Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • News
  • Videos
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Nuts Every Day

      What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Nuts Every Day

      Here's what the research says about this nutritious and versatile type of food. Read More
    • African Heritage Diet as Medicine: How Black Food Can Heal the Community

      African Heritage Diet as Medicine: How Black Food Can Heal the Community

      We’ve been conditioned to think that traditional Black food is not nutritious, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. History and food are a source of empowerment to change the narrative regarding nutrition and health across the African diaspora. Read More
    • 20 Healthy 5-Ingredient Dinners in 30 Minutes or Less

      20 Healthy 5-Ingredient Dinners in 30 Minutes or Less

      All you need is 5 ingredients—aside from pantry staples like salt, pepper and oil—to make one of these delicious meals. Plus, they only take 30 minutes or less to prepare, so dinner tonight is bound to be a breeze. Recipes like our Creamy Chicken & Mushrooms and Teriyaki-Glazed Cod with Cauliflower Rice are healthy, tasty and easy choices for any night. Read More
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See All Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See All Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See All Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See All Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See All Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See All Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Heritage Cooking
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Healthy Recipes
  3. Healthy Lifestyle Diets
  4. Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
  5. Low-Calorie Vegetarian Recipes
  6. Our 25 Best Vegetarian Dinners for Weight Loss

Our 25 Best Vegetarian Dinners for Weight Loss

Leah Goggins headshot
Leah Goggins
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Red Lentil Soup with Saffron
Credit: Jacob Fox

Let these four- and five-star rated dinners guide your dinner plans for tonight. Each of these meatless meals is low in calories and high in fiber, a combination that can help you lose weight and stay satisfied. Recipes like our Red Lentil Soup with Saffron and Veggie & Hummus Sandwich are so delicious, you'll want to make them on repeat.

Start Slideshow

1 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chickpea Pasta with Mushrooms & Kale

Chickpea Pasta with Mushrooms & Kale
Credit: Greg DuPree
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Loading up your pasta with vegetables like the kale and mushrooms here is not only delicious, it also makes the meal more satisfying.

1 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Butternut Squash & Black Bean Enchiladas

Butternut Squash & Black Bean Enchiladas
Credit: Greg DuPree
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A crisp, citrusy slaw contrasts nicely with the enchiladas' creamy squash filling.

2 of 25

3 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Red Lentil Soup with Saffron

Red Lentil Soup with Saffron
Credit: Jacob Fox
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This hearty red lentil soup uses spices common in Persian cuisine: turmeric, cumin and saffron. Enjoy it with a warm baguette or steamed rice.

3 of 25

Advertisement

4 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Winter Vegetable Mulligatawny Soup

Winter Vegetable Mulligatawny Soup
Credit: Jacob Fox
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Our meatless version of the Indian-inspired British colonial soup includes parsnip and squash to keep it hearty and satisfying.

4 of 25

5 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Veggie & Hummus Sandwich

Veggie & Hummus Sandwich
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This mile-high vegetable and hummus sandwich makes the perfect heart-healthy vegetarian lunch to go. Mix it up with different flavors of hummus and different types of vegetables depending on your mood.

5 of 25

6 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Butternut Squash Soup with Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

butternut squash soup with apple grilled cheese sandwiches
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Layering apple slices into grilled cheese sandwiches adds a little crunch to a favorite soup dipper. And creamy butternut squash soup with ginger, cumin and turmeric is a nice change of pace from grilled cheese's usual tomato soup partner. Serve the duo for a comforting and easy weeknight dinner for the family. The soup keeps well in the fridge, so save leftovers for lunch or dinner later in the week.

6 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Roasted Cauliflower & Potato Curry Soup

Roasted Cauliflower & Potato Curry Soup
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this healthy cauliflower soup recipe, roasting the cauliflower first adds depth and prevents the florets from turning to mush. A little tomato sauce and coconut milk give the broth a rich, silky texture. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt, if desired.

7 of 25

8 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Red Lentil & Cauliflower Curry

Cauliflower & Red Lentil Curry
Credit: Jason Donnelly
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This cauliflower curry recipe also features red lentils, which turn yellow when cooked. Curry powder, onions, cumin and other seasonings give this vegetarian dinner tons of flavor. Serve over rice to complete the meal.

8 of 25

9 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Roasted Vegetable & Black Bean Tacos

4499626.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These hearty vegan tacos are quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights. They are so tasty no one will miss the meat or dairy.

9 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Easy Vegetarian Chili

4293499.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Canned beans and tomatoes make this quick vegetarian chili recipe ready to go in just 30 minutes. Serve over rice or couscous, or with tortilla chips for added crunch, and add extra toppings as you see fit--sliced scallions, chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado and sliced jalapeños are all tasty choices.

10 of 25

11 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Green Goddess Salad with Chickpeas

4538536.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this cucumber, tomato, Swiss cheese and chickpea salad recipe, a healthy green goddess dressing is made from avocado, buttermilk and herbs. The extra dressing is delicious served with grilled vegetables.

11 of 25

12 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Kale & White Bean Potpie with Chive Biscuits

3759131.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this vegetarian white bean potpie recipe, kale and hearty white beans are topped with easy, homemade chive biscuits. If desired, add a little shredded Gruyère or Cheddar cheese to the biscuit dough.

12 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cuban Cauliflower Rice Bowl

Cuban Cauliflower Rice Bowl
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this riff on a healthy grain bowl recipe we use cauliflower rice instead of another whole grain like brown rice to cut back on carbs and load up on veggie servings. A simple citrusy mojo sauce drizzled on top gives this easy lunch or dinner a Cuban flair.

13 of 25

14 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lemony Lentil Soup with Collards

6211979.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You don't need broth for this lentil soup recipe--it's rich thanks to the browned bits in the bottom of the pan that meld into the soup, packing it with flavor. Ground coriander, from the seed of the cilantro plant, has a floral, citrusy flavor that dovetails nicely with the lemon.

14 of 25

15 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Falafel Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

falafel salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Deep-fried falafel can be a total grease bomb. But these pan-seared falafel still get crispy in just a few tablespoons of oil with equally satisfying results. Be sure to use dried, instead of canned, chickpeas in this healthy recipe--canned chickpeas add too much moisture.

15 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lemony Linguine with Spring Vegetables

5147361.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Instead of cooking pasta in a huge pot of water, here we use just 3 1/2 cups for this one-pot pasta recipe. When the pasta is al dente, most of the water has evaporated and the bit that's left is thickened with the starch that cooks off the pasta. With just a few add-ins like lemon and Parmesan cheese you have a delicious silky sauce. Want to use up your veggie stash in the freezer? Swap in 8 ounces frozen spinach for fresh.

16 of 25

17 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Curried Chickpea Stew

6349104.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Who says a meatless meal isn't filling? Packed with fiber-rich vegetables and chickpeas, this fragrant stew satisfies.

17 of 25

18 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Vegetarian Slow-Cooker Pozole

6433979.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This healthy vegetarian take on the Mexican stew pozole gets tons of flavor from poblano peppers, ancho chile powder and dried herbs and spices, while cannellini beans provide substance, protein and fiber. Chewy hominy--corn that has been treated with lime to remove the tough hull and germ--is integral to the stew. Look for it in cans in the Latin section of your supermarket. Serve the stew with shredded cabbage, radishes, fresh cilantro and sour cream.

18 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili

3845454.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Make a double batch of this quick vegetarian chili, full of black beans and sweet potatoes, and eat it for lunch the next day or freeze the extras for another night. We love the smoky heat from the ground chipotle, but omit it if you prefer a mild chili. Serve with tortilla chips or cornbread and coleslaw.

19 of 25

20 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mozzarella, Basil & Zucchini Frittata

4112357.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This vegetable-studded frittata recipe is one of the quickest meals you can make. Make it for breakfast, or serve for lunch or dinner with a tossed salad and a slice of olive oil-drizzled crusty baguette.

20 of 25

21 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Summer Vegetable Gnocchi Salad

a plate with vegetables and a fork
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This riff on pasta salad is best served warm while the gnocchi are nice and tender. Plus, the grilled veggies taste extra-good fresh off the fire in this easy gnocchi recipe.

21 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grilled Eggplant & Tomato Pasta

6728438.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The combination of slightly smoky grilled eggplant and sweet tomatoes is delightful. The eggplant-tomato mixture served over whole-wheat pasta with fresh basil and a bit of salty cheese makes an easy, healthy weeknight dinner.

22 of 25

23 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Afghan Vegetable & Chickpea Soup (Tarkari)

7544625.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Try topping this simple but satisfying vegetable soup with a spoonful of Red Chutney (see Associated Recipes). Recipe adapted from New Arrivals Supper Club chef Naseema Kashefi.

23 of 25

24 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Vegan Shepherd's Pie

vegan shepherd's pie
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Lentils take the place of ground meat and vegan butter adds creaminess to the mashed potatoes in this easy vegan shepherd's pie recipe. If you want to cut down on the cooking time, use precooked lentils and omit most of the vegetable broth, adding some in only if the mixture seems dry.

24 of 25

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 25

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Vegetarian Gumbo

7459007.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This flavorful vegan dinner is a veggie version of the Louisiana classic. It's chock-full of butternut squash, tomatoes, poblano peppers and okra, to name just a few. This vegetarian gumbo is a quick dinner packed with flavor and spice that's done in only 30 minutes. To make it a meal, serve it with cornbread drizzled with olive oil.

25 of 25

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Leah Goggins

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 25 Chickpea Pasta with Mushrooms & Kale
    2 of 25 Butternut Squash & Black Bean Enchiladas
    3 of 25 Red Lentil Soup with Saffron
    4 of 25 Winter Vegetable Mulligatawny Soup
    5 of 25 Veggie & Hummus Sandwich
    6 of 25 Butternut Squash Soup with Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
    7 of 25 Roasted Cauliflower & Potato Curry Soup
    8 of 25 Red Lentil & Cauliflower Curry
    9 of 25 Roasted Vegetable & Black Bean Tacos
    10 of 25 Easy Vegetarian Chili
    11 of 25 Green Goddess Salad with Chickpeas
    12 of 25 Kale & White Bean Potpie with Chive Biscuits
    13 of 25 Cuban Cauliflower Rice Bowl
    14 of 25 Lemony Lentil Soup with Collards
    15 of 25 Falafel Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing
    16 of 25 Lemony Linguine with Spring Vegetables
    17 of 25 Curried Chickpea Stew
    18 of 25 Vegetarian Slow-Cooker Pozole
    19 of 25 Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili
    20 of 25 Mozzarella, Basil & Zucchini Frittata
    21 of 25 Summer Vegetable Gnocchi Salad
    22 of 25 Grilled Eggplant & Tomato Pasta
    23 of 25 Afghan Vegetable & Chickpea Soup (Tarkari)
    24 of 25 Vegan Shepherd's Pie
    25 of 25 Vegetarian Gumbo

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    EatingWell

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Recipe Index
    • Jobs
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    Sign Up
    Meredith© 2023 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All Right Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright EatingWell. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.eatingwell.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Our 25 Best Vegetarian Dinners for Weight Loss
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.