Heart-Healthy Vegetarian Recipes

Photo: Randy Mayor

Nutritious Vegetarian Recipes

Vegetarians can easily meet daily protein needs by eating an array of plant-based foods. Fill out your meals with beans, lentils, nuts, rice, and soy products like tofu and tempeh, and avoid relying on a hefty portion of cheese to fill the protein gap.

First up are our Red Lentil-Rice Cakes with Simple Tomato Salsa. Crisp on the outside and creamy on the inside, these salsa-topped, red-lentil rice cakes make a lovely vegetarian entrée. They offer a great way to use leftover basmati rice; if you're starting with cooked rice, use about 1 1/2 cups. Add mixed greens to the plate for even more color.

View Recipe: Red Lentil-Rice Cakes with Simple Tomato Salsa

Photo: Randy Mayor

White Beans with Roasted Red Pepper and Pesto

Add a green salad and crusty bread to this simple rustic dish for a satisfying supper. Simmer the beans on the stovetop if they're still not tender after cooking under pressure for 12 minutes.

View Recipe: White Beans with Roasted Red Pepper and Pesto

Photo: Oxmoor House

Cavatappi with Arugula Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes

Peppery arugula complements the sweetness of ripe tomatoes. Use heirloom tomatoes, if available, for even better flavor. Substitute fusilli for cavatappi, if desired. Serve immediately.

View Recipe: Cavatappi with Arugula Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes

Photo: Randy Mayor

Pasta with Zucchini and Toasted Almonds

Pair flavorful pasta with olive tapenade breadsticks for a superfast and delicious meal in minutes.

View Recipe: Pasta with Zucchini and Toasted Almonds

Photo: Oxmoor House

Sautéed Vegetables and Spicy Tofu

Thanks to a seasoned packaged of tofu, this easy stir-fry comes together in a snap. This dish is delicious served alone, but for heartier fare, serve it on top of rice noodles.

View Recipe: Sautéed Vegetables and Spicy Tofu

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Summer Squash Pizza

You can use all zucchini or yellow squash for this grilled pizza. Serve one slice as an appetizer or two with a salad for a simple supper.

View Recipe: Summer Squash Pizza

Photo: Randy Mayor

Black Lentil and Couscous Salad

This zesty side is modeled after tabbouleh, the Middle Eastern salad of bulgur wheat, tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil. Here, we use couscous instead of bulgur and add black lentils for color and texture. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

View Recipe: Black Lentil and Couscous Salad

Photo: Randy Mayor

Black Bean Soup

Cumin and fiery serrano chile infuse this simple soup as it cooks, and a dollop of sour cream provides a refreshing foil for the spicy flavors. For less heat, seed the chile first or use a milder pepper, such as jalapeño. You can also omit the chile altogether, if you prefer.

View Recipe: Black Bean Soup

Photo: Lee Harrelson

Falafel with Avocado Spread

The beauty of this Latin twist on the classic Middle Eastern falafel sandwich is its simplicity, and of course, flavor. Garnish with microgreens and sliced red onion.

View Recipe: Falafel with Avocado Spread

Photo: Randy Mayor

Bulgur Salad with Edamame and Cherry Tomatoes

The vitamin C from lemon juice aids iron absorption. Serve bulgur salad with grilled chicken, lemony hummus, and toasted 100 percent whole-wheat pita wedges to round out the meal. Substitute fresh shelled fava beans for edamame, if you like. Fava beans also supply protein, fiber, and B vitamins.

View Recipe: Bulgur Salad with Edamame and Cherry Tomatoes

Photo: Randy Mayor

Feta and Green Onion Couscous Cakes over Tomato-Olive Salad

An authentic Greek trio of tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese accompanies these couscous cakes.

View Recipe: Feta and Green Onion Couscous Cakes over Tomato-Olive Salad

Photo: Randy Mayor

Grilled Vegetable Pitas with Goat Cheese and Pesto Mayo

For these filling pitas, you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand—eggplant, summer squash, bok choy, or sweet onion. Here we use portobellos, red bell peppers, and Vidalia onions.

View Recipe: Grilled Vegetable Pitas with Goat Cheese and Pesto Mayo

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Lentil-Edamame Stew

Fava beans are traditional in this stew, which we updated with edamame. You can also substitute green peas for the edamame, if you like. Scoop up the thick stew with Teff Injera Bread or pita. Halve the portion if you'd like to serve this as a hearty side dish.

View Recipe: Lentil-Edamame Stew