Whether you are having a vegetarian over for dinner, looking to become a vegetarian yourself, or just considering a healthy alternative to a strictly carnivorous diet, vegetarian eating can have a unique appeal and many advantages compared to more traditional dishes. The best vegetarian recipes could be amongst your favorites without too much work. Meanwhile, vegetarian options are a wonderful way to incorporate much needed vegetables into diets and dishes in ways that traditional meals often do not.
Best Vegetarian Recipes FAQ
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Before we get started on our list of the 10 best vegetarian recipes of 2018, we’ve addressed some common questions regarding vegetarian cuisine and cooking.
1. What Do You Consider Vegetarian?
Vegetarian, for our purposes, simply means there is no meat in our ingredients. This differs from a strictly vegan menu which would omit animal byproducts, like cheese and dairy, as well. It would also likely disqualify our list as the best vegetarian recipes for your needs.
2. Do I Need Special Kitchen Gear to Make These?
For a few of these dishes, you will need a food processor. For our Crock-pot items, you will also need a Crock-pot, so keep that in mind. The best vegetarian recipes aren’t usually very complicated, but some do require extra attention.
3. Are These All Healthy and Diet Friendly?
The purpose of these dishes is less strict about being diet and calorie conscious and more focused on being vegetarian friendly for consumption purposes. In a general sense, the best vegetarian recipes tend to be more lean than traditional meat dishes, but as with all things, moderation and consistent monitoring is the real way to lead an effective diet.
4. Will the Ingredients Be Expensive?
Overall, these dishes are more cost effective than their meaty counterparts. That said, if you don’t have an already stocked spice cabinet or certain cooking utensils, you might find the initial costs for these to be a bit pricey. The best vegetarian recipes are not dictated by price but by thoughtful preparation and care.
5. Is It Time Intensive?
For some of these dishes, prep-to-serve times are manageable, but others that require Crock-pots can take hours. If you only have a short time available, be sure to read the directions before committing to a dish. As with many other situations, the best things in life take time. This is no different for the best vegetarian recipes out there.
How We Reviewed
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For our purposes, we reviewed a list of delicious menu options that are simultaneously eclectic and exceptional. From all this, we hope to guide you to a delicious meal you and your guests are sure to enjoy and that you find out which of the best vegetarian recipes are best for you.
Overall Price Range of These Dishes
Prices are contingent on whether you have the materials needed, but for the most part, you can expect to pay somewhere in the avenue of $3 per serving. As we stated before, the best vegetarian recipes are not a matter of price, but approachability, flavor, and versatility.
What We Reviewed
Our list consists of a delightful range of dishes, each featured as one of the best vegetarian recipes of 2018 for a unique set of reasons and qualities. These dishes include:
- Tofu Masala
- Rösti Cass​erole with Baked Eggs
- Crock-pot Baked Ziti​
- No Bake Vegetarian Enchiladas
- Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry
- Cauliflower Gratin
- Lentil-Barley Burgers
- Tuscan White Bean Soup
- Vegetable Potpies
- Enchilada Tofu Burrito Bowl
- Eggplant Parmesan
- Asian Steamed Buns
- Sweet Potato Tacos
- Phyllo Pizza
- Mexican Rice Casserole
Tofu Masala
Description
For a taste of India tailored to a vegetarian dinner guest, Tofu Masala is sure to get mouths watering and keep guests coming back for more. This exceptional dish is fairly simple to make and keeps well for seconds and re-servings.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 small onion
- 1 serrano chile, chopped
- 1/4 cup finely chopped garlic, chopped
- 1/4 cup finely chopped, peeled fresh ginger
- 4 teaspoons ground coriander
- 4 teaspoons garam masala
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- One 14-ounce package firm tofu, drained and cubed
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Steamed basmati rice, for serving
Directions
Follow the recipe exactly as listed below, but keep in mind, you will need a non-stick skillet and a little bit of lead time for your tofu.
Where to Find the Recipe
Approximate Price Per Serving
This recipe makes about 4 servings which averages to be about $3 per serving.
Rösti Casserole with Baked EggsDescription
For a vegetarian selection that is unique and filling, Rösti Casserole with Baked Eggs might be one of the best vegetarian recipes for you. This delicious dish feeds 8 and tastes great regardless of season.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups fat-free Greek-style yogurt
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups grated peeled turnip (about 8 ounces, 2 small)
- 1 1/4 cups (5 ounces) shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon grated whole nutmeg
- 1 (30-ounce) package frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed (such as Ore-Ida)
- Cooking spray
- 8 large eggs
- Chopped fresh chives (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
Directions
The full directions are below, but basically, you will bake this dish in 3 phases and watch the ingredients carefully to be sure they reach the best consistencies and textures for serving.
Where to Find the Recipe
Approximate Price Per Serving
As there are 8 servings, the cost is fairly low, although the cheese might be a little expensive. Expect to pay something close to $2.75 per serving.
Crock-Pot Baked Ziti
Description
The Crock-pot is a delightful invention that continues to inspire more exciting dishes every year. It is on our list for the best vegetarian recipes because of its simplicity and outright delicious implementation.
Ingredients
- Jarred pasta sauce
- Tomato sauce
- Uncooked penne pasta
- Ricotta cheese
- Eggs
- Freshly chopped basil
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Asiago cheese (or substitute shredded mozzarella)
Directions
The Crock-pot will do most of the work for this dish, but basically, you’re going to cycle steps 1-3 three times in order to form a well-cooked and layered pasta dish.
Where to Find the Recipe
Approximate Price Per Serving
This recipe serves about 8 and breaks down to about $2.50 per serving. Although, you can cut out additional cheeses if you are on a budget.
No Bake Vegetarian Enchiladas
Description
Who is going to argue with enchiladas when you don’t have to bake them?! Here’s our entry for this easy, baker-friendly dish.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds carrots, coarsely chopped
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1/2 pound tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt
- 9 ounces queso fresco, crumbled (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 3/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- Canola oil
- 12 corn tortillas
- Smoky Tomatillo
- Salsa Mexican crema or sour cream
Directions
You will prepare the carrot sofrita first and then combine this with the enchiladas and cheese at the end. Pay attention to the steps in the directions below to maximize your time while cooking this dish.
Where to Find the Recipe
Approximate Price Per Serving
This dish is mostly reasonable for ingredients, so expect to pay no more than $2.15 per serving.
Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry
Description
The names in the title and the results are a delicious blend of eastern flair with western ingredients.
Ingredients
- Broccoli
- Soy Sauce
- Sesame Oil
- Cornstarch (to thicken)
- White Rice
- Firm Tofu
Directions
This is a fairly simple dish that mostly entails a lot of user discrepancy when combining the various elements. Create the sauce separately as designated by the recipe below and then add it to the tofu and other ingredients before serving with rice.
Where to Find the Recipe
Approximate Price Per Serving
This very inexpensive dish will run about $1.75 per serving.
Cauliflower Gratin
Description
A healthy alternative to other, more meaty dishes, this is a great way to treat yourself to a meal that is both healthy and hearty.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup half-and-half
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- One 2-pound head of cauliflower, cut into 1 1/2-inch florets
- 1/2 cup whole roasted almonds with skin, plus 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped almonds (3 ounces)
- 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons finely shredded Manchego or other mildly nutty semi-aged sheep’s- or cow’s-milk cheese (3 1/2 ounces), such as Gouda
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon Pimentón de la Vera (smoked Spanish paprika)
Directions
There is quite a bit of work involved with this recipe, so be mindful and maybe consider a different recipe if you are not more familiar around the kitchen.
Where to Find the Recipe
Approximate Price Per Serving
This dish has a lot of cheeses which push the price to $3 per serving.
Lentil Barley Burgers
Description
For a burger option without the beef, try these delicious Lentil Barley Burgers!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup dried lentils
- Cooking spray
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup grated carrot
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
- 3/4 cup cooked pearl barley
- 1/2 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons canola oil, divided
Directions
There is an optional recipe for salsa which is definitely worth considering. But if you can’t be bothered, or already have a salsa option, just stick to the recipe below, and you will enjoy lentil burgers in no time.
Where to Find the Recipe
Approximate Price Per Serving
If you already have the seasonings, then all you really need to worry about are the other ingredients, which should net out at somewhere around $2.20 per burger.
Mexican Rice Casserole
Description
For a fiesta in your vegetarian festivities, try this Mexican Rice Casserole dish, and share in the festivities the right way.
Ingredients
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 8 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 8 oz enchilada sauce
- 14 oz diced fire roasted tomatoes
- juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 4 cups COOKED white rice
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 3 teaspoons cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mexican cheese + more for topping
- sour cream, for serving
- tortilla chips, for serving
Directions
Begin by preparing the rice and then follow the rest of the recipe separately. The rice should take the longest, but it should all come together nicely at the end.
Where to Find the Recipe
Approximate Price Per Serving
Part of the charm with Mexican food is how delicious it is at so little cost. Expect to be paying somewhere around $1.90 per serving for this dish.
Tuscan White Bean Soup
Description
Kick up your soup game with this delicious Tuscan White Bean Soup recipe! Delicious, simple, inexpensive, and fun to make!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups finely chopped onion
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups organic vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 (15-ounce) cans no-salt-added Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 (1 1/2-ounce) piece Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese rind
- 8 cups chopped escarole (about 1 pound)
- 1 cup chopped carrot
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
- 6 tablespoons shaved fresh Parmesan cheese
Directions
Prep for this soup is fairly simple, particularly because the broth is already pre-made. Meanwhile, the variety of vegetables gives it an amazing kick of vitamins and nutrition.
Where to Find the Recipe
Approximate Price Per Serving
Most of the cost is in the vegetables, which are inexpensive. It probably shakes out at about $1.50 per serving.
Vegetable Potpies
Description
All the comfort of home but with flavor, style, and veggie-friendly bliss.
Ingredients
- 1 pound parsnips, cut into
- 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 pound brussels sprouts, halved lengthwise
- 1/2 pound pearl onions, peeled and halved (see Note)
- 1 medium head of cauliflower (1 1/2 pounds), cut into 1-inch florets
- 1 large celery root (1 1/2 pounds), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 20 sage leaves, plus 1 teaspoon chopped sage
- 6 thyme sprigs, plus 1 teaspoon chopped thyme
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 5 flat-leaf parsley sprigs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
- Unbaked Sweet Potato Biscuits
- 1 large egg, beaten
Directions
This is a delicious dish, but it is not for the faint of heart. Read these directions carefully, and make sure you keep an eye on your pans.
Where to Find the Recipe
Approximate Price Per Serving
For about $2.15 per pie, you can feed this delicious treat to your friends and family.
Enchilada Tofu Burrito Bowl
Description
For a veggie-friendly shake up on a delicious classic, this Enchilada Tofu Burrito Bowl recipe will have you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 14 oz extra firm tofu
- 8 oz enchilada sauce
- 1/2 large lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- homemade guacamole, for serving
- homemade salsa, for serving
- 3-4 servings of white rice, for serving
Directions
The tofu is the tricky part, but once you’ve drained it, everything else is smooth sailing if you follow the directions.
Where to Find the Recipe
Approximate Price Per Serving
As always, the avocado is the price point here, so assume you’ll pay something over $2.50 per serving for this and the guacamole. Cut that for salsa and you can save.
Eggplant Parmesan
Description
A delicious take on an Italian classic, Eggplant Parmesan has added health benefits and a unique flavor all its own.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 cups whole-wheat panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 2 (1-pound) eggplants, peeled and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices
- Cooking spray
- 1/2 cup torn fresh basil
- 1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 (16-ounce) container part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 (24-ounce) jar premium pasta sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt 8 ounces thinly sliced mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup (3 ounces) finely grated fontina cheese
Directions
The daunting list of ingredients might make you a little apprehensive to try it, but once you get in the rhythm of battering and frying, it all comes together beautifully at the end.
Where to Find the Recipe
Approximate Price Per Serving
This one can be pricier at around $3 per serving.
Asian Steamed Buns
Description
Asian cuisine is always a unique dining experience, but the flavors and techniques are always something to be enjoyed. This is a little challenging but a well-worth-it dish to create.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup plain almond milk or soy milk, at room temperature
- 1/2 pound trimmed mustard greens
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 10 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stems discarded and caps thinly sliced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large shallots, minced
- 1/2 pound baby bok choy, cut into
- 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup chopped Chinese chives
- 1/2 cup chopped basil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sweet chile sauce
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
- Sriracha sauce, for serving
Directions
Pressing the buns in just the right way is a bit of a delicate process, but it is well worth it once you’re enjoying an irresistible veggie creation.
Where to Find the Recipe
www.onthemoveorganics.ca
Approximate Price Per Serving
Finding some of these unique ingredients can be a bit more expensive, making it more like $3.00 per serving.
Sweet Potato Tacos
Description
Feed your Mexican food craving while supporting your inner health nut with this delicious take on Mexican cuisine. Sweet Potato Tacos are as delicious as they are easy to make.
Ingredients
- sweet potatoes
- spices
- olive oil
- garlic
- onion
- black beans
- limes
- cilantro
- toppings of choice
Directions
One you’ve gotten your sweet potatoes cooking, the rest of it comes together simply and deliciously.
Where to Find the Recipe
Approximate Price Per Serving
$1.25 per taco—you won’t find better prices anywhere else.
Phyllo Pizza
Description
Kick off your pizza game with this exceptional Phyllo Pizza recipe. This treat is as unique as it is delicious and will be fun to share with all your guests.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella
- 1/2 cup (2 ounces) finely crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese
- 1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 10 (18 x 14–inch) sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed
- Cooking spray
- 2 cups thinly sliced plum tomato
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Directions
After a bit of a learning curve with handling the dough, the rest of this process comes together like any pizza would. Enjoy with all your friends today!
Where to Find the Recipe
Approximate Price Per Serving
Serving size is about one slice, which means you’re paying about $1.15 per serving.
The Verdict
Any of these dishes would be sure to delight all of your guests, but for our purposes, we find we love the Sweet Potato Tacos for their easy recipe and delicious taste!