10+ Low Calorie Dinner Recipes Vegetarian for Healthy and Delicious Meals

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. There are many delicious low-calorie vegetarian dinner recipes that can satisfy your taste buds while keeping your meals light and nutritious. You can create satisfying meals that fit your dietary goals using a variety of vegetables and plant-based proteins.

Whether you are looking to reduce calories, eat more plants, or simply enjoy tasty food, there are options for everyone. From hearty stews to fresh salads, low-calorie vegetarian dinners can be both enjoyable and fulfilling. Prepare to explore a world of flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Zucchini noodles, often called zoodles, are a light and healthy substitute for traditional pasta. They are low in calories and carbs, making them a great choice for your dinner.

To make this dish, you spiralize fresh zucchini. It’s super easy and fun! Then, toss the zoodles with homemade or store-bought pesto for a burst of flavor that’s hard to beat.

You can add cherry tomatoes for extra color and taste. They bring freshness and a slight sweetness to the dish. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy nights.

This meal is vegan and gluten-free, which makes it suitable for many diets. Enjoy this tasty dish warm or cold.

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchini
• 1 cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Spiralize the zucchini into noodle shapes.
2. Place the zucchini noodles in a bowl.
3. Mix in the pesto until well coated.
4. Add halved cherry tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve immediately.

2) Spicy Lentil Tacos

Spicy lentil tacos are a tasty and filling option for dinner. They are quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Lentils are a great source of protein and are low in calories, making them perfect for a healthy meal.

To start, you will need lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and spices like cumin and cayenne pepper. You can serve them in warm tortillas and add toppings such as shredded cabbage, diced avocado, and plant-based sour cream for extra flavor.

These tacos can be made on the stove or in a slow cooker. If you use a slow cooker, just toss in all your ingredients and let them cook for several hours.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Tortillas
• Toppings: shredded cabbage, avocado, plant-based sour cream

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils and add them to a pot with vegetable broth and diced tomatoes.
2. Stir in cumin and cayenne pepper.
3. Simmer for 20-30 minutes or until lentils are tender.
4. Warm tortillas and fill them with lentil mixture.
5. Add your favorite toppings and serve.

3) Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers make a delicious and colorful dinner option. They are easy to prepare and can be filled with a variety of healthy ingredients. You can use beans, quinoa, or rice for a filling base.

Start by cutting the tops off the bell peppers and removing the seeds. You can then mix your chosen filling with spices like chili powder and cumin for extra flavor.

Bake the peppers at 375°F (190°C) until they are tender, usually about 30-35 minutes. If you want, you can top them with cheese before baking for a tasty finish.

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers (any color)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Shredded cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
3. In a bowl, mix quinoa or rice, beans, corn, and spices.
4. Stuff the peppers with the mixture.
5. Place the peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Add cheese on top for the last 5 minutes if desired.

4) Cauliflower Fried Rice

Cauliflower fried rice is a tasty and low-calorie dinner option. It’s easy to make and packed with veggies, making it perfect for a healthy meal.

To start, you can use fresh or frozen cauliflower. Just chop it into florets and pulse it in a food processor until it resembles rice.

Next, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle in some sesame oil, then add your choice of diced vegetables like carrots and peas. You can also add garlic and ginger for extra flavor.

Once the veggies are soft, mix in the cauliflower rice. You can stir in some soy sauce for seasoning. If you like, add scrambled eggs for protein.

This dish cooks quickly, in about 10 to 15 minutes, and can be stored for later meals.

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cauliflower
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 3/4 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop cauliflower into florets.
2. Pulse in a food processor until rice-like.
3. Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add carrots, peas, garlic, and ginger. Cook until soft.
5. Stir in cauliflower rice.
6. Add soy sauce.
7. Scramble in eggs. Cook until set.

5) Chickpea Salad Sandwich

A chickpea salad sandwich is a tasty and filling option for dinner. It is a plant-based meal that is both nutritious and low in calories. You can enjoy the flavors similar to a classic tuna salad but with a healthier twist.

To make it, you mash canned chickpeas and mix them with your favorite veggies like celery, cucumber, and green onions. Adding a touch of lemon juice boosts the flavor and keeps things fresh.

Spread the mixture on whole-grain bread or a wrap for a hearty sandwich. It’s perfect for a quick meal or lunchbox option.

Ingredients

• 1 can (14.5 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 celery stick, chopped
• 1 Persian cucumber, diced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Whole-grain bread or lettuce wraps

Cooking Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, mash the chickpeas with a fork or potato masher.
2. Add the chopped celery, cucumber, green onions, and lemon juice.
3. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
4. Spread the mixture on bread or place it in lettuce wraps. Enjoy!

6) Eggplant Involtini

Eggplant Involtini is a tasty and unique vegetarian dish that’s sure to impress. It features thin slices of eggplant rolled up and filled with a creamy ricotta mixture. This meal is not only delicious but also low in calories.

To prepare, start by slicing your eggplant lengthwise into thin strips. You can then roast or grill these slices until they’re soft. While the eggplant cools, make your filling by mixing ricotta cheese with herbs, salt, and pepper.

Once the eggplant slices are ready, place a spoonful of the ricotta mixture on each slice. Roll them up and place them in a baking dish. Top with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of cheese if you like. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes until heated through.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Herbs (basil or parsley)
• Marinara sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice eggplants lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick strips.
3. Roast or grill until soft.
4. Mix ricotta, salt, pepper, and herbs in a bowl.
5. Place filling on each eggplant slice and roll them up.
6. Place rolls in a baking dish, cover with marinara sauce.
7. Bake for 20 minutes until hot.

7) Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash

Quinoa-stuffed acorn squash is a delightful dish that is both tasty and low in calories. It combines the sweetness of roasted squash with a savory quinoa filling. You’ll love how easy it is to make!

Start by roasting halved acorn squash until it’s tender. While it bakes, cook quinoa in vegetable broth for added flavor. You can mix in vegetables like onions, celery, and mushrooms for extra nutrition.

Add in some dried fruits like cranberries or raisins to give a hint of sweetness. Season with your favorite spices for a warm taste. Once the squash is ready, fill it generously with the quinoa mixture.

This dish is not only satisfying but also packed with protein. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner while keeping it light.

Ingredients

• 1 acorn squash
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• Olive oil
• Spices (salt, pepper, and your choice)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds.
3. Brush the inside with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
4. Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes.
5. In a pot, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
6. In a skillet, sauté onions, celery, and mushrooms in olive oil until soft.
7. Combine cooked quinoa, sautéed veggies, and dried cranberries.
8. Remove squash from the oven and fill each half with the quinoa mixture. Serve warm.

8) Grilled Portobello Mushrooms

Grilled portobello mushrooms make a great low-calorie dinner option. These large mushrooms have a meaty texture and can replace burgers on your plate. Their savory flavor pairs well with various seasonings.

To prepare, start marinating the mushrooms in balsamic vinegar and olive oil. This adds extra flavor. You can also add garlic, herbs, or spices to enhance the taste.

Preheat your grill to medium heat, about 350°F (175°C). Place the mushrooms on the grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You’ll want them to be tender and grilled perfectly.

Grilled portobello mushrooms can be served as a main dish or cut into slices for salads. They are not only tasty but also low in calories, making them a healthy dinner choice.

Ingredients

• 2 large portobello mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Clean the portobello mushrooms with a damp cloth.
2. In a bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Marinate the mushrooms for 15-30 minutes.
4. Preheat the grill to 350°F (175°C).
5. Grill the mushrooms for 5-7 minutes on each side.
6. Serve as desired.

9) Spinach and Ricotta Frittata

A Spinach and Ricotta Frittata is a tasty and healthy choice for a low-calorie dinner. It’s packed with nutrients and is easy to make. This dish is great for using up leftover vegetables, too.

To start, gather fresh spinach and creamy ricotta cheese. These ingredients provide a nice blend of flavors and a boost of protein. You can also add your favorite herbs for extra taste.

You’ll need to bake the frittata in the oven. This dish typically takes around 20–30 minutes at 350°F (180°C). It becomes fluffy and light, perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for greasing the pan

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, ricotta, salt, and pepper.
3. Squeeze excess water from the spinach and mix it into the egg mixture.
4. Grease a pie pan with olive oil.
5. Pour the mixture into the pan and sprinkle the Parmesan on top.
6. Bake for 20–30 minutes until set and lightly golden. Enjoy!

10) Kale and White Bean Soup

Kale and white bean soup is a warm, comforting meal that’s both nutritious and low in calories. This recipe is perfect for a light dinner and is simple to prepare. You’ll love how delicious and filling it is.

The main ingredients are kale and cannellini beans, which add fiber and protein. Fresh garlic and vegetable broth give it a rich flavor without extra calories.

You can serve it with a slice of whole grain bread for a complete meal. This dish is also vegan and can be made gluten-free by using the right broth.

Ingredients

• 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups kale, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth (low sodium)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.

3. Stir in kale and cook until wilted.

4. After that, add the broth, beans, and seasonings.

5. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.

6. Serve warm.