10+ Good Vegetarian Recipes for Every Occasion
Eating vegetarian can be both delicious and satisfying. Many tasty options fit a vegetarian diet while still offering enough variety to keep every meal exciting.
Whether you are new to vegetarian cooking or looking for fresh ideas, there are plenty of recipes that cater to different tastes and preferences. From simple weeknight dinners to more elaborate gatherings, you can create meals that everyone will love. These recipes will help you embrace the benefits of a meat-free lifestyle while keeping your meals enjoyable and fulfilling.
1) Avocado Alfredo
Avocado Alfredo is a creamy and delicious pasta dish that’s perfect for a quick meal. The main ingredient, avocado, gives the sauce its rich texture and healthy fats. This dish is not only tasty but also vegan and easy to make.
You simply need ripe avocados, garlic, and some lemon juice to start. Blend these together until smooth. Then, mix the sauce with your cooked pasta for a delightful meal.
For added flavor, you can throw in some nutritional yeast or spinach. This will enhance the taste and add extra nutrients.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta of your choice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions.
- In a blender, combine avocados, garlic, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
- Mix the avocado sauce with cooked pasta.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!
2) Beans Bourguignon
Beans Bourguignon is a delicious vegetarian twist on the classic beef bourguignon. This recipe uses beans and vegetables, simmered in a rich broth, to create a hearty dish. It’s perfect for cozy dinners.
To make it, begin by soaking dried porcinis for flavor. You can also add smoked tempeh for a unique touch. Use a mix of mushrooms, carrots, and shallots to enhance the taste.
This dish is rich in protein and can be enjoyed over noodles or with crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 shallots, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 cups mushrooms, chopped
- 2 cups cooked beans (like kidney or butter beans)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (like thyme and parsley)
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add shallots and carrots; cook until soft.
- Stir in mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour and mix well.
- Pour in vegetable broth and red wine; stir to combine.
- Add beans, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.
3) Vegan Mac ‘N’ Cheeze
Vegan Mac ‘N’ Cheeze is a creamy and delicious dish that anyone can enjoy. It’s comforting, easy to make, and perfect for any meal. You won’t miss the dairy at all!
To start, you’ll blend ingredients like sweet potatoes, nutritional yeast, and cashews for that cheesy flavor. This combination is not only tasty but also healthy.
You can have this meal ready in around 20 minutes. It’s great for a quick dinner or a fun family lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 medium sweet potato, cooked and peeled
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
- In a blender, combine sweet potato, nutritional yeast, cashews, and vegetable broth. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a pot over medium heat.
- Add the cooked macaroni and stir well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
4) Bruschetta Summer Pasta Salad
This Bruschetta Summer Pasta Salad is a fresh and tasty dish. It’s perfect for hot days when you want something light and easy to make. You’ll love the flavors of ripe tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella.
To start, cook your favorite pasta until al dente. Once it’s cooled, mix in chopped tomatoes, fresh basil, and mini mozzarella balls. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a nice touch.
This salad is not only colorful but also packed with flavor. It’s a great option for a picnic or a quick lunch at home. Enjoy every bite!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (any type)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup mini mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze, then mix gently.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving.
5) Crispy Pea Fritters
Crispy pea fritters are a tasty and easy vegetarian dish you can whip up in no time. They are perfect for a snack or as a side dish. Plus, they use frozen peas, making them simple and affordable.
To make these fritters, you’ll need chickpea flour, which keeps them gluten-free and adds a lovely texture. Mixing in your favorite herbs will give them a fresh twist. You can also bake them or fry them, depending on your preference.
These fritters are delicious when served with a dip, like yogurt or salsa. You can bring them to a party, or enjoy them with a salad for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 1 cup chickpea flour
- 1/4 cup chopped herbs (like parsley or cilantro)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Water as needed
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat oil for frying.
- Thaw and mash the peas in a bowl.
- Mix in the chickpea flour, herbs, and salt.
- Add water gradually to form a thick batter.
- Shape the mixture into small patties.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or fry until golden brown.
6) Coconut Curry Ramen
Coconut Curry Ramen is a delicious and comforting dish. It features a creamy coconut milk broth mixed with aromatic curry spices. This meal is both vegan and packed with flavor.
You can add fresh vegetables, like bell peppers and spinach, to make it even more colorful. Tofu is a great protein choice to include, providing a satisfying texture.
This recipe is quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. You can enjoy it in about 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons curry paste
- 1 package ramen noodles
- 1 cup tofu, cubed
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, spinach, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oil (for cooking)
Cooking Instructions
- In a pot, heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add the tofu and cook until golden brown.
- Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and coconut milk.
- Add curry paste and soy sauce; stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then add ramen noodles.
- Cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-4 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
7) Roasted Cauliflower Tacos
Roasted cauliflower tacos are a tasty and healthy choice for any meal. They’re easy to make and full of flavor. You can enjoy these delicious tacos in under 30 minutes.
You start by roasting cauliflower until it’s golden brown. This gives it a smoky taste. Then, you can add toppings like avocado crema or a spicy chipotle sauce to make it even better.
These tacos are plant-based, gluten-free, and perfect for taco night. Guests will love them for their fresh flavors and vibrant colors.
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Tortillas
- Avocado or chipotle sauce
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss chopped cauliflower with olive oil, chili powder, and salt.
- Spread cauliflower on a baking sheet.
- Roast for about 20 minutes until tender.
- Serve on tortillas with your favorite toppings.
8) Veggie Black Bean Enchiladas
Veggie black bean enchiladas are a tasty and easy meal to make. You can fill them with healthy ingredients like black beans, corn, and bell peppers. These enchiladas are perfect for any dinner.
You can use homemade or store-bought enchilada sauce. Top them with cheese or a vegan alternative for added flavor. They are great for meal prep or a quick family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix black beans, corn, bell pepper, and onion.
- Fill each tortilla with the mixture and roll them up.
- Pour half the enchilada sauce in a baking dish, place the rolled tortillas, and cover with the remaining sauce.
- Sprinkle cheese on top, if using.
- Bake for 25 minutes until heated through.
9) BBQ Pulled Mushrooms
BBQ pulled mushrooms make a delicious and satisfying meal. You can use king oyster or portobello mushrooms for this dish. They can absorb rich flavors and provide a great texture.
To start, shred the mushrooms and season them with spices. Bake or sauté them until they are tender. Adding your favorite BBQ sauce brings a smoky and tangy taste to the mix.
Serve these mushrooms on a soft bun with crunchy coleslaw for a tasty sandwich. They’re perfect for game day or a casual dinner at home.
Ingredients
- 2 cups king oyster or portobello mushrooms, shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Buns for serving
- Coleslaw (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the shredded mushrooms with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
- Then, stir in the BBQ sauce and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve on buns with coleslaw if desired.
10) Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
This creamy roasted red pepper pasta is a delicious and easy dish you can whip up in just 20 minutes. It combines the sweetness of roasted red peppers with a smooth, rich sauce. You can enjoy it as a comforting dinner or a quick lunch.
Start by cooking your favorite pasta. While it cooks, blend roasted red peppers with garlic, cashew milk, and spices. Once you’ve mixed everything, heat the sauce in a pan.
Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce until it’s well coated. You can add veggies or a protein of your choice for extra nutrition. Garnish with fresh herbs for a nice touch.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 cup roasted red peppers
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup cashew milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a blender, combine roasted red peppers and garlic.
- Add cashew milk and blend until smooth.
- Heat the sauce in a pan over medium heat.
- Toss cooked pasta with the sauce.
- Garnish with herbs and serve.