Easy 30-Minute Vegetarian Meals for Quick Dinners

Need ideas for veggie dinner recipes that are heathy, fast, and easy to make at home? Whether you're looking for Mediterranean-inspired pasta, spicy Mexican food, or hearty vegetable salads, these quick, 30-minute vegetarian meals hit the spot every time! Going meatless has never tasted so good.

Peanut noodles with edamame.

Even if you love to cook, there are days when you just don't have the time or energy to spend hours in the kitchen. (Looking at you, fellow new moms!)

As a dietitian, I'm a big proponent of cooking at home when you can, but that doesn't mean you have to make something "from scratch" every night of the week.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with simple, last-minute veggie dinners. On the contrary, these 30-minute vegetarian meals are balanced, flavorful, and packed with health-promoting nutrients.

Top Tip: Load up the pantry with convenient, vegetarian staples, like canned beans, pasta, and frozen vegetables for quick dinners you can prep and cook in 30 minutes or less.

Find my full Vegetarian Grocery List with more shopping tips here.

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What should I eat for dinner as a vegetarian?

Some of the best vegetarian dinners are pasta with chickpeas, vegetable curry with tofu, hearty grain salads, and Mexican-inspired dishes with beans and avocado.

If you want to feel full and satisfied after a vegetarian meal, try to include all of these food groups:

  • Protein - beans, chickpeas, lentils, dry peas, tofu, tempeh, edamame, cheese, eggs
  • Starchy carbs - pasta, quinoa, farro, bread, sweet potatoes, rice, tortillas
  • Fat - avocado, nuts, peanut butter, tahini, olive oil, seeds, full-fat dairy products
  • Produce - all fruits and vegetables are fantastic (fresh, canned, and frozen)

The 30-minute vegetarian meals below are all great options, so let's get to it!

Download a printable PDF list of 30-minute vegetarian recipes here.

Beans and kale cooking in tomato sauce in a pan.

30-Minute Easy White Beans and Greens

White Beans and Greens has to be one of the best 30-minute meals out there. Best part: you only need one pan to make it. Use any type of white bean you have on hand—great northern, cannellini, and navy beans all work well. You'll simmer the beans, kale, tomato paste, broth, and cheese all in one skillet. Then, I like to serve it with toasted bread for dipping. It's so simple and truly like the best kind of comfort food heaven!

Bowl of vegetarian miso soup with shiitake mushrooms and tofu.

Vegetarian Miso Noodle Soup with Mushrooms

Simple and comforting Miso Noodle Soup is a 20-minute lunch or dinner cooked in one pot (so cleanup is really easy, too). Shiitake mushrooms add so much flavor and texture to this vegetarian version of Japanese-inspired miso soup. Tofu amps up the protein and, along with hearty udon noodles, means this satisfying soup easily counts as a meal all on its own.

Cacio e pepe pasta with spinach and peas.

Spinach Cacio e Pepe

Quick and easy Italian-inspired comfort food! It doesn't get any simpler than pasta with spinach and green peas coated in pecorino romano cheese and freshly cracked black pepper.

Veggie hummus sandwich with roasted sweet potato open-faced on a plate.

Veggie Hummus Sandwich with Sweet Potato

This veggie hummus sandwich is a simple, plant-based option to add into your weeknight dinner rotation. Warm, roasted sweet potato lends a hearty and comforting feel to this vegetarian recipe. Add avocado and a few simple vegetables to get a low-effort, ultra satisfying meal in 30 minutes.

Tempeh burrito bowl with tomato and avocado.

Easy Tempeh Burrito Bowls

Vegetarian burrito bowls are simple and satisfying for a 30-minute weeknight dinner. Try this version with spicy crumbled tempeh, corn, and all of the best Mexican-inspired toppings.

Peanut noodles with edamame.

15-Minute Easy Edamame Peanut Noodles

One of the speediest vegetarian dinners out there! These Asian-inspired Thai peanut noodles are tossed with greens and protein-rich edamame beans. (Find edamame in the grocery store near the frozen vegetables!)

Avocado toast with mushrooms and beans.

Mushroom Bean Avocado Toast

Here's a simple, vegetarian meal idea that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Top toasted bread with creamy, mashed avocado, canned beans, and sautéed mushrooms for a balanced plate in 10 minutes flat.

Quick and easy vegetarian couscous dinner.

Easy Pearl Couscous with Chickpeas

Hello, Mediterranean-inspired comfort food! This 20-Minute Easy Pearl Couscous comes together with just one pot and minimal ingredients. The leftovers are great for lunch the next day, too.

Vegan deconstructed sushi bowl dinner.

Vegan Deconstructed Sushi Salad Bowl with Sesame Ginger Miso Dressing

The flavors of a veggie sushi roll are ready to enjoy in minutes with this vegan deconstructed sushi salad bowl. Sometimes you just can't beat takeout at home!

Vegetarian orzo pasta dinner with Brussels sprouts.

Brussels Sprouts Orzo Pasta

Brussels Sprouts Orzo is a quick and easy vegetarian dinner inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean. Just toss lemon orzo pasta with chickpeas, feta cheese, Brussels sprouts, and walnuts.

Quick and easy strawberry salad.

Summer Strawberry Salad with Chickpeas and Mozzarella

For a fuss-free, five-minute meal for one, try this no-cook Summer Strawberry Salad with chickpeas, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing. A great option for meal prep!

Brussels sprouts and chickpeas dinner.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Chickpeas and Lemon Tahini

This dairy-free and gluten-free main meal is ideal for busy weeknights. Sautéed Brussels sprouts with roasted chickpeas and creamy lemon tahini sauce, plus a handful of sunflower seeds and dried fruit for flavor and texture.

Tomato mozzarella sandwich.

Tomato Mozzarella Sandwiches with Blueberry Balsamic Reduction

Looking for an amazing vegetarian sandwich idea? Try this combo with fresh mozzarella and juicy heirloom tomatoes drizzled with a sweet and tangy Blueberry Balsamic sauce. Perfect for a quick, summer dinner!

Vegetarian edamame salad.

Easy Edamame Crunch Salad

Say hello to your new favorite vegan salad! This Easy Edamame Salad is quick, balanced, and filling. With edamame, quinoa, and peanuts, it's easily a complete meal all on its own. If you're looking for a plant-based salad that's anything but bland and boring, this one's for you!

Vegetarian bean quesadilla with avocado sauce.

Vegetarian Quesadilla with Avocado Crema

Here's one of the best Mexican-inspired vegetarian dinners that's easy to make at home! This quesadilla is stuffed with pinto beans, cheese, and a colorful mix of crunchy vegetables. Serve it with a zesty avocado-lime crema sauce for dipping, and you've got yourself a complete and yummy meal that even meat-eaters will love!

More Vegetarian Meal Ideas

For more easy recipes, check out my roundups of Vegetarian Meal Prep Ideas and 31 Best Healthy and Easy Vegetarian Lunches for Work.

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