20 Time-Saving Vegetarian Recipes with 5 Ingredients or Less

Cooking delicious vegetarian meals doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. In fact, some of the best dishes can be made with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, these 20 vegetarian recipes with five ingredients or less will inspire you to whip up tasty and nutritious meals in no time. From fresh salads to hearty mains, these recipes prove that simplicity can lead to extraordinary flavors.

Caprese Salad

To make a classic Caprese Salad, you will need 2 large tomatoes, 1 ball of fresh mozzarella, a handful of fresh basil leaves, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into even rounds. Arrange them on a plate, alternating between tomato and mozzarella slices. Tuck basil leaves in between the slices, then drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and serve immediately for a fresh and flavorful dish.

Avocado Toast

For a quick and easy Avocado Toast, you’ll need 1 ripe avocado, 2 slices of whole grain bread, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Toast the bread to your preferred crispiness. While the bread is toasting, mash the avocado in a bowl and mix in the lemon juice and salt. Spread the avocado mixture on the toast, then sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying meal any time of the day.

Tomato Basil Pasta

To prepare Tomato Basil Pasta, you will need 8 ounces of spaghetti, 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, 2 cloves of garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and a handful of fresh basil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes, cooking until the tomatoes start to soften. Toss in the cooked pasta and fresh basil leaves, mixing everything together. Serve hot and enjoy the delightful flavors.

Chickpea Salad

For a delicious Chickpea Salad, gather 1 can of chickpeas, 1 cucumber, 1 red bell pepper, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Rinse and drain the chickpeas, then place them in a bowl. Dice the cucumber and red bell pepper and add them to the bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then toss everything together. This refreshing salad is perfect for a light lunch or side dish.

Greek Yogurt with Honey and Nuts

To make Greek Yogurt with Honey and Nuts, you’ll need 1 cup of Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of honey, a handful of mixed nuts, 1 teaspoon of chia seeds, and a few fresh berries. Spoon the Greek yogurt into a bowl. Drizzle with honey, then sprinkle with mixed nuts and chia seeds. Add a few fresh berries on top for a burst of flavor and color. This simple recipe is a great way to start your day or enjoy as a snack.

Spinach and Feta Omelette

For a Spinach and Feta Omelette, you need 3 large eggs, 1 cup of fresh spinach, 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Beat the eggs in a bowl and season with salt. Heat the olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, then pour in the beaten eggs. Cook until the eggs start to set, then sprinkle with feta cheese. Fold the omelette in half and cook for another minute before serving hot.

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

To whip up a Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie, you’ll need 1 banana, 1 cup of almond milk, 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, 1 tablespoon of honey, and a handful of ice cubes. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy this creamy and nutritious smoothie, perfect for a quick breakfast or post-workout snack.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

For a classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich, you need 2 slices of bread, 2 slices of cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons of butter, a pinch of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Butter one side of each bread slice and sprinkle with garlic powder and salt. Place a slice of cheese between the unbuttered sides of the bread. Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the sandwich until golden brown on both sides and the cheese is melted. Serve hot for a comforting meal.

Roasted Vegetable Medley

To make a Roasted Vegetable Medley, you’ll need 2 cups of mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots), 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of dried herbs, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and toss them with olive oil, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until tender and slightly caramelized. This dish makes a perfect side or main course.

Black Bean Tacos

For quick Black Bean Tacos, gather 1 can of black beans, 8 small corn tortillas, 1 avocado, 1/2 cup of salsa, and 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro. Rinse and drain the black beans, then warm them in a pan over medium heat. Mash the avocado in a bowl. To assemble the tacos, divide the beans between the tortillas, top with mashed avocado, salsa, and cilantro. These tacos are easy to make and packed with flavor.

Margherita Pizza

To prepare a simple Margherita Pizza, you’ll need 1 pizza dough, 1/2 cup of tomato sauce, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, a handful of fresh basil leaves, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out the pizza dough on a baking sheet, spread the tomato sauce over the dough, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Top with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Cucumber Sandwiches

For refreshing Cucumber Sandwiches, you’ll need 1 cucumber, 4 slices of whole grain bread, 2 tablespoons of cream cheese, 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, and a pinch of salt. Thinly slice the cucumber and mix the cream cheese with fresh dill and salt. Spread the cream cheese mixture on the bread slices, then layer with cucumber slices. Top with the remaining bread slices, cut into quarters, and enjoy this light and tasty snack.

Mango Salsa

To make Mango Salsa, gather 2 ripe mangoes, 1 red bell pepper, 1/2 red onion, 1 lime, and a handful of cilantro. Dice the mangoes, bell pepper, and red onion, then chop the cilantro. Combine all ingredients in a bowl, squeeze the lime juice over the top, and mix well. This vibrant salsa is perfect for pairing with chips or as a topping for grilled dishes.

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

For a quick Zucchini Noodles with Pesto, you’ll need 2 medium zucchinis, 1/4 cup of pesto sauce, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 clove of garlic, and a pinch of salt. Spiralize the zucchinis into noodles. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the zucchini noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes. Toss with pesto sauce and salt, then serve immediately for a light and flavorful meal.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

To prepare Stuffed Bell Peppers, gather 4 bell peppers, 1 cup of cooked quinoa, 1 can of black beans, 1/2 cup of salsa, and 1/4 cup of shredded cheese. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Mix the cooked quinoa, black beans, and salsa in a bowl. Stuff the peppers with the mixture, top with shredded cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.

Sweet Potato Fries

For crispy Sweet Potato Fries, you’ll need 2 large sweet potatoes, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of paprika, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut the sweet potatoes into thin strips, then toss them with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread the fries on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.

Hummus and Veggie Wrap

To make a Hummus and Veggie Wrap, gather 1 large tortilla, 1/2 cup of hummus, 1/2 cucumber, 1/2 red bell pepper, and a handful of spinach leaves. Spread the hummus evenly over the tortilla. Thinly slice the cucumber and bell pepper, then layer them on top of the hummus along with the spinach leaves. Roll up the tortilla tightly and slice it in half for a healthy and delicious wrap.

Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry

For a Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry, you’ll need 1 head of cauliflower, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 clove of garlic, 1/2 cup of frozen peas, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Grate the cauliflower into rice-sized pieces. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat, add minced garlic, and cook until fragrant. Add the cauliflower rice and frozen peas, then stir-fry for 5-7 minutes. Drizzle with soy sauce and cook for another minute before serving.

Apple and Peanut Butter Sandwich

To make an Apple and Peanut Butter Sandwich, you’ll need 2 slices of whole grain bread, 1 apple, 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread. Thinly slice the apple and layer it on top of the peanut butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon, then top with the second slice of bread

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

More From RetailShout

15 Under-the-Radar Leafy Greens with Surprising Health Benefits

When we think of leafy greens, spinach, kale, and lettuce are usually the first that come to mind. But there’s a whole world of lesser-known greens that pack an impressive nutritional punch. Read More.

15 Dollar Tree Snacks That Are Worth Stocking Up On

Finding good snacks at a low price can sometimes feel like a challenge, but Dollar Tree makes it easy. They have a wide range of tasty treats that won’t break the bank, and many of them are surprisingly delicious. Read More.

13 Uncommon Nuts and Legumes That Fuel Your Body

When it comes to healthy snacks and meals, nuts and legumes are often the go-to choices for fueling your body. While common options like almonds and peanuts dominate the scene, there’s a world of lesser-known varieties packed with nutrients waiting to be discovered. Read More.