Hearty vegetarian meals
Vegetarian or plant-based diets continue to increase in popularity, and with good reason because following a plant-based diet provides you with various health benefits. Being on a vegetarian diet can help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.
Thinking of food to serve to your vegetarian friends or guests or even for your own meals might be quite daunting especially if you don’t want to serve a simple bowl of vegetable stew, salad or mashed potatoes.
But you must know that vegetarian meals consist of more than just plain green salad. To get the most out of a vegetarian dish, you must first of course choose a variety of healthy plant-based foods such as whole fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains.
It is also good to know that vegetarians need their proteins as well. Some good sources of protein for vegetarians are beans and peas, nuts, and soy products such as tofu and tempeh. Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans also make a great vegetarian snack. It is also good to know that some vegetarians consume dairy products, which are excellent sources of calcium. Other sources of calcium for vegetarians include calcium-fortified soymilk (soy beverage), tofu made with calcium sulfate, calcium-fortified breakfast cereals and orange juice, and some dark-green leafy vegetables (collard, turnip, and mustard greens; and bok choy). See more winter breakfast ideas and dairy-free winter comfort food recipes.
If you need to stock up on your pantry with vegetarian-friendly foods, then do not fret because finding these ingredients is not as hard as you think. Finding high-protein and nutrient-rich staples for your pantry is not impossible when you are on a plant-based diet. You can easily find these ingredients in your local supermarket!
Here are some of the items you can add to your pantry that are rich in protein and flavor:
Beans – can either be dried or canned. The most common are lentils and chickpeas that are a quick addition to soups and salads.
Grains – It is good to note that a variety of grains give you nutrition, texture, and flavor to your meals. Make sure you stock up on whole-wheat grains, multi-grain pasta, oats, brown rice, and quinoa in your pantry.
Tofu – One of the most essential ingredients for both vegans and vegetarians as it adds that needed extra flavor for any dish.
Nuts – Nuts such as almonds, cashews, pistachios, and more are a good source of healthy fat so these should definitely be in your pantry. See also Easy Pantry Meals.
Alternative milk – there are tons of alternatives for cow milk such as almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk or even rice milk. Sometimes, these even tastes better than cow milk!
Fruits and green leafy vegetables – can either be fresh, frozen, or canned. You can also include non-starchy vegetables such as potatoes and pumpkin.
And instead of serving them some plain old vegetable dishes, you can be creative and actually serve them some plant-based alternatives of traditional meat dishes such as:
Veggie pizza
Vegetable lasagna
Veggie burger
Pasta primavera
Grilled veggies
And more!
Healthy easy vegetarian recipes
You might think that when you are on a plant-based diet, you are limited to meals like salads and soups every time. But I am here to introduce you to the best vegetarian dishes perfect for the wintertime!
15. Sriracha Sweet Potato Hummus
Sriracha Sweet Potato Hummus is slightly spicy but majorly delicious. Enjoy this healthy and easy homemade hummus recipe for an appetizer, snack, in a bowl, or on a sandwich. This spicy hummus is also vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for meal prep!
Check it here.
14. Creamy Vegan Sweet Potato Pasta Sauce in Under 30 Minutes
Creamy, Vegan Sweet Potato Pasta Sauce is the ultimate healthy comfort food. Packed with flavor & nutrients, enjoy over your favorite pasta dish! Not in the mood for pasta? Try adding more liquid and enjoying this recipe as a soup! See more vegan comfort food recipes.
Check it here.
13. Honey Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Apples | 30 Minute Recipe
This Honey Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Apples recipe is ready in 30 minutes, made using four simple ingredients, and is the perfect side to any meal! Enjoy this quick and easy recipe at your next family gathering or vegan potluck. This post was sponsored by Minerva Dairy but all opinions are my own.
Check it here.
12. Roasted Brussel Sprouts Fettuccine Alfredo
Roasted Brussel Sprouts Fettuccine Alfredo is made with a combination of roasted garlic and creamy white sauce. It has the burnt as well as smooth cheesy flavor. This vegan dish reflects the two opposite flavors making it interesting for the taste buds in every bite.
Check it here.
11. Mixed Citrus Salad with Honey-Balsamic Vinaigrette
Mixed Citrus Salad is a sweet, savory, and easy way to bring new life to your favorite fruits any time of year. See more Citrus Recipes for Vitamin C.
Check it here.
10. Creamy Apple Parsnip Soup
This Apple Parsnip Soup has unusual and wonderful complex flavors, with a texture that is creamy and divine! It screams Fall, but can be enjoyed year round!
Check it here.
9. Roasted Beets with Orange and Maple Glaze
Tender roasted beets are coated with an orange and maple glaze that makes for a fantastic and super easy side dish, great all year round!
Check it here.
8. 20 Minute Risotto with Asparagus, Peas, Spinach and Shrimp | Healthy Spring Recipe
This 20 minute risotto recipe is perfect for the lazy chef who wants to look like a pro! Made in a pressure cooker and packed with vegetables. Enjoy this easy vegetarian risotto recipe with lemon pepper shrimp or your favorite protein on top! This post was sponsored by Crock-Pot Express Crock, but all opinions are my own. See more spring produce recipes.
Check it here.
7. No Bake Orange Almond Protein Bars
No Bake Orange Almond Protein Bars are perfectly sweetened and are moist, soft and chewy. These are vegan, gluten free and paleo. Moreover, these bars are suitable for all types of diet and for kids as well. They have a cake like texture so the little ones can chew and swallow them easily. These bars are great to include protein in your family’s diet
Check it here.
6. Instant Pot Roasted Potatoes
These Instant Pot Roasted Potatoes are not just any Roasted Potatoes recipe, these are German style Rosemary Potatoes with colorful veggies.
Check it here.
5. Teriyaki Brussels Sprouts (Vegan Gluten-free)
The Brussels sprouts are roasted in the oven until crispy and served with a 5 ingredient Teriyaki sauce. Serve it as a side dish or an Appetizer, this Teriyaki Brussels Sprouts recipe are for sure going to be a definite crowd pleaser!
Check it here.
4. Dried Citrus Zest (What to do With Citrus Rind/Citrus Peel)
Dried citrus zest is a perfect way to save citrus rind/peel. When you grow organic citrus fruit, it’s a shame (or a sin) to throw away the beautiful peel! See more delicious recipes with peels.
Check it here.
3. Sicilian Whole Orange Cake (Using an Entire Orange: Peel, Juice and Pulp)
Sicilian Orange Cake is a moist and delicious crowd-pleasing dessert. It could also be called a Whole Orange Cake, because the entire orange is used. Perfect for any occasion, but such a highlight with a cup of tea or coffee.
Check it here.
2. Brown Butter Mashed Turnip {Rutabaga} with Roasted Garlic
Minimal ingredients, a whole lotta flavour – that’s what you’re gonna get with this Brown Butter Mashed Turnip with Roasted Garlic. It’s a simple side dish that would be a yummy addition to any special occasion.
Check it here.
1. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {packed with flavour!}
Creamy, dreamy & satisfying, these roasted garlic mashed potatoes are simple to prepare and make for the most delicious vegetable side dish for your special holiday meal or Sunday supper.
Check it here.
15 Best Vegetarian Winter Recipes | Vegan Winter Meals
You might think that when you are on a plant-based diet, you are limited to meals like salads and soups every time. But I am here to introduce you to the best vegetarian dishes perfect for the wintertime!
Ingredients
- SRIRACHA SWEET POTATO HUMMUS
- SWEET POTATO PASTA SAUCE
- HONEY ROASTED BRUSSEL SPROUTS
- BRUSSEL SPROUTS FETTUCCINE ALFREDO
- MIXED CITRUS SALAD
Instructions
- Choose any vegetarian winter recipes from the post that you like.
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best vegetarian winter recipes and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
I’m Anastasia and I’m a full-time blogger, online entrepreneur, and Pinterest marketing strategist. I help digital entrepreneurs and bloggers drive targeted traffic from Pinterest either through my online courses or through Pinterest consultancy.