30 Vegetarian Main Dishes For Mom Who Taught You To Eat Your Greens With Love
She made you eat broccoli before dessert and somehow got you to like it. Now it’s your turn to return the favor—with something that doesn’t come in a takeout box. These vegetarian main dishes for Mom bring the flavor without the meat, and she’ll probably say, “You didn’t have to do all this,” while secretly loving it. No bland salads or awkward tofu in sight—just dishes that say thanks without getting too mushy. If you’re going to cook with love, you might as well make it brag-worthy.
One Pot Taco Spaghetti
Mom’s probably tried tacos. And spaghetti. But this combo? It’s all the fun of taco night with none of the messy cleanup, and kids can help without destroying the kitchen. This is one of those vegetarian main dishes for Mom that’s easy to serve and even easier to love.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Taco Spaghetti
Instant Pot Lentil Curry
Lentils are the low-drama pantry MVP that somehow turn into dinner gold. With just a little spice and a lot of flavor, this hearty curry keeps things warm and cozy without hogging the stove. It’s one of those vegetarian main dishes for Mom that’s both bold and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Curry
Instant Pot Tofu Curry
If tofu usually gets a side-eye, this dish changes that fast. Thanks to bold curry flavors and the Instant Pot doing all the heavy lifting, even tofu skeptics might ask for seconds. Plus, it’s a no-fuss vegetarian main dish for Mom that tastes like more effort than it is.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tofu Curry
Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
Lasagna but without the layer-by-layer therapy session? Yes, please. This soup skips the baking dish and heads straight for the comfort zone, with all the gooey cheese and none of the stack stress. It’s a clever pick for vegetarian main dishes for Mom when she wants lasagna energy but not the time sink.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
Wild Mushroom Risotto
This creamy risotto has big “I took my time” energy—even if you didn’t. Earthy mushrooms keep it grounded, while the slow stir makes the whole house smell like something good’s happening. It’s one of those vegetarian main dishes for Mom that feels a little fancy without a reservation.
Get the Recipe: Wild Mushroom Risotto
Savory Green Tomato Pie with Homemade Crust
This isn’t your usual tomato moment—it’s tangy, flaky, and just chaotic enough to be brilliant. With a buttery crust and a pop of Southern flair, it’s a pie that walks confidently into dinner and doesn’t ask permission. Great for moms who deserve more than another salad.
Get the Recipe: Savory Green Tomato Pie with Homemade Crust
Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Pesto
When the fridge looks empty but the garden’s doing fine, this dish shows up like a hero. The cherry tomatoes roast themselves sweet, while pesto does all the flavor lifting. As vegetarian main dishes for Mom go, this one’s peak simplicity without being boring.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Pesto
Roasted Butternut Squash and Garlic Soup
This soup is like a warm sweater in a bowl—with roasted garlic doing half the work and none of the complaining. It’s smooth, cozy, and way more interesting than boxed broth. A great choice when Mom deserves a slower spoonful of something good.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash and Garlic Soup
Spaghetti Squash Enchilada
If squash had a party trick, this would be it. It’s cheesy, saucy, and loaded with enchilada flavor without a tortilla in sight. For a vegetarian main dish for Mom that feels kind of magic, this one nails it.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash Enchilada
Bok Choy Stir Fry
This stir fry hits all the notes—crunchy, saucy, fast, and wildly green. The noodles get a kick, the mushrooms do their earthy thing, and the bok choy brings the personality. Perfect for the mom who’s into big flavor but not big cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Bok Choy Stir Fry
Heart-Shaped Pasta in Pink Beetroot Sauce
This one’s pretty, pink, and just dramatic enough to work. Beet sauce turns the plate into a whole mood, and the heart-shaped pasta makes it feel like you tried—even if it only took 20 minutes. It’s a fun, fresh vegetarian main dish for Mom when presentation counts.
Get the Recipe: Heart-Shaped Pasta in Pink Beetroot Sauce
Simple Chickpea Stew (Algerian Style)
Chickpeas and spice do all the heavy lifting here—and your kitchen smells amazing while they’re at it. The broth is rich but not fussy, and everything simmers into comfort you can eat with a spoon. It’s a strong choice when Mom wants dinner that works harder than it looks.
Get the Recipe: Simple Chickpea Stew (Algerian Style)
Vegetarian Pad Thai Noodles with Crispy Tofu
Mom's dinner just got an upgrade with these noodles that bring the crunch and the punch. The crispy tofu pairs perfectly with the tangy sauce, making it a top pick for vegetarian main dishes for Mom.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Pad Thai Noodles with Crispy Tofu
Lemon Garlic Pasta
When life gives you lemons, toss them with garlic and pasta for a dish that's as zesty as Mom's sense of humor. Quick to whip up, it's a shining star among vegetarian main dishes for Mom.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Pasta
Instant Pot Risotto
Creamy, dreamy, and ready in a flash—this risotto is the hug in a bowl Mom didn't know she needed. It's a comforting choice in the realm of vegetarian main dishes for Mom.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Risotto
Vegetable Pasta Primavera
Bursting with colorful veggies, this pasta brings the garden to Mom's plate. It's a fresh and vibrant option among vegetarian main dishes for Mom.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Pasta Primavera
Vegetable Ramen Pad Thai
Ramen meets Pad Thai in a dish that's as fun as it is flavorful. Mom will appreciate this inventive take on vegetarian main dishes for Mom.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Ramen Pad Thai
Vegetable Quinotto (Red Quinoa Risotto)
Quinoa steps into the spotlight in this hearty dish that's both nutritious and delicious. It's a wholesome addition to the lineup of vegetarian main dishes for Mom.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Quinotto (Red Quinoa Risotto)
Creamy Rainbow Vegetable Pasta with Lemon and Parmesan
A colorful medley of veggies meets a luscious lemon-parmesan sauce in this pasta that's as delightful as Mom's smile. It's a standout among vegetarian main dishes for Mom.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Rainbow Vegetable Pasta with Lemon and Parmesan
Creamy Mushroom and Potato Soup
Earthy mushrooms and tender potatoes come together in a soup that's pure comfort in a bowl. Mom will find warmth and satisfaction in this vegetarian main dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom and Potato Soup
Mushroom Stew with Béchamel Sauce
Rich, creamy, and packed with umami, this stew is a luxurious treat for Mom's taste buds. It's a gourmet choice in the world of vegetarian main dishes for Mom.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stew with Béchamel Sauce
Homemade Gnocchi with Goat Cheese & Dried Tomatoes
Pillowy gnocchi, tangy goat cheese, and sweet dried tomatoes unite in a dish that's love at first bite. Mom will relish this elegant vegetarian main dish.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Gnocchi with Goat Cheese & Dried Tomatoes
Creamy Almond Butter Noodles
Nutty, creamy, and utterly satisfying, these noodles are a unique twist on comfort food. They're a delightful surprise among vegetarian main dishes for Mom.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Almond Butter Noodles
Creamy Tahini Pasta
Tahini brings its nutty charm to this creamy pasta that's both simple and sophisticated. Mom will appreciate this flavorful vegetarian main dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tahini Pasta
Avocado Plantain Rice Bowl Recipe with Edamame Beans
Sweet plantains, creamy avocado, and protein-packed edamame come together in a bowl that's as nourishing as it is delicious. It's a vibrant choice for vegetarian main dishes for Mom.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Plantain Rice Bowl Recipe with Edamame Beans
Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Spiced black beans and sweet potatoes make for a hearty and flavorful combo that Mom will adore. It's a festive addition to vegetarian main dishes for Mom.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Spinach Mushroom Quiche
Fluffy eggs, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach bake into a quiche that's perfect for any meal. Mom will find this a versatile and tasty vegetarian main dish.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Mushroom Quiche
Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups
Rolled up with love and oozing with cheese, these lasagna roll-ups are a fun and comforting meal. They're a cozy choice among vegetarian main dishes for Mom.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups
Creamy White Beans with Mushrooms & Pesto
Creamy beans, savory mushrooms, and herby pesto create a dish that's rich in flavor and texture. Mom will enjoy this hearty vegetarian main dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy White Beans with Mushrooms & Pesto
Vegan Scallops with Garlic Pasta (King Oyster Mushroom)
King oyster mushrooms mimic scallops in this clever and tasty pasta dish. It's an inventive and satisfying option for vegetarian main dishes for Mom.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Scallops with Garlic Pasta (King Oyster Mushroom)
