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35 Vegetarian Lunch Ideas To Truly Brighten Your Day

vegetarian lunch
Image via Barley & Sage

Find yourself in a bit of a lunch rut? Whether you're living a vegetarian lifestyle or trying to eat more plant-based meals, these vegetarian lunch recipes will inspire you to try something new, this week and the next (and the next). Bright, colorful veggies, delightful spices, cozy grains, and hearty cheeses make these meals healthy, satisfying, and delicious. Some are perfect to-go, some are great to cook at home with your favorite people. Meatless Mondays just got so delicious with twists on grilled cheese (blueberries, yum), tacos, soups, salads and more, so mix it up and get cookin' good-lookin with these 35 vegetarian lunch ideas.


Blueberry Balsamic Grilled Cheese

grilled cheese recipe

Image via Live Eat Learn

This one had us at blueberries. Grill some fresh blueberries, basil, goat cheese, and arugula on your favorite toasty bread for a sweet and delicious vegetarian lunch. (via Live Eat Learn)

Roasted Sweet Potato Pitas with Arugula and Garlic Dressing

Roasted Sweet Potato Pitas with Arugula and Garlic Dressing

Image via Salt & Lavender

Inspired by chicken Shawarma, this lighter version is just a garlicky good, with a dressing of minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt & pepper and Greek yogurt. (via Salt & Lavender)

Ricotta Mushroom Toast

Ricotta Mushroom Toast

Image via Munching With Mariyah

Go for vegan ricotta or the real thing with crispy caramelized mushrooms, garlic, and tons of herbs. This easy recipe takes just 15 mins to whip up and it's totally worth the effort. (via Munching With Mariyah)

Arugula Fig and Goat Cheese Salad

arugula fig and goat cheese salad

Image via Give Recipe

Salads don't have to be boring. Give this flavor-packed, colorful, and nutrient-rich fig salad recipe a try with goat cheese and walnuts for more oomph. (via Give Recipe)

Walnut Meat Tacos

vegan tacos

Image via Veggie Society

You're a lunch away from finely chopped walnuts, onion, capers and sundried tomatoes topped with nutty and tasty cashew queso sauce. (via Veggie Society)

Mediterranean Cauliflower Pita Sandwiches

Mediterranean Cauliflower Pita Sandwiches

Image via Feel Good Foodie

Mediterranean spices make this roasted cauliflower pita sandwich a lunchtime winner in our book. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Crockpot Spicy Vegetarian Tortilla Soup With Quinoa

Vegetarian Tortilla Soup

Image via Half Baked Harvest

Just toss everything into your crockpot and you'll have a meal for a week topped with tortilla chips, some good cheese, and an avocado. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Vegan Tunacado

vegan tuna

Image via The Edgy Veg

Use shredded tofu with a tasty sauce of mayo, lemon juice, soy sauce, and nori powder (or kelp powder) for a satisfying and easy-to-make sandwich. (via The Edgy Veg)

Masala Butternut Squash & Goat Cheese Tartlets

Tartlet recipe

Image via Signature Concoctions

Butternut squash with an Indian twist (think spices like cumin, coriander, cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom) adds a burst of flavor to your lunch rotation. (via Signature Concoctions)

Caribbean-Inspired BBQ Tofu Bowl

Caribbean-Inspired BBQ Tofu Bowl

Image via Girl on Bloor

Plantains, avocado, and tempeh mixed with Caribbean spices is a dreamy escape from your regular vegetarian lunch standbys. (via Girl on Bloor)

Soba Noodle Soup

Soba Noodle Soup

Image via Gastro Plant

This vegan soba noodle soup is perfect for a rainy day with fresh spring veggies, crispy tofu, bamboo shoots, and mushrooms in a smoky, savory broth. (via Gastro Plant)

Sage-Infused Biscuits w/ Pecan-Crusted Fried Chicken and Maple Butternut Squash Puree

vegetarian fried chicken sandwich

Image via No Eggs and Ham

Pecan-fried vegan chicken topped with a maple butternut squash puree on a flaky biscuit is the perfect mix of sweet and savory, all rounded out with refreshing cucumber. (via No Eggs and Ham)

Edamame Salad

edamame salad

Image via This Wife Cooks

If you like a bit of crunch with your vegetarian lunch, this veg-filled and creamy salad is the way to go. (via This Wife Cooks)

Sweet And Tangy Vegetarian Sloppy Joe's

Vegetarian Sloppy Joe's

Image via Pink Owl Kitchen

Use your favorite ground, plant-based protein and spices like herbs de Provence, smoked paprika, and turmeric to satisfy your Sloppy Joe cravings. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Baked Feta With Olives And Honey

Baked Feta With Olives And Honey

Image via Forks & Foliage

Grab some rustic bread and dip into this delicious tangy, salty, sweet, and spicy vegetarian dish. (via Forks & Foliage)

Fresh Tomato Tart

tomato tart

Image via A Spicy Perspective

A mix of colorful tomatoes over a creamy cheese base and buttery crust is exactly how we want to spend our lunch hour. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Japanese Hibachi Fried Rice

fried rice recipe

Image via A Spicy Perspective

Take that takeout! You can make this fresh, meatless, and so delicious version of fried rice in less time it takes to get delivery. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

Image via Culinary Hill

Chipotle-flavored rice, beans, and vegetables all smothered with melty cheese and crunchy tortilla chips is a meatless dream. (via Culinary Hill)

Roasted Golden Beet Salad With Farro

Roasted Golden Beet Salad With Farro

Image via Barley & Sage

Looking for ways to satisfy your love of beets? This salad mixed with herbs, spinach, goat cheese, and Marcona almonds will do the trick. (via Barley & Sage)

Gluten-Free Quinoa Bowl

Gluten-Free Quinoa Bowl

A combination of quinoa, roasted veg, and a fried egg will satisfy your dinner cravings. (via Brit + Co)

Asparagus + Goat Cheese Frittata

Asparagus + Goat Cheese Frittata

Make a satisfying lunch from fresh asparagus, goat cheese, eggs, and cream. (via Brit + Co)

Gluten-Free Falafel

Gluten-Free Falafel

Image via Olive You Whole

Gluten-free falafel with creamy cauliflower hummus is packable and a worthy vegetarian lunch, get to it! (via Olive You Whole)

Carrot Hot Dogs

Carrot Hot Dogs

These carrot-based hot dogs aren't just an amazing vegetarian bbq option, they're soy-free and whole food-based, making them flavorful, nutritious, and perfect for summer noshing. (via Brit + Co)

Baked Vegan Ziti

baked ziti

This simple, streamlined baked ziti (or rigatoni, or whichever pasta you use) makes a delicious comfort lunch that you can enjoy for dinner too. (via Brit + Co)

Pink Hummus Bowl

pink hummus

Blend up a bright pink hummus (the secret ingredient is beets) and decorate it with a slew of colorful veggies. (via Brit + Co)

Mac 'N Cheese

Sometimes you just want a classic mac and cheese lunch with cheddar, Swiss, and a sprinkled of nutmeg. (via Most Hungry)

Pizza with Mozzarella, Broccolini and Red Onion

vegetarian pizza recipe

Made with mozzarella that’s packed in brine to melt beautifully, this pizza is divine with a sprinkling of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. (via Williams Sonoma)

Chickpea Noodle Soup

Chickpea Noodle Soup

Here's a plant-based twist on chicken noodle soup that's just as soothing to the soul. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Chickpea Salad Sandwich

chickpea sandwich

Love chickpeas? Yes, please! Whip up this comforting sandwich in minutes. (via Brit + Co)

One-Pot Vegan Sriracha Chili

Three types of beans add heft to this vegan chili. Serve it with a whole grain (like brown rice or a side of cornbread) for a complete meal.(via Brit + Co)

Chickpea and Lentil Soup

Red lentils are cooked in a spicy tomato broth until tender, then pureed with chickpeas to make a creamy, protein-packed soup. (via Brit + Co)

One-Pot Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

Corn and sweet potatoes help balance out the earthy savoriness of black beans and chiles in this recipe. Add a scoop to a bowl of quinoa then dollop with cashew cream and you’ll be all set. (via Brit + Co)

Jackfruit Burrito Bowl

jackfruit burrito bowl

Topping a bowl of brown rice with a flavorful mixture of jackfruit, black beans, corns, salsa, and onions gives you all the flavors of your favorite burrito, without the anxiety that comes from trying to properly fold your tortilla around so much goodness. (via Brit + Co)

Kidney Bean and Walnut Veggie Burgers

Kidney Bean and Walnut Veggie Burgers

The key to a memorable veggie burger is the texture. Kidney beans make these patties have a mostly-creamy interior, while walnuts add a hearty, subtle crunch. (via Brit + Co)

Mermaid Veg Bowl

These customizable rice bowls will be a hit with anyone. Must-have toppings include avo, marinated tofu, sprouts, and tropical fruit. (via Brit + Co)

Follow us on Pinterest for more recipe inspiration and check out our online cooking classes for more ideas!

Header image via Barley & Sage

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