30 Tasty Meatless Monday Recipes For A Healthier Week

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Meatless Monday started as a simple idea in 2009 in Britain, encouraging people to eat meat-free just one day a week. It’s now a global movement, and it’s easy to see why.

Cutting out meat for even one day can make a positive impact on both your health and the environment.

If you’re already eating plant-based or just want to give it a try, this list of meatless Monday recipes will give you plenty of ideas. From breakfast to dinner, these dishes are all about flavor—without the meat!

30 Meatless Monday Recipes For A Fresh Start To The Week

1. Mujadara

Mujadara is a hearty dish made with lentils, rice, and crispy onions. It’s simple, but packed with flavor from the spices like cumin and cinnamon.

This meal is both filling and nutritious, making it perfect for any Meatless Monday. Serve it with a side of fresh vegetables for a complete meal.

2. Cucumber Noodles

Cucumber noodles are a refreshing and light alternative to pasta. With a spiralizer, cucumber turns into thin, curly noodles that can be tossed with olive oil, lemon, and your favorite herbs.

It’s a great option for a quick, cool salad that’s both crunchy and satisfying.

3. Peanut Butter Noodles

Peanut butter noodles are an easy and creamy dish that will surprise you with how delicious it is.

Simply cook noodles, then toss them in a peanut butter-based sauce with soy sauce, garlic, and a bit of sweetness.

This dish is quick, rich, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for Meatless Monday.

4. Sweet Potato Curry

Sweet potato curry is a comforting and vibrant dish full of rich, earthy flavors. Sweet potatoes are cooked in a fragrant curry sauce with coconut milk, tomatoes, and spices.

It’s a filling, warming meal that pairs wonderfully with rice or flatbread.

5. Creamy Macaroni Cheese

Mac and cheese can be a classic comfort food without any meat. It’s made with elbow pasta and a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for a cozy, indulgent dinner.

Add some breadcrumbs on top and bake it for a crispy finish that brings a whole new texture to the dish.

6. Tofu Soup

Tofu soup is a light yet hearty option that’s easy to make and full of protein. You can prepare it with a simple vegetable broth, tofu, and your favorite veggies like mushrooms and spinach.

The tofu soaks up the flavors of the soup, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.

7. Lentil Loaf

Lentil loaf is a plant-based twist on the classic meatloaf. Made with lentils, vegetables, and breadcrumbs, this loaf is packed with protein and flavor.

It’s perfect for a meat-free meal and is often served with a savory tomato-based glaze on top.

8. Vegetarian Chili

Vegetarian chili is a warm, hearty dish filled with beans, tomatoes, and a variety of spices.

You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or even some plant-based meat. It’s a great way to enjoy the rich, bold flavors of chili without any meat.

9. Baked Eggplant Parmesan

Baked eggplant parmesan is a healthier version of the classic, with eggplant slices baked until crispy and topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese.

It’s a delicious, satisfying meal that is easy to make and perfect for Meatless Monday.

10. Tomato Soup With Fresh Tomatoes

Tomato soup made with fresh tomatoes is a bright and flavorful dish.

It’s easy to prepare by cooking tomatoes with onions, garlic, and herbs, then blending it into a creamy, smooth soup. Enjoy it with a side of crusty bread for a comforting meal.

11. Red Beans and Rice

Red beans and rice is a classic dish full of flavor, with red beans cooked in a savory mix of onions, garlic, and spices, served over a bed of rice.

It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for a Meatless Monday dinner. Add some greens on the side to round out the meal.

12. White Bean Soup

White bean soup is a light and healthy soup made with creamy white beans, garlic, and vegetables. It’s warm, filling, and perfect for those colder nights.

You can make it thicker by blending part of the soup or keep it chunky for added texture.

13. Stuffed Cabbage

Stuffed cabbage is a dish where cabbage leaves are filled with a flavorful mix of rice, vegetables, and spices, then baked in a tomato-based sauce.

It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s satisfying without needing any meat.

14. Potato Gnocchi

Potato gnocchi is a soft, pillowy pasta made from mashed potatoes, flour, and egg.

Once boiled, they’re lightly sautéed in butter and herbs, creating a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. Serve them with a simple tomato sauce or a creamy pesto.

15. Ricotta Gnocchi

Ricotta gnocchi is another variation of this Italian classic, but instead of potatoes, it’s made with ricotta cheese for a lighter texture.

They are soft and delicate, making them perfect with a simple sauce like marinara or brown butter and sage.

16. Authentic Cacio E Pepe

Cacio e pepe is a simple and delicious Italian pasta dish made with just three ingredients: pasta, black pepper, and Pecorino cheese.

The creamy sauce forms by mixing the pasta with hot pasta water and cheese, creating a rich and flavorful dish. It’s perfect for a quick and satisfying Meatless Monday meal.

17. Chinese Fried Rice

Chinese fried rice is a tasty, filling dish made with rice, vegetables, and soy sauce.

You can easily add tofu or tempeh for extra protein, making it a perfect Meatless Monday choice. It’s a great way to use leftover rice and create a flavorful, quick meal.

18. Crispy Rice Salad

Crispy rice salad combines crunchy, fried rice with fresh vegetables like cucumber, carrots, and bell peppers.

The rice is tossed with a tangy dressing, and the fresh veggies add a refreshing contrast. This salad is light, crispy, and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

19. Mushroom Risotto Without Wine

Mushroom risotto without wine is a creamy and savory rice dish made with mushrooms, onions, and vegetable broth.

It’s a rich, comforting meal, with the mushrooms giving it an earthy depth of flavor. Serve it as a satisfying dinner that’s easy to prepare and enjoy.

20. Spinach Lasagna

Spinach lasagna layers tender pasta with a creamy spinach and cheese filling. It’s baked until golden and bubbling, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

This hearty, vegetarian lasagna is a great way to enjoy a comforting meal without meat.

21. Vegan Potato Soup

Vegan potato soup is a creamy, hearty soup made with potatoes, onions, garlic, and vegetable broth. It’s smooth and comforting, with a hint of flavor from fresh herbs and spices.

This soup is perfect for chilly nights or when you’re craving something warm and filling.

22. Roasted Vegetable Soup

Roasted vegetable soup is made with a variety of vegetables that are roasted to bring out their natural sweetness and then blended into a smooth soup.

The deep, rich flavor of roasted veggies makes this a satisfying and nutritious meal. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread for a cozy dinner.

23. Garlic Soup

Garlic soup is a simple yet flavorful soup made with garlic, onions, and vegetable broth. The garlic is roasted to bring out its sweetness, creating a light yet delicious soup.

It’s a great option for a quick, light dinner or as a starter to a larger meal.

24. Carrot and Pea Soup

Carrot and pea soup is a sweet and savory soup made with fresh carrots, peas, onions, and vegetable broth. It’s easy to make and provides a smooth, velvety texture.

This soup is full of flavor and nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a healthy Meatless Monday meal.

25. Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Mexican street corn pasta salad is a colorful and flavorful dish made with pasta, corn, cilantro, and a creamy dressing.

The corn is grilled to bring out its smoky flavor, and the dressing is tangy and zesty. It’s a perfect side dish for any meal or a light main course.

26. Skillet Pasta With Red Sauce

Skillet pasta with red sauce is an easy, one-pan dish made with pasta, a simple tomato sauce, and fresh herbs.

It’s quick to prepare and can be customized with vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. This dish is simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy Meatless Mondays.

27. Buddha Bowl

A Buddha bowl is a nutritious and colorful bowl filled with grains, vegetables, beans, and a flavorful dressing.

It’s a great way to enjoy a balanced meal, with endless options for customization. The bowl is packed with textures and flavors that make it a satisfying Meatless Monday choice.

28. Black Bean Soup

Black bean soup is a hearty, flavorful soup made with black beans, tomatoes, onions, and spices.

It’s a great source of protein and is filling enough to be a meal on its own. Serve it with a side of avocado or tortilla chips for added texture.

29. Lentil Bolognese

Lentil bolognese is a plant-based twist on the classic bolognese, using lentils as the base instead of meat.

The lentils are cooked in a rich tomato sauce with garlic, onions, and herbs, making it a savory and hearty dish. It’s perfect for serving over pasta or spaghetti for a satisfying dinner.