39 Classic Recipes Every Vegetarian Should Know

Updated on Sep. 17, 2024

Eating meat-free is anything but boring—and these classic vegetarian recipes prove it. Learn how to make oh-so flavorful staples like pasta, stir-fry, soup and more.

1/39

Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls

Total Time 45 min
Servings 8 cabbage rolls
From the Recipe Creator: This marvelous meatless entree comes from my 89-year-old grandmother, who cooks a lot with grains, particularly bulgur. The zucchini is a fun change of pace stuffed inside these vegetarian cabbage rolls. —Michelle Dougherty, Lewiston, Idaho
Nutrition Facts: 2 rolls: 142 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 675mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch.
2/39

Meatless Taco Salad

Total Time 20 min
Servings 2 servings
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.
3/39

Vegetarian Buffalo Dip

Total Time 1 hour 40 min
Servings 6 cups
From the Recipe Creator: A friend made Buffalo chicken dip and that got me thinking about creating a vegetarian dip with the same flavors. This addictive dip is so amazing, no one will miss the meat. —Amanda Silvers, Old Fort, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 113 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 526mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
4/39

Veggie-Cashew Stir-Fry

Total Time 35 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Getting my meat-loving husband and two sons, ages 5 and 7, to eat more veggies had always been a struggle until I whipped up this stir-fry. I was shocked when they cleaned their plates and asked for seconds. —Abbey Hoffman, Ashland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 385 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 671mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 6g fiber), 9g protein.
5/39

Black Bean-Tomato Chili

Total Time 45 min
Servings 6 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: My daughter Kayla saw a black bean chili while watching a cooking show and called me about it because it looked so good. We messed with our own recipe until we got this easy winner. —Lisa Belcastro, Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 232 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 608mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 10g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
6/39

Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

Total Time 30 min
Servings 1 serving
From the Recipe Creator: After I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2001, I embarked on a journey to improve my diet and live a healthier lifestyle. I began developing recipes that were not only satisfying, but also anti-inflammatory and highly nutritious. —Chantale Michaud, Guelph, Ontario
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 475 calories, 13g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 85mg sodium, 83g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 10g fiber), 13g protein.
7/39

Pronto Vegetarian Peppers

Total Time 25 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: In the summer I love to serve these peppers with salad and a roll. At the end of summer, I freeze them for cold months when produce costs are high. For a hot meal on a cold day, I love to serve them with a side of warm pasta tossed in olive oil. —Renee Hollobaugh, Altoona, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 2 stuffed pepper halves: 341 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 556mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 11g fiber), 19g protein.
8/39

Lentil Loaf

Total Time 1 hour 20 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This lentil loaf is so flavorful, you won't miss the meat. And it's packed with fiber and nutrients. —Tracy Fleming, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 213 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 580mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
9/39

Veggie Fajitas

Total Time 25 min
Servings 8 fajitas
From the Recipe Creator: For a scrumptious and super healthy party dish, these colorful, hearty veggie fajitas packed with crisp-tender vegetables are perfect. —Sarah Mercer, Wichita, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 fajita: 375 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 853mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
10/39

Vegetarian Stuffed Shells

Total Time 50 min
Servings 8 servings
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.
11/39

Cast-Iron Scrambled Eggs

Total Time 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I love these easy cast-iron scrambled eggs that use fresh ingredients I usually have on hand. They make a quick and simple breakfast! —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 217 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 446mg cholesterol, 342mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 15g protein.
12/39

Slow-Cooked Vegetable Wild Rice Soup

Total Time 5 hours 25 min
Servings 12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: This thick and hearty soup is packed with colorful vegetables. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 117 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 419mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch.

13/39

Baked Mac and Cheese

Total Time 45 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Even people who have had their own homemade baked macaroni and cheese recipe for years ask for mine when they taste this crumb-topped version. For the best baked mac and cheese, use extra-sharp cheddar cheese for more flavor. —Shelby Thompson, Dover, Delaware
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 688 calories, 37g fat (21g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 839mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.

14/39

Kale Quinoa Salad

Total Time 40 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Here's a holiday side dish you can feel good about serving. Kale packs a mighty punch of vitamins, while quinoa delivers a hearty serving of protein. Best of all, the flavor of this kale quinoa salad can't be beat! —Lisa Warren, Washington, DC
Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 190 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
15/39

Roasted Vegetables with Sage

Total Time 55 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When I can't decide what vegetable to serve at dinner, I turn to this oven-roasted medley that features brussels sprouts, potatoes, carrots and butternut squash. It pleases everyone around the table.—Betty Fulks, Onia, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 122 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 206mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
16/39

Over-the-Rainbow Minestrone

Total Time 6 hours 40 min
Servings 10 servings (3-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: This vegetarian soup features a rainbow of vegetables. You can use any multicolored pasta in place of the spirals. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 231 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 1015mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 9g protein.
17/39

Hummus Veggie Wrap

Total Time 15 min
Servings 1 serving
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.
18/39

Spaghetti Sauce Without Meat

Total Time 3 hours 35 min
Servings 2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator: When my tomatoes ripen, the first things I make are BLTs and this homemade spaghetti sauce. —Sondra Bergy, Lowell, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 133 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 614mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
19/39

Crispy Tofu with Black Pepper Sauce

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Sometimes tofu can be boring and tasteless, but not in this recipe! Here, the crispy vegetarian bean curd is so loaded with flavor, you'll never shy away from tofu again. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 316 calories, 24g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 583mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
20/39

Lentil Tacos

Total Time 55 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When my husband's cholesterol numbers rose, I quickly lowered the fat in our family's diet. Finding dishes that were healthy for him and yummy for our five children was a challenge, but this fun taco recipe was a huge hit with everyone. —Michelle Thomas, Bangor, Maine
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 365 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 777mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
21/39

Roasted Vegetable and Chevre Quiche

Total Time 1 hour 20 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Roasting the veggies in this rich yet bright quiche intensifies their flavors. The addition of fresh goat cheese lends a wonderful creamy tanginess. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 219 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 471mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
22/39

Cheese Enchiladas

Total Time 50 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: You won't bring home leftovers when you take these easy enchiladas to a potluck. With a homemade tomato sauce and cheesy filling, they always go fast. You can substitute any type of cheese you wish. —Ashley Schackow, Defiance, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 2 enchiladas: 778 calories, 42g fat (23g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 1741mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 34g protein.
23/39

Mushroom Bolognese

Total Time 45 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: A traditional Bolognese sauce is meat-based with everything from pork to pancetta. Skipping the meat, I loaded this pasta dish with baby portobellos and veggies. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups sauce with 1 cup pasta: 369 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 65g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 12g fiber), 17g protein.
24/39

Cauliflower & Tofu Curry

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Cauliflower, garbanzo beans and tofu are each subtle on their own, but together they make an awesome base for curry. We have this recipe weekly because one of us is always craving it. —Patrick McGilvray, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 338 calories, 21g fat (13g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 528mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 13g protein.
25/39

Vegan Burritos

Total Time 25 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These hearty and zippy burritos can be whipped up in a jiffy. —Kimberly Hardison, Maitland, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 burrito: 345 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 544mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 10g protein.
26/39

Tofu Chow Mein

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This is an easy recipe for a "tofu beginner," as it teaches people how to use it. If you have time, one way to prepare it is to cut the tofu block in half and wrap well in a terry kitchen towel. Let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour to absorb excess water. For a complete meal, serve with Chinese soup and egg rolls! — Autumn SinClaire, Gold Beach, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 417 calories, 17g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 588mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 8g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
27/39

Kale Smoothie

Total Time 15 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I enjoy drinking a kale smoothie for breakfast or as an after-school snack. The fruit and agave nectar give this healthy version a pleasant sweetness. —Kimberly Jackson, Marshfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 184 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 6g fiber), 4g protein.
28/39

Moroccan Chickpea Stew

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When I'm invited to a potluck, I easily double or triple this healthy Moroccan chickpea stew to treat the crowd to an exotic dish of enticing, bold flavors. —Heather Demeritte, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 217 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 455mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 9g fiber), 7g protein.
29/39

Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms

Total Time 40 min
Servings about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I used this recipe when I was in a culinary-arts program and had to prepare an entire buffet by myself. It’s an impressive party appetizer yet comes together so easily. —Amy Gaisford, Salt Lake City, Utah
Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed mushroom: 51 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
30/39

Vegetable Lentil Soup

Total Time 4 hours 45 min
Servings 6 servings (about 2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: Here’s a healthy slow-cooker soup that's ideal for vegetarians and those watching their weight. Butternut squash and lentils make it hearty, while herbs and other veggies round out the flavor. —Mark Morgan, Waterford, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 217 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 685mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 8g fiber), 11g protein.
31/39

The Ultimate Grilled Cheese

Total Time 15 min
Servings 5 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These gooey grilled cheese sandwiches taste great for lunch with sliced apples. And they're really fast to whip up, too. Here's how to make grilled cheese the right way. —Kathy Norris, Streator, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 646 calories, 50g fat (18g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 885mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
32/39

Pepper Ricotta Primavera

Total Time 20 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Garlic, peppers and herbs top creamy ricotta cheese in this meatless skillet meal you can make in just 20 minutes. —Janet Boulger, Botwood, Newfoundland and Labrador
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 229 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 88mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
33/39

Roasted Vegetable Strata

Total Time 1 hour 35 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: With the abundance of zucchini my family has in the fall, this is a perfect way to use some of what we have. Cheesy and rich, this warm, classic breakfast dish is sure to please! —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 349 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 154mg cholesterol, 642mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fat.

34/39

Mushroom Burgers

Total Time 25 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Ready to turn over a new burger? I guarantee no one will be missing the beef after tasting these vegetarian burgers. They're moist, tender and full of flavor. —Denise Hollebeke, Penhold, Alberta
Nutrition Facts: 1 burger: 330 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 121mg cholesterol, 736mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.

35/39

Vegetarian Tacos

Total Time 25 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I love Mexican food but was looking for a healthier option to share. My family devours these tasty tacos whenever I make them. —Amanda Petrucelli, Plymouth, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 taco (calculated without optional toppings): 413 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 774mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 16g fiber), 17g protein.
36/39

Sweet Potato & Bean Quesadillas

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Sweet potatoes and black beans roll up together for a quesadilla that’s easy, fast, fun and delicious. —Brittany Hubbard, St. Paul, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1 quesadilla with 3 tablespoons salsa: 306 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 531mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 11g protein.

37/39

Vegetarian Pad Thai

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This is a simple pad thai loaded with crisp vegetables and zesty flavor. It’s quick, simple, and fresh-tasting. —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 339 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 701mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.

38/39

Gnocchi Alfredo

Total Time 25 min
Servings 5 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This gnocchi is one of my go-to's for company and potlucks. It’s pure comfort food, especially in the wintertime. —Jessica Silva, East Berlin, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup gnocchi mixture with 1/3 cup sauce: 529 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 996mg sodium, 81g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 5g fiber), 19g protein.
39/39

Edamame and Soba Noodle Bowl

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: With hearty soba noodles and protein-packed edamame, this dish really satisfies. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 414 calories, 12g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 867mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein.