19 Cheap Vegetarian Recipes
Learn some of the best ways to eat vegetarian on a budget
Eating vegetarian can be great for your health and for the environment, but like any specialized diet, it takes some work to do it well. Thankfully, though, keeping up with a vegetarian diet doesn't have to break your budget, especially if you cook at home.
There are a lot of wonderful vegetarian options out there, and this list will walk you through some of the thriftiest ones. You'll see a wide variety of dishes too. It doesn't matter if you're looking for full meals, healthy sides, vegetarian versions of traditionally meaty recipes, or just a quick snack; you'll be sure to find what you're looking for here.
The best part is, these recipes aren't just cheap, they're also easy and (most importantly) delicious. Whether you're cooking for yourself or for the whole family, you're not going to hear any complaints. So dig into these 19 cheap recipes!
1. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Mediterranean food is amazing. Its signature combinations of ingredients and seasonings taste great, and it tends to be very good for you as well. This Greek-inspired chickpea salad is certainly no exception. It's hearty enough for a light lunch but also works well as a starter.
2. Spinach and Feta Tortellini
Not in a rush to move past Mediterranean flavors? Feta cheese ads a perfect zest to the classic Italian spinach, tomato, and pasta flavors of this dish.
3. Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Tomatoes
Spinach and artichoke are an amazing pairing that's usually used for dips. Here, they're put to use as a wonderfully creamy, cheesy stuffing for fresh tomatoes. This is a great appetizer or, if you're really feeling like treating yourself, a decadent fresh snack.
4. Healthy Zucchini Parmesan Crisps
Potato fries are fine for vegetarians, of course, but fried zucchini is a great alternative that tastes just as amazing. Everyone from individuals looking for healthy snack options to local burger places are getting on board with this delicious food. This recipe even adds a parmesan twist to keep things a little extra interesting.
Seasoning mixes can be expensive, but a lot of meals live or die on how you decide to spice them up. Thankfully, you can make your own delicious and thrifty seasoning mixes at home: 9 Homemade Seasoning Mix Recipes
5. Very Veggie Kale and White Bean Soup
Soup is a great package for delivering tasty vegetarian meals and it is often easy and cheap to make too. This soup is all that, plus it's very good for you.
6. Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Cheese & Garlic
This unique recipe is a perfect appetizer for when you want to keep things healthy and classy at the same time. Be sure to garnish with creamy goat cheese and fresh herbs. Of course, these are tasty enough to serve up for a more casual affair as well!
7. Garlic Parmesan Broccoli and Potatoes in Foil
No need to get fancy all the time, this mix of veggies is ultra-simple but packed with flavor. The perfect healthy side for any robust main dish with a bit of a kick.
8. Easy Kale Recipe
Whether you're making a light side or you're in a rush and need a light snack on the go, nothing beats this incredibly simple and easy kale salad. With just five ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you'll have a light, but shockingly flavorful, side ready to devour.
9. Vegetable Au Gratin Recipe
Nothing is better than cheesy, creamy vegetables. This medley is a perfect cheap option for serving for holidays, potlucks, and other big gatherings.
10. Grilled Portobello Burger Recipe
Burger substitutions don't always work, but this one will blow you away. As soon as they smell it cooking, even your non-vegetarian friends will want a taste.
11. 5-Ingredient Butternut Squash and Arugula Pasta
If you want something even simpler to make than it is cheap, you won't be able to do much better than this 5-ingredient dish. The best part is, it somehow manages to have amazing, unique flavors despite its limited ingredients list. It's ready in 30 minutes, too, so you won't have to waste any time before you can dig in.
12. Tofu Tikka Masala
Tofu is all about what you pair it with, and this zesty tikka masala is an absolutely perfect pairing. This little slice of Indian cuisine is great for any time you feel the need to spice up your personal menu without shelling out tons of cash.
13. Chinese Stir Fry Vegetables
Stir fry usually makes for an amazingly easy, cheap, and healthy meal, especially when you throw in a variety of fresh veggies. This recipe is fantastic for making on weeknights, and can easily be adapted for how many people you need to serve.
14. Copycat Olive Garden Minestrone Recipe
Why go out to eat when you can enjoy the flavors of restaurant cooking at home? This vegetarian-safe recipe tastes as good as the Olive Garden original for a fraction of the cost per serving.
15. Couscous and Roasted Vegetables Salad
We're coming back to Mediterranean flavors now thanks to this delicious and healthy couscous and veggie salad. It's hard to go wrong a dish this simple and tasty.
There are a lot of options for being thrifty with your food budget, but going completely meatless is an often-overlooked choice. 11 Meatless Monday Recipes to Help You Save Money
16. Copycat Outback Broccoli and Cheese Recipe
Another amazing copycat recipe, this time for broccoli and cheese soup. This comfort food classic is great as a side or as the main dish for a light supper. Either way, by the time you're done, you'll definitely feel satisfied.
17. Copycat Applebee’s French Onion Soup Recipe
Another soup, another restaurant, another delicious side. French onion soup is a classic, and this amazing recipe lives up to the reputation without hurting your budget.
18. Grilled Vegetable Sandwiches
Grilled veggies are a common summer side, but how often do you see them taking center stage? Thanks to the added grilled flavor and the magic of picante sauce, it's easy to make absolutely wonderful vegetable sandwiches. The recipe even comes with instructions for how to turn any leftovers into a lovely to-go option.
19. Crispy Zucchini Fries
And we're back to zucchini again, and with good reason. These zucchini fries are a perfect, crispy side to bring to a summer cookout, or to make at home anytime the craving strikes. And trust us, after you've had these once, the cravings will appear.
Did we miss anything? What's your favorite budget vegetarian option? Tell us below!
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