These 19 Veggie-First Meals Go Way Beyond Salad

If you think veggie first meals just mean salads, think again. These dishes put vegetables front and center in a way that’s fresh, fun, and far from boring. They’re great for anyone looking to shake up dinner without overcomplicating things. Simple, satisfying, and perfect for making veggies the star of your plate.

BBQ Tofu and Vegetables. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Easy Veggie Lasagna

An image of a slice of vegetable lasagna on a white serving plate. — Easy Veggie Lasagna. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted vegetables, pasta, and ricotta come together in a meatless lasagna that feels hearty without relying on meat. It’s a great example of how veggie-focused dinners can still hit that comfort zone.
Get the Recipe: Easy Veggie Lasagna

Carrot Casserole

Creamy cheese and crunchy breadcrumbs make this carrot casserole feel a little more special. It’s a solid pick for when you want something that plays well as a main or a side.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Casserole

Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Roasted spaghetti squash and cheese bake into a casserole that checks all the boxes for ease and comfort. Ready in 45 minutes, it’s right at home in a lineup of real vegetable-based meals.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Pasta Fresca

Pasta fresca uses fresh ingredients for a quick dinner that still feels like a complete meal. It's ready in under 30 minutes, making it a great fit when you're short on time.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Fresca

3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

An image of broccoli cheese casserole served on a table with a spoon on the right side. — 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Just three ingredients come together fast in this broccoli cheese casserole. It keeps prep and cleanup easy while still fitting into a proper veggie-centered dinner.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Eggplant Casserole

Layers of eggplant, vegetables, and cheese bake into something rich without being heavy. It shows how a meatless meal can still feel like a real dinner.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Squash and Zucchini Casserole

Close up of zucchini and summer squash casserole in glass dish. — Squash and Zucchini Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Squash and zucchini come together in a cheesy casserole that’s ready fast. It’s a great go-to when you want something hearty without adding meat.
Get the Recipe: Squash and Zucchini Casserole

Nigerian Fried Rice

This Nigerian fried rice packs in colorful vegetables and bold flavor in just 15 minutes. It proves that veggie-driven meals don’t need to be complicated to be great.
Get the Recipe: Nigerian Fried Rice

Pasta e Piselli

Pasta e piselli keeps things simple with peas and Pecorino for a no-fuss meal. It’s a quick way to stick with the veggie-first theme when you need something fast.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Piselli

Vegan Stuffed Peppers

These vegan stuffed peppers are filled with quinoa, lentils, and vegetables for a dinner that feels complete. They show that plant-based meals can be hearty without being heavy.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Stuffed Peppers

Bibimbap

Sheet pan bibimbap with tofu and roasted veggies comes together in 35 minutes and brings plenty of flavor. It’s an easy way to keep dinner interesting and still veggie-focused.
Get the Recipe: Bibimbap

Ethiopian Cabbage

This Ethiopian cabbage stew uses pantry staples and warm spices for a one-pot meal with depth. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a strong pick when you want a plant-based meal with real comfort.
Get the Recipe: Ethiopian Cabbage

BBQ Tofu and Vegetables

BBQ tofu, broccoli, and sweet potatoes make this a full dinner with very little effort. It’s great for busy nights when you want something different that still feels complete.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Tofu and Vegetables

Veggie Pinwheels

Veggie pinwheels made with fresh vegetables and hummus are a light and quick lunch or snack. They’re an easy reminder that veggie-first meals can still be fun and easy to prep.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pinwheels

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Creamy and topped with a golden crust, this green bean casserole is simple and fast to make. It’s a good fit for anyone looking to bring comfort food into a veggie-centered menu.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

This enchilada casserole uses layered vegetables and homemade sauce for a meatless dinner with bold flavor. It works well for weeknights and fits the theme of hearty vegetable-based meals.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

White Bean Soup

White bean soup comes together in 40 minutes with vegetables and fiber-rich beans. It’s a simple weeknight meal that fits right into the idea of real comfort through veggies.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Soup

Crispy Potato Tacos with Sweet Potatoes

Crispy potato tacos with spiced sweet potatoes and cabbage bring texture and flavor without much prep. They’re a fast way to lean into veggie-based meals that feel filling.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Potato Tacos with Sweet Potatoes

Vegetable Casserole

This vegan vegetable casserole brings in fresh vegetables, a creamy base, and a crunchy top. It’s a smart pick for holidays or any day when you want a vegetable-forward dish that feeds a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole