37 healthy vegetarian recipes (2024)

Try vegetarian curry recipes, dairy-free dinner recipes and low-calorie one pots. We also have vegetarian salad recipes, including courgetti salad, noodle salad and falafel. Or why not go for an on-trend cauliflower steak?

Healthy vegetarian recipes

Mushroom bhaji

The perfect midweek vegan dinner, this bhaji comes packed with chestnut mushrooms, garlic, ginger and turmeric. It's great served with warm, fluffy naans for mopping all those juices up.

Healthy fried rice

Paneer is flavoured with ginger, garlic, chilli and curry powder to make this quick and healthy fried rice dish.

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Healthy spinach omelette

Creamed spinach and juicy cherry tomatoes top this healthy veggie omelette – we've lowered the fat by replacing cream with light soft cheese and milk.

Healthy gnocchi

Love gnocchi but looking for something healthy? Check out Nadine’s baked gnocchi dish, mixed with vibrant vegetables and a moreish hazelnut pesto.

Gazpacho

Gazpacho is a refreshing cold soup featuring cucumber, red pepper and red onion on a plum tomato base, best served with crusty baguette.

37 healthy vegetarian recipes (5)

Healthy panzanella

In this lighter take on panzanella, bread is crisped up with juicy veg and drizzled in a piquant dressing to get the taste buds dancing.

Vegetable slice

This veg-packed frittata is served with a simple green leaf salad to make a nourishing, satisfying dinner.

Butternut squash curry

As a recipe that incorporates not just some of your five a day but ingredients such as turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, you can make this even healthier by opting for reduced-fat coconut milk.

Courgette and chimichurri salad

Make the most of summer veg by tossing courgettes and green beans in a zingy chimichurri dressing, creating a healthy yet satisfying lunch.

Healthy tacos

This healthy twist on tacos comes bursting with vibrant veggies – they’re easy to assemble and are sure to go down well with vegan and meat-eaters alike.

Healthy pizza

This twist on a family favourite is full of our favourite veggies: aubergine, onion, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella and pine nuts. Perfect for a meat-free weeknight dinner.

Tofu piccata

Nadine Brown’s speedy vegan dish makes the most of tofu and long-stemmed broccoli, offering fresh and zesty flavours which vegans and meat-eaters alike will enjoy.

Vegan aubergine curry

Cook aubergine pieces with fragrant spices and red lentils for a hearty yet healthy vegan curry.

Vegan stir-fry

Try Hetty McKinnon’s healthier take on a classic stir fry for a dinner that’s easy to rustle up yet offers bold, punchy flavours thanks to cumin and chilli.

Gigantes plaki (Greek baked beans)

Ready in under an hour, this Greek one-pot is packed with plenty of fresh flavours as well as protein and fibre, making it a healthy vegetarian meal idea.

Cauliflower fried rice with crispy baked tofu

Serve golden tofu with cauliflower fried rice and plenty of sweet chilli sauce for a light, veg-packed midweek dinner.

Mushroom dhansak

Check out this easy dhansak recipe with mushrooms and punchy red chilli. Serve this simple curry recipe as a vegetarian dinner for four.

Greek salad

Master this classic and you’ll never be stuck for a delicious lunch. The key to an authentic Greek flavour is plenty of oregano and red wine vinegar.

Spring greens shakshuka

We've given shakshuka a green twist by adding asparagus tips and broad beans for a vibrant veggie meal. Try more of our low-calorie breakfast ideas.

Turmeric-fried veggie rice

This colourful, vibrant recipe is packed with punchy flavour and super simple to make.

Healthy risotto

Searching for a risotto with added health benefits? Our meat-free risotto with chestnut mushrooms, baby leeks and pecorino swaps rice for quinoa to make a dinner that’s rich in protein. Check out more nutritious quinoa recipes.

Pasta alla norma

Check out our easy gluten-free tomato pasta with aubergine topped with fresh basil. This simple recipe is veggie friendly and very satisfying.

Roast pumpkin salad

Try this roast pumpkin and chickpea vegetarian salad for a healthy dinner. Our super-easy gluten-free recipe makes an ideal midweek meal for the family.

Beetroot rice with feta

You’ve heard of courgetti and cauliflower steaks, but what about beetroot rice? Try this beetroot rice recipe for a nutritious dinner.

Turkish ratatouille with yogurt sauce

Try our recipe for Turkish ratatouille with yogurt sauce. This dish is quick and simple to make – a great vegetarian midweek meal.

Moroccan veggie soup

Check out our easy Moroccan vegan soup recipe with lemons, chickpeas and plenty of spice. This low calorie soup serves four and ready in under an hour.

Freekeh risotto with spring greens

Use freekeh to make this vibrant spring greens risotto for a hearty midweek dinner. Try our other favourite risotto recipes, too.

Broccoli and roasted red pepper frittata

Our broccoli and roasted red pepper frittata makes for a quick, healthy and easy midweek meal. It's on the table in just 20 minutes, plus it's 5:2 diet-friendly.

Spring veg and lemon broth

Our recipe for spring veg and lemon broth is a speedy and nutritious meal to make midweek.

Vegan tempeh and pineapple kebabs

Delicious chunks of marinated tempeh work brilliantly with juicy pineapple in this easy alternative to the traditional BBQ skewer.

Courgette curry

This light, summery courgette curry is ready in less than an hour – perfect for a vegetarian midweek dinner.

Aubergine teriyaki bowls

Our 30-minute vibrant vegan recipe is packed with fresh flavours of crunchy radishes, fiery ginger and zesty lime.

Smashed broad beans on toast

Looking for a healthy veggie lunch? Try our wonderfully green broad beans on toast. This recipe is quick and easy to rustle up, ideal for when you’re short of time.

Aubergine kebabs with charred onion salsa

Try these veggie skewers for an easy BBQ option – simple to put together, quick to cook and easily scaled up or down depending on how many you’re feeding.

Spelt and apple salad with crispy nuts and seeds

Pack plenty of crunch into this balanced vegetarian salad and sprinkle with a homemade nut and seed mix.

Vegan risotto

Fennel, courgette, peas and parsley make for a wonderfully green risotto, flavoured with a little nutritional yeast in place of parmesan.

Pea and mint soup

Frozen peas are the secret weapon here – always keep a stash in the freezer and you’ll be able to whip up this fresh, summery soup in just 30 minutes.

Serve this pea and mint soup with homemade ricotta and lemon crostini, then check out our glorious green gazpacho.

Sunblush tomato and olive vegan paella

Filled with rich Mediterranean morsels, this plant-based paella has bags of flavour and will impress the whole family.

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Roasted courgette, chickpea and lemon salad

Check out this quick and easy vegan salad recipe with roasted courgettes and crunchy chickpeas tossed in punchy harissa. It’s ready in 20 minutes and low in calories, too.

37 healthy vegetarian recipes (2024)

FAQs

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.

Are vegetarian meals healthy? ›

Vegetarian diets tend to have fewer calories, lower levels of saturated fat and cholesterol, and more fiber, potassium and vitamin C than other eating patterns. Vegetarians tend to weigh less than meat-eaters, and to have lower cancer rates.

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

Which is the No 1 healthy vegetable in the world? ›

1. Spinach. This leafy green tops the chart as one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables. That's because 1 cup (30 grams (g)) of raw spinach provides 16% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin A plus 120% of the DV for vitamin K — all for just 7 calories.

What to eat instead of meat? ›

Whole soy foods, such as edamame, tofu, tempeh, soy milk and soy nuts, are great sources of lean protein. Unlike most vegetarian proteins, soy is a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids for optimal use by your body.

What vitamins do vegetarians lack? ›

The nutrients of concern in the diet of vegetarians include vitamin B(12), vitamin D, ω-3 fatty acids, calcium, iron, and zinc. Although a vegetarian diet can meet current recommendations for all of these nutrients, the use of supplements and fortified foods provides a useful shield against deficiency.

What happens to your body when you become vegetarian? ›

Vegetarians appear to have lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and lower rates of hypertension and type 2 diabetes than meat eaters. Vegetarians also tend to have a lower body mass index, lower overall cancer rates and lower risk of chronic disease.

What do vegetarians eat instead of seafood? ›

Tofu, banana blossom, and jackfruit are popular substitutes for fish due to their texture. In addition, seaweed, soy sauce, and mushrooms can help to give an authentic taste. Plant-based fish alternatives can provide essential nutrients such as protein and minerals to someone eating a vegan or plant-based diet.

What to eat instead of meat for protein? ›

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.

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

How do vegetarians get protein? ›

Some plant-based foods, such as soybean products, seitan, beans, and lentils contain high amounts of protein. You can also find protein in nuts, whole grains like quinoa and amaranth, and hemp seeds. People following a vegan diet may need to plan in order to reach their daily protein goals.

Which vegetarian food is best for weight loss? ›

Nuts and seeds: almonds, walnuts, pistachios, cashews, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, and nut butters. Lean proteins: beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, nut butters, eggs, Greek yogurt, milk, and soy products like tofu, tempeh, and edamame. Healthy fats: avocado, olive oil, coconut, nuts, seeds, nut butters, and cheese.

Are vegetarians the healthiest people? ›

Vegetarians appear to have lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and lower rates of hypertension and type 2 diabetes than meat eaters. Vegetarians also tend to have a lower body mass index, lower overall cancer rates and lower risk of chronic disease.

Which vegetarian dish has the most protein? ›

1. Lentils. Lentils, also called daal, is a popular addition to an everyday meal in India. Each cup of lentils contains about 18 g of protein making it an excellent source of vegetarian protein.

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