13 Dinner Recipes for Meatless Monday

Not only does taking a day off meat save millions of animals and tons of water and dramatically reduce global warming, pollution and your ecological footprint, some also say your body can change on a vegetarian diet. Changes like lifted moods, better sleep and more energy sound pretty good to us.

Need a little help on how you can get in on the Meatless Monday trend? Check out these delicious vegetarian and vegan dinner recipes we rounded up on Instagram.

1. Loaded Enchilada Casserole

The spicier, the better if you ask us. Get the recipe.

 

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Love enchiladas but hate to roll? You need this enchilada casserole! It’s made by layering corn tortillas, spicy sauce, beans and veggies! SO GOOD! Recipe link in profile! #veganrecipe #veganfood #vegansofinstagram #veganfoodlovers #veganfoodporn #veganfoodshare #meatlessmonday

A post shared by Alissa Saenz (@connoisseurusveg) on Mar 11, 2019 at 7:51am PDT

2. Vegan Peanut Curry with Sweet Potato

Like what you see? Find this recipe and so many more super tasty plant-based recipes on Lazy Cat Kitchen.

 

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No matter the temperature outside, we can always go for this vegan peanut and kumara curry! ? ☀️ #MeatFreeMonday Recipe in bio – Vegan Peanut Curry

A post shared by Meat Free Monday (@meatfreemondaynz) on Mar 10, 2019 at 2:21pm PDT

3. Nachos

Details for this delicious dish are in the caption below!

 

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These are NACHO average nachos ? For #MeatlessMonday, these plant-based, vegan nachos will do the trick ? I used @beanfieldssnacks pico de gallo chips for the base (my favvvvvv) and went a littleeee crazy with toppings: crunchy baked kale + @traderjoes cashew fiesta dip (melted with homemade almond milk for a “cheese” sauce) + black beans + steamed cauliflower + fresh parsley + lime juice ? Happy Monday, friends! ? Let’s make it a great week ?? Who’s watching the Bachelor finale tonight? ?These would make the perfect watch-party platter ? • • • dEATS: for the kale, wash then pat dry, then massage with EVOO + salt, pepper and a little garlic powder, then bake at 200 for 25 minutes, till crispy. For the sauce: In a small sauce pan, I melted about 1/3 cup @traderjoes vegan cashew fiesta dip with a few tbsp of homemade @elliesbest unsweetened almond milk (code: shortstack) on low until perfect for a “cheesy” drizzle. Topped with warmed black beans, steamed cauli, lime juice and fresh parsley. #healthbyshortstack

A post shared by Paige ✨ (@healthbyshortstack) on Mar 11, 2019 at 9:27am PDT

4. Green Pea & Avocado Oil-Free Pesto Pasta

Apparently it is easy being green. Get the recipe below.

 

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This Green Pea & Avocado Oil-free Pesto Pasta ? by @cookingforpeanuts looks amazing! Its topped with almond ricotta and dulse sprinkles! ??Recipe: blend on high: 1 minced garlic clove, 1 very ripe avocado, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup pinenuts, handful basil leaves, 1 cup defrosted green peas, 1/3 cup vegan parmesan (or 3 tbsp nutritional yeast), 1/4 cup+2 tbsp water. Salt/black pepper to taste Tag A Friend Who Would Love This! ? #plantpower #plantpowered #plantbased #plantbaseddiet #vegan #veganfood #whatveganseat #veganinnj #njvegan #njvegfest #vegano #veganfoodie #veganism #jackfruit #veganfoodporn #vegansofig #plantbasednoms #mudnotblood #plantbasedfoods #meatlessmonday #veganforlife #vegannj #vegansoforlando #orlandovegan

A post shared by CasaVeganova (@casaveganova) on Mar 11, 2019 at 9:08am PDT

5. Broccoli Cauliflower Soup

A comfort classic. Get the recipe.

 

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We’ve had chilly weather here on the Central Coast so #MeatlessMonday calls for a #veggie packed soup. This #Broccoli #Cauliflower soup #recipe from @Eatwell101 is perfection! #eatyourveggies #eatyourgreens #veggiecentric #vegetarian #MeatFreeMonday https://www.eatwell101.com/broccoli-cauliflower-soup-recipe

A post shared by Gold Coast Packing (@goldcoastpack) on Mar 11, 2019 at 9:01am PDT

6. Stuffed Vegan Taters

Smoked paprika and vegan cheese? Yes, please. Details are below!

 

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A little midday plant based meal inspiration ?! These baked potatoes are quick, easy, inexpensive, and perfect for #MeatlessMonday. I literally made these on a whim when the dinner I planned required more effort than I was willing to give. Pick up the ingredients during your lunch break and make these tonight. Trust me, you’ll love them! ____________________ Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Place 6 cleaned, medium* sized potatoes in an oven safe dish. Bake for 25 minutes, turn the potatoes, poke holes, with a fork, add a bit of vegan butter, and pink salt, place back in the oven for an additional 25-30 mins. Remove from oven, allow to cool for about 5 minutes, then slice down the middle, being sure not to cut to the ends of the potato. Add a bit of butter to the slit and gently mash/fluff the insides of the potato while keeping the skin intact *⚠️ Careful, potato will be hot ?️*. Next, add a bit of vegan cheese (I used Daiya Cheddar Slices, 1/2 slice per potato) cover and place back in the oven for 5 mins. Add some crispy red peppers, crispy onions, or crispy jalapenos (We used all 3, because we had them on hand, but one is perfect. My favorite of the three we’re the crispy red bell peppers). Lastly, top with mashed avocado that’s been seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Dig in ?! *Feel free to use larger potatoes, increase cooking time by 10 minutes, or until done. ________________________ *Complete the Meal* Pick up some frozen broccoli, or make a colorful salad at the salad bar to accompany these flavor packed potatoes. *Tip* No ripened avocados at the grocery store? Pick up some prepared guacamole, or your favorite prepared hummus. ___________________________ Be sure to check out my hashtag #PoeticallyEmpoweredRecipes for delicious, plant based recipes & plant based meal inspiration . Use the hashtag #PoeticallyEmpoweredCooking if you recreate any of the delicious recipes shared. I’d love to see your creations. ? _______________________ Spread the vegan love ??! Feel free to tag, share, repost, or include in your Instastory ?.

A post shared by Sandi Baumgartner (@poetically_empowered) on Mar 11, 2019 at 8:55am PDT

7. Vegan Lentil-Walnut Bolognese

Never met a pasta we didn’t like. Get the recipe.

 

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It’s Monday and I’m all up for this homemade vegan bolognese. If you haven’t tried it yet, I guarantee you will fall for it: it’s comforting, super simple and packed with flavors. Even my non vegetarian/vegan friends have adopted the recipe. Have a beautiful week! Link in bio. RECIPE: https://www.delscookingtwist.com/2019/01/22/vegan-lentil-walnut-bolognese/ . . . . . #bolognese #pasta #plantbased #vegan #meatlessmonday #thekitchn #huffposttaste #veganfoodshare #healthyfoods #healthylifestyle #plantbaseddiet #happyhealthy #food52 #feedfeedvegan #forkyeah #linkinbio #delscookingtwist #healthyeats #protein #plantbasedprotein

A post shared by Del | Del’s cooking twist (@delscookingtwist) on Mar 11, 2019 at 5:33am PDT

8. Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

A vegan twist on a classic favorite. Get the recipe.

 

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Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese Bake ? – Making cheese sauce is an effort, this recipe saves on time and counts as a portion of veg ? – Packed full of fibre, vitamins and all that other good stuff. Like cheese. – I know you want to make it. Click below ? https://thefoodandfitnesswiz.com/2019/03/11/butternut-squash-mac-cheese/

A post shared by Iz Dawkes (@thefoodandfitnesswiz) on Mar 11, 2019 at 3:04am PDT

9. Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos

Perfect for Meatless Monday and Taco Tuesday. Get the recipe.

 

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? Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos | Meatless Monday . Who else loves a good taco? Well these vegan buffalo cauliflower tacos won’t disappoint. They’ve got personality, spice, tang AND texture. Did I mention they’re easy to make too? . Hop on the blog to check out the recipe for one of your new favourites! ? https://naturallyhooked.com.au/blogs/news/buffalo-cauliflower-tacos-meatless-monday-recipe . Ps. Don’t forget to tag us when you post a photo of your creation! . #meatlessmonday #veganrecipes #bulkfoodonline #onlinehealthfoodstore

A post shared by Naturally Hooked (@naturally.hooked) on Mar 11, 2019 at 2:44am PDT

10. Simple Vegan Chickpea Curry

A little sweet potato goes a long way. Recipe in the caption below!

 

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#MeatlessMonday meal idea! This simple vegan chickpea curry is just what dinner called for! Delicious, healthy, and ready in 20 minutes? Simple Vegan Chickpea Curry 1 19 oz. can chickpeas 1 large sweet potato (chopped) 3 cloves garlic 1 white onion 1 14 oz. canned coconut milk; light 1–2 teaspoon cracked black pepper 1 teaspoon coconut sugar 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon paprika 1 tablespoon curry powder Topping: cilantro, squeeze of lime Optional: extra veggies (broccoli, red peppers, etc.) Add your preferred vegetables to a large skillet Add a little bit of water or olive oil and cook on medium-high for 2–3 minutes (or longer) depending on your vegetables Add the coconut milk and simmer for another few minutes Add the rest of the ingredients and cook for approximately 7–8 minutes until the vegetables become al dente or cooked to your desired liking. Serve over rice, quinoa, or noodles and top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime Click the link in our profile to get the full recipe: https://sunwarrior.com/blogs/health-hub/simple-vegan-chickpea-curry @timmccomsey

A post shared by Sunwarrior (@sunwarriortribe) on Feb 25, 2019 at 6:01am PST

11. Red Curry and Roasted Vegetables

A super delicious recipe from one of our favorite food bloggers—Minimalist Baker.

 

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How good does this look? Rich Red Curry and Roasted Vegetables – perfect for a crisp winter #meatlessmonday dinner. Thanks to #minalmistbaker, recipe in the comments. . . . #vegetarian #vegetarianrecipe #meatlessmondayrecipe #glutenfree #glutenfreerecipes #vegan #veganrecipes #delicious. . . . #acupuncture #chiropractic #chiropractor #massagetherapist #naturopath #naturopathicdoctor #naturopathicmedicine #physiotherapy #burnabybusiness #burnabyheights #burnabywellness #burnabychiropractor #burnabymassagetherapist #burnabynaturopath #burnabyphysiotherapist #northburnaby

A post shared by backtowellness.ca (@backtowellness.ca) on Feb 25, 2019 at 5:01pm PST

12. Skillet Eggplant Parm

Leave her a comment or message her for the recipe details!

 

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?? Hey Hey …It’s meatless Monday ?? We’ve got a super duper easy Skillet Eggplant ? Parm for ya ? It’s: gluten free, KETO friendly & vegetarian. Best part it’s made in 1 skillet and is on the table in less than 30 minutes ?? ? Want the recipe? All you have to do is leave me a comment or slide into my DMs & I’ll get you the recipe link ? ? #keto #ketodiet #comfortfood #recipes #ketorecipe #lowcarb #lowcarbrecipes #glutenfree #glutenfreerecipes #glutenfreemeals #vegetarianrecipes #vegetarian #vegetarianketo #eggplant #eggplantparm #skillet #feedfeed #feedfeedglutenfree #eeeeeats #foodblogeats #fwtfl #thecookfeed #hautecuisine

A post shared by P A U L A (@bellalimento) on Mar 11, 2019 at 6:07am PDT

13. Beet Falafel Pita

She had us at beets. Details below!

 

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SOOO Have you tried BEET FALAFEL yet?! Because they’re kind of delish ? You can enjoy them in a pita wrap, on a salad, buddha bowl… Basically you just need them. OH and the GINGER TAHINI SAUCE. Yes plx ✖️ a million. ⁣⠀ FALAFEL RECIPE:⁣⠀ 1 13.5oz canned chickpeas, no salt added, rinsed and drained (about 1 3/4 cups)⁣⠀ 4 small cooked Love Beets, 4oz⁣⠀ 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves⁣⠀ 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp chili powder⁣⠀ 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced⁣⠀ 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced⁣⠀ 1/2 cup gluten-free 1:1 flour blend⁣⠀ oil for frying (I used avocado)⁣⠀ ⁣⠀ DIRECTIONS:⁣⠀ Gently pat dry rinsed chickpeas and cooked beets.⁣⠀ In food processor combine chickpeas, cooked beets, cilantro, salt, cumin, chili powder. Pulse until chickpeas and beets have broken down – careful not to over-process. The falafel mixture should still have some chunks left. Add in minced garlic and diced onion pulsing a couple of times.⁣⠀ Start adding in flour 1/4 cup at a time pulsing until combined. I used a full half cup. If trying another flour blend you may need more or less. Dough should not be too sticky. If it is, add more flour 1 TBS at a time.⁣⠀ Transfer falafel dough to mixing bowl and chill in fridge for 45 minutes.⁣⠀ Once the falafel has chilled use a rounded tablespoon to scoop dough onto lined baking sheet.⁣⠀ Heat large skillet to medium heat (I like a cast iron here) and pour enough oil in to coat pan. Allow oil to get hot before adding in the falafel.⁣⠀ Start adding falafel into the pan (don’t overcrowd) and cook for about 2 minutes on one side before flipping to brown the other side. Flip again once more gently pressing the falafel into the pan to flatten slightly. Make sure the falafel is a nice golden color before removing from pan. Place cooked falafel on plate lined with paper towel, covering with lid to keep warm.⁣⠀ ⁣⠀ ? More details for *ginger tahini sauce* OTB > @fitmittenkitchen.⁣⠀ https://www.fitmittenkitchen.com/beet-falafel-pitas-ginger-tahini-sauce-vegan-gluten-free/⁣⠀ .⁣⠀ .⁣⠀ .⁣⠀ #meatlessmonday #plantbasedmeal

A post shared by Ashley Walterhouse (@fitmittenkitchen) on Mar 11, 2019 at 10:06am PDT

Still hungry? Check out our healthy recipe board on Pinterest!

Photo by Maddi Bazzocco on Unsplash

Melody Rose Rowan

Melody Rose Rowan is the Director of Content & Strategy for Blender Networks, Inc. When she’s not managing blogs for FitMinutes, The-E-Tailer, Cartageous, InStyleRooms, NurturedPaws & Shoelistic, she’s rearranging her bookcase at home in Culver City, CA, getting her fix of breakfast tacos and Topo Chicos in her hometown of Austin, TX with her husband and rescue dog and attempting to keep up with her own blog, Mustache Melrose.