Looking to limit your meat consumption? This 7-day vegetarian meal plan will help you eat a little healthier. We outlined three meals (plus snacks!) a day for the entire week.
7-Day Vegetarian Meal Plan for Anyone Trying to Eat Less Meat
Updated on Sep. 23, 2024
1/27
2/27
Day 1 Lunch: Arborio Rice and White Bean Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Soup is the ultimate comfort food. This hearty, satisfying soup with arborio rice is low in fat and comes together in less than 30 minutes. —Deanna McDonald, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 303 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 861mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 9g protein.
3/27
Day 1 Snack: Fruit and Cheese Kabobs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 kabobs (1-1/2 cups dip)
From the Recipe Creator:
We came up with this fresh and fruity summer snack idea. It's easy to make ahead and carry to the ballpark, beach or playground, and the cinnamon-spiced yogurt dip adds a fun touch kids love. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob with 2 tablespoons dip: 147 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
Check out more of our weekly meal planners.
4/27
Day 2 Breakfast: Shakshuka
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Shakshuka is a dish of poached eggs with tomatoes, onion and cumin. I learned about it while traveling through Southeast Asia, and it's been my favorite way to eat eggs since. —Ezra Weeks, Calgary, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 159 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable.
5/27
Sweet Potato Salad
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tender sweet potatoes are tossed with crunchy nuts and chewy dried cherries for a burst of flavors and textures. —Fran Fehling, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 211 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 189mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
6/27
Day 2 Snack: Portobello Bruschetta with Rosemary Aioli
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
By caramelizing onions, broiling peppers and whipping up a homemade aioli with fresh herbs, you will add dimensions of flavor not found in store-bought bruschetta. —Stephanie Metzger, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 109 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 75mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
7/27
Day 2 Dinner: Farmers Market Enchiladas
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These vegetarian enchiladas use a lot of garden favorites in a quick weeknight meal. Feel free to substitute whatever vegetables you have from your garden—yellow summer squash, eggplant and corn all taste great here, too.
—Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grv, Utah
—Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grv, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas: 346 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 780mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein.
8/27
Day 3 Breakfast: Powerhouse Protein Parfaits
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Parfaits have marvelous taste and texture, but many are loaded with sugar and leave you peckish for more. Here’s my protein-inspired option with yogurt, fruit and nuts. —Jen Hubin, Minnetonka, Minnestoa
Nutrition Facts:
1 parfait: 518 calories, 22g fat (11g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 173mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 12g fiber), 15g protein.
9/27
Day 3 Lunch: Mediterranean Bulgur Bowl
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can also transform this tasty bowl into an Italian version with mozzarella, pesto, tomatoes, spinach and basil. —Renata Smith, Brookline, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 311 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 521mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 12g fiber), 14g protein.
10/27
Day 3 Snack: Horseradish Deviled Eggs
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
People say "Wow!" when they taste these flavorful, tangy horseradish deviled eggs. The bold combination of ground mustard, dill and horseradish is so appealing. The plate is always emptied when I serve these eggs. —Ruth Roth, Linville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed egg halves: 146 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 215mg cholesterol, 169mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
11/27
Day 3 Dinner: Tasty Lentil Tacos
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my husband's cholesterol numbers rose, I quickly lowered the fat in our family's diet. Finding dishes that were healthy for him and yummy for our five children was a challenge, but this fun taco recipe was a huge hit with everyone. —Michelle Thomas, Bangor, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 365 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 777mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
12/27
Day 4 Breakfast: German Apple Pancake
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking for a pretty dish to make when having guests for brunch, try this. Everyone I've served it to has enjoyed it—except for one time, that is, when my husband tried to make it following my recipe, which I'd written down incorrectly! If you don't leave out the flour as I did, it'll turn out terrific! —Judi Van Beek, Lynden, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 192 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 107mg cholesterol, 273mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
13/27
Day 4 Lunch: Roasted Sweet Potato & Chickpea Pitas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a hearty take on Mediterranean food, this time with sweet potatoes tucked inside. These unique pockets are delicious for lunch or dinner. —Beth Jacobson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 filled pita halves: 462 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 662mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 12g fiber), 14g protein.
14/27
Day 4 Snack: Broccoli & Chive-Stuffed Mini Peppers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
There's plenty of both crunch and cream in these party appetizers. Fresh chives help them really stand out. —Jean McKenzie, Vancouver, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper half: 48 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 68mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
15/27
Day 4 Dinner: Pepper Ricotta Primavera
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Garlic, peppers and herbs top creamy ricotta cheese in this meatless skillet meal you can make in just 20 minutes. —Janet Boulger, Botwood, Newfoundland and Labrador
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 229 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 88mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
16/27
Day 5 Breakfast: Family-Favorite Oatmeal Waffles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 waffles
From the Recipe Creator:
These healthful, good-tasting waffles are a tried-and-true family favorite—even with our two children. My husband and I have a small herd of beef cattle and some pigs. A hearty breakfast really gets us going! —Marna Heitz, Farley, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 waffle: 344 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
17/27
Day 5 Lunch: Mozzarella Mushrooms with Garlic Toast
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this dinner using ingredients I had on hand. It turned out to be so delicious, my wife and I now make it for special occasions. —Marc Bushee, Moorhead, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 366 calories, 16g fat (10g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 562mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 13g protein.
18/27
Day 5 Snack: Roasted Beetroot and Garlic Hummus
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This tasty beetroot hummus is the prettiest pink snack I’ve ever seen. The healthy recipe is handy to make in large batches and keep in the fridge for lunches and snacks throughout the week. —Elizabeth Worndl, Toronto, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 87 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 131mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
19/27
Day 5 Dinner: Vegetarian Pad Thai
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a simple pad thai loaded with crisp vegetables and zesty flavor. It’s quick, simple, and fresh-tasting. —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 339 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 701mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
20/27
Day 6 Breakfast: Portobello Mushrooms Florentine
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A fun and surprisingly hearty breakfast dish packed with flavor and richness.
—Sara Morris, Laguna Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed mushroom: 170 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 204mg cholesterol, 428mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 0.500 fat.
21/27
Day 6 Lunch: Quinoa-Stuffed Squash Boats
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My colorful “boats” with quinoa, garbanzo beans and pumpkin seeds use delicata squash, a winter squash with edible skin that’s cream-colored with green stripes. In a pinch, acorn squash will do—but don't eat the skin! —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed squash half: 275 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 591mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 10g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
22/27
Day 6 Snack: Chewy Honey Granola Bars
Total Time
25 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There's sweetness from the honey, chewiness from the raisins, hints of chocolate and cinnamon, and a bit of crunch. To save a few for later, wrap individual bars and place in a resealable freezer container. When you want a satisfying treat on short notice, just grab one and let it thaw for a few minutes. —Tasha Lehman, Williston, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 178 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
23/27
Day 6 Dinner: Black Bean Tortilla Pie
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this entree a while ago and decreased the cheese and increased the herbs called for in the recipe. It’s one of my toddler’s favorite meals. She always smiles when she sees it on the table. —Wendy Kelly, Petersburg, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 353 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 842mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 17g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 very lean meat, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
24/27
Day 7 Breakfast: Black Bean & White Cheddar Frittata
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my favorite comfort foods for breakfast or even a quick dinner. I like to make it with lime salsa. But if you're looking for something with more kick, use hot salsa or add some chipotle pepper. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge (calculated without toppings): 183 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 196mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
25/27
Day 7 Lunch: Spinach Quesadillas
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family gave these cheesy quesadillas oohs and aahs. Remove the spinach from the heat as soon as it wilts so it keeps a little bit of crunch. —Pam Kaiser, Mansfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3 wedges: 281 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 585mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat.
26/27
Day 7 Snack: Homemade Guacamole
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I always judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its guacamole. And although it's simple to prepare, it can go wrong oh, so easily. I've spent many years perfecting mine, to the point where I think it's better than most restaurants. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 90 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
27/27
Day 7 Dinner: Grilled Bean Burgers
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These juicy veggie patties have major flavor, with cumin, garlic and a little chili powder. They hold their own against any veggie burger you‘d buy at the supermarket. —Marguerite Shaeffer, Sewell, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 305 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 736mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 10g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat.
