10+ Tasty Vegetarian Recipes Simple Enough for Any Home Cook

Vegetarian meals can be delicious and quick to prepare. Tasty vegetarian recipes that are simple and satisfying are available, even if you’re short on time. These meals often use fresh ingredients and require minimal cooking skills, making them perfect for beginners and busy cooks alike.

Whether you’re looking to try something new or want to add more plant-based options to your diet, simple vegetarian recipes can be a great choice. From hearty soups to vibrant salads, you will find plenty of ideas to inspire your next meal.

Spicy Chickpea Stir-fry

Spicy Chickpea Stir-fry is a quick and delicious meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy and filling. The chickpeas add protein, making it a great vegetarian option.

Start by heating some oil in a pan. You can use olive oil or any cooking oil you like.

Next, add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Cook them until they are tender.

Now, add the chickpeas. You can use canned chickpeas for convenience.

Toss everything together with spices like cumin, paprika, and a pinch of chili powder for heat.

Cook for a few more minutes until everything is nicely mixed and warm. Serve your stir-fry over rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 can of chickpeas (15 oz/425 g)
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (325°F/160°C).
2. Add chopped vegetables and sauté until tender.
3. Stir in the chickpeas and spices.
4. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
5. Serve warm.

2) Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

Quinoa and black bean salad is a delicious and nutritious dish you can easily prepare. This salad is packed with protein and fiber, making it a great choice for a light meal or side.

To start, rinse one cup of quinoa under cold water. Then, cook it in two cups of water on medium heat until it absorbs all the liquid, about 15 minutes. Let it sit covered for five minutes.

Next, combine the cooked quinoa with one can of drained black beans. Add one diced bell pepper, one diced cucumber, and half a cup of chopped cilantro for extra flavor.

For the dressing, mix the juice of one lime, two tablespoons of olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together.

This refreshing quinoa and black bean salad is perfect for meal prep or a potluck. You can enjoy it chilled or at room temperature!

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 can black beans
• 1 bell pepper
• 1 cucumber
• 1/2 cup cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
2. Cook quinoa in 2 cups of water on medium heat for 15 minutes.
3. Let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
4. In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa and black beans.
5. Add diced bell pepper, cucumber, and cilantro.
6. Mix lime juice, olive oil, and salt for dressing.
7. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.

3) Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta is a delicious and quick dish perfect for any day. You can make it in about 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with fresh basil, giving you a burst of flavor.

To start, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Fresh basil adds a lot to the dish, so try not to skip it. You can use coconut cream for a vegan touch, creating a rich texture without dairy.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta
• 1 cup coconut cream
• 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
2. In a pan, sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, coconut cream, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Simmer for 5 minutes, then add the cooked pasta and fresh basil.
5. Toss well and serve hot. Enjoy your meal!

4) Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Wrap

The Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Wrap is a quick and delicious meal. You can make it in just a few minutes. It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Start with a whole wheat wrap or tortilla. Spread 1-2 tablespoons of roasted red pepper hummus on it. The creamy texture adds great flavor.

Next, add your favorite veggies. Think crunchy cucumbers, fresh spinach, or colorful bell peppers. You can also toss in some alfalfa sprouts for extra texture.

Roll the wrap tightly, then slice it in half. This makes it easy to eat and share. Enjoy it as a healthy snack or a filling meal on the go.

Ingredients

• Whole wheat wrap or tortilla
• 1-2 tablespoons roasted red pepper hummus
• Sliced cucumbers
• Fresh spinach
• Bell peppers
• Alfalfa sprouts (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Take a whole wheat wrap or tortilla.
2. Spread 1-2 tablespoons of roasted red pepper hummus on it.
3. Add sliced cucumbers, fresh spinach, and bell peppers.
4. Roll the wrap tightly.
5. Slice in half and enjoy!

5) Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger

Grilling a portobello mushroom burger is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a vegetarian meal. Portobello mushrooms have a meaty texture and rich flavor, making them a great alternative to beef burgers.

To start, marinate the mushrooms in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Let them soak in those flavors for about 30 minutes. This will enhance their taste as they cook.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F (190°C). Grill the mushrooms for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until they are tender and have nice grill marks.

Feel free to add toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomato, and avocado for extra flavor. You can place everything on a bun or serve them on their own for a lighter option.

Ingredients

• 2 large portobello mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Burger buns (optional)
• Desired toppings (lettuce, tomato, cheese, avocado)

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate portobello mushrooms in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat grill to 375°F (190°C).
3. Grill mushrooms for 5 to 7 minutes on each side.
4. Assemble on a bun with toppings of your choice.

6) Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Spinach and ricotta stuffed shells are a delightful dish you can easily prepare. They are perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. This recipe combines creamy ricotta and fresh spinach for a tasty filling.

You will start by cooking jumbo pasta shells until they are al dente. Then, mix ricotta cheese, spinach, and your favorite seasonings. Fill each shell with this mixture and place them in a baking dish.

Top the shells with marinara sauce and some extra cheese if you like. Bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-30 minutes. Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness right out of the oven!

Ingredients

• Jumbo pasta shells
• Ricotta cheese
• Fresh spinach
• Marinara sauce
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions.
2. In a bowl, mix ricotta, spinach, garlic, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Fill each cooked shell with the mixture.
4. Spread some marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
5. Place stuffed shells in the dish and top with remaining sauce and cheese.
6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-30 minutes until heated through.

7) Sweet Potato and Lentil Curry

Sweet potato and lentil curry is a hearty and nutritious dish. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner. The flavors are warm and comforting, making it a great meal for any day.

To make this curry, you start by cooking onions and garlic in a pot. Then, you add diced sweet potatoes and rinsed lentils. Next, sprinkle in some curry powder for that rich flavor. Don’t forget the coconut milk for creaminess.

Simmer everything together until the sweet potatoes are tender. The dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber. You can serve it with rice or naan for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, cook onions and garlic until soft.
2. Add sweet potatoes and lentils.
3. Stir in curry powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in coconut milk and vegetable broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 20 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.

8) Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto is a creamy and flavorful dish that’s simple to make and a delight to eat. You can enjoy it as a main dish or a side.

Start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need Arborio rice, mushrooms, vegetable broth, onion, garlic, and olive oil.

To cook, heat the oil in a pan and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until soft. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are tender.

Next, stir in the Arborio rice and let it toast for a minute. Gradually add the vegetable broth, stirring constantly until the rice absorbs the liquid. This will take about 20 minutes.

Once the rice is creamy and al dente, season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add some parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until tender.
4. Stir in Arborio rice and toast for 1 minute.
5. Gradually add vegetable broth, stirring constantly.
6. Cook until rice is creamy and al dente.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and cheese if desired.

9) Vegan Pad Thai

Vegan Pad Thai is a delicious and simple dish that you can whip up quickly. It combines rice noodles, fried tofu, fresh veggies, and a tasty sauce.

You start by cooking the rice noodles according to the package instructions. While those are cooking, prepare your tofu by pan-frying it until golden brown. Then, add in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and scallions.

For the sauce, mix soy sauce, lime juice, and a bit of sugar in a bowl. Once the noodles and tofu are ready, toss everything together in a hot wok or pan, and add the sauce. Stir it well to blend all the flavors.

Garnish your Vegan Pad Thai with crushed peanuts and fresh lime for extra taste. Enjoy your vibrant and tasty meal!

Ingredients

• Rice noodles
• Firm tofu
• Bell peppers
• Carrots
• Scallions
• Soy sauce
• Lime juice
• Sugar
• Crushed peanuts

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
2. Pan-fry tofu until golden brown.
3. Add bell peppers, carrots, and scallions to the pan.
4. Mix soy sauce, lime juice, and sugar in a bowl.
5. Toss everything together in the pan with the sauce.
6. Garnish with crushed peanuts and lime. Enjoy!

10) Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Sauce

Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” are a fun and healthy alternative to pasta. They are low in carbs and loaded with vitamins. This dish comes together quickly and is perfect for busy days.

To make this recipe, you’ll need fresh zucchini and ripe avocados. The creamy avocado sauce adds a delicious flavor. You can also add garlic and herbs for extra taste.

Cooking is simple: spiralize the zucchini and toss it in a hot pan for a brief cooking time. Just a few minutes is enough to warm them up without making them soggy.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon juice (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Spiralize the zucchini using a spiralizer.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat (about 350°F/180°C).
3. Add zucchini and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently.
4. In a blender, combine the avocado, garlic, salt, and lemon juice.
5. Blend until smooth.
6. Pour the sauce over the zoodles and mix well.
7. Serve immediately.