Quick and easy vegetarian dinners: delicious recipes for busy weeks
For those busy weeknights when you don’t have the time or energy to spend hours in the kitchen, these quick and easy vegetarian dinners are a lifesaver. These delicious recipes are not only simple and convenient, but they are also packed with flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these recipes are sure to become staples in your weekly meal plan.
1. Roasted vegetable quesadillas
These delicious and satisfying quesadillas are easy to make and can be customized with whatever vegetables you have on hand. Start by roasting a mixture of bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms with your favorite seasonings. Then place the grilled vegetables with cheese between two tortillas and cook them in a pan until golden and crispy. Serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a complete meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes.
2. Spaghetti aglio e olio with spinach and cherry tomatoes
This classic Italian pasta dish is a perfect choice for a quick and easy vegetarian dinner. Simply cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, then saute the minced garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil until fragrant. Add a handful of fresh spinach and halved cherry tomatoes to the pan and cook until wilted. Toss the cooked pasta with the spinach and tomatoes, then add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. This delicious and comforting meal can be on the table in less than 20 minutes.
3. Baked Black Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas
This delicious and nutritious casserole is a great option for busy weekends. Start by roasting diced sweet potatoes with cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika until tender. Then place the roasted sweet potatoes, canned black beans, corn, and enchilada sauce in a baking dish. Top with grated cheese and bake until bubbly and golden. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkling of chopped cilantro for a satisfying, filling dinner that requires minimal effort.
4. One-pot coconut and chickpea curry
This comforting and aromatic curry is perfect for those nights when you want something warm and delicious. Start by sauteing the onion, garlic, ginger and curry paste in a large bowl until fragrant. Next, add the canned and diced chickpeas, coconut milk and vegetable broth to the pot and simmer until the tomato flavors blend together. Serve the curry over cooked rice or quinoa and garnish with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon. This delicious and easy dinner comes in just one bowl and is perfect for leftovers.
5. Caprese Quinoa Salad
This refreshing and light salad is a great choice for warm summer evenings when you want something quick and healthy. Simply cook quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool. Then toss the cooked quinoa with halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve as a side dish or add grilled tofu or tempeh for a complete meal. This salad can be prepared in advance and keeps well in the refrigerator for several days.
6. Stir-fried vegetables with teriyaki sauce
This versatile stir-fry is a great way to use up any leftover vegetables in the fridge. Simply chop a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, cauliflower, peas and carrots and sauté them in a hot pan with a little oil. Once the vegetables are tender and crunchy, add a generous dollop of the teriyaki sauce and toss to coat. Serve the stir fry over cooked rice or pasta for a satisfying and delicious dinner that requires minimal prep and cooking time.
7. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Wrap
This refreshing and vibrant wrap is a great choice for a quick, portable dinner on busy weekends. Start by tossing canned chickpeas with chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese in a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and dried oregano. Next, place the chickpea salad into large whole-grain tortillas and wrap for an easy, nutritious meal on the go. These rolls can also be prepared in advance and packed for lunch the next day.
8. Lentil vegetables are dirty
This vegetarian twist on classic comfort food is a great option for a quick and satisfying dinner. Start by sautéing the onions, bell peppers, and garlic in a large skillet until soft. Then add the cooked lentils, tomato sauce, and a mixture of spices such as chili powder, cumin, and paprika to the pan and simmer until the flavors meld together. Serve the lentil mixture on toasted whole grain bread with a side of crunchy coleslaw for a delicious, hearty meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes.
9. Sheet vegetable fajitas
This simple and colorful dinner is perfect for busy weekends when you want something quick and nutritious. Simply toss sliced bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms with fajita seasoning and a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet. Roast in the oven until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. Serve roasted vegetables in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like salsa, avocado, and lime wedges for a satisfying, flavor-packed meal that requires minimal cleanup.
10. Garlic and lemon orzo with roasted broccoli
This bright and delicious dish is a great option for a quick and satisfying dinner. Cook the orzo in a large pot of boiling salted water until tender, then drain and set aside. Meanwhile, roast broccoli florets with lemon zest, garlic and red pepper flakes until tender and crisp. Combine the cooked orzo with the roasted broccoli, a drizzle of olive oil, and lemon juice. Finish with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a delicious and easy dinner in less than 30 minutes.
These quick and easy vegetarian dinners are perfect for busy weekends when you need a comforting and delicious meal that doesn’t require a lot of time or effort. Whether you’re looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet or simply want a break from meat-centric dinners, these delicious recipes are sure to become a staple in your weekly meal plan.