Meatless Monday Menu in Under 30 Minutes

Frances JanischStart the week off with this healthy, environmentally friendly meat-free meal. Meatless Mondays began in 2003 as a public health awareness program with the goal of reducing meat consumption by 15 percent. The initiative is now in its ninth year, and many organizations and celebrity chefs have joined the campaign. Not only is a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits and nuts good for our personal health, but it's good for the health of the planet too.

The Meatless Monday Menu

Main: Salsa Fresca Penne -- Chef Gail Simmons' fresh-tasting pasta dish with tomatoes, olives, basil and cheese comes together quickly because the sauce is not cooked. (Get more pasta recipes by Gail Simmons.)
Side: Lemon Arugula Salad -- Peppery arugula is tossed with a simple dressing of extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice and a bit of salt and pepper.
Dessert: Scoop of Sorbet -- Sorbet provides a sweet finish without adding too many calories or fat. Look for brands with little added sugar. Or try making your own sorbet from scratch.

Health Benefits

Skipping meat means a meal with little to no saturated fat. And thanks to the fresh tomatoes, olives, and basil in the pasta and the arugula in the salad, you'll be well on your way to meeting your daily vegetable quota. We recommend substituting whole wheat pasta for an added boost of whole grains and fiber.

More Vegetarian Recipes

• Learn more about Meatless Mondays.
• See more of our favorite vegetarian dinner recipes.
• Find out how one family made the transition to vegetarianism -- and get their go-to recipes.
• Read about Olivia Wilde being named the sexiest vegetarian on our sister site Stylelist.

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