23 veggie-rich recipes that’ll have you ditching meat with zero regrets

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Veggie-rich recipes are here to show you that going meatless doesn’t mean giving up on flavor or fullness. These dishes are hearty and bold, making you wonder why you didn’t ditch meat sooner. It’s like swapping out your worn-out sneakers for something more comfortable — you won’t miss what you left behind.

Loaded zucchini boats on a baking sheet.
Loaded Zucchini Boats. 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 makes eating more veggies a breeze. In under 30 minutes, Polish sausage, zucchini, broccoli, and sweet mini peppers roast together, creating a simple and delicious meal. The sausage adds a comforting flavor, while the veggies are tender and flavorful. It’s a no-stress, veggie-packed dinner that’s ready when you are.
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 best part of stuffed peppers and makes it easier. Bell peppers, rice, and ground beef bake together in one dish, cutting down on prep time while giving you that comforting flavor. Everything cooks and is ready to serve in about 45 minutes, and it’s a perfect choice for family dinners or meal prep. Plus, with fewer steps, cleanup is a breeze, making this casserole a practical option for busy weeknights.
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 are a fresh and fun way to add more veggies to your meals. Using crisp cucumber halves as the base, they’re filled with a mix of chicken, bacon, ranch seasoning, and a sprinkle of cheese. It’s a light, crunchy option that’s great for a quick lunch or snack, especially if you want to cut back on bread. These boats are ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for wanting something fresh and veggie-packed without spending too much time in the kitchen.
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 perfect side when you want something simple and veggie-packed that doesn’t take much effort. Just 20 minutes, and you’re done. You slice up some zucchini, sprinkle on some Parmesan, and bake until everything is golden and cheesy. The zucchini comes out tender with a slight crunch, and the Parmesan adds just the right amount of flavor. Make this when you’re tired of putting too much work into your sides but still want to keep things healthy.
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.

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese are a quick and easy way to sneak in more veggies. Juicy Roma tomatoes are topped with mozzarella and Parmesan, seasoned with herbs, and baked until the cheese is perfectly melted. Perfect as a side or a light main dish, these tomatoes combine the freshness of veggies with the richness of the cheese, making it a simple yet delicious option for any night.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Broccoli Fritters

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

Broccoli Fritters turn a simple veggie into something special. With just 30 minutes and a handful of ingredients like broccoli, sunflower seed meal, eggs, and Parmesan, you’ll have crispy, golden fritters that make adding greens easy. Whether you serve them as a snack, side, or a lighter main dish, they’re a great way to switch things up from your usual veggie routine. These fritters are an easy win if you’re looking for a quick, no-stress way to make eating broccoli more fun.
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.

These Cucumber Tomato Bites are perfect for a quick, veggie-packed snack that doesn’t feel heavy. In just 20 minutes, fresh cucumber slices topped with herb cream cheese, cherry tomatoes, and dill will be served. They’re light, crisp, and a great way to squeeze more vegetables into your day without much effort. If you’re looking for a fresh snack that keeps things simple, these bites are a great option.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Bites

Loaded Zucchini Boats

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

Loaded Zucchini Boats are a great way to get more veggies into your meals without feeling missing out. Instead of potatoes, zucchini becomes the star, topped with bacon, cheese, and sour cream for a comforting, hearty meal. Ready in under an hour, they’re perfect for weeknights when you need something easy but still filling.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Bites

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

Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Bites are a fresh, light appetizer that’s quick to throw together but still feels special. Cucumber slices topped with shrimp and guacamole make this a great way to get more veggies without cooking much. This recipe is a great reminder that adding more veggies doesn’t have to be complicated, and it’s always nice to have a lighter option on hand when you want something simple but delicious.
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.

Bell Pepper Sandwiches are an easy and colorful way to skip the bread without missing out. Bell peppers take center stage here, stuffed with turkey, cheese, and lettuce. They’re crunchy, fresh, and ready in just 10 minutes. If you’re trying to eat more veggies or reduce carbs, this sandwich is a simple and quick option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
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.

This Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is a great choice when you need something light and refreshing. Crisp cucumbers and sharp onions get tossed in a tangy dill dressing, creating a simple and delicious salad. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect side dish for days when you’re looking for something quick to pair with your meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta

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

Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta is a perfect choice if you’re trying to skip meat but still want a comforting, veggie-packed meal. Asparagus takes center stage here, paired with just enough bacon to keep things flavorful. It’s a creamy, filling dish you can make in about 30 minutes, so it’s great for busy evenings when you need something comforting without a long prep time. This recipe helps you load up on veggies in the easiest, most soothing way possible.
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.

Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup is perfect when you need a wholesome, veggie-rich meal. This hearty soup combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the subtle kick of red peppers, and spices like cumin and paprika bring everything together. It takes about an hour to make, which gives you time to unwind while it simmers. This soup is a simple way to enjoy a comforting, nourishing bowl of veggies without the need for meat.
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.

Zucchini Bites are quick, simple, and flavorful when looking for an easy way to add veggies to your day. With zucchini, Parmesan, cheddar, and some Italian seasoning, these bites come together in just 30 minutes. They’re a great snack or appetizer that lets you enjoy the goodness of vegetables in a way that feels easy and fun. These bites make eating veggies less of a chore and more of a treat. Perfect for when you want a quick bite that’s loaded with flavor, minus the meat.
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 is a fresh take on a classic side dish. By swapping potatoes for cauliflower, you get a lighter dish still packed with the flavors you love — bacon, cheddar, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Ready in about 35 minutes, it’s great for gatherings or as a side for a quick dinner. This dish helps you work more veggies into your day without sacrificing the flavors you crave.
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.

Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats are a great option for a quick and refreshing veggie-focused snack. Hollowed-out cucumbers are filled with a simple mix of tuna and cream cheese with a spicy kick. This light, flavorful snack comes together fast and is perfect when you need something fresh but still delicious. The crunch of the cucumber paired with the creamy, spicy filling makes this snack both refreshing and filling.
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.

When you want a veggie-rich dish that still delivers big on flavor, Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a great choice. Cabbage, bacon, and onions combine in 25 minutes, creating a quick, flavorful meal. The cabbage becomes tender while the bacon adds richness, making it the perfect dish for when you want something simple but delicious. It’s a great way to cut back on meat while still enjoying a meal full of flavor.
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.

If you’re looking to enjoy more veggies without feeling like you’re giving anything up, this Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is just right. In 25 minutes, you’ll have tender broccoli in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, adding flavor. It’s simple, comforting, and doesn’t leave you missing meat. Perfect for those evenings when you want a veggie-packed dish that feels a bit more special but doesn’t require much effort.
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.

This Roasted Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon perfectly exemplifies how veggies can shine. You’ll get a comforting mix of sweet squash, hearty cauliflower, and crispy bacon, with a bit of Dijon mustard to tie it all together. It’s great for those nights when you want a filling meal that keeps things light. If you’re trying to add more veggies to your diet, this dish makes it easy without feeling like a big deal. The flavors are so good that you won’t even think about missing meat.
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 Golden Baked Jicama Fries are a simple, filling way to enjoy something crunchy without reaching for traditional fries. They’re seasoned with paprika, turmeric, and garlic; after about an hour in the oven, they come out perfectly crispy. Jicama’s mild crunch is a great alternative if you’re looking to switch things up or cut back on carbs. This dish is a kind reminder that eating more veggies doesn’t mean giving up on great flavor.
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 a quick, light side that perfectly fits any meal. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a flavorful mix of cauliflower rice, fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and lime juice. If you’re trying to cut carbs or eat more veggies, this is a great option that doesn’t take much time. The fresh, light flavors make it a helpful companion to any main dish, giving you more veggies on your plate without overloading the meal. You’ll feel good about eating it, and your body will thank you, too.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

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

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms brings the comfort of risotto but swaps the heaviness for a lighter, veggie-focused version. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, comforting dish made with cauliflower rice and mushrooms, with just enough cheese to keep it rich. The mushrooms bring an earthy flavor that works perfectly with the cauliflower. It’s helpful for those nights when you want something comforting that doesn’t take much time or effort.
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.

This Cabbage and Sausage recipe is a helpful way to get more greens into your meals without making it complicated. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have tender cabbage mixed with flavorful chicken sausage, with a touch of apple cider vinegar for brightness. It’s a simple, filling dish perfect for busy nights when you need something quick but balanced.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

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