43 Company-Worthy Vegetarian Dinners

Whether it's meatless Monday or your vegetarian niece is coming over, these tasty vegetarian dinner ideas will please everyone at the table.

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Vegetarian Linguine

Looking for a tasty alternative to meat-and-potatoes meals? Try this colorful pasta dish, which is the brainchild of my oldest son. It’s a stick-to-the-ribs supper that takes advantage of fresh mushrooms, zucchini and other vegetables as well as basil and provolone cheese. —Jane Bone, Cape Coral, Florida

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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.
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Pasta Primavera

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This pasta dish is a wonderful blend of crisp, colorful vegetables and a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 275 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 141mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
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Tomato-Garlic Lentil Bowls

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: An Ethiopian recipe inspired this feel-good dinner that's tangy, creamy and packed with hearty comfort. —Rachael Cushing, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 294 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 419mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 8g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
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Lentil Loaf

Total Time 1 hour 20 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This lentil loaf is so flavorful, you won’t miss the meat. And it’s packed with fiber and nutrients. —Tracy Fleming, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 213 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 580mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
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Manicotti Shells

Total Time 1 hour 50 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These tender manicotti are much easier to stuff than the purchased variety. People are always amazed when I say I make my own noodles. My son fixed this recipe for several of his friends, and they were extremely impressed with his cooking skills. —Sue Ann Bunt, Painted Post, New York
Nutrition Facts: 3 manicotti: 480 calories, 22g fat (11g saturated fat), 201mg cholesterol, 1128mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
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Tomato Baguette Pizza

Total Time 35 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When my tomatoes ripen all at once, I use them up in simple recipes like this one. Cheesy baguette pizzas, served with a salad, make an ideal lunch. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 260 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 614mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat.
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Summer Bounty Ratatouille

Total Time 1 hour 20 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Make use of your garden's surplus with this comforting dish from the Provence region of France. It's a vegetable dish traditionally made with eggplant, tomatoes, onions, zucchini, garlic, bell peppers and various herbs. I highly recommend accompanying it with some freshly baked bread. —Phyllis Jacques, Venice, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup ratatouille with 1 cup bread cubes: 205 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 542mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 7g protein.
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Sweet Potato Tortellini with Hazelnut Sauce

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Using wonton wrappers instead of fresh pasta dough makes homemade tortellini easy to prepare. For more formal dinners, this makes an impressive vegetarian entree. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 9 tortellini with 2 tablespoons sauce: 662 calories, 34g fat (17g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 718mg sodium, 73g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein.
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Stuffed Pasta Shells

Total Time 45 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These savory shells never fail to make a big impression, even though the recipe is very easy. One or two of these shells makes a great individual serving at a potluck, so a single batch goes a long way. —Jena Coffey, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 314 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 576mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
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Spinach and Artichoke Pizza

Total Time 45 min
Servings 6 pieces
From the Recipe Creator: My from-scratch pizza has a whole wheat crust flavored with beer. Top it with spinach, artichoke hearts and tomatoes, then add chicken or ham and fresh basil if you want to include meat. —Raymonde Bourgeois, Swastika, Ontario
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 290 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 654mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat.
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Balsamic Roasted Vegetable Primavera

Total Time 35 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Roasting makes veggies an irresistible part of this light but filling dinner. —Carly Curtin, Ellicott City, Maryland
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 410 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 731mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 12g protein.
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Roasted Vegetable Strata

Total Time 1 hour 35 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: With the abundance of zucchini my family has in the fall, this is the perfect dish to use some of what we have. Cheesy and rich, the warm, classic breakfast dish is sure to please! —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 349 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 154mg cholesterol, 642mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fat.
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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.
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Spinach Tortellini

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I enjoy all things pasta, and tortellini is my favorite. The flavor of this dish is amazing. Even my husband, who hates pasta of any kind, loves it! It's a great recipe for non-spinach fans to try, too. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 404 calories, 22g fat (13g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 810mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 13g protein.
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Quickpea Curry

Total Time 50 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This colorful curry is a nice change of pace for a busy weeknight. I like to substitute fresh peas for frozen when they're in season. —Beth Fleming, Downers Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 390 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 561mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 13g fiber), 13g protein.
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Spinach-Stuffed Pizza

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I had my first stuffed pizza when I attended college near Chicago. I was amazed to see pizza well over an inch thick, with topping on the inside! When I served this version to my family, there are no leftovers. —Nancy Gilmour of Sumner, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 293 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 789mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein.
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Edamame and Soba Noodle Bowl

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: With hearty soba noodles and protein-packed edamame, this dish really satisfies. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 414 calories, 12g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 867mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein.
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Lentil Taco Cups

Total Time 40 min
Servings 1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: My trusty muffin tin never fails to help me make fun and easy hand-held snacks. These festive vegetarian cups are always a hit with my kids; they're so flavorful, nobody misses the meat. Serve two per serving as a main dish. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah
Nutrition Facts: 1 taco cup: 215 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 9g protein.
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Portobello Polenta Stacks

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My friends and I have recently started growing portobello mushrooms from kits we found at a farmers market. We love to try new recipes—like this one—with our harvest. —Breanne Heath, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 219 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 764mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
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Cheesy Summer Squash Flatbreads

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When you want a meatless meal with Mediterranean style, these flatbreads smothered with squash, hummus and mozzarella deliver the goods. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 topped flatbread: 332 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 737mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
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Pumpkin Lasagna

Total Time 1 hour 20 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I especially like this comforting fall dish because it's vegetarian. Even friends who aren't big fans of pumpkin are surprised by this delectable lasagna. Canned pumpkin and no-cook noodles make it a cinch to prepare. —Tamara Huron, New Market, Alabama
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 310 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 497mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat, 1 lean meat.
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General Tso’s Cauliflower

Total Time 45 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Cauliflower florets are deep-fried to a crispy golden brown, then coated in a sauce with just the right amount of kick. General Tso's cauliflower is a fun alternative to the classic chicken dish.—Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup with 1 cup rice: 584 calories, 17g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1628mg sodium, 97g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 5g fiber), 11g protein.
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Easy Chana Masala

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I love this quick and healthy Indian-inspired dish so much I always make sure to have the ingredients stocked in my pantry. It makes weeknight dinners feel a little more special. —Janeen Judah, Houston, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 0.750 cup garbanzo bean mixture with 3/4 cup rice: 359 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 10g protein.
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Veggie Nicoise Salad

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: More and more people in my workplace are becoming vegetarians. When we cook or eat together, the focus is on fresh produce. This salad combines some of our favorite ingredients in one dish—and with the hard-boiled eggs and kidney beans, it delivers enough protein to satisfy those who are skeptical of vegetarian fare. —Elizabeth Kelley, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 329 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 140mg cholesterol, 422mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2 vegetable, 2 medium-fat meat, 11/2 starch.
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Quinoa Patties

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This easy to make veggie burger packs an amazing taste, and the crunch from the addition of quinoa makes the texture to die for. This is an easy and delicious vegetarian burger option that you must try. Pan-frying adds a perfect crisp that takes it to the next level. The mixture can be made ahead of time, and it freezes very well. Enjoy! —Beth Klein, Arlington, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 2 patties: 235 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 273mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 lean meat.
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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.
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Veggie 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 with whatever vegetables you have from your garden: yellow summer squash, eggplant and corn—all taste great! —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.
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Garden Vegetable Gnocchi

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When we go meatless, we toss gnocchi (my husband's favorite) with veggies and a dab of pesto. I use zucchini in this, too. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 402 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 955mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 13g protein.
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Italian Herb-Lentil Patties with Mozzarella

Total Time 1 hour 10 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My family has requested this meatless recipe over and over again. It is simple to prepare and even meat lovers like it. —Geri Lucas, Oldsmar, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 patty: 416 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 517mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 9g fiber), 26g protein.
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Harvest Bow Ties

Total Time 40 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Spaghetti squash and bow ties make this meatless dish hearty and filling. Add a can of black beans if you'd like more protein, and switch up the tomatoes for variety. Try using Italian diced tomatoes or diced tomatoes with mild green chiles. —Anne Lynch, Beacon, New York
Nutrition Facts: 2 cups: 349 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 475mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 12g protein.
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Fiery Stuffed Poblanos

Total Time 1 hour 10 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I love Southwest-inspired cuisine, but the dishes are often unhealthy. As a dietitian, I try to come up with nutritious twists on recipes, which is how my stuffed peppers dish was born. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed pepper: 223 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 579mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
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Mushroom Bolognese

Total Time 45 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: A traditional Bolognese sauce is meat-based with everything from pork to pancetta. Skipping the meat, I loaded this pasta dish with baby portobellos and veggies. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups sauce with 1 cup pasta: 369 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 65g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 12g fiber), 17g protein.
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Hearty Chickpea Potpie

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This veggie potpie is so savory and satisfying! The spring veggies, easy prep and impressive presentation make it a perfect addition to Easter or other family dinners. —Deanna McDonald, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 496 calories, 25g fat (11g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 760mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein.
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Cauliflower & Tofu Curry

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Cauliflower, garbanzo beans and tofu are each subtle on their own, but together they make an awesome base for curry. We have this recipe weekly because one of us is always craving it. —Patrick McGilvray, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 338 calories, 21g fat (13g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 528mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 13g protein.

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Baked Ziti

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 6-8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I enjoy making this baked ziti recipe for family and friends. It's easy to prepare, and I like to get creative with the sauce. Sometimes, I might add my home-canned tomatoes, mushrooms or vegetables. —Elaine Anderson, New Galilee, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 630 calories, 30g fat (15g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 878mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 45g protein.

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Nutty Cheese Tortellini

Total Time 20 min
Servings 3 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I like to plant Italian flat-leaf parsley in a long terra-cotta planter so I always have some on hand. It adds bright, fresh flavor to this pasta dish. —Barbara Penatzer, Vestal, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 650 calories, 48g fat (25g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 677mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
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Mushroom and Sweet Potato Potpie

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: The last time I was in the U.S., I had an amazing mushroom and beer potpie at a small brewpub. It was so rich and comforting. I tried numerous versions when I got home and I think I've come pretty close! —Iben Ravn, Copenhagen, Denmark
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 211 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
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Tuscan Portobello Stew

Total Time 40 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Here’s a healthy one-skillet meal that’s quick and easy to prepare, yet elegant enough for company. I often take this stew to my school’s potlucks, where it is devoured by teachers and students alike. —Jane Siemon, Viroqua, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 309 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 672mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 13g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat, 1 lean meat.
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Tofu Chow Mein

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This is an easy recipe for a "tofu beginner," as it teaches people how to use it. If you have time, one way to prepare it is to cut the tofu block in half and wrap well in a terry kitchen towel. Let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour to absorb excess water. For a complete meal, serve with Chinese soup and egg rolls! — Autumn SinClaire, Gold Beach, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 417 calories, 17g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 588mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 8g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2-1/2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
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Eggplant Rollatini

Total Time 1 hour 30 min
Servings 5 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These authentic Italian eggplant roll-ups can take some time to prepare, but the end result is restaurant-quality. Your family will request this recipe time and again. —Nancy Sousley, Lafayette, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 3 roll-ups: 726 calories, 48g fat (15g saturated fat), 181mg cholesterol, 3182mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 7g fiber), 35g protein.
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Makeover Creamy Mac & Cheese

Total Time 55 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Macaroni and cheese just may be king of the comfort foods. This sensational version is bubbling with creamy goodness—but is lighter on calories. —April Taylor, Holcomb, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup (calculated without optional topping): 343 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 354mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
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Asparagus Tofu Stir-Fry

Total Time 35 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: With its flavorful ginger sauce and fresh vegetables, this tasty dish is a favorite. I get rave reviews every time I serve it, and it doesn’t bother my husband’s food allergies. —Phyllis Smith, Chimacum, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 278 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.