Australia Day Recipes Vegetarian: Delicious Meat-Free Ideas

Updated On: October 5, 2025

Australia Day is a vibrant celebration full of sunshine, good company, and delicious food. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or a casual get-together, vegetarian dishes can bring fresh, colorful, and flavorful options to your table.

Embracing local produce and bold flavors, these Australia Day vegetarian recipes are designed to impress both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. From hearty salads to scrumptious grilled veggies and iconic Aussie-inspired snacks, these recipes make it easy to celebrate the day with wholesome, satisfying meals.

In this post, you’ll find a collection of tried-and-true vegetarian recipes perfect for Australia’s national day. Each recipe highlights fresh ingredients and simple techniques, making them ideal for cooks of all skill levels.

So, fire up your grill, gather your friends, and get ready to enjoy a delicious vegetarian feast that truly captures the spirit of Australia Day!

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

These Australia Day vegetarian recipes are perfect for celebrating with friends and family without compromising on flavor or fun. They feature fresh, seasonal ingredients that are easy to find and prepare, ensuring your menu is vibrant and nutritious.

Each recipe is thoughtfully crafted to balance textures, colors, and tastes, making your celebration feel both festive and wholesome.

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a show-stopping main dish, these recipes offer versatility and crowd-pleasing appeal. Plus, they’re perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy a more plant-based lifestyle while honoring Aussie traditions.

Get ready for an unforgettable day filled with delicious bites and happy memories!

Ingredients

Grilled Veggie Skewers

  • 1 red capsicum (red bell pepper), cut into chunks
  • 1 yellow capsicum, cut into chunks
  • 1 zucchini, sliced thickly
  • 1 red onion, cut into wedges
  • 200g button mushrooms, cleaned
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish

Veggie Sausage Rolls

  • 400g vegetarian sausage mince
  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 small carrot, grated
  • 1 small zucchini, grated
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Plant-based milk, for brushing

Classic Aussie Salad with Beetroot and Feta

  • 2 medium beetroots, boiled and diced
  • 150g feta cheese, crumbled
  • 100g mixed salad greens
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1 handful of cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Equipment

  • Barbecue grill or grill pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Sharp knife and chopping board
  • Wooden or metal skewers
  • Baking tray lined with parchment paper
  • Pastry brush
  • Pot for boiling beetroots
  • Salad bowl

Instructions

Grilled Veggie Skewers

  1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  2. Thread the capsicum, zucchini, red onion, and mushrooms alternately onto the skewers.
  3. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Brush the mixture generously over the skewers.
  4. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until veggies are tender and lightly charred.
  5. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs before serving.

Veggie Sausage Rolls

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
  2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
  3. Add grated carrot and zucchini and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  4. Transfer the veggies to a mixing bowl. Mix in the vegetarian sausage mince, soy sauce, and dried thyme.
  5. Roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut into rectangles about 10cm x 15cm.
  6. Place a spoonful of the veggie sausage mixture on each rectangle, then roll tightly and seal the edges.
  7. Brush the rolls with plant-based milk for a golden finish.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until pastry is puffed and golden brown.
  9. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Classic Aussie Salad with Beetroot and Feta

  1. Boil the beetroots in a pot until tender, about 30-40 minutes. Drain, peel, and dice.
  2. In a salad bowl, combine mixed greens, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and diced beetroot.
  3. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top.
  4. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make the dressing.
  5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently before serving.

Tips & Variations

For the skewers, feel free to swap in other seasonal veggies like eggplant, cherry tomatoes, or corn chunks.

If you want gluten-free sausage rolls, use gluten-free puff pastry or make your own pastry with almond flour.

Try adding fresh herbs like parsley or mint to the sausage roll mix for an extra burst of flavor.

The beetroot salad pairs wonderfully with toasted nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added crunch.

Nutrition Facts

Recipe Calories (per serving) Protein (g) Fat (g) Carbohydrates (g) Fiber (g)
Grilled Veggie Skewers 120 3 7 12 4
Veggie Sausage Rolls 250 8 15 20 3
Beetroot & Feta Salad 180 6 12 14 5

Serving Suggestions

These vegetarian dishes shine when paired with classic Australian sides like sourdough hamburger buns or a refreshing Green Goodness Juice. For dessert, why not finish with a sweet treat like Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce?

These complementary recipes will round out your Australia Day feast with a perfect balance of savory and sweet.

For a fun twist, serve the grilled veggie skewers alongside some homemade dips like hummus or a tangy tzatziki. The sausage rolls make ideal finger food for casual parties, and the beetroot salad adds a fresh, vibrant note to the meal.

Together, these recipes bring color, nutrition, and authentic Aussie spirit to your celebration.

Conclusion

Celebrating Australia Day with vegetarian recipes is a wonderful way to honor the country’s fresh produce and diverse culinary influences while keeping your menu inclusive and flavorful. These dishes are simple to prepare yet packed with taste, making them perfect for sharing with loved ones under the warm Australian sun.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based options to your celebration, these recipes are sure to impress.

By embracing local ingredients and classic Australian flavors, you can create a memorable and delicious feast that everyone will enjoy. Don’t forget to check out other fantastic recipes like the Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe for an easy sauce addition or the Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe for a sweet snack.

Here’s to a joyful, tasty, and vibrant Australia Day celebration!

📖 Recipe Card: Australia Day Vegetarian BBQ Skewers

Description: Delicious and colorful vegetarian skewers perfect for celebrating Australia Day. Packed with fresh vegetables and a tangy marinade, they’re easy to prepare and grill.

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

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 red onion, cut into wedges
  • 200g button mushrooms
  • 200g firm tofu, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Instructions

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add tofu and vegetables to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
  4. Thread the marinated tofu and vegetables onto the skewers alternately.
  5. Grill the skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until vegetables are tender and tofu is golden.
  6. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or salad.

Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 14 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 15 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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