25 Easy Vegetarian Keto Recipes for Vegetarian Ketosis
And here we are! We’ve spent ages scouring the web, testing, tasting, and testing again – and we’ve come up with only the BEST VEGETARIAN KETO RECIPES!
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To even be considered for this list of veggie exclusives, recipes have got to be quick, tasty and naturally vegetarian, and suitable for the ketogenic diet.
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Recipes for the vegetarian keto diet
As you know peeps on a keto diet have to be picky with their recipes to make it all work. Here are the requirements that all of the recipes in this list fulfill:
- each meal contains max 10 grams of carbs
- quick and healthy (max prep/cook time of 40 mins, total)
- simple ingredients/staples
- keeps well for a couple of days
So without any further ado, here are our favorite vegetarian keto ideas!
We’ve also taken the time out to sort these tasty recipes into the classic breakfast, lunch and dinner categories. Scroll down to see!
Breakfast
1. Low Carb Cream Cheese Pancakes
Carbs: 2.7g
Bonus: very easy, quick and super-tasty 🙂
The 2 ingredient Low Carb Cream Cheese Pancakes. Just mix eggs and cream cheese to get delicious low carb, high taste pancakes. Ready in 10 minutes.
2. Low Carb Breakfast Egg Muffins
Carbs: 4g
Bonus: quick and nutritious breakfast, very delicious!
Simple recipe, great taste, with bell pepper adding a delightful crunch. Low carb and high in protein. Perfect as a full meal or filling snack.
3. Keto Hash Browns
Protein: 7g
Carbs: 5g
Calories: 106kcal
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: AnEdibleMosaic
Bonus: low carb, gluten-free
Leftover cauliflower rice comes alive in these hash browns that are crunchy, savoury with spices and cheese, and perfect paired with eggs. Make a big batch and freeze for use later.
4. Italian-style Breakfast Egg Muffins
Carbs: 6g
Recipe by: HurrytheFoodUp
Bonus: tastes like holiday!
Fresh basil, salty feta, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and sweet cherry tomatoes: that’s the beautiful combo that gives these breakfast egg muffins the name ‘Italian Style’.
5. Asparagus & Goat’s Cheese Casserole
Protein: 16g
Carbs: 6g
Calories: 212 kcal
Ready in: 65 minutes
Recipe by: KalynsKitchen
Bonus: perfect for Sunday brunch
A wonderful medley of asparagus, mushrooms, and goat’s cheese, this makes a sumptuous and filling breakfast or brunch option. Full of keto vegetables. Serve it for lunch by making one of the salads in this collection to go with.
6. Low-carb Breakfast Casserole
Protein: 13g
Carbs: 4g
Calories: 209 kcal
Ready in: 60 minutes
Recipe by: TheLiveinKitchen
Bonus: easy make-ahead recipe, gluten-free
This is the perfect recipe to prep ahead for a weekend brunch to serve a crowd, or cook it up on Sunday, pop the slices in the freezer, and enjoy a no-fuss savory breakfast all week long. Made with eggs, cheese, cream, and a variety of veggies.
Lunch
7. Keto Caprese Cauliflower Risotto
Protein: 11g
Carbs: 8g
Calories: 207kcal
Ready in: 40 minutes
Recipe by: KetoVegetarianRecipes
Bonus: gluten-free and oil-free
Caprese salad meets risotto in this medley of cherry tomatoes, basil and mozzarella, in this keto-friendly Caprese Cauliflower Raisotto. Good for a weekend lunch or as a dinner option too.
8. Ratatouille Salad
Protein: 7g
Carbs: 2g
Calories: 108kcal
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: ResolutionEats
Bonus: paleo, vegan, grain-free, gluten-free
The hearty French stew, re-imagined as a salad! This recipe for low-carb ratatouille is a delicious blend of roasted eggplant, onions, yellow squash, and red bell peppers. Delicious served warm or cold, ideal for a packed lunch.
9. Crustless Tomato Pie
Protein: 10g
Carbs: 7g
Calories: 236kcal
Ready in: 60 minutes
Recipe by: PeelwithZeal
Bonus: gluten-free, lunch-box friendly
A new low-carb take on a Southern tradition, this crustless tomato pie recipe is naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly. Using fresh tomatoes, this classic southern tomato pie is full of flavor and perfect for weekend brunch or as a dinner side dish.
10. Vegan Seitan ‘Donor’ Kebab
Protein: 21g
Carbs: 8g
Calories: 123kcal
Ready in: 75 minutes
Recipe by: MyPlantifulCooking
Bonus: high in protein, can be frozen
This vegan seitan doner kebab is the meatless version of the classic Turkish ones. It is juicy, meaty, and packed with tons of flavor. This versatile dish is simple, fuss-free, and full of plant protein! Make ahead and serve it in a pita with fresh salad vegetables for a yummy packed lunch!
11. Cucumber Caprese Salad
Protein: 4.1g
Carbs: 4.7g
Calories: 103kcal
Ready in: 10 minutes
Recipe by: TheDeliciousSpoon
Bonus: fresh, light and summery!
A popular Italian salad brimming with garden veggies, sweet basil, and pearls of bocconcini cheese! Perfect for a light lunch or even as a dinner party appetizer.
12. Broiled Italian Tomato With Herbs
Protein: 2g
Carbs: 10g
Calories: 109kcal
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: FlavourandSavour
Bonus: gluten-free and vegan
Cooked quickly under the broiler, and then drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar, these Broiled Italian Tomatoes are full of the flavors of sunny Tuscany. A good recipe for summer garden tomatoes and it also elevates lacklustre winter tomatoes, too! Perfect for a light lunch or as an appetizer.
13. Grandma’s Creamy Cucumber Salad
Carbs: 4g
Bonus: light, easy, quick, and yummy 🙂
This classic creamy cucumber salad has been passed down for good reason – it’s incredible! It’s also simple and quick, just the way it should be.
Dinner
14. Spinach and Cheese Pie
Carbs: 7g
Bonus: healthy and delicious, full of health benefits, can be stored for a while in the fridge
This low-carb pie that’s keto-friendly is incredibly tasty – and the best thing – it takes only five minutes to prep! Seriously! In this writer/eater’s humble opinion, it’s probably the best vegetarian keto recipe out there. Try it right away! 🙂
Ingredients
- 8.8 oz spinach (8.8 oz = 250g) (if frozen, let defrost)
- 5 eggs
- 1.5 cup cheddar cheese (1 cup = 125g)
- 2 tomatoes
- ½ tsp garlic powder (or garlic salt)
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp basil, fresh (dried is also fine)
- 1 tbsp oregano (dried is also fine)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the tray)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/390°F.
- Beat the eggs in a large bowl.
- Add the garlic, nutmeg, onion powder, salt and pepper.
- Grate the cheese.
- Give it all a stir then mix in the spinach and cheese.
- Make sure everything is thoroughly coated in egg and spice mix.
- Pour into a 9 inch pie tin (grease with a little oil first), spread it evenly and get it in the oven!
- Slice the tomatoes.
- After about 20 minutes of cooking, take out the pie and layer the tomatoes on top.
- Cook for another 15-20 mins.
- When ready, sprinkle on the basil, oregano and a little more salt and pepper.
- Done! Serve, and enjoy.
NOTES
Nutrition
15. The Perfect Omelette
Carbs: 1g
Bonus: mega quick, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Just eggs in this deliciously simple and perfect natural omelette. Omelettes the way they should be. Vegetarian, healthy, and ready in 7 minutes.
16. Hatch Chile Rellenos Casserole
Protein: 16g
Carbs: 7g
Calories: 303kcal
Ready in: 1 hour 15 minutes
Recipe by: WhatAGirlEats
Bonus: Mexican, party entree
This low-carb Hatch Chile Rellenos Casserole has all the flavor of regular chile Rellenos, but without the breading and frying. Try with poblanos, pasillas, or Anaheim chiles, if you cannot get your hands on authentic Hatch chiles.
17. Grilled Whole Cauliflower
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 8g
Calories: 83kcal
Ready in: 1 hour 30 minutes
Recipe by: EasyIndianCookbook
Bonus: perfect party showstopper
Whole roasted cauliflower with Indian spices is a vegetarian centerpiece that is great for parties, gatherings, and family meals (more veggie keto Indian recipes this way). Made using Tandoori masala as the main spice, the cauliflower is cooked to perfection and is tender inside and crisp outside.
18. Baked Feta Palmini Noodles
Protein: 10g
Carbs: 9g
Calories: 242kcal
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: LowCarbNoCarb
Bonus: low carb, grain-free and gluten-free
Cherry tomatoes, garlic, and feta sing in this dish made with low-carb, plant-based noodles made from Hearts of Palm. So good you won’t even realize they are not “real” pasta!
19. Eggplant Rollatini with Spinach Filling
Protein: 12g
Carbs: 9g
Calories: 212kcal
Ready in: 30 minutes (plus 20 mins of prep)
Recipe by: LowCarbSpark
Bonus: Perfect comfort food
Melt-in-your-mouth eggplant rolls that are packed with flavor, the rollatini is stuffed with a creamy Italian-inspired cheese and spinach mixture. Even if you normally steer clear of eggplant, this will make you change your mind about the purple vegetable!
20. Best Crispy Cabbage Steaks
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 3g
Calories: 82kcal
Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: TheBellyRulestheMind
Bonus: air-fryer-friendly recipe
Delicately spiced, perfectly seared on the outside and tender on the inside, these are the best cabbage ‘steaks’ ever! A healthier alternative to heavier entrees!
Appetizer
21. Roast Brussel Sprouts
Protein: 3.1g
Carbs: 7.1g
Calories: 46kcal
Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: TheFlavorBells
Bonus: Works just as well in a regular oven
Crispy from the outside and tender from the inside, this is Brussel Sprouts at their finest. Use your favorite spice to add the jazz to this super healthy and delicious veg.
22. Avocado Deviled Eggs
Carbs: 3g
Bonus: quick and easy, full of proteins, vitamins, and healthy fats
Our secret to the best stuffed eggs recipe is in creating low-calorie deviled eggs with paprika, chives, garlic powder, lemon juice, and of course avocado! Shhh, don’t tell anyone!
23. Cloud bread with Greek Yogurt
Protein: 7.4g
Carbs: 1.6g
Calories: 83kcal
Ready in: 40 minutes
Recipe by: SummeryYule
Bonus: light, airy, and just 3 ingredients!
Grain-free, high-protein “bread” is typically made with eggs, cream cheese, cream of tartar, and spices of your choosing. If you have tried to make meringues (and/or cloud bread) before, with 100% failure, this recipe comes with a secret to ensure success!
24. Stuffed Mushrooms
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 3g
Calories: 97kcal
Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: LowCarbSpark
Bonus: easy recipe, perfect for parties and for snacking!
These mushrooms are stuffed with a delicious combination of cheese, cream cheese, onion, garlic, and spices, making them a fantastic appetizer for any occasion. This is a great and delicious way to cook some big mushrooms that are easy to make and always a crowd favorite!
25. Cauliflower Potato Salad
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 4g
Calories: 136kcal
Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: AnEdibleMosaic
Bonus: perfect for picnics!
This Cauliflower Potato Salad recipe (aka mock potato salad) has a creamy mayo-based dressing with a touch of Dijon, dill, and a few spices. It’s every bit as delicious as regular potato salad, but with just 3g net carbs per serving!
Vegetarian Keto FAQ
Since the keto diet requires a bit of knowledge, I put together a small FAQ revolving around the vegetarian side things.
So is vegetarian ketosis a real thing?
Sure it is! Generally, those on the ketogenic diet try to consume no more than 20g-50g of carbs per day. Or 15g-30g net carbs. Net carbs means: Total Carbs – Fiber – Sugar Alcohols.
The same rules apply to vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
Can vegetarians get into ketosis?
Usually, after a couple of days – or sometimes up to three or four days of consuming no more than 20g-50g carbs a day – you’ll enter ‘ketosis’.
This is when the body starts to break down fat and protein for energy – as it suddenly has no (or few) carbs to use, as it normally would.
Can you be keto and vegetarian at the same time?
So, yes, is the answer. It can be a little trickier using only vegetarian recipes as keto often leans heavily on meat and fish. But it’s certainly still possible on the vegetarian diet!
Keto diets have been shown to be quite effective for short-term weight-loss and may help prevent cancer and heart disease, though more research is needed.
However – it is not always easy to maintain – especially for vegetarians.
The same goes for the vegan diet. It can be done with vegan recipes, but it is a little trickier.
Why do keto?
One of the most common reasons to do keto is for weight loss. It has also been suggested that keto diets help with epilepsy, and there are many studies investigating this.
We would always advise speaking to a doctor before embarking on any type of new diet or lifestyle.
If weight loss a vegetarian is something you are interested in, we suggest you check out our free 7-day vegetarian weight loss meal plan.
What are the best keto-low-carb foods?
- Cauliflower
- Eggplant / Zucchini (you can make great zucchini noodles from these!)
- Kale
- Spinach
- Other leafy greens
- Mushrooms
- Green beans
- Berries
- Olives
- Cheese (both cottage and hard cheese like parmesan cheese)
- Full-fat yogurt (and many other dairy products)
- Eggs
- Many nuts (especially pecan, Brazil, macadamia and hazelnuts)
- Many seeds (like chia, flax, hemp and sesame)
- Nut butters like peanut, sunflower seed or almond butter (without added sugar)
As you can see, there are many to pick from! Many of the best tasty vegetarian keto recipes include ingredients from the list above.
You can also use more processed goods like ‘keto bread’ or low-carb pasta like shirataki noodles.
Essentially the ketogenic diet is a very low-carb diet and so will always feature low-carb recipes from keto breakfast to lunch to main course and dinner then dessert!
Healthy fats play an important role too, so many of these recipes feature those.
Alrighty, this brings up to the end of our Top 25 Vegetarian Keto Ideas, we hope you enjoy them! We selected them to be easy, quick and low-carb recipes.
Are you looking for more weight-loss recipes? We have a whole load right over here as well. They’re not all keto, but they’re all delicious. Have a browse!
This article has been medically reviewed by James LeBaigue MSc Learn More
James LeBaigue MSc
James has a Masters Degree in Sport and Exercise Nutrition, as well as an Advanced Diploma in Human Nutrition.
He loves combining his scientific knowledge along with food in the real world, and these recipes are the result.
He’s on top of all the latest evidence and guidelines to make sure our nutrition advice on the website is as accurate as it can be.
By day he works as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner in a busy NHS GP Practice.
Each recipe is tested and then eaten (much to James’ delight), many times before it is deemed worthy to be published. Bon appetit!
Comments
Leave a comment below
13 comments
Hi there,
Eggs in a dish is not vegetarian.
Seems to be a definition issue. In Europe/US/Australian area eggs are considered vegetarian. In India not.
Since when are eggs a vegetable?
Since never 😉
Where did we write it? Thanks for the pointer!
Great recipe ideas thank you. I recently signed up for a vegetarian keto meal plan ideas and it was pretty much eggs all day
Haha yes, it is a bit on the tricky side. And eggs definitely make their way in there frequently. Glad you like some fresh ideas, Jen!
I made the Three Cheese Melanzane Parmigiana and it was absolutely delicious. I scaled it down a quite a lot but it still fed two of us for 2 days, with a side salad, with a bit left for lunch on day 3! I’ll definitely make this again soon. Although I eat a bit of fish now and then, I don’t eat any meat and thought I would never be able to do Keto – but recipes like this really make it easy.
I love these ideas, I am kept but going to try vegetarian keto. thanks for these. I do wish one time I would see a post any post these days without a negative remark smh.. thanks again.
Really glad you find our collection helpful, Kelli! Enjoy 🙂
Really liked the vegetarian option here,so hard to find what to cook these days…I am glad I’ve got u…
Thanks Roopa! I’m glad we can inspire you 🙂
Pretty impressed by the variety of recipes although calling one an “omelette” when it’s just beaten egg and no filling was a stretch of the imagination!
Hey Jackie, glad you like the recipes! Haha I see your point, but I’d say it’s definitely an omelette as you don’t stir the eggs when cooking (unlike scrambled eggs), and you fold it over to serve (which makes it an omelette). Of course low-carb fillings can (maybe even should) be added – I think I’d start with spinach and cheese 🙂