• 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

    21 Stupid Simple Veggie Loaded Dishes That Are Perfect for Meal Prep

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on July 6, 2025, updated June 5, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Eating healthy doesn't have to be complicated or boring. These 21 veggie-loaded dishes are not only simple to make but also perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy nutritious meals throughout the week. Packed with flavor and colorful ingredients, these recipes will keep your meals exciting and satisfying.

    Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

    Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Urban Farmie.

    This vegetarian enchilada casserole is packed with layers of soft tortillas, tasty homemade enchilada sauce, and a mix of colorful vegetables and black beans. It’s a satisfying meal that proves you don’t need meat to enjoy a hearty dish. In about an hour, you can whip up a simple and comforting dinner that everyone will enjoy. With gooey cheddar cheese on top and fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro, it’s sure to please. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something delicious without a lot of work.

    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

    Meatless Baked Ziti

    Meatless Baked Ziti.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Meatless Baked Ziti is a simple and satisfying dish that everyone in the family can enjoy. This vegetarian take on the classic Italian recipe is packed with plenty of cheese and ziti pasta. It's perfect for those nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this dish is sure to please. It's a great option for meal prep, making it easy to have a delicious dinner ready to go.

    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

    Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with Crunchy Croutons

    Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with Crunchy Croutons.
    Photo Credit: Cook Eat Live Love.

    Caesar salad gets a tasty twist in this pasta salad version. It’s creamy and tangy, bringing all the classic Caesar flavors together with tender pasta for a filling dish. This is a great option for summer gatherings, quick lunches, or as a side for dinner. It combines the freshness of salad with the heartiness of pasta, making it a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this easy and satisfying dish anytime you want something delicious.

    Get the Recipe

    Baked Feta and Tomato Pasta

    Baked Feta and Tomato Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Baked Feta and Tomato Pasta is a delicious dish that has gained a lot of attention online. It features creamy feta cheese that gets baked alongside juicy tomatoes and spices, creating a wonderful flavor. When you mix it all together with penne pasta, it becomes a comforting meal that's hard to resist. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's a simple yet tasty option that everyone will enjoy.

    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

    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

    Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad

    Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Lemons & Zest.

    Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad is a flavorful dish that's easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients to chop and a straightforward process, it can be ready in less than 30 minutes. The dressing uses the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes, adding a rich taste that really stands out. This salad is perfect for a quick meal or a side dish that everyone will enjoy. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Cold and Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad

    Cold and Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: In the Kitch.

    This tuna pasta salad is cold, creamy, and full of flavor. It features tri-color pasta mixed with tender chunks of tuna and a mix of fresh vegetables. Quail eggs add a nice touch of protein and richness to the dish. It's a colorful and satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad is sure to please.

    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

    Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

    Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: I Heart Naptime.

    This chicken Caesar pasta salad is quick to prepare and can be ready in just 10 minutes. It puts a fun spin on the traditional Caesar salad by adding croutons, crunchy Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, tender pasta, and chicken all mixed together with a creamy Caesar dressing. This dish is filling and perfect for a fast dinner, a side at a BBQ, or a potluck gathering. It's a great way to enjoy a classic flavor in a new form. With minimal effort, you can have a delicious meal on the table.

    Get the Recipe

    Summer Cobb Salad

    Summer Cobb Salad.
    Photo Credit: Valerie's Kitchen.

    This Summer Cobb Salad is a great addition to your dinner plans. It features crunchy romaine lettuce topped with juicy chicken, cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, crispy bacon, and flavorful blue cheese. The combination of textures and tastes makes it satisfying and enjoyable. A creamy basil dressing ties everything together, adding a nice touch. This dish is perfect for a light yet filling meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

    Chicken fajitas.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    These sheet pan chicken fajitas are loaded with flavor but take just minutes to prep and bake. You'll have a hearty dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes with this foolproof recipe!

    Get the recipe

    Steamed Vegetable Salad Lunch Box

    Steamed Vegetable Salad Lunch Box.
    Photo Credit: Refresh My Health.

    This Steamed Vegetable Salad Lunch Box is a great option for lunch at work or a picnic in the park. It's packed with a variety of vegetables, olives, and crunchy nuts, making it both nutritious and satisfying. You can customize it to fit your tastes and dietary needs, allowing for plenty of different combinations throughout the week. This dish is simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making meal prep easy. Enjoy a healthy and filling meal that keeps well and tastes great.

    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

    Japanese Cold Noodle Salad

    Japanese Cold Noodle Salad.
    Photo Credit: Food Meanderings.

    This Japanese Cold Noodle Salad offers a refreshing twist on the usual summer salads and serves as a light meal. Packed with fresh vegetables, it’s a healthy option that’s simple to prepare and a great way to use up leftover ham. Unlike the traditional Hiyashi Chuka, this version is inspired by North American chef salads. It’s perfect for those warm days when you want something cool and satisfying. Enjoy this dish as a quick and easy meal that everyone will love.

    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

    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

    Dutch Oven Pork Tenderloin

    Dutch Oven Pork Tenderloin.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    This Dutch Oven Pork Tenderloin is juicy and tender, perfect for a satisfying meal. It’s cooked with carrots, onions, and potatoes, creating a filling dish all in one pot. This is a great option for family dinners, as everyone will enjoy it. The combination of flavors makes it a comforting choice for any night. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, so you can spend less time in the kitchen.

    Get the Recipe

    Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad

    Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Peanut Butter & Julie.

    This Italian Bow Tie Pasta Salad is filled with a variety of vegetables, cheese, salami, and fresh herbs, all mixed together with a tangy red wine vinaigrette. It's a great option to serve as a side dish when you have guests, but it’s also hearty enough to be enjoyed as a main meal. The vibrant colors and flavors make it appealing to everyone. Plus, it stores well in the fridge, making it a convenient choice for tasty leftovers. This dish is perfect for meal prep, saving you time during the week.

    Get the Recipe

    Sheet Pan Chicken Hibachi

    Sheet Pan Chicken Hibachi.
    Photo Credit: Manila Spoon.

    This Sheet Pan Chicken Hibachi is a simple way to enjoy Japanese flavors at home. It combines juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and tasty fried rice all in one pan, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner. It's easy to put together and you can adjust the ingredients to suit your family's tastes. This dish brings the fun of hibachi cooking right to your kitchen. Perfect for busy evenings, it offers a satisfying meal without a lot of work.

    Get the Recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

    • Barbecue chicken dip.
      12 Crockpot Dips You Need for Your Next Party
    • Bolognese.
      27 Easy Meal Prep Ideas for Any Budget
    • 24 Heartwarming Dinners That Will Make You Feel Like You're at Grandma's
    • Tortellini lasagna.
      26 Quick and Easy Ground Beef Dinners You’ll Want to Make All the Time

    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

    • Sheet pan chicken fajitas.
      21 Stupid Simple Veggie Loaded Dishes That Are Perfect for Meal Prep
    • 15 bean soup.
      22 Set It and Forget It Slow Cooker Dinners You Can Just Dump and Forget
    • Bacon chicken ranch pasta salad.
      22 Quick and Easy Summer Dinners for All Those Lazy Evenings
    • King ranch chicken casserole.
      22 Simple Dump-And-Go Dinners That Get the Job Done

    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