Ina Garten's 15 Best Vegetarian Recipes (2024)

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A colorful bed of roasted veggies are so often featured as the supporting cast in many healthy, hearty dishes, but to shine the spotlight on them as the star of the dish? It’s one of Ina Garten’s signature moves. The Barefoot Contessa host ⁠— and our culinary queen ⁠— has never shied away from veggies. She now has so many vegetable-forward, vegetarian-friendly recipes to choose from, we put in the work for you and narrowed down the 15 best Garten’s best vegetarian recipes, including everything from appetizers and side dishes, to substantial main courses and rich, decadent desserts.

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One of our favorite vegetarian recipes ⁠— and a favorite among many food bloggers, too ⁠— is Garten’s roasted eggplant parmesan, a saucy, three-cheese casserole brimming with more than two pounds of sliced eggplant. Garten’s goat cheese and zucchini tart is another devour-able dish, one that’s rich with thyme- and lemon zest-seasoned goat cheese. Or, if you’re in the market for a light, yet filling sharable dish, Garten’s Israeli vegetable salad is comprised of creamy hummus and chopped veggies, with a side of toasted pita bread. What we’re trying to say here is, you can’t go wrong with any of Garten’s vegetarian recipes.

  • Roasted vegetable paella

    Ina Garten's 15 Best Vegetarian Recipes (3)

    This creamy, colorful paella is chock-full of veggies such as Holland bell peppers, roasted red peppers, fennel bulbs, baby eggplants, garlic, and yellow and red onions. Merely swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock.

    Get the recipe from Food Network.

  • Crusty baked shells & cauliflower

    Ina Garten's 15 Best Vegetarian Recipes (4)

    For a heartier pasta dish sprinkled with cauliflower florets and bursting with flavor, Garten’s crusty baked shells and cauliflower dish is an easy recipe that’ll fill the family up.

    Get the recipe from Food Network.

  • Potato-fennel gratin

    Ina Garten's 15 Best Vegetarian Recipes (5)

    This popular recipe has more than 180 reviews and a perfect, five-star rating ⁠— for good reason. The addition of fennel really elevates this classic potato-based dish, making it a fan favorite.

    Get the recipe from Food Network.

  • Goat cheese & zucchini tart

    Ina Garten's 15 Best Vegetarian Recipes (7)

    Advanced-level home chefs, this vegetarian dish is calling your name. Garten’s zucchini and goat cheese tart takes real knife work and a food processor. But, in the end, you’re left with a stunning ⁠— and creamy ⁠— tart.

    Get the recipe from Barefoot Contessa.

  • Roasted vegetable lasagna

    Ina Garten's 15 Best Vegetarian Recipes (8)

    On chilly nights, lasagna’s what’s for dinner. And for vegetarians, Garten’s roasted veggie lasagna ⁠— loaded with eggplant, zucchini, garlic, ricotta, goat cheese, Rao’s marinara sauce, and more ⁠— should be your go-to recipe.

    Get the recipe from Barefoot Contessa.

  • Tomato tart

    Ina Garten's 15 Best Vegetarian Recipes (9)

    We can’t decide if our favorite part of this tart is the Gruyère and parmesan cheese filling or the juicy, herb-crushed tomatoes layered atop…

    Get the recipe from Barefoot Contessa.

  • Vegetable tian

    Ina Garten's 15 Best Vegetarian Recipes (10)

    What is a tian? A tian is any casserole cooked in an earthenware vessel of the same name. It also happens to be a popular way to eat roasted veggies. Garten’s tian recipe calls for yellow onions, garlic, potatoes, zucchini, tomatoes, and grated Gruyere cheese.

    Get the recipe from Food Network.

  • Maple-roasted carrot salad

    Ina Garten's 15 Best Vegetarian Recipes (11)

    A great lunch option, this baby arugula salad features a colorful cast of ingredients, including cranberries, carrots, Marcona almonds, goat cheese, orange juice, and maple syrup.

    Get the recipe from Barefoot Contessa.

  • Herbed-baked eggs

    Ina Garten's 15 Best Vegetarian Recipes (12)

    Breakfast for dinner? When it’s Garten’s herbed-baked eggs with fresh herbs, like thyme, rosemary, and parsley, and a half-dozen eggs, the answer’s always a ‘yes.’

    Get the recipe from Food Network.

  • Israeli vegetable salad

    Ina Garten's 15 Best Vegetarian Recipes (13)

    This is far from your average salad. Garten’s Israeli veggie salad is comprised of hummus, chopped veggies, and toasted pita bread for dipping.

    Get the recipe from Food Network.

  • Zucchini gratin

    Ina Garten's 15 Best Vegetarian Recipes (14)

    Another very popular recipe ⁠— one that has nearly 400 reviews and a five-star rating ⁠— is Garten’s zucchini gratin, a beginner-level dish that calls for 2 pounds of zucchini.

    Get the recipe from Food Network.

  • Sautéed shredded Brussels sprouts

    Ina Garten's 15 Best Vegetarian Recipes (15)

    In search of a vegetarian appetizer? Look no further than Garten’s sautéed shredded Brussels sprouts, tossed with butter, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, and seasoned with black pepper and salt.

    Get the recipe from Barefoot Contessa.

  • Parmesan & chive smashed potatoes

    Ina Garten's 15 Best Vegetarian Recipes (16)

    Boil potatoes ’til tender, press ’em, toss ’em with olive oil, roast ’em, and sprinkle ’em with parmesan cheese, chives, and fleur de sel: this parmesan and chive smashed potatoes recipe is so easy ⁠— and even more delicious.

    Get the recipe from Barefoot Contessa.

  • Outrageous brownies

    Ina Garten's 15 Best Vegetarian Recipes (17)

    Ah, finally, dessert: Garten’s “outrageous” brownies are the epitome of sweet and salty, as they’re loaded with bitter chocolate, semisweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. They also feature a very unexpected ingredient: instant coffee granules.

    Get the recipe from Barefoot Contessa.

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    Ina Garten's 15 Best Vegetarian Recipes (18)

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Ina Garten's 15 Best Vegetarian Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the most famous vegetarian dish? ›

Originating in the Middle East, falafel is one the most popular vegetarian foods in the world! As one of the most popular vegetarian foods in the world, falafel needs no introduction! However, the origin of these beloved patties is rather controversial.

How can I be a better vegetarian cook? ›

How to Make Flavorful, Healthy Vegetarian Meals
  1. Embrace Alterna-Protein. This (hopefully) goes without saying: A vegetarian recipe needn't be comprised exclusively of vegetables. ...
  2. Get a Little (or a Lot) Spicy. ...
  3. Build Deep, Dark Flavors. ...
  4. Use All of the Colors. ...
  5. Don't Be Afraid of Fat. ...
  6. Fill Up on the Good Stuff.
Jan 19, 2015

How to make vegetarian food filling? ›

To feel more full while following a vegetarian diet, try incorporating more fiber and whole grains into your meals. Incorporating nuts, seeds, and beans into your diet can help you to feel more satisfied.

What should vegetarians eat most? ›

Planning a healthy vegetarian diet
Food group*Daily amount
Vegetables2 1/2 cups a day
Fruits2 cups a day
Grains (mostly whole)6 1/2 ounces a day
Dairy3 cups a day
4 more rows

Which is the No 1 vegetarian country in the world? ›

India is the unique outlier. Going by percentage of the population, Mexico is the second most vegetarian country, at 19%, then Brazil and Taiwan at 14%. Then Israel 13%, Australia 12%, Argentina, Sweden, and Finland 12%.

How many meals a week should be vegetarian? ›

Plant-based proteins offer many health benefits and can be less expensive than meat. One way to get these benefits is to choose a meatless meal once or twice a week.

How many meals a day should a vegetarian eat? ›

A vegetarian diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, grains, beans and includes eggs and dairy in some variations. Most people eat the standard three meals a day with snacks as desired.

What is a complete vegetarian meal? ›

A vegetarian diet should include a diverse mix of fruits, vegetables, grains, healthy fats, and proteins. To replace the protein provided by meat in your diet, include a variety of protein-rich plant foods like whole grains, legumes, tempeh, tofu, and seitan.

What is the weakness in vegetarian? ›

​​Iron deficiency anemia

Iron from plant-based sources (non-heme iron) is less readily absorbed by the body compared to iron from animal products (heme iron). As a result, vegetarians may be more prone to iron deficiency anemia, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and impaired cognitive function.

What is the hardest part of being a vegetarian? ›

While you can get plenty of protein and fiber as a vegetarian, you may have a harder time getting some specific nutrients. Iron and omega-3s can be hard to get enough of, even though there are plant-based sources. It's not impossible to do if you don't eat meat or fish, just harder.

How vegetarians are healthier than meat eaters? ›

Vegetarian diets tend to have fewer calories, lower levels of saturated fat and cholesterol, and more fiber, potassium and vitamin C than other eating patterns. Vegetarians tend to weigh less than meat-eaters, and to have lower cancer rates.

Why am I so hungry on a vegetarian diet? ›

The most common challenge we see is that “new” vegans and vegetarians do not eat enough calories throughout the day. Snacking is a great way to stay full! Make sure you are incorporating snacks between meals. These snacks allow you to meet your calorie needs as well as manage your hunger between meals.

What vegetarian foods keep you full for longer? ›

Oats, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and fruit are all good sources of fiber. Including more filling foods in the diet can decrease the amount that a person eats or how often they consume food. As a result, their total daily calorie intake may become lower.

What foods are surprisingly vegetarian? ›

Top Accidentally Vegan Foods
  • Cinnamon Life.
  • Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownie Mix.
  • SkinnyPop White Cheddar Flavored Popped Popcorn.
  • Airheads.
  • Cracker Jack.
  • Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili–Flavored Tortilla Chips.
  • Fritos.
  • Fruit by the Foot.

Which is the most expensive vegetarian dish? ›

Vegetable White Truffle Risotto - At USD 110, this luxurious dish is one of the most expensive vegetarian dishes. This indulgent treat is made with slow-cooked Arborio rice, parmesan, butter, and freshly grated white truffles.

What do vegetarian Americans eat for dinner? ›

Classic American Vegetarian Food
  • Southern mac and cheese.
  • Fried green tomatoes.
  • Hush puppies.
  • Red beans and rice.
  • New York pizza.
  • Tomato soup.
  • Classic apple pie.
  • Creamed spinach.
Apr 28, 2023

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