22 Vegetarian Spanish Recipes
Love Mediterranean flavors? This mix of authentic and fusion Spanish vegetarian recipes will hit the spot! Spanish cuisine has so much to offer a vegetarian diet: amazing cheeses, beans, olives, delicious fresh bread, and lots of sun kissed vegetables. Whether we are recreating an authentic tapas dish, or simply using Spanish ingredients to put a twist on some of our favorite recipes, this is a cuisine you will want to get to know better this summer.
Spanish cuisine will never be famed for being the most vegetarian friendly, but I am here to tell you that there are plenty of meatless delights on offer to vegetarians and vegans!
Having been to Spain a few times, I can assure you that I can and will eat patatas bravas daily, and that it pained me to walk away from a country where it is socially acceptable – encouraged, even! – to top tomato bread with alioli.
Yes, Spanish cuisine speaks to me.
It’s even easier to eat vegetarian Spanish food when you’re cooking at home and can make some very simple substitutions to ensure that you’re using vegetable broth, etc.
And, let’s face it, home is probably where you’re at right now because it’s May 2020 and no one is on vacation. In fact, you might be mourning the loss of your summer vacation, and looking for ways to bring some novelty and escapism to your mealtimes at home.
So let’s do this! Here are 22 Spanish recipes that are totally vegetarian and do-able at home. This is everything you need to plan a tapas spread for your family, find some new ways to bulk cook rice and grains, and use some Spanish ingredients in new and different ways.
22 Vegetarian Spanish Recipes
- Love Mediterranean flavors? This mix of authentic and fusion Spanish vegetarian recipes will hit the spot! Spanish cuisine has so much to offer a vegetarian diet: amazing cheeses, beans, olives, delicious fresh bread, and lots of sun kissed vegetables. Whether we are recreating an authentic tapas dish, or simply using Spanish ingredients to put a twist on some of our favorite recipes, this is a cuisine you will want to get to know better this summer.
Traditional Tapas Delights
Tapas is the quintessential Spanish experience. Grazing on lots of small platters, glass of wine in hand, is a truly lovely way to eat. These vegetarian tapas treats are proof that Spanish cuisine isn't all about the meat.
Patatas Bravas with Smoky Romesco Sauce and Garlic Aioli
Kicking off with our all time favorite tapas dish here at HVK!
From Rachel Hartley Nutrition.
A traditional tapas dish of fried or roasted potatoes tossed or drizzled with a spicy tomato sauce and aioli.
Leek Croquettes
From Christina's Cucina.
These Spanish leek croquettes are perfect for a tapas menu. They’re easier to make than you would imagine and you won’t believe how incredibly delicious they are!
Espinacas Con Garbanzos
From Amber at The Bean Bites.
This recipe for Spanish spinach and chickpeas tapas is a fairly traditional recipe for espinacas con garbanzos. This vegan chickpea recipe can be served as a main course or as part of a Spanish tapas spread!
Spanish Tortilla
From Chrysa at Thrifty jinxy
No tapas dish would be complete without some tortilla. Chrysa's recipe is foolproof and easy to customize.
Pimientos de Padron
From Michelle at Greedy Gourmet.
Pimientos de Padron is sure to be found on the menu on just about every single tapas bar. However, it is actually very simple to make, so if you are longing for a bit of holiday atmosphere at home, this is an effective shortcut.
Pan Fried Spanish Cauliflower Tapas
From Annemarie at Just a Little Bit of Bacon.
A light coating of breadcrumbs makes this Spanish cauliflower tapas crispy without weighing it down. Also, since it can be fried a few hours ahead and then crisped up again in the oven, it makes a a great, low-stress appetizer for your next get-together.
Catalan Tomato Bread
From Ayngelina at Bacon is Magic.
Like all great food pa amb tomaquet is about simplicity and feeding a family on a pauper’s budget. Just four ingredients: one loaf of day old bread, garlic, good olive oil, salt and tomatoes.
Ajillo Mushrooms and Asparagus
From Nava at The Vegan Atlas.
This simple combination of mushrooms and asparagus was inspired by the popular Spanish tapas (appetizer) dish, champiñones al ajillo.
Ensaladilla Rusa
From Dassana at Veg Recipes of India.
An easy and simple Spanish vegetarian salad. This is a quick recipe you can make when you have a hankering for veggies and want to make something quick, yet nutritious and healthy. The salad can be served with any bread of your choice.
Catalan coca
From Caroline's Cooking.
There may not be tomatoes or cheese, but this Catalan coca (Spanish pizza) is one tasty slice.
Spanish Rice, Soups & Stews
If tapas is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Spanish recipes, paella is probably a close second! If small bites aren't what you're looking for, consider a bowl of perfectly flavored rice or beans.
Vegan Paella
From Nicole at Delicious Everyday.
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. Visit Nicole's blog for a recipe + some history and top tips for paella making.
Spanish White Beans Stew
From Amber at The Bean Bites.
This super easy to make vegetarian Spanish white beans stew makes a filling main course or a great side dish. Or it makes a great addition to an evening of Spanish tapas.
Spanish Rice and Beans with Pimiento Olives
From Nava at The Vegan Atlas.
- Spanish rice and beans is one of those dishes that’s open to interpretation and doesn’t strictly belong to any tradition. This vegan version is a great choice when you want something easy and hearty.
Watermelon Gazpacho Soup
From Emese and Nandi at My Pure Plants.
The original gazpacho soup is a traditional Spanish dish. It is a no-cook cold soup focusing on the fresh sweet taste of ripe tomatoes. This fun twist adds watermelon for extra cooling factor.
Spanish Sauces
For dipping, spreading, pouring and drizzling. Give a little Spanish twist to any meal with these delicious sauces!
Quick and Easy Romesco Sauce
From Aleksandra at Everyday Delicious.
Romesco sauce is a Spanish sauce made from tomatoes, peppers, nuts, vinegar, and olive oil. It’s commonly served as a dipping sauce for vegetables.
Mojo Verde: Canarian Green Sauce
From Elena at Happy Kitchen Rocks.
Canarian Green Sauce made of cilantro, garlic, olive oil and cumin is perfect for roasted vegetables and bread and takes just 5 minutes to make.
Fusion Fun with Spanish Ingredients
Spanish ingredients such as smoked paprika can be used in so many fun and different ways. These dishes are not authentic, but they bring a little Spanish flair to other cuisines.
Smoked Paprika & Garlic Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
These smoky, garlicky, cheesy mashed potatoes are irresistible! Smoked paprika and potatoes are a perfect pair, and in this recipe they make the most incredibly flavorful mash. Let this dish steal the show at your dinner table!
Asparagus Carbonara with White Wine & Manchego
A vegetarian pasta carbonara recipe that really packs in the flavor. The manchego cheese and white wine sauce is creamy and decadent, and beautifully coats the roasted asparagus and garlic. With so much good stuff packed in every bite, no one will mind that it's meatless! It comes together in half an hour for an easy veggie pasta dinner.
Smoky Tomato & Halloumi Bake
Halloumi and white beans baked in a rich, smoky, Spanish inspired tomato sauce! This is a simple but stunning one pot vegetarian meal that is on the table in just 30 minutes. With lots of different serving suggestions, you will never tire of making this amazing halloumi bake for dinner.
PASTA & PEAS + RED PEPPER ROMESCO SAUCE
From Julie at The Simple Veganista.
This romesco sauce with pasta and peas is the best! This easy romesco recipe is made with accessible ingredients, oil free, and ready in only 20 minutes!
Shakshuka Spanish Style with Manchego Cheese
From Ingrid at The Cozy Apron.
When you’re in the mood for a spicy, robust and savory egg dish that’s not only perfect for breakfast, whip up this simple Shakshuka Spanish Style for any meal—it’s packed with spices, peppers, onions, and a sprinkle of manchego cheese.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese - Spanish-Style
From Ann at Our Happy Mess.
This savory and sweet baked macaroni and cheese is like a main course version of the best cheese board ever. A little bit gourmet but still family-friendly, this will take your mac and cheese game to the next level.
What a great roundup of veggie Spanish recipes! I know I’m always looking for tapas without any meat so this a good resource. Pinning!