40 Meatless Dinner Ideas

Welcome to this list of 40 easy meatless dinner ideas rich in protein, fiber and with maximum flavor.

Add these meals to your repertoire for a balanced diet, lowering your food costs, and increasing your vegetable intake.

If you are exploring meatless recipes, you will love our high protein meals and easy vegetarian dinners, too.

4. Eggplant parmigiana

This meatless casserole dish features tender roasted eggplant slices surrounded by flavorful tomato sauce, melty mozzarella, and tasty parmesan cheese.

5. Lentil chili

With our meat-free chili, you can expect a hearty and high-protein meal that is easy to make with pantry staples. Serve with pickled red onions and a dollop of sour cream.

6. Stuffed eggplant

Stuffed eggplant is filled with an earthy lentil filling instead of minced meat. Serve this mediterranean meal with tzatziki and pita bread.

7. Vegetarian Meatballs

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

This recipe is quick and easy to make with straightforward ingredients. Make them family-friendly with a rich marinara sauce.

8. Fried tofu

Fried tofu is one of the easiest ways to cook plant-based protein; you can serve it on a bed of white rice, salad, or peanut noodles.

Our tasty vegetarian, vegan-friendly recipe uses simple ingredients and can be made in less than 20 minutes.

9. 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. Black bean salad

Black bean salad is an easy, meat-free recipe that combines simple vegetables with a refreshing and zesty cilantro lime dressing to bring out the flavors.

11. Kung Pao tofu

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

One of our favorite meatless dinners is this easy lentil curry, which you can make in one pot with simple ingredients in 30 minutes. For best results, serve with fluffy basmati rice.

13. Mushroom Alfredo

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

14. Lentil bolognese

Here’s an easy meat-free bolognese with simple ingredients. Serve this one-pot sauce with fettuccine, sweet potato gnocchi or spaghetti for a complete meal.

15. Pasta e Fagioli

Pasta and beans is an easy meatless dinner idea with simple ingredients and Italian flavor that will please everyone around your table.

16. Chickpea pasta salad

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

17. Black bean burger

Next on our list is a black bean patty with feta cheese; a solid alternative to meat burger.

Serve with chipotle sauce and guacamole for the best results.

18. Red pepper pasta

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

19. Curry lentil soup

Curry lentil soup is a warming and comforting one-pot recipe. It consists of earthy lentils simmered that offers a protein–rich alternative to meat.

20. Tomato tofu

Tofu with Italian pizzaiola sauce is a simple yet delicious pan-fried tofu recipe ready in 20 minutes. It’s an excellent meatless weeknight dinner.

21. Lentil pasta

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

Our stuffed peppers recipe is inspired by Middle Eastern flavors, especially those of our lentil mujaddara.

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

23. Sweet potato gnocchi

This 3-ingredient sweet potato gnocchi ready in less than 30 minutes and excellent for meatless dinners.

Louise and I love them with marinara sauce, pesto, or with a simple butter and sage sauce.

24. Tofu curry

Making a coconut tofu curry is an excellent way to eat meatless. It comes together in less than 30 minutes and makes a an Indian-inspired dinner idea.

25. Easy chickpea curry

Chickpea curry is an easy plant-based curry you can make with simple ingredients in about 30 minutes.

26. Tuscan bean stew

Tuscan bean stew is a quick meatless meal, ready in just over 30 minutes, and great as a meal prep recipe.

27. Lentil vegetable soup

Brown lentils make this meat-free lentil soup fulfilling and provides protein and gut-healthy fiber.

28. Asian-style tofu soup

You can make tofu soup in 30 minutes with simple ingredients, and it’s a great vegetarian alternative to Asian chicken soup.

29. Pasta e Ceci

Pasta with cooked chickpeas is easy to make in one pot in 30 minutes with simple and affordable pantry staples.

30. Italian vegetable lasagna

This meatless lasagna tastes like home, it’s cozy, and it’ll transport you to the Italian countryside bite for bite.

31. Lentil soup

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

32. Tuscan soup

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

33. African peanut stew

This African peanut stew recipe is without meat; we use chickpeas for an easy 30-minute high-protein vegetarian meal.

34. Mashed chickpea tuna

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

35. Falafel

Falafel is an easy 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. Quinoa salad

This quinoa salad combines tender black beans, protein-rich quinoa, and bold, tangy cilantro lime dressing. 

37. Chickpea stew

No need for meat in this umami-rich chickpea stew. Tomato sauce, sweet potatoes and chickpeas make a beautiful one-pot stew. Serve with garlic-brushed naan bread for best results.

38. Mushroom Wellington

Here is a meatless Thanksgiving dinner with flavor and family-appeal; lentil mushroom Wellington. Serve with roasted potatoes and mushroom gravy for a meal to impress!

39. Tofu salad

This tofu salad is a great chicken salad alternative. It’s a low-calorie meal, packed with flavor, and satiating (the creamy tahini dressing is a must-try).

40. Chickpea salad

We end this meatless meal collection with a quick and healthy plant–based dish. It takes 15 minutes to make and uses fresh ingredients and a creamy mustard dressing.