzled with a creamy blue cheese dressing.
Vegan Pumpkin Risotto with Crispy Sage
Pumpkin puree, veg broth, and nutritional yeast pack in the earthy flavor, and the largely hands-off simmering process makes this cozy dish a cinch to pull off.
Chickpea Salad with Smashed Cucumbers
This crunchy, protein-packed salad keeps well in the refrigerator, so it's also a perfect make-ahead meal.
Roasted Eggplant Veggie Burgers
Who says you can't enjoy a good burger AND stick to your meatless meal plan? This eggplant burger has tons of flavorful spices and goes perfectly with some melty cheese and a brioche bun.
Zucchini Linguine
Pasta is a go-to vegetarian dish, for obvious reasons. This cozy plate packs in plenty of veggies, thanks to the shredded zucchini and microgreens.
Get the Zucchini Linguine recipe.
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Sticky Tofu Bowl
The tofu in this dish gets a sweet-salty flavor thanks to the blend of soy sauce, brown sugar and chili garlic sauce.
Get the Sticky Tofu Bowl recipe.
Marinated Pepper Pasta
These tangy marinated peppers add a big dose of flavor to this easy weeknight pasta.
Get the Marinated Pepper Pasta recipe.
Vegetable Paella
This dish takes inspiration from traditional Spanish-style seafood paella but leaves out the meat and fish for extra veggies instead!
Get the Vegetable Paella recipe.
Mushroom and Brussels Sprout Pizza
Shiitake mushrooms and two kinds of cheese take this pie to a new level. The best part? You can get it on the table in 25 minutes!
Get the Mushroom and Brussels Sprout Pizza recipe.
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Cauliflower Alfredo
The comfort food you've been waiting for: This deceptively decadent-looking pasta contains no cream or butter, is packed with fiber (and flavor!) and just happens to be vegan.
Get the Cauliflower Alfredo recipe.
Shakshuka
Serve this spiced tomato-and-egg dish with toasts or pita for sopping up every last bit of the umami-packed sauce.
Get the Shaksuka recipe.
Pressure Cooker Winter Squash and Lentil Stew
The warm spices of this cozy stew will get you through any chilly day. You can make it in your Instant Pot, too!
Get the Pressure Cooker Winter Squash and Lentil Stew recipe.
Orecchiette with White Beans and Spinach
Hearty orecchiette gets a flavor boost from crispy fried garlic. Not eating gluten? Make it with one of our favorite gluten-free pastas.
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