25 meatless dinner ideas the whole family will enjoy
Perfect if you're observing Lent and avoiding meat on Fridays
Grilled Squash Garlic Bread
Grilled zucchini and summer squash, a smear of ricotta and a squeeze of lemon atop crunchy ciabatta– can you think of anything you'd rather sink your teeth into?
PHOTO: CON POULOS
Sweet Potato Kale Frittata
This egg dish makes use of filling, nutrient-dense veggies like sweet potatoes and kale. Frittatas work well for any meal of the day, so save whatever you don't eat and have the leftovers for breakfast the next day!
PHOTO: ROMULO YANES
Spiced Tomato Soup with Flatbread
Cozy up on a cold evening with a warm bowl of this tomato soup, made with jalapeños and grated ginger. Dunk pita flatbread smothered in herbed butter and coconut oil for maximum satisfaction.
PHOTO: CON POULOS
Caponata Flatbread
Who can say no to pizza? This flatbread makes use of veggies like eggplants, tomatoes and red peppers mixed with capers, all atop a generous layer of ricotta cheese.
PHOTO: DANIELLE OCCHIOGROSSO DALY
Roasted Cauliflower Salad
Meaty bites of cauliflower are complimented by the bittersweet pops of dried cranberry in this hearty arugula salad.
PHOTO: CHRIS COURT
Scrambled Egg Tacos
Breakfast for dinner, anyone? These corn tacos are filled with velvety scrambled eggs, black beans and sautéed spinach. Even the biggest carnivore at the table will find themselves reaching for seconds ... and thirds!
PHOTO: CON POULOS
Spaghetti with Grilled Green Beans and Mushrooms
If you can't resist a heaping plate of pasta, take solace in the fact that you're not alone! Use whole wheat spaghetti for this dish, which is filled with fresh veggies and topped with a sprinkle of grated parmesan.
PHOTO: RYAN DAUSCH
Cheesy Shells and Greens
Nothing hits the spot better than a warm bowl of mac and cheese. Mix spinach into this creamy dish for a helping of always-needed nutrients to create a balance between indulgent and healthy.
PHOTO: HECTOR SANCHEZ
Potsticker Stir-Fry
This speedy recipe utilizes frozen veggie potstickers from your local supermarket. Sauté snap peas and carrots with chili, garlic and ginger after heating the potstickers in a pan. Mix together with a honey-soy sauce blend and enjoy.
PHOTO: CHRIS COURT
Squash Toasts
Behold the perfect winter side dish! The creamy texture of the mashed squash and soft ricotta are balanced by the hard crunch of the toasted slices of crispy baguettes in this recipe.
PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER TESTANI
Corn and Zucchini Fritters
These fritters are delicious and so easy to make: Just grate the zucchini and combine with corn, assorted spices and a beaten egg to make little veggie patties ready for frying.
PHOTO: CHRIS COURT
Pineapple and Black Bean Fajitas
When you're craving Mexican cuisine, these fajitas will be sure to hit the spot. The bright flavors of the cilantro and pineapple combined with the sweetness of the sautéed red peppers will surely have you reaching for seconds.
PHOTO: CON POULOS
Butternut Squash Stew
This slow-cooker meal fits perfectly into your busy life. Just add the Moroccan-inspired ingredients and let your crockpot work its magic for a few hours while reveling in the heady aroma.
PHOTO: RAYMOND HOM
Beans and Greens with Lemon-Parmesan Polenta
Balance this creamy polenta dish, topped with escarole and white beans, with lemon zest and fresh thyme for extra brightness.
PHOTO: MIKE GARTEN
Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Shells
Give pasta night an upgrade with these cheesy stuffed shells. The secret to making these Italian bombshells? Using the slow-cooker to get them to the height of gooey goodness.
PHOTO: CON POULOS
Vegetarian Fried Rice
Put down that takeout menu! This veggie fried rice is quick and so easy to make — just cook your veggies of choice in a skillet with sesame oil and mix with long-grain rice.
PHOTO: MIKE GARTEN
Kale and Chickpea Soup
Do you believe us when we say you can have this soup on the table in only 25 minutes? This chickpea soup, made with Tuscan kale and tomato puree, gets little bursts of flavor from its secret ingredient: crushed fennel seeds.
PHOTO: DANIELLE OCCHIOGROSSO DALY
Watercress Salad with Honey-Lime Vinaigrette
This light, flavorful salad is packed with all kinds of greens — and powerful flavor! If spice isn't your thing, feel free to nix the jalapeños.
PHOTO: MIKE GARTEN
Kale Pesto Pasta
This kale pesto sauce is so yummy, you might want to make extra to jar and keep in your fridge for quick access in the future. Pulse kale, basil, olive oil and toasted almonds together in a food processor to create this bright, nutty sauce.
PHOTO: MIKE GARTEN
Pear and Walnut Salad
The secret to creating a depth of flavor in this crunchy salad is adding a sprinkle of apple pie spice to your walnuts before tossing together with the rest of the ingredients and lemony dressing.
PHOTO: MIKE GARTEN
Roasted Vegetable Bowl
Talk about a powerhouse meal! This roasted veggie bowl is filled with nutrient-dense superfoods and is guaranteed to hit the spot and keep you full for hours.
PHOTO: CON POULOS
Spiced Carrot Fritters
These little guys are perfect when you're craving a potato pancake but want something less dense. Add a bit of red chile to your fritter mix for an extra kick before frying until they're golden brown.
PHOTO: CHRIS COURT
Mediterranean Zucchini Boats with Kefir-Mint Topping
Take a bite of these zucchini boats and let the fresh flavors transport you to the Mediterranean shore.
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER
Soba with Miso-Glazed Eggplant
Craving Japanese tonight? Throw together this easy-to-make soba noodle dish and try using Japanese eggplants, which are slightly sweeter than regular ones.
PHOTO: CON POULOS
Spinach and Cheese Pita Pizzas with Tomato Salad
Use thick-cut, toasted pita as the dough for these delicious pizzas. Serve with a tomato salad tossed with oil, garlic and red pepper flakes to create the perfect, light meal.
PHOTO: DANIELLE OCCHIOGROSSO DALY
Grilled Squash Garlic Bread
Grilled zucchini and summer squash, a smear of ricotta and a squeeze of lemon atop crunchy ciabatta– can you think of anything you'd rather sink your teeth into?
PHOTO: CON POULOS
Sweet Potato Kale Frittata
This egg dish makes use of filling, nutrient-dense veggies like sweet potatoes and kale. Frittatas work well for any meal of the day, so save whatever you don't eat and have the leftovers for breakfast the next day!
PHOTO: ROMULO YANES
Spiced Tomato Soup with Flatbread
Cozy up on a cold evening with a warm bowl of this tomato soup, made with jalapeños and grated ginger. Dunk pita flatbread smothered in herbed butter and coconut oil for maximum satisfaction.
PHOTO: CON POULOS
Caponata Flatbread
Who can say no to pizza? This flatbread makes use of veggies like eggplants, tomatoes and red peppers mixed with capers, all atop a generous layer of ricotta cheese.
PHOTO: DANIELLE OCCHIOGROSSO DALY
Roasted Cauliflower Salad
Meaty bites of cauliflower are complimented by the bittersweet pops of dried cranberry in this hearty arugula salad.
PHOTO: CHRIS COURT
Scrambled Egg Tacos
Breakfast for dinner, anyone? These corn tacos are filled with velvety scrambled eggs, black beans and sautéed spinach. Even the biggest carnivore at the table will find themselves reaching for seconds ... and thirds!
PHOTO: CON POULOS
Spaghetti with Grilled Green Beans and Mushrooms
If you can't resist a heaping plate of pasta, take solace in the fact that you're not alone! Use whole wheat spaghetti for this dish, which is filled with fresh veggies and topped with a sprinkle of grated parmesan.
PHOTO: RYAN DAUSCH
Cheesy Shells and Greens
Nothing hits the spot better than a warm bowl of mac and cheese. Mix spinach into this creamy dish for a helping of always-needed nutrients to create a balance between indulgent and healthy.
PHOTO: HECTOR SANCHEZ
Potsticker Stir-Fry
This speedy recipe utilizes frozen veggie potstickers from your local supermarket. Sauté snap peas and carrots with chili, garlic and ginger after heating the potstickers in a pan. Mix together with a honey-soy sauce blend and enjoy.
PHOTO: CHRIS COURT
Squash Toasts
Behold the perfect winter side dish! The creamy texture of the mashed squash and soft ricotta are balanced by the hard crunch of the toasted slices of crispy baguettes in this recipe.
PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER TESTANI
Corn and Zucchini Fritters
These fritters are delicious and so easy to make: Just grate the zucchini and combine with corn, assorted spices and a beaten egg to make little veggie patties ready for frying.
PHOTO: CHRIS COURT
Pineapple and Black Bean Fajitas
When you're craving Mexican cuisine, these fajitas will be sure to hit the spot. The bright flavors of the cilantro and pineapple combined with the sweetness of the sautéed red peppers will surely have you reaching for seconds.
PHOTO: CON POULOS
Butternut Squash Stew
This slow-cooker meal fits perfectly into your busy life. Just add the Moroccan-inspired ingredients and let your crockpot work its magic for a few hours while reveling in the heady aroma.
PHOTO: RAYMOND HOM
Beans and Greens with Lemon-Parmesan Polenta
Balance this creamy polenta dish, topped with escarole and white beans, with lemon zest and fresh thyme for extra brightness.
PHOTO: MIKE GARTEN
Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Shells
Give pasta night an upgrade with these cheesy stuffed shells. The secret to making these Italian bombshells? Using the slow-cooker to get them to the height of gooey goodness.
PHOTO: CON POULOS
Vegetarian Fried Rice
Put down that takeout menu! This veggie fried rice is quick and so easy to make — just cook your veggies of choice in a skillet with sesame oil and mix with long-grain rice.
PHOTO: MIKE GARTEN
Kale and Chickpea Soup
Do you believe us when we say you can have this soup on the table in only 25 minutes? This chickpea soup, made with Tuscan kale and tomato puree, gets little bursts of flavor from its secret ingredient: crushed fennel seeds.
PHOTO: DANIELLE OCCHIOGROSSO DALY
Watercress Salad with Honey-Lime Vinaigrette
This light, flavorful salad is packed with all kinds of greens — and powerful flavor! If spice isn't your thing, feel free to nix the jalapeños.
PHOTO: MIKE GARTEN
Kale Pesto Pasta
This kale pesto sauce is so yummy, you might want to make extra to jar and keep in your fridge for quick access in the future. Pulse kale, basil, olive oil and toasted almonds together in a food processor to create this bright, nutty sauce.
PHOTO: MIKE GARTEN
Pear and Walnut Salad
The secret to creating a depth of flavor in this crunchy salad is adding a sprinkle of apple pie spice to your walnuts before tossing together with the rest of the ingredients and lemony dressing.
PHOTO: MIKE GARTEN
Roasted Vegetable Bowl
Talk about a powerhouse meal! This roasted veggie bowl is filled with nutrient-dense superfoods and is guaranteed to hit the spot and keep you full for hours.
PHOTO: CON POULOS
Spiced Carrot Fritters
These little guys are perfect when you're craving a potato pancake but want something less dense. Add a bit of red chile to your fritter mix for an extra kick before frying until they're golden brown.
PHOTO: CHRIS COURT
Mediterranean Zucchini Boats with Kefir-Mint Topping
Take a bite of these zucchini boats and let the fresh flavors transport you to the Mediterranean shore.
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER
Soba with Miso-Glazed Eggplant
Craving Japanese tonight? Throw together this easy-to-make soba noodle dish and try using Japanese eggplants, which are slightly sweeter than regular ones.
PHOTO: CON POULOS
Spinach and Cheese Pita Pizzas with Tomato Salad
Use thick-cut, toasted pita as the dough for these delicious pizzas. Serve with a tomato salad tossed with oil, garlic and red pepper flakes to create the perfect, light meal.
PHOTO: DANIELLE OCCHIOGROSSO DALY
Grilled Squash Garlic Bread
Grilled zucchini and summer squash, a smear of ricotta and a squeeze of lemon atop crunchy ciabatta– can you think of anything you'd rather sink your teeth into?
PHOTO: CON POULOS
Sweet Potato Kale Frittata
This egg dish makes use of filling, nutrient-dense veggies like sweet potatoes and kale. Frittatas work well for any meal of the day, so save whatever you don't eat and have the leftovers for breakfast the next day!
PHOTO: ROMULO YANES
Spiced Tomato Soup with Flatbread
Cozy up on a cold evening with a warm bowl of this tomato soup, made with jalapeños and grated ginger. Dunk pita flatbread smothered in herbed butter and coconut oil for maximum satisfaction.
PHOTO: CON POULOS
Caponata Flatbread
Who can say no to pizza? This flatbread makes use of veggies like eggplants, tomatoes and red peppers mixed with capers, all atop a generous layer of ricotta cheese.
PHOTO: DANIELLE OCCHIOGROSSO DALY
Roasted Cauliflower Salad
Meaty bites of cauliflower are complimented by the bittersweet pops of dried cranberry in this hearty arugula salad.
PHOTO: CHRIS COURT
Scrambled Egg Tacos
Breakfast for dinner, anyone? These corn tacos are filled with velvety scrambled eggs, black beans and sautéed spinach. Even the biggest carnivore at the table will find themselves reaching for seconds ... and thirds!
PHOTO: CON POULOS
Spaghetti with Grilled Green Beans and Mushrooms
If you can't resist a heaping plate of pasta, take solace in the fact that you're not alone! Use whole wheat spaghetti for this dish, which is filled with fresh veggies and topped with a sprinkle of grated parmesan.
PHOTO: RYAN DAUSCH
Cheesy Shells and Greens
Nothing hits the spot better than a warm bowl of mac and cheese. Mix spinach into this creamy dish for a helping of always-needed nutrients to create a balance between indulgent and healthy.
PHOTO: HECTOR SANCHEZ
Potsticker Stir-Fry
This speedy recipe utilizes frozen veggie potstickers from your local supermarket. Sauté snap peas and carrots with chili, garlic and ginger after heating the potstickers in a pan. Mix together with a honey-soy sauce blend and enjoy.
PHOTO: CHRIS COURT
Squash Toasts
Behold the perfect winter side dish! The creamy texture of the mashed squash and soft ricotta are balanced by the hard crunch of the toasted slices of crispy baguettes in this recipe.
PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER TESTANI
Corn and Zucchini Fritters
These fritters are delicious and so easy to make: Just grate the zucchini and combine with corn, assorted spices and a beaten egg to make little veggie patties ready for frying.
PHOTO: CHRIS COURT
Pineapple and Black Bean Fajitas
When you're craving Mexican cuisine, these fajitas will be sure to hit the spot. The bright flavors of the cilantro and pineapple combined with the sweetness of the sautéed red peppers will surely have you reaching for seconds.
PHOTO: CON POULOS
Butternut Squash Stew
This slow-cooker meal fits perfectly into your busy life. Just add the Moroccan-inspired ingredients and let your crockpot work its magic for a few hours while reveling in the heady aroma.
PHOTO: RAYMOND HOM
Beans and Greens with Lemon-Parmesan Polenta
Balance this creamy polenta dish, topped with escarole and white beans, with lemon zest and fresh thyme for extra brightness.
PHOTO: MIKE GARTEN
Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Shells
Give pasta night an upgrade with these cheesy stuffed shells. The secret to making these Italian bombshells? Using the slow-cooker to get them to the height of gooey goodness.
PHOTO: CON POULOS
Vegetarian Fried Rice
Put down that takeout menu! This veggie fried rice is quick and so easy to make — just cook your veggies of choice in a skillet with sesame oil and mix with long-grain rice.
PHOTO: MIKE GARTEN
Kale and Chickpea Soup
Do you believe us when we say you can have this soup on the table in only 25 minutes? This chickpea soup, made with Tuscan kale and tomato puree, gets little bursts of flavor from its secret ingredient: crushed fennel seeds.
PHOTO: DANIELLE OCCHIOGROSSO DALY
Watercress Salad with Honey-Lime Vinaigrette
This light, flavorful salad is packed with all kinds of greens — and powerful flavor! If spice isn't your thing, feel free to nix the jalapeños.
PHOTO: MIKE GARTEN
Kale Pesto Pasta
This kale pesto sauce is so yummy, you might want to make extra to jar and keep in your fridge for quick access in the future. Pulse kale, basil, olive oil and toasted almonds together in a food processor to create this bright, nutty sauce.
PHOTO: MIKE GARTEN
Pear and Walnut Salad
The secret to creating a depth of flavor in this crunchy salad is adding a sprinkle of apple pie spice to your walnuts before tossing together with the rest of the ingredients and lemony dressing.
PHOTO: MIKE GARTEN
Roasted Vegetable Bowl
Talk about a powerhouse meal! This roasted veggie bowl is filled with nutrient-dense superfoods and is guaranteed to hit the spot and keep you full for hours.
PHOTO: CON POULOS
Spiced Carrot Fritters
These little guys are perfect when you're craving a potato pancake but want something less dense. Add a bit of red chile to your fritter mix for an extra kick before frying until they're golden brown.
PHOTO: CHRIS COURT
Mediterranean Zucchini Boats with Kefir-Mint Topping
Take a bite of these zucchini boats and let the fresh flavors transport you to the Mediterranean shore.
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER
Soba with Miso-Glazed Eggplant
Craving Japanese tonight? Throw together this easy-to-make soba noodle dish and try using Japanese eggplants, which are slightly sweeter than regular ones.
PHOTO: CON POULOS
Spinach and Cheese Pita Pizzas with Tomato Salad
Use thick-cut, toasted pita as the dough for these delicious pizzas. Serve with a tomato salad tossed with oil, garlic and red pepper flakes to create the perfect, light meal.
PHOTO: DANIELLE OCCHIOGROSSO DALY
Perfect if you're observing Lent and avoiding meat on Fridays
Make the star of your dinner tonight! From Mexican-inspired black bean and pepper fajitas to Mediterranean zucchini boats, these meals may be missing meat, but they never skimp on flavor. With heaping portions and lots of fresh herbs and spices, these meatless dinner ideas will have even the in your family reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
And if you're skipping meat on Fridays for Lent this year, these ideas will make it super easy to plot out your Lent meal planning. Take a break from all that delivery pizza and try out something a little more nutritious and filling.