Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
Photographer: Abbey Littlejohn.
With these easy dinner recipes, healthy eating doesn’t have to wait until you have lots of time to cook. In 30 minutes or less, you can prepare one of these vegetarian dishes, packed with whole grains, healthy fats and leafy greens to align with the Mediterranean diet. So no matter which recipe you try from this list, from our Easy Veggie Fried Rice or our Chickpea Noodle Soup, you can rest assured that your weeknight dinner will be easy, healthy and delicious.
01 of 15
Easy Veggie Fried Rice
Photographer: Abbey Littlejohn.
This easy fried rice is packed with quick-cooking veggies, including zucchini, carrot and green beans. Leftover cooked brown rice can be used here if you have it—you’ll need 2 cups.
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02 of 15
Chopped Broccoli & Chickpea Salad
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong, Food Stylist: Ruth Skipworth.
This hearty broccoli-chickpea salad is packed with satisfying texture and flavor from tender chickpeas, crunchy almonds, sweet golden raisins and tangy feta cheese. A mash of feta forms the base of the creamy, lemony dressing, coating every bite.
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03 of 15
Portobello “Philly Cheesesteak” Sandwiches
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali.
Cheesesteaks are a Philadelphia classic, known for thinly sliced beef piled high and smothered in a gooey cheese sauce. This meat-free twist swaps in meaty portobello mushrooms, capturing all the savory flavor and satisfying texture of the original, no steak required.
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04 of 15
Chickpea Noodle Soup
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Chelesa Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower.
This cozy noodle soup is the kind of simple meal that’s worth keeping in your weeknight rotation. It starts with an aromatic base of carrots, celery and onion simmered in vegetable broth and gets heartiness plus fiber and some plant-based protein from chickpeas and whole-wheat rotini. Light yet satisfying, this chickpea noodle soup is perfect for cold evenings, easy lunches or anytime you need a bowl of comfort.
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05 of 15
Easy White Bean Skillet
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.
This easy white bean skillet brings together pantry staples and fresh greens for a comforting plant-based meal. Sweet onion, tomatoes and garlic form a rich, savory base for creamy white beans. A handful of spinach adds freshness and color, and a sprinkle of Parmesan ties everything together with salty richness. Served alongside toasted whole-wheat baguette slices for dipping, it’s a fast, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a simple weekend supper.
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06 of 15
Marry Me White Bean Soup
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.
This Marry Me White Bean Soup borrows inspiration from the beloved Marry Me Chicken recipe with a combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cream and Parmesan. Here, those same flavors are transformed into a hearty, soul-warming vegetarian soup with white beans taking center stage. Finished with basil and extra cheese, it’s cozy, crowd-pleasing and sure to win hearts at the table.
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07 of 15
Broccoli-Cheddar Butter Beans
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.
These broccoli-Cheddar butter beans are a cozy dish that will remind you of broccoli-Cheddar soup, but in a convenient skillet. Tender butter beans add creaminess and plant-based protein, making the dish filling enough for a main course. Broccoli florets bring color, while sharp Cheddar cheese melts in for that classic flavor. Everything comes together in one pan, creating a thick texture that’s perfect for scooping up with crusty bread.
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08 of 15
Pesto Pasta with Peas & Tomatoes
This Pesto Pasta with Peas & Tomatoes is a bright, flavorful dish that comes together quickly. Pasta is cooked alongside frozen sweet peas, then tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes and basil pesto for a fresh, herbaceous finish. You can serve it warm or chilled, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks or picnics. A sprinkle of Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon add the perfect final touch.
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09 of 15
20-Minute Black Bean Soup
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.
This easy black bean soup takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Canned black beans help speed things up, and taco seasoning and fire-roasted tomatoes help build rich, savory flavor in just minutes. Cream cheese melted in at the end gives this soup a silky texture. Pair it with warm tortillas or crusty bread for a simple, comforting meal.
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10 of 15
Chickpea Grain Bowl with Feta & Tomatoes
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali.
This chickpea-farro grain bowl is a hearty dish that’s packed with plant-based protein, fiber and tons of fresh flavor. Farro, a whole grain with a nutty taste and chewy texture, forms the base and pairs perfectly with tender chickpeas and veggies. If you don’t have farro on hand, you can easily swap in quinoa, brown rice or barley.
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11 of 15
No-Cook Black Bean Taco Bowls
Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.
These black bean taco bowls with lime crema are a refreshing no-cook meal that’s perfect for busy days. They feature hearty black beans, veggies and zesty toppings layered over crispy cabbage and lettuce. The lime crema adds a tangy, creamy finish that brings all the flavors together. Enjoy these effortless bowls with the suggested toppings below, or customize them with your own favorites.
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12 of 15
High-Protein Caprese Chickpea Salad
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
This caprese chickpea salad is a fresh, protein- and fiber-packed, plant-based twist on the classic Italian favorite. It combines creamy mozzarella pearls, juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant fresh basil with hearty chickpeas for a satisfying dish. A simple balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with a tangy-sweet finish. It’s quick to prepare, colorful and bursting with summery flavor.
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13 of 15
20-Minute Chickpea Soup
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Huff, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.
When dinner needs to happen fast, turn to this creamy chickpea soup that’s pulled together in just 20 minutes. Cream cheese melts right into this zesty soup for a velvety texture that feels cozy and comforting. Garnished with cilantro and crunchy tortilla strips, it’s a one-pot meal that’s weeknight-friendly and crowd-pleasing.
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14 of 15
5-Ingredient Avocado & Chickpea Salad
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco.
This avocado-and-chickpea salad is a fresh, flavorful dish that comes together in minutes. Made with just five ingredients, it’s as simple as it is satisfying. Creamy avocado pairs perfectly with hearty chickpeas for a filling, plant-based meal. With no cooking required and minimal prep, it’s a perfect quick lunch or dinner.
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15 of 15
Curried Butter Beans
photographer: Jen Causey, food stylist: Julian Hensarling, prop stylist: Josh Hoggle
Tender butter beans combine with red curry paste and aromatic spices in this hearty plant-based dish. We use butter beans here, but any white bean, like cannellini or navy, would work. Enjoy it on its own or serve it over brown rice or whole-grain noodles for a more filling meal.
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Dining and Cooking