Food & Drink

30 Family-Friendly Vegetarian Meals to Add Into Your Rotation

written by THE EVERYMOM EDITORS
vegetarian meals"
vegetarian meals
Source: Pinch of Yum
Source: Pinch of Yum

One of our editors’ 5-year-old son said it all when he asked for more vegetarian meals last year: “I love animals and don’t want them to get hurt… but they also taste so good.” So while swapping to a totally vegetarian or vegan diet might be way out of the question (especially when dino chicken nuggets are the only thing on the menu right now), we know that the meat industry is a little shady and definitely not helping our climate crisis.

We could all stand to eat more plant-forward, both for our bodies and the planet. Here are some of our favorite plant-based meals to spark your creativity for all of the #MeatlessMondays (and any day of the week, really) you have ahead of you. The Earth will thank you for it, even if it’s just one meal a week—hey, she gets it; she’s a mother, too. Read on for 30 vegetarian meals to add into your family meal rotation.

Soup Recipes

1. Plant-Based Cauliflower Soup

This creamy and delicious soup is perfect to prep on Sunday, throw in some Tupperware, and have a hearty dinner ready to eat all week long. 

vegetarian recipes
Source: Food By Maria

2. 4-Ingredient Potato Soup

Who doesn’t love a dinner that’s literally less than five ingredients? This potato soup is beyond easy to throw together, and once again, can be tossed in the fridge and enjoyed all week long. 

vegetarian recipes
Source: Hello Spoonful

Pizza, Pasta & Noodle Recipes

3. Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Using a cauliflower crust for pizza is one of the best ways to sneak in a hearty serving of vegetables for your little ones, and they’ll never even be able to tell! Finish it off with vegan cheese and any other toppings of your choice. 

vegetarian recipes
Source: Detoxinista

4. Bruschetta Pizza Baguette

For a pizza on the heartier side, little hands are going to love tearing into this extra gooey mozzarella pizza baguette. While this recipe calls for vegan cheese, you can always swap in the real deal too.

vegetarian recipes
Source: Liv B. x Greg’s Vegan Gourmet

5. Sheet Pan Gnocchi

This is such a clever way to bring a delightfully crispy dimension to gnocchi, and it’s a breezy recipe that will let you generously tackle the rest of your Sunday plans. Feel free to swap in whatever fresh veggies your little ones are willing to eat!

vegetarian recipes
Source: Love and Lemons

6. Avocado Pasta

Have big Sunday happenings with the fam, but still want to serve up a fabulous home-cooked meal? This creamy dreamy pasta alternative to pesto will be ready in under 30 minutes and leave everyone full and satisfied.  

vegetarian recipes
Source: Damn Delicious

7. Homemade Cauliflower Gnocchi

If you’re a fan of the cult favorite Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi, give this super simple recipe a go with a delicious homemade vodka sauce (also vegan, of course). 

vegetarian recipes
Source: Pinch of Yum

8. Easy Tofu Pad Thai

Pad Thai is one of those fantastic, protein-packed meals that’s got just the right amount of flavor you can feel, without being overly spicy or exotic.

vegetarian recipes
Source: Minimalist Baker

9. Vegan Pasta Puttanesca

Great as a side dish or just on its own, this classic pasta recipe will easily become a new dinner favorite due to its simple ingredients and super tasty end result. 

vegetarian recipes
Source: Sweet Potato Soul

10. Vegetable Lo Mein

Chop up some vegetables, cook your noodles, and whip up a quick sauce for this yummy lo mein that is great on it’s own or with fried rice and a vegan chicken or beef. 

vegetarian recipes
Source: Full of Plants

11. Spicy Vegan Mac & Cheese

C’mon, what kid doesn’t love mac & cheese? This plant-based recipe is just as delicious as your typical Kraft moment, just without the dairy overflow and added preservatives. 

vegetarian recipes
Source: Well and Full

12. Vegan Butternut Squash Carbonara with Coconut Bacon and Crispy Sage

If you want to cook up something a little more fancy for dinner this week, look no further than this amazing vegan carbonara that’s so savory and creamy you would never even know it’s plant-based. 

vegetarian recipes
Source: Top With Cinnamon

Casserole-Style Recipes

13. Eggplant Parmesan 

Even if you’re not Italian, Sunday’s the perfect day to bring the bit of extra TLC to the kitchen for a mouthwatering Italian-inspired meal whose leftovers will keep on giving as you start your week.

vegetarian recipes
Source: Kristine’s Kitchen

14. Bean and Aubergine Casserole

If you’re in the mood for something warm and filling, try out this casserole that also is super easy to make in a large batch and eat as leftovers throughout the week. 

vegetarian recipes
Source: Lauren Caris Cooks

Burger and Sandwich Recipes

15. Vegan Chicken Pesto Panini

This vegan crispy chicken pesto panini will turn into the lunch or dinner of your kids’ dreams. Plus, they take less than 20 minutes to make, so they’re ideal for a busy day where you don’t have a ton of time to be in the kitchen. 

vegetarian recipes
Source: Liv B. x Greg’s Vegan Gourmet

16. Chickpea Veggie Burgers with Creamy Avocado Pesto

Even if you have a family full of fans of biting into a juicy actual burger, these creative burgers take on such a yummy persona in their own right that it would be like comparing apples to oranges. Plus you can freeze any leftover patties for a future easy meal solution.

vegetarian recipes
Source: Ambitious Kitchen

17. Vegan Sloppy Joes

There’s nothing quite as nostalgic and comforting as eating a sloppy joe, and this vegan version surely won’t disappoint. 

vegetarian recipes
Source: The Glowing Fridge

18. Spicy Tofu Burgers

These tofu burgers are seriously giving beef burgers a huge run for their money. With a ton of rich spices balanced out by crisp veggies and a toasty brioche bun, your family may never turn back to meat again. 

vegetarian recipes
Source: Pinch of Yum

Vegetable-Centered Recipes

19. Savory Zucchini Waffles

Waffles for dinner? Absolutely! Especially when you pair these golden ones with nourishing add-ons like a creamy homemade hummus or Greek yogurt tzatziki sauce.

vegetarian recipes
Source: Skinnytaste

20. Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Buffalo cauliflower wings make for the best fan-favorite appetizer, simple side dish, or even just a quick snack. It’s another way to get your kiddos to easily meet their daily veggie servings!

vegetarian recipes
Source: Fit Foodie Finds

21. Loaded Sweet Potatoes with Tabbouleh

Sweet potatoes are incredibly quick and easy to cook, then just finish it off with any and all of the delicious toppings of your choice as well as a refreshing tabbouleh salad to balance out the rich flavors. 

vegetarian recipes
Source: Lauren Caris Cooks

Bowl Recipes

22. Vegan Thai Red Curry with Tofu

Curry is one of the best meals to prep in a large quantity and have ready to scoop into bowls over rice for a few nights’ worth of family dinners. This amazing tofu and veggie recipe is a perfect option for the job. 

vegetarian recipes
Source: Jessica in the Kitchen

23. Vegan Burrito Bowl

Chipotle who? You’ll never look back after trying these plant-based burrito bowls that are backed with tons of protein and even more flavor. 

vegetarian recipes
Source: Sweet Potato Soul

24. Plant Power Balance Bowls

It’s super easy to throw together a power bowl with any extra veggies and protein you have lying around—they’re completely customizable and provide a balanced and filling meal. 

vegetarian recipes
Source: Cotter Crunch

25. Lebanese Mujadara

With only three main ingredients—lentils, rice, and onions—you’ll be amazed at the unique, tasty, and wonderfully healthy creation they bring to your bowl. Hint: part of the secret is in the caramelized onions!

vegetarian recipes
Source: Feel Good Foodie

26. Green Goddess Fig Bowls

Over the past couple of years, green goddess has seriously become the dressing of all dressings, so go for this homemade one on top of a sweet and savory bowl to see what all the hype is really about. 

vegetarian recipes
Source: Cotter Crunch

27. Superfood Bibimbap with Crispy Tofu

Stocking up on ingredients for these bowls on Sundays will leave you with appetizing and super healthy lunches and dinners for the whole week ahead. 

vegetarian meals
Source: Half Baked Harvest

Tortilla-Based Recipes

28. Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas

When you pair together sweet potatoes and black beans, something magical seems to happen. And when they’re tucked into a scrumptious Sunday enchilada full of flavorful fun, all the better!

vegetarian recipes
Source: Ambitious Kitchen

29. BBQ Bean Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

This is a perfect recipe to serve at a spring or summer if you’ll be serving any vegan or vegetarian guests! The smokiness of the beans and sweetness of the pineapple will be an absolute hit. 

vegetarian recipes
Source: Sonja & Alex Overhiser | A Couple Cooks

30. Spanish Tortilla

Okay, technically it doesn’t have tortilla in it… but this classic ‘tortilla’ from Spain is definitely a winner if your family enjoys eggs. Layered with potato, egg, and onion and skillet-fried to perfection, it goes well with all kinds of sauces, including the paprika-poppin’ pimenton aioli included with this recipe.

vegetarian recipes
Source: Skinnytaste
Can My Child Be a Vegetarian? A Dietitian’s Take
Click for More!