15 Light and Healthy Vegetarian Recipes (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

15 Light and Healthy Vegetarian Recipes (1)

Here’s a list of 15 Meatless Main dishes everyone will love whether you’re a vegetarian, have a vegetarian in your life or you’re just trying to incorporate more plant based meals into your diet (Meatless Mondays!).

Easiest Pasta and Broccoli Recipeis one the quickest pasta dishes I make for my family, I make it at least twice a month when I need a quick meal and they all devour it. With just a few ingredients and only one pot, this recipe will put dinner on the table in 15 minutes.
15 Light and Healthy Vegetarian Recipes (2)

Spaghetti Squash Lasagnais awonderful way to prepare spaghetti squash; a winter squash that resembles strands of spaghetti when cooked.
15 Light and Healthy Vegetarian Recipes (3)

Cheesy Zucchini Enchiladas–meatless enchiladas filled with zucchini and cheese, topped with my homemade enchilada sauce they’re so delicious whether you’re vegetarian or not.
15 Light and Healthy Vegetarian Recipes (4)

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad– aprotein packed salad with Mediterranean flavors – quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, kalamata olives, red onion, extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon and a little feta cheese combined makes a healthy salad with fresh clean ingredients.
15 Light and Healthy Vegetarian Recipes (5)

Skinny Baked Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese– cheesy macaroni and broccoli are topped with bread crumbs and baked to perfection. Kid friendly, vegetarian and comfort food at it’s finest. This has been popular on the blog since 2011 when it was first posted.
15 Light and Healthy Vegetarian Recipes (6)

Crock Pot Minestrone Soupby far the best recipe you’ll ever try for Minestrone soup – a classic, hearty Italian soup with tomatoes, white beans, vegetables and pasta. You can use Swiss chard or baby kale instead of spinach if you wish and you can omit the pasta if you don’t want the carbs – honestly you won’t miss it with everything else in this soup.
15 Light and Healthy Vegetarian Recipes (7)

Skinny Mushroom Stroganoff – aquick and easy meal, perfect for Meatless Mondays! I love the combination of Shiitake, Baby Portabella and Cremini mushrooms along with the noodles in a light creamy sauce.Using a variety of mushrooms gives a nice texture and flavor. The Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste help give you some of that beef flavor you find in a traditional beef stroganoff recipe.
15 Light and Healthy Vegetarian Recipes (8)

Spicy Black Bean Burgerswith Chipotle Mayonnaise–One bite of this spicy black bean burger with spicy chipotle mayo and creamy avocado and you won’t miss the meat!
15 Light and Healthy Vegetarian Recipes (9)

Spaghetti with Creamy Butternut Leak Parmesan Sauce–Something magical happens to pasta when you combine it with a creamy butternut squash puree. This recipe issuper easy to make with only a few ingredients, and is very filling. Your family will love it!
15 Light and Healthy Vegetarian Recipes (10)

Three Cheese Tortellini and Mushroom Soup–is the perfect one pot meal. Vegetarians can swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth (also perfect for Meatless Mondays). This soup is warm and satisfying, with tortellini in every bite!
15 Light and Healthy Vegetarian Recipes (11)

Butternut Squash and Black Bean Enchiladas–Butternut squash, black beans, tomatoes, cilantro and spices are simmered in a skillet with green chilies and jalapeno, then wrapped in tortillas and baked in the oven with enchilada sauce and cheese – these vegetarian enchiladas are delicious and perfect for meatless Mondays, or any day of the week!
15 Light and Healthy Vegetarian Recipes (12)

Crock Pot Creamy Tomato Soup–This creamy, rich tasting tomato soup is made in the slow cooker, with tomatoes, herbs, milk and Pecorino Romano cheese. Add the cheese rind for an added flavor boost.
15 Light and Healthy Vegetarian Recipes (13)

Baked Spaghetti Squash and Cheese–Cheesy baked spaghetti squash and baby spinach is a comforting, cheesy dish, without the guilt. If you are looking for a dish that is gluten-free, low-carb, vegetarian and comforting, give this a try. You’ll love it!
15 Light and Healthy Vegetarian Recipes (14)

Spaghetti Squash Primavera–Spaghetti squash and fresh vegetables simmered with a quick marinara sauce and topped with fresh mozzarella make this recipe delicious.To speed things up you can make the spaghetti squash in the microwave, which takes only about 8 minutes to cook, but if you have more time you can make it in the oven, the directions for both ways are listed with the recipe.
15 Light and Healthy Vegetarian Recipes (15)

Three Cheese Zucchini Stuffed Lasagna Rolls–These EASY lasagna rolls are stuffed with zucchini, ricotta and Parmesan, then topped with marinara and mozzarella cheese – delicious, kid friendly and perfect if you want to feed a crowd. You can make them a day ahead and refrigerate, or if you like to cook for the month, these are also freezer-friendly. Double it up, or bring an extra to a friend in need, they’ll thank you!
15 Light and Healthy Vegetarian Recipes (16)

15 Light and Healthy Vegetarian Recipes (17)

15 Light and Healthy Vegetarian Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is light food for dinner? ›

Our favorite fresh and light dinner ideas include pastas, salads, sandwiches, grain bowls, and more meals you'll crave. We even have healthy recipes for steak, burgers, and other comfort foods. Dinner need not be smothered in gravy or loaded with calories to be delicious—these meals under 500 calories prove that.

What to eat for dinner as a vegetarian? ›

Vegetarian Recipes
  • Parmesan Zucchini Fritters.
  • 45 Best-Ever Bean Recipes.
  • Summer Squash Sheet-Pan Tacos.
  • Greek Salad Cottage Cheese Bowl.
Apr 1, 2024

How to get 30 grams of protein per meal vegetarian? ›

3 meal options with 30 grams of protein
  1. Quinoa and lentil salad. Both quinoa and lentils are loaded with protein. ...
  2. Scrambled tofu and veggie bowl. This vegan meal option can also offer a variety of nutrients along with enough protein. ...
  3. Masoor dal kebabs. Masoor dal is commonly used in Indian households.
Oct 27, 2023

What is the healthiest meal to eat? ›

10 Simple Dinner Ideas for Healthy Eating in Real Life
  1. Stuffed sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are loaded with beneficial nutrients like beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber ( 1 ). ...
  2. Grain bowls. ...
  3. Veggie loaded frittatas. ...
  4. Dinner salad. ...
  5. Loaded brown rice pasta. ...
  6. One-pot soups. ...
  7. Curry. ...
  8. Burgers.
Jun 30, 2021

What is the most healthy vegetarian food? ›

To get the most out of a vegetarian diet, choose a variety of healthy plant-based foods. These include whole fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Nuts and legumes, such as lentils, beans and peanuts, also are considered healthy plant-based foods. At the same time, cut back on less healthy choices.

What is the most nutritious vegetarian meal? ›

Our 10 Healthiest Vegetarian Dinners
  1. Vegetarian Kale and Cannellini Bean Stew. ...
  2. Vegetarian Paella with Red Peppers & Chickpeas. ...
  3. How To Make the Best Lentil Dal. ...
  4. Tofu Chickpea Stir-Fry with Tahini Sauce. ...
  5. Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Chickpeas, Feta, and Herbs. ...
  6. Roasted Broccoli & Cheddar Soup. ...
  7. Sweet Potato Fajitas.

What is the most nutritious vegetarian food? ›

A few healthy foods to eat on a vegetarian diet are:
  • Fruits: apples, bananas, berries, oranges, melons, pears, peaches.
  • Vegetables: leafy greens, asparagus, broccoli, tomatoes, carrots.
  • Grains: quinoa, barley, buckwheat, rice, oats.
  • Legumes: lentils, beans, peas, chickpeas.
  • Nuts: almonds, walnuts, cashews, chestnuts.
Oct 17, 2018

What is a typical vegetarian menu like? ›

What to Eat on a Vegetarian Diet
  • Beans and lentils.
  • Nuts, nut butters and seeds (including chia and flax)
  • Whole grains (quinoa, bulgur, freekeh, whole-wheat, oats, brown rice and more)
  • Soy (tofu, edamame, tempeh)
  • Fruits.
  • Vegetables.
  • Dairy (yogurt, kefir, cheese and milk)
  • Eggs.
Apr 16, 2024

What can vegetarians eat instead of meat? ›

How to get protein without the meat
  • Pulses. Pulses are an inexpensive protein choice, are high in fibre and a source of iron. ...
  • Soya beans. ...
  • Quinoa. ...
  • Nuts. ...
  • Seeds. ...
  • Cereals and grains. ...
  • Quorn™ ...
  • Dairy.

How many eggs are 30 grams of protein? ›

Five hard-boiled eggs will get you 30 grams of protein (6 grams per egg). Eggs are one of the most popular high-protein breakfast foods and provide essential fats. If you're not interested in the yolks and want to only use the egg white for protein, you'll need about eight of them to yield the same 30 grams of protein.

Is avocado high in protein? ›

A 50g serving of fresh avocado contains 1 gram of protein and a whole 5-oz. fresh avocado (3 servings) contains 3 grams of protein. Though fresh avocados do not contain a significant amount of protein, they can be a creamy and delicious addition to a variety of meal plans and menus.

What vegetarian foods make a complete protein? ›

There are also a few plant-based sources of complete protein, including:
  • Quinoa.
  • Buckwheat.
  • Hempseed.
  • Blue-green algae.
  • Soybeans.

Which foods are considered light? ›

Examples of green-light foods include whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, milk, and water. “Yellow-light” foods have some nutrition, but not as much as green-light foods do. Eat some! They tend to have more fat, added sugars, and/or calories than the green-light options.

What is a light meal at night? ›

Fill half of your plate with non-starchy vegetables, a quarter with lean protein, and a quarter with whole grains. Here is one example: roasted bell peppers and asparagus, 3-ounce grilled chicken breast, and 1/2 cup of cooked quinoa.

What foods are light on the stomach? ›

Foods that are easier to digest include toast, white rice, bananas, eggs, chicken, salmon, gelatine, applesauce, and oatmeal. Symptoms of digestive problems include acid reflux, bloating, or abdominal pain.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Sen. Ignacio Ratke

Last Updated:

Views: 5497

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Sen. Ignacio Ratke

Birthday: 1999-05-27

Address: Apt. 171 8116 Bailey Via, Roberthaven, GA 58289

Phone: +2585395768220

Job: Lead Liaison

Hobby: Lockpicking, LARPing, Lego building, Lapidary, Macrame, Book restoration, Bodybuilding

Introduction: My name is Sen. Ignacio Ratke, I am a adventurous, zealous, outstanding, agreeable, precious, excited, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.