30 Healthy Meatless Dinner Ideas

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

This deliciously creamy tomato basil pasta is the perfect comfort meal that's both satisfying and vegetarian-friendly.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Parmesan cheese, for serving

Cooking method:

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes and let simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to low, then add heavy cream and fresh basil. Stir well and let cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then toss the sauce with cooked spaghetti.
6. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese.

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Tacos

A flavorful twist on traditional tacos, these black bean and sweet potato tacos are packed with nutrients and delightfully tasty.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Corn tortillas
• Avocado and lime wedges, for serving

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes or until tender.
3. In a saucepan, heat black beans over medium heat until warmed through.
4. Fill corn tortillas with roasted sweet potatoes and black beans.
5. Serve with sliced avocado and lime wedges.

Cauliflower Fried Rice

Enjoy a healthier take on a classic dish with this cauliflower fried rice, a low-carb and flavorful dinner option.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, grated
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mixed vegetables and sauté until tender.
2. Push vegetables to the side and add beaten eggs, scrambling until cooked through.
3. Stir in grated cauliflower and soy sauce. Cook for 5-7 minutes until cauliflower is tender.
4. Add green onions and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve hot as a standalone dish or as a side.

Chickpea Curry

This easy chickpea curry is a hearty and flavorful meal that's rich in spices and protein.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
2. Stir in curry powder and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add chickpeas and coconut milk, stirring to combine.
4. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
5. Season with salt and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

These spinach and ricotta stuffed shells make for a comforting and satisfying vegetarian dinner.

Ingredients:

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 package (10 oz) frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta shells according to package instructions and drain.
2. Mix together ricotta, mozzarella, and spinach in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Fill each shell with the cheese and spinach mixture.
4. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish, place filled shells on top, and cover with remaining sauce.
5. Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly. Serve hot.

Lentil Soup

Warm and filling, this lentil soup is a simple yet nourishing meal that's perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups lentils, rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
2. Add lentils and vegetable broth, then bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and stir in thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30-40 minutes until lentils are tender.
4. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs.

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Zucchini noodles with pesto offer a fresh and low-carb take on traditional pasta with a burst of basil flavor.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add spiralized zucchini and sauté for 2-3 minutes until just tender.
3. Stir in pesto sauce and cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper, then serve immediately.

Eggplant Parmesan

This baked eggplant Parmesan is a comforting dish full of savory flavors and cheesy goodness.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium eggplants, sliced
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Dip eggplant slices in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
2. Arrange eggplant on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
3. Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish, add a layer of baked eggplant, and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
4. Repeat layers, ending with cheese on top.
5. Bake for another 25-30 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Vegetable Stir-Fry

Quick and vibrant, this vegetable stir-fry is both nutritious and satisfying for a busy weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Cooked rice, for serving

Cooking method:

1. Heat sesame oil in a wok or large pan over high heat.
2. Add garlic and all vegetables, stir-frying for 5-7 minutes until crisp-tender.
3. Stir in soy sauce and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
4. Serve over cooked rice.

Mushroom Risotto

This creamy mushroom risotto is an indulgent, yet meatless, dish perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan and sauté onions and mushrooms until soft.
2. Stir in Arborio rice, cooking for 2 minutes until lightly toasted.
3. Gradually add vegetable broth, one cup at a time, stirring continuously until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.