15+ Vegetarian Dinner Recipes Without Rice and Beans

15+ Vegetarian Dinner Recipes Without Rice and Beans

Looking for inspiration for a meat-free dinner? We are here for you. Deviating from the typical rice and beans formula, these vegetarian recipes include dynamic and nutritious ingredients like chickpeas, hearty vegetables, fresh herbs, and savory cheese. Try our quick and easy 20-minute Chickpea Soup for a comforting meal that provides 11 grams of fiber, or try our 5-star Roasted Potato Tzatziki Bowls. Whatever the case, we know you’ll want to add these filling meals to your weekly menu.

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20 minute chickpea soup

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Huff, Props Stylist: Abby Armstrong.


If you’re in a hurry, grab this creamy chickpea soup that can be prepared in just 20 minutes. Cream cheese melts right into this savory soup, creating a velvety texture that feels cozy and comforting. Garnished with cilantro and crispy tortilla strips, it’s a one-pot meal that’s also popular and well received during the week.

Pesto pasta with peas and tomatoes

Ali Redmond


This Pesto Pasta with Peas and Tomatoes is a bright, flavorful dish that comes together quickly. Pasta is cooked alongside frozen peas and then tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes and basil pesto for a fresh, herby finish. You can serve it warm or chilled, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or picnics. A sprinkle of parmesan and a squeeze of lemon provide the perfect finishing touch.

Chickpea grain bowl with feta and tomatoes

Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth, Props Stylist: Breanna Ghazali.


This Chickpea Farro Grain Bowl is a hearty dish packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and tons of fresh flavor. Farro, a whole grain with a nutty flavor and chewy texture, forms the base and pairs perfectly with tender chickpeas and vegetables. If you don’t have farro on hand, you can easily substitute it with quinoa, brown rice, or barley.

High-fiber vegetable stew

Food: Sammy Mila, Photos: Jason Donnelly, Props: Breanna Ghazali.


This vegetable stew is a cozy meal for two that highlights the best of late summer and early fall. Cooked with warm spices and a hearty broth, the vegetables become tender and absorb the flavors of the broth. It’s delicious served with warm naan on the side for dipping.

Creamy lemon pesto spaghetti and spinach

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Props Stylist: Josh Hoggle.


This creamy lemon pesto pasta dish is a bright, comforting dinner that comes together quickly. The sauce combines pesto, a splash of cream, and fresh lemon juice for a rich but zesty flavor. Tender spinach is cooked with the pasta, wilting slightly and adding a pop of color.

Protein-rich caprese chickpea salad

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Props Stylist: Josh Hoggle


This Caprese Chickpea Salad is a fresh, protein- and fiber-rich, plant-based twist on the classic Italian favorite. It combines creamy mozzarella pearls, juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant fresh basil with hearty chickpeas to create a satisfying dish. A simple balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with a tangy-sweet finish. It’s quick to prepare, colorful and full of summer flavors.

Roasted Eggplant Parmesan

Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Props Stylist: Hannah Grennwood.


This eggplant parmesan is a comforting version of the classic Italian dish that’s easy to make. Eggplant slices are coated with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and parmesan. This method eliminates the deep-frying step, making the dish lighter without sacrificing flavor. It is perfect as a vegetarian main dish and goes well with pasta, crusty bread or a crisp green salad.

5-ingredient avocado and chickpea salad

Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Props Stylist: Gabriel Greco.


This avocado and chickpea salad is a fresh, flavorful dish that takes just minutes to prepare. Made with just five ingredients, it’s as simple as it is filling. Creamy avocado pairs perfectly with hearty chickpeas for a filling, plant-based meal. With no cooking and minimal preparation required, it’s a perfect quick lunch or dinner.

Marry me quiche

Photographer: Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle


This savory dish, inspired by the popular Marry Me Chicken, features the same delicious ingredients in the form of a crustless quiche! Sun-dried tomatoes add a deep, tangy sweetness that melds beautifully with creamy goat cheese and spinach. Whether for brunch, lunch or a cozy dinner with a salad on the side – Marry Me Quiche is guaranteed to win over hearts with its soothing, strong taste.

Baked pasta and spring vegetables

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Props Stylist: Lydia Purcell


This Spring Vegetable Pasta Bake is a comforting dish that celebrates the fresh flavors of the season. Whole-wheat pasta provides a fiber boost, while green peas, tender asparagus and baby spinach add color and flavor. A creamy blend of mozzarella, ricotta and parmesan melts into every bite. This spring pasta bake is healthy, flavorful, and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or spring gathering.

Baked feta and vegetable soup

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Props Stylist: Lydia Purcell


This Baked Feta Vegetable Soup is a creamy, flavorful dish that highlights spring’s best seasonal produce. Presented here are fresh peas that have a sweet and vibrant taste. Look for them in bags on the produce aisle for quick prep. The baked feta, roasted until soft, melts into the soup and forms a strong, spicy contrast to the fresh vegetables. Served with crusty bread, this soup is the perfect way to enjoy the bright, fresh flavors of spring.

Roasted vegetables with halloumi and chickpeas

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Props Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer


This sheet pan halloumi, chickpeas and veggie recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner and is easy to clean up. Chickpeas and halloumi provide proteins that make this dish filling and filling. Roasting everything on the same sheet pan creates crispy, caramelized morsels that meld beautifully with the creamy yogurt spread underneath.

Spinach broccoli mushroom quiche

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Props Stylist: Claire Spollen


This spinach, broccoli and mushroom quiche is a protein-packed dish that goes well with any meal of the day. You can enjoy it as a hearty breakfast, a light lunch with a side salad, or even a filling dinner with roasted vegetables. It’s the best way to combine veggies and protein in one easy dish!

Roasted Cabbage Steak Spanakopita Melts

Photographer Victor Protasio, food stylist Chelsea Zimmer, props stylist Christina Daley


Our Roasted Potato Tzatziki Bowls are the perfect plant-based dinner with bright, fresh, and creamy flavors in every bite. Crispy, golden-roasted potatoes are the centerpiece, accompanied by a spicy, herby tzatziki sauce as the base. Packed with fresh vegetables like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and red onions with a side of chickpeas for extra fiber and plant-based protein, these bowls deliver great taste and nutritional value.

Cauliflower alla vodka

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Props Stylist: Clarie Spollen


This cauliflower alla vodka is the plant-based meal you need right now! Cauliflower absorbs the creamy vodka sauce wonderfully and is therefore a filling alternative to pasta. For an easy shortcut, you can substitute jarred vodka sauce for the homemade sauce. It saves time without sacrificing the signature velvety texture and bold, spicy flavor. If you go this route, be aware that it could add additional sodium to the dish.

Spinach artichoke gnocchi pan with feta

Photographer Victor Protasio, food stylist Chelsea Zimmer, props stylist Christina Daley


This spinach artichoke gnocchi skillet recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner. It’s quick, easy and doesn’t compromise on taste. Spinach and artichokes take center stage while the gnocchi soak up the flavors of the creamy sauce. Best of all, it’s made in just one pan, saving you time on prep and cleanup. It’s a comforting meal that appeals to all people and is perfect for busy evenings when you want something satisfying without the fuss. Serve it plain or pair it with a simple green salad for an extra helping of veggies.