11 Meatless Recipes

Whether you are fasting from meat, maybe because it is Lent, you are trying to eat more vegetables, or you are looking for more budget meals because meat is expensive, here are some of my favorite meatless recipes.

Sandwiches and Tacos

1.Mushroom Tacos

I first came across the idea when I was visiting friends in New Orleans. Our friends took us to a local Mexican restaurant and recommended their mushroom tacos. I was a little skeptical because I don't like mushrooms. Wow!! I never thought mushrooms could taste this good! This receipe is as close to what I had in New Orleans. I guarantee, you are going to make this one on repeat!

Time: 20 - 30 Minutes

Notes: Add queso to add another layer of flavor unless you are dairy free.

GF (use gluten free soy sauce or coco aminos), DF (avoid any dairy toppings)

2. Kimchi Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese sandwiches are some of the simpliest meals. This kimchi upgrade gives bold and savory flavor. If you are worried about spice, it tastes mild especially with the honey. My spice level is no hotter than Louisana Hot Sauce and I can eat it just fine.

Time: 10 Minutes

Notes: You can use any cheese you have on hand.

GF (Use gluten free bread - my favorite is Canyon House-Mountain White), DF (use dairy-free cheese)

Salads

3. Vietnamese Shrimp and Collard Green Salad

I love Vietnamese food! This salad is delicious and light. You can have it on its own or with a sandwich.

Time: 20-30 minutes

Notes: I personal use wild-caught shrimp verses farmed-raise for the best and freshest flavor.

GF, DF

4. Classic Tuna Salad

I have had many tuna salads recipes and this one tastes perfectly everytime.

Time: 10 - 60 minutes (including refridgeration)

Notes: The recipe says to refridgerate it before hand, but if you don't have time, that is okay. It still tastes fine; it just tastes better cold. I make this recipe using 15 ounces of tuna, which is 3 cans and use sightly more mayo depending on the texture. I like it really creamy. I also don't put celery in it because I don't like crunch in my tuna salads, but I have put raisins in it and it is quite good.

GF, DF

Soups

5. Split Pea Soup

This is my go-to recipe when we get back from travel because it is so simple. You throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning and it is cooked in time for dinner.

Time: 8 hours 10 minutes (8 hours of cooking, 10 minutes of prep)

Notes: I use 4 cups of broth because I like it a little thicker. I also use a whole bunch of parsley to reduce waste. We also put sour cream and bacon as toppings. Skip the bacon if you want it meatless and skip the sour cream if you want it dairy free.

GF, DF

6. Sweet Potato Chowder

This soup is creamy and savory. It comes together quickly and perfect for a cold day.

Time: 1 hour

Notes: Skip the pancetta to make it meatless. Pepitas is another name for raw pumpkin seeds and yes, they are supposed to be green. I use 4 cups of broth.

GF, DF (use coconut milk/cream as it suggests)

7. Butternut Squash and Leek Soup

If you ever thought your Butternut Squash Soup was missing something, but you weren't sure what it was, it was probably leeks. This soup is comforting, especially on cold days.

Time: 1 - 1.5 hours

Notes: If you have an immersion blender, it makes the soup easier to make. I also use 4 cups of broth. Skip the bacon topping to make it meatless.

GF, DF (skip the sour cream topping)

8. Lemon-Garlic White Bean, Fennel, and Kale Soup

This is a cozy soup with rich flavors. I usally hate bean soups, but this soup uses cannellini beans what are nutty like parsnips. It is simple and delicious!

Time: 30 minutes

Notes: You can use any white bean, but I highly recommend using cannellini beans for the best flavor. I use regular vegetable broth instead of low-sodium. To be more cost effective, I use lemon juice instead of juicing lemons. I add 4 tablespoons (or 1/4 cup) of lemon juice to the whole soup instead of individual servings.

GF, DF

9. Spicy Thai Curry Pumpkin Noodle Soup

This soup is very filling and delicious. We first used this recipe when our neighbor gave us a Kabocha, a Japanese pumpkin from their garden. If you are trying to find a unique way to cook a pumpkin, this recipe will definitely be a delight to you.

Time: 1 - 2 hours

Notes: I haven't made this soup with canned pumpkin. I highly recommend making your pumpkin puree yourself. Although it will take longer, the puree will taste so much fresher. I do use fish sauce, and I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil. I also use 4 cups of broth. Thai basil is an optional topping. You can find it in Asian grocery stores or you can just use regular basil instead.

GF, DF

10. Mediterranean Cauliflower Soup Recipe With Herbs and Olive Oil and Roasted Cauliflower Stems

If you think cauliflower is boring, you should try these recipes. Both recipes make use of the whole head of cauliflower. The roasted cauliflower stem is the kind of dish that makes you wonder why you ever threw those parts away. Especially paired with the dipping sauce, the stems can be a side, appetizer or a snack. The soup is simple and hearty. It reminds me of something you would find at a cozy cafe.

Time: Soup 50 minutes, Stems 25 minutes

Notes: I like to see some chunks of cauliflower and therefore I don't blend the soup all the way.

GF, DF (skip the feta topping)

11. Detox Cabbage Soup

This is a healthy and simple soup that uses a lot of staples you probably already have on hand. It is also uses inexpensive ingredients.

Time: 35 minutes

Notes: I like having more broth with this one so I use 8 cups of broth.

GF, DF

GF = gluten free

DF = dairy free

Disclaimer: I personally don't know the views of these creators.