Eating less meat not only makes sense nutritionally -- but environmentally as well. Why? Manufacturing of agricultural chemicals (used to treat grains that animals ingest) accounts for roughly 40 percent of food-production energy. Transporting feed to livestock operations burns up even more fuel. All of this makes meat consumption unhealthy for the planet as well as you. Make meat-free meals with our collection of 30 delicious vegetarian recipes.

Quinoa, which contains the most complete protein source for vegetarians, is fashioned into a Greek-style burger.

Whole-wheat pasta has almost twice the amount of fiber of traditional semolina pasta.

This veggie-covered pizza has a healthy whole-wheat crust.

Butternut squash boosts this recipe with beta-carotene and vitamin C.

A little broth goes a long way in this Asian noodle dish.

A healthier alternative to the more traditional arborio risotto rice, barley adds iron and fiber to this dish.

As far as chiles go, poblano peppers rank among the milder varieties, though they still offer a nice zing. To counter the spice, serve with a mixed-greens salad.

For genuine barbecue flavor, couple this spicy tofu with crunchy slaw and serve as a sandwich or wrapped in a large leaf of lettuce with sliced tomato and red onion.

Using kiwi instead of shrimp makes this summer roll a perfect vegetarian treat.

Serve this beautiful tofu dish with a selection of unusual condiments.

A pita is stuffed with creamy avocado and crisp vegetables for a sandwich on-the-go.

A study in contrasts, this dish has both crunchy and smooth textures, as well as hot and cool flavors.

Using whole-wheat couscous adds fiber to this side dish.

This spicy dish is packed with veggies; covering them while cooking helps trap the steam so they cook more quickly.

Saffron, a delicate yellow-orange spice, enhances these flavorful roasted peppers.

Brown rice gives this vegetarian stir-fry a nutty flavor and hearty texture, and it has more fiber than white rice.

This fresh salad contrasts the subtle flavor of butterhead lettuce with the piquant taste of radish and the sweet flavor of carrots.

Instead of plain-old potatoes, get your starch from beta-carotene-rich vegetables like butternut squash and carrots.

Once eaten only by emperors in China, black-grain forbidden rice can be found in natural-foods stores. You can be creative with this recipe by adding chopped nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or toasted pine nuts. For more color, garnish with chopped parsley.

Dress up your pasta with this flavorful green pesto.

Baked tofu -- made by pressing water out of fresh tofu, marinating it in seasonings, and baking it -- is in most supermarkets and natural-foods stores.

Serve this stew over brown rice or with whole-grain bread. You can also replace the pumpkin with squash or young carrots.

Quinoa, which is used like a grain but is really a seed, can be found at natural-foods stores and many supermarkets.

Because they're high in soluble fiber, beans are a cholesterol fighter's best friend. We like the black-bean and chickpea combination, but feel free to use your favorites.

As a meal or an appetizer, this recipe pairs green with protein. Vegetarians can substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.

For this recipe, use a crisp, fiber-packed apple like Lady Apple, Cortland, or Gala. The roasted sweet potatoes are loaded with beta-carotene.

Tomatoes, greens, and beans fortify this filling and healthy soup.

This recipe makes enough brown rice for tonight's meal, plus extra. After cooking, allow the leftover rice to cool, then cover and refrigerate.

Spelt is an ancient whole grain native to southern Europe. It's packed with fiber and naturally higher in protein than wheat.

One of the first crops ever cultivated, barley contains soluble fiber as well as iron, manganese, phosphorus, and thiamin.