17 Plant-Based Dinners for Easy Weeknight Meals

Cathy Pollak

Thu, April 24, 2025 at 2:15 PM UTC

4 min read

Plant-based diets are a rising food trend, with plant-based dinners becoming increasingly popular among all age groups.
The surge in popularity of plant-based diets has led to a wide variety of plant-based recipes being featured in mainstream media and on restaurant menus.
These 17 plant-based dinner recipes offer a diverse range of options for those looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their everyday eating habits.

If you've been considering adding plant-based meals to your diet repertoire, these 17 plant-based dinnersare going to fill your plate with the wholesome goodness you are desiring. Plant-based diets are considered to be one of the biggest food trends of the new decade. Are you on board with plant-based eating or are you keeping your meat and potatoes close?

The surge in popularity of plant-based diets has been on the rise for some time now. Everything from spicy Brussels sprouts to cauliflower pizza and black bean tacos is showing up on menus everywhere. These are not only New Year's resolution diets, but a way of eating lots of people—especially the younger generation—is moving toward.

The plant-based diet is not new in any sense, but it has exploded from a niche industry, normally targeting vegetarians and vegans, into a mainstream lifestyle, targeting the general population. If joining the plant-based movement or incorporating more plant-based meals into your everyday eating habits is looking attractive, I guarantee these 17 plant-based dinners will have you loving a few meatless suppers.

Best Plant-Based Dinner Ideas & Recipes

Vegan Roasted Garlic Alfredo

This vegan pasta recipe is a creamy, garlicky, restaurant-quality fettuccine you can make from scratch easily.

Get the recipe: Vegan Roasted Garlic Alfredo

One-Pot Lentil Lasagna Soup

This one-pot soup swaps ground beef for lentils and uses tofu ricotta to keep it vegan.

Get the recipe: One-Pot Lentil Lasagna Soup

Bobby Flay's Coconut Scallion Rice

This simple, addictive crispy rice helped celebrity chef Bobby Flay win a throwdown on Beat Bobby Flay .

Get the recipe: Crispy Coconut Scallion Rice

Peanut Satay Udon Noodle Bowl

This Peanut Satay Udon Noodle Bowl takes no time at all—and tastes delicious!

Get the recipe: Peanut Satay Udon Noodle Bowl

Padma Lakshmi's Easy Red Rice

This simple one-pot meal costs little and feeds many. It's also easy to make in just 30 minutes.

Get the recipe: Padma Lakshmi's Easy Red Rice Side Dish

Zucchini-Shallot-Roasted Ped Pepper Pie

No fancy crust is necessary for this delicious Zucchini-Shallot-Roasted Red Pepper Pie. Just stir it all together and it bakes to perfection.

Get the recipe: Zucchini Shallot Roasted Red Pepper Pie

Zucchini Marinara Dogs

This recipe not only finds great use for this abundant vegetable but is also a great option for vegetarian guests. You can still have your meat-laden barbecue and serve this too. Even non-vegetarians are going to love this idea.

Get the recipe: Zucchini Marinara Dogs

Vegan Instant Pot Mushroom Soup

This Vegan Instant Pot Mushroom Soup cooks up in no time, and is wonderfully creamy (but dairy-free) and flavorful.

Get the recipe: Vegan Instant Pot Mushroom Soup

Italian-Style Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Savory stuffed sweet potatoes topped with Italian flavors such as marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. A quick & easy sweet potato recipe that's a healthy vegetarian dish.

Get the recipe: Italian-Style Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Southwestern Black Bean, Quinoa and Mango Medley

Light and healthy this colorful Southwestern Black Bean, Quinoa and Mango Medley salad is full of vitamins. It is the perfect healthy choice!

Get the recipe: Southwestern Black Bean, Quinoa and Mango Medley

Southwest Black Bean Stuffed Butternut Squash

You'll be adding this to your weekly dinner rotation, guaranteed!

Get the recipe: Southwest Black Bean Stuffed Butternut Squash

Slow Cooker Vegetable Barley Soup

Dump & go! This Slow Cooker Vegetable Barley Soup recipe couldn't be easier. Just throw everything in the crockpot and walk away! Healthy, delicious and packed with nutrients.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetable Barley Soup

Roasted Cauliflower Enchiladas

These Roasted Cauliflower Enchiladas are super hearty and flavorful, made with a homemade enchilada sauce, and deliciously vegetarian (or they can be made vegan if you prefer).

Get the recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Enchiladas

One-Pot Skinny Pasta Primavera

Almond milk replaces cream and butter in this easy and healthy, spring-inspired version of the classic Italian pasta primavera, that's loaded with fresh veggies and herbs.

Get the recipe: One-Pot Skinny Pasta Primavera

Mediterranean Pecan Pasta Salad

For any potluck or dinner party, enjoy a Mediterranean Pecan Pasta Salad with layers of pasta, cheese, greens, olives and golden pecans.

Get the recipe: Mediterranean Pecan Pasta Salad

Garden Vegetable Lasagna

If you're looking for a lasagna that is lighter than most—and one that will use up some of your garden vegetables, then this lasagna is for you.

Get the recipe: Garden Vegetable Lasagna

Tahini Kale Salad With Crispy Chickpeas

This delicious Tahini Kale Salad with Crispy Chickpeas is so vibrant and FULL of flavor that your mouth will go crazy. It's an awesome balance, and when topped off with crispy golden chickpeas it is the perfect salad with the added bonus of some extra protein!

Get the recipe: Tahini Kale Salad With Crispy Chickpeas