• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Plant Based School
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About Us
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Subscribe
  • About Us
  • All Recipes
  • Mains
  • Pasta
  • Sweet
  • Collections
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes

    40 Easy Meatless Meals

    Published: Sep 3, 2023 · by Nico Pallotta

    Jump to Recipe

    Welcome to this list of 40 easy meatless meals rich in protein and with maximum flavor.

    We've collected our favorite soups, pasta, stews, and salads. Expect plenty of taste, chewy texture, creamy sauces, and fulfilling plant-based ingredients.

    Easy Meatless meals

    Tasting meatless meals can become an exciting journey for seasoned vegetarians as well as curious omnivores.

    Whether you are seeking to reduce your carbon footprint, explore new protein sources, or add more plant-based variety to your diet, these meals cater to diverse dietary preferences.

    So, let's dive into a world of flavors, textures, and aromas, proving meatless doesn't mean flavorless. Instead, it means a vibrant, fulfilling, and sustainable culinary experience.

    Our 40 best Meat-free Dinners

    1. Orange tofu

    Orange Tofu on a plate with rice and a spoon

    Orange tofu is an easy substitute for orange chicken. 

    Make it in less than 30 minutes for an Asian-inspired everyday dinner that is healthier and better than takeaway.

    2. Tofu pizzaiola

    tofu with tomato sauce

    These easy tofu cutlets in marinara sauce are a simple yet tasty pan-fried recipe, ready in 20 minutes.

    Serve them with white rice, crusty bread, or focaccia on the side to sop up the sauce leftovers.

    3. Italian flatbread

    Piadina with avocado spread and tomatoes

    Piadina is a thin, yeast-free Italian flatbread filled with cheese, pesto, hummus, avocado spread, and leafy greens.

    Enjoy this homemade flatbread as a light lunch and dinner. It's yeast-free, and you can make them in about 40 minutes.

    4. Tofu Cacciatore

    Tofu cacciatore in a skillet

    We might use tofu instead of chicken, but this caciatore is rich, earthy, meaty, and packed with rich tomato flavor.

    Chewy and jerky-like, you've never had tofu like this before.

    5. Flatbread pizza

    Flatbread pizza with tomatoes and melted cheese

    This flatbread pizza recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients.

    You'll get soft flatbreads with a crunch and topped with colorful veggies, luxurious pesto, and cheeses.

    6. Lemon tofu cutlets

    lemon tofu with sautéed zucchini

    An Italian recipe for lemon chicken inspires this lemon tofu.

    We replaced the chicken fillet with tofu slices, resulting in a delicious meal that can be prepared in 15 minutes.

    7. Vegetarian Meatballs

    tofu meatballs in marinara sauce

    With these vegetarian meatballs, you can have meatballs without the meat.

    This recipe is quick and easy to make with straightforward ingredients. It's cozy, delicious, and with a rich marinara sauce.

    8. Fried tofu

    Fried tofu with a silver fork

    Fried tofu is one of the easiest ways to cook it in a pan; you can serve it on a bed of white rice, salad, or grain bowl.

    Our recipe is vegetarian and vegan-friendly, tasty, and you can make it in less than 20 minutes with simple ingredients.

    9. Hummus Pasta

    a forkful of hummus pasta

    Make this 20-minute vegetarian dinner with homemade or store-bought hummus and quick sautèed mushrooms.

    The combination of creamy hummus and charred mushrooms makes a satiating meatless meal.

    10. Microwave stuffed sweet potato

    Microwave stuffed sweet potato with pickled red onion and black beans

    Microwave sweet potato is ready in 5 minutes, healthy, and delicious. 

    Eat it as is, or load the potato with a colorful topping with beans and grains - it's a veggie-packed and meat-free main dish.

    11. Kung Pao tofu

    kung pao tofu with chives

    Try this delicious Chinese-inspired Kung Pao dish in less than 30 minutes and get plenty of plant-based protein, sticky sauce, and fresh veggies.

    It's a colorful and vegetarian alternative to kung pao chicken with delicious Asian flavors.

    12. Lentil curry

    lentil curry with basmati rice and yogurt

    One of our favorite meatless dinners is this easy lentil curry, which you can make in one pot with simple ingredients in 30 minutes.

    Serve with white rice, fresh parsley, and a dollop of yogurt for a comforting and creamy meal and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

    13. Mushroom Alfredo

    Mushroom Alfredo with fork and parsley

    This tasty mushroom Alfredo is an easy 15-minute vegetarian meal with an irresistibly creamy and smooth sauce and sautéed mushrooms.

    Serve it with an easy side salad for added greens and crisp, a perfect weeknight idea!

    14. Lentil bolognese

    Lentil Bolognese on a white plate with a fork

    Here's an easy lentil bolognese with simple ingredients rich in taste and meaty texture.

    You can make it for an everyday dinner or meal prep, as it keeps in the fridge for several days.

    15. Pasta e Fagioli

    pasta fagioli in a white bowl with spoon

    Pasta and beans is an easy and comforting meal with simple ingredients and Italian flavor that will please everyone around your table, kids and adults alike.

    Serve it with a slice of toasted bread or bruschetta for an authentic and cozy dinner.

    16. Chickpea pasta salad with avocado

    creamy chickpea pasta salad with avocado

    This chickpea pasta salad is a quick and wholesome dish made with fresh and nutritious ingredients in less than 20 minutes.

    A creamy mustard dressing gives a glossy and tangy coating, making this pasta a meal-prep favorite.

    17. Creamy Cauliflower Alfredo

    Cauliflower Alfredo with fork

    You'll love this veggie-packed Alfredo because it's a million times lighter than the original Alfredo, but it's still tasty, fulfilling, and ready in 30 minutes.

    Serve it with a sprinkle of parsley and a quick salad for extra greens.

    18. Red pepper pasta

    Red Pepper Pasta is a bowl with basil

    Here's a 20-minute vegetarian pasta recipe that is simple and made with minimal effort for an everyday dinner. 

    It's creamy, nutritious, and delicious, with hidden veggies that please even the pickiest eaters.

    19. Cauliflower pasta

    roasted cauliflower pasta

    Try this white and refreshing vegetarian cauliflower pasta with fresh herbs and pine nuts.

    Roasted cauliflower florets meet delicious garlic and olive oil sauce, plenty of fresh parsley, and lemon zest, a light and wholesome dinner idea.

    20. Butternut squash pasta

    Butternut squash pasta with pistachio

    This butternut squash pasta is creamy, restaurant-worthy, and with a velvety smooth sauce.

    It's quick and straightforward; you can make it any day of the week, either as a vegan or vegetarian dinner.

    21. Lentil pasta

    pasta and lentils

    Meatless and delicious pasta is not a problem with this Italian lentil pasta.

    It's a perfect main dish for dinner, is kids-friendly, and contains all the macros to keep you healthy and satiated.

    22. Stuffed bell peppers

    red and yellow stuffed bell peppers on a serving platter

    Our stuffed peppers recipe is inspired by Mediterranean, Levantine, and Middle-Eastern flavors, and especially from our lentil mujaddara.

    We make a meat-free filling that mixes lentils, rice, fresh herbs, and fragrant spices.

    23. Vegan mushroom pasta

    vegan mushroom pasta with cherry tomatoes and parsley

    Try this restaurant-worthy pasta with jerky-like mushrooms and authentic Italian flavor.

    Vegan mushroom pasta is a delicious recipe with a few ingredients in about 20 minutes.

    24. Tofu curry

    tofu curry served on basmati rice in a bowl, with a lemon wedge and cilantro.

    Making a delicious tofu curry is easy. Here, we'll show you how to put this Indian-inspired meal together in less than 30 minutes and make the best everyday vegan curry.

    25. Easy chickpea curry

    chickpea curry on a plate with rice

    Here's a fun and easy way to cook with chickpeas.

    It's an easy and plant-based chickpea curry that you can make with simple ingredients in one pot in over 30 minutes.

    26. Tuscan bean stew

    bean stew with toasted bread

    This Italian bean stew is a comforting and tomato-packed dinner favorite.

    It's an excellent recipe for a quick weeknight meal, ready in just over 30 minutes, and great as a meal prep recipe.

    27. Lentil vegetable soup

    Lentil Vegetable Soup with hand

    We love this wholesome lentil vegetable soup because you can make it with little effort, simple pantry staples, in one pot, and with little hands-on time.

    The lentils make the dish nutritious and fulfilling, with texture, protein, iron, and heart and gut-healthy fiber.

    28. Asian-style tofu soup

    spring tofu soup with zucchini and peas

    Here's a tofu soup that is quick, tasty, and easy.

    You can make it in 30 minutes with simple ingredients, seasonal veggies, and noodles.

    29. Pasta e Ceci

    pasta e ceci in a bowl

    You'll love this pasta with chickpeas; it's easy to make in one pot in 30 minutes with simple and affordable pantry staples.

    Sprinkle with parmesan or dairy-free parmesan for an Italian vegetarian or vegan dinner.

    30. Chickpea soup

    Chickpea soup with spinach

    This rustic chickpea soup is easy to make, with minimal effort and a few simple and affordable ingredients. 

    It tastes like home, it's cozy, and it'll transport you to the Italian countryside bite for bite.

    31. Lentil soup

    red lentil soup with lemons and toasted bread

    This red lentil soup guarantees a hearty meatless meal with plenty of plant-based protein.

    It's perfect for autumn or winter weeknight dinners as it's easy to make with a few pantry staples, and it only needs to simmer for about 20 minutes.

    32. Tuscan soup

    Tuscan soup with bread and spoon

    You can make this plant-based soup from scratch in less than 45 minutes and store it in the refrigerator for several days.

    If you love comforting and rustic Italian flavor, this Tuscan bean soup must go on your recipe list.

    33. Cauliflower soup with roasted chickpeas

    cauliflower soup served with roasted chickpeas

    Here's a light and indulgent cauliflower soup you can easily make at home.

    It has a creamy, buttery texture and a mellow, nutty, and cheesy taste, although there's no cheese in it. Top it with roasted chickpeas for added protein and crunch.

    34. Mashed chickpea tuna

    vegan tuna sandwich

    You can make this mashed chickpea tuna in 10 minutes, with simple ingredients and without cooking.

    35. Falafel

    Falafel in pita bread

    Falafel is an easy recipe and sandwich-friendly recipe you can make as a meal-prep-friendly meal.

    Cook it in an air fryer for a quick and lighter vegetarian meal, and serve it with pita bread and hummus.

    36. Avocado-tahini toast

    avocado spread on toast with roasted chickpeas and cherry tomatoes

    This is the creamiest, most delicious avocado spread to eat in sandwiches and on toast or serve as a dip.

    Top the toast with chickpeas or tomatoes for a colorful and vibrant lunch idea.

    37. Chickpea Frittata

    vegan frittata with sautéed zucchini

    There are no eggs or tofu in this chickpea frittata, but plenty of flavors and roasted zucchini.

    Quick to make, it cooks for 8 minutes on a pan or 18 minutes in the oven, an easy and fast lunch idea.

    38. Aloo Gobi

    Aloo gobi with cilantro and lemon

    The Indian cuisine is a fantastic source of inspiration for meatless meal ideas.

    This cauliflower and potato curry is one of our favorite dishes, a satisfying and healthy dinner or side dish idea served with garlic-brushed Naan.

    39. Tofu salad

    tofu salad with dressing

    This tofu salad is crunchy and wholesome and perfect for a quick lunch.

    It's low in calories, packed with flavor, and satiating to eat (the creamy tahini dressing is a must-try).

    40. Chickpea salad

    Chickpea salad with a silver fork

    We end this meatless meal collection with a quick and healthy plant-based dish.

    This chickpea salad is a quick, tasty, and nutritious main dish. Make it in 15 minutes with fresh ingredients and a creamy mustard dressing.

    More easy meatless meals

    Get more vegetarian and vegan dinner ideas from these reader favorites. They're packed with veggies and protein and are easy to make:

    • Vegetarian lunch ideas
    • 45 amazing salad ideas
    • 25 best tofu recipes
    • 20 best lentil recipes
    • Vegetarian dinners
      45 Easy Vegetarian Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Lentil recipes
      20 Lentil Recipes (easy meals)
    • 45 best salad recipes including green beans
      45 Best Salad Recipes
    • 30 tofu recipe ideas
      30 Easy Tofu Recipes

    For many more 30-minute meal ideas, check out our 30-minute meal category page.

    Recipe

    Meatless meals for easy dinners

    40 Easy Meatless Meals

    Author: Nico Pallotta
    Fried tofu cutlets in tomato sauce is a 20-minute dinner idea with plenty of plant-based protein.
    Browse through this list of favorite meatless meals, such as soups, pasta, stews, and salads. Expect plenty of flavor, chewy texture, rich sauces, and 100% plant-based ingredients!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share Recipe
    5 from 2 votes
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American Italian
    Servings 2 people
    Calories 244 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 8 ounces firm tofu
    • 1½ cups tomato puree or passata
    • 2 cloves garlic thinly sliced
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    Keep screen on

    Instructions
     

    • Drain the tofu from its water and pat it dry. Next, cut the tofu into ¼-inch thin slices.
      Fry it on a non-stick pan on medium heat with a drizzle of olive for 5 minutes on each side.
      Season it with a pinch of salt and pepper.
      pan fried tofu on a pan
    • Add tomato puree, dried oregano, thinly sliced garlic, and the remaining salt and pepper.
      tomato puree and oregano added to the tofu
    • Spread the sauce and simmer on low heat for about 5 to 10 minutes until the tomato passata becomes a tasty pizzaiola sauce.
      tofu pizzaiola is ready in the pan
    • Serve this Italian-inspired tofu in a pizzaiola sauce as a main dish with sautéed or microwaved spinach and some crusty bread on the side to scoop up the delicious pizzaiola sauce.
      tofu with tomato sauce

    Video Recipe

    Stuffed Bell Peppers with rice and lentils (healthy dinner idea)

    Notes

    Nutrition information is for 1 portion of tofu out of 2, without the bread and the spinach.
     

    Nutritional Values

    Nutrition Facts
    40 Easy Meatless Meals
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    244
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    13
    g
    20
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    13
    %
    Trans Fat
     
    0
    g
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    4
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    7
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    0
    mg
    0
    %
    Potassium
     
    913
    mg
    26
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    23
    g
    8
    %
    Dietary Fiber
     
    6
    g
    25
    %
    Sugar
     
    10
    g
    11
    %
    Protein
     
    14
    g
    28
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    1048
    IU
    21
    %
    Vitamin B6
     
    0.3
    mg
    15
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    22
    mg
    27
    %
    Vitamin E
     
    5
    mg
    33
    %
    Vitamin K
     
    27
    µg
    26
    %
    Calcium
     
    225
    mg
    23
    %
    Folate
     
    28
    µg
    7
    %
    Iron
     
    6
    mg
    33
    %
    Manganese
     
    1
    mg
    50
    %
    Magnesium
     
    54
    mg
    14
    %
    Zinc
     
    1
    mg
    7
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Did you like this recipe?Leave us a comment below or find us on Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook.

    If you liked these meatless meals, you might also enjoy:

    • High Protein Vegetarian Meal ideas
      30 High Protein Vegetarian Meals
    • 35 Easy and healthy Chickpea Recipes
      35 Best Chickpea Recipes
    • Vegetarian lunches
      35 Best Vegetarian Lunch Ideas
    • Italian Vegetarian Meal ideas
      40 Italian Vegetarian Dishes

    « Tuscan Bean Stew
    Lentil Bolognese »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a comment and star rating :-) Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Nico and Louise founders of the Plant-Based School.

    Hi, we are Nico Pallotta and Louise Vestergaard, and we love cooking! Welcome to our blog.

    Here we share veggie-packed recipes for the whole family.

    Omnivores, flexitarians, vegetarians, and vegans, you are ALL WELCOME!

    More about us →

    Trending

    • lentil curry with basmati rice
      Lentil Curry
    • Rice salad with olives and tomatoes
      Rice Salad
    • Creamy pasta salad with mayo and olives
      Creamy Pasta Salad
    • Black bean salad with lime and avocado
      Black Bean Salad

    Seasonal

    • Broccoli salad in a white bowl
      Broccoli Salad
    • Dill Potato Salad
    • Buddha bowl with grilled tofu, mango, and peanut sauce
      Buddha Bowl
    • zucchini fritters with tzatziki
      Zucchini Fritters
    Nico and Louise founders of the Plant-Based School.

    Hi, we are Nico Pallotta and Louise Vestergaard, and we love cooking! Welcome to our blog.

    Here we share veggie-packed recipes for the whole family.

    Omnivores, flexitarians, vegetarians, and vegans, you are ALL WELCOME!

    More about us →

    Trending

    • lentil curry with basmati rice
      Lentil Curry
    • Rice salad with olives and tomatoes
      Rice Salad
    • Creamy pasta salad with mayo and olives
      Creamy Pasta Salad
    • Black bean salad with lime and avocado
      Black Bean Salad

    Seasonal

    • Broccoli salad in a white bowl
      Broccoli Salad
    • Dill Potato Salad
    • Buddha bowl with grilled tofu, mango, and peanut sauce
      Buddha Bowl
    • zucchini fritters with tzatziki
      Zucchini Fritters

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Top Recipes
    Vegan Custard
    Falafel
    Easy Focaccia
    Lentil Soup
    Vegan Ricotta

    Top Compilations
    Best Tofu Recipes
    Easy Sauce Recipes
    Easy Meatless Meals
    Best Vegetarian Lunch Ideas
    Best Eggplant Recipes

    Most Shared
    Vegan Mayo
    Bruschetta
    Roasted sweet potatoes
    Black Bean Soup
    Mushroom Gravy

    Home About Recipes Subscribe Privacy Policy Nutrition Disclaimer Terms & Imprint

    Copyright © 2023 The Plant Based School