Canadian Living Vegetarian Recipe Book: Delicious Easy Meals

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Discover the vibrant and wholesome world of Canadian vegetarian cuisine with our detailed exploration inspired by the Canadian Living Vegetarian Recipe Book. This collection champions fresh, seasonal ingredients and celebrates the rich tapestry of flavors found across Canada’s diverse regions.

Whether you’re a dedicated vegetarian, looking to reduce meat consumption, or simply eager to try something new, these recipes offer delicious, nutritious, and satisfying meals that are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

From hearty stews and comforting casseroles to light salads and creative appetizers, this recipe book embraces the best of Canadian produce and culinary traditions. Join us as we dive into a standout recipe that exemplifies the essence of vegetarian cooking with a Canadian twist, guaranteed to delight your taste buds and inspire your kitchen adventures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe embodies everything you want in vegetarian cooking: hearty, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients. It’s designed to be approachable for cooks of all levels and uses common pantry staples alongside fresh produce.

The balanced combination of textures and tastes ensures every bite is satisfying, while the nutritional profile supports a healthy lifestyle.

Moreover, the recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tweak ingredients based on availability or personal preference. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, it’s a crowd-pleaser that showcases the versatility of vegetarian meals.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (omit for vegan)

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan with lid
  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander (for rinsing quinoa and chickpeas)

Instructions

  1. Cook the quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add vegetables: Toss in the diced red bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
  4. Season the mixture: Stir in the smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and chickpeas. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften.
  5. Combine quinoa and veggies: Transfer the cooked quinoa into the skillet with the vegetables. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Finish with fresh flavors: Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice. If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For a vegan version, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative. You can also swap quinoa for brown rice, bulgur, or couscous depending on your preference.

Variation: Boost the protein content by adding toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds. For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes during the seasoning step.

Storage: This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and makes excellent leftovers for quick lunches or dinners.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 350 kcal
Protein 12 g
Carbohydrates 45 g
Fiber 8 g
Fat 10 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Sodium 400 mg

Serving Suggestions

This colorful quinoa and vegetable dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or warm crusty bread. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted sweet potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes.

To add a Canadian twist, consider pairing it with a glass of chilled Canadian white wine or a refreshing Maple Bourbon Pickles Recipe from our collection — a delightful balance to the fresh, tangy flavors of the dish.

For more vegetarian inspiration, check out the Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food or try the vibrant Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe.

Conclusion

This recipe from the Canadian Living Vegetarian Recipe Book highlights the power of simple, fresh ingredients to create a satisfying and nutritious meal. With its balanced flavors and wholesome components, it’s an excellent choice for anyone seeking to embrace a vegetarian lifestyle without compromising on taste.

Cooking vegetarian doesn’t have to be complicated or bland — this dish proves that vibrant colors, textures, and aromas can come together effortlessly for a delightful dining experience. We hope this recipe encourages you to explore more vegetarian options and enjoy the culinary treasures Canada has to offer.

For those interested in expanding their recipe repertoire, be sure to explore other delightful recipes like the Maple Bourbon Pickles Recipe and Lemon Straws Recipe to round out your meals with scrumptious sides and desserts.

📖 Recipe Card: Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Salad

Description: A hearty and nutritious vegetarian salad featuring roasted seasonal vegetables and fluffy quinoa. Perfect as a main dish or a side for any meal.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 yellow squash, diced
  • 1 red onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss bell pepper, zucchini, squash, and onion with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes, stirring halfway.
  4. Cook quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions, about 15 minutes.
  5. Fluff quinoa with a fork and transfer to a large bowl.
  6. Add roasted vegetables, parsley, and lemon juice to quinoa; toss gently.
  7. Top with feta cheese if desired and serve warm or chilled.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 42 g

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Marta K

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