Introduction

Meatless Mondays are a great way to add some variety to your diet, save money on groceries, and reduce your environmental footprint. Plus, they can be a fun opportunity to experiment with new ingredients and flavors.

In this article, we've collected 10 flavorful vegetarian recipes that are perfect for Meatless Mondays (or any other day of the week!). Whether you're a seasoned vegetarian or just looking for some new meatless meal ideas, we hope these recipes will inspire you to get in the kitchen and get cooking.

1. Lentil and Vegetable Stew

This hearty stew is packed with protein and flavor. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and your favorite vegetables (carrots, celery, and potatoes work well) in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add in some canned or cooked lentils, vegetable broth, and a sprinkle of your favorite herbs and spices. Let everything simmer together until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. Serve with a slice of crusty bread for a cozy and filling meal.

2. Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables and Feta

This vibrant salad is as delicious as it is colorful. Roast your favorite vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes) in the oven with some olive oil, salt, and pepper. Meanwhile, cook some quinoa according to package instructions. Then, toss the cooked quinoa with the roasted vegetables, crumbled feta cheese, and a simple lemon and olive oil dressing. Enjoy as a light lunch or dinner.

3. Creamy Vegan Tomato Soup

This cozy and comforting soup is perfect for a chilly evening. Start by sautéing onions and garlic until they're translucent. Then, add in some canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, and a can of coconut milk (or another non-dairy milk of your choice). Let everything simmer together until the flavors have melded and the soup has thickened slightly. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a regular blender to make it smooth and creamy. Serve with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.

4. Chickpea and Spinach Curry

This flavorful curry is easy to make and packed with plant-based protein. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in a large pot. Add in some canned or cooked chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and spinach. Season with your favorite curry powder, garam masala, or other Indian-inspired spices. Let everything simmer together until the flavors have melded and the spinach is wilted. Serve with rice or naan bread for a satisfying meal.

5. Vegetable Shepherd's Pie

This vegetarian version of the classic comfort food is just as delicious as the meaty original. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and your favorite vegetables in a large pan. Add in some canned or cooked lentils or beans, along with some vegetable broth and tomato paste. Let everything simmer together until the flavors have melded and the mixture has thickened slightly. Meanwhile, make a batch of mashed potatoes (or use store-bought) and spread them over the top of the vegetable mixture. Bake in the oven until the potatoes are golden brown and crisp on top.

6. Greek Salad with Grilled Halloumi

This fresh and zesty salad is perfect for a summer evening. Start by grilling or pan-frying some halloumi cheese until it's golden brown on the outside and melty on the inside. Then, toss together some chopped lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and kalamata olives. Dress everything with a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and dried oregano. Top with the grilled halloumi and enjoy as a light meal or side dish.

7. Spicy Black Bean Tacos

These easy-to-make tacos are packed with flavor and plant-based protein. Start by sautéing some diced onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a large pan. Add in some canned or cooked black beans, along with your favorite spices (such as cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika). Toast some corn tortillas in the oven or on the stove, and then assemble the tacos with the black bean mixture, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

8. Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto

This creamy and comforting risotto is perfect for a cozy evening at home. Start by roasting some cubes of butternut squash in the oven until they're soft and caramelized. Meanwhile, sauté some diced onions and garlic in a large pot until they're translucent. Add in some arborio rice and let it toast for a minute or two. Then, start adding in ladles of vegetable broth, stirring constantly, until the rice is cooked and the mixture is creamy. Season with some chopped fresh sage and stir in the roasted butternut squash. Serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

9. Veggie Burger with Avocado and Sriracha Mayo

This veggie burger is just as satisfying as the meaty version. Start by pan-frying a store-bought or homemade veggie burger until it's crispy and brown on both sides. Toast a hamburger bun and spread some Sriracha mayo (mix together mayo and Sriracha hot sauce) on both sides. Top the veggie burger with some sliced avocado, lettuce, tomato, and any other toppings you like (such as pickles, cheese, or caramelized onions).

10. Spinach and Feta Frittata

This easy and versatile dish can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Start by whisking together some eggs, milk, and chopped fresh spinach in a large bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like (such as dried oregano or smoked paprika). Crumble in some feta cheese and stir to combine. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake in the oven until the frittata is puffed and golden brown. Slice into wedges and enjoy hot or cold.