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.
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.
Jump to:
- What should I eat for dinner as a vegetarian?
- 30-Minute Easy White Beans and Greens
- Vegetarian Miso Noodle Soup with Mushrooms
- Spinach Cacio e Pepe
- Veggie Hummus Sandwich with Sweet Potato
- Easy Tempeh Burrito Bowls
- 15-Minute Easy Edamame Peanut Noodles
- Mushroom Bean Avocado Toast
- Easy Pearl Couscous with Chickpeas
- Vegan Deconstructed Sushi Salad Bowl with Sesame Ginger Miso Dressing
- Brussels Sprouts Orzo Pasta
- Summer Strawberry Salad with Chickpeas and Mozzarella
- Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Chickpeas and Lemon Tahini
- Tomato Mozzarella Sandwiches with Blueberry Balsamic Reduction
- Easy Edamame Crunch Salad
- Vegetarian Quesadilla with Avocado Crema
- More Vegetarian Meal Ideas
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.
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!
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.
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 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.
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.
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!)
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.
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 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!
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.
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!
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 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!
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 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.
