16 low-carb vegetarian recipes

Looking for some low-carb vegetarian meal ideas? We've got you covered with delicious recipes, from aubergine parmigiana and red lentil curry to courgette and mushroom bhaji. For even more inspiration, check out our other collections of low-carb recipes, low-carb snacks, low-carb breakfast ideas and low-calorie vegetarian meals.

When it comes to vegetarian meals, it is important not to make them too carb-heavy. The key is to fill up on the nutrient-dense carbs, such as beans, lentils and vegetables, together with protein to provide a more balanced meal that will keep you fuller for longer.

Check out our ideas below, then discover our favourite vegetarian slow cooker recipes, healthy vegan recipes, dairy-free dinner recipes and healthy vegetarian recipes. For low-cost vegetarian meals, check out our budget vegetarian recipes.

16 low-carb vegetarian recipes

1. Chole palak (spiced chickpea curry with spinach, tomato and garam masala)

Make spinach and chickpeas the stars of your dinner with this nutritious veggie curry, flavoured with cardamom and cinnamon – serve as part of a thali for a filling, easy meal for four.

2. Chinese-style purple sprouting broccoli with tofu

This Chinese-style purple sprouting broccoli with tofu recipe is easy, vegan and offers a source of plant-based protein and fibre.

3. Mushroom bhaji

The perfect midweek vegan dinner, this bhaji comes packed with chestnut mushrooms, garlic, ginger and turmeric. Serve with warm, fluffy naans for mopping all those juices up.

4. Aubergine parmigiana

Make a batch of this Italian veggie classic to feed a crowd, or make two smaller dishes and freeze one for later.

5. Chana masala

Packed with plenty of spice, this healthy vegan curry recipe is light and spicy. For a more filling family meal, serve our chana masala with roti.

6. Turmeric-fried veggie rice

Try our vibrant turmeric-fried rice. This colourful recipe is packed with crunchy veg, punchy flavours and is simple to make.

7. Gigantes plaki (Greek baked beans)

Ready in under an hour, this Greek one-pot is packed with plenty of fresh flavours as well as protein and fibre, making it a healthy vegetarian meal idea.

8. Red lentil curry

Try our vegetarian spiced crispy egg and lentil curry for a low-calorie, high-protein, comforting meal.

9. Mauritian butter bean curry (cari gros pois)

This butter bean curry makes the ultimate comfort dish: warm, rich and full of nostalgic flavour. Pulses like butter beans are affordable, filling and can stretch to feed a crowd without sacrificing taste.

10. Confit fennel with Puy lentils

Cooking fennel wedges low and slow in a bath of olive oil makes for deliciously tender results. We've paired with creamy goat's cheese, Puy lentils and fresh dill.

11. Kolamba’s parippu (lentil curry)

Try Kolamba's lentil curry spiced with mustard seeds, chilli powder, curry leaves and cinnamon for a warming dinner with layers of delicate flavour.

12. Aubergine kebabs with charred onion salsa

Try these veggie skewers for an easy BBQ option – simple to put together, quick to cook and easily scaled up or down depending on how many you’re feeding.

13. Courgetti, pea and artichoke salad with pistachio pesto

This recipe for courgetti, pea and artichoke salad with pistachio pesto is vegan, low-calorie, gluten-free and ready in just 20 minutes.

14. Spiced grains with peas, spinach and jammy eggs

A riot of colour, this buttery freekeh dish is packed with spinach and peas, and flavoured with cumin, coriander and turmeric.

15. Fatteh (crispy pitta, chickpea and yogurt salad)

Crunchy, golden pitta, crisp chickpeas and walnuts are tossed together in a tahini yogurt dressing then topped with pomegranate, herbs and sumac to create this vibrant and flavour-packed Middle Eastern salad.

16. Cauliflower mash

Serve this low-carb alternative to mashed potato alongside your favourite meat and veggie mains.