• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
always use butter
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer Resources
  • Subscribe!
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Air Fryer Resources
    • Subscribe!
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipe Roundups

    17 Veggie-Loaded Dinner Ideas That Make Meal Prep a Breeze

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 23, 2025, updated June 5, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding easy and healthy dinner ideas can be a challenge, especially when you want to pack in the veggies. Here are 17 veggie-loaded dinner options that are not only simple to prepare but also perfect for meal prep. These meals are designed to keep your weeknight cooking stress-free while ensuring you get plenty of nutrients.

    Vegetable Stew with Onion, Broccoli, and Cauliflower

    Vegetable Stew with Onion, Broccoli, and Cauliflower.
    Photo Credit: Refresh My Health.

    This vegetable stew is simple to prepare and packed with healthy ingredients, making it a great choice for a comforting meal. With onion, broccoli, and cauliflower, it offers a nice blend of flavors, plus a little kick of spice. It's vegan and gluten-free, so it fits various dietary needs. You can whip it up in just one skillet and in about 30 minutes. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something warm and satisfying.

    Save This Recipe Form

    Want to save this recipe?

    Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get more great recipes from us each week!

    Get the Recipe

    Eggplant Moussaka

    Eggplant Moussaka with Lamb.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Eggplant Moussaka is a satisfying dinner packed with vegetables and ground beef or lamb, all covered in a generous layer of cheese. This recipe skips the potatoes and Bechamel sauce, focusing instead on extra eggplant for a true Mediterranean flavor. It's a healthy option that doesn't require much effort to prepare. Perfect for a cozy meal, this dish brings together rich tastes and hearty ingredients. Enjoy a comforting dinner that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Summer Cobb Salad with Corn & Blueberries

    Summer Cobb Salad with Corn & Blueberries.
    Photo Credit: The Food Geek.

    This Cobb salad is packed with fresh summer ingredients like corn, blueberries, zucchini, and tomatoes. It's a great way to enjoy the flavors of the season. Grilled chicken and corn add a nice touch, making it a satisfying choice for dinner. You can also use any leftover chicken from a barbecue to make it even easier. This salad is perfect for warm evenings when you want something light yet filling.

    Get the Recipe

    Orzo Pesto Salad

    Orzo Pesto Salad.
    Photo Credit: Evergreen Kitchen.

    Orzo Pesto Salad is a simple and tasty dish that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. With fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil pesto, it has a nice Caprese vibe. This salad is great for quick dinners during the week or for packing in lunches. It also works well as a vegetarian side that you can prepare ahead of time. Enjoy this flavorful and easy meal anytime you need something satisfying.

    Get the Recipe

    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot bolognese is a great way to save time while cooking. It offers a rich and filling pasta sauce that captures the essence of the traditional recipe, but without the long cooking time. Using simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, this dish comes together quickly. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy a comforting meal that feels like it took all day to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne with Black Beans

    Easy Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne with Black Beans
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This Vegetarian Chili Sin Carne is packed with flavor and plenty of vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and green bell pepper. It’s a quick dish that you can whip up in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for a busy day. The combination of different textures makes it satisfying and enjoyable. With just a few easy steps, you can have a hearty meal ready in no time. This is a great option for anyone looking to eat more veggies.

    Get the recipe

    Tomato Corn Pasta Salad

    Tomato Corn Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: A Wicked Whisk.

    This Tomato Corn Pasta Salad features basil pesto chicken, sweet corn, jalapeños, and lime for a delicious mix of flavors. It's a simple dish that can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it versatile for any occasion. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this refreshing pasta salad, perfect for summer gatherings or meal prep. It's a great option for busy days when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Whether you're hosting a BBQ or just need a quick meal, this salad fits the bill.

    Get the Recipe

    Thai Cashew Chicken

    Thai cashew chicken.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This version of a favorite takeout meal is packed with plenty of chicken and fresh vegetables, bringing authentic Thai flavors to your table. The simple cooking steps make it easy to whip up a satisfying dish in no time. In just 35 minutes, you can enjoy a taste of Thailand right at home. It's a great option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish is sure to please everyone in the family.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Lamb Chops & Veggies

    Baked lamb chops with veggies.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This sheet pan meal is a simple way to enjoy lamb while ensuring it stays juicy and tender. The lamb chops cook alongside fresh vegetables, soaking up all the delicious flavors. It's a great option for a satisfying dinner that doesn't require much effort. Everything cooks together on one pan, making cleanup a breeze. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and tasty.

    Get the recipe

    Cowboy Pasta Salad

    Cowboy Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    Cowboy Pasta Salad combines the hearty flavors of beef, beans, and a sweet and tangy sauce that we enjoy in cowboy beans. This dish mixes everything together with bowtie pasta, creating a satisfying and unique pasta salad. It's a great option for meal prep, as it holds up well and can be enjoyed throughout the week. The combination of ingredients makes it filling and flavorful, perfect for lunch or dinner. This salad is sure to surprise and please anyone who tries it.

    Get the Recipe

    Strawberry Pasta Salad with Balsamic Dressing

    Strawberry Pasta Salad with Balsamic Dressing.
    Photo Credit: Retro Recipe Box.

    Strawberry Pasta Salad with Balsamic Dressing is a refreshing dish packed with flavor. It's perfect for summer gatherings or potlucks. Pasta salads are simple to prepare and can include a variety of delicious ingredients. This salad combines the sweetness of strawberries with a tangy dressing, making it a delightful choice. It's a great option for a light meal or a side dish.

    Get the Recipe

    Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

    Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: She's Not Cookin'.

    Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad is a delicious mix of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. The sweetness of the corn pairs perfectly with a creamy dressing that has a hint of lime. This salad is vibrant and satisfying, making it a great choice for gatherings. It's easy to prepare and works well for potlucks or barbecues. Each serving is full of flavor, making it a hit at any meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Halloumi Pasta Primavera

    Halloumi pasta primavera.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This vegetarian halloumi pasta is packed with fresh vegetables and can be ready in just 20 minutes, including prep time. It's a light and refreshing meal that doesn't rely on heavy cream, allowing the flavors of the veggies to really stand out. Perfect for a quick dinner, this dish is both satisfying and healthy. With its vibrant ingredients, it brings a taste of summer to your table. Enjoy a simple yet delicious meal that makes weeknight cooking easy.

    Get the recipe

    Dump And Start Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

    Dump And Start Instant Pot Minestrone Soup.
    Photo Credit: Budget Delicious.

    Instant Pot Minestrone is simple to prepare and comes together in less than 30 minutes. It's a great option for busy families who want to save time and money. This version of the popular Olive Garden soup is even better than what you’d get at the restaurant, and it’s easy to make at home. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for meal prep and will keep everyone happy.

    Get the Recipe

    Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers

    Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers are a great option for a filling meal. They are easy to prepare and are filled with juicy chicken, rice, marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Roasting the peppers brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the flavors of the filling. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. You'll likely find yourself making these peppers a regular part of your dinner rotation.

    Get the Recipe

    Red Pesto Pasta Salad with Veggies

    Red pesto pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This red pesto pasta is quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish, with only 15 minutes of actual cooking time. It's loaded with vegetables and full of flavor, making it a satisfying meal. You can use either homemade or store-bought pesto, depending on what you have on hand. This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed hot or cold, perfect for any occasion. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Greek Pasta Salad

    Greek Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Aline Made.

    Greek pasta salad is a great choice for summer gatherings and is sure to please a crowd. It’s packed with fresh ingredients and is easy to whip up in no time. This dish is not only tasty but also appeals to a wide range of people. Perfect for warm days, it brings a burst of flavor to any meal. Enjoy it as a side or a light main dish.

    Get the Recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Ham fried rice.
      20 Family Friendly Recipes We’re Making All Summer Long
    • Cajun mac and cheese.
      18 Hearty Southern Slow Cooker Recipes That Will Make You Feel Right at Home
    • Red wine pork chops.
      24 Lazy Dinners Straight From Grandma’s Kitchen
    • Thai peanut chicke with rice.
      20 Summer Crockpot Recipes That Will Save You Time and Energy

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Sliced air fryer roast beef.
      Air Fryer Roast Beef
    • top down view of a tortellini casserole
      Cheesy Tortellini Casserole with Spinach
    • Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake [Dump and bake!]
    • sliced rib eye steak topped with salt
      How to Cook a Rib Eye Steak Without a Cast Iron Skillet (3 Methods)

    Popular Articles

    • Baked lamb chops with veggies.
      17 Veggie-Loaded Dinner Ideas That Make Meal Prep a Breeze
    • Arayes.
      25 Wholesome Ground Beef Recipes That Will Make Your Summer Sizzle
    • Caprese pasta salad with eggs.
      22 Easy Pasta Salads to Beat the Summer Heat
    • Stroganoff.
      23 Best Slow Cooker Meals for When You Just Can't Even

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    All affiliate links are always marked with "*" or "affiliate".

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    A collage of sites where always use butter content has been featured.

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosures
    • Editorial Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • info@alwaysusebutter.com
    • Pink Giraffe Ventures AB, Runstens Byväg 51, 147 91 Grödinge, Sweden
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Copyright © 2018-2025 Pink Giraffe Ventures AB