Trying to add more vegetarian recipes into your weekly meal plan? Choose from a list of 40 easy, healthy, delicious and filling Meatless Monday recipes that even the carnivores in your family will love.  

collage of food images with text overlay "40 meatless monday recipes you need to try".

When I was a kid, I used to wonder if there were really people who could eat without meat. Like vegetarians. I mean, meat tasted amazing to me back then. I just never imagined that meatless food could actually be delicious.

We all have different reasons for wanting to introduce more meatless meals into our weekly meal plan. Whether it's environmental, financial or just simply trying to get more vegetables in your diet, we can never have too many delicious and filling vegetarian recipes on hand.

WHERE DO VEGETARIANS GET PROTEIN FROM THESE MEATLESS MONDAY RECIPES?

Vegetarians get protein from a wide variety of plant-based foods that are naturally rich in nutrients. Beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, and chickpeas are some of the most common and complete sources. Nuts, seeds, and whole grains also contribute a steady amount of daily protein.

Many plant foods contain essential amino acids, and combining different sources helps meet complete protein needs. Foods like quinoa, soy products, and dairy (for lacto-vegetarians) already provide complete proteins. With a balanced diet, vegetarians can easily meet their protein requirements without relying on meat.

Here's 40 vegetarian recipes that are perfect for Meatless Monday and are so delicious even the carnivores in the family will be happy!

sweet potato, chickpea and spinach curry

This easy and healthy Sweet Potato, Chickpea and Spinach Curry is a 30 minute one pot wonder! This vegan and gluten-free dish uses yellow curry paste and coconut milk as a base to make a seriously delicious and creamy curry.

creamy vegetable pasta bake in a white baking dish.

This hearty and deliciously creamy vegetable pasta bake is the ultimate in vegetarian comfort food. An easy family dinner loaded with veggies, cheese and topped with a crispy parmesan breadcrumb topping.

vegetable stir fry with noodles in a white bowl with chopsticks.

If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner you can't go past this vegetable stir fry with noodles. Colourful vegetables are sautéed then mixed with a deliciously simple asian-inspired sauce. This healthy veggie stir fry can be made using ramen noodles or rice noodles, and will be on the table in under 20 minutes.

a white plate filled with rice paper rolls.

Vegetarian Rice Paper Rolls filled with spicy tofu, fresh veggies and vermicelli noodles are great for a light lunch or dinner. These summer rolls are a veggie twist on the beloved Vietnamese rice paper rolls. Suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.

fritters stacked on top of each other on a white plate with salsa and limes.

Zucchini and Corn Fritters are a quick and easy weeknight dinner option the whole family will enjoy. These vegetarian fritters are made from healthy, everyday ingredients and are perfect served with veggies or a side salad.

lentil bolognese on a white plate.

Deliciously rich and hearty vegetarian bolognese is the perfect meatless comfort food! Ready in under an hour and made with everyday, simple ingredients like lentils, mushrooms and tomatoes. This healthy bolognese sauce will be a hit with the whole family.

pumpkin, haloumi and avocado salad

Gone are the days of bland and boring salads! This pumpkin, haloumi and avocado salad makes for a perfect weeknight dinner – minimal effort, maximum taste.

sweet potato, lentil and chickpea curry in a white bowl topped with coriander and crushed peanuts

The hardest thing about this sweet potato, lentil and chickpea curry is chopping up the sweet potato! Bring it all together in one pot and you have yourself a filling meat free dish.

close up image of finished dish in a white bowl.

This Creamy Mushroom Tomato Pasta is total comfort food! Using simple ingredients, this vegetarian pasta will be on the table in around 40 minutes. A deliciously quick and easy weeknight dinner.

pea & feta fritters stacked on top of each other on a wooden serving board.

Pea and Feta Fritters are perfect for a quick, easy and healthy dinner the whole family will love. These vegetarian fritters are crispy on the outside and filled with salty and creamy feta cheese that brings so much flavour. Enjoy them with a side salad or some roast veggies.

Southwestern Sweet Potato Quinoa Burger

This southwestern sweet potato quinoa burger is sweet, smokey, and slathered with creamy queso blanco. Who knew a veggie burger could taste this good?!

vegetable barley soup topped with parmesan cheese and coriander

A warm and comforting vegetable barley soup that can be cooked in a pressure cooker, instant pot or stove top. Made with simple, everyday ingredients and ready in less than an hour whichever method you choose.

Spicy Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas

This quesadilla is not like your usual quesadillas! It’s a spicy black bean and corn quesadilla, stuffed with sautéed onions, peppers, jalapeños, corn, green chiles, and black beans.

Sweet Potato & Quinoa Salad with Sesame Dressing

Salads are only worth eating if they’re going to fill you up and make you feel amazing. This sweet potato and quinoa salad does exactly that. Drizzle with a good helping of creamy sesame dressing and you’ve got a perfect lunch or dinner.

Instant Pot Dal with Split Peas

This instant pot split pea dal comes together with minimal effort with the help of your electric pressure cooker. These delicious bowls of dal are topped with quick-pickled red onion and tangy yogurt for an unforgettable, vegetarian meal.

Grandma's Baked Eggplant Parmesan

This easy baked eggplant parmesan is a delicious vegetarian dinner that only requires 15 minutes of prep! This recipe simplifies the classic Italian dish for a quick-prep, kid-friendly weeknight meal!

Roasted Whole30 Greek Salad

This paleo, whole30, and vegan roasted greek salad is so vibrant and healthy with various yummy vegetables, and it’s the perfect dish to bring to a picnic or a potluck!

Moroccan Spiced Roasted Pumpkin Quinoa Salad

This moroccan spiced roasted pumpkin and quinoa salad is bursting with flavour! Throw sunflower and pomegranate seeds on top for crunch and drizzle avocado, cilantro and lime sauce over. YUM!

Pea & Sweet Corn Fritters stacked on top of each other on a wooden board.

You can make these delicious pea and sweet corn fritters with just a few pantry and freezer staples. Great for lunch boxes or easy dinners. These quick and easy fritters will be ready in 30 minutes.

Vegan Summer Rolls with Peanut Sauce

Tofu summer rolls with peanut sauce are perfect for a healthy and light summer dinner. Have fun putting them together and practising your rolling skills.

Quinoa Enchilada Bake

Think quinoa is bland and boring? Think again! This quinoa enchilada bake will show you just how delicious quinoa can be when prepared the right way (e.g. with two different cheeses!).

Simple Vegan Coconut Korma

This creamy coconut vegan korma made with butter beans is ready in less than 30 minutes and is best served over rice and a side of naan.

Korean BBQ Chickpea Bento Bowls

This Korean BBQ chickpea bento bowls recipe is from the Nourishing Superfood Bowl cookbook by Lindsay Cotter. It’s is perfect for lunch or dinner and is rich in protein, fiber, and plant-based iron!

Falafel Salad Bowl

If you’re still not convinced you can make friends with salad look no further than this falafel salad bowl. Featuring falafels, feta cheese, olives, tomatoes, tabbouleh, peppers and TWO types of dipping sauce, you’ll love every last bite.

Vegetarian Instant Pot Lentil and Mushroom Stroganoff

If you’re looking for a delicious, cosy, and easy dinner, this instant pot lentil stroganoff with mushrooms fits the bill. It’s hearty, filling, and a fun vegetarian take on the traditional beef stroganoff.

Pineapple Fried Rice

This pineapple fried rice is bursting with tons of flavour, tender vegetables and sweet pineapple chunks. It is super simple to make in just 15 mins, so is the perfect weeknight meal.

Red Lentil Dhal With Roasted Cauliflower and Butternut Squash

Red lentil dhal with roasted cauliflower & butternut squash – an easy, healthy, delicious vegan meal that is good all year round!

Creamy Lemon Ziti with Roasted Asparagus

This creamy lemon pasta is a delicious pasta dish with a garlicky lemon dairy free white bean sauce served alongside roasted asparagus. It comes together easily – perfect for a weeknight dinner.

15 Minute Lentil Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Have some baked sweet potatoes on hand and not sure what to do with them? Try these 15 minute lentil sloppy joe stuffed sweet potatoes – fast and full of flavour.

Vegan Banh Mi

This vegan banh mi uses peanut crusted tofu, which adds a deliciously nutty crunch without overpowering the other flavours.

Portobello Vegan Fajitas

Get your weeknight sizzling in just 30 minutes with these portobello vegan fajitas. They are spicy, smoky, subtly sweet and robust!

Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

These cheesy quinoa stuffed peppers take stuffed peppers to a whole new level! They’re a healthy, protein-packed vegetarian meal!

Vegetarian Mushroom Stroganoff

Vegetarian mushroom stroganoff is a meatless dinner, but despite the lack of meat, it’s packed with flavour! A blend of cremini and portobello mushrooms give this easy recipe an earthy, deep flavour.

Loaded Black Bean Tofu Tacos with "Meatless" Walnut Crumble

These vegan loaded black bean tofu tacos with “meatless” walnut crumble are protein-packed, made with whole ingredients, and perfect for dinner parties, potlucks, or an easy weeknight meal!

Lemon Falafel Burgers with Greek Yogurt Tahini Spread

Craving falafels? These lemony falafel burgers have the same taste and texture as a falafel, but are less labour-intensive. A great vegetarian option that’s full of fibre and protein!

Crispy Teriyaki Tofu Rice Bowl

If you are looking for a great healthy dish for a tasty weeknight meal, look no further than this crispy tofu rice bowl topped with bok choy and edamame then drizzled with a thick teriyaki glaze!

Vietnamese Vegan Pho Noodle Soup (Pho Chay)

Vegan pho noodle soup (pho chay) can be hearty with deep savoury flavours. While this vegan pho is quicker to make than traditional beef pho, it is just as comforting and delicious.

BBQ Jackfruit Sliders

BBQ jackfruit sliders are a vegan slider recipe made with jackfruit and your favourite BBQ sauce. Perfect to feed a crowd – either at a BBQ or around the dinner table!

One Pot Easy Palak Paneer Rice

Turn authentic palak paneer curry into a complete meal with this delicious one pot easy palak paneer rice recipe. You will love the twist on traditional palak paneer.

pizza cut into quarters on a wooden board.

Vegetarian Mexican Pizza is a deliciously quick and easy dinner made from simple everyday ingredients. Make your own pizza crust or use store-bought, and load it up with corn, smashed black beans and red bell peppers.

Vegetarian meals can be just as flavourful and hearty as their meaty counterparts. I hope you found a few (or 30) new recipe ideas that the whole family will love. The only question is - what will you try first?

MORE MEATLESS MEAL IDEAS

If you’ve tried any of these Meatless Monday Recipes I’d love to hear how you enjoyed them!  Pop a comment below!

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