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Hello! I’m Anjali. I’m a board certified health coach, author, wife, mom and food lover from the SF Bay area (now living in Seattle, WA!); with a passion for delicious food and a desire to make healthy eating easy, tasty and fun! Learn more about me here and stay for a while!

Anjali Shah

30 Vegetarian Gluten Free Recipes for Dinner

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These 30 vegetarian gluten free recipes for dinner are simple, delicious, and loved by all! You don’t have to be gluten free or vegetarian to want to dig into these mouth-watering meals!

vegetarian gluten free recipes collage: pumpkin soup, sofritas, biryani, lentils, tofu, and chickpea curry

When it comes to preparing a healthy vegetarian meal that’s also gluten-free, it can feel nearly impossible. Or at the very least, limited.

When you have not one but two diet restrictions, it gets a bit more complicated. However, it is not as difficult as you might think.

I follow a vegetarian diet, while I’m not gluten-free, I have many friends and family who are, which means that when I have them over for dinner, I want to prepare something that we all can enjoy!

I know that there are many people out there in the same boat! Maybe you’re both gluten–free and vegetarian, or someone in your family is gluten-free, and someone else is vegetarian, or both!

Meal time does not need to be complicated, and you do not need to make more than one meal to meet everyones dietary restrictions.

With a little ingenuity, and understanding a bit more about gluten-free and vegetarian ingredients, you’ll be whipping up these recipes, and creating your own in no time at all!

vegetarian gluten free recipe with rice, squash, purple cabbage, and cucumber in black bowl

What Does it Mean to be a Vegetarian?

Vegetarians exclude all types of meat, including poultry, fish, shellfish, and game from their diet. Some vegetarians may also exclude eggs.

If you are vegetarian that excludes eggs, but includes dairy you are a lacto-vegetarian.

If you are a vegetarian that excludes dairy but includes eggs, you are an ovo-vegetarian.

Most vegetarians just excluded meat, but include eggs and dairy. If you exclude all animal products, including eggs, and dairy then you are a vegan.

The recipes in this round-up are vegetarian and may include eggs and dairy.

assortment of vegetarian protein sources including lentils, peas, beans in small bowls on black backdrop

What Do Vegetarians Eat For Protein?

Vegetarians eat fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains just like omnivores. The only significant difference is where vegetarians get their protein. Whereas omnivores rely on animal protein, vegetarians get their protein from plant sources. This includes beans, legumes, nuts, nut butters, seeds, tofu, and tempeh.

What Does it Mean to be Gluten-Free?

Following a gluten-free diet means that you exclude gluten from your diet. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and triticale. When you are gluten-free you need to be careful that you do not consume foods that may have been cross contaminated with wheat germ. Other grains such as oats, are gluten-free, but may contain gluten because they share the same facility in which they were processed.

selection of gluten free grains including bread, pastas, and flours

What Grains Can You Eat on a Gluten-Free Diet?

If you are exclusively following a gluten-free diet, you can eat all vegetables, fruit, and both animal and vegetarian protein sources.

Where you need to be careful is with anything that includes grains. This includes breads, baked goods, crackers, and more! Many packaged food items contain gluten.

List of Gluten-Free Whole Grains

  • Quinoa
  • Rice (brown rice, and wild rice)
  • Buckwheat
  • Sorghum
  • Tapioca
  • Millet
  • Teff
  • Arrowroot
  • Amaranth
  • Oats (that are certified gluten-free)

Tips and Tricks for Making Vegetarian Gluten-Free Dinners

asparagus, tomatoes, spinach, and potato, topped with egg on white bowl - vegetarian gluten free recipes

1 | Choose Your Plant-Protein

The first challenge you may have if you’re new to a vegetarian diet, is where to get your protein. Popular protein sources that I use regularly include black beans, white beans, lentils, tofu, and chickpeas.

Don’t skip the protein! While it may seem easier to fill up on vegetables and grains, your body needs protein. Protein also helps you feel full and satisfied, which will lead to less snacking!

2 | Build Bold Flavors

Add rich and bold spices to give your recipes tons of flavor. Both fresh and dried herbs, chili powder, cumin, coriander, curry powder, curry paste, and dijon mustard are a few of my go-to flavor boosters. When adding dried spices like curry, paprika, or other spices, be aware that some manufacturers may add flour to prevent caking. Check your spices to be sure they are gluten-free.

Some sauces, for example soy sauce, also contain gluten. Check your ingredient labels, and always buy certified gluten-free products to eliminate the potential for cross contamination.

3 | Add Whole Grain Gluten-Free Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates give your body energy. They are a necessary part of your diet. Where people get in trouble with carbohydrates is eating too much, and/or eating refined carbs.

Stick to the gluten-free whole grains mentioned above. They are full of nutrients such as fiber that help with digestion and keep you feeling fuller longer.

Consuming refined carbohydrates turn into sugar, which digests quickly, and makes you feel hungry and unsatisfied more quickly. That’s why you end up eating so much more than you should!

However, adding about 1/4 of your plate with a whole grains such as quinoa, or brown rice will give your meal some bulk. Quinoa also has added protein! Bonus!

4 | Make Your Plate Colorful

Nothing makes a meal look more delicious that an assortment of colors! Colors can come in the form of various vegetables, and fruits, as well as beans, lentils, peas, and spices.

I know you’ve heard it before, but think about eating the rainbow! Use colorful chard, fresh ripe tomatoes that come in red, yellow, and green, pink radishes, purple carrots, and more!

When shopping through the produce section, consider picking up a colorful vegetable you haven’t worked with before.

When put together on your plate, it will be beautifully appetizing!

What Types of Meals Can You Make That Are Vegetarian and Gluten Free?

  • Soups and Stews
  • Chilis
  • Stir-Fries
  • Curries
  • Casseroles
  • Tacos and Fajitas
  • Gluten-Free Pastas (use lentil or chickpea pasta)

30 Vegetarian Gluten Free Recipes for Dinner

Now that you’ve got the foundations of how to build your own vegetarian gluten free recipes, here are some excellent dinners your friends and family will love!

Sweet Potato Dahl with Kale

Comforting and delicious, this Sweet Potato Dahl is a fast and easy meal. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this dahl is filled with warm Indian spices, kale, sweet potatoes, and yellow split peas. It’s vegan, gluten-free, hearty, healthy, and nutrient rich!

sweet potato dahl with kale served in a white bowl - vegetarian gluten free recipes

Chili Stuffed Peppers with Beans and Mushrooms

These chili stuffed peppers are packed with fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, mushrooms, jalapeño peppers, and the perfect amount of cheese in every bite. They’re a healthy, satisfying, totally delicious and easy weeknight meal!

chili stuffed peppers with black beans and mushrooms, served on a white plate - vegetarian gluten free recipes

Apple Curry with Chickpeas and Lentils

This Apple Curry with chickpeas and lentils is the perfect autumn dish! It’s warm, comforting, and full of spice, and so simple to make!

apple curry with lentils and chickpeas served on a white plate - vegetarian gluten free recipes

Moroccan Stew with Chickpeas and Quinoa Couscous

There is nothing more comforting than warming up to a bowl of this homemade Moroccan Stew. This hearty dish has sweet dried apricots, quinoa, zucchini, carrots, sweet potatoes, and chickpeas in a spiced broth. It’s perfect for a cool weather days when you want something healthy and satisfying.

moroccan stew with chickpeas and quinoa couscous served on a white plate - vegetarian gluten free recipes

Cheesy Polenta with Squash and Herbs

This gluten free polenta recipe allows you to enjoy creamy and cheesy polenta without any of the guilt! Served with squash, corn and fresh herbs, this dish is easy, fresh, tasty and full of flavor.

gluten free cheesy polenta topped with zucchini, corn and herbs, served on a white plate - vegetarian gluten free recipes

Vegetarian Enchiladas with Black Beans and Sweet Potatoes

Lip-smacking Vegan Enchiladas are easy to make, delicious, and a real crowd-pleaser. Each enchilada is filled with sweet potatoes, onions, bell peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, spices, and they are topped with a 5 minute homemade enchilada sauce! Be sure to buy certified gluten-free corn tortillas!

vegan enchiladas, fresh out of the oven, served in a casserole dish and topped with green onions and olives - vegetarian gluten free recipes

Tofu Scramble Recipe with Southwestern Spices

This incredible Tofu Scramble is loaded with lots of healthy veggies, beans, warm spices, and cheese. It’s the perfect 30-minute breakfast, brunch or dinner idea that the whole family will love. If you’re looking for a vegan friendly alternative to scrambled eggs, this easy tofu scramble is for you! 

tofu scramble topped with tomatoes, salsa, green onions in a blue bowl - vegetarian gluten free recipes

Tofu Matar Paneer

This healthy version of matar paneer (made with tofu paneer!) is so rich and comforting it pretty much melts in your mouth when you take a bite of it. Made with only five ingredients, you can enjoy gourmet, restaurant-quality Indian food at home in just 20 minutes! 

tofu paneer, mattar paneer in a white dish with peas and curry sauce - vegetarian gluten free recipes

Carrot Ginger Soup

This incredible Carrot Ginger Soup is bursting with fall flavors that are the perfect combination of sweet and spicy. This creamy, rich soup doesn’t even require any heavy cream! It’s cozy and comforting, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and kid-friendly too!

carrot ginger soup in a white bowl topped with pumpkin seeds and coconut cream

Spanish Vegetarian Paella with Quinoa

This gluten-free, mouth-watering, vegetarian paella is healthy, hearty and packed full of aromatic and smoky Spanish flavors. Made with quinoa, beans and a lot of fresh vegetables, this classic dish gets a tasty make-over!

finished vegetarian paella made with fresh vegetables and quinoa

Vegetarian Fajitas with Black Beans

The aroma of these Smoky Vegetarian Fajitas will make you smack your lips and your stomach growl. Every bite is filled with lots of caramelized vegetables, spicy seasonings, protein-packed black beans, gooey Mexican cheese, and a crispy corn tortilla. Ready in 30 minutes and gluten-free too!

vegetarian fajitas in a corn tortilla topped with cheese, avocado and cilantro, served in a blue bowl

Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup

This comforting Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup will warm you up, fill your belly, and tantalize your taste buds! The white beans give the soup a creamy taste and the pumpkin delivers a rich warmth that’ll have you coming back for more. Healthy, vegan, gluten-free, delicious, and ready in 30 minutes!

pumpkin and sweet potato soup, served in a blue bowl, topped with fresh herbs and coconut cream

Dal Makhani

Incredible Dal Makhani that has been prepared in the Instant Pot gives you sensational flavors in every bite. Hearty lentils, kidney beans, fresh spinach, and spices summon you to eat more and more of this healthy and decadent dish. 

top view of instant pot vegan dal makhani recipe, served in a white bowl with fresh herbs on top

Chipotle Inspired Sofritas

These Chipotle copycat Sofritas are a healthy, vegan-friendly protein alternative with tons of flavor. They’re low sugar, low sodium, spicy, and great for adding to tacos or veggie bowls! 

chipotle vegan sofritas in a white bowl on top of a wooden cutting board

Vegan Tacos with Black Beans

Healthy and delicious vegan tacos are great for an easy weeknight meal. Packed with black beans, veggies, and spices, they’re full of flavor, ready in 30 minutes, and perfect for the whole family!

vegan tacos with black beans, avocado, veggies, and cilantro, served on a white plate - vegetarian gluten free recipes

Stuffed Vegetarian Peppers

Our stuffed vegetarian bell peppers are full of Mexican flavors and are perfect for a weeknight meal. They are gluten-free and can easily be made vegan too!

Slow Cooker White Bean Soup

This slow cooker white bean soup is loaded with veggies and a rich smoky flavor. It’s a hearty yet light, and an easy weeknight meal.

vegan white bean soup served with avocado and greek yogurt in a white bowl

Thai Green Curry

Gluten-Free, Vegan Thai Green Curry with chickpeas, baby kale, and cauliflower is so simple to make at home! It’s satisfying, comforting and nourishing – and tastes even better as leftovers the next day.

Cauliflower Biryani

Our traditional Cauliflower Biryani is one of my favorite vegetable curry recipes! It’s made with chickpeas, brown basmati rice, and quinoa for a well balanced and tasty vegetarian meal, full of Indian spices! Pair it with this delicious chickpea curry for an even bigger spread!

Indian Rice and Curry Casserole (Chana and Saag Biryani)

Rice and Lentils with Indian Stew

This Indian Stew with rice and lentils create a complete protein in this one pot vegetarian meal. A combination of fresh vegetables and Indian spices give this stew a rich depth of flavor. Perfect for an easy family dinner!

indian stew with rice and lentils, served in a white bowl with cilantro on top

Mexican Black Bean Soup

Delicious and comforting Mexican Black Bean Soup with Tortillas is full of authentic Mexican flavors. Easy, healthy, and versatile, this soup can be made vegan and gluten-free.

mexican black bean soup topped with chips, avocado and cheese, served in a white bowl with spoon on the side - vegetarian gluten free recipes

White Bean and Kale Soup

This hearty and delicious White Bean and Kale Soup with Parmesan Cheese is perfect for a winter’s evening. Great for a side, but filling enough to be a healthy main dish as well. Vegetarian, gluten-free and can easily be made vegan too!

white bean and kale soup, served in a white bowl, topped with parmesan cheese with spoon

Spicy Sweet Potato Hash

Our sweet potato breakfast hash is packed full of flavor, and makes a great brunch, side dish or even main meal! Packed full of veggies and plant protein this is a one pan meal that’s easy to make.

Sweet potato hash in a bowl on a wooden table

Tofu Tikka Masala

Tofu tikka masala is quick, healthy, easy and oh so tasty! Packed full of delicious Indian spices, this recipe is a perfect option for a weeknight meal. Made with coconut milk, this mild curry will be a hit with the whole family!

tofu tikka masala

Hearty, Healthy Minestrone Soup

This hearty healthy minestrone soup is filled with veggies and Italian spices. It’s the kind of soup that fills you up and sticks to your bones and warms you from the inside out. 

minestrone soup

Vegetarian Black Eyed Peas

This vegetarian black eyed peas recipe for Hoppin’ John is a healthy and meatless version of the southern classic. Onions, bell pepper, celery, and kale are sautéed in spices with black eyed peas and a smoky finish served with brown rice. It’s a complete meal in one pan!

hoppin johns - vegetarian gluten free recipes

Vegetarian Stuffed Poblano Peppers

These hearty, spicy, stuffed poblano peppers with quinoa and corn are a Southwestern classic and take only 40 minutes to make! Earthy and sweet, rich and filling, this is a delicious, simple recipe that’s a real crowd-pleaser.

vegetarian gluten free recipes - stuffed poblano peppers

Zucchini Lasagna

Low carb, gluten-free, plant-based zucchini lasagna is an easy, delicious dinner that the whole family will love! Simple to prep, this no-noodle ‘pasta’ dish is full of all of the flavors you would expect from a traditional lasagna recipe.

Gluten-Free Lasagna with Polenta

Polenta replaces traditional lasagna noodles in this hearty, satisfying, gluten free lasagna! Packed with fresh vegetables, Italian spices and cheese, it’s a vegetarian friendly dish that the whole family will love.

Kid-Friendly Mexican Taco Casserole

This delicious and healthy one pot meal is perfect when you need to get dinner on the table in a hurry. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful Mexican Taco Casserole is a well balanced meal that the whole family will love!

taco casserole - vegetarian gluten free recipes

I hope you were able to find some meal time inspiration with these 30 vegetarian gluten-free recipes!

Check Out These Other Vegetarian Recipe Ideas!

If you have tried any of these vegetarian gluten-free recipes or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOKTWITTERINSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious, healthy, family friendly food!

Posted In…

Plant Based Gluten Free Recipes ·

These celiac-friendly vegetarian gluten free recipes are delicious and nutritious! Whether you are gluten-sensitive or intolerant, my plant based gluten free recipes will help you follow your special diet without skipping out on flavor.

A gluten-free diet doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on tasty treats like pasta or cookies.

Try reader favorites like our homemade gluten free bread, this red lentil pasta, gluten free vegetarian zucchini lasagna, and sweet treats like this chocolate almond milk pudding!

12 responses to “30 Vegetarian Gluten Free Recipes for Dinner”

  1. Pinning this for later. I have celiac and my husband wants to eat less meat. This is the best list of recipes I have seen. I will be trying that white bean and kale soup today!

  2. what a great roundup! I have a niece who needs all these recipe and sending it to her right now! Thank you so much

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