Cookie and Kate’s Best Vegetarian Recipes
Updated by Kathryne Taylor on August 30, 2024
After a big weekend, I’m looking forward to some fresh and healthy, restorative meals. You, too? You’re in the right place.
Since we have many new visitors here this year (welcome!), I’ve rounded up 29 of the most popular vegetarian main dishes on Cookie and Kate. Keep in mind that all of my recipes are vegetarian, so it wasn’t easy to narrow down the list to a reasonable number.
These recipes are for you if you’re a vegetarian like me, or you’re:
- Trying to eat less meat this year.
- Looking for Meatless Monday recipes.
- Wanting to eat more veggies and whole grains.
- Interested in trying fun and different recipes.
Basically, they’re for everyone! These crowd-pleasing recipes will convince even the most skeptical carnivores that meatless recipes can be delicious and satisfying.
You’ll find more popular options in our “Reader Favorites” category in the sidebar. If you’re looking for something particular, try hovering over “All Recipes” in the menu bar and you’ll find many more categories to explore. Or for an overview of our most recipe recipes, click “View All.”
For more favorite recipes, check out my cookbook, Love Real Food, which has over 100 recipes (most of which you won’t find on the blog). In no particular order, here are the 29 best vegetarian recipes according to readers.
1) Extra Vegetable Fried Rice
Gluten free and easily vegan
“I made this last weekend and love love loved it so I’m making it again this weekend! My husband really liked it too, and it’s a tall order to get him to eat a lot of vegetables so this will be entered into our regular rotation for sure. So glad I found this blog, I’ve email subscribed and have just purchased your cookbook! Thanks Kate!!” – Julia
2) Best Lentil Soup
Gluten free and vegan
“This is one of my favorite recipes ever. I think I could eat it every day. One time when I was eating it while curled up on the couch, I kept saying, “This is sooo good,” after every single bite. The curry powder and lemon juice MAKE IT. Thank you, Kate!” – Lauren
3) Crispy Baked Falafel
Gluten free and vegan
“Ok, these little babies are literally THE best falafels I have EVER had. I will be keeping this recipe, five out of five!! We had them with whole wheat pita, hummus, vegan pesto mayo, tomatoes, kalamata olives and spring greens. OMG sooo good. Thank You!!! You’re the best! I could cry they are so good!” – Connie
4) Epic Vegetarian Tacos
Gluten free and easily vegan
“Wow, just served them for dinner. “Epic” is a great description. As you said, Kate, the pickled onions complement the other ingredients perfectly! I offered all the condiments you suggested and favorites were shredded cabbage and feta cheese. Gonna make up burritos for lunch tomorrow, with the left-overs (I doubled the recipe, fortunately)” – Erikb
5) Peanut Slaw with Soba Noodles
Easily gluten free and easily vegan
“I have made this recipe so many times! Mostly for myself, but I have also brought it to a few potluck-style gatherings and it was a hit every time. Super simple to make and very addicting!” – Diane
6) Pinto Posole
Gluten free and vegan
“Shortly after making this delicious dish that the whole family enjoyed, I was asking my six year old son about his favorite food. He quickly replied, “That dish you made!” (Pinto Posole). Thank you for this and all of your wonderful recipes!” – Mariah
7) Vegetable Paella
Gluten free and vegan
“Fellow KC resident here! I love La Bodega’s paella, so my expectations were pretty high. I made this recipe last night (with the socarrat) and it was amazing. Absolutely loved it and will be making it again soon!” – Toni
8) Best Vegetable Lasagna
Easily gluten free and easily vegan
“I decided to give the recipe a try and I was blown away by the amazing deliciousness. My experience with vegetable lasagnas has been figuring out how to cover up the watery nightmare hiding under the cheese layer. This recipe left me with the best tasting lasagna I’ve ever made. I had some friends over and no one commented that it was missing meat. Everyone was just eating fast to secure a second piece. Also, I bought all the ingredients on a tight budget, so I spent $8.50!” – David
9) Roasted Cauliflower and Lentil Tacos with Creamy Chipotle Sauce
Gluten free and easily vegan
“Success! My carnivorous husband expressed worry with “We’re going to run out of lentils.” My carnivorous ten-year-old stepson, who was at first disdainful of a meatless meal, soon claimed he was going to eat ten tacos and that “This dish could be at a fancy restaurant.” Finally, our two-year-old son kept clamoring, “More cauliflower!” The only thing I will do differently next time is to double the recipe!” – Brooke
10) Classic Minestrone Soup
Easily gluten free and easily vegan
“This is THE best minestrone ever! It is so satisfying all around from delicious flavors to ease of prepping all the ingredients to enjoying the hearty soup! (My family thinks it’s a better recipe than the one from the award-winning bakery/cafe near us!) Thank you for creating a true classic!” – Beth
11) Black Bean Sweet Potato Enchiladas
Gluten free and easily vegan
“This is heavenly! I decided to make dinner for my mom and her boyfriend the night before they left for a vacay to London. Knowing that her boyfriend is vegetarian, I had to turn to google. I came across your page, and I never turned back! The two could not stop raving about this dish. And honestly, either could I! I paired it with Cilantro Lime Rice – perfection. I’m going to be whipping up more of your recipes this coming week. Thank you, Kate!” – Danielle
12) Thai Red Curry with Vegetables
Gluten free and vegan
“Made this yesterday following the recipe quite faithfully. Hubby said it tastes exactly like the red curry at our favorite Thai restaurant! This is a winner and will be bookmarked and made often! The details provided in the recipe such as time to cook at each step ensure that you can’t go wrong with the recipe. And so I would feel confident making this recipe for company too.” – Poornima
13) Lentil Baked Ziti
Easily gluten free
“This was absolutely fantastic! Loved the surprise of the lentil texture it was SO satisfying! Can’t wait for the next recipe… thank you!” – Cait
14) Spicy Kale and Coconut Fried Rice
Gluten free and easily vegan
“I absolutely loved this stir-fry and I’m so happy I stumbled across it! I made it for the first time last week and just made it again today. My husband was not complaining :) I used coconut oil because it was the only oil I had on hand besides olive oil and I used sambal oelek for the chili garlic sauce. This is such a different recipe with unique flavor combinations but it works so well together. Thank you for a fabulous recipe, Kate!” – Moriah
15) Roasted Veggie Enchilada Casserole
Gluten free and easily vegan
“This was soooo GOOD! Thank you for an awesome recipe that was easy to follow for this newbie cook. I did add some diced green chiles for added flavor but it would have been just as excellent without. I love your website, I am new to cooking vegetarian and your recipes and easy to follow instructions are really helping me build confidence.” – Joseph
16) Roasted Carrots with Farro, Chickpeas & Herbed Creme Fraiche
Easily gluten free and easily vegan
“Oh my goodness! This recipe is just SPECTACULAR! I substituted regular carrots and added an extra tablespoon of pumpkin seeds just because I love them so much! This may be my favorite dish by her yet! Thank you Kate!” – Madison
17) Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowls
Gluten free and easily vegan. This recipe features my go-to method for cooking spaghetti squash!
“I absolutely LOVE this recipe! I made it last night for my family girls night. My 4 year old exclaimed “this is so good mommy!” and “I love this!” once she finally sat still enough to eat more than the purple parts. As for me….just what I needed…fabulous flavor amazing color and pretty fast to prepare for our lenten Friday supper. And my husband was out, so no griping about squash! Wins all the way around.” – Erin
18) Roasted Cauliflower and Farro Salad with Feta and Avocado
Easily gluten free and easily vegan
“OMG!! I made this salad last night and I do not believe there is a recipe from my vast collection that I enjoyed more. I had never even heard of farro before, but there it was, on the shelf at my favourite grocery store! The soft chewiness of the garlic flavoured farro with the roasted cauliflower, sun dried tomatoes and kalamata olives was divine. The feta and buttery avocado was the perfect finish to a stunning recipe. I can’t wait to make it for my friends!” – Linda
19) Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
Gluten free and easily vegan
“This was amazing! It came together really quickly and had the perfect balance of flavours and textures. I love how the juicy, caramelized pineapple blends with the sriracha and soy. Kate, your recipes are so detailed and easy to make. My only complaint is that I didn’t stumble upon your site sooner – I can tell that I’m going to be making a lot of your recipes over the coming weeks and that I’m going to find a lot of favourites to put in my rotation.” – Sarah
20) Easy Brown Rice Risotto with Mushrooms and Fresh Oregano
Gluten free and easily vegan
“This is among the best risotto I have ever eaten. Even my risotto-phobic daughter was sneaking seconds. I’ve made it according to the recipe’s directions, and enjoyed it thoroughly. I have also switched it around and given it a fresh thyme and Sherry flavouring, which was just as delightful. Thank you for such a fabulous recipe. I love when they’re both nutritious and delicious – a common combination on C and K. Thank you again.” – Chelsea
21) Quinoa Vegetable Soup with Kale
Gluten free and vegan
“Absolutely delicious. Had it at my daughter’s home last night and enjoyed it so much I made it today at my home for dinner tonight. I used about 6 cups of veggies and added a little jalapeno and I used red kale. Will be a “do again” many times recipe.” – Michael
22) Spicy Sweet Potato and Green Rice Burrito Bowls
Gluten free and vegan
“I made this last night, and my brother-in-law, a devout meat eater, loved it. But more importantly, the vegetarians present loved it. We were all wowed by the combo of textures and flavors: soft, crunchy, hot, cool. The hint of lime in the beans and the seasoned rice were show-stoppers. I am curious to try other flavored rice, but for now, thank you so much for such a wonderful company dish.” – Juli
23) Thai Mango Cabbage Wraps with Crispy Tofu and Peanut Sauce
Gluten free and easily vegan
“OK, OK, so I’ve always loved this blog and the recipes, but this recipe sent me over the top. It is DELICIOUS. My husband said, “When did you become gourmet?” And then I immediately went and pre-ordered your book. Thanks again for another great recipe.” – Erin
24) Kale, Black Bean & Avocado Burrito Bowl
Gluten free and vegan
“This was a hit at our house! I have 2 little boys who ate this right up, AND asked for seconds. Even the kale. I was amazed. I’m printing it out to make sure I remember to make it when the busy weeknights start up in the fall. It was so quick to make!” – Brittani
25) Veggie Black Bean Enchiladas
Easily vegan
“I made this tonight for some vegetarian friends. My husband, who is not a fan of Mexican or vegetarian food LOVED it, and my guests had three helpings! I served it with home made salsa, sour cream, and a simple green salad. Will definitely be making this again!” – Kate
26) Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash
Gluten free and easily vegan
“I love this! I have made it with chickpeas and without — both are excellent. I made this for the main course of our New Year’s eve dinner and all were impressed. It has a great presentation and hits my check box for comfort food. Thanks, Kate!” – Paul
27) Homemade Vegetarian Chili
Gluten free and vegan
“I used this recipe (sized up for 50 servings) yesterday for a local Chili Cook-off event and won best vegetarian chili-so you truly can say it is the best vegetarian chili recipe!” – Tess
28) Sweet Potato & Black Bean Veggie Burgers
Gluten free and vegan
“3 years ago I became a vegetarian and this was one of the first recipes I tried. It was so delicious, it made me happy to be a vegetarian and I’ve never felt the urge to go back to meat-eating. This is still one of my staples, and even my meat-eating parents love them! Thank you for sharing your recipe!” – Emily
29) Fresh Huevos Rancheros
Gluten free
“The first time making (or even eating) huevos rancheros! This was so delicious and was a great hit with my husband and adult son (who are normally meat lovers!). I’m enjoying discovering new vegetarian recipes on your website.” – Kathy
More resources you might appreciate: 23 make-ahead breakfast recipes and 29 vegan dinner recipes. You can shop my essential kitchen equipment here. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for a steady stream of recipe inspiration!
Several of these are already favorites and in my regular meal rotation! I especially love the veggie fried rice, sweet potato black bean burgers and the sweet potato green rice bowls. I’m bookmarking a few more to try!
Fantastic, Rebecca!
What a wonderful collection of fantastic recipes. I want to try each one. Thank you
Let me know what you think as you try them!
these pharmaceutical ads are very annoying, you can’t close them down.
Hi Karl, I’m sorry you are frustrated with the ads. Unfortunately, they are based off search preference and history so I can’t change these based on specific user. However, you can always set your browser settings to not allow ads.
Hi thanks for your reply. I don’t mind the ads, since that is how you bloggers make a living. these pharmaceutical ads I cannot close out. as usual the pharmas wanting you get in your face, get you hooked up on something and don’t allow you to close the ad. those are the only ones I cannot close.
I have been following your blog for a while (and purchased your book) and have discovered that you have a kind of magic touch with ingredients. I am always surprised at the wonderful tastes you manage to produce (unlike a lot of other vegan and vegetarian blogs which are hit and miss). Years ago, when first becoming vegetarian – now vegan, I discovered Mollie Katzen who had this amazing ability to combine foods and flavours. Your recipes also manage to do this, thank you for sharing them with us.
Magic touch, what a compliment! Thank you, Gerry. I’m so happy to hear you are loving the blog and cookbook.
This is an amazing roundup! I have loved all the recipes I have tried from your site so far (and your book) and am looking forward to trying more of these this week!
Thanks for sharing, Shoba!
All these recipes look wonderful! Sweet potato bowls, black bean burgers, red curry, baked falafels, mango cabbage wraps, and peanut slaw always sound like a perfect dinner. You always create the most vibrant recipes and I adore them all!
Great, Cassie!
Bookmarking this for planning next months menu. I am slowly making the transition from a flexitarian to vegetarian and somehow compiling meals has been one of the hardest parts so far.
Mmmm I just added so many recipes to my must try list!!!
Hooray!
Loved the lasagna recipe. I don’t eat meat and sometimes I find it hard to come up with new recipes to cook. Thanks for your ideas Kate! xx
You’re welcome, Sofia!
I recently made your lentil soup and can’t say enough good things about it! The aroma while it simmers is amazing, which prepares you for the spicy, earthy taste. Adding lemon is a brilliant finishing touch. I’m only semi-vegetarian, but your lentil soup will definitely be in my rotation.
Thank you, Lynn!
Where have you been all of my (vegetarian) life!
Seriously – This April will mark my 3rd year as a vegetarian – and it has been a boring 3 years. Prior to changing to this diet I was pretty strict Paleo and LOVED food! I’d be dying to eat my lunch by 10am – and devoured leftovers for the first time in my life. However, since switching to vegetarian I’ve lost my love for food. I’ve been eating basically the same 5 – 7 meals for the last 3 years because I have just not been inspired by food. Prior web searches have left me ho-hum about my recipe options – nothing jumped out and made me WANT to try them.
You are the FIRST person I’ve come across that has me excited about food again – I’m nearly in tears over this discovery. While I have not tried a single recipe of yours yet; I have saved a dozen already and immediately ordered your cookbook.
THANK YOU – WHOLE-HEARTEDLY! I can’t wait to dive into all of these mouth-watering recipes!
I’m so glad you came to the blog, Eve! Thanks for your comment.
The roasted cauliflower creamed soup is outstanding and want to make it again
Great to hear, Anne!
Love the vegetarian menu varieties.
Thank you!
I find this site totally useless. When I click on a recipe all I get is a picture of the food. There are no recipes here!
Hi Mike! I’m sorry for your experience with Cookie and Kate this weekend. My website hosting made a big mistake and I’ve worked with them to resolve the issue. All should be working now. Let me know if you have any issues!
Now I see that certain recipes do come up but not the one that I want. Here is what I mean. Click on this and see where it goes:https://cookieandkate.com/images/2011/03/black-bean-sweet-potato-enchiladas.jpg
There is no recipe there. Just a picture. Where can I find the actual recipe?
Hi Mike! I’m sorry for your experience with Cookie + Kate over the weekend. My web hosting made a big mistake and I’ve worked with them to resolve the issue. All should be fine now.
Hi Kathryne. Awesome, well-balanced veg recipes. I’ve been veg for 25 years. I stopped eating meat as a political statement against factory farming. Also I never dug meat. I do now eat organic, free range eggs. Twenty-five years ago I was a freak. Today, veg is what people aspire to be. LOL. It is not that hard with contributions like yours. Fondest regards. Andie
Thanks, Andie!
I am really looking forward to trying your recipes. As a mom of 4+ dogs, I really hope that Cookie eats the crumbs but doesn’t live meatless.
She still gets dog food. :)
I have just come across your site by accident. I am very impressed by your meals and have confidence they will be a success at home!
Welcome! Be sure to let me know what you think of recipes as you try them!
The Black bean sweet potato enchiladas were awesome!!
Happy to hear that!
Hi! I really love your recipes! extra vegetable fried rice is wonderful! Thank you for this recipe
Thanks for sharing, Joshua!
My friend is having surgery next week and is vegetarian. I’m going to make a few for her and a few for me! These sound amazing! I can’t wait to try them… Already bookmarked your page so I can come back for more
this is my favorite meal ever and i eat it every day and i love it . Thanks so much for your kindness.
The recipes are probably great but your website is so annoying and frustrating to view on mobile with the popups and uncloseable videos and other stuff that I gave up on it before I even went through the entire list. Even right now there is a video covering half my comment. If you paid someone to make this layout, you should ask for your money back.
Hi Dani, I’m sorry to hear you are frustrated and not having a great experience. I’m currently working with my provider on changes.
Not being rude but When it says VEGETARIAN, please do NOT include eggs… It would be appreciated :)
Im not vegetarian but I do aim to reduce my meat consumption and with these recipes you really dont miss the meat at all! My boyfriend has really given me a hard time about vegetarian dishes but every dish we’ve tried on this list (atleast 5 by now) have been amazing! He has asked to make them again which is really surprising coming from him! Thank you so much for sharing your art with us! Hats off to you and cookie!
Thank you Kate! My vegetarian son came home for Christmas and I made the vegetarian chili. We all loved it.
I’ve decided to make the new year mostly vegetarian for myself. Looking forward to trying many of your recipes.
You really do a great job with the little details and I really appreciate your hard work. Happy Holidays!
Wow! I tries the Soba noodle with peanut sauce slaw and replaced the noodles for spaghetti squash and it’s amazing! Than you!
I have been looking for great vegetarian meals that I would also like and I found that here finally! Since I am allergic to fish this limits my options even more.
Thank you
This is a great list. I would add potato gnocchi. My daughter loves it and it freezes well.
Just starting to give up meat. So appreciate all the ideas I can get. What if you don’t like black beans? What can I substitute? Thank you!
Great to hear! Pinto beans are usually a good option.
Really really good list. Lots of original ideas. Thanks so much!
I was scrolling through this page, hoping to find out what to make for dinner. Oh! You gave me too many choices my stomach was growling just looking at them. I will definitely be choosing one of these recipes for dinner. So excited!
Do you have any recipes that DON’T have lemon or lime? I’ve gone through almost every one on this list and can’t find any.
Hi Lou, I do include citrus is many of my recipes, as you noted. Depending on the recipe, you can omit if you like.
loved the Black bean sweet potato enchiladas!!!!
Hi thanks for sharing this post with us !
Everything looks so delicious! I was wondering if your cookbook contains all these recipes? I just ordered it and don’t want to have to print them if they are.
Hi Kathy! My cookbook has different recipes than you can find on the blog.
I’ve made a couple of things on this list so far and I’m so, so, so in love with all of them. This is definitely the best place I’ve seen for vegetarian recipes. You’ve made converting super easy! I’m absolutely in love with these! Especially the chili. I’ve made that so many times – even for friends who normally eat meat. One of them who’s an avid meat lover has said that this was her favorite chili!
Wow fabulous recipes! I’m not vegetarian but I’m trying to eat more of a plant based diet after being diagnosed with breast cancer last year as a recommendation from my doctor,I’m really excited to try these especially the chilli and lasagne thank you for some great inspiration x
I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis, Emma. I hope the recipes provide you comfort during your treatment and energy you need to beat it! I will be thinking of you.
thanks for delicious food dishes…
very informative and useful…
Hi Kate,
I just wanted to thank you for this wonderful website full of vegetarian meals. I have bought your book many years ago and enjoyed your great variety of recipes. My family is trying to find more vegetarian meals that we can all enjoy. We have a few picky eaters in my family, which makes my job a bit difficult. I am so grateful that you continue to publish all these excellent recipes for everyone to try out.
Thank you again!!!
Sabine R.
You’re welcome, Sabine! I’m glad you enjoy my recipes and that you can find something that works well for your entire family.
Wow, very delicious recipe idea and I like vegetarian recipes all time. I am taken eating 6 days of vegetables food and one day take eating Meat.
I have tried many of your veggie dishes and love them all! They have tons of favor! Looking for more.
This is a plug for “Love Real Food”. I’ve made so many recipes from Kates cookbook. The roasted eggplant lasagna is AMAZING. I used eggplant, spinach and kale from my garden. It does take some time, but totally worth it!!!
Thank you, Connie!
Thank you for the collection. Lots of gems.
Kate:
Your recipes look good. What is the best type of bread or bread substitute would you recommend to eat with the dishes. Something low on carbs, but high on fiber.