34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes (2024)

By Sidney Yang

Updated Mar 1, 2023

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34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes (1) New: Meal PlannerPlan your weekly meals instantly from anywhere on the webTry the Meal Planner!

“What should I make for lunch tomorrow that’s plant-based and EASY? What are some good, delicious vegetarian meal preps I can make in a cinch? Could I just pay someone to come up with an easy vegetarian meal preps idea for me?” – Yeah, we’ve also been there! For you, we’ve put together this list of our 34 BEST, easy vegetarian meal preps recipes we have in our recipe index. They’re all over the map: some are easy vegetarian recipes, some are a little more indulgent, some are more suited for meal prepping than others, but they’re unified by their low effort. So here you have it! Our absolute best, easy vegetarian meal prep recipes—all in one place. Enjoy!

Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes: 34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes Ideas

34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes (2)

1. Easy Pasta Salad with Avocado

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

Pasta salad with creamy avocado slices is so easy to make! the best Pasta salad to add to your dinner table. - One bowl of this healthy pasta salad will delight even the pickiest eaters!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

2. Chickpea Quinoa Salad Meal Prep

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

This chickpea quinoa salad meal prep is full of good-for-you ingredients, and so easy to prepare!
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

3. Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

This parmesan spinach mushroom pasta skillet is super quick and impossible to mess up - The ultimate win for vegetarian weeknight dinners!
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

4. Healthy Chickpea Quinoa Salad

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

This chickpea quinoa salad is quick, healthy, and perfect to make ahead!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

5. Garlic Butter Mushrooms and Gnocchi in Foil Packets

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

This gnocchi recipe is a light yet nutritious dish that does not skimp on flavor. You'll love these gnocchi foil packets!
Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

Comfort food at its finest! This easy skillet gnocchi recipe takes only 15 mins to make and is perfect for weeknight dinners.
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

7. Apple Feta Spinach Salad

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

This healthy spinach salad recipe is crunchy, sweet, and full of fresh flavors. A perfect vegetarian spinach salad for lunch or a light dinner!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

8. Shredded Carrot Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

This shredded carrot salad makes the perfect addition to a potluck or brunch.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

This roasted sweet potato and Brussels sprouts salad with kale is the perfect healthy and satisfying lunch!
Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

10. White Bean and Carrot Salad

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

A warm white bean carrot salad recipe with a 2-ingredient lemon maple sauce as a dressing! This white bean carrot salad is easy to make and full of bright flavors!
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

11. Crispy Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Fritters

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

The perfect way to sneak in some veggies!
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

12. Garlic Broccoli Stir-Fry with Pasta

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

This broccoli stir fry recipewith pasta cannot get easier or quicker! It's loaded with flavor and ready in less than 30mn.
Cooking time: 25 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

13. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

This Mediterranean chickpea salad recipe is a bright, colorful, and delicious salad perfect for hot summer days.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

14. Cheesy Corn Fritters

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

These Corn Fritters are crispy on the edges, soft in the middle – A great side dish for a host of dinners!
Cooking time: 8 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

15. One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Spinach and Mushrooms

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

One-pot garlic parmesan pasta skillet with spinach and mushrooms is super delicious and quick to make. This pasta recipe is the ultimate win for easy weeknight dinners!
Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

16. Mozzarella Pasta Salad with Parmesan Balsamic Dressing

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

This mozzarella pasta salad is the perfect side dish or main course for a warm Spring or Summer evening!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

17. Spicy Corn Salad

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

Easy and delicious corn salad recipe - A great light lunch or side for bbq and grilling.
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

18. Zucchini Noodles in Creamy Tomato Sauce

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

A low carb comfort dinner that will be on your table in less than 20 minutes!
Cooking time: 15 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

19. Garlic Butter Cauliflower Rice with Kale

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

This cauliflower rice and kale skillet is done in only 15 minutes and can be served as a quick lunch, or as a side dish.
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

20. Spinach Risotto with Mushrooms

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes


Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

21. Baked Swiss Chard Potato Cakes

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

Swiss chards, like all dark leafy green vegetables, are one of the most nutritious, inexpensive and easy to cook real foods! You can easily freeze the patties and use them for a quick lunch or as a side dish for a festive dinner.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

22. Spring Roll Noodle Salad

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

This easy noodle salad recipe is packed with vitamins and perfect for spring nights.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

23. Teriyaki Zucchini Noodles

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

Ready in 20 minutes or less and 100% gluten-free!
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

24. Tortellini Pasta in Garlic Spinach Tomato Sauce

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

This tortellini recipe is the pasta dish that's the perfect answer to your weeknight dinner prayers!
Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

25. Lemon Ricotta Pasta

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

This lemon ricotta pasta is a sure-fire winner of a dish – Only 5 ingredients and ready in 10 minutes or less!
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

26. Asian Noodle Salad with the Best Ever Ginger Vinaigrette

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

This vegan noodle salad is perfect for midweek lunches or larger gatherings.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

This creamy garlic parmesan orzo pasta with spinach is a family favorite for weeknight dinners!
Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

28. Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta will leave you feeling satisfied and happy with its hearty flavors.
Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

29. Spinach Mushroom Quinoa Skillet

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

This parmesan spinach mushroom quinoa recipe is the ultimate win for vegetarian weeknight dinners!
Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

30. Garlic Butter Sweet Potato Noodles

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

This great sweet potato noodles recipe is an easy and fun way to eat more vegetables!
Cooking time: 10 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

31. Quinoa Cucumber Mason Jar Salad

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

A portable, portion-control lunch you can enjoy everywhere on the go.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

32. One-Skillet Mediterranean Gnocchi

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

This One-Skillet Mediterranean Gnocchi is a super fast and delicious meat-free meal at home.
Cooking time: 20 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

33. No-Mayo Potato Salad

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

A quick and lighter version of the classic potato salad, with a delicious kick of spice.
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

34. Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

eatwell101.com34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes

This greek orzo pasta salad is so easy to throw together - Light, delicious, and healthy!
Cooking time: 0 minView recipe >> Save to recipe box

34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes (37)

34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes (38)

by eatwell101
Yield:
4 servings Prep Time: 15 min Cook time: 0 min

Pasta salad with creamy avocado slices is so easy to make! the best Pasta salad to add to your dinner table. - One bowl of this healthy pasta salad will delight even the pickiest eaters!

Ingredients you need for the Easy Pasta Salad with Avocado

3 cups uncooked farfalle pasta2 cups (300g) fresh corn kernels2 large ripe avocados, diced9 ounces (250 g) grape tomatoes, halved1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced2 tablespoons fresh lime juice1/4 cup olive oil1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (or basil)1/2 teaspoon salt and cracked pepper1/3 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes

Directions

1. To make the pasta salad: Cook farfalle pasta according to package directions. Rinse with cold water and drain.

2. In a large salad bowl, combine all of the salad ingredients together: pasta, corn, tomato, onion, avocado.

3. In a small jar, mix together olive oil, lime juice, chopped cilantro (or basil), salt, pepper, chili flakes, and pour over the avocado corn pasta salad. Season the pasta salad avocado with extra salt and pepper, if desired. Enjoy!


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What is a good vegetable to meal prep?

Vegetables are of course the base for any vegetarian meal prep recipes. Raw vegetables are great because they retain all the nutrients and are highly portable. Here is a quick list of veggies that are ideal for meal prepping for your coming week:

  • Asparagus: Blanched, roasted, steamed… You can enjoy cooked asparagus cold or reheated for your meal prep.
  • Brussels sprouts: Roasted brussels sprouts are chunky pieces of nourishing goodness that will fill you up!
  • Broccoli: Raw broccoli works wells in vegetarian salads, while you can cook broccoli for your vegetarian stir-fries
  • Butternut squash: Some like raw butternut squash noodles, but we recommend steaming them beforehand. They are great spiralized in a salad you can pack for lunch.
  • Cabbage: Well, no need to introduce the classic coleslaw here…
  • Cauliflower: You can enjoy cauliflower raw in salads, or as a garnish: think cauliflower rice. It is very easy to reheat a full of nutrients. The ideal meal prep companion!
  • Carrots: Carrots sticks, carrot noodles, carrot slices… if you need something crunchy and filling forcheapvegetarian meal prep, carrot is a great option.
  • Celery: Same as carrots. Celery sticks are highly portable and hold very well.
  • Cucumbers: you’ll have a lot of cucumber in vegetarian and vegan meal prep bowls and salads. That’s for a reason!
  • Fennel: Fennel has a lot of flavors and will complement your salads. You can also sauté it in a pan for a nice stir fry with citruses, pine nuts, and spices.
  • Green beans: We prefer cooked green beans, chopped in salads. They tend to hold better this way.
  • Kale: The king of nutrition. Raw kale holds very well in a wide variety of salads.
  • Lettuce: Think lettuce when you want a light lunch or meal prep. Keep the dressing apart so the lettuce leaves don’t get soggy.
  • Peppers: Raw or stir-fried, peppers bring color and vitamins to your vegetarian lunch.
  • Potatoes: Potato salads make a wonderful, creamy, and satisfying vegetarian meal. Avoid chopping potatoes ahead of time without cooking them because the starch will change color in less than an hour.
  • Sweet potatoes: Pre-chop and pre-cook your sweet potatoes for meal prepping. They are great in salads and quick stir-fries.

How to make vegetarian meal prep easier?

Meal prepping for a vegetarian diet is quite simple. Keep in mind to add a variety of vegetables to your meal instead of relying on only one: This way you’ll feel fuller and more satisfied while drawing from a richer combo of nutrients. Here is a few tips to make vegetarian meal prep easier:

1. Choose meals that are easy to prepare
Look for vegan and vegetarian meals that require minimal prep work, such as salads, soups, stir-fries, and casseroles.

2. Invest in meal-prep containers
Invest in a few good-quality containers that you can use to store your pre-made meals. We tend to prefer glass containers for meal prep because they are safer to reheat compared to plastic, and they are also easier to clean up.

3. Make extra
When cooking vegetarian meals, make extra so that you can store some in the refrigerator or freezer for future use.

4. Invest in a slow cooker
Slow cookers make it easier to make large batches of veggie stews and soups that can be stored for later.

5. Take advantage of pre-cut vegetables
If you don’t have time to cut and chop vegetables, opt for pre-cut and pre-washed options–They are now pretty common in every grocery store chain.

6. Use your leftovers creatively
Vegetarian leftovers can be repurposed into new meals like veggie burgers, burritos, or omelets.

7. Prepare your sauces in advance
Save time by preparing sauces and dressings in advance. Store them in mason jars with tightly fitting lids and keep them in your refrigerator.

8. Use frozen vegetables
Frozen vegetables are a great time-saver, as they are peeled, pre-cut, and require minimal preparation. Frozen veggies work best for stir-fries, soups, and stew, but not so much for raw dishes like salads.

Did you make one of these vegetarian meal prep recipes? Please share on your social media using our hashtag #eatwell101!

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34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes (45) New: Meal PlannerPlan your weekly meals instantly from anywhere on the webTry the Meal Planner!

34 Low-Effort Vegetarian Meal Prep Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How to make vegetarian meals more filling? ›

To feel more full while following a vegetarian diet, try incorporating more fiber and whole grains into your meals. Incorporating nuts, seeds, and beans into your diet can help you to feel more satisfied.

How do you meal prep vegetables for the week? ›

Peel and chop the produce so it's ready to cook. Place into airtight storage containers in amounts that work for a meal for your family. Plan to use softer and/or moister veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms first in the order of the week ahead. Store firm veggies up to 5 days in the fridge.

What foods are not recommended for meal prepping? ›

What foods should you not meal prep?
FoodReason
Egg-based sauces and mayonnaiseThe ingredients may separate or curdle when defrosted or reheated.
Cream-based products, such as custard and yoghurtThe ingredients will separate when frozen and the texture will change.
9 more rows
Sep 1, 2022

What are 3 keys to successful meal prepping? ›

Follow these three steps and you'll be planning and prepping nutritious and delicious meals that fit your preferences and lifestyle!
  • Step 1: Make a Menu. First, think about your approach to meal planning — do you: ...
  • Step 2: Stock Your Pantry and Freezer with the Five Food Groups. ...
  • Step 3: Keep a Running Grocery List.
Jul 18, 2019

How to get 40 grams of protein without meat? ›

5 Protein-Packed Foods for Healthy, Meatless Meals
  1. Eggs. Eggs are a great source of protein. ...
  2. Tree Nuts. Tree nuts include walnuts, almonds and pecans — don't confuse them with peanuts, which are legumes. ...
  3. Legumes. Legumes include a range of beans and peas such as black beans, chickpeas and lentils. ...
  4. Soy. ...
  5. Yogurt.

What plant-based foods keep you full? ›

Healthful foods that are high in protein, fiber, or both tend to be filling. Rich sources of protein for vegans include foods such as soybeans, pulses, and some nuts and seeds. Oats, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and fruit are all good sources of fiber.

Can you use frozen veggies for meal prep? ›

But frozen veggies can help. You can stock up on big bags and stash them away without worrying they're gonna go bad before you can use them. And since they're already fully prepped, you don't have to waste precious minutes washing, peeling, or chopping.

What vegetables can be cooked ahead of time? ›

To get you started, here are 10 of my favorite make-ahead vegetable ideas to batch ahead.
  • 01: Crispy Homemade Sweet Potato Fries.
  • 02: The Best Kale Salad.
  • 03: Roasted Breakfast Potatoes.
  • 04: Sauteed Peppers and Onions.
  • 05: Spiralized Sweet Potatoes or Squash.
  • 08: Casar Spinach Pasta Salad.
  • 10: Roasted Vegetables.

How to lose 30 pounds vegetarian? ›

Several strategies can help promote weight loss on a vegetarian diet, including:
  1. Filling half of your plate with non-starchy vegetables. ...
  2. Incorporating protein at every meal and snack. ...
  3. Opting for complex carbs. ...
  4. Watching your portions of high-calorie foods. ...
  5. Eating mostly whole foods. ...
  6. Limiting highly processed foods.

What is the most nutritious vegetarian meal? ›

Our 10 Healthiest Vegetarian Dinners
  1. Vegetarian Kale and Cannellini Bean Stew. ...
  2. Vegetarian Paella with Red Peppers & Chickpeas. ...
  3. How To Make the Best Lentil Dal. ...
  4. Tofu Chickpea Stir-Fry with Tahini Sauce. ...
  5. Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Chickpeas, Feta, and Herbs. ...
  6. Roasted Broccoli & Cheddar Soup. ...
  7. Sweet Potato Fajitas.
May 1, 2019

What is a typical vegetarian menu like? ›

What to Eat on a Vegetarian Diet
  • Beans and lentils.
  • Nuts, nut butters and seeds (including chia and flax)
  • Whole grains (quinoa, bulgur, freekeh, whole-wheat, oats, brown rice and more)
  • Soy (tofu, edamame, tempeh)
  • Fruits.
  • Vegetables.
  • Dairy (yogurt, kefir, cheese and milk)
  • Eggs.

What is the fastest food to prepare? ›

18 quick meals that can be made in 15 minutes
  1. 18 quick meals that can be made in 15 minutes. Mar 3, 2023. ...
  2. Cucumber Sandwich. It's the easiest dish you can make for lunch/dinner. ...
  3. Naan Pizza. Make a healthier Pizza with just a naan. ...
  4. Walnut Tacos. ...
  5. Goat Cheese Pasta with Broccoli. ...
  6. Lentil Curry. ...
  7. Cauliflower Rice. ...
  8. Lettuce Wraps.
Mar 3, 2023

Which meal is easiest to skip? ›

05/5​It is easier to skip dinner

Research suggests that fasting in the evening and overnight, then eating early in the morning is the better way to follow this diet to lose weight. Having your dinner early also prevents you from late-night snacking and Improves digestion.

What is the longest lasting food for meal prep? ›

soups, my broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, Beans, rice, corn, sweet potato, quinoa, oats, roasted vegetables(freezer friendly) but avoid tomatoes always prep them on the day or for day after. Boiled eggs, turkey, grilled chicken, pork. Beef. acidic or wilting foods are best made fresh.

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