10+ Simple Vegetarian Recipes for Quick and Delicious Meals

When you cook, simple vegetarian recipes can make mealtime enjoyable and stress-free. These recipes are not only easy to prepare but also delicious and healthy, making them perfect for anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet. Whether you are a longtime vegetarian or just starting to explore meatless options, there are plenty of tasty dishes that you can whip up in no time.

From quick weekday dinners to hearty weekend meals, you can find endless variety in vegetarian cooking. With just a few ingredients and some basic techniques, you will be amazed at how satisfying and flavorful these dishes can be. Embrace the joy of cooking with simple vegetarian recipes that fit your lifestyle!

1) Vegetarian Pad Thai

Vegetarian Pad Thai is a quick and tasty dish that is perfect for dinner. It combines soft rice noodles with fresh vegetables and tofu, offering a filling meal that is full of flavor.

To make this dish, start by cooking your rice noodles according to the package instructions. While they cook, stir-fry your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and bean sprouts. For protein, add tofu, which absorbs all the delicious flavors.

Once everything is cooked, mix the noodles in with the veggies and tofu. You can use a simple sauce made from soy sauce, lime juice, and a dash of sugar to tie it all together.

Ingredients

• Rice noodles
• Tofu
• Bell peppers
• Carrots
• Bean sprouts
• Soy sauce
• Lime juice
• Sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook rice noodles as per package instructions.
2. Stir-fry vegetables and tofu in a pan.
3. Add cooked noodles to the pan.
4. Mix in soy sauce, lime juice, and sugar.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

2) Enchilada Pasta Bake

Enchilada Pasta Bake is a delicious vegetarian dish that combines the flavors of enchiladas with the comfort of pasta. It’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners.

You can use whole wheat penne for a healthier option. The dish is packed with vegetables and topped with cheese for extra flavor.

This recipe allows you to get creative. You can mix in your favorite veggies like bell peppers and onions. It’s a filling meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
• 1 can (15 oz) beans (black or pinto)
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• Optional: fresh herbs for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions and drain.
3. In a large bowl, mix pasta, beans, corn, bell peppers, and enchilada sauce.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle cheese on top.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve.

3) Black Bean Rice Burgers

Black bean rice burgers are a tasty way to enjoy a vegetarian meal. They are simple to make and packed with flavor. Using black beans and brown rice, these burgers are also a great source of protein.

You can customize them with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, or avocado. Serve them on a bun or in a lettuce wrap for a fresh option.

These burgers cook quickly and are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. You can also make a big batch and freeze some for later.

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mash the black beans.
3. Mix in the brown rice, breadcrumbs, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Form the mixture into patties.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until firm. Enjoy!

4) Easy Moroccan Stew

This Easy Moroccan Stew is a delicious and comforting dish you can make in no time. Full of vegetables and warm spices, it’s perfect for any day of the week. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare and how tasty it turns out.

To start, you’ll need ingredients like chickpeas, carrots, and spices such as cumin and cinnamon. These flavors come together for a delightful meal. You can serve it with rice or bread for a complete dish.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups vegetable broth

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, add the onion and garlic. Cook until soft.
2. Stir in the carrots, chickpeas, and spices. Mix well.
3. Add diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Adjust seasonings and serve hot. Enjoy!

5) Tabbouleh Salad

Tabbouleh salad is refreshing and full of flavor. It’s a fantastic choice for a quick vegetarian meal. This salad is made with fresh ingredients, making it healthy and nutritious.

You will need parsley, mint, bulgur wheat, tomatoes, and lemon juice. These ingredients come together to create a vibrant dish. It’s easy to adapt for different diets, too.

Ingredients

• 1 cup bulgur wheat
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1 cup tomatoes, diced
• ½ cup lemon juice
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Place bulgur wheat in a bowl and pour boiling water over it.
2. Cover and let it sit for about 15 minutes until tender.
3. Fluff the bulgur with a fork and let it cool.
4. Add parsley, mint, tomatoes, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Mix well and serve chilled or at room temperature.

6) Air-Fryer Tofu Bowls

Air-fryer tofu bowls are quick, tasty, and packed with nutrients. You can make them using extra-firm tofu, your favorite veggies, and some seasoning. The air fryer makes the tofu crispy without needing much oil.

Start by cubing the tofu and seasoning it with your choice of spices. You can use garlic, soy sauce, or even sriracha for some heat. Toss in your veggies, like bell peppers and broccoli, to create a colorful mix.

Cook the tofu and veggies in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Serve the crispy tofu over rice or quinoa. Top with avocado or a drizzle of your favorite sauce for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• Extra-firm tofu
• Bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Soy sauce
• Your choice of spices

Cooking Instructions

1. Cube the tofu and season it.
2. Cut vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
4. Place tofu and veggies in the basket.
5. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway.
6. Serve over rice or quinoa.

7) Lentil Soup with Whole Grain Pita

Lentil soup is a nutritious and filling meal that’s easy to make. It’s packed with protein and fiber, helping you feel satisfied. Pair it with whole grain pita for a complete lunch or dinner.

You will need red lentils, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and vegetable broth. Season with spices like cumin and coriander for added flavor. Toast the pita for a crunchy side that complements the soft soup.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• Whole grain pita

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic; cook until soft.
3. Stir in carrots and celery; cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Add lentils, broth, and spices; bring to a boil.
5. Simmer for 20 minutes until lentils are soft.
6. Serve hot with toasted whole grain pita.

8) Mushroom Stroganoff with Quinoa

Mushroom stroganoff with quinoa is a tasty and filling dish. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner. The creamy sauce combined with earthy mushrooms makes it comforting. Plus, quinoa adds extra protein and texture.

Start by cooking the quinoa. Meanwhile, sauté onions and mushrooms in a pan. Add garlic for flavor, then stir in vegetable broth and your favorite herbs. Once everything is well mixed, add in the cooked quinoa for a heartier meal.

This dish is simple and quick to make, usually ready in about 30 minutes. Enjoy it with a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup plant-based cream or yogurt

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa and cook it according to package instructions.
2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft.
4. Stir in sliced mushrooms and garlic; cook until mushrooms are tender.
5. Pour in vegetable broth and add thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Mix in the cooked quinoa and plant-based cream.
8. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, then serve warm.

9) Crispy Pea Fritters

Crispy pea fritters are a delicious and easy vegetarian dish. They make a great snack or light meal. The bright green peas add color and flavor, making them appealing to everyone.

You’ll need frozen peas, eggs, flour, and a few seasonings. These fritters are quick to prepare and cook in just a few minutes.

Serve them with a dipping sauce for extra flavor. Kids and adults alike love these tasty bites!

Ingredients

• 2 cups frozen peas, defrosted
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Optional: spices like black pepper or lemon zest

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mash the defrosted peas.
2. Add eggs, flour, garlic, and salt. Mix well.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
4. Spoon the mixture into the pan, forming small fritters.
5. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.

10) Bruschetta Summer Pasta Salad

Bruschetta Summer Pasta Salad is a refreshing dish perfect for hot days. It combines juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella for a delightful flavor. This salad is easy to make and light, making it ideal for summer meals.

Start with cooked pasta of your choice. Then, toss in diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and fresh basil. Drizzle with a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar for extra taste.

Serve it chilled for a tasty treat. This salad is not only colorful but also nutritious. It’s a great way to enjoy summer vegetables and satisfying too!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked pasta
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 cup mozzarella balls
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and chopped basil.
3. Add the cooled pasta and mozzarella balls to the bowl.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then toss gently.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.