If we asked you what’s your favorite Italian food, what would you say? Most would go for pasta and pizza, but Italian cuisine is actually incredibly diverse. And, in spite of the presence of cheese in so many dishes, it’s super-easy to veganize! This gooey Moxarella Cheese is great for pizza, calzones, baked ziti, lasagna … anything that you would want to add mozzarella to. A sprinkle of this Raw Almond Parmesan will liven up any pasta dish and the tofu ricotta in these Tofu Ricotta Stuffed Shells would be wonderful in a hearty lasagna. Once you’ve mastered the making of Italian vegan cheeses (and all of these recipes are so, so easy), nothing can stop you.
Whether you’re from an Italian family or you just love the food, there’s nothing like a big Italian dinner. So, let’s get started because we’ve got 15 recipes for you for starters, dinners, and (our favorite) dessert.
1. Quinoa Almond Herbed Breadsticks
What’s an Italian dinner without breadsticks? These Quinoa Almond Herbed Breadsticks are a healthier take on a classic. They’re made with quinoa and almond meal instead of flour, but they’re still hearty, delicious, and perfect for soaking up tomato sauce.
2. Pappa al Pomodoro
Mmm … tomato soup.Pappa al Pomodoro is a thick Italian soup prepared with fresh tomatoes, bread, olive oil, garlic, and basil from the Siena area. It can be served hot, tepid, or chilled like a Spanish gazpacho.
3. Walnut-Crusted Artichoke Hearts
Steamed, stuffed in a salad, risotto … any way you prepare artichokes is a good way. These Walnut-Crusted Artichokes are the perfect way to serve this yummy veggie as an appetizer. Quartered artichoke hearts are coated in a thick batter mixed with finely ground walnuts and pan-fried. Succulent and tender on the inside with a crusty, nutty outside punctuated by bits of lemon zest, these are guaranteed to disappear the moment you set them on the table.
4. Puttanesca Panzarotti
Crispy, golden, fried pizza dough, salty olives and capers, ooey-gooey melty cheese, zingy tomato sauce, and a bit of spinach to let you think you’re eating something healthy. Each Puttanesca Panzarotti is like a little present you get to open with your mouth. And since the recipe makes about a dozen, it’s the best kind of gift – the kind you get to share with others.
5.Roasted Garlic Tahini Crostini
Need to whip up a quick and easy appetizer? This Roasted Garlic Tahini Crostini is the perfect thing to keep on hand. The tahini garlic sauce and the caramelized pine nuts come together in a cinch, the mushrooms just need a quick sautéeing, and then you pile it all onto a crunchy piece of bread. Easy and delicious!
6. Tempeh Marsala
This Tempeh Marsala would feel right at home on the menu of any neighborhood Italian restaurant! Tender cubes of tempeh and sliced mushrooms are simmered in a flavorful and creamy marsala wine sauce, making for a hearty meal that is sure to satisfy everyone’s appetite.
7. 9 Vegetable Lasagna
Who doesn’t love lasagna? It’s perfect for entertaining, a cool fall day, the picky eater, the casserole lover and the comfort food connoisseur. The ingredients that make this Nine-Vegetable Lasagna perfect are red pepper flakes, fresh oregano, and cumin. These ingredients make the perfect burst of flavor. You have to try it!
8. Zucchini Brown Rice Arancini
Looking for something on the fancy side? This Zucchini Brown Rice Arancini is a creative dish to serve at your next get-together. They resemble falafels, but actually contain a delicious center of creamy almond milk rice risotto with zucchini, parmesan and mozzarella cheese, and garlic — and it’s completely dairy-free.
9. Wild Garlic Gnocchi in Almond Cream Sauce
Gnocchi is a familiar favorite that’s such a versatile dish, enabling you to get super creative each time you make it. This Wild Garlic Gnocchi in Almond Cream Sauce is a perfect example. These chewy gnocchi are made from potatoes with a surprise addtion of super snap peas that are delicately sweet and tender, introducing a wonderful flavor and texture. On the side, you have tender mushrooms enveloped in a creamy, dairy-free almond sauce. Garnish with black pepper and you’re good to go!
10. Spinach Ravioli
These Spinach Ravioli are warm, delicious, and super fun to make! In addition to spinach, the filling includes softened cashews which lend it a buttery, creamy, and slightly cheesy flavor. Top these with your favorite marinara sauce and feel free to save some extra cashews to chop and toss on top, too.
11. Cinnamon Sugar Zeppoles: Italian Doughnuts
Zeppoles are also known as Italian doughnuts. The traditional recipe includes butter and eggs that are mixed into a dough and then deep fried. These Cinnamon Sugar Zeppoles use vegan ricotta cheese and vegan cream cheese instead of butter. The resulting fried cinnamon sugar zeppole are so airy and fluffy that you lose count of how many you ate.
12. Raw Chocolate and Nutmeg Biscotti
Biscotti are a great way to end a great meal, especially when paired with a hot cup of coffee. These Raw Chocolate and Nutmeg Biscotti are made from almond flour, raisins, and dates so they taste similar to marzipan. Since they’re made fruit they’re quite soft, but you can choose to dehydrate or bake them to give them that crunch factor.
13. Panna Cotta With Caramel Sauce
This Panna Cotta With Caramel Sauce is simple yet decadent, and the perfect solution to satisfy any sweet tooth. The texture is quite smooth and creamy and perfectly complements the plump raspberries served on top. For best results, be sure to use soy cooking cream, as opposed to soy whipping cream, as it is a better-suited variety for recipes that require heat.
14. No-Bake Bourbon Tiramisu
This No-Bake Bourbon Tiramisu might just be the best you’ll ever make. The deep chocolatey creaminess paired with the cookies soaked in extra strong coffee is a match made in heaven. A party on your tongue that will leave you smiling for the rest of the day. Walnuts are blended with coconut cream create a layer softer than a cloud, better than mascarpone. Dip in a cookie in the decadent coconut whipped cream off it, as if it’s a cup of hot cocoa. It just doesn’t get better than this — really.
15. Italian Anise Cookies
If easy desserts are your thing, then you have to whip up a batch of these Italian Anise Cookies. These cake-like cookies are delicately flavored with anise and covered with a sweet, sugary icing. As you bake these, your home will fill with the wonderful aroma of anise and baked cookies. These cookies are the perfect addition to any dessert spread and they are easy to make.
Need more recipes? We’re right there with you. Check out our vegan Italian recipes for more ideas and inspiration.
Lead image source: 9-Vegetable Lasagna
