10 Ingredient or Less Vegetarian Recipes for Quick Meals

Eating vegetarian doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen or shopping for specialty ingredients. In fact, some of the most delicious plant-based meals are born from simplicity.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just trying to get more veggies on your plate, these 10 ingredient or less vegetarian recipes are perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or even when you’re feeding a crowd on a budget.

Each recipe here is designed to be fuss-free, fresh, and full of flavor. You’ll find that limiting the ingredient list doesn’t mean sacrificing taste—instead, it’s all about letting high-quality, wholesome foods shine.

Get ready to discover meals that are as easy to make as they are satisfying to eat!

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

There are so many reasons to fall in love with these 10 ingredient or less vegetarian recipes. First, they’re incredibly simple—most come together in under 30 minutes and require minimal prep.

Short ingredient lists mean less time shopping, less waste, and more money saved. These recipes also showcase the natural flavors of vegetables, grains, and legumes, proving that plant-based meals can be anything but boring.

Perfect for beginners, busy cooks, or anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor, these dishes are also easy to customize based on what you have on hand. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to introduce friends and family to the joys of vegetarian cooking—without overwhelming them with unfamiliar ingredients.

10 Ingredient or Less Vegetarian Recipes

Here are seven delicious recipes, each with ten or fewer ingredients, that will make your vegetarian meal planning a breeze!

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

Ingredients

• 8 oz dried pasta (spaghetti or penne works best)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for vegan option
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Cook your pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 8-10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
4. Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream. Simmer another 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss until well combined.
6. Stir in fresh basil just before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use gluten-free pasta if needed, or try with zucchini noodles for a lighter option. If you like it cheesy, top with grated parmesan or a vegan cheese substitute.

Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. This pasta also pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple bean salad.

For more easy plant-based inspiration, check out Vegan Casserole Recipes: Easy for quick weeknight dinner.

Chickpea & Spinach Stir-Fry

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Can opener

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft, about 4 minutes.
2. Add chickpeas, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
4. Finish with lemon juice, then taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Tips & Variations

Serve over quinoa, rice, or with warm pita bread for a more filling meal.

Try adding cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra color and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This stir-fry is great as a main or as a side dish. For meal prep, double the recipe and enjoy cold or at room temperature the next day.

If you enjoy smoky flavors, browse more ideas at Smoked Vegetarian Recipes for Flavorful Meatless Meals.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula
• Chef’s knife

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Spread on a baking sheet.
2. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and golden.
3. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
4. Fill each tortilla with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, avocado, and cilantro.

Tips & Variations

Add pickled onions or a squeeze of lime for extra zing.

For a spicier taco, include diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of salsa or a simple cabbage slaw. These tacos are perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun taco night with friends.

For more festive and easy Mexican-inspired recipes, check out Vegan Cinco de Mayo Recipes for a Flavorful Fiesta.

Zucchini Fritters

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini, grated
• 2 eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)
• 1/2 cup flour (all-purpose or chickpea flour)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Equipment

• Box grater
• Mixing bowl
• Nonstick skillet
• Spatula

Instructions

1. Grate zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean towel.
2. In a bowl, combine zucchini, eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until combined.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Scoop 1/4 cup portions of batter into the pan and flatten with a spatula.
4. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.

Tips & Variations

Add chopped green onions or feta cheese for extra flavor.

These fritters freeze well—just reheat in the oven when ready to eat.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Serve with sour cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt. These make a perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish.

If you love creative ways to use vegetables, read Recipes Dehydrated Vegetables: Easy Meals and Snacks for more ideas.

Lentil & Carrot Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup dried red lentils
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle
• Chef’s knife and cutting board

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and garlic until soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Add lentils, broth, and cumin. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until lentils and carrots are tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper. For a smoother texture, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender.

Tips & Variations

Stir in a handful of spinach at the end for extra greens.

Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving for bright flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy with crusty bread or a side salad. This soup is ideal for meal prep—make a big batch and freeze portions for later.

For hearty comfort dishes, don’t miss Lipton Vegetable Soup Mix Recipes for Easy Family Meals.

Caprese Stuffed Avocado

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Sharp knife
• Spoon
• Small mixing bowl

Instructions

1. Scoop out some flesh from each avocado half to create a small well (reserve for another use).
2. In a bowl, combine tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Fill each avocado half with the Caprese mixture and drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Tips & Variations

Make it vegan by using vegan mozzarella or a tofu feta substitute.

Top with toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for crunch.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a light lunch, appetizer, or alongside grilled veggies. These are great for a picnic or summer party spread.

One-Pan Mediterranean Vegetables & Couscous

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup couscous
• 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)

Equipment

• Large skillet with lid
• Wooden spoon
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add bell pepper and zucchini, sauté for 5 minutes.
2. Add cherry tomatoes and oregano, cook for 2 more minutes.
3. Stir in couscous and broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and remove from heat. Let stand for 5 minutes.
4. Fluff couscous with a fork, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with feta if desired.

Tips & Variations

Swap in whatever veggies you have—eggplant, mushrooms, or spinach are all delicious.

For a vegan dish, simply omit the feta or use a plant-based alternative.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a light dinner or hearty side. This dish is also fantastic cold as a picnic salad.

For more global vegetarian favorites, try Turkish Veg Recipes: Easy & Flavorful Dishes to Try or explore Rutabaga Recipes Vegan: Tasty Plant-Based Meal Ideas for more inspiration.

Conclusion

With these 10 ingredient or less vegetarian recipes, you can enjoy flavorful, wholesome meals without the stress of complicated shopping lists or hours in the kitchen. Limiting your ingredient count doesn’t mean limiting taste—each dish above proves that a few well-chosen items can come together to create something truly special.

Whether you’re new to vegetarian cooking or just looking for a quick, nourishing dinner idea, these recipes will help you eat well with ease. Remember, the best meals are often the simplest, and with just a handful of ingredients, you can let the natural flavors of your food shine.

Happy cooking—and don’t forget to share these recipes with friends and family!

For even more creative, fuss-free vegetarian ideas, be sure to browse our archives and try something new tonight!

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