15 Marvelous Meatless Meals

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If you’re looking for some meat-free meal inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled 15 of the most delicious and satisfying plant-based main course recipes that will make you forget about meat.

Creamy Avocado Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini noodles with creamy avocado sauce and cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
Creamy Avocado Zucchini Noodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Zucchini noodles with avocado cream sauce makes a perfect side dish or light meal for summer. Add some grilled shrimp or chicken for a heartier meal.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Avocado Zucchini Noodles

Sweet & Sour Tofu

Sweet and sour tofu in a bowl with rice and chopsticks on the side.
Sweet & Sour Tofu. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Make this sweet and sour tofu recipe in under 30 minutes! Crispy tofu and a sticky sweet & sour sauce mimic the classic Chinese takeout dish in this vegetarian friendly meal.

Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Tofu

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto with peas and mushrooms in a pot with wooden spoon.
Creamy Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This mushroom risotto with peas is insanely creamy and decadent without the use of any dairy! It’s rich, comforting and packed with lots of umami flavors. Easy enough to make during the weeknight while special enough for entertaining.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Lemon pasta with spinach, feta and cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

An easy, quick and delicious Mediterranean-inspired pasta filled with lemon, spinach, and feta. It can be enjoyed as is for a vegetarian meal or topped with your favorite protein.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Lentil Stuffed Eggplant

Eggplant slices on a baking sheet topped with lentil stuffing.
Lentil Stuffed Eggplant. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Lentil stuffed eggplant is a hearty meatless meal filled with brown lentils, tomatoes, shallots and greens. Top with goat cheese for a creamy bite or leave off for a vegan version.

Get the Recipe: Lentil Stuffed Eggplant

Red Lentil Pasta with Garlic Lemon Greens

Red lentil pasta with garlic lemon greens in a bowl.
Red Lentil Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This quick pasta recipe uses red lentil pasta with sautéed garlicky lemon kale and a vegan walnut “cheese” topping. It’s a quick, nutritious and satisfying way to enjoy a gluten-free pasta dinner.

Get the Recipe: Red Lentil Pasta

Kung Pao Chickpeas

Kung pao chickpea dish in a bowl with rice and skillet off to the left.
Kung Pao Chickpeas. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Enjoy your favorite Chinese takeout meal with a vegan twist in this Kung Pao chickpea recipe. The sauce is a perfect recreation with tons of bold flavors making this dish taste just like the original with a simple protein swap!

Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chickpeas

Lightened Up Spaghetti Alfredo

Spaghetti alfredo with broccoli florets in a pot with wooden spoon.
Lightened Up Spaghetti Alfredo. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Lightened Up Spaghetti Alfredo with broccoli is creamy, cheesy and decadent but much healthier than the original so you can feel good about eating it.

Get the Recipe: Lightened Up Spaghetti Alfredo

Cheddar Veggie Quesadilla

Cheddar quesadilla with summer vegetables.
Cheddar Veggie Quesadilla. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This cheddar quesadilla is filled with juicy ripe heirloom tomatoes, fresh corn, basil and melted sharp cheddar cheese. A delicious way to indulge without the meat.

Get the Recipe: Cheddar Veggie Quesadilla

Sweet Potato Hash

Sweet potato hash with poached eggs in a cast iron skillet.
Sweet Potato Hash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This is a quick Mexican inspired sweet potato hash recipe with a spicy harissa kick. Super simple and makes the perfect breakfast, lunch or dinner!

Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Hash

Vegetable Bean Skillet

Cast iron skillet with beans and vegetables.
Vegetable Bean Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This vegetable bean skillet is packed with fresh vegetables and given a hearty, protein boost from two kinds of beans for an easy meatless meal.

Get the Recipe: Vegetable Bean Skillet

Soba Noodles with Leeks

Soba noodles in a bowl with green onions, leeks and hard boiled egg.
Soba Noodles with Leeks. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These soba noodles with leeks and sweet onions are topped off with a hard boiled egg for an easy and delicious vegetarian meal.

Get the Recipe: Soba Noodles with Leeks

Tempeh Picadillo

Vegan tempeh picadillo served in a bowl with cauliflower rice.
Tempeh Picadillo. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Vegan picadillo is a plant based version of this traditional Cuban recipe made with tempeh, lentils and potatoes. It’s packed with big flavors from Spanish olives, capers, raisins and spices in a hearty tomato base. Perfect served over rice, cauliflower rice, a bed of greens or zoodles.

Get the Recipe: Tempeh Picadillo

Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash

Twice baked spaghetti squash with breadcrumb topping.
Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Delicious twice baked spaghetti squash is filled with spinach, artichokes, tomatoes and cheese. A lower carb, vegetarian and gluten-free dish that can be enjoyed as a side or meatless main course!

Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash

Zucchini Pesto Pizza

White pesto pizza with zucchini on a wooden surface.
Zucchini Pesto Pizza. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This skillet zucchini pesto pizza has a crispy yet chewy crust. With layers of tangy basil pesto, mozzarella, zucchini and ricotta it’s great for pizza night!

Get the Recipe: Zucchini Pesto Pizza

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