30 Easy Meatless Dinner Ideas Everyone Will Love

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Meatless Monday dinner ideas and recipes that can be made any day of the week!

keto vegetarian ravioli which is one of the best meatless meals and dinner ideas for mondays or any day

Do you participate in Meatless Monday?! Try our favorite meatless dinner ideas!

Adding more plant-based meals to your diet can be great for your health, and better for your budget, too – even if you’re only cutting out meat on one day a week! Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to expand your palette, these Meatless Monday recipes are the way to go!

If you’re looking to incorporate more meatless meals into your family’s rotation, check out these recipe favorites from Hip2Save and Hip2Keto. They are all really simple to make and truly delicious meatless options!

What is Meatless Monday? It’s the practice of trying to eat vegetarian once a week on Mondays. This global movement helps people get more nutritious veggies and create healthy habits. It also reduces harm to the planet and to animals. If you’re interested in trying it out, check out our yummy recipes below!


1. Try this Hearty & Comforting Minestrone Soup for a filling meal.

pot with minestrone soup

When it comes to meatless dinner ideas, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of this hearty soup. It’s a delicious, warm combination of veggies and pasta that anyone would enjoy!


2. These Restaurant-Style Black Bean Burgers are super easy to make.

black bean burger with condiments

If you love black beans, you have to try this delicious black bean burger! It’s one of THE BEST meatless meals. Add all your favorite toppings for some extra flavors.

If you’re currently on a keto diet, check out our low-carb veggie burger recipe.


3. Try the crazy popular TikTok Viral Creamy Feta Pasta.

stirring melted feta bow tie pasta

If you’re a fan of cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, pasta, and insanely simple recipes, you’re in for the ultimate cheesy & easy pasta dish!


4. Try the best Greek Chickpea Salad you’ll ever eat! 

easy greek salad in bowls

Chickpeas are arguably the best addition to anything and if you agree then you must try this Greek chickpea salad for a yummy fresh meal.


5. This Slow Cooker Veggie Lasagna Recipe is one of the best meatless dinner ideas.

spatula in a slow cooker lasagna

This easy, delicious family favorite has tons of flavor, simple ingredients, and it’s packed with fresh hearty veggies. The noodles cook perfectly in the slow cooker, and the leftovers taste just as good on day two! This is one of the meatless meals your family will want to try again and again!


6. This Keto Cauliflower No-Potato Salad is perfect for picnics and potlucks.

cauliflower no-potato salad is one of our favorite meatless monday dinner ideas

Cauliflower is the perfect potato swap in this low-carb version of a classic summertime recipe. It has a versatile, mild flavor that blends beautifully with the salad’s other ingredients!


7. Dip your Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich into this Tomato Basil Soup.

tomato basil soup in a white bowl

This comforting homemade creamy tomato basil soup is so easy to make and so much more delicious than the premade canned version. Grilled cheese has met its perfect match! As far as Meatless Monday recipes go, this one can be enjoyed time and time again!

Hip Tip: Short on time? Skip the stove and try our sheet pan grilled cheese recipe instead.


8. This Dill Pickle Pasta Salad offers tons of flavor.

dill pickle pasta is one of our favorite meatless meals

Whether you’re looking for a dish to bring to an upcoming gathering or just craving something full of flavor, this bright dill pickle pasta salad will become your new favorite way to prepare pasta salad going forward.


9. Level up your English muffin pizzas with this fresh and flavorful Caprese version.

mini caprese pizzas

These Caprese English muffin pizzas use all the ingredients of the popular salad ingredients but turn them into mini pizzas! If you eat low carb, try this easy Keto Caprese Salad with Bonus Blackberry Balsamic Drizzle instead.


10. Your family will love this one-pot Creamy Cheese Ravioli Soup that’s one of the easiest meatless meals to make!

dishing up easy creamy ravioli soup recipe

This warm, comforting soup has wonderful flavors from the creamy broth, nutritious veggies, and lots of yummy mini cheese ravioli. Best of all, it’s EASY to throw together any night of the week!


11. This Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a delicious Panera Copycat Recipe.

broccoli cheddar soup in a bread bowl

This copycat version of Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is so creamy and delicious – just like Panera’s! Pair it with a salad and some crusty bread, and you’ve got the perfect DIY comfort food dinner! You can also try the keto version of this yummy recipe.


12. Try this Ketodilla for a low-carb alternative to quesadillas.

keto quesadilla on plate with avacado, sour cream, and salsa

Looking for crave-worthy meatless meals? Serve this yummy ketodilla with our favorite keto guacamole for a tasty lunch, or experiment by stuffing it with different mix-ins for a filling, nutrient-dense dinner!


13. Make these Homemade Refried Beans in your Instant Pot or slow cooker.

slow cooker refried beans in a bowl

It’s so easy and inexpensive to make restaurant-style refried beans at home as a delicious snack, side dish, or meatless meal component. You’ll never go back to the canned version!


14. Keto Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a healthier alternative on wing night.

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites on a plate with ranch and sliced limes

If you’re craving something with a little heat, try these Buffalo cauliflower bites. They’re so easy and quick to make, and they’re a perfect alternative to the deep-fried decadence of traditional chicken wings.


15. Cheesy Keto Twice-Baked Spaghetti Squash is the BEST way to eat this versatile veggie.

Twice Backed Squash which is one of our favorite meatless meals

This dish includes two types of cheese, garlic, butter, and fresh herbs. It’s seriously the BEST way I’ve ever served spaghetti squash, and I think you’ll love it, too!


16. These Low Carb Sesame Noodles are made from a spiralized radish!

Meatless Monday dinner ideas include low-carb-sesame noodles in a square dish

These “doodles” are noodles made from a long, white radish known as a daikon radish. It has a mild flavor and it expels less moisture than zucchini noodles when cooked, leaving your doodles with the perfect al dente texture for this dish!


17. One of our favorite meatless dinner ideas is this  7 Layer Tortilla Pie made with inexpensive pantry staples.

mexican pie

This comforting dish is made with common pantry ingredients that come together for a delicious Mexican-inspired dinner the whole family will love! When it comes to Meatless Monday recipes, this one is definitely unique.


 18. Customize this Veggie Fried Rice to include your family’s favorite vegetables.

veggie fried rice in square white bowl

Making homemade fried rice at home is an easy and delicious way to use up odds and ends from your fridge. This version is also a delicious way to get your kids to eat their veggies! Eating keto? Try our cauliflower fried rice instead!


19. Craving Chipotle? Try this homemade version of their Cilantro-Lime Black Bean Bowl.

homemade Chipotle burrito bowl with avacado and lime on the side

This is such a beautiful meatless meal that’s both filling and delicious. The cilantro lime rice tastes just like Chipotle’s, and your burrito bowl can be customized with all your family’s favorite ingredients and toppings!


20. These Black Bean Empanadas make an easy hand-held meal.

bean empanada makes the list of best Meatless Monday recipes

An empanada is a wonderful stuffed pastry that is often deep-fried. This delicious baked version uses store-bought pie crust, making them a great option for when you’re short on time. Pair these empanadas with this easy Spanish rice and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing meatless meal in no time!

Eating low carb? Try these Keto Vegetarian Empanadas!


21. This Vegetarian Pasta Fagioli is a meatless version of Olive Garden’s classic recipe.

pasta fagioli is one of the tastiest meatless monday recipes

This hearty recipe is one of the best meatless meals to feed a crowd on a budget, and it can be made ahead of time and kept warm in a slow cooker. The combo of sautéed veggies, broth, pasta, beans, and diced tomatoes makes for a filling and delicious vegetarian meal!

Hip Tip: For extra protein and fiber, substitute your elbow macaroni for a pasta made with chickpeas or lentils. You might not be able to taste the difference, but your body will!


22. One of our favorite Meatless Monday recipes is vegetarian keto ravioli.

a bowl of Keto Vegetarian ravioli which is one of the tastiest meatless monday dinner ideas

Want an exciting vegetarian dish that’s low carb? When it comes to meatless meals, our keto vegetarian ravioli has to be one of the tastiest! It’s stuffed with mushrooms, shallots, artichoke hearts, and garlic that delivers you a memorable flavor experience!


23. This Zesty Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad will make you fall in love with quinoa.

This flavorful zesty cilantro lime salad will turn anyone into a quinoa fan! Make a big batch since it’s so easy to do, and it tastes even better on the second day!


24. Make Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers for a delicious meatless meal.

red peppers stuffed with quinoa and vegetables Meatless Monday meals

When it comes to Meatless Monday recipes, you have to try these mouthwatering stuffed bell peppers for a dish that is both meatless and gluten-free! They’re easy to make, feature fresh veggies, and offer tons of flavor.


25. This easy Vegetable Fritatta can be served any time.

Meatless Monday dinner ideas include easy frittata

If you’re looking for quick and healthy Meatless Monday dinner ideas, this yummy frittata incorporates lots of veggies and protein. It can also be made for breakfast or lunch. Customized with the veggies and add-ins of your choice, this frittata makes a great low-carb Meatless Monday meal!


26. Kick off your day with an Açai Bowl.

bowl with blended acai bowls and toppings
Start your day right with a healthy breakfast. This Açai Berry Bowl is incredibly easy to whip up and tasty too. Not only is it filling, but it contains fiber, calcium, essential vitamins, and antioxidants. This superfood breakfast is simply superb!

Hip Tip: For a protein boost, sprinkle hemp hearts on top of your Açai bowl. They have 10g of protein per serving and are high in magnesium. They are also high in fat (the healthy kind) so just be careful not to add too much.


27. Keep it simple with this Gnocchi & Butternut Squash Sheet Pan Dinner.

sheet pan with gnocchi and veggies

Serve up a side of comfort with this delicious Gnocchi and Butternut Squash Sheet Pan Dinner. It’s one of the Hip2Save team’s favorite Meatless Monday recipes. This hearty pasta dish that’s a cinch to make. You don’t even need to cook gnocchi first!


28. This low carb quiche recipe can be enjoyed any time of the day.

a slice of keto vegetarian quiche which can be made into many meatless meals

Sink your teeth into our meatless quiche. This keto recipe can be enjoyed any time of the day – breakfast, lunch, or dinner! It uses three different types of cheeses for a flavor explosion!


29. Create various meatless Monday recipes by adding veggie toppings to our cauliflower pizza crust.

a keto cauliflower crust that can be used to make different meatless monday dinner ideas

This keto cauliflower pizza crust is so easy to make! You just need 5 simple ingredients. Switch up your veggie toppings each time you make it for a different Meatless Monday recipe each time! Something tells us your kids will love it too!


30. Serve up a side of nostalgia with a savory tomato pie.

tomato pie is one of the best meatless monday recipes

This old-fashioned tomato pie recipe is perfect for those hot summer nights. This tasty dish combines the flavors of tomato, basil, onion, and cheesy mayo. Use some tomatoes from your garden or buy them fresh from the store or farmer’s market. You’ll have a unique dish is just about an hour.

Hip Tip: Need a Meatless Monday side dish or appetizer? Try our crispy Potato Latkes, Spicy Mexican Street Corn Dip, Green Bean Casserole, or Baked Brie Appetizer recipes. They won’t disappoint!


Save on dinner this week with 5 weeknight dinner ideas under $50 total!


About the writer:

Lina has a Bachelor's Degree from Northern Arizona University with 11 years of blogging and photography experience having work featured in Today.com, Martha Stewart, Country Living, Fox News, Buzzfeed, and HGTV.


Join The Discussion

Comments 19

  1. shey59

    Every day is meatless for us. ❤️🌱

    • Linds

      Us too! Thanks for the post Hip2Save! 🙂

      • Collin (Mrs. Hip)

        You’re so welcome, Linds!

  2. A

    Thanks for the post, another vegetarian here!

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Yay! I’m glad you enjoyed it 🥰

  3. Susan

    We are vegetarian also. I just pinned a couple things. Thanks:)

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Oh good thanks Susan!

  4. patricialavenz-goff

    We have never gone meatless. Not sure if one of my brothers would like it but when he doesn’t like what I cook he just opens a can of tuna and eats it with crackers so he could do that I guess. There are two recipes that I can tweak that they will both eat. Thank you.

    • Amy

      you would be surprised at what they will eat when you don’t tell them it’s meatless! Plus there are so many great veggie bases proteins now!

      • Patricia Lavenz Goff

        One of my brothers only eats turkey, chicken or occasionally beef. I always half the meat in all recipes or use leftovers to add to casseroles. My other brother is upset if there isn’t meat so he eats the meal and opens a can of tuna. they are to old to change I think though my other brother loves the impossible burger at Burger King. I have even made them at home for him when I had coupons for it.
        Neither of my brothers will eat beans and there is more that they won’t eat than what they will. No tomatoes, no peppers, no peas, no corn, etc.

    • maggie

      Try making black bean tacos with HALF of ONE impossible burger in the pan of beans, onions, peppers, finely chopped mushrooms, taco spices, etc. It’s just enough for “meaty” flavor and most of the people assume there’s hamburger mixed in.

  5. tiffany

    Had the “potato” salad today for lunch, so good! Little ones liked it, too!

    • Stacy F (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Yay! Thanks for letting us know you loved it!

  6. mrswagley

    Thank you! My 8yr old has recently decided to try being a vegetarian so I’m always looking for meal ideas that she will like.

    • melly

      Thank you for being so supportive of your child’s diet preferences!! I always wanted to be vegetarian as a child but had to wait til I turned 18 and moved out!

  7. Alyson

    Did my meatless Monday tonight. I chop up and sauté canned jackfruit and then toss with my favorite bbq sauce. Make a yummy vinegar slaw and have southern bbq sandwiches! Great leftover for lunch tomorrow too.

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Oh nice! Thanks for sharing Alyson – sounds yum!

  8. Patricia Lavenz

    There is one or two my clan will eat. Thanks. Going to try them. My brothers won’t or can’t eat tomatoes so that lets off a lot of recipes.

  9. Pat Goff

    Thank you. There are two recipes I can try. Unforchanantly my brothers can’t eat tomatoes so most of them I can’t cook. Thank you for sharing. Can’t wait to see how they like the pasta salad. Have to figure out what to serve with it.

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