If you’re looking to elevate your vegetarian meals with a fresh, aromatic herb that adds a sophisticated touch, tarragon is your go-to ingredient. Known for its subtle anise-like flavor, tarragon has been a staple in French cuisine for centuries and pairs beautifully with a variety of vegetarian dishes.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or experimenting with herbs for the first time, incorporating tarragon into your recipes can transform everyday meals into something truly special.
In this post, we’ll explore the best vegetarian tarragon recipes that are easy to make and packed with flavor. From creamy sauces and hearty salads to vibrant vegetable dishes, these recipes showcase how versatile tarragon can be.
Plus, you’ll get practical tips, ingredient lists, and nutritional insights to help you cook with confidence. Ready to infuse your kitchen with the delightful essence of tarragon?
Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love These Recipes
Tarragon is a unique herb that brings a fresh, slightly sweet, and licorice-like flavor to vegetarian dishes without overpowering other ingredients. These recipes are designed to highlight tarragon’s delicate aroma while complementing a variety of vegetables, legumes, and dairy alternatives.
You’ll love these recipes because they:
- Enhance simple ingredients: Tarragon elevates everyday veggies into gourmet dishes.
- Are packed with nutrients: Featuring fresh produce and wholesome ingredients perfect for a balanced diet.
- Offer versatility: Use tarragon in sauces, dressings, soups, and mains for endless culinary possibilities.
- Suit all skill levels: Step-by-step instructions make these recipes accessible to beginners and pros alike.
Ingredients
| Recipe | Main Ingredients |
|---|---|
| 1. Creamy Tarragon Mushroom Stroganoff |
|
| 2. Tarragon Chickpea Salad |
|
| 3. Roasted Carrots with Tarragon and Honey |
|
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Medium saucepan
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander (for rinsing chickpeas and draining pasta)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Instructions
Creamy Tarragon Mushroom Stroganoff
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Cook mushrooms: Add sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté for 7-8 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown.
- Deglaze & simmer: Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Finish sauce: Lower heat, stir in sour cream (or vegan alternative) and chopped fresh tarragon. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
- Combine & serve: Toss cooked noodles into the sauce until well coated. Serve hot, garnished with extra tarragon if desired.
Tarragon Chickpea Salad
- Prepare chickpeas: In a medium bowl, mash chickpeas slightly with a fork, leaving some whole for texture.
- Mix dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together vegan mayo (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: Add chopped tarragon, red onion, and celery to the chickpeas. Pour dressing over and mix until evenly coated.
- Chill & serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve as a sandwich filling, over greens, or with crackers.
Roasted Carrots with Tarragon and Honey
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare carrots: Toss peeled and halved carrots with olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper.
- Roast: Spread carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
- Add tarragon: Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped tarragon and optional lemon zest. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve warm: These carrots make a perfect side dish or salad topper.
Tips & Variations
“Fresh tarragon is best for its vibrant flavor, but dried tarragon can be used in a pinch—just use about one-third the amount.”
- Mushroom Stroganoff: Try adding a splash of white wine when deglazing for extra depth.
- Chickpea Salad: Swap in fresh dill or parsley if you want to experiment with herb blends.
- Roasted Carrots: Sprinkle toasted almonds or walnuts on top for a crunchy texture contrast.
- Make it vegan: Use plant-based sour cream and mayo to keep these recipes fully vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
- Extra creamy option: Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast to the stroganoff sauce just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
- Prepare chickpeas: In a medium bowl, mash chickpeas slightly with a fork, leaving some whole for texture.
- Mix dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together vegan mayo (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: Add chopped tarragon, red onion, and celery to the chickpeas. Pour dressing over and mix until evenly coated.
- Chill & serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve as a sandwich filling, over greens, or with crackers.
Roasted Carrots with Tarragon and Honey
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare carrots: Toss peeled and halved carrots with olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper.
- Roast: Spread carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
- Add tarragon: Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped tarragon and optional lemon zest. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve warm: These carrots make a perfect side dish or salad topper.
Tips & Variations
“Fresh tarragon is best for its vibrant flavor, but dried tarragon can be used in a pinch—just use about one-third the amount.”
- Mushroom Stroganoff: Try adding a splash of white wine when deglazing for extra depth.
- Chickpea Salad: Swap in fresh dill or parsley if you want to experiment with herb blends.
- Roasted Carrots: Sprinkle toasted almonds or walnuts on top for a crunchy texture contrast.
- Make it vegan: Use plant-based sour cream and mayo to keep these recipes fully vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
- Extra creamy option: Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast to the stroganoff sauce just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
“Fresh tarragon is best for its vibrant flavor, but dried tarragon can be used in a pinch—just use about one-third the amount.”
| Recipe | Calories (per serving) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Carbohydrates (g) | Fiber (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creamy Tarragon Mushroom Stroganoff | 320 | 12 | 14 | 35 | 5 |
| Tarragon Chickpea Salad | 250 | 10 | 12 | 28 | 7 |
| Roasted Carrots with Tarragon and Honey | 150 | 2 | 7 | 20 | 4 |
Serving Suggestions
These tarragon dishes are incredibly versatile and pair well with many sides and beverages:
- Mushroom Stroganoff: Serve over wide egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes. A crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Chickpea Salad: Enjoy it in a whole-grain wrap, stuffed into pita bread, or atop a bed of fresh greens for a light lunch.
- Roasted Carrots: Add to a grain bowl with quinoa, roasted beets, and a lemon-tahini dressing for a colorful meal.
For more herb-inspired vegetarian recipes, check out our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe or indulge your sweet tooth with the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe. And if you love cheesy goodness, you’ll want to try our Cheese Penny Recipe too!
Conclusion
Incorporating tarragon into vegetarian dishes opens up a world of exciting flavors and textures. Its delicate, slightly sweet and aromatic qualities complement a wide range of vegetables, legumes, and creamy bases, making it an indispensable herb for anyone looking to diversify their plant-based cooking.
These recipes showcase the versatility of tarragon—from hearty mushroom stroganoff to refreshing chickpea salad and sweet roasted carrots.
By experimenting with these dishes, you can enjoy tarragon’s unique touch in different meal formats, whether you want a comforting dinner or a light, nutritious lunch. Don’t be afraid to tweak the recipes to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
With fresh tarragon in your kitchen, delicious and elegant vegetarian meals are always within reach!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegetarian Tarragon Recipe
Description: A flavorful vegetarian dish featuring fresh tarragon that enhances the taste of seasonal vegetables. Perfect for a light and aromatic meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh tarragon leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked quinoa or rice, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Add mushrooms, bell pepper, and zucchini; cook until tender.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add cream and chopped tarragon; cook for 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot over cooked quinoa or rice.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 | Protein: 6g | Fat: 18g | Carbs: 20g
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