20 Healthy Vegetarian Dinners You Can Make in 20 Minutes (2024)

These healthy vegetarian dinner recipes are the perfect plant-based option for tonight's menu. We pack these recipes with vegetables and pantry-friendly ingredients like pasta and soup to create a balanced meal. Plus, these recipes come together in 20 minutes or less. Recipes like Sesame Instant Ramen Noodles with Broccoli & Soft-Boiled Egg and Zucchini Noodle Primavera are delicious, flavorful and a great way to eat more vegetables.

01of 20

Pesto Ravioli with Spinach & Tomatoes

View Recipe

20 Healthy Vegetarian Dinners You Can Make in 20 Minutes (1)

Looking for a new way to turn a bag of frozen cheese ravioli into a satisfying and healthy dinner? This easy pasta recipe calls for just five ingredients but is loaded with fresh flavors. By using grape tomatoes, prewashed spinach and prepared pesto, we eliminate all prep work, making this 15-minute Caprese-inspired ravioli the ideal weeknight meal. Source: EatingWell.com, June 2019

02of 20

Vegetarian All-American Portobello Burgers

View Recipe

20 Healthy Vegetarian Dinners You Can Make in 20 Minutes (2)

Portobello mushrooms stand in for meat patties in this recipe for veggie burgers with all the fixings. Mushrooms are a source of glutamate, a naturally occurring compound that gives the fungi their umami flavor. But to really give these "patties" a savory boost, we brush them with steak sauce. Add a simple side salad or some grilled veggies for a satisfying and easy dinner on the grill. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June 2019

03of 20

Zucchini Noodle Primavera

View Recipe

20 Healthy Vegetarian Dinners You Can Make in 20 Minutes (3)

This primavera recipe cuts carbs by swapping out the pasta for zucchini "noodles." This quick vegetarian dinner is chock-full of colorful vegetables smothered in a light, creamy sauce. We like using prepackaged spiralized zucchini noodles to keep this recipe ultra-fast, but if you have a spiralizer and zucchini on hand, you can easily make your own. Source: EatingWell.com, January 2020

04of 20

White Bean-Sage Cauliflower Gnocchi

View Recipe

20 Healthy Vegetarian Dinners You Can Make in 20 Minutes (4)

Turn lower-carb cauliflower gnocchi into a complete and satisfying meal with this riff on classic brown butter and sage gnocchi. We added beans to amp up the fiber and protein for a fast and healthy dinner. Source: EatingWell.com, January 2019

05of 20

Mediterranean Ravioli with Artichokes & Olives

View Recipe

Spinach & Egg Scramble with Raspberries

View Recipe

20 Healthy Vegetarian Dinners You Can Make in 20 Minutes (6)

This quick egg scramble with hearty bread is one of the best breakfasts for weight loss. It combines weight-loss power foods, eggs and raspberries, with filling whole-grain toast and nutrient-packed spinach. The protein and fiber help fill you up and the whole meal clocks in at just under 300 calories. Source: EatingWell.com, December 2018

07of 20

Egg Drop Soup with Instant Noodles, Spinach & Scallions

View Recipe

20 Healthy Vegetarian Dinners You Can Make in 20 Minutes (7)

Whisking a beaten egg into simmering broth is a quick and easy way to add creaminess and protein to noodle soup mix. Add freshness with a handful of baby spinach at the end. This recipe can easily be doubled to serve 2 and use the whole package of noodles. To cut back on sodium, look for noodle varieties with less than 600 mg sodium per serving or use less of the seasoning packet. Source: EatingWell.com, July 2020

08of 20

Crunchy Summer Salad with Creamy Vegan Avocado Dressing

View Recipe

20 Healthy Vegetarian Dinners You Can Make in 20 Minutes (8)

Remember back when dousing some iceberg lettuce with ranch dressing was considered healthy? We know better now, but a lackluster vinaigrette makes us want to skip the salad altogether. Without the buttermilk and mayo, is it even worth it? This dressing, made with creamy avocado and tangy umeboshi vinegar, will show you the possibilities. You can make it as-is or substitute whatever herbs you have on hand: parsley, basil and cilantro are all great options. The salad itself is a colorful, texture-rich antidote to the stereotypical boring salad, and it's also customizable. Here we use a base of romaine because it's crunchy and sturdy enough to stand up to a creamy dressing, but you can use kale, mixed greens or any blend of greens your heart (and fridge) desires. Same for the add-ins: You can sub in green beans for the asparagus, use black beans instead of chickpeas, or mix in additional veggies you have available like cucumber or shredded carrots. If you want to get extra fancy with it, try grilling the corn for an added smoky flavor. While this salad can be eaten as a side, it's strong enough to star as the entree. Source: EatingWell.com, May 2020

09of 20

Sesame Instant Ramen Noodles with Broccoli & Soft-Boiled Egg

View Recipe

20 Healthy Vegetarian Dinners You Can Make in 20 Minutes (9)

Jazz up basic ramen noodles with toasted sesame oil, quick-cooked broccoli and a jammy soft-boiled egg. To cut back on sodium, look for ramen varieties with less than 600 mg sodium per serving or use less of the seasoning packet. Source: EatingWell.com, July 2020

10of 20

Hearty Tomato Soup with Beans & Greens

View Recipe

20 Healthy Vegetarian Dinners You Can Make in 20 Minutes (10)

Garlicky kale and creamy white beans elevate simple canned tomato soup into a 10-minute lunch or dinner that really satisfies. Use a soup with tomato pieces for a heartier texture. Look for a brand that's low- or reduced-sodium, with no more than 450 mg sodium per serving. Source: EatingWell.com, January 2019

11of 20

Vegan Superfood Buddha Bowls

View Recipe

20 Healthy Vegetarian Dinners You Can Make in 20 Minutes (11)

This nutrient-packed vegan Buddha bowl recipe comes together in 15 minutes with the help of a few convenience-food shortcuts like prewashed baby kale, microwavable quinoa and precooked beets. Pack these ahead to keep on hand for easy meal-prep lunches or dinners on busy nights. Source: EatingWell.com, January 2019

12of 20

Curried Butternut Squash Soup with Crispy Halloumi

View Recipe

20 Healthy Vegetarian Dinners You Can Make in 20 Minutes (12)

Take advantage of healthy convenience foods, such as pureed vegetable soups, to make a healthy meal in minutes. We enhance the flavor of boxed butternut squash soup with curry powder, then top it with irresistible halloumi cheese. Serve with warm whole-grain pita bread. Source: EatingWell.com, December 2018

13of 20

Quick Crunchy Black Bean Tacos

Long day at the office and feeling pressure to get dinner on the table? This quick taco recipe is the answer. It takes just 15 minutes and six ingredients and will relieve your stress and satisfy your hunger at the same time! Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

14of 20

Asian Tofu & Edamame Salad

View Recipe

20 Healthy Vegetarian Dinners You Can Make in 20 Minutes (13)

Craving crunch? Bite into this salad loaded with crisp red cabbage, edamame, bamboo shoots, and chow mein noodles. This salad is slightly sweetened with baked tofu, mandarin oranges, and Asian sesame vinaigrette. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

15of 20

Spanakopita Scrambled Egg Pitas

View Recipe

20 Healthy Vegetarian Dinners You Can Make in 20 Minutes (14)

This meatless dinner comes together in only 15 minutes, thanks to the convenience of frozen chopped spinach and crumbled feta. We've added a flavorful burst of sun-dried tomato tapenade to spread over the whole-wheat pita before nestling the scrambled eggs inside. If you can't find it, basil pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto also work well. Source: EatingWell.com, August 2018

16of 20

Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad

View Recipe

20 Healthy Vegetarian Dinners You Can Make in 20 Minutes (15)

Taco salad doesn't always have to contain beef--this 15-minute version uses tofu or black bean crumbles, which taste delicious and offer up a healthy dose of protein. This vegetarian meal is so tasty that even meat-only eaters won't miss the beef. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

17of 20

Spicy Refried Black Bean Burrito

Skip frozen burritos and make your own by spicing up a can of refried black beans with chopped pickled jalapeños. Serve this easy vegetarian dish with tortilla chips, if desired. Source: EatingWell Magazine, November/December 2018

18of 20

Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach & Feta Penne Pasta

View Recipe

20 Healthy Vegetarian Dinners You Can Make in 20 Minutes (16)

In this quick 20-minute dinner recipe, tender penne pasta is combined with garlic, roasted red peppers and spinach and topped with crumbled feta cheese for a fast and easy Mediterranean-inspired meal. This recipe was graciously shared by EatingWell reader Dottie Carpenter, who states, "Recipes are no good if they're not shared!" Source: EatingWell.com, March 2020

19of 20

Black Bean-Cauliflower "Rice" Bowl

View Recipe

20 Healthy Vegetarian Dinners You Can Make in 20 Minutes (17)

This aromatic cauliflower rice bowl comes together in minutes and is a simple meal for one. Using frozen riced cauliflower instead of rice keeps the carbs in check--and makes for quicker prep. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Spring 2020

20of 20

Beefless Vegan Tacos

View Recipe

20 Healthy Vegetarian Dinners You Can Make in 20 Minutes (18)

Take taco night in a new direction with these healthy vegan tacos. We've swapped crumbled tofu for the ground beef, without sacrificing any of the savory seasonings you expect in a taco. You can also use the filling in burritos, bowls, taco salads and to top nachos. Source: EatingWell.com, March 2019

20 Healthy Vegetarian Dinners You Can Make in 20 Minutes (2024)

Pesto Ravioli with Spinach & Tomatoes

Vegetarian All-American Portobello Burgers

Zucchini Noodle Primavera

White Bean-Sage Cauliflower Gnocchi

Mediterranean Ravioli with Artichokes & Olives

Spinach & Egg Scramble with Raspberries

Egg Drop Soup with Instant Noodles, Spinach & Scallions

Crunchy Summer Salad with Creamy Vegan Avocado Dressing

Sesame Instant Ramen Noodles with Broccoli & Soft-Boiled Egg

Hearty Tomato Soup with Beans & Greens

Vegan Superfood Buddha Bowls

Curried Butternut Squash Soup with Crispy Halloumi

Quick Crunchy Black Bean Tacos

Asian Tofu & Edamame Salad

Spanakopita Scrambled Egg Pitas

Easy Vegetarian Taco Salad

Spicy Refried Black Bean Burrito

Roasted Red Pepper, Spinach & Feta Penne Pasta

Black Bean-Cauliflower "Rice" Bowl

Beefless Vegan Tacos

References