8 delicious vegetarian recipes that are healthy for you and the environment

Best HealthUpdated: Mar. 14, 2013

These healthy vegetarian recipes are not only good for you – they’re also good for the environment. Here are eight delectable recipes that delete the meat

1 / 8

Easy One-Step Spinach Lasagna

When you need to put a meal on the table that can feed a crowd, this recipe saves time with no-boil lasagna noodles, jar tomato sauce, and frozen spinach-all without compromising on flavor.

Get the recipe: Easy One-Step Spinach Lasagna

2 / 8

Lentil-Tomato Stew With Browned Onions

The lentils in this hearty vegetarian main dish recipe are full of fiber to fill you up. Rich flavor comes from caramelized onions and aromatic spices. For the nonvegans, serve topped with some crumbled goat cheese or feta.

Get the recipe: Lentil-Tomato Stew With Browned Onions

3 / 8

Bok Choy, Tofu & Mushroom Stir-Fry

Marinating tofu in soy and brown sugar not only imparts a sweet-sour taste but a rich brown color. With two kinds of meaty mushrooms, you’ll never miss the meat. Serve with steamed brown rice for a hearty meal.

Get the recipes: Bok Choy, Tofu & Mushroom Stir-Fry

4 / 8

Toasted Buckwheat Pilaf With Dried Fruit

Toasting brings out the flavor of many ingredients, especially nuts and grains. This pilaf calls for whole grains of buckwheat (called groats) that have been preroasted. Sold in most supermarkets as “kasha” it comes in both whole-grain and cracked versions.

Get the recipe: Toasted Buckwheat Pilaf With Dried Fruit

5 / 8

Vegetable Pot Pie

Here is a veggie-filled pie enriched with bits of cheddar cheese and topped with a flaky crust. And it’s pretty enough for a fancy brunch or dinner with friends.

Get the recipe: Vegetable Pot Pie

6 / 8

Four-Bean Chili Bake with Polenta Topping

Black beans, white beans, and yellow corn kernels provide the basis for this protein-rich vegetarian chili. The cheesy polenta topping really makes it special.

Get the recipe: Four-Bean Chili Bake with Polenta Topping

7 / 8

Open-Face Grilled Vegetable Sandwiches

Here’s a sandwich that will convert even diehard carnivores. Portobello mushrooms, have a rich, beefy texture and especially when grilled, are a satisfying substitute for a burger. Toasted Italian bread and goat cheese make it even better.

Get the recipe: Open-Face Grilled Vegetable Sandwiches

8 / 8