20 Vegetarian Instant Pot Recipes

20 Vegetarian Instant Pot Recipes to get you inspired to use your pressure cooker! Make healthy, easy, and approachable meals including soups, stews, pasta, rice, and curries. This is a great selection of Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes to get you started, with many vegan recipes too!

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

I got my Instant Pot a little over a year ago, and it quickly became one of the most used and most loved appliances in my kitchen. 

If you recently got an Instant Pot and it's still in the box, or perhaps it's out of the box but all you've done is gingerly poke at the pressure release valve and then quickly back away from the thing, I get you. The first time I used mine I had to text a friend step by step to make sure I wasn't doing anything wrong that would result in the thing exploding in my kitchen.

The words "pressure cooker" can get in your head and make it seem pretty daunting, but I assure you that the Instant Pot is a breeze to use. If you're just getting started, my friend Sarah from Sustainable Cooks has put together an Instant Pot Beginner's Guide that's worth reading through. 

There are a gazillion good Instant Pot Recipes on the web, so it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Not to worry, though! I've sifted through dozens of websites and chosen some really amazing Vegetarian Instant Pot Recipes to get you going. 

20 Vegetarian Instant Pot Recipes

1. Mung Bean and Coconut Curry

This Mung Bean and Coconut Curry is far and away the most popular recipe on Hey Nutrition Lady, and it was also the very first recipe I tested out in my Instant Pot. It turns out beautifully, with perfectly cooked mung beans every time. 

Mung Bean and Coconut Curry

Mung Bean and Coconut Curry! This easy vegan curry is packed with Indian flavours, coconut milk, cilantro, and lime. It's incredibly easy and can be made in the Instant Pot or on the stove top. 

Check out this recipe

2. Instant Pot Pasta Sauce 

I love this simple Instant Pot Pasta Sauce recipe. Not only is it loaded with veggies, it's got a deep, rich, all-day simmered flavour with just 30 minutes in the Instant Pot. Leave it chunky if you like, or purée for a smooth sauce. 

Instant Pot Pasta Sauce

This easy Instant Pot Pasta Sauce has a deep, rich, all day simmered flavour, but it takes just 25 minutes in your pressure cooker. Loaded with veggies, this healthy tomato sauce is vegetarian and easily made vegan. Perfect for spaghetti, lasagna, and other pasta dishes.

Check out this recipe

3. Instant Pot Tortellini 

I love me a one-pot pasta recipe, and I'm sure you are the same. The great thing about this easy Instant Pot Tortellini recipe from Sustainable Cooks is that it's even better the next day!

Instant Pot Tortellini

This delicious Instant Pot Tortellini is an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. Packed with flavor and ready in a flash, you’ll find yourself making this pressure cooker pasta every week!

Check out this recipe

4. Red Lentil Stew

This Red Lentil Stew is one of my favourite quick and easy weeknight dinners. It's a perfect Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipe, cooking the lentils like a dream and melting the veggies right in there. 

Red Lentil Stew

This easy Red Lentil Stew recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner when you want something healthy, quick, and delicious. It's completely vegan, loaded with veggies, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Make Instant Pot Lentil Stew or cook it on your stove top, and serve with rice or pasta. Top with chili flakes if you want to bring the heat, or leave it as is for the kids.

Check out this recipe

5. Vegan Chickpea Noodle Soup

This cozy Vegan Chickpea Noodle Soup recipe is one of my favourites during the cooler months. Made with dried chickpeas that are pressure-cooked right into the soup - no soaking required - this soup has a wonderful vegan broth, lots of veggies, and of course some pasta. 

Vegan Chickpea Noodle Soup

Imagine a delicious vegan chicken noodle soup, and that's what we've got here! This simple Chickpea Noodle Soup is loaded with veggies, fragrant chickpea broth, and a handful of pasta tossed in at the end. Made in the Instant Pot for super fast and easy cooking, but stovetop instructions are also included.

Check out this recipe

6. Tofu Tikka Masala

Indian flavours work really brilliant in vegetarian Instant Pot Recipes, and this Tofu Tikka Masala is no exception. Grab the recipe from Yup, It's Vegan. 

Tofu Tikka Masala

To make tofu tikka masala, start by sauteeing a few aromatics and spices in your Instant Pot, and then seal the lid to finish the curry.

Check out this recipe

7. Carrot Ginger Soup with Red Lentils

I love the way that lentils turn out in the Instant Pot. This Carrot Ginger Soup with Red Lentils is super simple to make, and doesn't require any sautéing. Just dump, set, and go! 

Vegan Carrot Ginger Soup with Red Lentils

This Vegan Carrot Ginger Soup is packed with protein thanks to the addition of red lentils! It's a healthy recipe with warming spices that's easy to make in your Instant Pot, Crockpot, or on the stove top (instructions are included for all three!).

Check out this recipe

8. Red Lentil Dal

I first published this easy Red Lentil Dal recipe with slow cooker instructions (and they're still there!) but recently re-tested it in the Instant Pot and it's a real winner. Deeply flavoured and packed with plant-based protein, this one is one of my favourites. 

Red Lentil Dal

This easy Red Lentil Dal recipe is a homemade twist on the Indian classic. Completely vegan and naturally gluten-free, you can make Slow Cooker Lentil Dal or Instant Pot Dal to make weeknight cooking a breeze. Packed with warming spices and plant-based protein, it's a simple vegetarian recipe that's sure to go into regular rotation.

Check out this recipe

9. Smoky Lentil Stew

This Smoky Lentil Stew from The Cook Report is the ultimate cold weather warmer. Simple, healthy and suitable for vegans, this lentil stew takes just 10 minutes in the pressure cooker!

Smoky Lentil Stew

This smoky lentil stew is the ultimate cold weather warmer. Simple, healthy and suitable for vegans, this lentil stew takes just 10 minutes in the pressure cooker!

Check out this recipe

10. Indonesian Black Rice Pudding

This Indonesian Black Rice Pudding is traditionally served for breakfast, but I also love it as an afternoon snack or dessert. It's easy to make on the stovetop, but it's sooooo much faster made in the Instant Pot. 

Indonesian Black Rice Pudding

Indonesian Black Rice Pudding is a healthy vegan recipe that's perfect for breakfast or dessert! Made with coconut milk and naturally sweetened with coconut sugar, this rice pudding recipe can be made on the stove top or in the Instant Pot. 

Check out this recipe

11. Instant Pot Farro

If you're looking to add more healthy whole grains into your diet, give this Instant Pot Farro from Sustainable Cooks a try! It takes the guesswork out of cooking this ancient grain, and is much faster than cooking farro on the stove top. 

Instant Pot Farro

Instant Pot Farro is a hardy and delicious whole grain that is amazing in soups, salads, stews, or flavorful side dishes. Learn how to cook farro in a pressure cooker or on the stovetop for a delicious and fast meal. If you’re bored with rice, you’ll love cooking farro for a fun new option!

Check out this recipe

12. Spicy Instant Pot Black Beans

If you've ever wondered how to replicate that puddle of black beans you get at a Mexican restaurant in your own home, wonder no more! These Spicy Instant Pot Black Beans are the real deal, made with un-soaked black beans and lots of spices and aromatics. 

Instant Pot Black Beans Recipe

Quick and easy No-Soak Instant Pot Black Beans! This recipe takes all of five minutes to prepare and just 25 minutes in the Instant Pot for perfectly cooked spicy black bean ragout. Serve it with tacos, over rice, or as a topping for vegan nachos.

Check out this recipe

13. Vegan Lentil Soup

I have a bunch of different lentil soups in my repertoire, but this Vegan Lentil Soup is one I come back to again and again. Made in the pressure cooker, this is an Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipe you'll be sure to get on board with. 

14. Intant Pot Butternut Squash Soup

This Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup from Curry Trail is velvety smooth soup, perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s a great winter meal with crusty bread. It only takes a few minutes in your Instant Pot to get this soup ready.

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup

Instant pot butternut squash soup is velvety smooth soup, perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s a great winter meal with crusty bread.

Check out this recipe

15. Lentil Shepherd's Pie

I make the filling for this Lentil Shepherd's Pie in my Instant Pot. It's so fast and so easy, when it's done it's simply a matter of topping with mashed potatoes and baking in the oven. 

Lentil Shepherd's Pie

Lentil Shepherd's Pie! This vegan shepherd's pie recipe is easy to make in your Instant Pot, slow cooker, or on the stove top. Simply top with mashed potatoes for a healthy gluten-free vegetarian dinner! 

Check out this recipe

16. Vegetarian Fajita Pasta

Loaded with veggies and lots of flavour, this Vegetarian Fajita Pasta from Piping Pot is a one-pot dish in the Instant Pot. Fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, bell peppers, sour cream and cheese make this delicious pasta dish. 

Vegetarian Fajita Pasta

Loaded with veggies and lots of flavor, this Vegetarian Fajita Pasta is our favorite pasta dinner. Fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, colorful bell peppers, sour cream and cheese make this a healthier pasta dish. Make it as a one-pot dish in the Instant Pot or Stovetop. Enjoy topped with cilantro and avocado.

Check out this recipe

17. Instant Pot Carrot Soup

This velvety smooth Instant Pot Carrot Soup is super creamy and delicious thanks to the addition of tahini, and a full meal topped with garlicky greens. Give it a try!

Instant Pot Carrot Soup with Garlicky Greens

Velvety smooth Spicy Carrot Soup enriched with tahini and topped with garlicky wilted greens cooked in toasted sesame oil. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, it's a cinch to make in your Instant Pot or on the stove top.

Check out this recipe

18. Instant Pot Mexican Rice

This recipe for Instant Pot Mexican Rice from Upstate Ramblings is quick and easy! It's a one pot meal that makes a delicious side dish and goes well with tacos, burritos, refried beans or your favourite Mexican dinner.

Instant Pot Mexican Rice

This recipe for Instant Pot Mexican Rice is quick and easy to make in a pressure cooker! It is a one pot meal that makes a delicious side dish and goes well with tacos, burritos, refried beans or your favorite Mexican dinner.

Check out this recipe

19. Instant Pot Chickpeas

One of my favourite things to do with the Instant Pot is cook up a big batch of beans to use in various recipes throughout the week. These Instant Pot Chickpeas are simple, flavoured just a tiny bit, and ready to use however you like. 

Instant Pot Chickpeas

Easy NO SOAK Instant Pot Chickpeas in less than an hour! Save time and money by making your own pressure cooker chickpeas at home, with better flavour and less salt than canned.

Check out this recipe

20. Instant Pot Butternut Squash

Did you know that you can throw a whole butternut squash into your Instant Pot and cook it just like that? This easy Instant Pot Butternut Squash recipe will show you how!

Instant Pot Butternut Squash

Learn how easy it is to cook a whole butternut squash or butternut squash halves in the Instant Pot. You're just 20 minutes away from a perfectly tender, buttery squash that's easy to scoop out and use in soups, casseroles, and more.

Check out this recipe

This recipe collection was originally published January 11, 2019. It was last edited and updated on December 26, 2020.