Looking for delicious and healthy meatless meal ideas? Check out these inspiring Meatless Monday recipes that are easy to make and burst with flavor!
Meatless Monday, a non-profit initiative launched in 2003, aims to promote personal and planetary health by reducing meat consumption by 15%.
This initiative encourages everyone to make a conscious effort to limit their meat intake, without necessarily undergoing significant dietary changes.
Adopting a meatless diet just one day per week has the potential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, while also minimizing the environmental impact of animal agriculture. By embracing Meatless Monday, individuals can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future, one meal at a time.
“Livestock production contributes an estimated 14.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, which is more than the entire transportation sector.Ruminant animals, including cattle, produce methane (CH4) as part of their digestion.
In fact, this process alone represents almost one-third of the emissions from the agriculture sector. Reductions in meat consumption can have a profound effect on greenhouse gas emissions.
Globally, eliminating meat for one day per week, for example, could reduce emissions by an estimated 1.0 Gigaton (Gt)ii to 1.3 Gt per year relative to predicted scenarios based on current consumption patterns. Reducing emissions by 1.3 Gt would be equivalent to taking 273 million cars o the road, based on typical U.S. passenger vehicles.” – Meatless Monday
If you are interested in participating in Meatless Monday check out this great collection of Meatless Monday recipes. Many of the recipes are vegan-friendly as well. They are so delicious you will start to look forward to Meatless Monday.
Whether you're a vegetarian or just want to reduce your meat consumption, these Meatless Monday dinner recipes are perfect for a flavorful and nutritious meal.
Photo Credit:www.rhiansrecipes.com
Eggplant Pulled Pork Burger
This Vegan Eggplant Pulled Pork Burger is easy to make, just as tasty as the real thing, and packed full of plant-based goodness. The eggplant "pulled pork" has a deliciously chewy texture, and pairs beautifully with the salty-sweet, tangy homemade BBQ sauce and creamy coleslaw.
Photo Credit:diabetesstrong.com
Vegan Pinto Bean Tacos
These healthy, fresh, and flavorful Vegan Pinto Bean Tacos are the best way to impress your friends next Taco Tuesday! Ready in less than 20 minutes, and you only need 8 ingredients.
Photo Credit:cadryskitchen.com
Ultimate vegan burrito bowl
Skip that trip to Chipotle Mexican Grill. Make a vegan burrito bowl at home.
Photo Credit:www.karissasvegankitchen.com
Vegan Bolognese Sauce (Nut-Free)
Pasta lovers, no fear, plant-based bolognese is here. This vegan bolognese recipe is made with cauliflower and sunflower seeds! Nut-free, soy-free, oil-free, gluten-free...but not taste-free. Exploding with flavor and texture, you're definitely gonna come back for seconds.
Photo Credit:www.mariaushakova.com
Vegan Mushroom Goulash
This easy recipe for Mushroom Goulash shows you how to make a flavorful vegan twist on a Hungarian classic. Serve it with pasta, grains, or any side dish for a well-rounded meal that’s packed with nutrients and great for meal prep!
Photo Credit:www.karissasvegankitchen.com
The Best Vegan Meatball Subs Ever
This amazingly delicious recipe for vegan meatball subs is loved by plant-based folk and meat-eaters alike!
Photo Credit:www.yummymummykitchen.com
Chana Masala
This easy Chana Masala recipe makes eating a healthy Indian meal at home so quick and delicious! Chana masala is simple, satisfying, hearty, and wholesome.
Photo Credit:lifewithdee.com
Lentil Tacos
Simple and delicious tacos made using lentils.
Photo Credit:delightfuladventures.com
Easy Smoky Lentil Sloppy Joes
Delicious vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes that can be made in your Instant Pot, slow cooker, or on the stove top. Instructions for all methods are included below!
Photo Credit:www.veganosity.com
Savory Protein Packed Spinach Burgers
You're going to love these sturdy, hearty, and delicious spinach burgers! They're made with chickpeas, fresh spinach, and a whole lot of flavor.
Photo Credit:www.karissasvegankitchen.com
Vegan Alfredo with Cajun Broccoli
This oil-free vegan alfredo with cajun broccoli recipe will ROCK YOUR WORLD. Get out your blender, your roasting pan, and your favorite pasta.
Photo Credit:loveyourbodywell.net
Vegetarian Enchiladas with Butternut Squash and Black Beans
Vegetarian Enchiladas filled with butternut squash, black beans, tomatoes and spices are quick and easy to prepare and perfect for a healthy dinner on a busy weeknight!
Photo Credit:www.veggieinspired.com
Cauliflower Scampi in Lemon Garlic White Wine Sauce
Cauliflower Scampi in Lemon Garlic White Wine Sauce needs only a handful of ingredients and is ready in less than 30 minutes. It’s a weeknight winner!
Photo Credit:eatingeuropean.com
Kolokithopita - Greek Zucchini Pie Recipe
Kolokithopita, or Greek Zucchini Pie, is perfect comfort food for the Summer. The dish is a simple combination of zucchini, onions, herbs, eggs & feta, wrapped in a flaky phyllo dough, which makes for an awesome, light vegetarian meal.
Photo Credit:www.veggieinspired.com
Baked Red Lentil Quinoa Fritters
Spiced with turmeric, cumin and a touch of cinnamon, these crispy Red Lentil Quinoa Fritters are oil free and baked, not fried. An easy, high protein, meatless dinner that will delight your senses.
Photo Credit:www.createkidsclub.com
Meatless Baked Spaghetti
This easy Meatless Baked Spaghetti recipe is a quick dinner idea that kids love. A vegetarian baked spaghetti that comes together quickly.
Photo Credit:eatingeuropean.com
Roasted Butternut Squash Feta Pierogi
Roasted Butternut Squash Feta Pierogi with sage butter is an amazing dish that combines American fall flavors with a taste from the Greek islands, wrapped in Polish dough.
Photo Credit:flavorthemoments.com
Grilled Vegetable Fajitas
Grilled Vegetable Fajitas are fajita-spiced veggies grilled to perfection. Serve with homemade guacamole for a healthy, vegetarian 30 minute meal!
Photo Credit:www.onecleverchef.com
Vegan Fried Eggplant Casserole
This Vegan Fried Eggplant Casserole (AKA eggplant parmesan) is nothing like you’ve seen before.
Photo Credit:www.beyondthechickencoop.com
Quinoa Enchilada Bake
Quinoa Enchilada Bake is a perfect vegetarian dish that is filling and delicious. Filled with quinoa, black beans, corn and melted cheese.
Photo Credit:www.adashofmegnut.com
Sweet Potato Black Bean Quinoa Burger
A delicious gluten-free vegan burger that is easy to freeze and reheat! Filled with sweet potato, quinoa and black beans it's hearty and full of flavor!
Photo Credit:www.trinityskitchen.com
Black Bean and Mushroom Shepherds Pie
Delicious vegan shepherds pie recipe using black beans, mushrooms, warming spices and a tomato, coconut sauce.
Photo Credit:thecinnamonjar.com
Lemon garlic pasta
This one pot lemon garlic pasta is a deliciously flavourful dish that's easy to knock together for a weekday dinner when you're short on time. The combination of lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, parmesan and basil provides a bright, tangy pasta dish that will leave you coming back for seconds.
Photo Credit:thecinnamonjar.com
Spaghetti Arrabiata
This Spaghetti Arrabiata recipe is a delicious, quick, and satisfying meal that's bursting with bold and spicy flavours. It's a classic Italian dish made with tonnes of garlic, red chilli flakes for spice, chopped tomatoes, onions and fresh basil. Don't forget to round it off with a generous flourish of parmesan!
Photo Credit:chelseapeachtree.com
Cozy Vegan Hamburger Helper
This vegan hamburger helper is an easy 30 minute pasta. This meat free version has all the creamy cheesiness of the original dish, made meatless and dairy free!
Photo Credit:theheirloompantry.co
Eggplant Pasta (Pasta alla Norma)
Eggplant Pasta (Pasta alla Norma) is a flavorful, hearty vegetarian pasta featuring pan-fried eggplant, fresh herbs, and pasta tossed in a hearty tomato sauce. Make in just 30 minutes and top with grated parmgiano-reggiano!
Photo Credit:www.ihearteating.com
Homemade Mac and Cheese
Easy homemade mac and cheese recipe is a stovetop dinner recipe that makes the best macaroni and cheese! Easy comfort food that can be ready in under 30 minutes!
Photo Credit:freshapron.com
Sweet Potato Taco Bowls
Sweet Potato Taco Bowls are a fresh and delicious meatless meal. If you want to eat more veggies, whip these up for dinner.
Photo Credit:eatinginaninstant.com
Instant Pot Vegetarian Tortilla Soup
Instant Pot vegetarian tortilla soup takes a few pantry staple ingredients and turns them into a hearty vegetarian meal. This recipe takes just minutes of prep and makes a tasty lunch or dinner!
Photo Credit:temeculablogs.com
Foil Packet Stuffed Peppers
Grilled stuffed peppers filled with rice and vegetables are great. Cook on the barbecue using bell peppers or poblanos.
Photo Credit:crystalandcomp.com
Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili
This delicious vegetarian chili recipe is made in the Instant Pot, and it's perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Photo Credit:thesaltandsweet.com
Makhlouta-15 Bean Soup
This 15 Bean Soup is a hearty Lebanese dish known as Makhlouta. This vegan healthy soup is made with beans and a handful of basic ingredients. It’s flavorful and filling and perfect for a cold winter dinner!
Photo Credit:jamilghar.com
Vegan Hamburger Helper
Make our dairy-free, vegan hamburger helper recipe with mushrooms; it’s just like Hamburger Helper childhood, but plant-based! So why settle for a boring dinner when you can have a delicious vegan version of Hamburger Helper in just 30 minutes?
Photo Credit:homanathome.com
Easy Hatch Chile Relleno Casserole
Layers of gooey cheese and tangy chiles topped with a light-as-air crust, this chile relleno casserole is a meatless showstopper!
Photo Credit:kidtestedrecipes.com
Delicious Meatless Baked Ziti
Perfect for Meatless Mondays, this vegetarian Baked Ziti with Mushrooms is a great weeknight meal.
Photo Credit:agratefulmeal.com
Sweet and Savory Vegetable Pot Pies
Upgrade your Meatless Monday game with this Sweet and Savory Vegetable Pot Pie recipe! Featuring a savory vegetable filling and a crispy phyllo dough crust, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.
Photo Credit:sprigandspoon.com
Vegetarian Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
These stuffed mushroom caps are the perfect meatless entree. They are so savory, zesty, and flavorful, you won't miss the meat!
Photo Credit:foodmeanderings.com
Easy Healthy Minestrone Soup
This meatless Easy Healthy Minestrone Soup is hearty and full of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. It can be a meal in itself or served as a side or appetizer. Made with frozen and pantry ingredients, it's economical, quick and simple to make.
Photo Credit:twocloveskitchen.com
Mediterranean Grain Bowls
Mediterranean Grain Bowls combine pre-cooked grains, lots of healthy vegetables, and fresh, bright, bold Mediterranean flavors for an easy, nourishing, and delicious weeknight meal that comes together in about 10 minutes!
Photo Credit:www.the-pasta-project.com
Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi with Stracchino
Whether you use ready made or homemade potato gnocchi, this restaurant worthy vegetarian mushroom gnocchi recipe is easy enough for weeknights but special enough to serve to guests!
Photo Credit:www.mychefsapron.com
EDAMAME PLANTAIN VEGGIE RICE BOWL
Make meatless Mondays fun with this build-it-yourself edamame plantain bowl veggie rice bowl—easy to make and so delicious!
Photo Credit:plantbasedonabudget.com
Easy Sweet Potato Lasagna
This vegan sweet potato and lentil lasagna is healthy, hearty, wholesome, comforting, packed with fiber and plant-based protein, and ready in just 55 minutes with just a dozen simple, inexpensive ingredients!
Photo Credit:artofnaturalliving.com
Tempeh Reuben Sandwich
You won't even miss the meat in this Tempeh Reuben Sandwich with it's tangy sauerkraut, creamy cheese and dressing and tempeh instead or corned beef.
Photo Credit:oohlalaitsvegan.com
Sticky Shiitake Mushrooms Recipe
Get stuck on these sticky shiitake mushrooms, the fungi you can’t resist! Rich in Unami flavor and slathered over a bed of warm sushi rice, these sticky mushrooms are sweet, savory and spicy and ready to devour in less than 30 minutes.
Photo Credit:www.hauteandhealthyliving.com
Vegan Black Bean Tostadas
A unique way to serve up black beans and enjoy a meatless, tasty meal.
Photo Credit:maplewoodroad.com
Homemade Spinach Ricotta Ravioli
This recipe for homemade spinach ricotta ravioli with sage butter sauce touches all your senses. Yes, it takes a little time. But it’s a super satisfying meal to prepare, cook, and eat.
Photo Credit:saporitokitchen.com
Baked Spaghetti Squash Alfredo Boats
These baked spaghetti squash alfredo boats are a warm and comforting vegetarian dish. A rich and creamy alfredo is mixed with fresh spinach and sundried tomatoes and baked with roasted spaghetti squash and mozzarella cheese.
Photo Credit:saltedplains.com
Curried Coconut Quinoa Bake
Curried Coconut Quinoa Bake makes for an easy, one-pot, weeknight meal full of plant-based protein.
Photo Credit:www.fromvalerieskitchen.com
Baked Eggplant Parmesan Recipe
An oven-fry method creates this crispy Baked Eggplant Parmesan that rivals any fried version. This is an easy, updated take on the classic Italian dish.
Photo Credit:wholesomemadeeasy.com
Mushroom Spinach Pasta
Mushroom Spinach Pasta tossed in a super flavorful, creamy Parmesan sauce. This meatless pasta is prepared on the stovetop in just 30 minutes for an easy weeknight meal.
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Lisa Sharp is the founder of Green Oklahoma. She is passionate about the environment and improving Oklahoma for future generations. She also writes on her personal blog Retro Housewife Goes Green.
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