28 Low-Calorie Vegetarian Recipes

These low-calorie vegetarian recipes are packed with fresh vegetables, hearty lentils and plant-based proteins. At less than 350 calories per serving, dishes like stir-fried tofu and veggie lasagnas keep dinner light, but still full of flavor.

Vegetarian cuisine offers a vibrant array of flavors, textures and ingredients. Tender roasted vegetables mingle with plant-based proteins, crisp greens and fragrant herbs to make every meal feel exciting and satisfying. Some vegetarian recipes rely on creamy cheeses or heavy sauces for comfort, but these low-calorie vegetarian recipes create colorful, craveable meals with less than 350 calories per serving.

We selected recipes that build flavor with smart shortcuts and ingredient swaps—think mushrooms for meat and store-bought pizza crust. You’ll find layered vegetarian lasagnas that bubble in the oven alongside baked zucchini dishes and spanakopita-inspired casseroles.

For quicker cooking options, look to quick skillet meals, like stir-fries with tofu or sheet-pan chickpea suppers that roast on a single pan until each ingredient is perfectly caramelized. Or, if you’re craving comfort food, try making a mushroom pot pie that delivers creaminess under a flaky crust, low-carb pasta substitutes like zoodles or spaghetti squash or crispy pesto flatbread that brings bright herbs to the table.

Many of these meatless dishes use family-friendly ingredients, like tofu, lentils, beans and leafy greens. Many reflect the produce-forward approach found in our best healthy vegetarian recipes, building flavor around vegetables, grains and herbs. But above all, these low-calorie vegetarian recipes strike a balance between cozy and fresh, creating meals you can’t wait to include in your weekly rotation.

1/28

Southwest Vegetarian Bake

Total Time:1 hour 15 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This veggie-packed casserole hits the spot on chilly nights. It's a healthy canned vegetable recipe that's perfect any time I have a taste for Mexican food with all the fixings. —Patricia Gale, Monticello, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 285 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 759mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
2/28

Rice and Bean Enchiladas

Total Time:1 hour 10 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I love Mexican food, but I'm always looking for ways to make it healthier. I reworked a dish that I have enjoyed in restaurants to suit my taste and lifestyle. —Christie Ladd, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 enchilada: 298 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 899mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 12g protein.
3/28

Spanakopita Casserole

Total Time:1 hour 10 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Spanakopita is the Greek name for this traditional dish featuring spinach and feta cheese. You can serve it as a side dish or meatless main dish. — Sharon Olney, Galt, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 262 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 178mg cholesterol, 838mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein.
4/28

Portobello and Chickpea Sheet-Pan Supper

Total Time:50 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This is a fantastic meatless dinner or an amazing side dish. It works well with a variety of sheet-pan-roasted vegetables. We use zucchini or summer squash in the summer. You can also change up the herbs in the dressing. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts: 1 mushroom with 1 cup vegetables: 279 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 448mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 7g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2 starch.
5/28

Crispy Baked Tofu

Total Time:40 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: You'll never need another crispy baked tofu recipe! My version is nice and crisp on the outside while remaining super soft on the inside. —Ralph Jones, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 154 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 949mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
6/28

Tofu Stir-Fry with Brussels Sprouts

Contest Winner
Total Time:45 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I love cooking with Brussels sprouts. This tofu stir-fry recipe is the perfect quick and healthy weeknight meal. You can also make a scrumptious hoagie by stuffing toasted rolls with this tasty mixture. —Joseph Sciascia, San Mateo, California
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 268 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 8g fiber), 13g protein.
7/28

Garden Harvest Spaghetti Squash

Total Time:1 hour 5 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I was in the grocery store and spotted a perfectly ripe spaghetti squash. I knew I had to try it, so I cooked it according to the label. I topped it with my favorite vegetables for pasta, and it was an instant family favorite. —Veronica McCann, Columbus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups squash with 1 cup sauce: 224 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 732mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 7g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
8/28

Mushroom and Sweet Potato Potpie

Total Time:1 hour 15 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: The last time I was in the U.S., I had an amazing mushroom and beer potpie at a small brewpub. It was so rich and comforting. I tried numerous versions when I got home and I think I've come pretty close! —Iben Ravn, Copenhagen, Denmark
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 211 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
9/28

Pierogi Casserole

Total Time:45 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My husband never tires of this hearty pierogi casserole, no matter how many times I serve it. It's great for potlucks, too! —Margaret Popou, Kaslo, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 223 calories, 10g fat (7g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 425mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
10/28

Loaded Mexican Pizza

Contest Winner
Total Time:30 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My husband is a picky eater, but this healthful Mexican-style pizza has such amazing flavor that he actually looks forward to it. Leftovers taste even better the next day. —Mary Barker, Knoxville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 295 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 581mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat.
11/28

Zucchini Ricotta Bake

Contest Winner
Total Time:1 hour 15 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I have made this lasagna-like zucchini casserole frequently over the years and shared the recipe with many people. It's a little bit lighter than other layered casseroles, making it an amazing choice for anyone trying to eat right. —Eleanor Hauserman, Huntsville, Alabama
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 150 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 513mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
12/28

Pesto Flatbread

Total Time:40 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: We kneaded basil, oregano and Parmesan cheese into packaged bread dough for this full-flavored crust. Purchased pesto sauce keeps the pesto flatbread big on taste and convenience. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 259 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 513mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
13/28

Vegetarian Enchiladas

Total Time:55 min
Servings:6 enchiladas
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I created this recipe one night when we were in the mood for enchiladas but didn't want the fat and calories of the traditional ones. I used ingredients I had on hand that day, and now this recipe's a family favorite! —Nicole Barnett, Northville, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 292 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 759mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 13g protein.
14/28

Southern Okra Bean Stew

Total Time:30 min
Servings:11 (about 4 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: When this spicy stew's simmering on the stove, my family has a hard time waiting for dinner. It's much like a thick tomato-based soup with a hearty mix of okra, brown rice and beans. Everyone leaves the table feeling satisfied—and eager to have it again soon. —Beverly McDowell, Athens, Georgia
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 217 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 661mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 10g protein.
15/28

Spinach Artichoke Lasagna

Total Time:1 hour 20 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Friends of ours served this homey dish when we visited them in Maryland. We just had to get the recipe, and we have since added a few ingredients to make it even tastier. —Carole Rago, Altoona, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 269 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 755mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
16/28

Vegetable Stew

Total Time:50 min
Servings:8 (3 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This fragrant, spicy vegetable stew can be served over couscous or with warm pita bread. Try topping the Moroccan dish with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream to cool it down. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 180 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 174mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
17/28

Pasta Primavera

Total Time:30 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This pasta dish is a wonderful blend of crisp, colorful vegetables and a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 275 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 141mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
18/28

Penne with Veggies and Black Beans

Total Time:25 min
Servings:2
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Chock-full of zucchini, tomatoes, sweet pepper and carrots, this hearty pasta dish puts your garden harvest to good use. For variety, I sometimes add one-half cup of salsa or one-half cup of thickened teriyaki sauce. —Vickie Spoerle, Indianapolis, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 300 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 643mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 14g protein.
19/28

Quinoa Patties

Total Time:30 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This easy to make veggie burger packs an amazing taste, and the crunch from the addition of quinoa makes the texture to die for. This is an easy and delicious vegetarian burger option that you must try. Pan-frying adds a perfect crisp that takes it to the next level. The mixture can be made ahead of time, and it freezes very well. Enjoy! —Beth Klein, Arlington, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 2 patties: 235 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 273mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 lean meat.
20/28

Fiery Stuffed Poblanos

Contest Winner
Total Time:1 hour 10 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I love Southwest-inspired cuisine, but the dishes are often unhealthy. As a dietitian, I try to come up with nutritious twists on recipes, which is how my stuffed peppers dish was born. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed pepper: 223 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 579mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
21/28

Vegetarian Stuffed Shells

Contest Winner
Total Time:50 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: When my aunt first told me about these shells, they sounded like a lot of work—but the recipe whips up in no time. Sometimes I add a little cooked bacon to the ricotta filling. —Amelia Hopkin, Salt Lake City, Utah
Nutrition Facts: 3 stuffed shells: 279 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 725mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat.
22/28

Mushroom Tacos

Total Time:25 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I used to make this dish with beef, but substituting with portobella mushrooms turned it into my family's vegetarian favorite. It's quick, nutritious, low fat and tasty. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 300 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 524mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
23/28

Bean Burritos

Contest Winner
Total Time:30 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I always have the ingredients for this cheesy burrito recipe on hand. Cooking the rice and shredding the cheese the night before saves precious minutes at dinnertime. —Beth Osborne Skinner, Bristol, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts: 2 burritos: 216 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 544mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
24/28

Meatless Chili Mac

Total Time:40 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I came across this recipe in a newspaper years ago and it’s been a hit at our house ever since. It’s fast and flavorful, and it appeals to all ages. — Cindy Ragan, North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 206 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable,1 lean meat.
25/28

Chickpea and Potato Curry

Contest Winner
Total Time:6 hours 25 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I make chana masala, the classic Indian chickpea curry, in my slow cooker. First browning the onion, ginger and garlic really makes the sauce amazing. —Anjana Devasahayam, San Antonio, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups chickpea mixture: 240 calories, 6g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 767mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 8g protein.
26/28

Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Total Time:30 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Wrap yourself in nourishing comfort in about 20 minutes, using simple pantry ingredients and an Instant Pot. Soup's on! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 182 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 725mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 12g protein.
27/28

Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

Contest Winner
Total Time:4 hours
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These filling and flavorful vegetarian stuffed peppers are an updated version of my mom's stuffed peppers, which were a favorite when I was growing up in upstate New York. Whenever I make them, I'm reminded of home. —Melissa McCabe, Long Beach, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed pepper: 261 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 815mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
28/28

Veggie Kabobs

Total Time:30 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Grilling is a delightful way to prepare the season's freshest produce. The zesty Italian marinade adds just the right amount of spice to these veggie kabobs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 202 calories, 18g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 598mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.

Low-Calorie Vegetarian Recipes FAQ

What are the best low-calorie, plant-based recipes for dinner?

Some of the best low-calorie, plant-based dinner recipes include vegetable stir-fries, lentil soups and veggie skewers. If you’re looking for company-worthy vegetarian dinners, try making veggie enchiladas or chickpea curry served with fluffy rice and crispy flatbreads.

What light vegetarian dishes are good for beginners?

Beginner-friendly vegetarian dishes include one-pan meals like stuffed peppers, simple veggie casseroles or vegetarian pad thai. These recipes require minimal prep and cooking skills, making them perfect for those who are just getting started on vegetarian cooking.

What are the best vegetarian protein sources for low-calorie meals?

The best low-calorie vegetarian protein sources include tofu and legumes, like chickpeas, lentils or black beans. Meat substitutes like tempeh and seitan are also rich sources of plant-based protein and carry flavors well, leaving you satiated. If you’re new to cooking tofu, learn how to cook tofu on the stove, in the oven or in an air fryer to add a delicious protein boost to any vegetarian dish.