Vegetarian weekend dinner recipes to make mealtime easier
Trying to come up with quick, easy vegetarian dinner ideas for busy weekends can sometimes seem like a daunting task. But fear not, we’ve got you covered with delicious, hassle-free vegetarian dinner recipes that will make mealtime a breeze.
1. Lentil pasta in one bowl
This one-pot lentil pasta is not only easy to make, but it’s also packed with protein and fiber. Simply sauté some garlic and onions in a pot, then add some lentils, a can of diced tomatoes, and vegetable stock, then simmer until the lentils are cooked. Add some cooked pasta and garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Dinner is served in no time!
2. Fried vegetables
Stir-fried vegetables are a great dinner on busy weekends. Simply chop up your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, cauliflower, peas, and carrots, then fry them in a pan with some sesame oil and soy sauce. Serve over steamed rice or quinoa for a quick and nutritious meal.
3. Mediterranean chickpea salad
This Mediterranean chickpea salad is not only refreshing, but it’s also easy to prepare. Combine chickpeas, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and olives in a large bowl. Drizzle with a simple homemade sauce made with olive oil, lemon juice, and a dash of oregano. This salad is perfect for a light and satisfying dinner.
4. Black bean quesadillas
Black bean quesadillas are a quick and filling dinner option that the whole family will love. Simply spread some black beans onto a tortilla, sprinkle with shredded cheese, then top with another tortilla. Cook it in a frying pan until the cheese melts and the tortilla becomes crispy. Serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a delicious Mexican-inspired meal.
5. Creamy tomato basil soup
There’s nothing like a warm bowl of creamy tomato and basil soup on a cold night. This vegetarian version is made with canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, onions, garlic, and lots of fresh basil. Blend together until smooth, then add some heavy cream for a luxurious finish. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete, comforting dinner.
6. Stuffed peppers with spinach and feta
These spinach and feta stuffed peppers are a great way to get your serving of vegetables while enjoying a satisfying dinner. Simply mix spinach, feta cheese, cooked rice, and seasonings together and then stuff the mixture into the bell peppers. Bake in the oven until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through. It’s a simple, nutritious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
7. Butternut squash and sage risotto
Risotto may seem intimidating, but it’s actually easy to make, and this pumpkin and sage version is no exception. Simply sauté some diced squash and fresh sage in a pot, then add the Arborio rice and vegetable stock. Cook the rice until creamy and tender, then finish with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for a relaxing weekend dinner.
8. Spaghetti aglio e olio
This classic Italian dish is not only quick and easy to prepare, it’s also incredibly delicious. Simply cook some spaghetti until al dente, then add a generous amount of olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes and freshly chopped parsley. Serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a simple and delicious dinner option.
9. Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos
Loaded sweet potato nachos are a fun and satisfying dinner option that’s perfect for busy weekends. Simply cut the sweet potatoes into rounds, roast them in the oven until crispy, then cover them with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, avocado, and lots of cheese. We put it back in the oven until the cheese melts and bubbles appear, then we finish it by spreading it with a little sour cream and a sprinkle of coriander. It’s a healthy and delicious twist on a classic favorite.
10. Shells stuffed with mushrooms and spinach
These mushroom and spinach stuffed shells are a great vegetarian alternative to traditional stuffed pasta dishes. Simply mix sautéed mushrooms and spinach with ricotta cheese, stuff the mixture into cooked pasta shells, then cover with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake it in the oven until the cheese melts and bubbles, then serve it for a comforting and filling weeknight dinner.
With these easy and delicious vegetarian dinner recipes, you’ll never have to worry about what to make for dinner on busy weekends again. Whether you’re craving Italian, Mexican, or Mediterranean flavors, there’s something for everyone in this collection of hassle-free meal ideas. So take the guesswork out of mealtime and enjoy these delicious plant-based meals with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.