Our 21 Most Popular Meatless Recipes from 2020

“Eating healthier” sits atop many peoples’ to-do-list, and there’s no easier way to clean up your eating habits than by adding more fruits, vegetables, and plants to your weekly menu. 

Meatless Monday has always been committed to providing delicious and exciting recipes that are also good for you. There’s no need to “diet” or “count calories” when you’re eating a collection of whole foods.

That’s why we wanted to start the year with a roundup of our most popular Meatless Monday recipes. We checked the data and ranked the recipes based on which ones were viewed the most. Will Jamaican jerk tofu take the top spot again, or will it be dethroned by mushroom pie, veggie meatballs, or carrot cauliflower stew? Read on to find out. 

WARNING: You may get hungry. 

21. Cauliflower Buffalo Wing Bites

Capture the spicy kick of Buffalo wings without the bones (and the chicken). This super simple recipe for cauliflower Buffalo wings is a definite crowd pleaser. No need to wait for gameday, whip up a batch this Monday.

20. Meaty Mushroom Stew

This meaty mushroom stew with garlic mashed potatoes, is as hearty and unctuous as any beef dish. By using mushrooms (cremini and shitake), soy sauce, and tomato paste, you can recreate that savory, umami flavor that you crave from a cold-weather stew.

19. Thai Fresh Spring Rolls With Peanut Dipping Sauce 

The perfect appetizer, these Thai spring rolls with peanut dipping sauce will start your Meatless Monday meal off right. Using fresh herbs like spearmint and cilantro adds a brightness that goes nicely with the subtle taste of tofu. 

18. Pumpkin Chickpea Fritters

Chickpeas are packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, including iron. These yummy pumpkin chickpea fritters are everything: crispy, savory, and just the right amount of sweet. The combination of seasonings and ingredients makes these fritters the perfect holiday appetizer.

17. One-pot Enchilada Bowl

Who doesn’t love one-pot cooking? Making these one-pot enchilada bowls is a breeze, and it can be a fun way to get kids involved in the kitchen. And don’t worry about leftovers; this meal can easily be reheated for lunch the next day. 

16. Classic Tofu Loaf 

A vegan twist on a classic comfort food, this recipe for tofu loaf captures the homey feel of meatloaf without the ground beef. Tofu, oats, and lentils recreate the texture of meatloaf, while ketchup, barbecue sauce, and Dijon mimic its traditional tangy flavor. 

15. Cherry Tomato Pesto Penne

Add this cherry tomato pesto penne to your weeknight dinner menu for a no-fuss meal that’s clean, quick, and delicious. All you need is your favorite jar of pesto, some fresh basil, and a handful of fresh cherry tomatoes—Dinner is served! 

14. Bell Pepper Breakfast Burritos

You won’t miss eggs once you take a bite of this bell pepper breakfast burrito. Quickly cook some bell peppers, mushrooms, and tofu with garlic powder, turmeric, agave syrup and apple cider vinegar, and top with spinach and dairy-free pepper jack cheese for a filling and flavorful breakfast option.

13. Creamy Vegetable Noodle Soup

Recreate the essence of a pot pie with way fewer calories with this recipe for creamy vegetable noodle soup. Because the texture of the soup is so smooth and decadent, this is a perfect gateway meal for new plant-based eaters. Cook it up on a chilly afternoon and enjoy each cozy spoonful.

12. Mushroom Pie 

Who says pie has to be served for dessert? This recipe for mushroom pie is savory and packed with umami. A melt-in-your-mouth crust is loaded with a creamy mushroom filling, topped with a sprinkling of black sesame seeds, and served under a mound of tender blanched spinach.

11. Caramelized Tofu Broccoli Stir Fry

The secret to this tofu broccoli stir fry is a little bit of brown sugar, which gives just the right amount of caramel sweetness to the tofu. A splash of soy sauce and some crushed red pepper flakes give this dish just the right combination of sweet, salt, and spice. 

10. Mushroom Tofu Scramble

Watch out, eggs; tofu is coming for your spot at the breakfast table. Add some white button or cremini mushrooms and spices to this tofu mushroom scramble, and you’ve got a protein-packed morning meal that will keep you full until lunch time.

9. Zucchini Tomato Curry 

Garlic, ginger and onion are sauteed until sweet and fragrant, then seasoned with garam masala, cumin and coriander, before being added to fresh tomatoes and sliced zucchini. Serve this zucchini tomato curry with basmati rice or whole-wheat naan.

8. Vegetable Pancit

Pancit is a traditional Filipino dish made with rice noodles that is dressed with soy sauce and often features a combination of chopped meat and vegetables. This vegetable pancit is lighter than the classic version, and incorporates more texture through the use of both crunchy vegetables and succulent cubes of pan-fried tofu.

7. Kale, Potato, and Carrot Curry

Coconut milk and fragrant spices make this decadent kale, potato, and carrot curry the perfect meal to cozy up to on a cold Monday night. It’s a great way to use up seasonal produce items like kale, carrots, and potatoes, plus it’s a snap to cook.

6. Italian White Beans and Kale

Make this Italian white beans and kale for a hearty mid-week meatless meal. Braising the kale along with the dry white beans makes for a product that’s tender, succulent, and rich with flavor. Serve over some creamy polenta for a complete dish. 

5. Carrot Cauliflower Stew

This carrot cauliflower stew is warm and filling thanks to the roasted carrots, chile powder, and turmeric. A can of chickpeas adds an extra punch of vegan protein, elevating this stew from soup-course to entrée status.

4. Vanilla Almond Milk Oatmeal

Almond milk, dark brown sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon infuses this vanilla almond milk oatmeal with the spirit of autumn.  This recipe makes loose, milky oats, but for a thicker breakfast simply add more oats or less almond milk in this easily adaptable treat.

3. Breakfast Lentils

Forget avocado toast and say hello to your new brunch bestie — breakfast lentils. Sautéing the lentils with shallots, paprika, and fresh lemon juice makes for a savory alternative to traditionally sweet breakfast dishes.

2. Veggie Meatballs

It’s no surprise that these veggie meatballs also made our list of most popular recipes of all time. Lentils are rich in protein as well as other essential minerals. Adding them to these veggie meatballs makes for a filling, protein-packed dish that can be served with a side of pasta or zoodles.

1. Jamaican Jerk Tofu

Jerk seasoning is known for being bold, assertive, and hot, using spices like cayenne, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, and thyme. Pairing this seasoning blend with the subtle flavor of tofu makes this Jamaican jerk tofu a dish that will certainly wake up people’s palates. Serve the slabs with a vegetable and a side of rice and peas for a complete meal.