Meatless Monday Recipes & Tips

Juice cleanses, the Paleo diet, and kale-everything are all trends that have had their rise and fall in our modern food scene, but there’s one movement that’s surpassed them all: plant-based diets.

Whether you're going vegetarian, staunchly vegan, or just indulge in the occasional Meatless Monday, it’s easier than ever to find delicious, plant-based foods in grocery stores and restaurants. Even if you’re not up for cutting meat out of your life completely, skipping it for one day of the week can also be a great way to cook and eat something new! Here are some of our favorite recipes, spices, and tips for your next Meatless Monday.

Vegan Breakfast Ideas

It can be difficult to find a breakfast that ticks all the boxes: carbohydrates for an energy boost, protein to keep you full, and a little fat to sustain you (even after that first cup of coffee starts to wear off). Our Banana Cocoa Almond Smoothie passes this test while tasting great too!

Key Ingredients:

• Tofu adds some “secret” protein to each sip while also providing a super creamy texture.
• A pinch of Cayenne Pepper adds a subtle, warm chile note to the sweeter flavors of cocoa and cinnamon.

Pro Tip: If you’re more of a savory breakfast lover, skillet potatoes like these are awesome topped with a fried egg for an ovo-lacto start to your day. Want to keep it plant-based? Use oil instead of butter and top with sautéed mushrooms and onions or scrambled tofu. 

Vegetarian Lunches

Many people are concerned about getting enough protein on a vegetarian diet, but it isn’t as hard as you might think. Paired together, legumes and grains have all nine essential amino acids (read: building blocks of protein) to make them “complete.”

Key Ingredient:

• Quinoa is one of the few grains that has all nine amino acids on its own. Get a protein boost at lunch with Smoky Quinoa Burgers with Garlic Mayo, or Maple Roasted Root Vegetables and Quinoa Salad – these can all be prepared ahead of time and enjoyed the next day as workday lunches!

Pro Tip: Need a super quick lunch? Top leafy greens with a drizzle of olive oil and white wine vinegar, and sprinkle on Bucktown Brown Mustard & Honey Rub for a honey mustard-dressed salad. Add any of your favorite salad toppings like sliced red pepper, cherry tomatoes, sunflower seeds, or a hardboiled egg.

High Protein Vegetarian Snacks

Homemade vegetarian snacks are super easy and most can be prepped and portioned for the whole week.

Key Ingredients:

• Chickpeas are good sources of fiber and protein, so pick up a can (or two) next time you’re at the store. Use them to mix up a batch of Crispy Tan-Tan Chickpeas or Calabrian Hot Pepper Hummus.
• Nuts are perfect for snacking because they’re packed with nutrients like Vitamin E, protein, and heart-healthy unsaturated fats. Cinnamon Sugar Almonds are great to keep within arm’s reach, but if you like a bit of heat, you should definitely try Sweet Chile Cashews and Pistachios.

Meatless Dinner Ideas

Here’s where you can get really creative – there are plenty of ways to make flavorful, meat-free dinners.

Key Ingredient:

• Raid the produce section of the grocery store and start experimenting with all the fresh, seasonal vegetables you can find. Pile whatever you’ve got in the fridge onto this Grilled Veggie BBQ Pizza. If you want to skip the cheese, you can still enjoy barbecue flavor with Midwestern Sweet Portobello Burgers.

Pro Tip: Park Hill Maple & Spice is an excellent choice for roasted vegetables! Sprinkle liberally on quartered Brussels sprouts and cubed sweet potato and roast in a 400-degree oven until tender. Serve the veggies with your favorite cooked legume (like Great Northern beans or chickpeas) on top of brown rice with a jarred or homemade pesto.

A few other great vegetable pairings:

• Citrus Pepper Seasoning + cauliflower
• Great Plains Bison & Beef Rub + mushrooms
• Cantanzaro Herbs Seasoning Salt + roasted tomatoes

Quick & Easy Vegetarian Recipes

Whenever you need something quick and easy, whether it's for lunch or dinner, turn to our Spice 'n Easy recipe mixes.

• For days when you need something warm and comforting Toasty Tomato Bisque to the rescue!
• Luxurious and creamy, Saffron & Chanterelle Risotto only takes about 20 minutes to make. If you want to veg it up, add some asparagus or peas. 
• Flavorful Moroccan Lentils require only butter (try coconut oil if you want to make it vegan) and water.

Looking for more seasonings? Browse The Best Spices and Herbs For Seasoning Veggies or Vegan-Friendly Spices. If you want ideas, check out our vegetarian recipes! As always, if you make a dish that you’re proud of, remember to share it on Instagram or Facebook and tag it with #savoryspiceshop for us to see!