Vegetarian Lunches
Whether you're a full-time vegetarian or just testing the Meatless Monday waters, these protein-packed recipes make satisfying and flavorful lunches.
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Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.
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Photo By: Matt Armendariz ©Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.
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Photo By: Evan Sung for The New York Times
Hummus and Grilled Vegetable Wrap
Grill zucchini slices and layer them with hummus, sweet red peppers, fresh spinach and mint in a tortilla for a colorful and crunchy wrap that's nutritious and filling.
Get the Recipe: Hummus and Grilled Vegetable Wrap
Really Simple Bean Burger
For the easiest of veggie burgers, use a combination of whole and mashed beans — whole beans develop the texture while mashed beans help maintain the patty-like shape. From Southwestern to Cajun-style, the flavoring and topping possibilities for these bean burgers are endless.
Get the Recipe: Really Simple Bean Burgers
Wheat Berry Salad
Tender cooked wheat berries form the base for a salad filled with nuts, herbs and dried fruits. A fresh lemony vinaigrette balances out all the sweetness, making this salad perfect for pairing with meaty mains or enjoying as a meal unto itself.
Get the Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad
Avocado Salad with Tomatoes, Lime and Toasted Cumin Vinaigrette
Ripe avocado adds buttery richness to an aromatic arugula and cilantro bed. The lime juice-based vinaigrette does double duty to brighten the salad and save the avocado from browning.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Salad with Tomatoes, Lime, and Toasted Cumin Vinaigrette
Italian Bagel Caprese
Five minutes and a few fresh ingredients are all you need to make this simple caprese-style sandwich. Try it on a sesame bagel or an onion bagel for added flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Italian Bagel Caprese
Chickpea and Spinach Salad
Chickpeas are a smart addition to any lunchtime salad, since they're an excellent source of fiber and protein. Freshen up the flavor with Ellie Krieger's zesty cumin dressing and orange-infused yogurt sauce.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea and Spinach Salad with Cumin Dressing and Yogurt Sauce
Dali Vegetarian Rice Noodle Stir-Fry
Thin and tender rice noodles soak up this recipe's nutty and spicy peanut-chile-sesame sauce, while bean sprouts and cabbage add contrasting crunch.
Get the Recipe: Dali Vegetarian Rice Noodle Stir Fry
Too-EZ Mac 'n Cheese
Can comfort food be fast and healthy? It's possible with Hungry Girl's combo of frozen broccoli and cheese, cooked rotini and creamy cheese wedges.
Get the Recipe: Too-EZ Mac 'n Cheese
Vegetarian Burgers
Finding good sources of protein on a vegetarian diet can be difficult, but this burger made with refried beans and chickpea flour is one delicious solution. Add onions and chana masala (an Indian spice blend) to the patties for an exotic flavor.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Burgers
Frittata with Zucchini
Diced zucchini and zucchini blossoms give this frittata fresh-from-the-garden flavor while Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese adds richness and its distinct salty-sweet flavor.
Get the Recipe: Frittata with Zucchini
Grilled Vegetables with Tofu
Transform vegetables and high-protein tofu into a full-bodied meal by grilling them with garlic and fragrant Indian spices like cumin and coriander.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables with Tofu
No-Cook Summer Squash Salad with Lemon and Herbs
In this simple no-cook recipe, lemon juice softens thinly sliced squash after about 30 minutes, while chives, tarragon and Parmigiano-Reggiano add ample flavor.
Get the Recipe: No Cook Summer Squash Salad with Lemon and Herbs
Crispy Sweet Potato Pancakes
Cooked sweet potatoes can lose their luster after a few rounds of reheating. Reinvent them by molding them into fun hand-held patties packed with heady Indian spices.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Cakes
Fried Rice with Scallions, Edamame and Tofu
Ellie's version of this Chinese takeout staple is light and simple. A combination of ginger, garlic and scallions delivers distinct flavor while limiting the amount of salt.
Get the Recipe: Fried Rice with Scallions, Edamame and Tofu
Celery and Tofu Salad
Mark Bittman transforms simple tofu and crispy celery with his homemade chili oil infused with a bevy of Asian spices.
Get the Recipe: Celery and Tofu Salad