17 Vegetarian Recipes for Meatless Mondays

In case you were wondering, Meatless Monday is not part of an agenda to create a vegetarian nation. It was actually introduced as a way to advocate one-day vegetarianism as a step to preventing illness associated with excessive meat consumption and to reduce our carbon footprint. In celebration of this eco-friendly movement, we've compiled some of our favorite meatless meals that you didn't even know you were missing out on.

Spaghetti Squash Pasta

You don’t need meat to make a good meal, and you don’t even need noodles to make a good pasta. This meat-free, gluten-free hack comes complete with not one, but three(!) sauce recipes to top the good stuff. (via Brit + Co)

Skinny Mediterranean Pasta Toss

The more colorful it is, the more delicious it is, right? This looks like a rainbow of yum. (via Skinny Mom)

Roasted Vegetable Orzo

Who said vegetarian options can’t be hefty? This orzo dish will leave you feeling perfectly full. (via 101 Cookbooks)

Chipotle Quinoa Sweet Potato Burgers

Our favorite root vegetable does it again in a burger that we won’t even bother waiting until next Monday to eat again. (via Made to Create)

Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant has a hearty texture when cooked, so we’re sure you won’t be missing the meat in this one. (via Cookin’ Canuck)

Peach Fried Rice

Light, fruity and oh-so healthy, this fried rice can be a go-to side for almost any meal. (via In Sonnet’s Kitchen)

Tortellini Primavera

This is restaurant-status pasta. You’ll have to convince people it’s not take-out. (via Thru the Bugs on My Windshield)

Black Bean Edamame Fried Brown Rice

So much protein! So much fiber! You’ll definitely earn some healthy points for this one. (via Noshtopia)

Herb Almond Risotto

The more herbs, the better. This recipe features sorrel, oregano, chives and mint! Plus, risotto is the perfect base to play around with flavor combinations. (via The Talking Kitchen)

Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Hold the phone. Shepherd’s Pie just went veggie, and boy does it taste good. (via One Ingredient Chef)

Mini Mushroom Burgers

By now it should be clear, that burgers are not reserved for the meat eaters of the world. In fact, nine out of 10 omnivores at Brit + Co said they rather sink their teeth into these ‘shrooms than into a hunk of beef. No lie. (via Brit + Co)

Garlicky Kale With Red Beans and Rice

Beans and rice can be done a million ways, and we really like this version. Bring on the kale! (via With Food and Love)

Moroccan Couscous

For lunch or dinner, this healthy dish makes Meatless Mondays look easy. (via Feisty Veggies)

Nectarine and Summer Fruit Salad

Fruit on salad isn’t news, but cherries on salad always intrigues us. This is real masterpiece of produce. (via Apple A Day)

Tuscan White Bean Pizza

This simple, elegant pie is a real showstopper for dinner parties. (via Oakland Veg)

Roasted Veg Tacos With Avocado Cream and Feta

These tortillas are filled to the brim with so much veggie goodness. (via Naturally Ella)

Noodleless Veggie Lasagna

Don’t let a gluten allergy keep you from foregoing the meat. This healthy hack skips the noodles by making good use of zucchini and summer squash. (via Brit + Co)