10+ Instant Vegetarian Recipes for Quick and Easy Meals

Finding quick and delicious meals can be a challenge, especially when trying to eat more vegetarian dishes. Instant vegetarian recipes can be a great solution, offering you flavorful options that are easy to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, these meals can fit into your busy schedule without sacrificing taste.

With a variety of ingredients and cooking methods, you can create satisfying dishes that appeal to everyone. From hearty stews to light salads, there’s something for every preference. Enjoying vegetarian meals has never been easier or more enjoyable!

1) Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl

The Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl is a delicious and healthy meal you can whip up in no time. It’s packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich quinoa, and flavorful ingredients.

Start with cooked quinoa as your base. Add chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers for crunch and color. Toss in some chickpeas for protein and fiber. Feta cheese adds a creamy touch, while a drizzle of lemon dressing ties everything together.

You can also include olives and a scoop of tzatziki for extra flavor. This bowl is perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup diced cucumbers
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed
• 1/2 cup feta cheese
• 1/4 cup olives (optional)
• 1/4 cup tzatziki sauce (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
3. Add chickpeas and feta cheese.
4. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Top with olives and tzatziki, if using.
7. Mix well and enjoy!

2) Vegetarian Pad Thai

Vegetarian Pad Thai is a delicious and quick meal you can prepare at home. It’s packed with colorful veggies and flavors. You can easily customize it by adding tofu or your favorite vegetables.

To make this dish, you will need rice noodles, bell peppers, carrots, and bean sprouts. A simple sauce made from soy sauce, lime juice, and peanut butter brings everything together.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) rice noodles
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• ½ cup firm tofu, cubed
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp peanut butter
• Chopped peanuts and cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, sauté tofu until golden.
3. Add bell pepper and carrots; stir-fry for 3 minutes.
4. Mix soy sauce, lime juice, and peanut butter in a bowl.
5. Combine noodles, veggies, and sauce in the pan.
6. Toss in bean sprouts and heat for 1 minute.
7. Serve with peanuts and cilantro on top.

3) Instant Pot Enchilada Pasta

Instant Pot Enchilada Pasta is a quick and tasty meal option. This dish combines the flavors of enchiladas with pasta for a satisfying dinner. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare in your Instant Pot.

To make this recipe, you’ll start by browning ground beef in the pot. Add onion and bell pepper for extra flavor. Then, mix in your favorite enchilada sauce and pasta for a delicious one-pot meal.

This recipe is perfect for busy nights. It’s cheesy, hearty, and sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups pasta (like penne)
• 1 cup enchilada sauce
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté and brown the ground beef.
2. Add onion and bell pepper; cook for 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in pasta, enchilada sauce, and water.
4. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
5. Release pressure and mix in shredded cheese before serving.

4) Broccoli Florets Steamed in Instant Pot

Steaming broccoli in an Instant Pot is quick and easy. This method keeps the broccoli fresh and nutritious. You can have it ready in just a few minutes.

Start by cutting your broccoli into florets. Rinse them well under cold water. Place the stainless steel trivet inside the pot and add ½ cup of water.

Arrange the broccoli florets on the trivet. Close the lid, making sure to seal the steam valve. Set the pot to cook at high pressure for 2-3 minutes.

Once done, quickly release the steam. Carefully remove the broccoli and enjoy it as a side or in your favorite dish.

Ingredients

• 1 head of broccoli
• ½ cup water

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut broccoli into florets and wash them.
2. Place the trivet in the Instant Pot.
3. Add ½ cup water to the pot.
4. Place broccoli on the trivet.
5. Close the lid and seal the steam valve.
6. Cook on high pressure for 2-3 minutes.
7. Quickly release the steam and serve.

5) Moroccan Chickpea Stew

Moroccan Chickpea Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s easy to make. Packed with vegetables and spices, it’s perfect for any meal. You can enjoy it on its own or serve it with rice.

This stew features chickpeas, which are high in protein and fiber. You also get the goodness of sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and a mix of warm spices like cumin and coriander. It’s a filling vegan option that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium sweet potato, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
3. Stir in the sweet potato, chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.

6) Vegan Breakfast Burrito

A Vegan Breakfast Burrito is a tasty and quick meal to kickstart your day. It’s packed with nutritious ingredients like tofu, potatoes, and veggies. You can customize it to match your preferences.

To make this burrito, you’ll need a tortilla, tofu, diced potatoes, and your favorite veggies. You can also add beans or avocado for extra flavor.

This meal is great for busy mornings or meal prep. You can freeze these burritos and heat them up whenever you need a quick bite.

Ingredients

• 1 tortilla
• 1 cup extra-firm tofu, drained and crumbled
• 1 cup diced potatoes
• 1 cup mixed veggies (like peppers or spinach)
• Optional: salsa, avocado, or beans

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Cook the diced potatoes until they are tender.
3. Add crumbled tofu and veggies to the skillet. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes.
4. Place the mixture on a tortilla, add optional toppings, and roll it up.
5. Enjoy right away or freeze for later!

7) Black Bean Rice Burgers

Black bean rice burgers are a tasty and healthy option for a quick meal. They’re packed with protein and great for anyone wanting a meatless dish. You can easily customize them with your favorite toppings.

To make them, you can combine cooked brown rice and black beans. This mix provides a hearty texture. Add some spices, and you are ready to form patties.

These burgers can be cooked on a grill, in a skillet, or baked in the oven. They’re delicious served on a bun or in a lettuce wrap for a lighter meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, cheese, and avocado

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mash black beans with a fork.
2. Add cooked rice, breadcrumbs, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Form the mixture into patties.
4. Cook on a skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C) for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden.

8) Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Creamy mushroom risotto is a delicious and comforting dish. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and easy to make. You can enjoy the rich flavors of mushrooms combined with creamy rice.

You can prepare this risotto in about 20 minutes using an Instant Pot. This method cuts down on time and effort. You won’t have to stir constantly, making it a great option for busy nights.

To start, gather the ingredients you’ll need for your risotto. Fresh mushrooms bring a lovely flavor, and using vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian-friendly.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Set your Instant Pot to “sauté” mode.
2. Add olive oil, onion, and garlic. Cook until soft.
3. Stir in the mushrooms and cook for a few minutes.
4. Add Arborio rice and vegetable broth.
5. Seal the pot and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
6. Allow natural release for 5 minutes.
7. Fluff with a fork and season with salt and pepper.

9) Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato Basil Soup is a delicious and easy dish that you can make in no time. This creamy soup is perfect for a cozy meal, and it’s vegan too!

You’ll want to use fresh tomatoes and aromatic basil to get the best flavor. Roasting the tomatoes enhances their sweetness, making each spoonful rich and satisfying.

Serve it warm with a side of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup coconut milk (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread chopped tomatoes and onion on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes.
3. In a pot, heat garlic until fragrant.
4. Add the roasted tomatoes and onion to the pot.
5. Pour in vegetable broth and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Add basil and coconut milk. Blend until smooth.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve warm!

10) Curried Lentil Soup

Curried lentil soup is a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for any day. This easy recipe brings together the rich flavors of curry spices and coconut milk. It’s not only tasty but also packed with nutrients.

You’ll start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in coconut oil. This creates a flavorful base for your soup.

Next, add lentils and your choice of curry powder. Then, pour in vegetable broth and coconut milk. Let it simmer until the lentils are tender.

Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra touch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 can coconut milk
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat coconut oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the lentils and curry powder.
4. Pour in vegetable broth and coconut milk.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot, topped with cilantro.