10+ Vegetable Based Dinner Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Embracing vegetable-based dinner recipes can transform your meals into colorful and nutritious experiences. These recipes not only help you eat more vegetables, but also provide delicious and satisfying options for any dinner table. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Incorporating more vegetables into your dinner can boost your health while keeping meals exciting. From hearty stir-fries to comforting casseroles, the possibilities are endless. You will find that cooking with vegetables can be both easy and enjoyable, allowing you to explore new flavors and textures.

1) Thai Chicken Cashew with Zucchini and Pineapple

This Thai Chicken Cashew with Zucchini and Pineapple dish is a delightful way to enjoy a veggie-filled meal. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and sweet pineapple creates a tasty stir-fry that is quick to prepare.

Start by sautéing your chicken until it’s golden brown. Then, add zucchini and pineapple for a burst of flavor and color. The sauce is simple yet delicious, balancing salty and sweet flavors.

This recipe is great for busy weeknights since it only takes about 20 minutes to make. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy the freshness of the veggies along with the satisfying crunch of cashews!

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup cashews
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
3. Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
4. Stir in zucchini and pineapple; cook for 3-4 minutes.
5. Add soy sauce and honey, mixing well.
6. Toss in the cashews and cook for another minute.
7. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

2) Charred Cauliflower Tacos with Romesco Salsa

These charred cauliflower tacos are a delicious way to enjoy a plant-based dinner. You’ll love the smoky flavors of the cauliflower paired with the flavorful romesco salsa. It’s easy to make and perfect for taco night.

For the salsa, blend roasted red peppers, tomatoes, garlic, nuts, and spices. This adds a tasty kick to your tacos. Serve the filling in warm tortillas for a satisfying meal.

You can customize your tacos with toppings like avocado or cilantro. Your family and friends will enjoy every bite!

Ingredients

• 1 medium head cauliflower
• 3 red bell peppers
• 1 plum tomato
• 3/4 cup pecans
• 1/2 bunch cilantro
• 2 cloves garlic
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper to taste
• Tortillas

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cut the cauliflower into florets and roast until charred.
3. Blend bell peppers, tomato, pecans, cilantro, garlic, lemon juice, vinegar, smoked paprika, and cayenne for salsa.
4. Assemble tacos with cauliflower and salsa in tortillas.

3) Vegetarian Chili with Assorted Beans

Vegetarian chili with assorted beans is a hearty meal that’s full of flavor. This dish uses a mix of beans, vegetables, and spices to create a comforting bowl of goodness. It’s perfect for a chilly evening or any day you want something warm and filling.

You can make this chili using ingredients like kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans. Add in some chopped tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions for extra nutrition. Season it with chili powder, garlic, and cumin for a delicious taste.

Ingredients

• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can black beans
• 1 can pinto beans
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until soft.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the beans and diced tomatoes to the pot.
5. Mix in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

4) Spicy Vegetable Curry with Chickpeas

Spicy Vegetable Curry with Chickpeas is a flavorful dish that’s simple to prepare. You can use a mix of your favorite vegetables like cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers. Chickpeas add protein and texture, making it a hearty meal.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pot. Then, add the spices like cumin, coriander, and chili powder for a kick. Mix in your vegetables and chickpeas, followed by coconut milk for creaminess.

Let it simmer until the vegetables are tender. Serve with rice or warm naan for a complete dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cauliflower florets
• 1 cup diced sweet potatoes
• 1 cup chopped bell peppers
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
3. Stir in cumin, coriander, and chili powder.
4. Add cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers.
5. Mix in the chickpeas and coconut milk.
6. Season with salt and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
8. Serve hot with rice or naan.

5) Pasta Primavera with Seasonal Veggies

Pasta Primavera is a colorful, vegetable-packed dish that celebrates fresh ingredients. You can use seasonal veggies like zucchini, asparagus, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. This dish is not only tasty but also a great way to enjoy healthy foods.

Start by cooking your pasta until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, sauté your veggies in a little olive oil until they are tender. You can add garlic and herbs for extra flavor.

Once the pasta is ready, combine it with the veggies and toss in some lemon zest. This adds a refreshing touch that brightens the dish.

Ingredients

• Pasta (spaghetti or penne)
• Zucchini
• Bell peppers
• Asparagus
• Cherry tomatoes
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Lemon zest
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh herbs (like basil or parsley)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add chopped veggies and cook until tender.
5. Drain pasta and add to the pan.
6. Toss with lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
7. Serve hot. Enjoy!

6) Eggplant Parmesan with Marinara

Eggplant Parmesan is a delicious and comforting dish. You can make it with layers of baked eggplant, marinara sauce, and a mix of cheeses. It’s great for a cozy dinner.

Start by slicing the eggplant and baking it until it’s golden. Then, layer the eggplant with marinara sauce and cheese. Repeat the layers to create a yummy stack.

Bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly and golden on top. The aroma will fill your kitchen!

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants, sliced
• Salt
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
3. Rinse and dry the slices, then brush with olive oil.
4. Bake the eggplant slices for 20 minutes.
5. In a baking dish, layer the eggplant, marinara sauce, and cheese.
6. Repeat layers until ingredients are used.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

7) BBQ Pulled Mushroom Sandwiches

BBQ pulled mushroom sandwiches are a delicious and satisfying option for dinner. You can create a tasty filling using mushrooms that soak up all the flavors of BBQ sauce. This recipe is great for anyone looking for a meat-free meal.

To make these sandwiches, you’ll need fresh mushrooms, BBQ sauce, and your favorite sandwich bread. Adding a slaw on top can give a nice crunch and extra flavor.

You can serve these sandwiches at gatherings or enjoy them on a quiet night at home. They are easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) mushrooms, shredded
• 1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce
• 4 sandwich rolls
• 1 cup (100 g) slaw mix

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the shredded mushrooms over medium heat until soft.
3. Stir in the BBQ sauce and cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Toast the sandwich rolls in the oven.
5. Fill each roll with the BBQ mushroom mixture and add slaw on top before serving.

8) Vegetable Stir Fry with Homemade Sauce

A vegetable stir fry is quick, colorful, and full of flavor. You can use any mix of vegetables you like, such as broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots. The key is a tasty homemade sauce that brings everything together.

To make the sauce, combine soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. You can add a touch of honey or sesame oil for sweetness and richness. This sauce will make your veggies shine!

Cook the vegetables in a hot pan for a few minutes until they are tender-crisp. Then, pour the sauce over them and stir for another minute. This dish pairs well with rice or noodles.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon honey or sesame oil (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
3. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and optional honey or sesame oil.
4. Pour the sauce over the vegetables.
5. Stir for another minute.
6. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

9) One-Pot Rice and Veggies with Tahini

You can make a tasty meal with One-Pot Rice and Veggies with Tahini. This dish is quick and simple, perfect for busy nights. Everything cooks together in just 30 minutes.

Start by heating olive oil in a pot. Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and onions. Stir them until they’re soft.

Then, add rice, water, and seasonings. Cook until the rice is tender.

Once everything is ready, mix in a creamy tahini sauce. This sauce adds flavor and makes the dish extra delicious. Serve it warm for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup chopped vegetables (like bell peppers and carrots)
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped vegetables and cook until soft.
3. Stir in rice, broth, salt, and pepper.
4. Cover and simmer until rice is tender (about 20 minutes).
5. Mix tahini into the pot before serving.

10) Crispy Pea Fritters with Mint Yogurt

Crispy pea fritters are a tasty and easy way to enjoy vegetables for dinner. These fritters are golden on the outside and green and tender inside. They make a delicious snack or a light meal.

To make them even better, pair your fritters with a minty yogurt sauce. The fresh mint adds a refreshing twist that complements the sweetness of the peas.

You can use frozen peas for convenience, making this recipe quick and simple. Try serving them with a side salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 240g frozen peas
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• Fresh mint leaves, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix peas, flour, egg, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
3. Form small patties and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side.
4. To make the yogurt sauce, combine yogurt and chopped mint in a small bowl.
5. Serve the fritters warm with the mint yogurt dip.