Whether you’re fully vegetarian, cooking more plant-based meals, or simply looking to reduce meat intake, quick vegetarian dinners can make weeknights easier and healthier. Many people ask: What can I cook for dinner in 30 minutes that’s vegetarian? or What are the best easy vegetarian meals for beginners? The answer is surprisingly simple—there are endless options that don’t compromise on flavour.

Why Choose Quick Vegetarian Dinners?

Eating vegetarian isn’t just about skipping meat. It’s about embracing colourful vegetables, hearty grains, and plant-based proteins that can be transformed into satisfying meals in less than half an hour. Quick vegetarian meals are:

  • Time-saving – many can be ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Nutritious – packed with fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
  • Family-friendly – easy to adapt for picky eaters or different tastes.

1. Hearty Soups and Stews

Soups such as lentil soup, minestrone, or vegetable stew can be made quickly while still being filling and comforting. Add crusty bread on the side, and you’ve got a complete dinner.

Spicy Vegan Tomato Soup Recipe by Ferenc Szklenar
A comforting dinner choice on these cold and windy evening with Netflix 😌
CookpadFerenc Szklenar
Vegan Spanish Style Potato, Butternut Squash & Butterbean Stew Recipe by Michael Wilkes Jr
I used to spend alot of time in Barcelona eating alot of food which inspired me to make my take on Spanish stew so cheap and hearty can feed the whole family for less than £1 each
CookpadMichael Wilkes Jr

2. Vegetarian Burgers

Black bean burgers or chickpea patties are perfect when you crave something hearty. Serve with a fresh salad or oven-baked chips for a balanced meal.

Haloumi Burger Recipe by Santy Coy
Haloumi is the highlight of the finest meatless burger in the world. Haloumi is the firm, salty cheese resembling Greek feta. Its uniqueness lies in its ability to maintain its shape when fried, allowing for a lovely golden crust without any filling leaking out. This burger features a vegetarian pat…
CookpadSanty Coy
Sweet Potato And Black Bean Burgers Recipe by Kate Carless
I love experimenting with veggie burgers. It’s a great way to pack in the veg and offer something a little different on the veggie front, especially during a meat filled bbq. Sweet potato and black beans are a great pairing - I often use them in veggie chilli which is why I thought to try these burg…
CookpadKate Carless

3. Pasta Perfection

Vegetarian pasta dishes are always a go-to. Think pasta primavera with seasonal vegetables, spinach and ricotta ravioli, or tomato and basil spaghetti. Quick to cook, endlessly adaptable.

Nonna’s Ravioli Ricotta E Spinaci 🍝🥬 Recipe by Francesco
Raviolis are the best dish to cook up with friends and family. You can experiment with different fillings and sauces too! This one is a classic ricotta and spinach filling with a butter and herb sauce.
CookpadFrancesco
Delicious Spaghetti With Spicy Tomato Sauce (Vegan) Recipe by Nino
Not sure whether this classifies as napolitana or arrabiata, but it’s delicious! The tomato sauce is enriched with slightly sweet and citrusy notes from the orange peel and rind, while the whole recipe has a kick because of the green chillies. Enjoy! 🙂 #spaghetti #pasta #Italian #vegetarian #vegan …
CookpadNino

4. Curries in a Hurry

Vegetable curries, chickpea masala, or coconut-based Thai curries can be made in 30 minutes. Pair with rice or flatbread for a satisfying, flavourful dinner.

🌱 Vegan Pulled Aubergine & Chickpea Coconut Curry 🍛 Recipe by carriecooksbest
🌱A beautiful, fragrant & vegan friendly curry, that’s perfect for families. It’s versatile too, so you can up the chilli if you want something with a little more kick 🌶 🔥
Cookpadcarriecooksbest

5. Grain Bowls

Mix quinoa, couscous, or rice with roasted vegetables, avocado, beans, and a drizzle of tahini or yoghurt dressing. Grain bowls are colourful, nutrient-packed, and ready fast.

Vegan Seaweed Quinoa Bowl Recipe by Rachel
#newyearnewyou #veganuary This was created by mistake, I was actually making quinoa sushi but I didn’t make it sticky enough! It was so delicious I thought I would share it. The Japanese flavours were delicious and really complemented the quinoa - so fresh and healthy 😋🌱
CookpadRachel
Vegan Vegetable Rice Bowl Recipe by Hiroko Liston
I have shared my recipe ‘Monk’s Vegan Soup’ that is called ‘Kenchin-jiru’ in Japan. ‘Kenchin-jiru’ is 100% plant-based soup. It is full of flavours as a variety of ingredients are added. This is a ‘Kenchin-jiru’ inspired rice bowl dish. Please use many different Vegetables and Asian Mushrooms, and ’…
CookpadHiroko Liston

6. Stir-Fries and Noodle Dishes

Asian-inspired vegetarian dinners like tofu stir-fry, vegetable chow mein, or sesame noodles cook quickly and use up whatever veg you have on hand.

Tofu And Cauliflower Chilli Basil Stir Fry Recipe by Kate Carless
Thai basil chicken is one of my favourite dishes when we go out for Thai food. We don’t eat a lot of meat mid-week so I decided to try and recreate my favourite using tofu and roasted cauliflower. I’m not sure that the sauce is overly authentic ... I had to make do with the ingredients I had in the …
CookpadKate Carless
Vegetable Chow Mein Recipe by Sarvat Hanif
This easy 30-minute Vegetable Chow Mein is better than takeout. It is brimming with loads of veggies and coated in irresistible delicious sauce. Chow Mein is a popular Chinese dish in Pakistan that consists of stir-fried noodles with vegetables and protein of choice, usually chicken. It’s a quick on…
CookpadSarvat Hanif

7. Quick Wraps and Flatbreads

Fill wraps or pita bread with falafel, grilled veggies, hummus, or halloumi for a speedy handheld dinner. Great for packed lunches the next day too.

Simple Protein Burrito (Vegan) Recipe by Nino
This is the burrito I make for before and after training, and sometimes I add cottage cheese to it as well, which is what vegetarians could do. Red salsa also goes well with it, but I usually prefer to eat it like a sandwich. The three ingredients are: - Protein source, like seitan (best flavour, mo…
CookpadNino
Eggplant With Haloumi, Beetroot, Tzatziki And Yogurt Flatbreads Recipe by Santy Coy
This salad draws inspiration from the richness of creamy yogurt-covered eggplant found in Turkish cuisine, complemented by a naturally colorful beetroot-infused tzatziki that adds a delightful surprise. Pair it with salty, chewy Haloumi and those life-changing flatbreads. These flatbreads are easy t…
CookpadSanty Coy

Frequently Asked Questions about Quick Vegetarian Dinners

What can I cook as a vegetarian when I have no time?

Stir-fries, grain bowls, or wraps are ideal—they’re fast, filling, and flexible.

Can vegetarian dinners be high in protein?

Absolutely. Use beans, lentils, chickpeas, tofu, tempeh, eggs, or cheese to add protein to your meat-free meals.

Are quick vegetarian dinners healthy?

Yes—most are naturally rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals. You can make them even healthier by focusing on whole grains and fresh produce.

Quick vegetarian dinners are proof that eating meat-free can be both effortless and delicious. Whether you choose soups, pasta, or wraps, these meal ideas show that vegetarian cooking doesn’t need hours in the kitchen. Next time you’re stuck on what to cook tonight, try one of these quick vegetarian dinner ideas for a meal that’s healthy, fast, and full of flavour.

Loved one of these ideas? Try cooking it tonight and share your Cooksnap on Cookpad. 📸  

Or, if you have your own favourite vegetarian dinner, upload your recipe and inspire others!

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