23 delicious vegetarian dishes

Vegetarians do not all subscribe to the same eating philosophy. They range from vegans, who eschew consumption of all animals and animal by-products (including honey, eggs, and dairy), to pescetarians, who eat fish and shellfish but no meat or poultry. And then there is the "flexitarian"-someone who keeps a mostly vegetarian diet with the occasional indulgence of meat, poultry, and seafood.

But "vegetarian" still tends to mean no meat, poultry, or seafood. So what do vegetarians eat? Definitely more than just salads. Legumes, seitan, and tofu add meatiness. Grains such as millet, wheat berries, and quinoa pack a nutritional punch. Season it all with herbs and spices along with a touch of creativity, and you won't miss the taste and texture of meat and poultry at all.

Learn more about vegetarianism at The Vegetarian Society.

More tips for vegetarians:

Since animal meat is not part of the vegetarian diet, it is crucial to use other sources for nutrients, among them protein, calcium, iron, and fiber. Here are several dietary considerations to keep in mind.

Protein helps build our body's immune system, organs, and muscles. Sources include eggs, dairy (particularly cheese and yogurt), legumes, whole-grains, and soy.
recipe to try:
Black Bean and Tomato Quinoa

Calcium keeps your bones and teeth in good working condition. Sources include dairy and dark leafy greens such as spinach, Swiss chard, and kale.
recipe to try:
Baked Eggs with Spinach and Mushrooms

Iron aids in the transportation of oxygen throughout the body. Sources include whole grains (rolled oats, hulled barley, and brown rice) and dark leafy greens.
recipe to try:
Sesame Soba Noodles with Cucumber Bok Choy and Mixed Greens

Fiber assists with digestion and keeps the colon healthy. Sources include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
recipe to try:
Swiss Chard Raisin and Pine Nut Tart

A Meatless Beginning

• Wheat Germ Scones with Dried Fruit and Nuts

• Baked Eggs with Spinach and Mushrooms

• Yogurt with Granola, Tropical Fruit, and Crystallized Ginger

• Sweet-Potato Pancakes with Honey-Cinnamon Butter

A Vegetarian Midday Repast

• Summer Vegetable Terrine

• Mushroom Kasha Burgers with Chipotle Mayonnaise

• Hummus and Vegetable Lahvash Sandwiches

• Welsh Rabbit

Supper sans Meat, Poultry, or Seafood

• Sesame Soba Noodles with Cucumber, Bok Choy, and Mixed Greens

• Root Vegetable and Mushroom Pie with Rosemary Biscuit Topping

• Grilled Eggplant Parmigiana

• Pappardelle with Vegetable "Bolognese"

Something Savory

• Roasted Winter Squash and Parsnips with Maple Syrup Glaze and Marcona Almonds

• Asparagus with Morels and Tarragon

• Black-Bean and Tomato Quinoa

• Warm Tofu with Spicy Garlic Sauce

On the Sweeter Side

• Swiss Chard, Raisin, and Pine Nut Tart

• Individual Croissant Bread Puddings with Dried Cherries, Bittersweet Chocolate, and Toasted Pecans

• Kataifi with Candied Pumpkin and Yogurt

Find More Favorite Vegetarian Recipes:

Our Favorite Soups

Our Favorite Salads

Our Favorite Pastas

By Esther Sung