Cheap Vegetarian Recipes Pinterest Users Love to Try

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Are you searching for delicious, wallet-friendly meals that don’t skimp on flavor or nutrition? If you’re a vegetarian or simply looking to eat more plant-based meals, Pinterest is a goldmine for inspiration.

“Cheap vegetarian recipes Pinterest” is one of the most popular searches for a reason—these recipes are creative, easy, and incredibly budget-conscious. Whether you’re a student, a busy professional, or feeding a hungry family, you’ll find that it’s absolutely possible to eat well and keep costs low with some clever vegetarian cooking.

In this post, I’ll share a curated list of the most-loved, affordable vegetarian recipes trending on Pinterest, complete with step-by-step instructions, tips, and nutrition info, so you can save money while eating better than ever!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons why cheap vegetarian recipes are beloved by Pinterest users and home cooks alike:

  • Affordable Ingredients: Many of these dishes focus on pantry staples like beans, rice, pasta, and seasonal vegetables.
  • Quick & Easy: Most recipes take less than an hour to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Family-Friendly: These meals are crowd-pleasers, even for picky eaters or non-vegetarians.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Many can be made in advance and enjoyed throughout the week.
  • Customizable: Easily adapt these recipes to suit your taste or what’s already in your pantry.
  • Nutritious: Packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins from plant-based ingredients.

Looking for more creative plant-based inspiration? Don’t miss our Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes for another satisfying vegetarian twist!

Ingredients

Below is a sample ingredient list for three of the most pinned cheap vegetarian recipes on Pinterest: Chickpea Curry, One-Pot Vegetable Pasta, and Black Bean Tacos.

Recipe Key Ingredients
Chickpea Curry
  • 2 cans chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 large onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 can tomatoes (diced)
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
One-Pot Vegetable Pasta
  • 12 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti)
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell pepper, zucchini, spinach)
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • 1 small onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • Salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste
Black Bean Tacos
  • 2 cans black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 large tomato (diced)
  • 1/2 cup grated cheese (optional for vegans)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and lime wedges

Pro Tip: Buy beans and lentils in bulk for even greater savings!

Equipment

Most of these recipes require basic kitchen tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Large skillet or pot
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Can opener
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander (for rinsing beans or draining pasta)

If you enjoy easy one-pot recipes, check out our Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food for another crowd-pleasing meal!

Instructions

Chickpea Curry

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
  2. Add garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  3. Stir in curry powder and cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
  4. Add chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and coconut milk. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
  5. Season with salt and pepper. Cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
  6. Serve hot with steamed rice or naan bread.

One-Pot Vegetable Pasta

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until fragrant.
  2. Add mixed vegetables and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
  3. Pour in the pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth. Stir to ensure pasta is mostly covered by liquid.
  4. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes or until pasta is cooked and sauce has thickened.
  5. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parmesan if desired.

Black Bean Tacos

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add black beans, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for 3-5 minutes, mashing some of the beans with a fork for texture.
  2. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds.
  3. Assemble tacos: Spoon black bean mixture onto tortillas, then top with lettuce, tomato, cheese (if using), and a squeeze of lime.
  4. Serve immediately while warm.

Want more quick vegetarian dinners? Our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe is a weeknight favorite!

Tips & Variations

  • Mix up your veggies: Use whatever is in season or on sale—carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, or leafy greens all work well.
  • Go vegan: Simply omit cheese or use a plant-based alternative in the tacos and pasta recipes.
  • Spice it up: Add fresh or dried chilies, smoked paprika, or hot sauce for a punch of flavor.
  • Bulk up your meals: Stir in cooked lentils or quinoa for extra protein and fiber.
  • Freeze leftovers: Both the curry and pasta freeze beautifully for future quick meals.
  • Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and corn tortillas as needed.

“The beauty of cheap vegetarian cooking is its flexibility—let your pantry and creativity lead the way!”

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a general nutritional breakdown for each recipe (per serving):

Recipe Calories Protein (g) Fiber (g) Fat (g)
Chickpea Curry 370 12 11 14
One-Pot Vegetable Pasta 410 10 7 6
Black Bean Tacos 320 13 9 5

These meals are not only budget-friendly, but also packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats—helping you stay fuller, longer!

Serving Suggestions

  • Chickpea Curry: Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or warm naan bread. Add a side of roasted vegetables for extra nutrients.
  • One-Pot Vegetable Pasta: Enjoy with a crisp green salad and a sprinkle of vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast.
  • Black Bean Tacos: Pair with a side of Mexican rice, grilled corn, or a simple avocado salad.
  • Meal Prep: Store leftovers in airtight containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
  • Party Platter: Turn these recipes into a fun DIY dinner night—let everyone build their own tacos or pasta bowls!

Conclusion

Cheap vegetarian recipes from Pinterest prove that eating plant-based can be both affordable and delicious. With just a few simple pantry staples and a dash of creativity, you can whip up hearty meals that nourish your body and please your taste buds.

Whether you’re cooking for one, a family, or meal prepping for the week, these recipes make it easy to eat well on a budget.

Don’t be afraid to experiment—vegetarian cooking is all about versatility and fun! For more creative ideas, check out our Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes and keep exploring new flavors and combinations.

Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!

📖 Recipe Card: One-Pot Chickpea and Vegetable Curry

Description: A budget-friendly, hearty vegetarian curry made with pantry staples and fresh veggies. Perfect for a quick, nutritious weeknight dinner.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, bell pepper, peas)
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add mixed vegetables and cook for 5 minutes.
  5. Mix in chickpeas, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, curry powder, salt, and pepper.
  6. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
  7. Serve hot over cooked rice.

Nutrition: Calories: 260 kcal | Protein: 9 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 45 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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