Yes, steak dinners are satisfying and chicken dinners are convenient. But over the past few years, there has been a bigger push for people to swap these dishes for meatless meals. In January 2019, U.S. News reported that scientists want people all over the world to cut back on red meat to save the planet. As a result, people are looking for more vegetarian recipes to try, whether that’s just for #MeatFreeMondays or on a more permanent basis.
But cutting back on on red meat doesn’t just save the planet. According to Healthline, there are plenty of benefits to adopting a vegetarian lifestyle. To start, substituting red meat for high-fiber legumes and grains can improve your heart health. It can also lower your risk of developing diseases like cancer and type 2 diabetes, while improving your bone health. When you think of all the perks, it's easy to consider swapping meaty meals or something that's meat-free. And again, you don't have to make it a permanent change. Even eating meat-free one day a week can have an impact.
So if you're interested in saving the planet and improving your health, why not try eating more vegetarian meals? From soups, to bowls, to salads (yes, salads — but they're more than a few pieces of lettuce and some chopped up veggies), there are a number of meat-free meal options that even the biggest carnivore would eat. There are even vegetarian breakfast options for your next brunch.
Mike Garten
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Enchiladas with Pumpkin Seed Salsa
These enchiladas are proof that you enjoy pumpkin all year long.
What sets this broccoli soup apart from others is the roasting, which brings out the veggie's full flavor. Serve with some crusty bread, and you have the perfect meatless meal.
The red chile gives a spicy kick to this pizza pie, while the roasted cauliflower is chock full of vitamin C and fiber, so you won't be rummaging through leftovers hours later.
Stuffed peppers always look impressive, but they're actually super easy to make. Plus, your kids will love the fun colors and getting to take their meal apart.
Crisp, light, and packed with nutrients. Both tomato and watermelon are rich in vitamin C and lycopene, the later of which can help curb your risk of cancer and diabetes.
This mushroom stromboli takes quite a bit of time to prepare, but the end result is so worth it. Serve it at your next dinner party and you'll be hearing rave reviews for weeks.
Perfect for those who like a lot of spice, this hot pepper pizza is sure to satisfy. If your diners can't take the heat, consider putting jalapeños on half of the pie.
You won't be short on vitamins and other essential nutrients with this loaded vegetable soup. But what sets this apart from other veggie soups: the spicy Italian seasoning.
Mediterranean Zucchini Boats with Kefir-Mint Topping
These zucchini boats are just about as fun to look at as they are to eat. Topped off with a cucumber-mint sauce, they'll soon become part of your weekly rotation.
These chickpea and quinoa patties have as much flavor, if not more, than a traditional burger patty, but will also give you more nutrients and keep you fuller for longer.
Cinnamon-Spiced Sweet Potato Soup with Maple Croutons
The main ingredients in this soup — sweet potatoes and carrots — are loaded with vitamin A, which is great for your eye health. Not to mention the combination of cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and maple can't be beat.
Sure, nothing quite beats a slice of pizza topped with sausage or pepperoni, but even meat-free pies can taste out of this world. Pile on the mushroom and arugula pizza packed with protein and fiber that won't leave you hungry later on.
Who says vegetables can't be hearty? With meaty mushrooms and protein-packed black beans, this bowl makes for a substantial mean that won't leave you feeling groggy.
