36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (2024)

Eating less meat can have quite a few health benefits—from supporting your heart health to lowering your risk for diabetes. These meatless meals are also low in calories and high in fiber, a combination that can help you lose weight while feeling full and satisfied. Whether you're in the mood for cozy soup, spicy tacos or fresh and tasty salad, one of these recipes is sure to suit your mood. Recipes like our Cauliflower Fajita Skillet and Kale & Lentil Stew with Mashed Potatoes are delicious ways to shake up your dinner routine.

01of 36

Winter Vegetable Mulligatawny Soup

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (1)

Our meatless version of the Indian-inspired British colonial soup includes parsnip and squash to keep it hearty and satisfying.

02of 36

Kale & Lentil Stew with Mashed Potatoes

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (2)

Fire-roasted tomatoes add slightly smoky flavor to red lentils. The addition of mashed potatoes gives this an upside-down shepherd's pie feel.

03of 36

One-Pot Lentil & Vegetable Soup with Parmesan

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (3)

This lentil-vegetable soup is packed with kale and tomatoes for a filling, flavorful main dish. If you have it, the Parmesan cheese rind adds nuttiness and gives the broth some body. If you avoid cheese made with rennet, look for vegetarian Parmesan cheese, which is made without it.

04of 36

Kale & Quinoa Salad with Lemon Dressing

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (4)

This kale-quinoa salad pops with different flavors and textures. Massaging the kale helps break down its fibrous nature, while add-ins like toasted almonds, feta and cucumber add crunch and saltiness.

05of 36

White Bean Soup with Pasta

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (5)

We use mirepoix—a combination of onion, celery and carrots—to flavor this soup. Keep a store-bought bag of the mixture in your freezer to ensure you always have some on hand without worrying about it going bad.

06of 36

Cauliflower Fajita Skillet

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (6)

Thinly sliced cauliflower florets mimic the signature shape of fajita meat in this dish. We cook it in a cast-iron skillet for that table-side sizzle you'd get at a restaurant.

07of 36

Mushroom French Dip

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (7)

Meaty portobello mushrooms have just the right amount of earthy, savory flavor and the perfect texture to replace beef in these vegetarian French dip sandwiches.

08of 36

Pantry Peanut Noodles

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (8)

Choose your own adventure with these noodles! They're delicious with peanut butter and tahini alike. Plus, you can use whatever frozen vegetables you have on hand and finish the dish off with any herbs still thriving in your garden or hanging out in your crisper.

09of 36

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Pasta with Lemon

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (9)

This Brussels sprouts pasta features roasted Brussels sprouts for a boost of flavor. The char of the sprouts is balanced by lemon juice for a bright, healthy pasta dish. If you can't find whole-wheat fusilli, regular fusilli is an easy substitution.

10of 36

Summer Vegetable Gnocchi Salad

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (10)

This riff on pasta salad is best served warm while the gnocchi are nice and tender. Plus, the grilled veggies taste extra-good fresh off the fire in this easy gnocchi recipe.

11of 36

Roasted Red Pepper & Peanut Soup with Crispy Spiced Chickpeas

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (11)

Feeling stressed after a busy day? Unwind with a bowl of this comforting soup, which contains ingredients—like red bell peppers and peanuts—that can help combat inflammation caused by too much stress.

12of 36

Sweet Potato-Black Bean Tacos

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (12)

Tender, smoky sweet potato is the star of these vegetarian tacos. A mashed black bean spread with onion holds everything in place. Serve with your favorite taco toppings.

13of 36

Skillet Mac & Cheese with Zucchini & Pimiento

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (13)

Sweet and mild pimiento peppers add a little zest to this skillet mac and cheese, while zucchini boosts the veggie count. Here, we boil the pasta a little less than usual, until just shy of al dente, so it doesn't overcook in the oven.

14of 36

Easy Chipotle Chili

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (14)

Refried beans and tomatoes provide a thick base to this easy vegetarian chili. Frozen vegetables keep prep to a minimum. Enchilada sauce and chipotle peppers in adobo work as a "chili starter" with lots of flavor and spices built in. This recipe uses part of a can of refried beans—serve the rest alongside eggs for breakfast, use them in a taco for lunch or add them to a dip for chips anytime. This healthy chili also keeps well in the fridge or freezer.

15of 36

Quinoa Chili with Sweet Potatoes

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (15)

This hearty vegetarian quinoa chili with sweet potatoes has mild spice from poblanos and green chiles. Chili powder, cumin and garlic provide classic chili flavor.

16of 36

Shirataki Noodles with Tofu & Veggies

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (16)

Shirataki noodles, which are made from konjac yam, have a mild flavor and can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups to stir-fries. Here, we pair them with tofu and veggies for a sweet and salty dish featuring crisp-tender bok choy and cabbage. The tofu has a nice crust on the outside, adding texture to this quick vegetarian meal.

17of 36

Chickpea Pesto Burgers with Roasted-Red Pepper Sauce

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (17)

In this easy plant-based burger recipe, we combine chickpeas and pesto to create a delicious patty that gets topped with balsamic-roasted red onions and a creamy roasted red pepper mayonnaise sauce. The end result is a delicious dinner that will quickly become your family's new favorite way to do burgers. Enjoy alongside a big salad and roasted potatoes to make it a meal.

18of 36

Grilled Halloumi & Summer Vegetable Tacos

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (18)

Because of its semi-firm texture, halloumi is prone to sticking to the grill. Be sure to oil the grill grates well before adding the brined Cypriot cheese.

19of 36

Cauliflower Gnocchi with Asparagus & Pesto

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (19)

While the cauliflower gnocchi crisp up in a sauté pan, steam fresh asparagus in the microwave to keep it bright green and crisp-tender. Substitute frozen asparagus (or green beans or peas) in a pinch. Toss them together with prepared basil pesto for a satisfying supper.

20of 36

3-Ingredient Goat Cheese Pasta with Broccoli

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (20)

Swap out regular pasta for pasta made with chickpeas and you'll more than triple the fiber and double the protein in this simple, satisfying dish. Be sure to save some of the pasta water to make a sauce. Feel free to use frozen broccoli in a pinch (you can blanch the broccoli in the same water you use to cook the pasta).

21of 36

Chipotle Tofu Tacos

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (21)

Here, we tear the tofu instead of cutting it. That might sound odd, but it's the best way to get crisp, crumbly edges reminiscent of fish tacos. Coating with a flavorful cornstarch mixture helps maximize the crunch.

22of 36

Black Bean Fajita Skillet

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (22)

You can often find presliced and ready-to-cook fresh vegetables in your grocer's produce section. Use these to your advantage to cut down on dinnertime prep. Here, presliced fajita vegetables are sautéed with canned black beans and Southwest seasoning for a quick and easy Tex-Mex-inspired meal. Plus, this recipe requires just three ingredients, not including basics like salt, pepper and oil. You can easily take your bowl up a notch by adding some cheese, sour cream or another tasty topping.

23of 36

Butternut Squash & Cauliflower Soup with Chickpea Croutons

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (23)

Bulk up boxed butternut squash soup with frozen cauliflower florets, then top off your bowl with crispy chickpea snacks for major crunch (look for them near the dried fruit and nuts at your grocery store). This impressively easy dinner comes together with just those three ingredients, not including salt, pepper and oil. Because prepared soups are typically higher in sodium, look for light or reduced-sodium versions of your favorites.

24of 36

Sesame-Crusted Tofu with Radish-Apple Slaw

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (24)

We coat slices of tofu with sesame seeds for a delightfully crunchy crust and serve them with a tangy, refreshing slaw. We love the look of black and white sesame seeds combined, but if you have only one variety on hand, that will work well too. Serve this ultra-quick recipe with brown rice or soba noodles on the side.

25of 36

Creamy Queso Chili

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (25)

This mashup of the classic cheesy dip chile con queso with the beans and vegetables of a chili is the best of both worlds.

26of 36

Vegetable Lasagna with White Sauce

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (26)

This vegetable lasagna with white sauce has a velvety sauce with lots of veggies and plenty of cheesy goodness. The layers of butternut squash give the dish a sweet and creamy flavor and texture. This vegetarian lasagna packs comfort in every bite.

27of 36

Vegetarian Mushroom Paprikash

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (27)

Meaning "with paprika" in Hungarian, paprikash is a creamy spiced stew traditionally made with meat. We've chosen mushrooms to give this vegetarian paprikash a hearty bite. Using a mix of varieties gives you a good spectrum of textures and flavors.

28of 36

Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (28)

The avocado and ranch help soften the spiciness of the roasted Buffalo cauliflower, which is perfectly tender and flavorful in these vegetarian tacos. The roasted corn adds some sweetness and the romaine some fresh, crisp, crunch.

29of 36

White Bean & Sun-Dried Tomato Gnocchi

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (29)

Sun-dried tomatoes are the star of this recipe—providing texture and umami. Combined with the spinach, they make this dish a great source of vitamins C and K.

30of 36

Lentil Bowls with Fried Eggs & Greens

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (30)

Lentils are a quick and easy protein. We like French green lentils, which hold their shape when cooked.

31of 36

Kale & Avocado Salad with Blueberries & Edamame

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (31)

Bursting with nutrient-rich produce, this California-inspired salad is a delicious and satisfying way to get your vitamins. We love the unique combination of blueberries, edamame and goat cheese.

32of 36

One-Pot Coconut Milk Curry with Chickpeas

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (32)

The assortment of vegetables in this vegan one-pot dish adds varying textures and flavors to make each forkful exciting. The sweet potato balances the savory spices nicely. Serve this bright and flavorful curry with rice or rice noodles.

33of 36

Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (33)

Think of this vegetarian enchilada casserole as a veggie-packed Mexican-inspired lasagna with corn tortillas standing in for the noodles! If your peppers are mild and you like heat, opt for spicy pico de gallo. This easy vegetarian dinner recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.

34of 36

Butternut Squash Soup with Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (34)

Layering apple slices into grilled cheese sandwiches adds a little crunch to a favorite soup dipper. And creamy butternut squash soup with ginger, cumin and turmeric is a nice change of pace from grilled cheese's usual tomato soup partner. Serve the duo for a comforting and easy weeknight dinner for the family. The soup keeps well in the fridge, so save leftovers for lunch or dinner later in the week.

35of 36

Buttermilk Fried Tofu with Smoky Collard Greens

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (35)

Dipping tofu in buttermilk makes the coating stick for a crispy pan-fried tofu, reminiscent of fried chicken. Spicing up the collards with paprika coats them with smoky flavor while keeping this dish vegetarian. And this quick, easy and healthy dinner comes together in just 25 minutes, so it's great for busy weeknights.

36of 36

3-Ingredient Refried Bean & Pico de Gallo Tostadas

View Recipe

36 Vegetarian Dinners That Can Help You Lose Weight (36)

Making your own tostadas is easy. Use store-bought corn tortillas, brush them with olive oil and bake to crunchy perfection! Here, we topped the tostada with refried beans and fresh pico de gallo for an easy three-ingredient meal.