10+ Low Calorie Dinner Recipes Vegetarian for Delicious and Healthy Meals

Eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or variety at dinner. Many delicious options are available that are both low in calories and vegetarian. With a little creativity, you can enjoy satisfying meals that support your wellness goals.

Low-calorie vegetarian dinners can be quick to prepare and packed with nutrition. Focus on fresh vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based proteins to create meals that are not only tasty but also nourishing.

You’ll find that exploring these recipes can make your dinner time enjoyable and guilt-free.

1) Creamy Fettuccine with Brussels Sprouts

Creamy fettuccine with Brussels sprouts is a delicious and satisfying vegetarian dish. You will love how the flavors blend together, making a perfect dinner option. This recipe combines whole-wheat fettuccine with fresh Brussels sprouts and mushrooms in a rich cream sauce.

The combination of ingredients provides a healthy meal while keeping it low in calories. The dish is simple to make and takes only about 30 minutes to prepare.

It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that your family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces whole-wheat fettuccine
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 cups sliced mixed mushrooms
• 4 cups finely sliced Brussels sprouts
• 1 cup light cream or a plant-based alternative
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the fettuccine according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add mushrooms and Brussels sprouts. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the cream and season with salt and pepper.
5. Mix in the cooked fettuccine, tossing to combine. Serve hot.

2) Roasted Carrot Tart with Pesto

You’ll love this Roasted Carrot Tart with Pesto as a tasty and colorful dinner option. The dish uses roasted carrots and a creamy pesto for flavor. It’s a perfect way to enjoy vegetables without feeling guilty.

To make this tart, you can use regular carrots or smaller ones for a sweeter taste. Pair it with herb or carrot-top pesto for a delicious twist. This dish not only looks good but also minimizes waste by using the entire carrot.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet of puff pastry
• 4 medium carrots, trimmed
• 1 cup carrot-top or herb pesto
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a baking sheet.
3. Toss carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Arrange the carrots on the pastry.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
6. Spread pesto over the warm tart before serving.

3) Spinach & Artichoke Dip Pasta

Spinach and artichoke dip transforms into a tasty pasta dish. This recipe combines creamy flavors with wholesome ingredients. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

You’ll need pasta, spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, and some spices. This dish can be made in under 30 minutes. It works well for both family dinners and gatherings.

To make it healthier, you can use whole wheat pasta. You’ll enjoy the combination of textures and flavors without the extra calories.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (any type)
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
2. In a large pan, heat spinach and artichokes over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in cream cheese until melted.
4. Add the cooked pasta and Parmesan. Mix well.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot.

4) Chili with Textured Vegetable Protein

Chili with textured vegetable protein (TVP) is a hearty and satisfying dish. This recipe is perfect for a low-calorie dinner that still feels filling. TVP adds a great texture, making your chili taste rich and meaty without the extra calories.

You can load your chili with plenty of vegetables, beans, and spices for flavor. Ingredients like onions, garlic, and bell peppers enhance the taste. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein.

Ingredients

• 1 cup TVP (textured vegetable protein)
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Mix in bell pepper and cook for a few more minutes.
4. Stir in the TVP, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes.
5. Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer for 20 minutes on low heat.
7. Serve warm.

5) Fried Cauliflower Rice

Fried cauliflower rice is a delicious and healthy alternative to regular fried rice. It’s packed with flavor and very low in calories, making it a great choice for a light dinner.

You can customize it with your favorite vegetables. Common choices include peas, carrots, and green onions. Use sesame oil for a wonderful taste.

This dish cooks quickly, so it’s perfect for a weeknight meal. It’s easy to make and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cauliflower
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil or olive oil
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 3/4 cup green peas
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Soy sauce or tamari (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse and chop the cauliflower into small pieces.
2. Use a food processor to pulse it until it resembles rice.
3. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
4. Add carrots and cook until soft.
5. Stir in cauliflower and peas, cooking for about 5 minutes.
6. Add green onions and soy sauce if desired.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

6) Carrot, Black Bean, and Coriander Fritters

Carrot, black bean, and coriander fritters make a delicious and healthy meal. They are packed with flavor and are perfect for a light dinner. These fritters are vegetarian and quick to prepare.

To make them, you’ll need simple ingredients like carrots, black beans, and fresh coriander. You can serve them with a tangy salsa or yogurt dip for added taste.

Ingredients

• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup fresh coriander, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1 egg (or egg substitute)
• Olive oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix grated carrots, black beans, coriander, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir in flour and egg until combined.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 180°C or 350°F).
4. Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture into the skillet and flatten slightly.
5. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with your favorite dip.

7) Roasted Vegetable Lasagna

Roasted vegetable lasagna is a tasty and healthy dinner option. You can fill it with layers of veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness, making the dish more flavorful.

You’ll love the mix of textures with the creamy cheese and the hearty noodles. Use whole grain or gluten-free noodles to fit your diet.

This dish is not only colorful but also packed with nutrients. Each slice is satisfying without being heavy.

Ingredients

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups spinach
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the zucchini, bell pepper, and mushrooms with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast veggies for 20 minutes or until tender.
4. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
5. In a baking dish, layer noodles, veggies, spinach, ricotta, and tomato sauce.
6. Repeat layers and top with mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

8) Chickpea Curry

Chickpea curry is a healthy and satisfying option for dinner. It is full of flavor and can be made in around 30 minutes. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and easy.

You can make a simple chickpea curry with canned chickpeas, tomatoes, onion, and spices. The curry is often enhanced with coconut milk for a creamy texture. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

This meal is low in calories and high in protein. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a vegetarian dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Spinach or bell peppers

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add the chickpeas and tomatoes.
3. Stir in the coconut milk and curry powder.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook for 15 minutes on medium heat.
6. Optional: Add spinach or bell peppers in the last few minutes.

9) Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan is a tasty low-calorie option for dinner. It’s comforting and packed with flavor while being vegetarian-friendly. You can enjoy this dish without the heaviness of frying.

For a lighter version, you can bake the eggplant instead of frying it. This helps reduce calories while keeping it delicious. Layer the eggplant with marinara sauce and cheese for a satisfying meal.

You’ll find that this dish is not only easy to make but also a great way to get your veggies in. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant, sliced
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil spray
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spray a baking sheet with olive oil and arrange eggplant slices.
3. Bake for 20 minutes until tender, flipping halfway.
4. Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
5. Layer eggplant, mozzarella, and Parmesan in the dish.
6. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
7. Bake for 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

10) Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a fun and healthy dinner option. You can fill them with a mix of rice, beans, and veggies. They are not only tasty but also colorful.

You can use various spices to add flavor. For a twist, try a Mexican-inspired version with pinto beans and fresh salsa. You’ll enjoy the delicious combination of textures.

These peppers are easy to prepare. You just scoop out the insides, fill them up, and bake until tender.

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can pinto beans, drained
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
3. In a bowl, mix rice, beans, tomatoes, and chili powder.
4. Stuff the peppers with the mixture.
5. Place in a baking dish and cover with foil.
6. Bake for 30 minutes.
7. If using cheese, uncover and add it, then bake for another 10 minutes.