Many people are jumping on the meatless Monday trend, or committing to a fully vegetarian lifestyle. For some, it’s about saving money. For others, it’s about health. Whatever your motivation — even if it’s just curiosity — our collection of easy meatless dinner ideas is here to inspire your next dish!

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Many people are jumping on the meatless Monday trend, or committing to a fully vegetarian lifestyle. For some, it’s about saving money. For others, it’s about health. Whatever your motivation — even if it’s just curiosity — our collection of easy meatless dinner ideas is here to inspire your next dish!

Packed with flavor and cozy goodness — not to mention plenty of vitamins and minerals — these filling meatless meals are a healthy and filling way to end your day.

 

1. Fancy Pants Veggie Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Think it’s impossible to enjoy earthy flavors and a hearty, chewy texture without meat? Think again! This sandwich delivers both by using caramelized cremini mushrooms. It’s also topped with gooey brie and provolone cheese, and complemented by crunchy, buttery asparagus spears. The tasty payoff? A crowd-pleasing meatless dinner idea even carnivores can't resist!

2. French Onion Grilled Cheese

If you’ve been reluctant to try meatless recipes because you think they can’t possibly be as comforting as the protein-packed meals you’ve always enjoyed, this grilled cheese sandwich might just be the dish that changes everything! It’s made with perfectly toasted bread (golden and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside). And when you take a bite? You get gooey melted cheese that stretches gloriously as you pull. But that’s not even the real star ingredient — it’s the addition of sweet and savory caramelized onion spread that takes this grilled cheese from delicious to downright spectacular. You’ve got to try it!

3. Fusilli Caesar Salad

Who doesn’t love a classic Caesar salad? With its creamy dressing, salty parmesan, and crisp lettuce, it’s a total crowd-pleaser — and super healthy too! But if you’re looking for filling meatless dinners, it may not be substantial enough on its own. That’s why we add fusilli pasta to this recipe! It completes the dish, transforming a light salad into a filling, hearty meal. Oh, and did we tell you? The croutons are homemade with our Original Hawaiian Sweet Round Bread.

4. Cheesy Bread

We all love the comfort of warm and luxuriously buttery bread. But when it’s topped with creamy, melted cheese and zesty garlic? Nothing compares! We suggest pairing our soul-satisfying recipe with a steaming bowl of your favorite soup. It’s one of our quickest meat-free dinner ideas and it delivers that warm, fuzzy feeling every time.

5. Mozzarella in Carozza

Sure, you've had grilled cheese, but have you ever tried one coated in crispy panko crumbs, fried to golden perfection, and dipped in a rich, homemade marinara? If not, you have to make our mozzarella in carozza sandwich. Whether you’re looking for meatless Monday recipes or vegetarian-friendly comfort foods for any day of the week, this grilled cheese variation will change your life with its heavenly cheesy filling and a golden, buttery crunch.

6. Colorful Fruit Sandwich

This one’s as pretty as it is delicious! When you’ve got a hankering for fresh fruit but also need a full meal, you can’t go wrong with our colorful fruit sandwiches. They’re naturally sweet and make a great fuss-free evening meal. Plus, a cloud of whipped cream makes each one feel like a treat — but they’re actually packed with nutritional goodness!

7. Rainbow Triangles

A trio of veggie-loaded cream cheese fillings! These rainbow-colored sandwiches are as tasty as they look. Made with bright garden-fresh peas, sweet, earthy carrots, and bold, rich beetroot, you get a ton of nutritional value from every bite. We suggest pairing these with a side like sliced bell peppers with hummus, a handful of mixed nuts, or your favorite yogurt for a complete meal that never disappoints.

8. Avocado Toast

That’s right — avocado toast isn’t just for brunch. So what makes avocado toast one of the best meatless dinner ideas? To start, it’s satisfying and packed with healthy fats. But it’s also easy to customize with toppings like tomatoes, radishes, or a sprinkle of feta cheese. You can even add legumes like chickpeas or black beans to make it extra filling. Experiment with different combinations until you find your favorite!

9. Spinach Artichoke Rolls

Tiny savory bundles brimming with spinach, artichoke, and cream cheese filling. Yes, they’re as drool-worthy as they sound! It all starts with our melt-in-your-mouth King’s Hawaiian Savory Butter Rolls, which act as a pocket for a rich, silky cream cheese mixture that’s topped with savory parmesan flakes. Why wait? These little buns of joy won’t make themselves!

10. Sweet Spicy Baked Corn Casserole

Some recipes are simply timeless, and this casserole is one of them! With its nostalgic flavors and hearty goodness, it’s the ultimate comfort meal that always hits the spot. Scorching jalapeño peppers, lightly sweet whole-kernel corn, and soft chunks of fluffy bread are all bathed together in a luxurious glaze of rich cream cheese, butter, and eggs — then baked until hot and beautifully golden. A definite must on any list of meatless Monday dinner ideas!

11. Garlic Artichoke Cheese Dip

We know, we know — this isn’t technically a full-blown dinner recipe. But we couldn’t leave this warm, creamy artichoke dip off the list. Lush cream cheese melds with rich, grated cheddar and tangy sour cream, creating the perfect luxurious consistency. Pair it with your main entree for dinner parties or a special night at home — just don’t fill up before the main course!

12. Crispy Green Beans With Blistered Tomatoes

When you’re craving fresh, crisp veggies, green beans are sure to hit the spot. Ours are tossed with beautifully charred cherry tomatoes that burst with flavor and topped off with a sprinkle of toasted macadamia nuts for that perfect crunch. You can pair it with a rich, creamy mushroom risotto, a hearty quinoa salad loaded with roasted veggies, or a zesty lemon-garlic pasta — all of which are fantastic meatless meal ideas.

13. Buffalo Mozzarella and Roma Tomato Pizza

Going meatless doesn’t mean you have to give up the feel-good meals you know and love. Take pizza, for example. It can easily be made vegetarian without sacrificing flavor. We make our buffalo mozzarella and Roma tomato pizza with mild, stretchy mozzarella, bright, juicy Roma tomatoes, and a fresh basil chiffonade. It’s a tasty reminder that you don’t need meat to keep your pizza night alive! Try serving with a quick garden salad for a refreshing and well-balanced meal.

14. Egg Salad Sandwich

Concerned you won’t get enough protein if you make meatless recipes for dinner? There are plenty of protein-packed dishes that don’t depend on meat at all — including our egg salad sandwiches. Our recipe includes diced ham and bacon bits, but feel free to omit them for a protein-rich dish powered by the eggs alone. Plus, the addition of Dijon mustard and fresh lettuce brings a zesty, refreshing twist!

15. Vegetarian Sliders

Traditionally, sliders are all about the meat. But that doesn't mean you can’t enjoy one without it! Our vegetarian sliders are crafted with a delicious homemade patty made from zucchini, breadcrumbs, and eggs, giving you that satisfying “crispy chicken” texture without the poultry. One crunchy bite, and you’ll be adding this to your list of go-to meatless Monday ideas!

16. BBQ Portobello Hawaiian Burger

Meet your new burger BFF: Portobello mushrooms! They’re nature’s burger patty substitute, delivering the same earthy, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious experience — just without the meat. Our portobello Hawaiian burger features grilled pineapple slices and a rich BBQ marinade so you can taste the spirit of the islands in every bite.

17. Sweet and Spicy Avocado Sliders

There’s something irresistible about how creamy jalapeno hummus and perfectly mashed avocado come together to create a dreamy slider filling. For our sweet and spicy avocado sliders, we add a splash of fresh lime juice and a handful of shredded sharp cheddar to strike a perfect balance of rich, citrusy, and fresh. It’s a simple yet scrumptious way to experiment with plant-based ingredients! Try getting creative by adding fresh arugula for a pop of color, pickled cucumbers for a vinegary zip, or toasted sesame seeds for a light crunch.

18. Garden Vegetable Sliders

Harvest a world of flavor with these fresh and vibrant mini burgers! They’re made with roasted seasonal vegetables, like sun-kissed zucchini, sweet bell peppers, and colorful heirloom tomatoes, which are topped with a creamy lemon dill goat cheese spread. It’s easily one of the best meatless Monday ideas for those wanting to celebrate the beauty of fresh ingredients. But just a heads up: you might find it hard to return to classic burgers after this!

 

The Best Meatless Recipes Start With King’s Hawaiian

We believe joy is best shared around the table. That’s why we’re all about bringing people together with wholesome, high-quality products and homestyle recipes that highlight the goodness of fresh ingredients.

Whether you’re enjoying a cozy family meal or hosting friends, we’re here to inspire your next delicious moment and help you create cherished memories through food. Here’s to cooking up something wonderful!