Heart-Healthy Vegetarian Recipes

April 29, 2013
Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
Our collection of delicious, heart-healthy vegetarian recipes fill your nutritional needs sans meat.
Start Slideshow

1 of 13

Nutritious Vegetarian Recipes

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor

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.

 

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 13

White Beans with Roasted Red Pepper and Pesto

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: 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.

3 of 13

Cavatappi with Arugula Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

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.

 

 

Advertisement

4 of 13

Pasta with Zucchini and Toasted Almonds

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor

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

 

 

5 of 13

Sautéed Vegetables and Spicy Tofu

Credit: Photo: Oxmoor House

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.

 

 

6 of 13

Summer Squash Pizza

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

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.

 

 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 13

Black Lentil and Couscous Salad

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: 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.

8 of 13

Black Bean Soup

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor

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.

 

 

9 of 13

Falafel with Avocado Spread

Credit: Photo: Lee Harrelson
View Recipe: 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.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 13

Bulgur Salad with Edamame and Cherry Tomatoes

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor

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.

 

 

11 of 13

Feta and Green Onion Couscous Cakes over Tomato-Olive Salad

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor

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

 

 

12 of 13

Grilled Vegetable Pitas with Goat Cheese and Pesto Mayo

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: 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.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 13

Lentil-Edamame Stew

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: 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.

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next