Going keto and being serious about it is not for the faint of heart. It requires a lot of dedication and hard work. The ground rule of the keto diet is to consume high fat, moderate protein, and low carbs.
This can be a struggle for vegetarians since most of their food items are either rich in carbs or protein. Craving vegetables, especially starchy ones that are high in carbs, is not uncommon on the keto diet.
20 Keto Vegetarian Recipes
There’s a common misconception that vegetarians avoid any animal byproduct, but that’s simply not true. Vegetarianism is the practice of abstaining from products that result from the death of an animal.
So, while vegetarians do not eat meat, they may still consume other animal byproducts, like eggs and dairy. If you’re a vegetarian struggling to find recipes that suit your diet, we’ve got you covered.
We have compiled a list of keto vegetarian recipes that will help you in your journey to lose weight.
These recipes should fit right into your macros and will help you reach your goals.
1. Low-Carb Vegetarian Cream Cheese Pancakes
Whether you just started keto or you’re deep into your weight-loss journey, you’re going to love these low-carb vegetarian cream cheese pancakes.
This recipe from Hurry The Food Up is perfect for breakfast or brunch, and it’s also great for meal prep. You can make a batch of these pancakes on the weekend and then reheat them during the week for a quick and easy breakfast.
These pancakes are made with cream cheese, eggs, and butter. If you started to know the carb contents of various ingredients by heart already, you probably know that these ingredients are all low in carbs.
The net carbs per serving for these pancakes is only 3 grams. You can enjoy them with some sugar-free syrup or a dollop of whipped cream, depending on your tastes.
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Butter
- Cream Cheese
To learn how to make these incredible low-carb vegetarian cream cheese pancakes, make sure you don’t miss Hurry The Food Up’s recipe.
2. Vegetarian Keto Burritos
Burritos are generally made with rice, beans, and meat, so they’re something you can’t normally have if you’re following the keto diet. However, this vegetarian keto burrito recipe from Keto Diet App omits the rice and beans.
Instead, it uses cauliflower rice to mimic the texture and taste of a traditional burrito. Naturally, the dish is chock-full of other keto-friendly ingredients, not only cauliflower. The best part is that these substitutions are low in carbs, so you can enjoy your burrito without having to worry about derailing your diet.
Ingredients:
- Homemade keto tortillas (you can find the recipe on the burrito recipe page)
- Red pepper
- Yellow pepper
- Red onion
- Zucchini
- Diced pumpkin
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Kale
- Cauliflower
- Coconut oil
- Cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Lime juice
- Black pepper
- Salt
Before you say anything, you shouldn’t let the ingredient list concern you. The process of making these burritos is not as complicated as it seems. The hardest part will be waiting for them to come out of the oven.
3. Low Carb Breakfast Egg Muffins
Eggs are a staple of the keto diet. They’re high in protein and fat, and they’re also low in carbs. This makes them the perfect food to eat when you’re trying to lose weight. Well, if you’re cutting carbs, that is.
This recipe from Hurry The Food Up uses eggs to make these amazing breakfast muffins. These muffins are similar to mini quiches, and they’re perfect for on-the-go breakfasts.
What makes this recipe even more appealing is that it’s great for meal planning. If you’re short on time, you can prepare these egg muffins in bulk and enjoy them for several days.
Just make sure to store them properly to avoid them going bad.
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Bell pepper
- Spring onions
- Spinach
- Cheddar cheese
- Hot sauce
- Salt
This dish shouldn’t take you longer than 25 minutes to make, including prep time. It yields 3 servings, and each serving consists of 4 muffins, making it a perfect dish to share with your friends and family.
4. Keto Broccoli Salad
Most people scoff when they hear the word “salad.” Look, we get it. Salads are usually associated with dieting, and they’re not usually very tasty or satisfying meals. But this isn’t your typical salad where you’d throw a bunch of leaves in a bowl, drizzle some vinegar and call it a day.
This broccoli salad from The Girl Who Ate Everything is chock-full of flavors and nutrients, and it’s also low in carbs, which makes it an amazing fit for your keto journey.
The best part is that it only takes 10 minutes to make. That means you can enjoy a delicious and healthy salad without having to spend hours in the kitchen. Well, you will have to wait for about 3 hours for the salad to chill, but the cooking part is a walk in the park.
Ingredients:
- Fresh broccoli
- Red onion
- Sunflower or pumpkin seeds
- Mayonnaise
- Cheddar cheese
- Low-carb sweetener (Erythritol)
- Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper
The original recipe also includes bacon, which is beyond delicious, but we’ve omitted it from the list of ingredients to make this dish vegetarian-friendly. Check out The Girl Who Ate Everything for the full recipe including detailed instructions.
5. Keto Hash Browns
An Edible Mosaic serves us a lesson in vegetarian keto with this delicious and hearty dish. These hash browns are made with cauliflower rice, and they make an amazing breakfast or side dish.
To make it even more appealing, you can prepare this delicious dish in just about 30 minutes. Prepping the ingredients and utensils shouldn’t take you longer than 10 minutes, while the actual cooking part is roughly 20 minutes.
While hash browns are usually not keto-friendly and have a high carb count, this particular recipe keeps the carb count down by using cauliflower rice instead of regular potatoes. In fact, each serving yields an impressive 4 grams of net carbs.
Ingredients:
- Cauliflower rice
- Egg white
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Chives
- Olive oil spray
- Unsalted butter
- Yellow onion
- Garlic clove
- Scallion
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper
All you need to do is mix the ingredients in a bowl, shape them into patties, and cook them in a pan. Once they’re golden brown on both sides, they’re done. It’s that simple.
However, you should read the original recipe for the full instructions, so head over to An Edible Mosaic and check it out.
6. Keto Skillet Tomato Cheese Pasta
We don’t know about you, but this tomato cheese fettuccine keto vegetarian pasta skillet has definitely won our hearts. It’s a hearty dish that’s packed with flavors, and it makes an amazing main course. It’s low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free, making it an ideal meal for people with different dietary restrictions.
This recipe from Only Gluten-Free Recipes is not only tasty, but it’s also relatively easy to make. It should take you no longer than 40 minutes to whip up this delicious pasta dish, which is a blessing if you work long hours and have little to no time for cooking.
Last but not least this dish is very versatile, so feel free to add or omit any ingredients that you don’t like or can’t have.
Ingredients:
- Low carb pasta (the original recipe says shirataki fettuccine, but you could use any other type)
- Onion
- Extra virgin oil
- Garlic cloves
- Dried oregano
- Dried basil
- Bay leaves
- Red pepper flakes
- Pure tomato sauce
- Vegetable broth
- Grated zucchini with skin on
- Cubed light cream cheese
- Fresh basil
- Sea salt
As you can see, the low-carb pasta is probably the only ingredient that you might not have in your kitchen. However, it’s relatively easy to find in stores, or you could order it online. Check out Only Gluten-Free Recipes’ website where you’ll find extensive instructions on how to make this hearty and delicious pasta dish.
7. Italian-style Breakfast Egg Muffins
I don’t know a lot of people who would find it in them to pass on a good egg muffin. And these Italian-style breakfast egg muffins from Hurry The Food Up are nothing short of amazing. They’re flavorful, filling, and just plain delicious.
What’s more, they make an excellent on-the-go breakfast or snack, so they’re perfect for busy people who don’t have a lot of time to eat a proper meal.
These egg muffins are also very easy to make. All you need is a bit of advance planning so you can prep the ingredients the night before. Then, in the morning, all you have to do is mix everything together, pour it into a muffin tin, and bake.
Ingredients:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Feta cheese (the original recipe says low-fat, but also states you could use regular feta cheese)
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- Spring onions
- Eggs
- Olive oil
- Fresh basil
- Salt
Most people avoid foreign cuisine recipes because they seem daunting and complicated. However, judging merely by the simple list of ingredients, these Italian-style breakfast egg muffins are actually quite easy to make. So, don’t be afraid to give them a try.
8. Keto Vegan Mushroom and Spinach Spaghetti
A while back I was pretty riled up against meat and decided to take a break from it. So, I started experimenting with different vegan keto recipes and this is one of the best ones I’ve made so far.
This dish from Carb Manager is not only healthy and nutritious, but it’s also filling and satisfying. And even though it’s a vegan dish, it doesn’t lack flavor or texture. The mushrooms and spinach give it a nice earthy flavor, while the zucchini spaghetti provides the perfect amount of “chewiness.”
Ingredients:
- Zucchini
- Baby spinach
- Garlic
- Chestnut mushrooms
- Pine nuts
- Lemon peel or zest
- Nutritional yeast seasoning
- Olive oil
- Fresh basil
- Black pepper
- Sea salt
Some of the ingredients may sound a bit precise (they are), which could lead you to believe there’s not much wiggle room. The truth is you could easily find them in any health food store or online.
Alternatively, you could try substituting some of the ingredients. For instance, you could use regular mushrooms instead of chestnut mushrooms, or any other type of nut instead of pine nuts.
However, note that pine nuts offer a specific flavor that can’t be replicated by any other type of nut, so if you’re looking to create an authentic dish, it’s best to stick with pine nuts.
9. Zucchini Noodles With Pesto
If you’re relatively new to the keto diet, you’re probably wondering what all the fuss is about zucchini noodles. Well, they’re a great low-carb alternative to regular pasta noodles, and they taste just as good (if not better).
If you never tried zucchini noodles before, then this dish from Sweet As Honey should be a huge eye-opener for you. It will teach you the importance of not refusing something until you try it. And the pesto brings in a lot of flavors, making this dish even more delicious.
Ingredients:
- Zucchinis
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Sunflower seeds
- Fresh basil leaves
- Garlic cloves
- Shredded parmesan
- Unsweetened almond milk
- Salt
We’d love to tell you more about this dish, but we don’t want to spoil the surprise. So, go ahead and give it a try. You’ll be glad to learn that you can cook it in no time, without having to use any special kitchen gadgets.
And by the way, did you know all the cool kids now refer to the zucchini noodles as zoodles? Just a heads-up, so you don’t make a fool of yourself if you hear the word and have no idea what it means.
10. Low Carb Breakfast Casserole
Eggs, cream, cheese, and a blend of vegetables have gathered in this casserole to offer you the most delicious and nutritious breakfast imaginable.
This dish is perfect for when you want to indulge but also stick to your keto diet. It’s a complete meal that will give you all the energy and nutrients you need to power through your day.
However, as guilt-free as we make it sound, this casserole is actually quite indulgent. So, if you want to enjoy it without feeling guilty, we suggest you make it for special occasions only.
Or at least have some friends over so that you can share the calories.
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Cheese
- Heavy cream
- Olive oil
- Bell pepper
- Red onion
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Pepper
- Salt
Now look at that; do you see how uncomplicated this recipe is? You can easily make it even if you’re not a seasoned cook. And we promise you’ll love the results. Head over to The Live-in Kitchen to learn everything about this delicious recipe.
11. Keto Caprese Cauliflower Risotto
When we stumbled upon Keto Vegetarian Recipes‘ Caprese cauliflower risotto, we knew we were about to have our minds blown by a marvelous keto vegetarian recipe. I mean the name of the website kinda gave it away, so we went there with pretty high expectations.
And boy, were we not disappointed. The dish is as good as it sounds, and it’s also quite easy to make. So, if you’re in the mood for a delicious and healthy meal, this is the recipe you need.
Let’s set one thing straight: Keto Vegetarian Recipes know that rice is a no-go on a keto diet. But they also know that cauliflower is the perfect substitute. So, they used it to create this amazing risotto that’s just as good as the real thing (if not better).
Ingredients:
- Small onion
- Garlic cloves
- Olive oil
- Cauliflower rice
- Vegetable stock
- Cherry tomatoes
- Tomato puree
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Basil leaves
- Fresh mozzarella
- Salt
- Black pepper
We’re confident that if you try this recipe, you’ll fall in love with it. And we’re also confident that you’ll be able to make it without any issues. So, go ahead and give it a try; we guarantee you won’t regret it.
12. Keto Vegetarian Bolognese
Just when we were about to call it a day, Aussie Keto Queen comes in and saves the day with a delicious keto vegetarian Bolognese. We’re fully aware that Bolognese is usually made with beef. But we also know that the reason you landed here is that you’re looking for vegetarian keto recipes.
So, we’re happy to inform you that this recipe is just as good as the traditional Bolognese, if not better. Trust us when we say that you won’t even miss the beef. We surely didn’t, and we usually love it in various other dishes.
Ingredients:
- Cauliflower
- Eggplant
- Mushrooms
- Onion
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Red wine
- Tin tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Stock cube
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
A little tip: keep the list of ingredients at hand after you serve the Bolognese. You wouldn’t believe how many people we had to convince that this dish had absolutely no traces of meat.
Note that this dish is suitable for freezing, so you can make a big batch and have it ready whenever you’re in the mood for some deliciousness.
13. Vegetarian Low-carb Ratatouille
A lot of people think that ratatouille is a complicated dish to make. But they couldn’t be more wrong. Hey, just because the name is kinda hard to spell (we know it thanks to the popular movie). This dish is actually quite simple, and it doesn’t require any special skills or ingredients.
The only thing you need for this recipe is a bit of patience because the vegetables need to cook slowly so that they can absorb all the flavors. But other than that, this keto vegetarian recipe is a breeze to follow.
Ingredients:
- Eggplant
- Yellow squashes
- Red onion
- Orange bell pepper
- Red bell pepper
- Balsamic vinegar
- Dried thyme
- Fresh parsley
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper
As you can see, the ingredients list is quite short. And we’re sure you have most (if not all) of them in your kitchen right now, as we speak. So, there’s really no excuse not to give this recipe a try as soon as possible.
We recommend you follow Resolution Eats’ to a T if you want to get the best results. But feel free to experiment a bit and add/remove ingredients to suit your taste. Just make sure to check if your ingredients fit into your carb allotment for the day.
14. Crustless Tomato Pie
As keto dieters, we die a little inside whenever we hear pie. Long story short, most pies are a no-go on a keto diet because of the high carb content. But this recipe is different; it’s a crustless tomato pie that’s not only low in carbs but also super delicious.
Peel With Zeal has the perfect recipe for a keto-friendly tomato pie that will make your taste buds very happy. So, if you’re in the mood for something savory and tasty, give this recipe a try. We’d tell you that you won’t regret it, but it’s best if you just tried it for yourself.
Ingredients:
- Tomatoes
- Shredded sharp cheese (Monterey jack or cheddar)
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- Eggs
- Potato starch
- Scallions
- Fresh basil
- Garlic cloves
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Black pepper and kosher salt
If you never baked a pie before, you shouldn’t worry; this recipe is pretty straightforward, and even a beginner can make it without any issues. But if you’re still not sure, check out Peel With Zeal’s step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious dish.
You should have this delicious pie ready to eat in approximately one hour, so don’t waste any more time and get cooking!
15. Low-Carb Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Let me ask you one thing: do you know what you can do with merely six ingredients and five minutes of your time? A delicious keto, low-carb, vegetarian cauliflower mac and cheese that will have you licking your fingers and going for seconds (or thirds, we don’t judge).
This recipe is so simple and straightforward that even the most inexperienced cook can make it without any issues. So, if you’re in the mood for some cheesy goodness but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for you.
Ingredients:
- Cauliflower florets
- Unsalted butter
- Heavy cream
- Cheddar cheese
- Unsweetened almond milk (the recipe mentions that it’s okay to use any other type of milk)
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
Well, fine, you busted us, you need 8 ingredients, but I thought oil and seasoning don’t count. It’s not like you don’t always have a bunch in your pantry, so we’re not going to quibble over that.
This recipe comes from Wholesome Yum, and it’s one of the best things we’ve ever tried. So, if you want to learn how to make this mouthwatering dish, head on over to their website and follow their step-by-step guide.
You’ll be happy to know that this dish is ready in approximately 25 minutes, so you won’t have to wait long before you can start diggin in on it.
16. Cucumber Caprese Salad
This dish is the perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. If you’ve never had cucumber Caprese salad before, you’re in for a treat because it’s absolutely delicious.
The best part about this recipe is that it requires very little prep time; all you need to do is cut up the cucumbers, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese into bite-sized pieces and you’re good to go.
Of course, you can’t have a Caprese salad without some fresh basil leaves, so don’t forget to add those in as well. And last but not least, drizzle everything with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and you’re done.
Ingredients:
- Roma tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Red onion
- Fresh basil
- Pearl bocconcini cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
This recipe is brought to us by The Delicious Spoon, and it’s one of the best things we’ve ever eaten. You may think that we’ve spoiled all the details of the dish, but the recipe holds additional interesting facts, such as nutritional values and storage information.
So, if you want to learn how to make this amazing dish, head on over to their website and check out their step-by-step guide.
17. Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Peppers
That Low Carb Life brings us this fantastic recipe for spinach artichoke stuffed peppers that are sure to impress everyone at the dinner table.
These peppers are full of flavor, and they’re a great way to get your daily dose of veggies while still enjoying a delicious meal. Plus, they’re pretty easy to make, so you’ll be able to prepare them without spending hours on end in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- Bell peppers
- Baby spinach
- Artichoke hearts
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Cream cheese
- Minced garlic
- Salt and black pepper
- Mayonnaise
- Cooked shredded chicken
- Red pepper flakes
This recipe is user-friendly and easy to follow, but if you need some help, That Low Carb Life has a great step-by-step guide on their website.
Thanks to its versatility, you can also use this recipe to make vegetarian stuffed peppers by leaving out the chicken. So, if you have some vegetarians in your life, they’ll be able to enjoy this dish as well.
18. Broiled Italian Tomatoes with Garlic and Herbs
Fancy a side dish that could also fit as a main dish with the right accompaniments? Then you need to try this recipe for broiled Italian tomatoes with garlic and herbs.
It’s a simple dish that only requires a few ingredients, but it’s packed full of flavor. Plus, it comes together in just minutes, so you won’t have to spend hours toiling away in the kitchen.
As we’ve explained before, not all foreign cuisine dishes are difficult to make. This recipe from Flavour and Savour just goes to show that you don’t need a lot of ingredients or time to create something that’s truly delicious.
Ingredients:
- Ripe tomatoes
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Garlic cloves
- Mixed Italian herbs (Thyme, oregano, rosemary)
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper
As you can see, more than half of these ingredients are seasoning and spices. The only base ingredients are ripe tomatoes and garlic cloves. Of course, they would taste like regular roasted tomatoes without the olive oil, vinegar, and spices.
But with those simple additions, you have a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to please everyone at the table. So, if you’re looking for a side dish that will impress your guests, look no further than this recipe.
19. Creamy 5-minute Cucumber Salad Recipe
This cucumber salad from Hurry The Food Up only takes 5 minutes to make, but it’s so good that you’ll want to make it again and again. We’re not sure that you could “hurry the food up” any more than this.
This salad is super easy to make, and it only requires a few simple ingredients that most of you probably already have in your kitchens. It’s the perfect dish for a summer picnic or potluck because it’s cool, refreshing, and easy to transport. Plus, it’s low carb and keto-friendly, so everyone can enjoy it.
Ingredients:
- Cucumber
- Onion
- Cream
- White wine vinegar
- Sweetener (optional)
- Salt
- Fresh dill
You could probably skip the sweetener altogether. We’ve tried the recipe and it tastes absolutely great without any added sweetness.
If you want to make this dish ahead of time, we recommend making the dressing and chopping the cucumber and onion. Then, just mix everything together before you’re ready to serve.
Follow the simple instructions on the recipe’s page and you’ll have a delicious cucumber salad that’s ready in no time.
20. The Perfect 7-minute Omelette
Omelette is a classic. It’s definitely earned its place in our hearts and stomachs as one of the most popular breakfast foods. The most magical thing about omelette is that, to a certain degree, it’s exactly like pizza.
You can add whatever pops into your head, and as long as it’s cooked properly, it will be delicious. This recipe from Hurry The Food Up takes that concept and runs with it, creating a 7-minute omelette that’s perfect for those mornings when you’re short on time.
It’s easy on the budget, it’s light, it can be done in a ridiculously short amount of time, and it’s vegan, low-carb, and keto-friendly. So let me ask you this: what else could you possibly want from a recipe?
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Have we forgotten to mention that it’s only made from three ingredients? Well, that could’ve been a huge selling point, also, but we wanted to keep it a surprise.
All you need for this recipe are eggs, olive oil, and salt and pepper. That’s it! And the best part is that you can make it as simple or complex as you want.
If you want to add some veggies to the mix, go ahead. If you’re feeling fancy and want to add some cheese, by all means, do it. It’s your omelette, so make it exactly the way you want it.
FAQ
Can a vegetarian person do a keto diet?
Yes, a vegetarian person can do a keto diet. In fact, there are many delicious keto vegetarian recipes that you can enjoy. As we’ve tried to demonstrate in our guide, you don’t need meat to enjoy a delicious and healthy keto meal.
What veg is not allowed on keto?
There are no specific vegetables that are not allowed on the keto diet. However, we would recommend avoiding starchy vegetables such as potatoes and sweet potatoes, as they are high in carbs. The same goes for any other vegetable that falls in that category. Other than that, you can pretty much eat any vegetable you want, as long as you keep an eye on your macro balance.
How do vegetarians get into ketosis?
The same way a non-vegetarian does, but with a little extra effort. There are a few different ways that vegetarians can get into ketosis. One way is to simply follow a keto vegetarian diet plan. Another way is to eat mostly low-carb, high-fat foods and limit your carbohydrate intake to around 50 grams per day.
How do vegetarians get enough protein on keto diet?
Despite the common misconception that you can only find protein in meat, there are actually many delicious and nutritious sources of protein for vegetarians. Some good sources of vegetarian protein include beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, quinoa, and nuts. As long as you’re including a variety of these foods in your diet, you should have no problem getting enough protein.
Is plant-based keto possible?
Yes, plant-based keto is possible. In fact, many people find that they enjoy a plant-based keto diet more than a traditional keto diet. This is because a plant-based diet is usually easier to follow and more sustainable in the long term. Plus, there are many delicious plant-based keto recipes to enjoy.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many delicious keto vegetarian recipes that you can enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a simple breakfast recipe or a complex dinner dish, there’s something on this list for you.
Many mistakenly believe that you need meat to enjoy a healthy and delicious keto meal. However, as this guide has shown, that simply isn’t the case. There are many nutritious and delicious sources of protein for vegetarians. So if you’re looking for a delicious and healthy way to follow the keto diet, look no further than a vegetarian keto diet.
