5 Quick Vegetarian Dinner Recipes Low Carb and Tasty

Updated On: October 4, 2025

If you’re looking to enjoy delicious, wholesome vegetarian meals without the carb overload, you’ve come to the right place! Low-carb dinners don’t have to be boring or complicated.

Whether you’re managing your weight, blood sugar levels, or simply want to eat cleaner, these quick vegetarian dinner recipes deliver big on flavor and nutrition. Best of all, they’re easy to prepare on busy weeknights, requiring minimal ingredients and equipment.

In this blog post, I’m excited to share 5 quick vegetarian dinner recipes that are low in carbs but high in taste and satisfaction. From zesty zucchini noodles to hearty cauliflower rice bowls, these dishes are perfect for anyone wanting to eat lighter without sacrificing comfort.

Plus, they’re all vegetarian-friendly, making them great options for plant-based eaters and those wanting to cut back on meat.

Ready to get inspired? Let’s dive into these vibrant, easy-to-make meals that will keep your dinners healthy, colorful, and exciting!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These 5 recipes are designed to be quick, nutritious, and packed with veggies, making them perfect for busy lifestyles. They focus on whole foods, avoiding processed carbs, and emphasize plant-based proteins and healthy fats.

Because each recipe is low in carbohydrates, they support stable energy levels and can aid in weight management or ketogenic lifestyles. Plus, the variety ensures you’ll never get bored—there’s something for every palate, from creamy eggplant stew to crunchy avocado salads.

Vegetarians will appreciate the clever use of beans, nuts, and cheese to keep things filling without meat. And the best part?

Each meal comes together in 30 minutes or less with simple ingredients you can find at your local grocery store.

Ingredients

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes

  • 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cauliflower Fried Rice

  • 1 small head cauliflower, grated or riced
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Black Beans

  • 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Eggplant and Chickpea Curry

  • 1 medium eggplant, diced
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp curry powder
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Avocado and Spinach Salad with Lemon Dressing

  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Spiralizer or vegetable peeler (for zucchini noodles)
  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Medium saucepan
  • Baking dish (for stuffed peppers)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Instructions

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes

  1. Spiralize the zucchinis into noodles using a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini noodles and sauté for 2-3 minutes until just tender.
  3. Remove from heat and toss the noodles with basil pesto and halved cherry tomatoes.
  4. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Cauliflower Fried Rice

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  2. Add the riced cauliflower and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
  3. Push the cauliflower to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs on the other side. Scramble until cooked.
  4. Mix everything together, then add frozen peas and carrots, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  5. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Black Beans

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Stuff the bell peppers with the quinoa mixture and place them in a baking dish.
  4. Sprinkle the tops with shredded cheese if using.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
  6. Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs.

Eggplant and Chickpea Curry

  1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and curry powder, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add diced eggplant and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Stir in chickpeas and coconut milk, bring to a simmer.
  5. Cover and cook for 10 minutes until eggplant is tender.
  6. Season with salt and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Avocado and Spinach Salad with Lemon Dressing

  1. In a large bowl, combine fresh spinach, sliced avocado, and chopped walnuts.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
  4. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese if desired and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

“Substituting ingredients based on what you have on hand is easy with these recipes—feel free to swap veggies or beans as you like!”

  • For the zucchini noodles, try adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
  • In the cauliflower fried rice, replace eggs with tofu scramble for a vegan version.
  • Use different beans like kidney or pinto in the stuffed peppers for variety.
  • For a spicier eggplant curry, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Mix in some roasted seeds or nuts into the spinach salad for crunch and added protein.

Want more delicious vegetarian ideas? Check out our Zucchini Peppers Onions Tomatoes Recipe for another quick veggie-packed meal.

Nutrition Facts

Recipe Calories (per serving) Carbohydrates (g) Protein (g) Fat (g) Fiber (g)
Zucchini Noodles with Pesto 220 8 4 18 2
Cauliflower Fried Rice 250 12 10 15 4
Stuffed Bell Peppers 300 20 9 8 6
Eggplant and Chickpea Curry 280 18 8 14 7
Avocado and Spinach Salad 320 10 6 28 5

Serving Suggestions

To round out these low-carb vegetarian dinners, consider pairing them with light sides such as:

  • A crisp cucumber and radish salad with a simple vinaigrette
  • Roasted or steamed green vegetables like asparagus or broccoli (see our Blackstone Asparagus Recipe for inspiration)
  • A bowl of miso soup or a clear vegetable broth

For a touch of indulgence, a glass of sparkling water with a splash of fresh lemon or lime brings refreshing balance to the meal.

Conclusion

Eating low-carb and vegetarian doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or convenience. These 5 quick dinner recipes prove that you can enjoy satisfying, nutrient-dense meals that are both easy to prepare and delicious.

By focusing on fresh vegetables, plant-based proteins, and healthy fats, you’ll nourish your body while keeping carbs in check.

Whether you choose the vibrant zucchini noodles, hearty stuffed peppers, or the creamy eggplant curry, these meals are sure to become staples in your weekly rotation. Don’t forget to experiment with different herbs and spices to make each dish your own!

For more tasty and easy-to-make recipes, explore our collection such as the Breakfast Wellington Recipe or the comforting Bread And Gravy Recipe. Happy cooking and enjoy your healthy, low-carb vegetarian dinners!

📖 Recipe Card: 5 Quick Vegetarian Dinner Recipes Low Carb

Description: A collection of five easy and delicious low-carb vegetarian dinners perfect for busy weeknights. Each recipe is packed with flavor and nutrients while keeping carbs low.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cauliflower rice
  • 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, cubed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1 minute.
  3. Add tofu cubes and cook until golden, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in cauliflower rice, cherry tomatoes, and spinach; cook 5 minutes until spinach wilts.
  5. Add zucchini noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
  6. Season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
  7. Cover skillet and cook until cheese melts, about 2 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat and garnish with walnuts and fresh basil before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 22 g | Fat: 20 g | Carbs: 10 g

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Marta K

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