Looking for some meat-free dinner inspiration? We’ve got you covered. These vegetarian recipes stray from the typical rice and beans formula, bringing in dynamic and nutritious ingredients like chickpeas, hearty veggies, fresh herbs and savory cheese. Try our quick and easy 20-Minute Chickpea Soup for a comforting bowl that brings 11 grams of fiber, or give our 5-star Roasted Potato Tzatziki Bowls a shot. Either way, we know you’ll want to add these satisfying meals to your weekly rotation.
Love any of these recipes? Join MyRecipes to save, search and organize your EatingWell recipes all in one place. It’s free!
20-Minute Chickpea Soup
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Huff, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.
When dinner needs to happen fast, turn to this creamy chickpea soup that’s pulled together in just 20 minutes. Cream cheese melts right into this zesty soup for a velvety texture that feels cozy and comforting. Garnished with cilantro and crunchy tortilla strips, it’s a one-pot meal that’s weeknight-friendly and crowd-pleasing.
Pesto Pasta with Peas & Tomatoes
Ali Redmond
This Pesto Pasta with Peas & Tomatoes is a bright, flavorful dish that comes together quickly. Pasta is cooked alongside frozen sweet peas, then tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes and basil pesto for a fresh, herbaceous finish. You can serve it warm or chilled, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks or picnics. A sprinkle of Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon add the perfect final touch.
Chickpea Grain Bowl with Feta & Tomatoes
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali.
This chickpea-farro grain bowl is a hearty dish that’s packed with plant-based protein, fiber and tons of fresh flavor. Farro, a whole grain with a nutty taste and chewy texture, forms the base and pairs perfectly with tender chickpeas and veggies. If you don’t have farro on hand, you can easily swap in quinoa, brown rice or barley.
High-Fiber Vegetable Stew
Food: Sammy Mila, Photos: Jason Donnelly, Props: Breanna Ghazali.
This vegetable stew is a cozy dish for two that highlights the best of late-summer, early-fall produce. Simmered with warm spices and a savory broth, the vegetables become tender and absorb the flavors of the broth. It’s delicious served with warm naan on the side for dipping .
Creamy Lemon-Pesto Spaghetti & Spinach
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.
This creamy lemon-pesto pasta dish is a bright, comforting dinner that comes together quickly. The sauce combines pesto, a splash of cream and fresh lemon juice for a rich yet zesty flavor. Tender spinach is cooked with the pasta, wilting gently and adding a splash of color.
High-Protein Caprese Chickpea Salad
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
This caprese chickpea salad is a fresh, protein- and fiber-packed, plant-based twist on the classic Italian favorite. It combines creamy mozzarella pearls, juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant fresh basil with hearty chickpeas for a satisfying dish. A simple balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with a tangy-sweet finish. It’s quick to prepare, colorful and bursting with summery flavor.
Roasted Eggplant Parmesan
Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Grennwood.
This eggplant Parmesan is a comforting version of the classic Italian dish that’s simple to make. Slices of eggplant are layered with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This method skips the deep-frying step, making it lighter without sacrificing flavor. It’s perfect as a vegetarian main course and pairs well with pasta, crusty bread or a crisp green salad.
5-Ingredient Avocado & Chickpea Salad
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco.
This avocado-and-chickpea salad is a fresh, flavorful dish that comes together in minutes. Made with just five ingredients, it’s as simple as it is satisfying. Creamy avocado pairs perfectly with hearty chickpeas for a filling, plant-based meal. With no cooking required and minimal prep, it’s a perfect quick lunch or dinner.
Marry Me Quiche
Photographer: Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
This savory dish, inspired by the beloved Marry Me Chicken, features the same delicious ingredients in the form of a crustless quiche! Sun-dried tomatoes bring a deep, tangy sweetness that melds beautifully with creamy goat cheese and spinach. Whether served for brunch, lunch or a cozy dinner with a salad on the side, Marry Me Quiche is guaranteed to win hearts with its comforting, bold flavor.
Baked Pasta & Spring Veggies
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell
This spring vegetable pasta bake is a comforting dish that celebrates the fresh flavors of the season. Whole-wheat pasta adds a boost of fiber, while green peas, tender asparagus and baby spinach add color and flavor. A creamy blend of mozzarella, ricotta and Parmesan melts into every bite. This spring pasta bake is wholesome, flavorful and easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a spring gathering.
Baked Feta & Veggie Soup
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell
This baked feta and veggie soup is a creamy, flavorful dish that highlights the best of spring’s seasonal produce. Fresh peas, which have a sweet and vibrant flavor, are featured here—look for them in bags in the produce aisle to keep prep quick. The baked feta, roasted until soft, melts into the soup, creating a rich, tangy contrast to the fresh vegetables. Served with crusty bread, this soup is a perfect way to enjoy the bright, fresh flavors of spring.
Roasted Veggies with Halloumi & Chickpeas
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
This sheet-pan halloumi, chickpea and veggie recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner with easy cleanup. Chickpeas and halloumi provide protein to make this dish filling and satisfying. Roasting everything on the same sheet pan creates crispy, caramelized bites that meld beautifully with the creamy yogurt spread underneath.
Spinach, Broccoli & Mushroom Quiche
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
This spinach, broccoli and mushroom quiche is a high-protein dish that works for any meal of the day. You can enjoy it as a hearty breakfast, a light lunch with a side salad or even a satisfying dinner alongside roasted vegetables. It’s the best way to get your veggies and protein all in one easy dish!
Roasted Cabbage-Steak Spanakopita Melts
Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist Christina Daley
Our roasted potato tzatziki bowls are the perfect plant-based dinner, with bright, fresh and creamy flavors in every bite. Crispy, golden roasted potatoes are the centerpiece, accompanied by a tangy, herb-packed tzatziki sauce at the base. Loaded with fresh veggies like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and red onion with a side of chickpeas for added fiber and plant-based protein, these bowls deliver big on flavor and nutrition.
Cauliflower alla Vodka
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Clarie Spollen
This cauliflower alla vodka is the plant-based meal you need right now! Cauliflower soaks up the creamy vodka sauce beautifully, making it a satisfying alternative to pasta. For an easy shortcut, you can swap the homemade sauce for a jarred vodka sauce. It saves time without sacrificing that signature velvety texture and bold, tangy taste. If you go that route, just be aware that it could add extra sodium to the dish.
Spinach-Artichoke Gnocchi Skillet with Feta
Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist Christina Daley
This spinach-artichoke gnocchi skillet recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner. It’s quick, easy and doesn’t skimp on flavor. Spinach and artichokes take center stage, while the gnocchi soaks up the flavors of the creamy sauce. Best of all, it comes together in just one skillet, saving you time on prep and cleanup. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without the fuss. Serve it as is or pair it with a simple green salad for an extra serving of veggies.
