At the end of a long day, the last thing I’m thinking about is a multi-step meal with what feels like an endless amount of ingredients. Taking the easy way out by making a freezer meal can leave everyone at your table feeling less than satisfied. But luckily, there are healthier (and still simpler) dining options. If you’re one with a meat-free diet and a jam-packed schedule, these easy vegetarian meals have you covered.
Whether you’re embracing the veggies of the season or enjoying a plant-based diet year-round, these easy vegetarian meals don’t get much better than that. They’re balanced and flavorful while still using an array of healthy and nutritious ingredients. If you’re hungry (and short on time), we’ve got everything you need right here.
5 Strategies for Easy Vegetarian Meals
Cooking is an act of self-love. It’s the ultimate form of everyday nourishment, other than a restful night’s sleep. That said, some of the most popular cookbooks lack easy vegetarian meals. Speaking from personal experience, being able to throw together a nutritious and accommodating meal in a pinch is anything but easy. From how you grocery shop—to your food preparation and meal choices—there are strategic ways to whip up easy vegetarian meals in a pinch. Plus, these tips will lessen your leftover load and save you money. Win, win.
1. Stock Smart
Keep ingredients on hand that have a long shelf life. This will ensure that there’s always an abundance of ingredients that can be thrown together in a pinch. Shelf-stable options include pasta, rice, beans, lentils, olive oil, maple syrup, nut butter, balsamic vinegar, and non-dairy milks. Most canned goods (soups, diced green chiles, artichoke hearts, hearts of palm, etc.) also fall into this category.
As far as refrigerated items go, think eggs, jarred minced garlic, olives, dijon mustard, lemons, limes, apples, etc. For on-the-counter produce, squashes, onions, and potatoes will last for weeks (or months) in a cool, dark place.
2. Meal Plan
This goes without saying, but meal planning is king. If you’re new to planning meals, it’s a game-changer—especially when you’re plant-based. While you may be tempted to buy a variety of produce, snag extra punnets of on-sale blueberries, etc., less is more. Instead, opt for a smaller variety of vegetables that can be used in multiple recipes (so you don’t end up bored with just one or two meals!). For example, plan to buy bell peppers, onions, carrots, and spinach—all of which can be used in a quiche, tacos, pasta, soups, and more.
3. Reinvent Plain Protein
Most of us aren’t interested in days and days of the same leftovers, so it’s best to prepare ingredients that can be used in various ways. For example, whip up a simple baked tofu and add it to a protein-packed salad or wrap.
4. Shop Frozen
Frozen produce is the gift that keeps on giving. Boil, steam, sauté, or toss fruits and veggies into smoothies, soups, frittatas, fajitas, or oatmeal. When it comes to easy vegetarian meals, the freezer is your best friend. You can use what you need and put the rest back in the freezer without any worry of waste. Take advantage of freezing your herbs, too! Last but not least, shopping frozen is one of the best ways to save money on organic produce.
5. End the Week With a Creative Twist
By the end of the week, you’ll probably have a nearly empty fridge. Other than a few carrots, sauces, corn tortillas, and a half-eaten block of tofu, you may be quick to get lunch delivered. Instead, this is your gentle nudge to think outside the box.
If you have a can of garbanzo beans, olive oil, lemon, and garlic on hand, throw together a quick hummus in your blender. Serve that with any fresh veggies you have, along with cheese, crackers, and a handful of nuts. Lunch is served. Frittatas are great for this as well. Turn on your favorite music, flip through your favorite cookbook to get inspo, and set a timer for 20 minutes. See what you can assemble.
25 Easy Vegetarian Meals for Simple Cooking
Without further ado, below are crave-worthy easy vegetarian meals. You can whip these up with minimal ingredients. (And some only take a matter of minutes!) A gourmet grilled cheese never tasted so good.
