Best Meatless Recipes for People Who Want to Eat More Vegetables

Most Americans say they want to eat less meat, primarily for their health. Diet plays a critical role in our overall physical wellbeing, and eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes has been shown to dramatically reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Meatless Monday is one of the simplest ways to introduce people of all ages and backgrounds to more plant-based foods, and starting a new healthy habit on a Monday has been proven to help it stick. Enjoying delicious, familiar foods is also one of the best ways to entice anyone to cut back on meat; so we’ve compiled our list of the best Meatless Monday recipes for people who want to eat more vegetables.

But this list of plant-based meals is unique in that all the recipes included will appeal not only to vegans and vegetarians, but to the staunchest of carnivores as well. By introducing your family and friends to familiar dishes and flavors that are more vegetable-forward, you can expand their culinary horizons through their tastebuds.

Meatless cooking is always an exciting adventure, so get started this Monday with our best meatless recipes for people who want to eat more plants.

Bell Pepper Breakfast Burrito

No eggs are necessary for this bell pepper breakfast burrito. A mixture of diced tofu and mushrooms mimics the fluffy texture of scrambled eggs, while a bit of liquid smoke and apple cider vinegar provide a satisfying tang.

Easy Vegan Eggplant Meatballs

By using a mixture of roasted mushrooms, eggplant, onion, white beans and spices, this recipe for easy vegan eggplant meatballs recreates the meaty chew and savory flavor of traditional meatballs. Pair with a side of zoodles or pasta, and you have a healthier version of a family favorite.

Jamaican Jerk Tofu

One of the most popular Meatless Monday recipes of all time, this Jamaican jerk tofu is so intensely seasoned that you’ll forget what it is you’re actually eating! Fresh ginger, lime juice, maple syrup, and a big spice blend make for some seriously big flavors.

Lentil Walnut Tacos With Sour Cream and Pineapple Avocado Salsa

Taco night will never be the same. These lentil walnut tacos with pineapple avocado salsa are a perfect recipe for people looking to get more plant-based protein in their diet. Lentils and walnuts provide a satisfying chew, while the pineapple salsa contributes a sweet, spicy, citrusy pop of flavor.

Loaded Vegan Nachos

Complete with all the fixins, this loaded vegan nacho skillet is a terrific alternative to regular nachos. A topping of kidney beans, chickpeas, red onion, jalapeños, avocado, and vegan queso is healthier than your traditional ground beef and nacho cheese sauce.

Potato Salad With Coconut Bacon

Yes, you heard correctly—potato salad with coconut bacon; but it’s really not as weird as you might think. Unsweetened coconut flakes are tossed with liquid smoke, soy sauce, and spices and then baked to create a potato-salad topping that has the same satisfying chew and smokiness of bacon.

Pad Thai Zoodle Salad

Capture the sweet tang of traditional pad thai using only plant-based ingredients for a healthier version of this take-out favorite. Almost entirely made of vegetables, this pad thai zoodle salad gets better the longer it’s allowed to marinate, so have patience—good things come to those who wait.

Pistachio Crusted Tofu

Knowing how to prepare tofu is a valuable skill that will serve you well as you continue to cook more plant-based meals. Putting a coating or crust on tofu before cooking is one of the ways to impart more textures and flavors to a relatively blank canvas. This recipe for pistachio crusted tofu is nutty and crispy, and the addition of dill and fresh basil adds a pleasant freshness to the tofu.

Pumpkin Pasta With Spinach and Mushrooms

The sweet-and-savory nature of pumpkin makes it a welcome addition to pasta dishes. This pumpkin pasta with spinach and mushrooms is a cozy weeknight meal option and a definite crowd-pleaser that’s loaded with plant-based ingredients.

Supreme Crispy Quinoa Vegetable Burger

Making these supreme crispy quinoa vegetable burgers is a great way to add more vegetables to your daily diet. This hearty burger patty uses quinoa, black beans, bread crumbs, and carrots to recreate the bite and flavor of a regular burger.

Thai Tofu Pumpkin Curry

Curry paste is an explosive ingredient, and you should definitely consider investing in a jar for your pantry. This Thai tofu pumpkin curry gets its richness and sweet-and-spicy flavor from a combination of fresh basil, curry paste, kaffir lime leaves, and fresh Thai chiles (be careful, these can be spicy). Serve over rice for an easy weeknight meal that everyone is sure to like.