28 Tasty Vegan Italian Recipes (Dinner, Dessert, Appetizer, Drinks)
Vegan Italian Recipes
Dinners
1. Easy Margarita Pizza
You don’t have to order in to get truly delicious pizza. This restaurant-quality recipe skips the animal products typically found on pizza without leaving behind any of the great taste. You can use homemade vegan mozzarella or your favorite brand from the grocery store.
2. Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is a classic, comforting dish filled with heart-healthy beans and nourishing vegetables. At least one minestrone recipe belongs in every cook’s arsenal. This version is vegan and easy to customize to fit almost any dietary plan.
3. Bolognese Spaghetti
Even people who grew up on spaghetti with meat sauce will love this vegan spaghetti Bolognese. Lentils provide texture and a hearty taste, while the combination of fresh and sun-dried tomatoes gives it a burst of intense flavor you won’t find in any jarred sauce.
4. Creamy Vegan Mushroom Risotto
This recipe offers up the umami heartiness of fresh mushrooms and the creamy texture of classic risotto. Use a mix of your favorite mushrooms or whatever you have on hand to make this satisfying dish that works as a main course or a side.
5. Arancini
Mushroom and pea risotto is mixed with flour and dredged in bread crumbs to make arancini that’s creamy on the inside and fried until lightly crisped on the outside. You can adapt it to use up any leftover risotto in a brand new way.
6. Lasagna
Great lasagna doesn’t have to be complicated. Vegan pantry staples like cashews and nutritional yeast are the most exotic ingredients you’ll need. Add some sauce, noodles, spinach and vegan mozzarella, and you can create this crowd-pleasing classic Italian staple in about an hour!
7. Carbonara
If you thought dairy-free carbonara couldn’t measure up, think again! Use purchased seitan bacon or make your own as salty and smoky as you prefer. Cashews, nutritional yeast and black salt, for its hint of egg flavor, make this dish as rich as you remember.
8. Pappardelle with Mushroom Ragout
A combination of fresh and dried mushrooms makes this hearty ragout perfect to serve over pappardelle noodles. Red wine adds a depth of flavor that enhances the intensity of the dried mushrooms. You can substitute fresh mushrooms and still have a satisfying Italian meal.
9. Gnocchi
A few ingredients you probably have in your pantry, some purchased vegan gnocchi and a few basic seasonings are all it takes to make a bowl of creamy, comforting goodness. Canned tomatoes ensure a burst of summertime flavor all year long.
10. The Mean Green Pizza
Hummus and beet pizza, pesto pizza and Indian pizza covered in crunchy chickpeas are just three of the ways you can change up your next pizza night. This basic recipe is so versatile you’ll want to come up with your own unique creations.
11. Braised Green Beans with Tomatoes
Braised green beans swim in a plum tomato sauce with peppers, onions and olives to make a dish that’s fancy enough for guests. This Italian side is good enough to steal the show, so pair it with a simple main course to let it shine.
12. Green Bean Pasta Salad
A creamy mustard vinaigrette dresses this pasta salad that’s bursting with fresh flavor from the green beans, kale and cherry tomatoes. It’s a great basic recipe you can change up with your choice of pasta and whatever vegetables you have on hand.
13. Ravioli
Homemade ravioli with pomodoro sauce sounds complicated, but canned tomatoes (pomodoros) make the sauce a snap, and the ravioli dough is made from only a few pantry staples. After a little practice forming the raviolis, you’ll wonder why you ever purchased them pre-made.
Desserts
14. Tiramisu
The keys to the most decadent vegan tiramisu you may ever taste are chickpea flour, cashews and dairy-free yogurt. Chickpea flour (also known as besan or gram flour) helps make the sponge cake that soaks up those traditional flavors of amaretto, coffee and chocolate.
15. Strawberry Panna Cotta
16. Orange Semifreddo
The classic taste of an orange Creamsicle is all dressed up in this dessert that’s impressive enough for a fancy dinner party. Semifreddos are lighter than ice cream but just as rich and delicious, and this one’s made vegan with coconut cream and orange sorbet.
17. Chocolate Chip Cannoli
The egg replacer of your choice gives this simple dough the right texture, and tofu whips into a sweet, creamy filling. No cannoli forms? Roll tubes of aluminum foil to properly shape the dough. There’s no excuse not to try this classic Italian dessert!
18. Almond Biscotti
Biscotti, or twice-baked cookies, are a sweet and crunchy treat with coffee or anytime. These almond biscotti are vegan and gluten-free thanks to egg replacer, almond flour and arrowroot starch. The simple recipe creates cookies that look good enough to give as gifts.
19. Affogato
For a decadent coffee dessert that’s easier than tiramisu, this five-ingredient affogato fits the bill. Its flavors of chocolate, coffee and caramel melt deliciously over a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream. Buy vegan caramel for simplicity, or make your own from vegan condensed milk.
20. Struffoli
Struffoli is a Christmas delicacy in Italy, but you can make this vegan dessert for any occasion. Traditionally coated in honey, these dessert balls call for vegan honey or an equivalent substitute instead, along with vegan butter and flax eggs or purchased egg replacer.
Appetizers
21. Bruschetta
You can make a meal out of good bruschetta, but this recipe also makes perfect appetizers for a summertime party. Be sure your baguette is vegan, and substitute soy yogurt for the traditional dairy spread for a finger-food that will please your most discerning guests.
22. Garlic Herb Focaccia
Focaccia bread is easy to customize and goes well with a variety of other dishes. This garlic and herb variety is made with simple ingredients that keep it vegan and gluten-free. Don’t skip the sparkling water for the perfect focaccia texture.
23. Eggplant Caponata
Caponata is a warm Sicilian vegetable salad, but it’s just as delicious cold. This one’s bursting with fresh eggplant, onion, tomato, bell pepper and garlic. Serve it as an appetizer, a side dish or a main course paired with crusty bread.
24. Panzanella
Tuscan panzanella is a great option for people who want more than simple salad greens. Fresh summer vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes are paired with chickpeas, quinoa and grilled sourdough bread for an amazing taste combination. A simple vinaigrette adds the perfect tangy touch.
Cocktails
25. Rossini Cocktail
If you want a frozen vegan cocktail that’s colorful and surprisingly simple, make yourself a Rossini. Prosecco, fresh strawberries, lemon juice, sugar and ice are blended into a smooth and sweet adult beverage that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve guests.
26. Negroni Cocktail
Gin, vermouth and Campari are all it takes to make a classic Negroni. Add an orange twist to complement the bitter notes from the liquor, and enjoy this aperitif before any dinner. No blender is required for this easy drink that’s mixed right in a glass.
27. Peach Bellini
You won’t find a faster fruity cocktail to make than the Bellini. Blend a couple of peaches with sugar and a touch of lemon juice, then add to a glass of sparkling white wine. This recipe is as delicious and refreshing as it is simple.
28. Aperol Spritz
An Aperol Spritz is the perfect cooler for a hot summer day. If you don’t have prosecco to add, any champagne will still give you a great result. Freeze some into ice cubes to keep your drink cold without watering down Aperol’s signature intense orange flavor.
More international vegan recipes:
What are your favorite vegan Italian recipes?
28 Tasty Vegan Italian Recipes (Dinner, Dessert, Appetizer, Drinks)
A collection of the best vegan Italian recipes, with a healthy twist. You don’t have to be in Italy to enjoy these traditional meals, bursting with flavor.
