Holidays can be tricky when you don't eat meat. If you're hosting a get-together and you're a vegetarian, it can be a challenge to come up with recipe ideas that will make your guests forget about the ham or turkey that's missing from their plates.
And if you're hosting someone who's a vegetarian, you might feel intimidated or confused about what ingredients your guest can eat. Holidays! Why do you have to be so stressful?!
This list should take at least some of the stress out of menu planning this Easter.
Because it's spring, we've focused on recipes made with seasonal ingredients and main dishes that are lighter than the cheesy casseroles we all indulge in over the winter holidays.
We've also included some vegan Easter desserts for good measure since nearly all desserts are vegetarian (as long as they don't have gelatin or marshmallows in them), but vegan desserts are a little bit trickier.
P.S. If you want to make things even easier this year, go snag a copy of my new Vegan Brunch Book. It's the perfect way to plan a delicious and simple Easter brunch!
We've rounded up all these vegetarian Easter recipes that everyone will love, whether they eat meat or not.
Vegetarian Main Dishes For Easter
Peppery mizuna, sweet peas, and crunchy radishes punctuate this easy springtime pasta. Can't find mizuna locally? Arugula will work too!
Crispy Quinoa Cakes with Roasted Red Pepper Cashew Cream
These Crispy Quinoa Cakes are a meatless main dish everyone will love! Inspired by Little Quinoa Patties from Heidi Swanson's
Lemony Asparagus Risotto
This creamy risotto is the perfect way to celebrate the spring asparagus season. A light, bright risotto with citrus notes that's refreshing, cozy, and nutritious all in one bowl.
Bean, Pesto, and Quinoa Cakes with Roasted Tomatoes
Delicious little cakes made with white beans, quinoa, zucchini, and pesto and topped with oven-roasted tomatoes.
Vegetable Tetrazzini
A vegetarian version of tetrazzini made with leeks, mushrooms, and asparagus.
Beet greens form the pesto base, and scarlet sliced beet roots join up with tangy goat cheese for the topping.
Farro Risotto with Wild Mushrooms and Asparagus
A hearty risotto made with farro, wild mushrooms, and roasted asparagus.
Photo Credit:www.deliciouseveryday.com
Spanish Vegan Paella
This vegan paella is bursting with flavor. Spanish rice is simmered in vegetable stock and wine, then combined with saffron, spanish spices, and delicious veggies.
Photo Credit:www.vegkitchen.com
Grilled Tofu Skewers
This recipe is made of Grilled tofu that is marinated and paired with vegetables. Serve up these tofu kebabs as a party appetizer for your Easter entertaining.
Photo Credit:www.karenskitchenstories.com
Potato Leek Pie
This Potato Leek Pie is really, really good. It's kind of like potatoes au gratin, but with a puff pastry crust and sautéed leeks.... and Gruyere cheese.
Photo Credit:greenevi.com
Creamy Wild Garlic Spring Pasta
Wild garlic spring pasta is fresh, creamy, ‘cheesy’ and garlicky at the same time, it’s full of the best spring tastes.
Photo Credit:cooknourishbliss.com
Skillet Spring Vegetable Brown Rice Casserole
Completely no fuss and made all in one pan, this skillet spring vegetable brown rice casserole is fantastic for your Easter meal!
Photo Credit:cravingsomethinghealthy.com
Rice Frittata with Caramelized Tomatoes Asparagus & Smoked Gouda
This rice frittata so much more of a complete meal – high fiber whole grains from the brown rice, lots of protein from the eggs, and let’s not forget the flavorful veggies!
Photo Credit:www.connoisseurusveg.com
Vegan Risotto Stuffed Peppers
Roasted red pepper halves are stuffed with a rich vegan risotto studded with bits of sun-dried tomatoes, asparagus, and creamied up with blended raw cashews.
Vegetarian Side Dishes For Easter
Artichoke Gratin
This artichoke gratin is perfect for Easter as a side dish or toss it with pasta to make it a hearty meal!
Asparagus and Peas with Miso Butter
The salt and heat of the miso butter help to bring out the inner sweetness of the veggies so that you get a mix of sweet and savory in every bite.
Carrot Fritters with Cumin-Lime Cashew Cream
These Carrot Fritters are a great appetizer for a dinner party—or a complete meal when served with a side salad and a glass of your favorite wine.
Fennel and Cabbage Slaw
Fennel and Cabbage Slaw is the perfect accompaniment to your springtime meals. It's full of vibrant spring vegetables with tasty dressing and funky fun sesame and poppy seeds. And no mayonnaise!
Green Beans with Lemon Parmesan Panko
Tender roasted green beans are tossed with fresh lemon juice, then topped with toasted panko, lemon zest, and grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect for your Easter menu!
An easy springtime side dish made with fresh asparagus, almonds, and lemon.
Grilled Artichokes with Roasted Garlic Olive Oil Dip
Roasted garlic and rosemary make these grilled artichokes shine. Bonus: No butter in sight! These artichokes and their dipping oil are double vegan all the way.
Roasted Broccoli with Meyer Lemon and Garlic
An easy side dish that combines broccoli with tart Meyer lemon slices and garlic.
Rosemary Roasted Carrots
These Rosemary Roasted Carrots are simple, healthy, and delicious. Fresh carrots are tossed with olive oil and rosemary, and roasted to perfection. Yum!
Sweet Onion Casserole
A hearty casserole made with brown rice, sweet onions, and smoked Swiss cheese.
Photo Credit:www.deliciouseveryday.com
Lemon & Dill Potato Salad
This healthy mayo-free lemon dill potato salad is fresh, full of flavor and perfect for those hot summer days!
Photo Credit:allshecooks.com
Greek Yogurt Flatbread
Greek Yogurt Flatbread is a homemade flatbread that is perfect to serve next to curry, use as a wrap, and more.
Photo Credit:www.primaverakitchen.com
Leek Kalamata Rice
Switch things up by adding some new ingredients to your traditional rice recipe and have this delicious Leek Kalamata Rice meal for your Easter meal!
Photo Credit:mjskitchen.com
Asparagus with Orange and Kalamata
Asparagus with orange and kalamata makes an excellent lunch or dinner salad as well as a dinner side for numerous entrees.
Photo Credit:www.floatingkitchen.net
Roasted Asparagus with Vegan Pistachio-Mint Pesto
This is my all-time favorite way to prepare asparagus. And I know you’re going to love it, too!
Photo Credit:stripedspatula.com
Braised Leeks with Dill Sauce
Buttery, sweet braised leeks meet a bright, mildly-tart dill-yogurt sauce. Great as a light vegetarian lunch or a side dish for broiled fish and meats.
Vegetarian Appetizers For Easter
Cucumber Mango Salsa
A sweet, refreshing salsa made with mangoes and cucumber. If you can find champagne mangoes, use those--they are delicious!
Socca with Sautéed Chard and Parmesan
This rustic chickpea flatbread makes a great appetizer, but it works as a main dish too.
Easy Baked Arancini
These risotto balls are great to freeze and save for an easy dinner later!
Vegetarian Apricot Crostini
A summery appetizer made with crusty French bread and sliced apricots. Feel free to substitute brie or farmer's cheese for the ricotta.
Basil and Sun-Dried Tomato Crackers
These Basil and Sun-Dried Tomato Crackers are delicious by themselves or with a little olive tapenade or cheese.
Basil White Bean Dip + Sandwich Spread
A flavorful dip or sandwich spread made with cannellini beans, basil, and garlic.
Edamame Hummus
This edamame hummus is made with creamy tahini, lemon juice and fresh herbs. It's even better than the kind Trader Joe's makes!
Thai Coconut Curry Hummus
A creamy homemade hummus bursting with sweet and spicy Thai flavors.
Photo Credit:allshecooks.com
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Fried Pickles
You'll want to eat his delicious appetizer recipe as an appetizer or as an accompaniment to other dishes, the delicious combination of tart dill pickles and crunchy crispy coating is always a crowd favorite.
Photo Credit:reluctantentertainer.com
Ricotta Lemon Basil Honey Bruschetta
Fresh and light, this Ricotta Lemon Basil Honey Bruschetta is a delicious, tasty appetizer with bright flavors of lemon, honey, and fresh basil.
Photo Credit:www.heynutritionlady.com
Curried Deviled Eggs
This recipe for Curried Deviled Eggs is made with yogurt, tomatoes, and a spicy curry blend. No mayo in sight! Perfect for snacks or appetizers, or for a potluck spread.
Photo Credit:greenevi.com
Carrot and Tahini Spread
Carrot and tahini spread is a very easy and tasty recipe, just cook carrots and blend together with tahini and spices. It’s a great starter and a wonderful dinner with a pita and some falafel.
Photo Credit:www.wellplated.com
Pea Crostini with Feta and Dill
If you are looking for a fabulous appetizer to add a little fancy to your springtime soiree, this spring pea crostini with feta and dill is the “ini” you need.
Vegetarian Breakfast & Brunch Recipes For Easter
Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread
This Vegan Blueberry Banana Bread is a super-moist, super-scrumptious dairy-free banana bread recipe, studded with fresh blueberries. Even if you're not vegan, you will love this delicious bread!
Vegetarian Biscuits and Gravy
A vegetarian spin on classic biscuits and gravy. Mushrooms and carrots replace the meat in the gravy, which is served over homemade rosemary biscuits.
Banana Strawberry Oatmeal Muffins
Breakfast muffins made with yogurt, oatmeal, whole wheat flour, and fruit. They have everything you need to start your day!
Vegan Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes
Diner-style pancakes made even more delicious with a cinnamon bun flair!
Eggs Benedict with Avocado and Roasted Red Pepper
Smoky roasted red peppers and buttery avocado stand in for the meat in this splurge-worthy vegetarian Eggs Benedict recipe.
Huevos Rancheros Enchiladas
Everything you love about huevos rancheros rolled up enchilada-style!
Mango Coconut Oatmeal Muffins
This Mango Coconut Oatmeal Muffins recipe makes filling muffins healthy enough to have for breakfast, but the sweet fruit makes it taste like a dessert!
Morning Glory Baked Oatmeal
With a mix of steel-cut and old-fashioned rolled oats, this baked oatmeal is a perfect make ahead breakfast to have on hand all week. Filled with orange zest, carrots, raisins, coconut and apple!
Southwestern-Style Quiche with Quinoa Crust
With eggs, cheese, quinoa and black beans, this Southwestern-inspired quiche is packed with protein.
Vegan Spiced Carrot Muffins
The perfect way to enjoy veggies for breakfast. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger complement the carrot in these hearty, satisfying vegan muffins.
Photo Credit:www.deliciouseveryday.com
Vegan Chocolate Banana Pancakes
These Vegan Chocolate Banana Pancakes are everything you want for breakfast! They’re fruity, filling, and absolutely scrumptious! Top them with your favorite fruits and vegan whipped topping, and breakfast is served.
Photo Credit:www.twopeasandtheirpod.com
Spinach Artichoke Egg Casserole
Spinach Artichoke Egg Casserole-this easy egg casserole with spinach, artichokes, and cheese is great for breakfast, brunch, or dinner!
Photo Credit:www.wellplated.com
Easy Quiche
I you want an easy quiche recipe with crust, this is the recipe for you.
Photo Credit:www.anediblemosaic.com
Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding (tastes just like a cinnamon bun!)
This Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding recipe tastes just like a cinnamon bun! It has a gooey cinnamon swirl lacing through custardy bread pudding, and is topped with a rich frosting. It’s the perfect holiday breakfast or special-occasion brunch!
Photo Credit:www.theworktop.com
Spelt Hot Cross Buns - Little buttery spice pillows
These spiced spelt hot cross buns are delicious served warm. Sultanas, dried currants and dried cranberries fill each of the soft buns. Be sure to allow time for these buns to rest and rise.
Photo Credit:foodbymars.com
Vegan Lemon-Banana Ricotta Pancakes w/ Dried Blueberry Compote
These pancakes are slightly fluffy on the outer edges, with a more dense middle that is scrumptious and it’s an easy end of week breakfast to make the most of your leftovers!
Photo Credit:picklesnhoney.com
Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
Easy vegan cinnamon rolls that are whole grain, lower glycemic, and irresistibly good! The smell alone is worth baking these.
Salads For Easter
Spring Berry Salad with Lemon Verbena Vinaigrette
A light salad made with a mix of fresh spring berries and a lemon verbena vinaigrette.
Cucumbers, chickpeas and fresh mint leaves tossed with a lemony tahini dressing.
Freekeh, Zucchini, and Pistachio Salad
A simple salad made with freekeh, fresh zucchini, and pistachios.
Greek Fattoush Salad
The best of both worlds! Two Mediterranean salads, Greek and fattoush, come together in this refreshing (and easy!) recipe.
Vegan Herbed French Lentil Salad
This Herbed French Lentil Salad is perfect for summertime picnics or potlucks.
Italian Salad with Crispy Herb Roasted Chickpeas
Crispy roasted chickpeas and a lemony vinaigrette make this simple Italian side salad something special.
An easy potato salad recipe using pesto, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Fresh mixed herbs and greens, sweet in-season strawberries, crunchy almonds and pepitas, and smoky coconut bacon -- all dressed with zingy black pepper vinaigrette. This salad is happiness on a plate!
Photo Credit:www.deliciouseveryday.com
Vegan Green Spring Salad with Quinoa and a Lemon Mustard Dressing
This gorgeous vibrantly green spring salad recipe is vegan and gluten-free and is the perfect way to celebrate the best of spring greens.
Photo Credit:www.twopeasandtheirpod.com
Spring Panzanella Salad
Spring Panzanella Salad-this panzanella salad is bursting with spring vegetables and is a great side dish to any meal.
Vegan Easter Desserts
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cheesecake-Stuffed Strawberries
A dessert you don't have to feel guilty about! Fresh strawberries filled with raw, vegan chocolate chip cheesecake.
Vegan Banana Cream Pie Mini Tarts
Creamy, bite-sized banana cream pies - made vegan!
Photo Credit:potluck.ohmyveggies.com
Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Icebox Cake
A quick and easy dessert that requires no cooking and is gluten-free as well as vegan.
Mint Chocolate Chip Dessert Bars
Creamy, minty vegan bars made with pistachios. Yes, pistachios!
Raw Strawberry Chocolate Dessert Pizza
Rich and decadent—plus raw and vegan too! Strawberries and chocolate join together in this gorgeous no-bake dessert pizza.
Photo Credit:www.vegkitchen.com
No-Bake Vegan Lemon Bars
These No-Bake Vegan Lemon Bars require just six ingredients. Whip up these bars for a weekday pick-me-up, school lunches, etc.
Photo Credit:www.deliciouseveryday.com
Vegan Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Take a short bit of time in the kitchen to make this decadent Vegan Pineapple Upside Down Cake. A tried and true recipe that’s sure to come out perfect every time.
Photo Credit:picklesnhoney.com
Vegan Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Easy Vegan Carrot Cake Cupcakes with a rich vegan cream cheese frosting, a light crumb, and lots of texture. These are cupcakes you'll want to make again and again.
Photo Credit:lightorangebean.com
Dairy-Free Mango Cheesecake
This mango cheesecake is made from soft tofu that has the silky smooth texture. It has a sweet and rich tropical flavor from a mango and coconut cream, and has a drizzle of homemade chocolate glaze.
Photo Credit:picklesnhoney.com
Gluten-Free & Vegan Lemon Bars
Vegan lemon bars that are perfectly tart, sweet, creamy and so easy to make! Just 8 ingredients, gluten-free, grain-free and refined sugar-free.
Photo Credit:wallflowerkitchen.com
Vegan Meringue Nests with Strawberries & Cream
You could get away with this being an Easter-themed dessert because of the whole nest aspect. But really, it’s good any time of year. Any time of day. Every day.
And if you're still searching for the perfect recipes, be sure to check out my new Vegan Brunch Book! It's the easiest way to plan the ultimate vegan friendly Easter Brunch.