If you are trying to eat less meat and introduce more veggies to your diet, then Meatless Monday is a great challenge to try out. However, some people can feel stuck repeating the same recipes over and over again.
If you want to shake up Meatless Monday with some fun and new vegetarian recipes, then you are in luck!
Here are 33 unique vegetarian recipes for you to try out so you can continue enjoying Meatless Monday while introducing new dishes and food to your diet.
Check out the recipes below and pick out the ones that best speak to you and your tastes. Good luck!
1. Pomodoro Pasta
Let’s start out with an easy yet super popular dish – pomodoro pasta!
Pomodoro pasta is a pretty basic dish that only needs four basic ingredients. There’s the pasta, fresh basil leaves, tomato sauce, and a generous amount of parmesan cheese.
This means that there’s no meat in this pasta dish which makes it the perfect supper for Meatless Mondays.
Plus, it’s super easy to make and sure to be enjoyed by the whole family. This makes pomodoro pasta a go to Meatless Monday dish for those days when you don’t feel like doing much cooking.
2. Falafel Wraps
A super popular vegan and vegetarian meal is falafel wraps.
These wraps are made from a mixture of herbs and spices, combined with classic fresh ingredients like tomatoes and cucumber, all dressed in a sweet tahini dressing and chili sauce. Delicious!
The great thing about falafel wraps is how you can adjust the fillings to suit your own tastes so check out this recipe to see all of your meat-free options!
3. Vegan Sloppy Joes
Sloppy joes are a classic type of burger that most families enjoy during their weekly suppers, but have you thought about trying this vegan recipe for Meatless Mondays?
While traditional sloppy joes use ground beef for their signature sloppy filling, this recipe swaps out the meat for lentils instead – allowing you to enjoy all the taste and texture of a sloppy joe without any meat!
As a result, you can still enjoy sloppy joes on Meatless Mondays by tucking into this vegan alternative recipe!
4. Kale Soup
One go-to ingredient for vegans is kale as it’s super versatile and can be enjoyed in a range of different recipes. One such recipe is this one for kale soup.
Kale soup is quick and easy to make at home, plus it’s full of nutrients that can help improve your health.
So, kale soup is a great meal to enjoy on Meatless Mondays, especially if you are feeling a little under the weather.
It’s also super filling thanks to the added potatoes which helps give this soup a little more body.
So, if you want a homey dish for Meatless Mondays, kale soup is definitely one for you to try out!
5. Quinoa Tacos
Everybody loves tacos and you don’t have to miss them on Meatless Mondays. Instead, you can try out this recipe for quinoa tacos instead!
Quinoa tacos swap out the traditional ground meat for quinoa instead, which maintains the texture although it is a bit different when it comes to taste.
However, quinoa is super filling and tasty – especially when combined with all the other classic taco ingredients such as chili sauce, cucumber, lettuce, and more.
This recipe here will help you make the perfect quinoa taco filling so you can enjoy these on Meatless Mondays!
6. Mac And Cheese
Mac and cheese is an American classic and thanks to its very basic recipe (consisting of macaroni, and a lot of cheese), it means that it’s perfectly fine to eat on Meatless Mondays!
This recipe will help you make the perfect mac and cheese, combining a range of different cheeses together into one tasty dish. Eat it as a side or alone (we won’t judge) as your Meatless Monday meal!
7. Vegetable Fried Rice
If you are looking for a Meatless Monday friendly side dish, then you can’t go wrong with this recipe for vegetable fried rice.
Rice is a staple food enjoyed all around the world and as a result, it goes amazingly well with a range of different dishes.
Plus, it provides you with all the energy you need and it tastes delicious when fried with different vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, and broccoli. So, give it a try!
8. Potato Chili
Chili is another hugely popular dish due to its tasty ingredients, high nutritional value, and the way it can easily fill your belly with just one bowl.
However, traditional chili relies heavily on meats such as beef or pork – but this vegetarian chili recipe swaps out the meat for potatoes.
This means that you can enjoy this recipe for potato chili on Meatless Mondays so you get all the benefits of a classic chili with a lower calorie count and more!
9. Pumpkin Pancakes
Some people only follow the basic rules of Meatless Mondays and avoid meat, while others like to go hard by turning full vegan just for the one day.
If you want to try some fun vegan recipes on Meatless Monday, then this breakfast recipe for pumpkin pancakes is definitely one to try out!
Pancakes are a favorite breakfast food all across the States but vegans do not need to miss out. This recipe swaps out animal products for vegan friendly alternatives such as soy milk and coconut oil.
Try it out to enjoy a fun vegan breakfast this Meatless Monday!
10. Vegetarian Calzone
Calzones are a classic, filling Italian-style meal but many recipes include a lot of meat for the fillings.
However, if you still want to enjoy Italian night on Meatless Mondays, then this recipe for a vegetarian calzone is a great option for you to try!
The filling of this calzone includes plenty of cheeses such as ricotta and parmesan, broccoli, lemon zest, chili flakes, and more. Not a bit of meat in sight!
11. Margherita Pizza
Another classic Italian dish to try out on Meatless Mondays is margherita pizza!
Although you can personalize your pizza toppings to suit your tastes (or even try out a vegetarian pizza instead), a margherita is a classic with tasty yet basic ingredients such as mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and tomato sauce.
Basically, you can’t go wrong with a margherita pizza!
12. Vegetarian Korean Ramen
If you want to try a vegetarian dish that hails from eastern Asia, then this recipe for Korean ramen has your back.
All the meat ingredients are swapped out for vegetarian-friendly alternatives while still capturing all the nutrients and flavors that come with classic Korean ramen.
So, check out this rich broth-like dish with this vegetarian recipe!
13. Greek Yogurt Parfaits
If you want to enjoy a fun breakfast this Meatless Monday, then one dish you can try out is Greek yogurt parfaits.
Although they can be enjoyed as a type of dessert, Greek yogurt parfaits are also loaded with all the nutrients you need to kick start your day thanks to the generous helpings of granola.
There is also plenty of fresh yogurt and sweet fruit such as strawberries and blueberries – or swap the fruit for ones you prefer!
14. Teriyaki Vegetable Stir Fry
Another great side dish to serve during any meal is vegetable stir fry. It’s a fun and delicious way to add lots of important vegetables to your meal while also being super easy to prepare and cook.
However, if you want to shake things up a bit, then this recipe also brings the classic flavors of teriyaki dishes to your stir fry.
This way, you can add additional sweetness and tangy notes thanks to the soy sauce and honey – perfectly rounding up this side dish.
15. Grilled Halloumi Sandwich
For lunch this Meatless Monday, why not try tucking into a grilled halloumi sandwich?
Sandwiches are easy to make but if you really want to treat yourself with something warm and irresistible, then this recipe for a grilled halloumi sandwich is the way you need to go.
It shows you how to make the perfect halloumi and lays out all the additional fillings you can add. It’s super easy yet super delicious!
16. Vegan Cornbread
Cornbread is a classic side dish originating from North American cuisine but its traditional recipe includes a few ingredients which makes it unsuitable for vegans.
As a result, many people end up skipping this amazing side – but this recipe here will help you make the perfect vegan cornbread!
This way, you can still enjoy cornbread even on Meatless Mondays if you have decided to go full vegan as an extra challenge!
17. Cauliflower Cheese
Another classic side dish is cauliflower cheese and due to its lack of meat ingredients, it’s the perfect side dish to serve up on Meatless Mondays!
This means you can serve your vegetarian main and help create a full dinner by also serving up this delicious side.
Cauliflower cheese is super easy to make and it contains a ton of great ingredients like strong cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, and plenty of milk and butter to help make a velvety texture. It’s the perfect side for most vegetarian meals!
18. Honey Roasted Carrots
While most kids hate carrots, cooking them in a special way can help make this unpopular root vegetable into a delicious side dish for your Meatless Monday dinners!
This recipe for honey roasted carrots guides you through the steps to make the perfect carrots that every kid is guaranteed to wolf down. They’re sweet, crispy, and easy to make so you can’t go wrong with this recipe!
19. Strawberry And Banana Granola
If you want to try something different for your Meatless Monday breakfast, then this recipe for strawberry and banana granola is a super easy way to make the perfect breakfast!
Not only is it super filling but it provides you with all the nutrients and energy you need to carry you through the day!
20. Vegetarian Burrito Bowl
A burrito bowl is a great way to enjoy everything you’d find in a classic burrito when you’ve run out of tortillas or are going gluten free.
However most burritos use some kind of meat ingredient – but this recipe for a veggie version of the burrito bowl makes a version that is suitable for Meatless Mondays.
All the classic ingredients are here – black beans, corn kernels, avocado, and more – and there’s plenty of jalapenos and sour cream to make up for the lack of meat. It’s delicious and nutritious – so you can’t go wrong!
21. Coconut Curry Soup
Another great kind of soup you can try out on Meatless Mondays is coconut curry soup.
Coconut curry soup has all the classic strong flavors of curry along with the sweetness of coconut, all combined in a single bowl.
It’s a great way to build up your protein without eating meat (thanks to ingredients like chickpeas) plus there’s plenty of flavors thanks to the peppers, mushrooms, and more used in this recipe.
22. Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
You don’t have to miss out on dessert on Meatless Mondays – so try out this recipe for some delicious peanut butter cookie bars.
Peanut butter is a great source of protein that can be enjoyed on Meatless Mondays as a treat, helping you still get all the protein you need without caving into meat.
Plus, these gooey cookie bars make for a great dessert to reward yourself with at the end of your Meatless Monday.
23. Vegan Apple Pie
Another great dessert you can try is vegan apple pie.
Apple pie is a classic American dessert that most vegans end up avoiding due to animal products such as eggs and milk, but this recipe swaps them out for some alternatives to make an apple pie that is suitable for all.
It still has all the iconic taste of apple pie just minus the animal products – so why not give it a try?
24. Vegetarian Gumbo
Gumbo is a super popular dish in the Southern states but it relies heavily on ingredients such as seafood – but this recipe can show you how to make a vegetarian-friendly version that is just as tasty and nutritious.
With ingredients such as onions, mushrooms, peppers, beans and breadcrumbs, there is everything but meat in this delicious gumbo dish!
25. Cauliflower Steaks
Love steak? Well, swap out your red meats on Meatless Monday for this vegetarian version!
Cauliflower steaks are pretty much what they say they are – they’re large pieces of cauliflower cut into a similar shape as a large, rare steak.
Although they taste nothing alike, this recipe will help you make the perfect vegetarian alternative to your classic stake with little fuss or effort.
26. Chickpea Stew
Chickpeas are a great source of protein so if you want to bulk up on Meatless Mondays, this recipe for a chickpea stew will provide you with all the nutrients you need.
Not only is it super easy to make, but it’s also incredibly delicious due to ingredients such as yellow onion, russet potatoes, a medley of herbs and spices, and more. Plus, it’s hot and homey which makes it a delicious winter dish too!
27. Sweet Potato Fries
Although traditional fries are already vegetarian and a great choice for a side on Meatless Mondays, sweet potato fries are just better suited to complement most vegetarian dishes.
They’re sweeter, healthier, and can be roasted to perfection by following this easy recipe. So, if you want to make the perfect sweet potato fries, then this is the recipe for you!
28. Saag Aloo
Saag Aloo is a side dish that originated in IIndia and it also makes for a delicious vegetarian side to serve on Meatless Mondays.
If you plan on serving a vegetarian curry or a similar dish, then this recipe will show you how to make your very own home-made saag aloo. With strong flavors and high heat, this side is sure to pack a punch!
29. Butternut Squash Soup
Another great kind of soup to try out on Meatless Mondays is butternut squash soup. This soup is a favorite in the fall season due to its delightful amber color, strong herby scent, and sweet flavor.
With additional spices of ginger, this soup is definitely one that will warm you up during cold, dreary fall Mondays.
30. Vegetarian Lasagne
Lasagne is one of the most popular dishes to be born out of Italy and although traditional lasagnes use ground meats, this recipe swaps them out to make a vegetarian-friendly version that is perfect for Meatless Mondays.
Instead, this recipe uses diced peppers, onions, carrots, and zucchini to make up the filling for this delicious, cheesy dish. Try it out so you can still enjoy lasagne even on Meatless Mondays!
31. Mediterranean Salad
A super refreshing salad that is perfect for the summer, this recipe for a Mediterranean salad will leave you with a light yet delicious side dish that is perfect for Meatless Mondays.
It’s bright and flavorful and filled with exciting ingredients such as roasted peppers, feta cheese, chickpeas, and more – so give it a go!
32. Garlic Knots
Garlic bread is a staple side dish found on most tables so why not try something different with garlic knots instead?
They contain all the flavor of traditional garlic bread but are smaller and easier to eat – plus they’re super fun and easy to make!
33. Mediterranean Stuffed Eggplants
Our final dish for Meatless Mondays is this version of stuffed eggplants.
Eggplants are delicious and a super filling main to serve to vegetarians, and by stuffing them full of traditional Mediterranean ingredients such as couscous, chickpeas, herbs and more, you can ensure that you are getting all the nutrients and energy you need on Meatless Mondays.
Filling, easy to make and super delicious, it’s one of the most popular vegetarian dishes out there!
Frequently Asked Questions
The Meatless Monday campaign has spread internationally, encouraging people to spend one day a week avoiding meat.
This campaign has multiple aims including improving the environment and increasing the world’s nutritious intake by introducing one day filled with vegetarian meals.
As a result, the rules of Meatless Monday are easy – just don’t eat meat at all on Monday! Swap out your meat for vegetarian and vegan alternatives.
Meatless Mondays are pretty flexible when it comes to what you want to eat. Although the main rule is that you do not eat meat, it is down to you if you want to just avoid red meats or go completely vegan.
As eggs are an animal product that is high in protein, a lot of people are confused whether or not you should eat eggs on Meatless Monday.
The truth is – it’s down to you! Eggs are not classed as meat so they’re okay to eat but if you would prefer to avoid animal products altogether on Meatless Monday, then that is your choice.
The main goal of Meatless Mondays is to completely avoid meat. However, when it comes to fish, some people don’t actually consider it meat. So, people are split on whether or not you should eat fish on Meatless Mondays.
Some people promote not eating fish on Meatless Mondays because it is still a type of animal flesh. However, others prefer to eat fish as a healthy alternative to red meats on Meatless Monday.
Fish is rich in lots of important nutrients and low in fat, therefore it is a healthier alternative to meats such as pork or beef – and eating alternatives to these meats is the whole reason why Meatless Monday started in the first place!
By the book, fish is classed as meat and therefore should be avoided on Meatless Mondays – but it also has plenty of nutritional benefits that means you should try and eat more fish!
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!
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