Need some ideas for high-protein vegetarian wedding dinner options that even meat eaters will love? I’ve got some good ones to share with you!
I have a confession to make. I used to be a vegetarian. Well, a pescatarian, to be precise. I ate fish sometimes, but I never ate any other type of meat. Until, one day, after about ten years of avoiding it, I did, for personal reasons. And while I don’t ever think I’ll go back to being a vegetarian, I do have a soft spot in my heart for those who make that choice.
Which brings me to the topic in this blog post. What do you feed guests when you don’t want to serve meat at your wedding? Or, what can you have as a great high-protein vegetarian option for guests who don’t eat meat? Is it even possible to serve a vegetarian wedding dinner that meat eaters will partake in and not miss the “real stuff?”. The answer is YES, and the ideas that follow have you covered.
8 High-Protein Vegetarian Wedding Dinner Options That Even Meat-Eaters Will Love
This blog post will share eight high-protein vegetarian wedding dinner options that everyone will love. I really wanted to focus on meals that are high protein because protein is important for everyone. Your guests will feel better at your wedding with protein in their bellies. And, it’s a little more difficult for vegetarians to get enough. So help them out and treat them right with something nourishing, filling, and satiating.
Another side note. I do not have recipes in this post. Just ideas. Work with your caterer if one of the ideas speaks to you. They will put their own spin on the recipe.
Let’s get into it!
1. GRILLED PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM STEAKS WITH QUINOA AND ROASTED VEGETABLES – A CLASSIC VEGETARIAN DINNER
Grilled portobello mushrooms can bring the best of both worlds when done right.
The thing about portobello mushrooms is that they come with a rich, meaty texture. This makes them a fantastic alternative to steak. Plus, when they are grilled you get that whole barbeque feel from them. Pair them with protein-packed quinoa and slightly charred roasted veggies, and this dish is both elegant and filling. Add a balsamic glaze or chimichurri sauce for flavor, and have yourself a standout high-protein vegetarian wedding dinner option.
2. CHICKPEA AND SPINACH STUFFED PEPPERS
Do you call them chickpeas? Or do you call them garbanzo beans? I’m from two places, and they each call them something different.
I’m partial to chickpeas, though, so let’s stick with that name.
Chickpeas can be so versatile. One delicious way to eat them is in a stuffed bell pepper. This is a classic vegetarian dish that can easily be elevated for a wedding menu. By filling the bell peppers with protein-rich chickpeas, mixed with spinach, quinoa, and feta cheese, you’ll have a dish that is beautiful and delicious. Serve with a tomato sauce or a light yogurt drizzle for added flair.
3. LENTIL AND WALNUT MEATLOAF WITH GARLIC MASHED POTATOES
When done right, a “meatloaf” can have even the most seasoned meat eaters guessing. It’s one of those vegetarian wedding dinners that may even convert a few carnivores for good.
A hearty lentil and walnut meatloaf can provide a savory and satisfying alternative to traditional meatloaf. Packed with protein from lentils, walnuts, and eggs (or flaxseed for a vegan option), this dish pairs well with creamy garlic mashed potatoes or sides of green beans or glazed carrots. Just makes sure it’s moist and flavorful so no one is disappointed.
4. BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND BLACK BEAN ENCHILADAS
I love enchiladas. Don’t you?
For a flavorful vegetarian wedding dinner, butternut squash and black bean enchiladas are a great choice. This combo of roasted butternut squash, black beans, and cheese can create a perfect balance of flavors. Top with a smokey or slightly spicy enchilada sauce and serve with Spanish rice. This dish will impress even the most devoted meat eaters.
5. MUSHROOM AND LENTIL BOLOGNESE OVER FRESH PASTA
You know what a Bolognese sauce is, right? Typically it’s a savory meat and tomato sauce that is perfect on top of noodles. You can turn it vegetarian by swapping the meat for mushrooms and lentils. When done right, it’s delicious.
As mentioned earlier, mushrooms can be an excellent alternative to traditional meat-based pasta dishes, and give a wonderful umami flavor. And lentils have ample protein, leaving meal-eaters satisfied. When served with pasta and topped with parmesan, this vegetarian dinner is both comforting and elegant.
6. CRISPY TOFU WITH PEANUT SAUCE AND STIR-FRIED VEGETABLES
If you don’t like tofu, you’ve never had it done right.
Tofu, when prepared correctly, can be a fantastic protein source. Plus, the texture can be so satisfying. Tofu takes on the flavor of whatever it’s paired with, so when it’s prepared crispy with a rich peanut sauce and a medley of stir-fried veggies it can create a vegetarian wedding dinner that is filled with flavor and nutrients. This option is perfect for weddings with an Asian-inspired menu and can be served with jasmine rice or soba noodles.
7. WHITE BEAN CASSOULET WITH HERB CRUSTED BREAD CRUMBS
A cassoulet is a classic French dish traditionally made with meat. A vegetarian version can be made with white beans, tomatoes, and root vegetables.
When made this way, a vegetarian cassoulet can be just as hearty as the meaty original. Topped with herb-crusted breadcrumbs, this dish is very refined. It’s a delicious vegetarian wedding dinner option that is indulgent yet still plant-based and high in protein.
8. GREEK-STYLE GRILLED HALLOUMI WITH FARRO AND ROASTED EGGPLANT
Halloumi cheese is just so cool. It’s the kind of item that will have people talking.
Halloumi cheese is a hearty, sturdy cheese that is packed with protein and has a wonderful texture when grilled. When paired with a nutty farro and roasted eggplant, it can bring a yummy, yet light, Mediterranean flair to a wedding menu. Drizzle some lemon-oregano dressing on it to tie everything together, and your guests will love this option.
THOUGHTS ON SERVING VEGETARIAN WEDDING DINNER OPTIONS
Friends, I always say “your wedding, your way”. If you want your wedding menu to be all vegetarian, you do what feels right. If you just want some vegetarian options, that’s fine, too. Having a vegetarian option doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice flavor, texture, or protein. The vegetarian dinners in this post are all sure to be satisfying for both vegetarians and meat-eaters. Make sure they are visually appealing and packed with nutrients, and your guests will remember them long after your wedding. Happy wedding planning!
More On Wedding Food From Hummingbird Wedding Advice (To Go Along With Vegetarian Wedding Dinner Ideas)
Five Fun Things To Do With Your Wedding Cake After Your Wedding
Healthy Late Night Wedding Snacks: 10 Crowd Pleasing Ideas
Delicious Beer Cocktails For Your Wedding
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