Here are 50+ of the best vegan Italian recipes you’ll ever need. They’re all right here! This collection has you covered with appetizers, all the pasta, meatballs, soups, pizza, risotto, sides, salads, and more!
If you’ve been following along the blog for a while, you know my background is Italian. I’ve shared a TON of veganized Italian food with you over the years, but now, they’re in one convenient place. 🙂
So consider this your go-to collection for (mostly) healthier vegan Italian recipes. That means these are all dairy-free, egg-free, and of course, meat free.
Let’s dive in!
Appetizers + Snack Boards
The meal doesn’t begin without a few snack items and appetizers, right? And the great news is, you don’t need to travel to Italy to enjoy the delicious dishes it has to offer. Below you’ll find some of the best starters to put together a vegan charcuterie board or snack platter.
Air Fryer Garlic Bread
Crispy, garlicky, buttery, deliciousness! Air fryer garlic bread is addictive and easy to make, crispier than ever and the perfect appetizer, no matter the meal. Ready in just 10 minutes. Don't sweat it, you can make it in the oven, too!
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Stuffed Mushrooms with Cranberry Risotto
Vegan stuffed mushrooms with Italian style, creamy cranberry risotto. It's a gorgeous and delicious appetizer, perfect for gatherings of any kind. Definitely add this dish to your vegan Italian recipes collection!
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Sliceable + Shreddable Vegan Cheese
Mozzarella is a classic Italian cheese, so if you're making a snack board, don't miss this one! This vegan cheese slices and shreds, just like "real" mozzarella!! Slice it up on a charcuterie board or shred it for pizza.
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Bruschetta al pomodoro (tomato bruschetta) by M.A. Kitchen
This Bruschetta al Pomodoro is a staple in Italian cuisine. An easy and delicious appetizer made with simple ingredients to deliver an outstanding dish! Homemade Italian Tomato Bruschetta is prepared with fresh, juicy tomatoes and ready in just 15 minutes.
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Spicy Vegan Salami
Spicy vegan salami that's meaty, smoky, packed with flavour and truly irresistible. It's easy to make, with a perfectly chewy texture, you may have a hard time believing this one is meat free! Definitely save this one in your vegan Italian recipes collection.
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Artichoke Olive Tapenade by Three Olives Branch
Vegan Artichoke Olive Tapenade is full of fresh Mediterranean flavors and a perfect condiment for a meal or served up with crostini! It's ready in 5 minutes.
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Soups
You can’t make a great collection of vegan Italian recipes without a few amazing soups! These dishes are perfect for warming you up on chillier nights, or make smaller portions and use them as starters.
Vegan Zuppa Toscana
Rich potatoes, kale and mushrooms, together with toasted fennel seeds, and a silky, garlicky, slightly spicy broth makes this zuppa Toscana an unforgettable one!
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Pasta e Fagioli [Pasta & Beans]
Pasta e fagioli (or pasta fazool) is a traditional Italian dish made with pasta and beans that is hearty and nourishing. This classic dish is a must-have for your vegan Italian recipes repertoire.
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Vegan Lentil Soup (Italian Vegetable) by The Cheeky Chickpea
Delicious and satisfying bowl of vegan lentil soup! lentils and vegetables simmered in the best full flavoured Italian broth made with easy everyday ingredients in 1 pot or the slow cooker!
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Pasta e Ceci (Pasta and Chickpeas) by Watch Learn Eat
This pasta e ceci recipe is a quick and easy take on a classic Italian dish that is hearty, flavorful, and sure to please the whole family. This version is also vegan and can easily be made gluten-free using gluten-free pasta.
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Vegan Minestrone Soup by My Pure Plants
The popular Italian minestrone soup is the perfect light spring soup with a rainbow of veggies, legumes, and pasta. This vegetable-packed comfort food can be customized with whatever is in your pantry as you can mix and match to your heart's content
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Ribollita by Connoisseurus Veg
This cozy Tuscan ribollita is bursting with savory herbs, juicy tomatoes, hearty white beans and tender kale, then layered in bowls with crusty bread chunks.
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Pasta
It’s just not a collection of the best vegan Italian recipes without amazing pasta options, right? Here are some truly incredible pasta dishes from classic options, to modernized healthier versions. Try them all!
Healthier Vegan Lasagna
Layers of tender noodles, grilled veggies like zucchini and mushrooms, cashew ricotta cheese and a hearty, walnut meat Bolognese sauce that is to die for! It's not exactly a classic lasagna, but wow is it ever good!!
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Pesto Zucchini Pasta [Zoodles]
Spiralized zoodles are smothered in homemade pesto and topped with juicy heirloom tomatoes and a hint of spice. This pesto zucchini pasta (also known as courgette pesto pasta) is wholesome, delicious, and ready in no time!
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Easy Vegan Carbonara with Soy Curl Pancetta
Tender spaghetti with smoky soy curl pancetta and a luscious eggy sauce makes this vegan carbonara unforgettable!
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Sweet Potato Spaghetti [Aglio e Olio]
Pasta aglio e olio gets a wholesome twist with this sweet potato spaghetti. It's spicy, garlicky and despite its name, it's oil free! This healthier version is so delicious, you won't even miss the calorie dense original.
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Pumpkin Gnocchi made from scratch!
A twist on classic gnocchi brings you these pillowy, mouth watering, vegan pumpkin gnocchi and it's completely made from scratch! Not a pumpkin fan? Sub sweet potato, or another veggie puree.
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Vegan Zucchini Noodles w/ Bolognese Sauce
Hearty, rich and incredibly delicious veggie Bolognese sauce topped over a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles for the ultimate, guilt-free comfort dish! While spiralized noodles aren't a classic Italian pasta dish, this version is SO good, you won't miss the wheat.
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Pasta Aglio e Olio (Pasta w/ Garlic & Oil)
Pasta Aglio e Olio is a classic Italian pasta dish that uses sautéed garlic and spicy peppers to deliver bold flavour with a kick! This one didn't even need adjusting because the original is already a vegan Italian recipe. Avoiding oil? Use aquafaba, instead.
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Easy Mushroom Zucchini Pasta
Tender spaghetti with summer squash and mushrooms in a light, creamy sauce that's ready in just 30 minutes! This mushroom zucchini pasta is simple to make and filled with flavour!
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Healthy Cauliflower Bolognese Sauce
Hearty, loaded with veggies and seasoned with Italian flavours, this cauliflower Bolognese will make your vegan Bolognese sauce dreams come true. Switch up the pasta shape every time.
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Vegan Baked Pasta
The ultimate comfort dish! This baked pasta features layers of tender penne, a cashew ricotta "cheese", and a hearty, walnut bolognese sauce. Prepare to be impressed! In fact, this one will even impress your nonna!
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Vegan Penne Alla Vodka
This lighter version of penne alla vodka skips the heavy cream and instead, uses protein dense white kidney beans, without sacrificing flavour or creaminess. WOW! You've got to try this healthier version of an Italian classic.
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Vegan Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
This absolutely mouthwatering pumpkin pasta sauce is quick and easy to whip up, making it a great choice on busy weeknights. It's savoury, a little spicy, and incredibly satisfying!
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Risotto
Oh, delicious risotto. So many ways to make it. And if you’re short on time, I even have tried and true methods that DON’T require constant stirring! Woohoo!
Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto
A tried and true Instant Pot mushroom risotto that will have you ditch the stovetop method forever! It's immensely flavourful and so incredibly simple to make. No constant stirring, just delicious results, every time!
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Pumpkin Risotto [Instant Pot or Stove Top]
Sage and pumpkin make a winning combo in this creamy, dreamy vegan pumpkin risotto that is absolutely perfect for busy weeknights. Simply delicious and made in one pot!
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Roasted Butternut Squash & Brussels Sprout Risotto by Short Girl Tall Order
This risotto combines roasted butternut squash, roasted brussels sprouts, and creamy arborio rice for a healthy & delicious dinner recipe with NO dairy required!
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Asparagus Lemon Risotto
Another hands off risotto, this time featuring asparagus and lemon. with flavour for perfect risotto every time! Don't have an Instant Pot? No worries, you can make it on the stovetop, too.
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Instant Pot Brown Rice Risotto w/ Veggies
Creamy, dreamy brown rice risotto with mixed vegetables and brown basmati rice is nutritious and super simple to make. While not exactly classic Italian by skipping the arborio rice here, it's certainly a healthier option.
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Beetroot Risotto by Through the Fibro Fog
This vegan beetroot risotto is a comfort food classic, and makes for a flavourful and healthy dinner. It's creamy and delicious, and so pretty too! Easy to make, a lovely family dinner idea.
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Other Main Dishes
Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about the meatballs, pizza, and all things stuffed. And that’s exactly what you’ll find here. Get ready to continue salivating over these incredible vegan Italian recipes friends.
Sneaky Zucchini Meatballs
Sneak in all the veggies with these super healthy, super tasty, zucchini meatballs. Baked, not fried and made using 100% wholesome ingredients. Your Italian grandmother will love these, too!
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Italian Stuffed Peppers w/ Risotto
Italian style risotto fills these delicious, comforting bell peppers, and gets topped with homemade tomato sauce. It's not a collection of vegan Italian recipes without stuffed peppers!
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Vegan Polenta Pizza Crust
You may have had polenta before, but have you made it a pizza crust? This polenta pizza crust is quicker to make than wheat dough with the added benefit of being gluten free too! Woohoo!
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Lasagna Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Vegan stuffed portobello mushrooms are filled with "cheesy" spinach ricotta and topped with hearty bolognese sauce to satisfy your lasagna craving in a simple, utterly delicious dish. This is the perfect dish to enjoy when you're craving lasagna, but want to keep the calories down.
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Asparagus Vegan Frittata [Oil Free]
A vegan frittata featuring asparagus, peppers, and mushrooms with an eggy chickpea flour batter. It's packed with flavour, and simple to prepare. Although you can serve it for breakfast or brunch, I grew up having frittata for dinner.
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Vegan Lentil Meatballs
Crowd pleasing lentil meatballs are made with lentils, veggies, and pepitas. They're packed with protein and then baked to perfection. Pair them with your favourite pasta dish, or enjoy them on their own with a side of veggies.
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Red Lentil Pizza Crust [Gluten Free]
This lentil pizza is delicious, crunchy, and won't flop over! The crust is protein packed and incredibly simple to make. Just blend, pour and bake! Top it with vegan mozzarella, tomato, and basil for a vegan Caprese pizza.
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Livornese Stewed Beans by Rainbow Plant Life
These Livornese Stewed Beans are the ultimate rustic Italian comfort food! Made with simple pantry-friendly ingredients like onions, garlic, tomato paste and white beans, but it's big on gourmet Italian flavor.
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Sides + Salads
No meal is complete with salads and sides. These are some of the very best vegan Italian recipes to complement your meals.
Chickpea Avocado Salad
A fresh and vibrant chickpea avocado salad that's rich, flavourful, and surprisingly filling! Ready in just 15 minutes. Loaded with fresh basil for the ultimate in freshness. My Italian family grew up with this one.
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Air Fryer Zucchini w/ Lemon
This tasty lemony zucchini is easy to make, using only 5 ingredients! Super simple, delicious, and the perfect side dish that comes together in no time, and pairs well with virtually anything.
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Air Fryer Broccoli w/ Oil Free Option
Garlicky, crispy, and slightly spicy air fryer broccoli is delicious and completely addictive. It's a fun way to switch up your broccoli routine and ready in less than 15 minutes! Pair this with anything your heart desires!
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Chopped Italian Salad by No Sweat Vegan
This Italian salad is bright and fresh. Chop up your veggies, whip up a creamy Italian Dressing, and toss it all together in less than 15 minutes.
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Spicy Tofu Panzanella Salad by Fit Meal Ideas
Try this spicy tofu Panzanella salad that is vegan, low-carb, protein-packed, and gluten-free. Replacing bread with pan-roasted crispy tofu to make it healthier.
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Whole Wheat Fig and Walnut Bread – No Knead!
Freshly baked bread with just a few simple and wholesome ingredients, and no kneading required! Add in some chopped dried figs and walnuts for a little crunch and sweetness. Or omit, if you prefer your bread plain.
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Sauces + Garnishes
And lastly, it’s just not a collection of vegan Italian recipes without a how-to tutorial on making tomato sauce, an easy Alfredo, a variety of pestos, and more!
Homemade Tomato Sauce
Have you ever wondered about the Italian secrets to making homemade tomato sauce? The secrets with step by step photo instructions, including canning, are out! This is NOT one to miss!
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Easy Vegan Alfredo Sauce
Mouthwatering Alfredo sauce uses just a handful of simple ingredients, and comes together in 5 minutes flat! Pairs perfectly with your favourite pasta, baked potatoes, roasted veggies, and more.
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Basil Pesto with Lemon
Fragrant and fresh with basil, garlic, and lemon for the perfect oil free pesto recipe you need in your kitchen. Every collection of vegan Italian recipes needs a go-to pesto option.
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Zesty Cilantro Pesto w/ Jalapeno
This one is super fun! Cilantro pesto with a spicy twist will amp up the flavour of your pasta, veggies, sandwiches, and more. It's a great twist on classic basil pesto and just might become your favourite. No oil needed!
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Parsley Pesto w/ Sun Dried Tomato + Olive
Bold and delicious parsley pesto with sun-dried tomatoes and tangy olives that will surprise your taste buds! This unconventional version is filled with flavour and super easy to whip up.
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Vegan Parmesan Cheese
Just a handful of ingredients for the best vegan Parmesan cheese! It's salty, cheesy, and perfect for sprinkling on everything! No collection of plant based Italian recipes is complete with VEGAN parmesan cheese!
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Pangrattato with sun-dried tomato and lemon by The Veg Space
These crispy Italian Pangrattato breadcrumbs are spicy and deeply savoury, with chilli, lemon and sun-dried tomato. A perfect topping for simple pasta dishes, risotto or salads.
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If you try any of these recipes, please let me know about it in the comments below. I always love hearing from you! Don't forget to Subscribe to This Healthy Kitchen to be among the first to get my new recipes! You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter to see more delicious food and get all the latest updates.
Buon appetito
Rosa
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