Who says you need beef, poultry, pork, or fish to create a delicious and satisfying meal?
From burgers to hot dogs and bacon, we’re swapping the meat in dishes for simple, delicious fresh veggies. No fuss. Lots of flavor.
Whether you’re a beginner vegetarian or just looking for some Meatless Monday inspiration, everyone can benefit from more veggies in their diet.
Still interested? Great, check out these 5 vegetarian food swap recipes below.
It’s not your eyes playing tricks on you. “Carrot Dogs” have become an Instagram phenomenon that look like the real thing.
There’s some good reasons out there to ditch the processed meat, and carrots make a mighty fine swap. Grilled carrots are a ‘meaty’ vegetarian hot dog swap that become sweet and caramelized when charred. Pass us all the toppings.
Not to mention all the heart-healthy fiber, beta carotene, and powerful antioxidants that carrots provide.
Pro tip: Marinating your carrot dogs is a must, so don’t skip this important step!
Hamburgers, meet your match.
Swapping a beef patty for a grilled portobello mushroom is not only delicious (hello, umami flavor), it’s smart for your health. These juicy ‘shroom burgers will be a veggie-friendly hit at any summer BBQ.
Not only will you reduce calories, but you’ll add plenty of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Mushrooms are a great source of antioxidants, B vitamins, and potassium.
There’s a ton of vegetarian-friendly bacon swaps out there, but we think eggplant is one of the best (and easiest).
Making eggplant bacon is super simple and results in a smoky, tasty topping for sandwiches, salads, and more.
The health benefits of eggplant don’t hurt, either. This nutrient-dense veggie is high in antioxidants and a
Can we just say how happy we are that shredded jackfruit became a thing?
This fruit has a subtly sweet flavor and a texture that resembles shredded and pulled meat. Pile it high on a potato bun or eat it with a side of crunchy coleslaw.
Unlike most fruit, jackfruit has an impressive amount of protein, making it perfect for vegetarians. Jackfruit can benefit the skin, boost immune health, and help control blood sugar.
Plus, it makes for a pretty amazing vegetarian taco filling.
We love eggplant so much that we included it twice.
Rich in manganese, fiber, and antioxidants, eggplant is the perfect swap for shredded chicken.
Pile high these pulled eggplant BBQ sandwiches, dig in, and thank us later.
Tiffany La Forge is a professional chef, recipe developer, and food writer who runs the blog Parsnips and Pastries. Her blog focuses on real food for a balanced life, seasonal recipes, and approachable health advice. When she’s not in the kitchen, Tiffany enjoys yoga, hiking, traveling, organic gardening, and hanging out with her corgi, Cocoa. Visit her at her blog or on Instagram.
