23 Veggie-Rich Recipes That’ll Make You Ditch Meat Without Regrets

Photo of author

| Published:

23 Veggie-Rich Recipes That’ll Make You Ditch Meat Without Regrets

Say goodbye to the notion that veggie-rich meals are boring or bland. These recipes are so great you won’t even notice your “meat-cutes” are gone. Packed with vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients, they show that veggies can steal the show and leave your taste buds cheering.

https://tastesdelicious.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Cucumber-Tomato-Bites-1.jpg
Cucumber Tomato Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is your laid-back weeknight savior. Toss together Polish sausage slices, chunks of zucchini, broccoli florets, and sweet mini peppers on a sheet pan, and let the oven do the work. In under 30 minutes, you’ve got a colorful dinner that’s bursting with flavor and texture. This dish is not just about convenience; it’s a clever way to pack veggies without skimping on taste.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Stuffed bell pepper casserole in a pan with a wooden spoon.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole takes the comfort of stuffed peppers and turns it into an easy-to-serve casserole. Bell peppers, rice, spices, and ground beef come together in a dish that bakes in 45 minutes. It’s hearty, flavorful, and just right for a family dinner. This casserole is a time-saver and a great way to enjoy a meal that’s filling and rich in vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Bacon ranch chicken salad cucumber boats lined up on a plate.
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats serves a new version of your typical salad. Using cucumber halves as the base, they’re filled with a mix of chicken, bacon, homemade ranch seasoning, and a sprinkle of cheese. Ready in 30 minutes, these boats are a hit for a quick lunch or as a party starter. They make eating veggies spontaneous and fun, especially when trying to convince someone that cucumbers are more than just salad fodder.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Baked Sliced Zucchini

Baked sliced zucchini with parmesan on a white plate.
Baked Sliced Zucchini. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Sliced Zucchini is the answer to your side dish boredom. Simply slice some zucchini, sprinkle with Parmesan, add a touch of seasoning, and bake for about 20 minutes. What comes out are golden, cheesy slices that’ll make you wonder why you ever fussed over more elaborate sides. It’s perfect for those who want to up their veggie game but are too busy.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sliced Zucchini

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Baked tomatoes with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese garnished with parsley.
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Picture this — juicy Roma tomatoes stacked with layers of melty Parmesan and mozzarella, all seasoned with basil and Italian herbs. Bake these for 15 minutes, and have a golden, cheesy treat that’s perfect for a busy night. Great for anyone looking to sneak more veggies into their meals, this dish is a game changer. And really, with cheese this good, who needs meat?
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Loaded Zucchini Boats

Three loaded zucchini boats on a plate.
Loaded Zucchini Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Loaded Zucchini Boats are just the ticket to steer your dinner in a new direction. Swap in zucchini for potatoes, top with bacon, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream, and you’ve got a fun and filling dish. They cook up in less than an hour, perfect for a weeknight. It’s a smart way to get more veggies in your diet without feeling like you’re missing out on anything, especially flavor. Plus, calling your dinner a “boat” might make eating more fun. Who said veggies had to be boring?
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Broccoli Fritters

A stack of broccoli fritters on a plate.
Broccoli Fritters. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Broccoli Fritters turn the humble broccoli into a crunchy, golden wonder. Just mix chopped broccoli with sunflower seed meal, eggs, and Parmesan, fry them up, and in 30 minutes, you’re looking at a plate of irresistible greens. These fritters are a quick fix for any meal and a clever way to make broccoli the center of attention. If you’re tired of the same old veggie sides, these fritters will give you a reason to look forward to eating your greens.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Fritters

Cucumber Tomato Bites

Sliced cucumbers topped with dollops of herb cream cheese, cherry tomato halves, and dill sprigs arranged on a beige surface.
Cucumber Tomato Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cucumber Tomato Bites are the light, fresh heroes of the snack world. Whip these up in just 15 minutes using slices of cucumber, herbs, cream cheese, cherry tomatoes, and a sprig of dill for a pop of green. Perfect for cooling down on a hot day or impressing guests with something simple yet sophisticated. Plus, these are so easy to make that they’re practically a shortcut to veggie heaven.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Bites

Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Bites

A person holding a cucumber with shrimp and guacamole.
Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Bites are a fresh take on your standard appetizer. Just top cucumber slices with seasoned shrimp and a spoonful of homemade guacamole. They’re quick to assemble and even quicker to disappear at parties. Not only are these bites great for boosting your veggie intake, but they also make veggies the life of the party. With these on the menu, who needs a main course? Shrimp and cucumber might just become your new favorite duo.
Get the Recipe: Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Bites

Bell Pepper Sandwich

Bell pepper sandwich cut in half on a plate.
Bell Pepper Sandwich. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

You don’t need bread with this Bell Pepper Sandwich. Swap out your usual loaf for some crisp, sweet bell peppers filled with turkey, cheese, and lettuce. It’s a low-effort, high-flavor lunch that’s ready in just 10 minutes. And let’s be honest, it’s so colorful and crunchy that you might just forget about bread.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Bowl of creamy dill cucumber onion salad in a bowl with spoons.
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Make this Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad in just 30 minutes for a dish that’s as refreshing as it is quick. Crisp cucumbers and sharp onions tossed in a smooth, tangy dill dressing — this salad is a cool companion on a hot day. It’s a great side dish that brings out the best in its simple ingredients, which shows that salads don’t have to be boring or complicated to hit the spot. And if you’re trying to up your veggie intake, this might just be your new favorite trick.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta

In FDL library.
Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

A comforting dish puts asparagus front and center — Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta. It’s a creamy, comforting pasta dish where asparagus stars alongside bits of bacon. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want something that feels a bit special. And the best part? You’re getting a serving of veggies while indulging in some serious comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Two bowls of sweet potato and red pepper soup with sour cream and parsley.
Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuck into this Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup and enjoy a great mix of sweet potatoes and red bell peppers seasoned with cumin and paprika. This soup comes together in about an hour, making it perfect for a comforting meal that’s both nourishing and hearty — without the heaviness of meat. It’s a great choice for a weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend lunch. Veggie-centric and proud, this soup makes skipping meat easy and fun.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup

Zucchini Bites

A zucchini bite being dipped into a dipping sauce.
Zucchini Bites. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Check out these Zucchini Bites — zucchini, Parmesan, cheddar, and a dash of Italian seasoning, all baked into perfect little snacks in just 30 minutes. They’re super for grabbing a quick bite or adding a veggie touch to your party spread. These bites are a stealthy way to increase your veggie intake. Who said you need meat to have a good time, right?
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bites

Cauliflower Potato Salad

Cauliflower potato salad garnished with green onions in a bowl with a fork.
Cauliflower Potato Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cauliflower Potato Salad isn’t your typical potato salad. Swapping in cauliflower for potatoes and tossing it with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar, this salad is mixed up in a creamy, tangy sauce. It’s ready in 35 minutes and a great pick for any gathering. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to love your veggies without missing a beat — or the meat.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Potato Salad

Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats

Spicy tuna cucumber boats on a plate.
Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

These Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats are a breeze to make. Just hollow out some cucumbers, fill them with spicy cream cheese and tuna, sprinkle on some seasoning, and you’re set. Perfect for those who want a light meal but still need something punchy. Plus, it’s like having your veggies in a boat — how much more fun can eating healthy get?
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fried Cabbage with Bacon is quick, easy, and delicious. It’s green cabbage, chopped bacon, white onion, and a small amount of sweetener, all pan-fried together in a cast iron skillet to create a low-carb, high-protein, and nutrient-dense dish. Ready in 25 minutes, it’s a solid choice for a great dinner. It’s so packed with flavor, you won’t miss traditional meat dishes one bit. This dish is a champ at making cabbage the center of attention. It’s all about keeping things simple but delicious. So, who needs steak when you can have this gem?
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Creamy Broccoli With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

A pan of creamy broccoli with sun-dried tomatoes with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Broccoli With Sun-Dried Tomatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Whip up this Creamy Broccoli With Sun-Dried Tomatoes in just 25 minutes. It’s a simple mix of broccoli and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce that really brings the dish together. This veggie dish shows you don’t need meat to enjoy a great meal. It’s a clever way to pack in those greens without feeling like you’re missing out.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon and dollops of sour cream with a spoon.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon is ready in 45 minutes and perfect for those busy weeknights. Sweet butternut squash and hearty cauliflower are paired with crispy bacon, all seasoned with herbs and a splash of Dijon mustard. Packed with veggies and topped with a dollop of sour cream, it’s so good you won’t miss the meat at all. And hey, if you’re trying to sneak more veggies into your diet, this dish does it without making a big deal about it.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Golden Baked Jicama Fries

In FDL library.
Golden Baked Jicama Fries. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

These aren’t your average fries. Golden Baked Jicama Fries are tossed with paprika, turmeric, and garlic and baked until crisp. They take about an hour to whip up and are a perfect way to dodge those traditional fries. These Jicama fries are a great way to enjoy a veggie snack with their crunchy texture and mild flavor. And they’re proof that you don’t need potatoes to make a great fry.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Jicama Fries

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

A bowl of cilantro lime cauliflower rice.
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is easy and ready in just 20 minutes. It’s a light mix of sautéed cauliflower rice with onions, garlic, and jalapeño, finished off with lime and fresh cilantro. It’s the perfect side to any meal, adding a fresh spin without taking over the plate. This dish is so packed with flavor that you won’t even notice it’s mostly veggies. Plus, if you’re looking to cut carbs and increase your veggie servings, this rice is a game changer.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower risotto in a pan.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Ready in just 30 minutes, this Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms brings all the creamy goodness without the heaviness of traditional risotto. Made with cauliflower rice, earthy mushrooms, and just enough cheese for richness, it’s a dish that impresses without all the work. It’s so good and veggie-packed you’ll forget it’s supposed to be healthy. And for those of us trying to up our veggie game, it’s like hitting the jackpot without even buying a ticket.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cabbage and Sausage quickly blends tender cabbage with flavorful chicken sausage, seasoned with a hint of apple cider vinegar. It cooks up in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight. It’s straightforward and great for when you want something different without spending hours in the kitchen. You might just forget about those meat-heavy dishes you used to rely on. Because, let’s be honest, we could all use a little more green in our lives.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.