30 + Simple Gluten Free Vegetarian Recipes

Living a gluten free lifestyle can be challenging, especially when trying to find foods that are both gluten free and vegetarian. However, with some creativity and good recipes, it is possible to create delicious gluten free vegetarian meals in no time.

What is a vegetarian diet?

A vegetarian diet is a diet that does not include meat, poultry or fish. Some vegetarians may eat eggs and dairy products, while others do not consume any animal products.

There are many different reasons why people may choose to follow a vegetarian diet. Some people do it for ethical reasons, others for health reasons, and still others simply because they prefer the taste of vegetables to meat. Whatever the reason, a vegetarian diet can be healthy and delicious even without adding meat or fish.

If you’re thinking of switching to a gluten free vegetarian diet, it’s essential to ensure you get all the nutrients your body needs. This means eating various vegetables, fruits, gluten free whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. 

When following a vegetarian diet, be sure to get enough protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Vegetarian VS Vegan

There are some key differences between vegetarian and vegan diet. For starters, vegetarians do not eat meat, poultry, or fish but may consume eggs and dairy products. Vegans, on the other hand, do not consume any animal products whatsoever – including eggs, dairy, and honey.

When it comes to gluten-free eating, both vegetarians and vegans need to be careful, as many processed foods contain gluten. The good news is that plenty of delicious and healthy gluten-free recipes out there cater to vegetarians and vegans alike.

vegetarian noodle dish in a bowl with avocado slices

Is gluten free vegetarian diet healthy?

Some people may choose to follow a gluten free vegetarian diet for health reasons, while others may do so for ethical or environmental reasons. Either way, it’s essential to ensure the diet is nutritionally balanced. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as a gluten-free vegetarian diet’s healthfulness depends on your lifestyle. 

For some people, a vegetarian diet may be nutritionally adequate. However, others may need supplements and more plant-based protein, such as gluten free protein powder, to maintain a healthy body.

Should you take supplements on a vegetarian diet?

Here are a few things to consider:

If you follow a well-rounded vegetarian diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes, then you probably don’t need to take any supplements. However, if your diet is mainly processed foods, consider taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement to ensure you get all the nutrients your body needs.

If you’re not eating much iron-rich food on your vegetarian diet (such as dark leafy greens, beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, nuts and seeds), then you may want to consider taking an iron supplement. The same goes for calcium if your diet lacks calcium-rich foods (such as dairy products or leafy greens).

Vitamin B12 is another nutrient that is often lacking in vegetarian diets. If you don’t eat animal products (including eggs and dairy), you should consider taking a vitamin B12 supplement or eating foods fortified with vitamins (such as plant-based milk).

The best source of protein for a gluten free vegetarian diet

If you’re a gluten-free vegetarian, you may be wondering what the best source of protein is for your diet. There are many options available, but some may be better than others. Here are a few of the best sources of protein for a gluten free vegetarian diet:

1. Beans and legumes – Beans and legumes are a great source of protein for a gluten free vegetarian diet. They’re also high in fiber and vitamins, making them a healthy option.

2. Nuts and seeds – Nuts and seeds are another excellent source of protein for a gluten free vegetarian diet. They’re also high in healthy fats, minerals, and vitamins.

3. Soy products – Soy products, such as tofu, tempeh, and edamame, are all good protein sources for a gluten free vegetarian diet. They’re also versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes.

4. Quinoa – Quinoa is a naturally high-protein seed. It’s also gluten free and can be used in place of rice or pasta in many recipes.

5. Eggs – Eggs are an excellent source of protein for any diet, including a gluten free vegetarian diet. They’re easy to cook and can be used in many different recipes.

Things to avoid on a vegetarian diet

When following a vegetarian diet, there are certain things that you should avoid to make sure that your diet is well-rounded and nutritious. Here are some of the things to avoid on a vegetarian diet:

-Processed foods: These include things like processed vegetarian meals, some vegan cheeses, and even some types of bread. Stick to whole, unprocessed foods as much as possible.

-Empty calories: Foods that are high in calories but low in nutrients fall into this category. Examples include sugary snacks, sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages. 

– Unhealthy fats: This means limiting your intake of saturated and trans fats, which are found in fried vegetarian foods, processed meatless burgers, and many packaged gluten free vegetarian snacks. Instead, opt for healthy fats like those found in nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil.

Before starting a gluten free vegetarian diet 

Before you start, talk to your doctor, naturopathic doctor or a registered dietitian first. They can help you determine whether or not such a diet is right for you and provide guidance on ensuring you’re getting all the nutrients you need.

Whether you’re looking for breakfast, a hearty main dish, a soup, a tasty side or even a decadent dessert, we’ve got you covered. You will find that our gluten free vegetarian recipes are nutrient-rich and delicious!

The best part, these recipes are all relatively easy to make and can be tailored to your taste preferences. So, whether you are trying to eat more healthfully or accommodate a gluten free vegetarian diet, these recipes are a great place to start.

 

Our Favorite 30 + Simple Gluten Free Vegetarian Recipes


slice of broccoli cheddar pie on a plate, vegetarian

VEGETARIAN BROCCOLI CHEDDAR PIE, a savoury, cheesy pie packed with fresh broccoli for brunch, lunch or easy dinner. Broccoli, bell peppers, onions, herbs and two types of cheese all baked together for an easy meatless night. It’s savoury, low-carb with the slightest flavour of caramelized veggies and plenty of cheese oozing throughout.

3 bowls of vegetarian chickpea chili with toppings

This VEGETARIAN CHICKPEA CHILI is all about hidden flavors and subtle textures that keep you guessing what the next spoonful will bring. This vegetarian recipe is filled with smoky, bold flavours, tender butternut squash, beautiful green collards and a fair share of protein and fiber. 

stuffed zucchini with goat cheese, gluten free vegetarian recipe

This healthy BAKED ZUCCHINI WITH GOAT CHEESE dish is vegetarian, easy to prepare, delicious, and all you need is five ingredients. The tangy and creamy goat cheese is lightly flavoured with fresh mint and heart-healthy olive oil bringing out the delicate taste of the young zucchini squash.

gluten free vegetarian schnitzel on a plate with cucumber salad

This GLUTEN FREE VEGAN SCHNITZEL is so good that you will add it to your weekly repertoire of recipes – There is nothing more satisfying than a crispy schnitzel. The secret to a delicious schnitzel is the crispy coating. In this gluten free recipe the coating is made with toasted chickpea breadcrumbs, adding fiber and protein to this plant-based recipe.

Gluten free Vegetarian Kung Pao Cauliflower with sauce on a plate

The KUNG PAO CAULIFLOWER recipe is all about cauliflower baked in a crispy light batter then tossed in the most flavourful kung pao sauce filled with veggies and topped with sesame seeds and green onions. This is a must try vegetarian cauliflower dish.

stacked apple cinnamon buckwheat pancakes on a plate

A comforting, healthy breakfast to treat you in the morning with these GLUTEN FREE APPLE CINNAMON BUCKWHEAT PANCAKES with a dose of nutrient packed buckwheat flour. Add some coconut flour a hint of fresh lemon juice and plenty of fresh, delicious apples and cinnamon.

moroccan vegetable stew with rice in a bowl

This MOROCCAN VEGETABLE STEW is all about healthy and delicious. This dish brings together all the flavours of rainbow colored vegetables and exotic Moroccan spices. The gluten free vegetarian recipe is cooked under 30 minutes using nutrient-rich fresh ingredients You will love it!

vegetarian recipe of creamy lentils topped with roasted squash in a bowl

Break out the Instant Pot for the easiest and tastiest CREAMY LENTILS WITH ROASTED SQUASH. Sometimes the bright beauty of a vegetarian dish with a party of flavours and textures is all you need. The Lentils are overflowing with Indian flavours and coconut milk creaminess. Only to be served with roasted squash

Ukrainian borscht in a bowl topped with sour cream a vegetarian recipe

Healthy VEGETARIAN UNKRAINIAN BORSCHT Vegetarian Ukrainian Borscht packed with flavour and healthiness. This hearty soup is a vegetarian version of the borscht recipe. This meal is all about vegetables such as cabbage, beets, chickpeas, carrots and tomatoes and served with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream.

roasted cauliflower steak on a plate with herbs, vegetarian recipe

This roasted CAULIFLOWER STEAK WITH CASHEW SAUCE is a hearty and healthful, vegetarian meal! It’s simply seasoned with salt and pepper and then roasted to perfection. The cashew sauce is creamy and flavorful without being overly heavy. Plus, it’s all made in a blender, so cleanup is a breeze.

butternut squash bisque in a bowl with half an orange on a plate

This BUTTERNUT SQUASH BISQUE is a creamy, warming soup. Seasoned with ginger, cinnamon, and a hint of curry brings out the warm squash flavour. This healthy bisque is also dairy-free, plant-based and diet-friendly.

a slice fo gluten free vegan blueberry tart on a plate

 

This GLUTEN FREE BLUEBERRY VANILLA TART is made without eggs or dairy. The dessert is all about bursting blueberries, flavoured with vanilla and nestled in a buttery crust.

sliced dutch oven caraway bread, gluten free

Hearty GLUTEN FREE CARAWAY BREAD recipe made in a Dutch oven has a perfect crust, tender crumb and a hint of caraway flavor. This tasty bread completes vegeterain soups and stews into meals, and also slices well for delicious plant-based sandwiches. 

overview of stuffed baked yams on a plate

This BAKED YAMS STUFFED WITH ROASTED SPICED VEGGIES is a vegetarian forward recipe with blended flavours, nutritionally packed and super easy to make. For a meatless dinner, these yams are exceptional! 

gluten free vegetarian Italian pasta salad with fresh tomatoes in a bowl

In this GLUTEN FREE VEGETARIAN ITALIAN PASTA SALAD the ingredients such as fresh basil, parsley, garlic, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, fresh lemon juice and bocconcini, make this a beautifully flavoured light pasta meal. Without question, this is one of our favourite pasta salad dishes. And no wonder, the entire dish is made with fresh ingredients. 

5 spice vegetarian rice side dish in a pan

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy way to spice up your rice, look no further than this gluten-free 5 SPICE RICE WITH RAISINS vegetarian recipe! This dish is packed with flavor, thanks to adding 5 different spices, fresh ginger and sweet raisins.

stack of potato pancakes topped with sourcream, a vegetarian recipe

Crispy gluten-free BAKED POTATO PANCAKES for breakfast or as a side to a hearty salad! Thinking about pancakes, but want something more savoury? This tasty, crispy, German-style potato dish is hard to resist.

overview of yam and sweet potato mash in a pot, vegetarian recipe

YAM AND SWEET POTATO MASH WITH COCONUT MILK. This vegan side dish is a healthy, creamy replacement for mashed potatoes. The yams and sweet potatoes are seasoned with fresh garlic, cumin and fresh lime juice.

Parsley Black Beans & Tomatoes Pasta, gluten free vegetarian recipe

A light, GLUTEN FREE AND VEGETARIAN PARSLEY, BLACK BEANS AND TOMATO PASTA dish not to be missed. This recipe is all about fast and easy dinner for hearty appetites. The best part, any day is a good day for a delicious pasta dinner.

slice of vegan apple streusel cake on a plate

This apple coffee cake is made without dairy, and eggs, and is one of the easiest GLUTEN FREE APPLE STREUSEL CAKE recipes! Moist with a perfect crumb, layered with flavorful apples, and covered with a sweet streusel topping. It’s the perfect dessert for every season.

double stuffed butternut squash, a vegetarian recipe

This 4 INGREDIENT DOUBLE STUFFED BUTTERNUT SQUASH dish is tasty, cheesy and super easy to make. The squash, combined with the gooey cheese filling, is outstanding, making this a simple vegetarian meal packed with plenty of deliciousness!

vegan scalloped potatoes in a pot with a spoon

The very best Instant Pot VEGAN SCALLOPED POTATOES recipe…EVER! Extra creamy, dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and so much healthier than traditional scalloped potatoes. But most importantly, they are perfectly cooked and oh so delicious! What’s especially great about this potato recipe, besides the perfect balance of creamy sauce, herbs, and tender potatoes, is you don’t have to pre-cook the sauce, and you don’t need an oven…YEY!

brussel sprout vegetarian salad with cranberries in a bowl

Healthy vegetarian SHREDDED BRUSSEL SPROUTS AND CRANBERRIES SALAD is a combination of  shredded brussel sprouts, napa cabbage, red onion, sweet cranberries, orange slices, fetta cheese and toasted almonds. All this goodness dressed in lightly sweetened tangy orange dressing with a hint of nutmeg. If you don’t have brussel sprouts, you can easily replace them with green or red shredded cabbage or thinly sliced kale.

spiced rice with tomatoes and peppers in a bowl

This vegetarian SPANISH RICE recipe is a healthy and delicious weeknight meal. It’s packed with flavor, bell peppers, mushrooms and tomatoes and can be made in under 30 minutes!

 

vegetarian coconut curry ramen in a bowl with chopsticks

In this easy VEGAN COCONUT CURRY RAMEN recipe, the broth is miso-based and is flavoured with onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric and curry paste. With added coconut milk, the broth is rich and creamy, and most importantly delicious!

a slice of gluten free vegan chocolate cake with icing on a plate

This GLUTEN FREE VEGAN CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH GANACHE FROSTING is a dessert for serious chocolate lovers.  Why not indulge yourself in this chocolate cake made without dairy and eggs. This dessert is so good that you will never even know that it is gluten free.

OVERVIEW OF grain-free VEGETARIAN lasagna in a casserole dish

This GRAIN FEE VEGETARIAN LASAGNA dish is gluten-free and keto-friendly. The best part, this creamy lasagna has the same robust Italian flavour and will satisfy your craving for Italian food every time. You won’t even miss the pasta!

overview of vegan korean noodles in a bowl with chopsticks

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy VEGETARIAN noodle dish, these GLUTEN FREE KOREAN NOODLES  are a must try recipe! This Korean meal is made with rainbow colored nutritious vegetables, a spicy Korean sauce and toasted sesame seeds, changing simple noodles into an extra tasty noodle dish.

3 GLUTEN FREE VEGETARIAN pizza, muffins on a plate

If you are tired of basic gluten-free muffin recipes, this savoury, GRAIN FREE VEGETARIAN PIZZA MUFFIN will become a hit! This delicious 10-ingredient muffin recipe is made using two types of cheese and without grains. And if you are watching your carbs, this muffin is also low-carb.

VEGETARIAN GINGERBREAD OVERNIGHT OATS WITH CHIA

This GINGERBREAD OVERNIGHT OATS WITH CHIA AND HEMP recipe is super easy to whip up, making it an easy grab-and-go breakfast or a healthy, energizing snack. This recipe is vegetarian and naturally gluten-free.

texas potato salad with eggs, pickels and herbs in a bowl

This TEXAS-STYLE POTATO SALAD is the creamiest, tastiest potato salad with eggs and a mayo-style dressing with mustard, red onions, pickles, and fresh parsley. To jazz up this vegetarian potato salad, some thinly sliced jalapenos. YUM!

vegetarian chickpea parsley soup in a bowl with lemon wedges

This IMMUNE BOOSTING CHICKPEA AND PARSLEY SOUP is excellent to fight off cold and flu season! It’s packed with nutrients and antioxidants that boost immunity, and it’s easy to make. And, vegetarian soups are a delicious way to get in your daily dose of fiber.

 

For more recipe ideas, check out our complete list of tantalizing GLUTEN FREE VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN RECIPES