From veggie wraps and warm soups to crisp salads and cozy pastas, these quick vegetarian meals use fresh, flavorful ingredients and are ready in 20 minutes or less.
1/44
Linguine with Fresh Tomatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
This garlic and basil linguine is a perfect way to use up your late-summer tomato harvest. It makes a great light supper when paired with a salad, or you can make it heartier with some chopped chicken. —Susan Jones, Downers Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 233 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
2/44
Chickpea Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom I make this together with lots of fresh veggies, a light lemony dressing and salty, creamy feta to top it off. It's great for healthy lunches throughout the week. —Ali Bonsor, Kalispell, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 118 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 210mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
3/44
Basil-Tomato Grilled Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
The tastes of summer abound in this easy Italian-style grilled cheese sandwich. Not only is it delicious, it's super-fast, so you can get back to those summer outdoor activities. —Sylvia Schmitt, Sun City, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 467 calories, 27g fat (9g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 723mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
4/44
Vegetarian Taco Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful entree combines popular taco ingredients—minus the ground beef. And you won't miss the meat at all! I top each serving with a creamy guacamole dressing, crunchy corn chips and cheese. —Kimberly Dray, Pflugerville, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 486 calories, 33g fat (12g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 849mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 16g protein.
5/44
Minty Peas and Onions
From the Recipe Creator:
Mother always relied on peas and onions when she was in a hurry and needed a quick side dish. Besides being easy to prepare, this recipe was loved by everyone in our family. It was handed down to my mother by my grandmother. —Santa D’Addario, Jacksonville, Florida. If you’re looking for more dishes, then you must check out our collection of vegetarian recipes.
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 134 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 128mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
6/44
Grandma’s Tomato Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is my grandmother’s. Originally, she even made the tomato juice in it from scratch! Gram had this recipe cooking on the stove every time I visited her. She enjoyed making this tomato soup and other favorite dishes for family and friends, and she made everything with love. —Gerri Sysun, Narragansett, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 259 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 1144mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
7/44
Strawberry Bliss Omelet
From the Recipe Creator:
Instead of the usual ham and cheese, try dressing up eggs with strawberries and cream cheese. I first tasted this dish while vacationing at the beach. —Selina Smith, Frostburg, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 omelet: 378 calories, 24g fat (12g saturated fat), 466mg cholesterol, 659mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
8/44
Hummus Veggie Wrap
From the Recipe Creator:
I had a vegan wrap that was similar to this once when I stopped at a diner while on a long and arduous walk. I enjoyed it so much that I modified it to my own taste and now have it for lunch on a regular basis. Everyone at work wants to know how to make it. —Michael Steffens, Indianapolis, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 235 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 415mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
9/44
Sauteed Mushrooms
From the Recipe Creator:
These tasty garlic butter mushrooms are so delicious served with steak, chicken or pork. The sauteed garlic is the secret! —Joan Schroeder, Mesquite, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 109 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 123mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
10/44
Spinach Pizza Quesadillas
From the Recipe Creator:
This simple four-ingredient dinner is special to me because my daughter and I created it together. You can make variations with other veggies you might have at home. It's a smart way to get kids to eat healthier. —Tanna Mancini, Gulfport, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 quesadilla: 301 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 650mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat.
11/44
Onion Orange Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
People always enjoy the bold flavors in this delightful salad. It’s both delicious and beautiful. —Zita Wilensky, North Miami Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 162 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 216mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
12/44
Roquefort Pear Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests at a barbecue we hosted one summer brought this cool, refreshing salad. Now it's a mainstay at many of our gatherings year-round. The mingling of zesty tastes and textures instantly wakes up the taste buds. —Sherry Duval, Baltimore, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 171 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 303mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fruit.
13/44
Nutty Cheese Tortellini
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to plant Italian flat-leaf parsley in a long terra-cotta planter so I always have some on hand. It adds bright, fresh flavor to this pasta dish. —Barbara Penatzer, Vestal, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 650 calories, 48g fat (25g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 677mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
14/44
Strawberry Feta Tossed Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
A neighbor served this light, wonderful salad at a summer barbecue. I’ve since tried it with many ingredient combinations, but this one draws the most compliments.
-Lisa Lesinski-Topp
Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 103 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 259mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
15/44
Hearty Multigrain Pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
Oats and whole wheat flour make these tasty pancakes extra hearty. Try them with applesauce spooned on top! —Jeri Tirmenstein, Apache Junction, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 243 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 559mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 fat, 1/2 fat-free milk.
16/44
Red Potatoes with Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
You can serve this homey blend of fresh green beans, potato wedges and chopped red onion hot or cold. Either way, this easy side dish makes a pleasing accompaniment to Mom's meat loaf or almost any other meat. —Daria Burcar,
Rochester, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 138 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 212mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
17/44
Olive and Red Pepper Linguine
From the Recipe Creator:
With 16 grandchildren, I find that someone is always hungry. This is a quick dish to fix. I sometimes serve garlic bread alongside it for an easy meatless meal. —Betty Carpenter, Hookstown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 159 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 221mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1.500 starch, 1 fat.
18/44
Easy Onion Crescent Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a deliciously easy way to dress up a tube of crescent roll dough. These golden bites are one of our favorite recipes—and they're a nice addition to any buffet. We like them so much, I usually triple the recipe. —Barbara Nowakowski, North Tonawanda, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 181 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
19/44
Honey Poppy Seed Fruit Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful fruit salad with poppy seed dressing pairs well with any morning entree and takes just 10 minutes to prepare. The subtle honey sauce in this salad steals the show. —Dorothy Dinnean, Harrison, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 117 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 5g fiber), 1g protein.
20/44
Fresh Veggie Pockets
From the Recipe Creator:
One summer I worked at a health food store that sold sandwiches. We were close to a college campus, so I made lots of these fresh-filled pitas for the students. Crunchy with crisp vegetables and nutty sunflower kernels, they're a fast-to-fix lunch when you're on the go.
-Linda Reeves, Cloverdale, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled pita halves: 434 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 571mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 14g protein.
21/44
Tomato Feta Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
One summer I combined my love for onions with a bumper crop of tomatoes and a homemade balsamic dressing. The result was this salad that receives thumbs-up approval whenever it's served. —Robert Golus, Greer, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 121 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 412mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
22/44
Spinach Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve this Greek-style rice dish alongside steaks with mushrooms. It makes an elegant side that can be doubled for guests. —Jeanette Cakouros, Brunswick, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 235 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 326mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
23/44
Sweet Carrots
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a flavorful way to dress up carrots without a lot of fuss. Simply steam the good-for-you veggies, then season with butter, brown sugar, vinegar and a sprinkling of chives. The carrots are not only colorful, but they're tasty, too. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 72 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 247mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
24/44
Makeover Deluxe Grilled Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
You might not have known healthy grilled cheese was possible. But with a few simple tricks, we actually boosted the fantastic toasty taste of these mouthwatering sandwiches, but slashed fat, calories and cholesterol to less than half! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 225 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 400mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1 starch.
25/44
Asparagus and Green Beans with Tarragon Lemon Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
Tarragon balances the tangy flavor from lemon in the creamy sauce covering vibrant asparagus and green beans. I serve this as a side dish as well as an appetizer. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 183 calories, 18g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 126mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
26/44
Homemade Guacamole
From the Recipe Creator:
I always judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its guacamole. And although it's simple to prepare, it can go wrong oh, so easily. I've spent many years perfecting mine, to the point where I think it's better than most restaurants. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 90 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
27/44
Grilled Squash
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of the best ways to prepare butternut squash and is great alongside grilled steak or chicken. As a bonus, butternut squash is full of vitamin A. —Esther Horst, Monterey, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
2 slices: 178 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
28/44
Cool Beans Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This protein-filled dish could be served as a colorful side dish or a meatless entree. When you make it, double the recipe—because it will be gone in a flash! The basmati rice adds flavor and texture, and the dressing gives it a bit of a tang. —Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 440 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 659mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 8g fiber), 12g protein.
29/44
Spicy Edamame
From the Recipe Creator:
Edamame are young soybeans in their pods. While I love to get them with my sushi when I go out, they are also so easy to make at home. —Mark Neufang, Bayshore, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 52 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 642mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
30/44
Hearty Asian Lettuce Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This meatless version of your favorite restaurant salad packs 13 grams of protein per serving and is bursting with juicy flavor. It's a brilliant choice for lunch or a busy-day dinner. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 salad: 329 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 430mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 7g fiber), 13g protein.
31/44
Open-Faced Egg Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
I always experiment with different herbs on my eggs, since I eat them every morning. This one became one of my favorites! —Valerie Belley, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 231 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 226mg cholesterol, 416mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
32/44
Chickpea Fritters with Sweet-Spicy Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
Chickpeas are a common ingredient in many dishes in Pakistan, where I grew up. I have combined the light spice of Pakistani foods with the love of deep-fried finger foods that many Americans, including my daughters, enjoy. To eat, dip this chickpea recipe in chilled yogurt. —Shahrin Hasan, York, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 fritter with 2 teaspoons sauce: 46 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
33/44
Greek Brown and Wild Rice Bowls
From the Recipe Creator:
This fresh rice dish tastes like the Mediterranean in a bowl! It is short on ingredients but packs in so much flavor. For a hand-held version, leave out the rice and tuck the rest of the ingredients into a pita pocket. —Darla Andrews, Boerne, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 433 calories, 25g fat (4g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 1355mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein.
34/44
Oatmeal Pancakes
From the Recipe Creator:
My family absolutely loves these oat pancakes. I make them every Saturday and Sunday. If I don't, they don't believe it's the weekend! My son's friends often spend the night, and I think it's because they like these oatmeal pancakes so much. They are especially delicious served with molasses and syrup. —Sharon W. Bickett, Chester, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 263 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 474mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
35/44
Swift Strawberry Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
A simple blend of syrup, orange juice and caramel topping forms the light dressing for the fresh berries and the crunchy cashews found in this sensational salad. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 116 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 59mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
36/44
Zesty Sugar Snap Peas
From the Recipe Creator:
Lemon-pepper seasoning and garlic make these crisp-tender sugar snap peas flavorful and an ideal accompaniment to a variety of entrees. You'll come to rely on this five-ingredient dish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 74 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 267mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
37/44
Cucumber Melon Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful salad is tangy and delicious. The unexpected combination is such a pleasant surprise. You can use whatever type of melon you have on hand. —Edie Farm, Farmington, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 159 calories, 14g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1/2 starch.
38/44
Snappy Green Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
The buttery and citrus flavors in this brightly colored side dish go with just about any entree. I enjoy it most when green beans are in season. —Tammy Neubauer, Ida Grove, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 59 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 217mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable.
39/44
Marinated Broccoli
From the Recipe Creator:
This festive side dish couldn't be easier to throw together. But because it's so pretty, it's perfect for special occasions. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 119 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
40/44
Spinach Fruit Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
The combination of sweet fruit and salty feta cheese makes this salad a winner. —Virginia Dack, Asheville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 235 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 644mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fruit.
41/44
Pickled Eggs and Beets
From the Recipe Creator:
Ever since I can remember, my mother served this pickled egg recipe at Easter. It was a tradition that my family expected. I made them for my granddaughter the last time she visited and they were all gone before she left. —Mary Banker, Fort Worth, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 egg: 168 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 212mg cholesterol, 200mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
42/44
Festive Corn ‘n’ Broccoli
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is delicious and versatile. I often substitute a tablespoon of minced fresh basil for the dried, and two to three ears of sweet corn (about a cup cut fresh from the cob) for the Mexicorn. —Lucile Throgmorton, Clovis, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 135 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 541mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
43/44
44/44
Cabbage and Rutabaga Slaw
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a favorite crunchy slaw that's a perfect way to use cool-weather veggies. We love it as a side with any spicy main dish. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 126 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
Quick Vegetarian Meals FAQ
What are the easiest 20-minute meals I can make without meat?
The easiest 20-minute meals to make without meat rely on pantry staples as well as everyday refrigerator and freezer ingredients, like canned beans and tomatoes, cheese and frozen vegetable blends. These versatile ingredients don’t need much more than warming to be ready to eat and can be used in recipes like quesadillas, loaded salads and pastas in countless ways to fit what you have on hand. Use condiments like tahini, chili crisp and salsa to introduce big flavors fast and elevate even the simplest meals.
What fast vegetarian dinners can I make after work?
Any of the recipes in this collection are perfect for fast vegetarian dinners after work, since they take 20 minutes or less to get on the table. To make the most of your time, get a soup simmering and then assemble a sandwich or salad while it cooks. To change things up, try breakfast for dinner with a stack of warm pancakes or fluffy eggs. Using shortcuts like store-bought dressings or pre-sliced cheese cuts down prep time even more.
What healthy vegetarian options are there for lunch?
Although healthy is different for everyone, focusing on lots of whole fruits and vegetables as well as protein-rich ingredients makes a satisfying lunch that isn’t too heavy. Add hard-boiled eggs and nuts to salads to bulk them up and give sandwiches and wraps a creamy touch by adding some hummus. For quick vegetarian meals during the week, roasting vegetables or cooking grains in advance saves time, so you can just combine various ingredients together and go.
