Apple Recipes Veg: Delicious and Easy Ideas to Try Today

Updated On: October 4, 2025

Apples are one of the most versatile fruits you can incorporate into your vegetarian cooking. From sweet to savory, the crisp and juicy flavor of apples adds a delightful twist to various dishes.

Whether you’re looking to create a refreshing salad, a warm stew, or a comforting dessert, apple recipes for vegetarians offer an abundance of options that are both healthy and delicious. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness, apples can elevate your meals without the need for meat or animal products.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some fantastic apple-based vegetarian recipes that are easy to prepare and sure to impress your family and friends. These recipes highlight the natural flavors of apples while blending perfectly with other fresh, wholesome ingredients.

So grab your favorite variety of apples and get ready to cook up some vibrant, nourishing dishes that celebrate the best of vegetarian cuisine!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple recipes for vegetarians are incredibly versatile and can be tailored to suit any meal of the day. They provide a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, adding depth and flavor to your dishes.

Apples are naturally low in calories but high in fiber and antioxidants, making them a great choice for a nutritious diet.

Moreover, these recipes are simple to make and use readily available ingredients. Whether you want a quick snack, a hearty main course, or a delightful dessert, apple recipes for vegetarians are a fantastic way to bring freshness and health to your table.

Plus, they pair beautifully with a variety of herbs, spices, and vegetables, offering endless creative possibilities.

Ingredients

  • 3 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional for sweetness)
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt (optional for dressing)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Serving bowls or plates

Instructions

  1. Wash and prepare the apples. Core and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces, leaving the skin on for extra fiber and nutrients.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Over medium heat, warm the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the chopped celery and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it starts to soften.
  3. Add apples and spices. Stir in the diced apples and sprinkle with cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples are tender but not mushy.
  4. Combine quinoa, walnuts, and cranberries. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked quinoa (or rice), chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries. Mix well to combine.
  5. Mix sautéed apples and celery. Add the warm apple and celery mixture to the quinoa bowl. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
  6. Add sweetener and yogurt (optional). If you prefer a touch of sweetness, drizzle maple syrup or honey and stir in the yogurt. This adds creaminess and balances the flavors.
  7. Adjust seasoning and garnish. Taste your salad and add more salt, pepper, or cinnamon as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

Always use firm, crisp apples for this recipe to ensure they don’t become too mushy when cooked. Granny Smith apples work great for their tartness, while Honeycrisp offers a sweeter balance.

You can substitute quinoa with other grains like couscous, bulgur, or brown rice depending on your preference. For a nut-free version, replace walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

To add more protein, consider stirring in some cooked chickpeas or lentils. For a vegan twist, use plant-based yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.

For a warm version, bake the mixed ingredients in a casserole dish at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 280 kcal
Protein 7 g
Carbohydrates 45 g
Fiber 6 g
Fat 8 g
Sugar 18 g (natural sugars from apples and cranberries)
Vitamin C 8 mg

Serving Suggestions

This vibrant apple and quinoa salad pairs wonderfully with a light soup or a side of roasted vegetables. It makes a perfect lunch or a side dish for your dinner table.

For a heartier meal, add a side of warm bread such as our Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe.

Alternatively, serve this salad chilled on a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice for a refreshing summer meal. It also complements dishes like the Half Runner Beans Recipe beautifully for a wholesome vegetarian feast.

Conclusion

Apple recipes for vegetarians open up a world of delicious and nutritious meal options that highlight the natural sweetness and crispness of apples. Whether tossed in a fresh salad, incorporated into a warm grain bowl, or transformed into a delightful dessert, apples add a unique flavor and texture that can elevate any vegetarian dish.

These recipes are not only easy to prepare but also flexible enough to adapt to your personal taste preferences and dietary needs. We encourage you to experiment with different apple varieties and complementary ingredients to create your own signature dishes.

For more inspiration, check out our recipes like the Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe or the indulgent Glazed Twist Donut Recipe. Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Apple Cinnamon Vegetable Stir-Fry

Description: A delicious and healthy vegetable stir-fry with fresh apples and warm cinnamon. Perfect as a light vegan meal or side dish.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 medium apples, cored and sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot; cook for 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in apple slices and cook for another 3 minutes.
  5. Mix soy sauce, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  6. Pour sauce over vegetables and apples; stir well.
  7. Cook for 2-3 more minutes until everything is tender and coated.
  8. Serve warm as a main or side dish.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 28 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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