10+ Vegetable Based Dinner Recipes for Healthy and Delicious Meals

If you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine, vegetable-based recipes are a fantastic choice. They offer not only health benefits but also a variety of flavors and textures that can please any palate.

Cooking with vegetables allows you to explore creative and tasty options that are easy to prepare. You’ll find that incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet can be enjoyable and satisfying.

Roasted Eggplant Parmesan

Roasted Eggplant Parmesan is a delicious and hearty dish. It offers a tasty way to enjoy vegetables for dinner.

Start with fresh eggplant. Slice it into thick pieces, then season it with salt. This draws out excess moisture and bitterness.

Next, roast the slices in a good amount of olive oil until golden brown.

Layer the roasted eggplant with marinara sauce and cheese in a baking dish. You can use Parmesan or mozzarella, depending on your preference.

Bake it in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until bubbling and golden. This dish pairs well with a simple salad or crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ pounds eggplant
• ¾ cup olive oil
• Salt
• Marinara sauce
• 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the eggplant and sprinkle with salt.
3. Roast eggplant slices in olive oil until golden.
4. Layer eggplant, marinara sauce, and cheese in a baking dish.
5. Bake until bubbly and golden. Enjoy!

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Zucchini noodles, also called “zoodles,” are a delicious and healthy choice for dinner. They are low in carbs and light, making them a perfect base for various toppings.

To make zucchini noodles, spiralize fresh zucchini until you have long, noodle-like strands. This creates a fun texture that pairs well with rich sauces.

The star of this dish is the pesto. You can use store-bought or make your own with basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.

Toss the zoodles with the pesto and add cherry tomatoes for extra flavor.

This meal is quick, ready in about 10 minutes, and full of fresh ingredients. It’s a lovely option for dinner or even a light lunch.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 1 cup basil pesto
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Spiralize the zucchinis to make noodles.
2. In a large bowl, combine zucchini noodles and pesto.
3. Add cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss gently until coated and serve.

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa

Stuffed bell peppers with quinoa are a delicious and healthy option for dinner. These colorful peppers are filled with a tasty mixture of quinoa, black beans, corn, and spices. They are easy to make and perfect for a weeknight meal.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, cook your quinoa. Mix the quinoa with water in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer until it’s tender, about 15 minutes.

Next, prepare the bell peppers. Cut the tops off and remove the seeds.

In a bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and your favorite seasonings.

Fill each bell pepper with the mixture and place them in a baking dish. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender.

Feel free to top them with cheese or avocado for extra flavor!

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 cup corn
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• Spices (cumin, chili powder, or taco seasoning)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook quinoa with water in a saucepan until tender.
3. Cut tops off bell peppers and remove seeds.
4. Mix quinoa with black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
5. Stuff each pepper with the mixture.
6. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until tender.

4) Crispy Baked Tofu Stir-Fry

Crispy baked tofu stir-fry is a delicious way to enjoy vegetables and protein in one meal. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers work great.

To get started, bake your tofu until it’s golden and crispy. This makes it chewy and perfect for stir-frying.

Then, add the vegetables and toss them with a tasty sauce.

You can serve this dish over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. The choice is yours! It’s a flexible recipe that allows you to use your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients

• 14 oz (400g) firm tofu
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into cubes.
3. Bake the tofu on a lined baking sheet for 25-30 minutes until crispy.
4. In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
5. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
6. Add baked tofu and pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil.
7. Stir to combine, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
8. Serve warm over rice or noodles. Enjoy!

5) Lentil and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

Lentil and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie is a delicious plant-based meal. The dish is hearty and fills you up with wholesome ingredients.

You’ll start by cooking lentils until they are tender. Combine them with veggies like carrots and peas for extra flavor. This mix makes a savory base.

Next, you prepare the sweet potato topping. Boil the sweet potatoes until they are soft, then mash them up with a bit of seasoning.

Spread the mashed sweet potatoes over the lentil mixture in a baking dish.

Bake it all in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. The top should turn golden brown. Enjoy a warm, comforting dinner that is packed with nutrients.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, etc.)
• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook lentils in boiling water until tender.
3. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
4. Mix lentils and vegetables into the skillet.
5. Boil sweet potatoes, then mash them.
6. Spread the mashed sweet potatoes over the lentil mix.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden on top.

6) Cauliflower Steaks with Chimichurri

Cauliflower steaks are a delicious and hearty meal option. They are simple to make and packed with flavor when topped with chimichurri sauce.

To prepare, wash and cut a cauliflower into thick steaks, keeping the stem intact. You can season them with your favorite spices.

Sear the steaks in an oven-safe skillet until slightly charred.

Once seared, roast the cauliflower steaks in the oven at 400°F (204°C) for 15 to 20 minutes. They should turn golden brown and become tender.

While the steaks roast, you can whip up the chimichurri sauce.

This sauce is made with fresh parsley, garlic, and vinegar. It adds a zesty touch that pairs perfectly with the mild cauliflower.

Enjoy these tasty cauliflower steaks as a main dish or a side!

Ingredients

• 1 large cauliflower
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Parsley
• Garlic
• Red wine vinegar
• Oregano

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
2. Cut the cauliflower into 1 to 1.5-inch thick steaks.
3. Brush the steaks with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Sear in a skillet until lightly charred.
5. Roast in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
6. While roasting, make chimichurri by mixing chopped parsley, minced garlic, vinegar, and oregano.
7. Serve the cauliflower steaks with chimichurri on top.

7) Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai

Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai is a tasty twist on the classic dish. You can enjoy all the flavors without the carbs from traditional noodles. This recipe uses roasted spaghetti squash to create a light and healthy meal.

Start by roasting your spaghetti squash in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until tender. Once cooked, use a fork to scrape out the strands that resemble spaghetti.

In a skillet, sauté your favorite veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and green onions.

Then, mix in the spaghetti squash strands and add your choice of protein, such as chicken or tofu.

Don’t forget to include a savory sauce made from peanut butter, soy sauce, and lime juice for that authentic Pad Thai flavor.

Garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro for added crunch and freshness. It’s simple and satisfying!

Ingredients

• 1 spaghetti squash
• 1 cup bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup carrots, shredded
• 1 green onion, sliced
• 1 cup protein (chicken or tofu)
• ¼ cup peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 lime, juiced
• Chopped peanuts and cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast spaghetti squash for 30-40 minutes.
3. Scrape out the strands with a fork.
4. Sauté vegetables in a skillet until tender.
5. Add spaghetti squash and protein to the skillet.
6. Stir in peanut butter, soy sauce, and lime juice.
7. Garnish with peanuts and cilantro before serving.

8) Broccoli and Cheddar Veggie Burgers

Broccoli and Cheddar Veggie Burgers are a tasty choice for a healthy dinner. These burgers are packed with flavor and nutrients. You can enjoy them as a filling meal on a busy night.

To make them, you’ll need fresh broccoli and cheddar cheese. You can also add ingredients like sweet potato and spices for extra flavor. These burgers can be baked or pan-fried.

They are easy to prepare ahead of time. Make the patties and store them in the fridge or freeze them. When you’re ready, just cook them until golden brown.

Serve the burgers on toasted buns with your favorite toppings, like lettuce, tomato, or avocado. They are great for a meatless meal and loved by everyone!

Ingredients:

• 1 small sweet potato
• 2 cups chopped broccoli
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 burger buns

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the sweet potato and broccoli until soft.
3. Mash the sweet potato and mix with broccoli, cheese, breadcrumbs, and egg.
4. Form the mixture into patties.
5. Bake for 20 minutes. Flip halfway through, until golden brown.
6. Serve on buns with toppings of your choice.

9) Spinach and Feta Stuffed Portobellos

Spinach and feta stuffed portobellos make a delicious and healthy dinner option. These large mushrooms provide a great base for a flavorful filling. Combining fresh spinach, tangy feta cheese, and herbs creates a tasty meal.

Start by removing the stems from the portobello caps. Then, sauté fresh spinach and mix it with feta. You can also add garlic or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

Fill each mushroom cap with the spinach mixture. Brush the outsides with olive oil for a crispy texture. Bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes. Enjoy the warm, savory flavors that come together in this easy dish.

Ingredients

• 4 large portobello mushrooms
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup feta cheese
• Olive oil
• Garlic (optional)
• Sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Remove the stems from the portobello mushrooms.
3. Sauté the spinach until wilted.
4. Mix the spinach with feta cheese and other optional ingredients.
5. Stuff each mushroom cap with the filling.
6. Brush the outsides with olive oil.
7. Bake for 30 minutes.

10) Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff

Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff is a creamy and delicious dish that’s perfect for dinner. It features tender mushrooms in a rich, dairy-free sauce. You can serve it over pasta or rice for a comforting meal.

This recipe uses simple ingredients that you may already have at home. It’s not only tasty but also easy to make, so you can whip it up any night of the week.

For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding some garlic or fresh herbs. You can also use various mushrooms for different textures and tastes.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) coconut milk
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked pasta or rice

Cooking Instructions

1. In a skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until soft.
2. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release moisture.
3. Then, stir in flour and paprika. After that, add the vegetable broth and coconut milk.
4. Cook until thickened, and season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve over cooked pasta or rice.