15 easy vegetarian recipes bbc good foodbbc good food best-vegetarian-recipes 15 Easy Vegetarian Recipes BBC Good Food for Every Meal

Updated On: September 29, 2025

Discover the joy of cooking with our curated collection of 15 easy vegetarian recipes inspired by the best picks from BBC Good Food. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your menu, these recipes are designed to be both delicious and straightforward.

From vibrant salads to hearty mains, each recipe uses accessible ingredients and simple techniques, making them perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend cooking. Embrace the flavors of fresh vegetables, wholesome grains, and satisfying legumes that promise to delight your taste buds while nourishing your body.

Vegetarian cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. With these recipes, you’ll find versatility and comfort in every dish, celebrating the natural goodness of plants without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Plus, if you’re interested in exploring more, be sure to check out Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for some exciting culinary adventures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Our selection of vegetarian recipes from BBC Good Food is crafted to suit all skill levels, making it easy to enjoy wholesome meals without hours in the kitchen. Each dish is bursting with vibrant, fresh ingredients that highlight the natural flavors of vegetables, legumes, and grains.

These recipes are not only quick and simple but also highly adaptable, meaning you can swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Whether you’re aiming for high-protein meals, low-calorie options, or just crave something comforting, there’s a recipe here for you.

Plus, cooking vegetarian meals is a wonderful way to boost your health, reduce your carbon footprint, and introduce exciting new tastes into your diet. And if you love pasta, don’t miss the creamy delights in our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to elevate your dinners!

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity Notes
Chickpeas 1 can (400g) Drained and rinsed
Cherry tomatoes 200g Halved
Spinach 100g Fresh or frozen
Red onion 1 medium Finely chopped
Garlic cloves 2 Minced
Olive oil 3 tbsp Extra virgin preferred
Vegetable stock 500ml Low sodium
Quinoa 150g Rinsed
Carrots 2 medium Diced
Zucchini 1 medium Diced
Bell peppers 2 (any color) Chopped
Fresh parsley Handful Chopped
Salt and pepper To taste
Lemon juice 1 tbsp Freshly squeezed
Feta cheese Optional, 100g For garnish (omit for vegan)

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Medium frying pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander (for rinsing quinoa and chickpeas)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water using a colander to remove any bitterness. Transfer to a saucepan and add 300ml of vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is fluffy and liquid absorbed.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: While the quinoa cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the diced carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers: Cook for another 7-8 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still have a slight bite. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine chickpeas and spinach: Stir in the drained chickpeas and fresh spinach leaves. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Mix the cooked quinoa and vegetables: Transfer the quinoa to a large mixing bowl. Add the sautéed vegetable mixture and gently toss to combine.
  6. Add lemon juice and parsley: Drizzle the lemon juice and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the mixture. Mix well to incorporate the fresh flavors.
  7. Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. You can also add a bit more olive oil if desired for extra richness.
  8. Serve: Spoon the quinoa and vegetable mix into bowls or plates. Optionally, garnish with crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, salty contrast.

Tips & Variations

For a vegan version, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative.

Try swapping quinoa for couscous, bulgur wheat, or brown rice for different textures and flavors.

Add toasted nuts like pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch and protein.

Feel free to incorporate seasonal vegetables — for instance, swap zucchini for roasted squash or add steamed broccoli for more greens.

For a Mediterranean twist, include olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or a sprinkle of za’atar spice.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per serving
Calories 350 kcal
Protein 12 g
Carbohydrates 45 g
Fiber 8 g
Fat 10 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Sodium 350 mg
Vitamin A 80% DV
Vitamin C 70% DV
Iron 15% DV

Serving Suggestions

This vibrant vegetarian dish pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides. Consider serving alongside a crisp green salad or a tangy yogurt dip to complement the flavors.

Warm pita bread or crusty whole-grain rolls work well to scoop up the quinoa and veggies, making it perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.

For a heartier meal, add a side of roasted sweet potatoes or try it on its own topped with a dollop of hummus or tahini sauce.

Looking for more vegetarian inspiration? Check out our Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners for bold, flavorful ideas that spice up your routine.

Conclusion

These 15 easy vegetarian recipes from BBC Good Food provide a fantastic starting point for anyone eager to embrace meat-free cooking. Each dish balances simplicity with nutrition, showcasing how plant-based meals can be just as satisfying and exciting as traditional ones.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, these recipes offer versatility, flavor, and plenty of room for creativity.

Remember, vegetarian cooking is all about celebrating fresh, wholesome ingredients and making healthy eating enjoyable. With these recipes, you’ll find that preparing delicious meals doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated.

For even more delicious vegetarian ideas, explore the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to complement your meals with homemade bread that’s simple to make and utterly delightful.

Happy cooking and here’s to many tasty, meatless meals ahead!

📖 Recipe Card: 15 Easy Vegetarian Recipes – BBC Good Food

Description: A collection of simple and delicious vegetarian recipes perfect for any occasion. Each recipe is easy to prepare with wholesome ingredients.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 200g chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 150g cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 100g spinach leaves
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 100g basmati rice
  • 500ml vegetable stock

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
  3. Stir in cumin and paprika, cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add chickpeas, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes, cook for 5 minutes.
  5. Pour in vegetable stock and bring to a boil.
  6. Add rice, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
  7. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
  8. Season with salt and pepper.
  9. Serve hot.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 50 g

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Marta K

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