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103+ Best Healthy Vegetarian Recipes for Weight Loss

Between breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert, we have you covered with the best meat-free meals of all time.
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Being a vegetarian doesn't mean just eating pasta and veggies for every meal. Whether you're looking to diversify your breakfasts, lunches, dinners, desserts or even snacks, we've got you covered with over 100 healthy vegetarian recipes.

You'll be shocked to see how many ways you can mix up your meals, even as a vegetarian. Most importantly, though, these recipes will leave your stomach full, which can sometimes be a challenge with a vegetarian diet. With so many options, you're bound to find the perfect recipes for any vegetarian meal in your future.

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Shakshuka

Paleo casserole shakshuka dish in a skillet with parsley
Rebecca Firkser/Eat This, Not That!

Shakshuka, a North African and Levantine dish of eggs poached in a garlicky tomato and pepper sauce (you might know its Italian relative, Eggs in Purgatory), is a deeply flavorful weekend breakfast that just so happens to be paleo. Made with fresh or canned tomatoes, the sauce starts with sautéed bell peppers, onion, and garlic.

Get our recipe for Shakshuka.

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Mac and Cheese

Healthy mac and cheese
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Over the years, we've tested dozens of iterations of the classic—spiked with chiles, topped with bacon, toned down with non-fat cheese. However, we keep returning to this formula: a béchamel base, laced with extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, and finished with a bit of yogurt to give the sauce that perfect texture. Are there more decadent bowls of mac? Absolutely—but not for under 400 calories.

Get our recipe for Mac and Cheese.

Black Bean Omelet

Black bean omelet
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Why shell out your hard-earned dollars for an overpriced gut bomb when you can make something better, healthier, and cheaper at home in 10 minutes flat? And nowhere is that question more relevant than with omelets.

Get our recipe for a Black Bean Omelet.

Oatmeal With Peanut Butter and Banana

Oatmeal with peanut butter and banana recipe
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

We love this oatmeal with peanut butter and banana recipe for its good-for-you ingredients. It makes a healthy morning meal you can have ready in minutes.

Get our recipe for Oatmeal With Peanut Butter and Banana.

French Toast Stuffed with Strawberries

Healthy french toast with strawberries
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Done correctly, stuffing can actually be a nutritional boon: In this recipe, it adds a dose of low-cal protein, fiber, and all the energy-boosting vitamins from fresh strawberries and honey. Plus, it's simple enough to pull off, even on a weekday morning.

Get our recipe for French Toast Stuffed with Strawberries.

Guacamole

Guacamole
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Nobody should be without a solid guacamole recipe. Sure, it's a healthy, incredibly delicious condiment that makes almost anything it touches taste better, but there's an even more compelling reason to commit this recipe to memory: It's because having an awesome guac recipe is one of the easiest ways to impress others, and it's all thanks to avocado and some certain key spices.

Get our recipe for Guacamole.

Caprese Sandwich

Caprese sandwich
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

This recipe requires absolutely no effort, save for about 2 minutes of slicing and 2 minutes of toasting. Plus, it morphs easily into other dishes. Not in the mood for a sandwich? Ditch the bread and eat this as a salad for dinner.

Get our recipe for Caprese Sandwich.

Grilled Vegetable Wrap with Balsamic Mayo

Healthy grilled vegetable wrap
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

This wrap makes for an easy and delicious lunch or dinner that's ready in record time. Plus, thanks to the cheese and hearty amount of vegetables, you'll still get a big boost of protein to keep you feeling satiated.

Get our recipe for Grilled Vegetable Wrap with Balsamic Mayo.

Baked Eggs With Mushroom and Spinach

Baked eggs with mushroom and spinach
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

The little ceramic vessels are perfect for housing eggs, meat, cheese, and vegetables and then tossing in the oven. What emerges 10 minutes later is a perfectly cooked egg—whites soft but firm, yolk gloriously runny—surrounded by a tasty and filling supporting cast.

Get our recipe for Baked Eggs With Mushroom and Spinach.

Banana Bread

Banana bread
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

A slice of this will treat you well at breakfast and will still provide you with the nutrients of banana that other banana bread recipes tend to drown out with too many heavily caloric ingredients. Better yet, make it for dessert. Toast it up and serve with a bit of whipped cream for a true treat.

Get the recipe for Banana Bread.

Apple Crumble

Apple crumble
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Not only do the oats and almonds give this dish a shot of fiber, healthy fat, and antioxidants you wouldn't find in a standard flour-based crumble, but the crunchy texture of the topping makes for a more rewarding contrast to the soft cooked apples.

Get the recipe for Apple Crumble.

Banana Pancakes

Healthy banana pancakes
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Using yogurt and cottage cheese in these pancakes does two things: It brings extra protein to the breakfast table, and it helps produce the lightest, moistest pancakes you've ever tasted.

Get the recipe for Banana Pancakes.

Spring Vegetable Frittata

spring vegetable frittata in black cast iron skillet
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

Eating seasonally is a great way to add delicious, fresh vegetables and fruits into your diet. And the list of spring vegetables includes so many tasty and healthy options that you'll never get bored. But if you're not sure just what to cook with your seasonal produce, this spring vegetable frittata is a great place to start. Asparagus and chopped leeks, along with herbs like dill weed and thyme, add plenty of nutrition and flavor to this hearty egg-based dish.

Get our recipe for Spring Vegetable Frittata.

Tiramisu

Low-calorie tiramisu
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

This healthier version bucks that trend, ditching the high-calorie constituents—egg yolks and mascarpone—in favor of a lighter treatment of beaten egg whites and whipped cream cheese for an approach that yields an ethereal, but still rich and satisfying treat.

Get the recipe for Tiramisu.

French Onion Soup

Paleo french-onion soup
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Our healthier homemade version is the perfect comfort food that rings in at less than 250 calories.

Get the recipe for French Onion Soup.

RELATED: These are the easy, at-home recipes that help you lose weight.

Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

Healthy blueberry pancakes
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Once you try this simple and healthy blueberry compote, you'll never go back to lackluster syrup again. Can you think of any maple syrup that's grocery or farmer's market bought that's also a superfood? Exactly—case closed.

Get the recipe for Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Pancakes.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Vegetarian artichoke dip
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

This classic dip is normally hijacked by a roguish team of full-fat mayo and cream cheese; somewhere, hidden within, lie token amounts of spinach and artichoke that don't add too much nutritional value to this promising plate. Here, we turn that ratio on its head, plus use a flavorful olive oil-based mayo instead of the fat-filled alternative to cut calories and boost nutrition.

Get the recipe for Spinach Artichoke Dip.

Fruit and Granola Yogurt Parfait

Vegetarian yogurt parfait
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

This indulgent parfait is decadent enough to be a dessert, but with exactly what you need to start your day or snack on: a mix of protein and fiber.

Get the recipe for Fruit and Granola Yogurt Parfait.

Banana-Nutella Crepe

Banana nutella crepe
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

It seems that crepes were invented for the sole purpose of housing fresh banana slices and hazelnut-chocolate—at least, that's what will be on your mind as you knife and fork your way through one of these simple but oh-so-decadent sweet treats.

Get the recipe for Banana-Nutella Crepe.

Warm Goat Cheese Salad

Vegetarian warm goat cheese salad
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

The warm goat cheese crouton and sweet, crisp pear will make a salad believer out of anyone. It's basically the goat cheese salad recipe to end all other salads.

Get the recipe for Warm Goat Cheese Salad.

Mushroom Cheesesteak

Healthy portobello cheesesteak
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Unlike so many vegetarian dishes out there masquerading as healthier than the meaty creations they replace (yes, we're looking at you, 1,490-calorie mushroom burger from The Cheesecake Factory), you could eat this cheesesteak seven days a week and end up skinnier than when you started. And trust us, you won't even have to be a vegetarian to enjoy it!

Get the recipe for Mushroom Cheesesteak.

Homemade 3-Cheese Ravioli With Cherry Tomatoes

Vegetarian 3 cheese ravioli with cherry tomatoes
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Here, in this ravioli recipe, you get the depth and nuance of creamy ricotta, smoky mozzarella, and salty, sharp Parmesan, plus a sauce that would make anything taste great for just 510 calories.

Get the recipe for Homemade 3-Cheese Ravioli With Cherry Tomatoes.

Vanilla Grilled Pineapple and Rum Sauce Sundae

Sundae with grilled pineapple and rum sauce
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Pineapple holds one good scoop of ice cream perfectly, and its kick of sweetness and acidity—which is only intensified when it's grilled—matches nicely with the creamy vanilla. Add a swirl of rum sauce and some toasted coconut to this grilled pineapple sundae recipe, and it's like having a piña colada, minus the hangover.

Get the recipe for Vanilla Grilled Pineapple and Rum Sauce Sundae.

Classic Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Vegetarian grilled cheese and tomato soup
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Our grilled cheese is a play on that gooey Southern staple, pimento cheese, which diffuses the calories of the cheese with healthy additions like roasted peppers and Greek yogurt. The soup? Pure tomato intensity, thanks to the oven roasting, which concentrates the natural sugars of the tomatoes.

Get the recipe for Classic Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup.

Classic Green Bean Casserole

Vegetarian green bean casserole
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

In this version, we stay true to the flavors of the original green bean casserole recipe (onions, mushrooms, green beans bound in a creamy soup sauce), but we employ the use of fresh ingredients to create something with more texture, flavor, and nutrition far exceeding the original.

Get the recipe for Classic Green Bean Casserole.

Red Pepper Fettuccine Alfredo

Healthy red pepper alfredo
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

This version of the fettuccine Alfredo recipe starts with a béchamel sauce, then blends that with roasted red peppers to make for a lighter, brighter, better Alfredo—for a quarter of the calories.

Get the recipe for Red Pepper Fettuccine Alfredo.

Fudgy Brownies

Low-calorie fudgy brownies
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

With a restrained amount of butter and sugar and a dose of good, antioxidant-rich dark chocolate, you're going to have a delicious square to devour, rather than a sweet treat that leaves you disappointed. This brownie may be low-calorie, but it's 100 percent the real deal.

Get the recipe for Fudgy Brownies.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Healthy broccoli-cheddar soup
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

In this broccoli cheddar soup recipe, we turn the tables on that tradition by giving broccoli its proper due and using only a handful of sharp Cheddar to give this soup a rich, creamy texture and yes, beer—preferably a full-flavored ale like Bass—or even Guinness if you'd like, to give it body and soul.

Get the recipe for Broccoli Cheddar Soup.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Healthy oatmeal–chocolate chip cookies
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

The oatmeal chocolate chip cookies in this recipe are just as delicious as the ones your mom used to make you, only with an extra pinch of sea salt, which plays off the chocolaty sweetness in mysterious and magical ways and packs an amazing combined punch on your tastebuds.

Get the recipe for Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Roasted Butternut Squash

Vegetarian roasted squash
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

We make matters even sweeter in this roasted butternut squash recipe by adding in some maple syrup and contrasting it with chopped fresh sage leaves, giving it a sweet taste with an unusual and warm kick

Get the recipe for Roasted Butternut Squash.

Stuffed Tomatoes

Vegetarian stuffed tomatoes
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

With this recipe for vegetarian-friendly stuffed tomatoes, you'll spend just 2 minutes of your time doing the necessary prep work and only 20 minutes of actual cooking before you turn standard normal tomatoes into something memorable: sweet, creamy, crunchy, and imbued with faint whispers of garlic and fresh basil.

Get the recipe for Stuffed Tomatoes.

Vegetarian Mushroom Burgers with Mozzarella Cheese

Vegetarian mushroom melts
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

We don't mess around with fake patties in this mushroom burger recipe either; instead, we go straight for a meaty portobello cap, rubbed in olive oil and balsamic, and topped with a crown of melted mozz. Even if you're a beef buff, we think you'll like this meatless burger.

Get the recipe for Vegetarian Mushroom Burgers with Mozzarella Cheese.

Roasted Carrots

Vegetarian honey roasted carrots
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Here in this simple and easy to make roasted carrots recipe, we provide you with a deliciously flavorful way to make your vegetables a bit more enticing.

Get the recipe for Roasted Carrots.

Melted Brie with Vegetables

Vegetarian melted brie vegetables
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

To love the taste of melted cheese is to be an American. But the concept of breading sticks of cheese and dropping them into hot fat is an exercise in excess that we simply can't get behind. If cheese is the focus, surround it with a strong supporting cast. Brie is the unquestionable star here, but the sautéed vegetables add plenty of vital substance to our melted brie cheese recipe.

Get the recipe for Melted Brie with Vegetables.

Minestrone with Pesto Soup

Healthy minestrone with pesto
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

This healthy minestrone soup recipe is a hodgepodge of veggies that will go a long way in making sure your diet is not lacking in its necessary greenery. Vary the specific vegetables depending on what's in your fridge and what looks good in the market, but be sure to finish with a spoonful of jarred pesto, which helps tie the whole bowl together.

Get the recipe for Minestrone with Pesto Soup.

Oven-Baked French Fries

Vegan crispy oven-baked fries
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

The key here is washing the surface starch from the potatoes before baking, which helps encourage surface browning and crisping. The rosemary and Parmesan are nice touches, but the real star of this show is the spud itself.

Get the recipe for Oven-Baked French Fries.

Ricotta Cheesecake With Warm Blueberries

Low-calorie ricotta cheesecake with warm blueberries
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

The name says it all: a sugary, fat-laden slice of cake made almost entirely of cheese that we just can't get enough of. Go figure. This version is cut with ricotta for a light, creamy texture, and the warm blueberries lend a delicious dose of brain-boosting anthocyanins. It's the only ricotta cheesecake recipe you'll ever turn to!

Get the recipe for Ricotta Cheesecake with Warm Blueberries.

Gazpacho

Healthy gazpacho
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Gazpacho soup is a garden in a bowl, which means it's better for you than plain, one-dimensional tomato soup. It's complex, flavorful, and tastebud-catching, and it's a soup that will soon become one of your favorites if it isn't already.

Get the recipe for Gazpacho.

Bruschetta

Vegetarian bruschetta two ways
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Bruschetta, the Italians' answer to chips and salsa, can make a perfectly healthy beginning to a meal. That's why it's especially shocking to see that restaurants like Carrabba's can turn a simple creation into a full-blown caloric calamity. Start your meal with something like this bruschetta recipe, and you can forget about the rest of dinner (and breakfast the next morning).

Get the recipe for Bruschetta.

Grilled Apricots

Vegetarian grilled apricots
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Craving some dessert but want to stick to eating healthy vegetarian recipes? This recipe is so healthy, you might even be able to get away with having your leftovers for breakfast (we won't tell!).

Get the recipe for Grilled Apricots.

Huevos Rancheros

Low-calorie huevos rancheros
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

This is the type of breakfast you want when you really need to deliver on the day. Not only are huevos rancheros one of the most delicious morning creations of all time, but the balance of protein, fiber, and antioxidants is also designed to keep you at the top of your game all day long, too.

Get the recipe for Huevos Rancheros.

Ranch-Flavored Air Fryer Veggie Chips

ranch veggie air fryer chips
Carlene Thomas/Eat This, Not That!

Veggie chips are one of those perfect foods to make in your air fryer. They'll crisp up to perfection without becoming soggy or drenched in oil. Plus, this is a great way to add more veggies to your diet when you're suddenly hit with a crunchy-salty craving. We've used zucchini, sweet potato, and beets for this recipe, but other root vegetables work, too. Then, simply add some ranch flavor and seasoning for a truly camouflaged healthy snack!

Get our recipe for Ranch-Flavored Air Fryer Veggie Chips.

Grilled Cheese With Sautéed Mushrooms

Grilled cheese with sauteed mushrooms
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

When you make a grilled cheese like this one, you really can add it to your list of healthy vegetarian recipes. A better grilled cheese needs substance, something to turn it from a high-calorie snack into a low-calorie meal, hence the mushrooms and the pile of caramelized onions here. Mushrooms and Swiss are close buddies, so out goes the processed American cheese. White bread has very little nutritional value, so rye stands out as the better—and tastier—alternative.

Get our recipe for Grilled Cheese With Sautéed Mushrooms.

Air Fryer Falafel

air fryer falafel
Carlene Thomas/Eat This, Not That!

As with most air fryer healthy vegetarian recipes, falafel is a food that's instantly made healthier when air fried instead of deep-fried in a ton of oil. It will retain its crispy outside, soft inside texture and come out perfectly cooked.

Get our recipe for Air Fryer Falafel.

Sweet Potato Fries

Vegan sweet potato fries
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

When making your own fries, it is of course much easier to control how much fat and oil are used, and better yet, instead of using regular potatoes, you can swap in the much more nutritious (and equally delicious) sweet potato.

Get the recipe for Sweet Potato Fries.

Molten Chocolate Cake

Molten chocolate cake
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Chocolate cake can be considered one of our healthy vegetarian recipes? Yes, it really can. You'll impress all your party guests as you crack open the middle and watch the flood of lava flow freely onto your plate—and eventually into your eagerly awaiting mouth. Did we mention that these cakes have only 320 calories?

Get the recipe for Molten Chocolate Cake.

Butternut Squash Ravioli With Sage Brown Butter

Vegetarian butternut ravioli with sage and brown butter
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

It's a sad state of affairs when a meat-free pasta can swallow up 95 percent of your day's saturated fat, but we've come to expect that from chain restaurants. This butternut squash ravioli is everything a vegetarian dish should be: healthy, exciting, and super tasty.

Get the recipe for Butternut Squash Ravioli With Sage Brown Butter.

Smashed Potatoes

Vegan smashed potatoes
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

In this vegan-friendly smashed potatoes recipe, we avoid the many calorie traps that your local diner fall into. And no, that's not a typo: these potatoes are smashed, not mashed, making for a more substantial portion of your meal. These potatoes are as good subbing in for greasy French fries at dinner as they are usurping calorie-laden hash browns at breakfast.

Get the recipe for Smashed Potatoes.

Pesto Gnocchi With Green Beans and Tomatoes

Vegetarian pesto gnocchi with green beans and tomatoes
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Mess with the simplicity of pesto by adding things like cream, and you can kiss your chances of healthy eating goodbye. When you make this pesto gnocchi, figure 2 tablespoons per plate—and throw in some healthy extras like tomatoes and green beans to bring substance and balance to the bowl.

Get the recipe for Pesto Gnocchi With Green Beans and Tomatoes.

Mexican-Style Corn

Vegetarian grilled mexican-style corn
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Skip downing the corn chips and make one of our favorite healthy vegetarian recipes instead! In this recipe, we recreate how corn is served on the streets of Mexico in your own home. This Mexican-style corn is robed in a thin sheen of mayo (instead of butter) and topped with a sprinkling of chili powder and cheese just like it is done traditionally.

Get the recipe for Mexican-Style Corn.

Mozzarella Spiedini

Healthy mozzarella spiedini
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

A traditional Italian spiedini is essentially thin pieces of beef or other meat on a skewer that is then rolled in bread crumbs, olive oil, garlic, onions, and marinara sauce. In this vegetarian-friendly version, we replace the meat with fresh mozzarella cheese, the bread crumbs with baguette crust, and the rest of the filling with cherry tomatoes and the skewers (or spiedini) with rosemary branches.

Get the recipe for Mozzarella Spiedini.

Vanilla-Bourbon French Toast

Low-carb vanilla-bourbon french toast
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Yes, french toast does exist on a list of healthy vegetarian recipes! This version forgoes cream for milk, and a deluge of sugar for vanilla and a slug of bourbon. It's still a pretty decadent French toast recipe to start your day, but at least you won't need a nap afterward. (But you can take one anyway if you want to, we won't tell!)

Get the recipe for Vanilla-Bourbon French Toast.

Caprese Tomato Tower Salad

Vegetarian caprese tomato towers
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Why pay good money for such a simple pleasure you can make yourself, only to let a restaurant screw it up with cheap parlor tricks? Make this caprese salad one of your go-to summer salads. It's great for appetizers or as a salad served with dinner.

Get the recipe for Caprese Tomato Tower Salad.

Queso Fundido

Healthy queso fundido
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

We took inspiration from industrious Mexican cooks, who stretch a bit of cheese into a larger dish by bolstering it with healthy vegetables such as tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, and chiles. In a miraculous turn of events, queso fundido is not just better for you, but it's a lot more satisfying to eat, too.

Get the recipe for Queso Fundido.

Grilled Ratatouille Salad

Healthy grilled ratatouille salad
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Want to grill something up but sticking to eating healthy vegetarian recipes? This recipe is by no means a traditional ratatouille (nor do we recommend employing any rats, cartoon or otherwise, to cook it for you); it merely takes inspiration from the variety of vegetables that make up the ancient peasant dish from France. Nor does this recipe require every vegetable listed below—you can definitely get creative with your choices.

Get the recipe for Grilled Ratatouille Salad.

Garlic-Lemon Spinach

Vegan garlic lemon spinach in a bowl
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

In this spinach recipe, we create a version that is rich with garlic and red pepper-infused olive oil, and are confident that it will manage to convert the most closed-minded skeptics. And let's just say, we think cartoon Popeye would approve, too.

Get the recipe for Garlic-Lemon Spinach.

Pumpkin Ravioli

pumpkin ravioli with pestp sauce
Blaine Moats

This recipe is fairly easy to make and only requires 35 minutes of your time before you can chow down on this delicious pasta dish. If you serve this to some friends, we can almost guarantee they will ask you to make it again (or at least to share this recipe).

Get the recipe for Pumpkin Ravioli.

Cranberry Orange Relish

healthy orange cranberry relish
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

This healthy orange cranberry relish is amazing with a Thanksgiving bird, of course, but it's also great with roast chicken or spread on sandwiches, toast, or even roast veggies and steak! Double the recipe so that you have a few batches on hand to satisfy your cravings.

Get the recipe for Cranberry Orange Relish.

Fettuccine Alfredo

Healthy fettuccine alfredo
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Pasta may not seem like it should be on a list of healthy vegetarian recipes, but we promise, our version is light and delicious. To dampen the Alfredo impact, we turn to our old friend béchamel, which creates a thick, creamy sauce without the calories of heavy cream and excess butter.

Get the recipe for Fettuccine Alfredo.

Gold and Sweet Potato Gratin

Vegetarian yukon gold & sweet potato gratin
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

In our version of potato gratin, we slim our recipe down by trading in a lower fat milk for the traditional cream and buffering the normal potatoes with nutrient-dense, fiber-loaded sweet potatoes rather than the heavy carb-heavy alternative.

Get the recipe for Gold and Sweet Potato Gratin.

Veggie Scramble With Mushrooms, Spinach and Goat Cheese

Vegetarian shiitake, spinach & goat cheese scramble
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Eggs are a great protein for healthy vegetarian recipes, and egg scrambles are one of the easiest meals to throw together. This veggie scramble is a great meal, so healthy and filling that you could even make it as a side for a dinner dish as well.

Get the recipe for Veggie Scramble With Mushrooms, Spinach and Goat Cheese.

Curry with Cauliflower and Butternut Squash Stir Fry

Vegetarian curry cauliflower with butternut squash
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Looking for healthy vegetarian recipes that will satisfy your curry craving? This recipe is it! The balance of the creamy coconut milk, the sweet cubes of squash, and the subtle heat of the curry powder could make the most dedicated meat eater forget he was eating only vegetables.

Get the recipe for Curry with Cauliflower and Butternut Squash Stir Fry.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Vegan roasted garlic mashed potatoes
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Mashed potatoes are the perfect creamy canvas for big flavors, and a spice like garlic is a great match. Consider this a base recipe (even if you wanted to forgo the roasted garlic) for an infinitely mutable mash ready for whatever heady and artisanal embellishments you can dream up.

Get the recipe for Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

Roasted Parmesan Asparagus

Asparagus with cheese and lemon and pine nuts
Shutterstock

For a busy night when dinner just needs to appear, you can't beat this roasted asparagus approach. Plus, asparagus is one of those delightful vegetables that actually manages to contain more nutrients than they do calories, and you can't do much better than that, can you? It's the perfect side for any of these other healthy vegetarian recipes.

Get the recipe for Roasted Parmesan Asparagus.

Sweet and Sour Onions

Caramelized onions
Shutterstock

You just might find that these sweet and sour onions replace your craving for sweet and sour potato chips, and it will save you hundreds of calories in the process, too! They'll create a more satisfying, filling meal that you'll actually look forward to, rather than getting empty calories from things like chips and candy.

Get the recipe for Sweet and Sour Onions.

Pumpkin-Potato Mash

Pumpkin potato mash in a large bowl with chives, oil, and salt.
Blaine Moats

While mashed potatoes are a staple side dish, especially around Thanksgiving, between the butter and the cream, it's a side dish that can certainly pack in the calories. But if you're still craving a mash for your table that isn't made of sweet potato, this savory pumpkin-potato mash is the perfect alternative!

Get the recipe for Pumpkin-Potato Mash.

Pan-Roasted Mushrooms

pan roasted mushrooms onions
Shutterstock

This recipe will also freeze well, so it's a great choice for meal planning, or just having on hand for when the occasion arrives. Double the recipe, especially if you manage to find a favorite mushroom seller.

Get the recipe for Pan-Roasted Mushrooms.

Honey-Pecan-Cherry Granola

Honey pecan cherry granola
Jason Donnelly/Eat This, Not That!

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why would you wake up to a stack of flapjacks drowned in maple syrup or a bowl of sugary cereal? Instead of reaching for instant pancake mix or a sweetened oatmeal packet, consider crafting your own homemade, healthy granola—one of the easiest healthy vegetarian recipes you can meal prep for your breakfasts this week.

Get the recipe for Honey-Pecan-Cherry Granola.

Quick Pickled Cucumber Salad

pickled cucumber onion salad
Shutterstock

This recipe resides in that small but happy space between side dish, condiment, and healthy meal.

Get the recipe for Quick Pickled Cucumber Salad.

Coleslaw

Vegetarian cole slaw
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

In this recipe for homemade vegetarian-friendly coleslaw, we get more of a crunchy, cool, result from our slaw. Suffused with vinegar tang, this coleslaw has nothing to do with those soupy, mayo-drenched, over-sweetened versions you find in most supermarket deli cases and is almost unrecognizable in comparison. It goes great as a side, but also perfect for topping sandwiches.

Get the recipe for Coleslaw.

Maple-Cashew-Apple Toast

Maple cashew apple toast
Jason Donnelly

How delicious does this maple-cashew-apple toast recipe look? If you have a sweet tooth that just won't quit, this may just be the sweet, yet healthy, alternative to a sugar-filled breakfast. Forget about French toast. This healthier toast recipe gets its sweet flavor from all-natural sources, namely maple syrup and apples.

Get the recipe for Maple-Cashew-Apple Toast.

Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats

overnight cinnamon roll oats in open glass mason jar with blueberries on wooden tabletop with spoon
Jason Donnelly

If you're constantly rushing out the door in the morning, it's easy to let breakfast fall by the wayside. Enter overnight oats, the breakfast savior for the busy. You can prepare them the night before and let the fridge do its magic. All you have to do is open them up in the morning and enjoy that delicious, nutrient-dense goodness. You'll have a healthy breakfast with the hassle.

Get the recipe for Cinnamon Roll Overnight Oats.

Pumpkin Bread Pudding

two bowls of pumpkin bread pudding with spoons on wire rack and wooden background
Jason Donnelly

With orange zest, cranberries, maple syrup, and pecans (along with pumpkin pie spice, of course), this dessert is basically autumn in a nutshell. And if you want to drink a pumpkin spice latte while eating it, we're not judging you.

Get the recipe for Pumpkin Bread Pudding.

Japanese-Inspired Egg Pancakes With Spinach and Green Onions

japanese egg pancakes spinach green onions
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

Eggs truly are a versatile food, and in this dish, we put our twist on Japanese egg pancakes. In this recipe, you'll find the egg pancakes stuffed with spinach, green onions, radish, garlic, and some rice vinegar, all sitting atop a bed of microgreens. It may seem like it's complicated, but trust us when we say it's not that difficult to cook up this very impressive vegetarian meal. Add this to the list of many ways you can add more eggs into your diet!

Get the recipe for Japanese-Inspired Egg Pancakes With Spinach and Green Onions.

Pumpkin Marinara Flatbreads

arugula pumpkin flatbreads
Blaine Moats

These pumpkin arugula flatbreads are addictive and light—just watch them disappear when served at a family gathering or as an after-school snack on a rainy day. Put it on your list of healthy vegetarian recipes to make when you have guests over!

Get the recipe for Pumpkin Marinara Flatbread.

Acai-Blueberry Smoothie Bowl

acai blueberry smoothie bowl on white background
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

With nine grams of protein and five grams of fiber, this recipe is an easy way to get a nutritious and filling meal that's also free of meat. (If you're vegan, you can easily substitute the yogurt for a plant-based version, too.)

Get the recipe for Acai-Blueberry Smoothie Bowl.

Roasted Beet Salad with Barley

Waterbury Publications, Inc.

Thanks to eggs and walnuts, along with plenty of veggies, this meat-free, vegetarian-friendly salad recipe packs a healthy 14 grams of protein and five grams of fiber.

Get the recipe for Roasted Beet Salad with Barley.

Blackberry Cashew Chia Pudding

Homemade paleo chia pudding cup
Rebecca Firkser/Eat This, Not That!

Though the dish can be as simple as mixing together chia seeds and nondairy milk, that can be a bit, well, gloopy. What chia pudding really needs is a little help from cashews and a blender. Blended cashews are basically nondairy cream, and which pudding isn't immensely improved with a bit of cream?

Get the recipe for Blackberry Cashew Chia Pudding.

Balsamic Zucchini Sauté

cooked zucchini
Shutterstock

Our vegetarian balsamic zucchini recipe takes zucchini to a tastier level while maintaining its healthiness. A great example of how one ingredient can take a dish from average to excellent!

Get the recipe for Balsamic Zucchini Sauté.

Red and Green Breakfast Salad

red and green breakfast salad in bowls with eggs and oil
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

Who says you can't have salad for breakfast? With this red and green breakfast salad recipe, you can enjoy a crunchy bowl of veggies any time of day.

Get our recipe for Red and Green Breakfast Salad.

Peaches and Kale Smoothie Bowl

peaches and green kale smoothie bowl on white background
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

You've heard of peaches and cream desserts. But what about "peaches and green?" OK, fine, that might not technically be a thing, but we're willing to make it one, thanks to this easy peaches and kale smoothie bowl recipe. Smoothie bowls are easy healthy vegetarian recipes that you can make for breakfasts in the morning—or even lunch!

Get the recipe for Peaches and Kale Smoothie Bowl.

Broccoli-Cheese Eggs in a Mug

broccoli cheese eggs in mugs with forks
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

If you want to eat a nutritious breakfast but don't want to deal with the hassle of washing a bunch of cooking pans, this eggs in a mug recipe is perfect for you. It's for one serving, making it a great option for those weekday breakfasts when you just want to eat something and get out the door.

Get our recipe for Broccoli-Cheese Eggs in a Mug.

Vegetarian Rice Bowl

Quick veggie rice bowl recipe.
Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it will only take 10 minutes to throw it together. Yes, really, 10 minutes! It's amazing what a package of instant rice can do. Using only a few key ingredients, you'll have your own at-home version of Chinese food without having to wait.

Get the recipe for Vegetarian Rice Bowl.

Crock-Pot Vegetarian Chili

Crock pot vegetarian chili recipe with cheese and cornbread for the table
Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

Just because healthy vegetarian recipes don't have meat in it doesn't mean they can't be hearty! This crock-pot vegetarian chili is stocked with all sorts of filling foods you'll love mixing together in the slow cooker.

Get the recipe for Crock-Pot Vegetarian Chili.

Potato Salad

Potato salad
Shutterstock

Most classic potato salads go in the category of salads that are decisively unhealthy. However, this version is about as classic as potato salad can get, except for the fact that we resist the urge to drown the vegetables in a viscous sea of mayo. Instead, the mayo is bolstered with Dijon and a tangy shot of vinegar. The result: a healthier potato salad that cuts nearly half the fat from the equation and still tastes like the picnic classic we all adore.

Get our recipe for Potato Salad.

Crumb-Topped Mac and Cheese Cups

Crispy crumb topped mac and cheese cups
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

You may not believe us, but we did end up finding a way to eat vegetables that tastes like mac and cheese. How, you ask? By making these mac and cheese cups with veggie elbow macaroni! Sneak in some extra vegetable nutrients by swapping out regular elbow macaroni with veggie elbow macaroni!

Get our recipe for Crumb-Topped Mac and Cheese Cups.

Chocolate Cherry Bread Pudding with Pistachios

chocolate cherry bread pudding with pistachios in baking tray with spoon
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

If you're a chocolate lover looking to add more healthy vegetarian recipes to your rotation, this is quite the treat. This chocolate cherry bread pudding is so gooey, you won't believe it clocks in under 350 calories.

Get our recipe for Chocolate Cherry Bread Pudding with Pistachios.

Lemon-Poppy Seed Multigrain Pancakes With Blueberry Compot

lemon poppy seed pancakes with blueberry compote on white plate with fork, spoon, blue cloth napkin
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

With a few simple swaps, pancakes can go from empty carbs and calories to becoming a nutritious part of your day. This pancake recipe, for instance, adds oats and flaxseed meal into the ingredient list for a whole-grain experience that delivers a full six grams of fiber. And with blueberries, maple syrup, and lemon juice, these pancakes are bursting with flavor.

Get our recipe for Lemon-Poppy Seed Multigrain Pancakes With Blueberry Compot.

Eggs Diablo

eggs diablo with taco shells in pan
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

Sure, you could make hard-boiled or scrambled eggs for breakfast, but if you really want to kick things up a notch, why not try this recipe for eggs diablo? With crushed red pepper and fire-roasted tomatoes, along with green peppers and onions, this dish is bursting with flavor and nutrition.

Get our recipe for Eggs Diablo.

Curried Egg Salad

curried egg salad in pita pocket with spoon and bowl of spinach on wooden serving board with blue linen napkin
Waterbury Publications, Inc.

With 15 grams of protein, this recipe is a great option if you're looking for a filling, healthy lunch idea. And there's no stove or oven required—all you have to do is mix the ingredients together. (You will need to hard-boil the six eggs ahead of time, though.) You'll have a satisfying, fresh pita sandwich in no time, and it won't look anything like the premade ones on the shelf at the airport.

Get our recipe for Curried Egg Salad.

Mixed Greens Salad with Pumpkin Vinaigrette

mixed greens salad with pears and pumpkin vinaigrette
Blaine Moats/Eat This, Not That!

Sure, you could make your own salad and top it with a classic dressing, like Italian or ranch. But why not kick things up a notch and make your own pumpkin vinaigrette dressing?

Get our recipe for Mixed Greens Salad with Pumpkin Vinaigrette.

Southern-Style Biscuits

Low-calorie flaky southern biscuits
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

To keep the biscuit as healthy as possible while still producing a genuine, flaky, Southern-style treasure, we've cut out the shortening (trans fats are so 1990s), showed some restraint with the butter, and used low-fat buttermilk to bring moisture and tang to the mix. With this recipe, you won't have to sacrifice the best part of a biscuit.

Get the recipe for Southern-Style Biscuits.

Omelet

breaking into a cooked omelet on a grey plate
Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

We spoke with a chef on the absolute best way to make an omelet. With his nifty tricks, we were able to finally cook (and flip) an omelet successfully at home.

Get our recipe for Omelet.

Pistachio and Cranberry Cheese Ball

close up of pistachio cranberry cheese ball on a plate
Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

Opening a bag of chips and a jar of salsa sure is an easy appetizer, but what if you took it up a notch? Impress your guests at your next gathering with this easy-to-make pistachio and cranberry cheese ball recipe. Between the tangy taste of goat cheese, the smoothness of cream cheese, the crunch of pistachios, and the sweetness of cranberries, this cheese ball recipe is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

Get our recipe for Pistachio and Cranberry Cheese Ball.

Plum Muffins

paleo plum muffins
Rebecca Firkser / Eat This, Not That!

This muffin recipe was developed with the plum torte in mind, but from a paleo perspective. Almond flour keeps the muffins moist and cakey, coconut and olive oil bring richness, and they're just sweet enough thanks to coconut sugar and fresh plums. Not a fan of plums? No sweat. Try topping the muffins with sliced peaches, apricots, or strawberries. Raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries would work, too. It's one of our favorite healthy vegetarian recipes to meal prep for the week!

Get our recipe for Plum Muffins.

Potato Latkes

Finished latkes with sauces ready to eat on Hanukkah
Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

Whether you're celebrating Hanukkah or you're simply looking for a crispy side of potatoes to go with dinner, this recipe will work! But there's one question we have to ask you: are you team applesauce or sour cream?

Get our recipe for Potato Latkes.

Mushroom Soup

whole30 mushroom soup
Posie Brien/ Eat This, Not That!

How can a soup taste this creamy without dairy? We're surprised too, but the combination of coconut milk and chicken stock produces a surprisingly smooth, rich texture.

Get our recipe for Mushroom Soup.

Coconut Fruit Tart

whole30 coconut fruit tart with blueberries
Posie Brien/Eat This, Not That!

This Whole30-compliant tart is entirely raw, and sweetened naturally with dates and fruit. The nutty, sweet, press-in crust has a little dash of cardamom which pairs beautifully with the creamy cashew and coconut filling. It's absolutely fantastic with fresh berries, but feel free to use any seasonal fruit, from sliced fresh peaches to chopped quince or plums, or even fresh citrus.

Get our recipe for Coconut Fruit Tart.

Breakfast Burrito

whole30 breakfast burrito on a white plate wrapped in a collard green
Posie Brien/Eat This, Not That!

Here, we swap out the tortilla for collard greens, using them to wrap a savory, hot filling of potatoes, peppers, and scrambled eggs. With so many filling vegetables and eggs inside this Whole30 breakfast burrito, you won't even miss having the tortilla.

Get our recipe for Breakfast Burrito.

10-Minute Mediterranean Tofu Scramble

mediterranean tofu veggiescramble
Carlene Thomas/Eat This, Not That!

This quick scramble is packed with Mediterranean flavors from bell peppers, feta, parsley, and tomatoes, but if you're looking for an extra flavor boost, try adding sun-dried tomatoes in oil, capers, or even olives.

Get our recipe for 10-Minute Mediterranean Tofu Scramble.

Sheet-Pan Vegan Sausage and Vegetable

vegan sausage sheet pan
Carlene Thomas/Eat This, Not That!

When it comes to plant-based sausages, there are lots of options on the market. Just like with any other grocery item, your best bet is to look for a nutrition label with a short ingredient list of recognizable foods. Make sure the sausage contains a decent amount of protein, and if there's some fiber in there, that's an added bonus. Stay away from plant 'meats' that are predominantly made up of carbohydrates.

Get our recipe for Sheet-Pan Vegan Sausage and Vegetable.

Whole Grain Pancakes With Cashew Butter

whole grain plant based pancake stack
Carlene Thomas/Eat This, Not That!

This whole grain version of pancakes is fortified with a few ingredients that are perfect sources of nutrients when you're following a plant-based diet. This meal packs 14 grams of protein into each serving, so it's the perfect breakfast for mornings when you need extra fuel.

Get our recipe for Whole Grain Pancakes With Cashew Butter.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

bowls of copycat broccoli cheddar soup
Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

Craving that broccoli cheddar soup from Panera Bread? Give this recipe—which is surprisingly one of the easiest healthy vegetarian recipes to make—a try.

Get our recipe for Broccoli Cheddar Soup.

Instant Pot Cauliflower "Mac" and Cheese

scoop of cheesy cauliflower mac and cheese from an instant pot
Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

Macaroni and cheese is a classic dish that has two important ingredients: macaroni and cheese sauce. Clearly a dish where you substitute macaroni with cauliflower couldn't be called "mac and cheese" simply by nature. So while it technically isn't true mac and cheese, this Instant Pot cauliflower mac and cheese is strikingly similar to the real thing and is the perfect alternative for anyone trying to go low carb.

Get our recipe for Instant Pot Cauliflower "Mac" and Cheese.

Roasted Cabbage

cooked cabbage wedges on a baking sheet
Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

So while the traditional way to cook cabbage is to simply boil it, roasting it gives it a whole new flavor that's hard to resist. Plus, it's the perfect light side for any other healthy vegetarian recipes you decide to make!

Get our recipe for Roasted Cabbage.

Sweet and Sour Crispy Cauliflower Bites

sweet and sour crispy cauliflower bites
Carlene Thomas/Eat This, Not That!

The humble cauliflower has many talents—it's nutritious and has the perfect texture with high crispiness potential. It also does a great imitation of other ingredients, like rice, and in this case, chicken. The florets will become even crunchier than normal in an air fryer, and tossing them in a Sriracha-soy sauce mixture will provide the craveable umami flavors of sweet and sour chicken. Not to mention, you'll be consuming fewer calories, less fat, and less sugar.

Get our recipe for Sweet and Sour Crispy Cauliflower Bites.

Air Fryer Veggie Calzones

veggie pizza calzones
Carlene Thomas/Eat This, Not That!

These air fryer calzones take all the fun toppings of pizza and secure them in a crisp, hand-held, delicious bundle. With the help of store-bought pizza dough (find it in the bakery section at the grocery store or ask your local pizza joint if they can sell you some), you can simply focus on the yummy fillings.

Get our recipe for Air Fryer Veggie Calzones.

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Inspired by The New York Times best-selling book series, Eat This, Not That! is a brand that's comprised of an award-winning team of journalists and board-certified experts, doctors, nutritionists, chefs, personal trainers, and dietitians who work together to bring you accurate, timely, informative, and actionable content on food, nutrition, dieting, weight loss, health, wellness, and more. Read more about Eat This