Boxing Day Recipes Vegetarian: Delicious Meat-Free Ideas

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Boxing Day is the perfect time to unwind and enjoy delicious food with family and friends without the stress of extensive cooking. For those following a vegetarian lifestyle, finding festive, hearty, and satisfying dishes can sometimes be a challenge.

But fear not! We’ve gathered some mouthwatering vegetarian recipes that are perfect for Boxing Day celebrations.

These recipes are not only packed with flavor but also easy to prepare, allowing you to relax and savor the holiday spirit. Whether you’re craving comfort food or something a little lighter, these vegetarian dishes will bring warmth and joy to your Boxing Day table.

From savory mains to delightful side dishes, these recipes emphasize fresh, wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors. Plus, they cater to a variety of tastes and preferences, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy and full.

Dive into these Boxing Day vegetarian recipes and make your holiday both memorable and delicious!

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

These vegetarian Boxing Day recipes are designed to be flavorful, nutritious, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large festive feast, these dishes offer a wonderful balance of comfort and elegance.

They utilize seasonal vegetables, hearty legumes, and aromatic spices to create meals that feel indulgent but are surprisingly easy to make.

You’ll appreciate how these recipes can be prepped in advance, giving you more time to enjoy the holiday rather than being stuck in the kitchen. Plus, they cater to diverse dietary needs without compromising on taste or presentation, making your Boxing Day celebrations inclusive and joyful.

Ingredients

Recipe Key Ingredients
Roasted Root Vegetable & Lentil Wellington
  • 2 large carrots, diced
  • 1 parsnip, diced
  • 1 sweet potato, diced
  • 1 cup cooked green lentils
  • 1 sheet puff pastry
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 egg (or plant-based egg wash)
Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Stroganoff
  • 500g mixed mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or vegan alternative
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Festive Quinoa Salad with Pomegranate & Walnuts
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Baking sheet or roasting pan
  • Large non-stick skillet or frying pan
  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Sharp knife and chopping board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or fork (for egg wash)
  • Colander or sieve (for rinsing quinoa/lentils)

Instructions

Roasted Root Vegetable & Lentil Wellington

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss the diced carrots, parsnip, and sweet potato with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet.
  2. Roast the vegetables for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through.
  3. While the vegetables roast, combine cooked lentils with minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  4. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface. Spread the lentil mixture in the center, then top with the roasted vegetables.
  5. Fold the pastry over the filling and seal the edges well. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking tray.
  6. Brush the pastry with egg wash or a plant-based alternative for a golden crust.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.
  8. Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Stroganoff

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.
  2. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until browned and soft, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Stir in paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
  4. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream or vegan alternative until creamy.
  6. Serve hot over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Festive Quinoa Salad with Pomegranate & Walnuts

  1. Rinse quinoa under cold water. Cook according to package instructions, then fluff with a fork and let cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, pomegranate seeds, chopped walnuts, and parsley.
  3. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  4. Toss the dressing with the quinoa mixture until well combined.
  5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

“Make your Boxing Day feast more vibrant by adding seasonal vegetables and fresh herbs to your dishes. Prepping ingredients ahead of time can save you precious moments to relax and enjoy the holiday.”

  • For the Wellington, substitute lentils with cooked mushrooms or a nut-based pâté for a richer filling.
  • Try using coconut cream instead of sour cream in the stroganoff for a dairy-free, tropical twist.
  • Add roasted butternut squash or beets to the quinoa salad for extra color and sweetness.
  • Include fresh herbs like rosemary or sage in the roasted vegetables for a more festive aroma.
  • Pair the stroganoff with homemade eggless noodles or try it over creamy mashed potatoes.

Nutrition Facts

Recipe Calories (per serving) Protein Fat Carbohydrates Fiber
Roasted Root Vegetable & Lentil Wellington 350 kcal 12g 10g 50g 8g
Creamy Mushroom & Spinach Stroganoff 280 kcal 9g 15g 20g 5g
Festive Quinoa Salad 220 kcal 6g 12g 25g 4g

Serving Suggestions

These vegetarian dishes are versatile and pair beautifully with a range of sides and drinks. The Wellington shines alongside a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal greens.

For the stroganoff, creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles make an ideal base.

The quinoa salad is refreshing on its own or can accompany roasted vegetable platters and crusty artisan bread. To complete your Boxing Day meal, consider serving with a warm spiced cider or a light white wine.

For dessert, try a festive treat like the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe or indulge in the decadent Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe for a sweet ending.

Conclusion

Boxing Day offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy comforting, flavorful meals that bring everyone together. These vegetarian recipes provide a delicious, nutritious alternative to traditional holiday fare, ensuring your celebrations are both festive and inclusive.

Whether you choose the hearty Roasted Root Vegetable & Lentil Wellington, the creamy Mushroom & Spinach Stroganoff, or the vibrant Quinoa Salad, each dish is designed to impress and satisfy.

With simple preparation, fresh ingredients, and thoughtful seasoning, these recipes will make your Boxing Day feast memorable and stress-free. Don’t forget to explore other delightful recipes on our site — you might find inspiration for your next meal, like our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe or the comforting Cheese Penny Recipe.

Happy cooking and happy holidays!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Boxing Day Shepherd's Pie

Description: A hearty and comforting vegetarian take on the classic shepherd's pie, perfect for Boxing Day leftovers. Packed with vegetables and lentils, topped with creamy mashed potatoes.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
  • 1 cup dried brown lentils, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared with butter and milk)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
  4. Stir in carrots and mushrooms, cook for 5 minutes.
  5. Add lentils, vegetable broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  6. Simmer for 25 minutes until lentils are tender and mixture thickens.
  7. Transfer lentil mixture to a baking dish and spread mashed potatoes evenly on top.
  8. Bake for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 50 g

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Marta K

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