Lots of people avoid eating lunch or simply don’t have the time, but this shouldn’t be the case at all! There are so many wonderful recipes out there for you to enjoy at this time of the day.
If you are a vegetarian, you might find it a bit harder to come up with recipes that are tasty, especially if you’ve just recently switched over to the diet.
When you know where to look and what you can eat though, you’ll find yourself looking forward to lunch every single day!
If you’re looking for some delicious and easy vegetarian lunch recipes then you’re in luck! We’ve put together a list of 23 easy recipes that you are going to absolutely love. So let’s take a look at them!
Being vegetarian doesn’t mean you have to eat boring food, nor does it mean that you have to eat complicated meals, and this list really proves that!
From cheese dishes all the way to delicious salads, there are plenty of options out there to make lunchtime a time to look forward to.
Each of the recipes included in this list is super easy to make and won’t require you to spend a large chunk of your day slaving away in the kitchen. So if you’re looking for a sign to make some tasty vegetarian meals, this is it!
1. Healthy Banana Muffins
Kicking off this list we have these absolutely amazing healthy banana muffins. Lunchtime doesn’t always mean you have to have something savory, and if you’re looking for a lunch that is a bit sweeter, this is a great choice for you to try!
This recipe also includes no flour, instead, it is replaced with rolled oats! It sounds like this recipe should be complicated to make, but if you throw all the ingredients in a blender, you’ll be enjoying these muffins in no time at all.
2. Spicy Buffalo Chickpea Wraps
If you’re after a recipe that is a bit meatier without using any meat, then you definitely need to try these spicy buffalo chickpea wraps.
This recipe is light on the stomach, but you definitely won’t need to eat anything else until dinner rolls around.
The chickpeas themselves are sauteed with hot sauce and garlic, which really brings out the flavor and will leave you wanting more. This is a great lunch option for anyone who enjoys spicy food.
3. Easy Veggie Quesadillas with Melted Mozzarella and Cheddar
The great thing about being vegetarian is that you can still enjoy cheese! So if you’re a big cheese lover then these easy veggie quesadillas are sure to make you excited for lunchtime.
These quesadillas are super easy to make and they are jam-packed with red pesto, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese. Other ingredients you’ll find in this recipe include cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, spinach, and onions.
4. Hummus and Veggie Roll-Ups
Making veggies fun to eat can be challenging, but once you have made these hummus and veggie roll-ups for yourself, you’ll find yourself making them again and again.
All you have to do for this recipe is spread the hummus over some tortilla wraps and then add in some broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower, and roll them up!
The beauty of this recipe is that you can mix and match the veggies so you could eat this recipe every day and it would always be a bit different.
5. Smashed White Bean, Basil, & Avocado Sandwich
Sandwiches are a typical staple for lunchtime, and just because you’re vegetarian that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them too! You will absolutely love these sandwiches as well!
White beans are the main ingredient in this recipe and they are buttery and tender with an excellent texture.
Paired with the basil and avocado and your favorite bread, you’re in for a delicious treat when you try this recipe for the first time.
6. Smoked Tofu and Hummus Buddha Bowl
Lots of people turn to tofu when they go veggie, but if you still haven’t taken to it, you’ll definitely change your mind after you have tried this recipe.
Not only is this recipe vegetarian-friendly, but it is also vegan friendly and completely dairy-free! This is a great recipe if you want a lunch that is going to fill you up and also taste fantastic.
Aside from the tofu and hummus, other key ingredients in this recipe include turmeric rice, lamb’s lettuce, and red onion.
7. High-Protein Red Kidney Bean Salad
If you’re after something healthy but delicious, then you are going to love this red kidney bean salad.
It is completely gluten-free and jam-packed with fiber, so if you’re struggling to find a good source of protein, this recipe will definitely help you out.
You will want to gather lots of fresh fruit and veggies for this recipe to really enjoy it. You could make it with frozen veggies if you wanted, but the fresh version tastes better and is much easier to make.
8. Lentil Soup
When the weather gets colder, one of the nicest things you can eat is soup. It’s nice and filling and will leave your whole body feeling warm and satisfied.
This lentil soup is no exception to the soup rule! It looks super creamy as well, but you’ll be surprised to know that no dairy is used in this recipe.
Some of the main ingredients in this soup include diced tomatoes, garlic, cumin, curry powder, and thyme.
This recipe is similar to minestrone soup, so if you enjoy that dish, you’ll definitely enjoy this lentil soup.
9. Warm Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Salad
Here’s another salad recipe that you won’t be able to get enough of! Cauliflower is a great vegetable for you to eat because it’s super healthy and super versatile.
This recipe calls for you to roast the cauliflower and if you’ve never had it roasted before, we guarantee that you’ll be roasting it all the time after you’ve tried it.
When cauliflower is roasted, it’s got even more flavor and it’s a lot nuttier in texture. Combined with the other ingredients in this recipe, this dish is absolutely jam-packed with flavor.
10. Chipotle Black Bean Soup
At first glance, this chipotle black bean soup might not look that great, but we promise you that looks can be deceiving!
This recipe gets even more taste from the inclusion of the other ingredients that come in the form of parsley, oregano, cumin, bay, paprika, chili powder, and lime juice.
Combined with the black beans, this soup is a powerhouse of flavors that you won’t be able to stop eating. This is a beautifully hearty meal that will keep you warm and filled up on colder days.
11. Vegetarian Ramen Noodle Salad
If you are in the mood for a salad but you want something a little different, then you should definitely try this ramen noodle salad. It is super easy to make and will only take you 20 minutes in total to have ready.
You’ll be using an array of different ingredients in this salad, some of which include soy sauce, cherry tomatoes, peanut butter, eggs, zucchini, and green onions.
All of these ingredients complement each other really well and you’ll find yourself enjoying every single bite.
12. Avocado Toast with Egg
If you haven’t got much time to whip up a dish or you just want something simple, then you should definitely try avocado toast with egg if you haven’t already.
This recipe is so easy to make and it’s perfectly light, so you won’t feel too full and you can get on with the rest of your day with ease.
All you need to do is spread some smashed avocado over a piece of your favorite bread and then put the egg on top. It’s amazing how something so simple can taste so darn good!
13. Easy Tofu Scramble
Here’s another tofu recipe that will really help you enjoy tofu if you’ve not taken a liking to it yet. This tofu scramble is great for anyone who doesn’t want to eat real eggs, but still wants something that resembles them.
This is a wonderful plant-based meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family, and it’s a great way for you to get veggies and protein into your diet.
14. Easy Kale Soup
If you’ve never tried kale soup before, you’re going to absolutely love this recipe! You do need to prep for this recipe the night before, but it’s totally worth it!
Some of the ingredients included in this recipe are oregano, Tuscan kale, white beans, and a tangy broth. This is a great recipe for those colder afternoons.
15. Vegetable Stir Fry with Creamy Peanut Sauce
For all the stir fry lovers out there, it doesn’t get much better than this recipe!
Jam-packed with ingredients such as ginger, garlic, noodles of your choice, and of course peanuts for the sauce, you will find yourself making this stir fry again and again!
16. Vegan Lentil and Potato Salad
If you love potato salad, then you’re going to love this recipe! Colorful and filled with beautiful flavor, this lentil and potato salad is completely vegan, so it can be enjoyed by the whole family!
17. Pasta Salad With Peanut Butter Dressing
Pasta salad will never be the same once you’ve tried this dish! You’ll wonder why you never tried pasta with peanut butter before!
Some of the other ingredients include maple syrup, soy sauce, vinegar, and a handful of roasted peanuts.
18. Vegetarian Bean and Rice Burrito
You might think that burritos should be served for dinner, but they actually make for a fantastic lunch recipe too!
These bean and rice burritos are absolutely delicious, filled with cooked rice, fresh cilantro, black beans, and chili powder. You’ll find yourself making this recipe again and again!
19. Have a Good Avo Cheddar Cheese Sandwich
If there are two things that really go together, it’s avocado and cheddar cheese! This is another great option for all the vegetarians out there who still love cheese.
If you are serving this dish to someone who is vegan though, the only non-vegan item in the recipe is the cheese itself, so all you need to do is swap it out!
Instead of normal bread, you’ll be using brioche bread instead, which really adds even more to the whole flavor. Once you have tried this avocado and cheddar cheese sandwich, you’ll wonder why you’ve never had it before!
20. Fabulous Flatbread Pizzas
It might seem a bit strange to have pizza for lunch, but these flatbread pizzas are light on the stomach, so you’ll still be able to have dinner later.
This recipe calls for a base made out of beetroot, tomato & spring onions, and feta cheese. This is a delightfully tasty recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.
21. Heavenly Halloumi Salad
Thank the stars for halloumi! It is deliciously salty with just the right hint of creaminess in the cheese and it’s also a fantastic meat substitute.
This recipe will make you enjoy salads again, especially if you were a bit bored with them! This is a great dish to make for lunch if you want something fun and tasty.
22. Easy Sweetcorn Fritters
You don’t have to make something lavish for it to be tasty, and these easy sweetcorn fritters really prove that! They are super easy to make and can be enjoyed by the whole family!
These sweetcorn fritters are incredibly light and easy to eat on the go, so if you don’t have time to sit down for food, this is a great recipe for you.
23. Super Green Smoothie Bowl
And finally, we have this super tasty green smoothie bowl. If you want to really enjoy this recipe, use frozen fruit instead of fresh!
You’ll be using mixed berries, kale, spinach, and bananas for this recipe, but if you want to add in some of your own favorite green superfoods you can!
Are Any of the Vegetarian Lunch Recipes Suitable for Thanksgiving?
When it comes to Thanksgiving, many people wonder if there are any vegetarian thanksgiving recipes that can be incorporated into the traditional feast. Fortunately, there are numerous options available. From delicious vegetarian stuffing to flavorful plant-based mains like stuffed acorn squash or lentil loaf, there are plenty of mouthwatering dishes to satisfy vegetarians and meat-eaters alike on this special day. Experimenting with vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes can add a delightful twist to the festivities and cater to various dietary preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re a vegetarian you might be wondering if you can eat pasta, and you will be happy to know that in most cases, you can!
Most packaged pasta, including spaghetti, rotini, and any other type, is usually 100% vegetarian. Just make sure that you check the package before you eat it.
Bread is made up of four main ingredients, flour, water, salt, and yeast- so at its most basic form, bread is in fact vegan.
However, most store-bought bread has added sweeteners or fats, so whereas most bread isn’t vegan, it is vegetarian.
Vegetarians can have dairy, but it depends on which vegetarian diet you are planning on following.
Lacto-ovo vegetarian diets exclude meat, fish, and poultry, but allow dairy products and eggs, and pescatarian diets exclude meat and poultry, dairy, and eggs, but allow fish.
If you still want to have dairy in your diet, you will want to follow a Lacto-ovo vegetarian diet.
The main kind of foods vegetarians can’t eat is of course meat of all kinds, including beef and pork.
Vegetarians should also avoid chicken, turkey, duck, fish, and shellfish. Other things vegetarians can’t eat are rennet, gelatin, and other types of animal protein. Most vegetarians also avoid stock, fats, or any food that derives from animal slaughter.
Conclusion
Try some of these recipes out for yourself and see which one you like the most!
23 Easy Vegetarian Lunch Recipes You Will Love
Ingredients
Directions
- Pick a recipe from above
- Click the recipe name and visit the website
- Collect the ingredients and the food
- Enjoy – don’t forget to leave a review
Recipe Video
Cooking is great for your mental, physical, and emotional health. What’s the worst that could happen? Find a recipe that you like the sound of and cook it along with me. You might even unlock a new passion!
- 15 Traditional Greek Breads - July 31, 2023
- 30 Delicious And Gluten-Free Cookie Recipes - July 29, 2023
- 30 Of The Best European Desserts - July 29, 2023