This vegetarian meal plan features 5 days of Italian recipes. From a hearty stew to delicious pasta and pizza, you’ll feel like you are dining near the Venetian canals all week.
This week is all about Italian meals! If I had to choose one cuisine to eat for eternity, it would be Italian. It’s my ultimate comfort food and I just love how versatile Italian food can be. You’ve got the delicious pasta and pizza, but you also have foods that are filled with whole grains, healthy fats, and tasty produce.
Many of these meals were created from my experience in Italy. Italians use such fresh ingredients and many Italian recipes are full of vegetables, allowing vegetarians to have numerous meatless options.
While we love traditional pasta and pizza, we’re going to dig a little deeper with some unique recipes this week. These are sure to become some of your favorites, as they are full of flavor and absolutely delicious!
If Italian food isn’t your thing, have a look at our other meal plans; we know you’ll find something you love! As always, we’ve included our printable shopping list for your convenience.
I love a good hearty stew every once in a while. Our zucchini stew is so filling, extremely nutritious, and simple to make. This stew is complete with zucchini (duh), marinara sauce, navy beans, greens with kale and basil, and delicious Italian seasonings. This will only take you 15 minutes to prepare!MEAL PREP TIP: This stores well in the fridge for up to two days, so make enough to have for lunch for a couple of days.
This Lemon Basil Risotto is a delicious, zingy, and tangy dish that can be used as a side or as a main course. It’s filling enough to be a main course on this lovely Tuesday, as it’s ultra creamy and cheese and made with tons of veggies. A little bit of this risotto goes a long way, so this is a great dish to make for a gathering.MAKE AHEAD TIP: Chop up all of the veggies when you have extra time and store in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
If you are looking for an Italian keto recipe, this one is for you! This Cauliflower Mac and Cheese only takes five ingredients and is so easy to make. It’s healthy, but so creamy and delicious and it’s sure to be come a staple in your household. We’ve paired this with our Vegan Garlic Bread, if you feel like you are missing out on carbs. The Italian seasonings really bring make this meal absolutely delicious.PREP TIP: Chop the cauliflower when you have time, so all you have to do is cook it and add the rest of the ingredients.
This Caprese Panini gives you a taste of the Meditteranean right at home. Made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and pesto (which you can buy or make yourself), this panini is unique and extremely tasty. We recommend focaccia bread, as it’s the perfect sandwich bread. You can add any of your favorite fixings to this panini, but we recommend spinach for a nice crunch and the mozzarella adds a creamy touch as well.PREP TIP: Slice up all of the veggies when you have time, so all you have to do is put the panini together when the time comes.
Spice up your pizza Friday with our 3 Cheese Roasted Grape Pizza. This unique pizza is packed with delicious Italian seasonings, savory roasted grapes, and three types of creamy, gooey cheese. Along with parmesan and mozzarella, you’ll be adding ricotta, which makes this pizza very different than what we are used to. You can adapt this recipe to any ingredients you desire, such as pineapple or even apples, but the roasted grapes just add a delicious flavor and texture.MEAL PREP TIP: Make an extra pie if needed for meals throughout the weekend.
Our bonus recipe this week is for Infused Olive Oil in 5 Ways! This is the perfect addition to any meal, whether you want to add it directly while cooking or dunk your side bread in it. We’ve got five variations on this olive oil, so choose your favorite and enjoy it this week!
We hope you enjoy your week of Italian recipes! Let us know which recipe you’re most looking forward to trying and don’t forget to leave a comment below letting us know what meal plans you’d like to see us curate for you!
Let's eat more plants!
Packed with over 100 reader-favorite vegetarian recipes, my cookbook is your go-to guide for easy, healthy meals that make plant-based eating a breeze.
I rarely want to try more than one or two recipes in a group that are being offered but I want to make every one of these. I too fell in love with the freshness of food in Italy. These are files bring back wonderful memories.
I rarely want to try more than one or two recipes in a group that are being offered but I want to make every one of these. I too fell in love with the freshness of food in Italy. These are files bring back wonderful memories.
So happy to hear it, Kathy! Enjoy! 😀