Vegetarian Nut Roast Recipe for a Delicious Holiday Feast

Updated On: October 4, 2025

Nut roast is a classic vegetarian dish that shines as a hearty and flavorful centerpiece, especially during festive occasions or cozy family dinners. Bursting with wholesome nuts, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs, this recipe offers a satisfying texture and rich taste that even meat lovers will appreciate.

Unlike traditional roasts, a nut roast is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a nutritious alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your routine, this vegetarian nut roast recipe is easy to prepare and customizable to suit your preferences. It pairs wonderfully with seasonal sides and gravies, creating a wholesome meal that’s both comforting and impressive.

Get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as delicious as it is nourishing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian nut roast is incredibly versatile and packed with texture and flavor. Made with a mix of nuts, vegetables, and herbs, it’s naturally gluten-free and can be adapted to be vegan.

The combination of toasted nuts and sautéed veggies creates a savory, slightly crunchy exterior with a moist, tender interior that melts in your mouth.

It’s perfect for holiday dinners or any time you want a filling, healthy meal that’s high in protein and fiber. The recipe is straightforward, requiring no special ingredients, and can be made ahead of time — just pop it in the oven when you’re ready!

Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in extra vegetables, making it a wholesome option for all ages.

Ingredients

  • 150g mixed nuts (walnuts, cashews, almonds, roughly chopped)
  • 100g chestnut mushrooms, finely chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 100g cooked brown lentils (or canned, drained)
  • 100g cooked quinoa or brown rice
  • 100g breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 tbsp ground flaxseeds mixed with 6 tbsp water (flax egg)
  • 2 tbsp tomato puree
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Optional: 50g grated vegetarian cheese or vegan alternative

Equipment

  • Large frying pan or skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Loaf tin (approximately 9 x 5 inches)
  • Food processor or knife for chopping nuts and vegetables
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Baking paper or greaseproof paper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease your loaf tin and line it with baking paper for easy removal.
  2. Toast the nuts: In a dry frying pan over medium heat, toast the mixed nuts for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Remove and set aside to cool.
  3. Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in the same pan, add the diced onion and garlic, and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the chopped mushrooms and grated carrot, cooking for another 5 minutes until softened and any moisture evaporates.
  4. Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, mix ground flaxseeds with water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens.
  5. Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the toasted nuts, sautéed vegetables, cooked lentils, cooked quinoa, breadcrumbs, tomato puree, soy sauce, dried thyme, rosemary, and the flax egg. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Transfer to the loaf tin: Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and press down firmly to compact it evenly. Optionally, sprinkle grated vegetarian cheese on top for a golden crust.
  7. Bake: Place the loaf tin in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is firm and golden brown. Let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes before carefully removing.
  8. Serve: Slice and serve warm with your favorite sides and gravy.

Tips & Variations

“For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats. You can also swap quinoa for brown rice or barley depending on your preference.”

Feel free to add other vegetables such as finely chopped bell peppers, celery, or spinach for extra nutrition and color. For a vegan version, simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

If you want an extra moist nut roast, add a tablespoon of olive oil or a little vegetable broth to the mixture before baking. For added flavor, mix in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or sage just before baking.

To prepare ahead, assemble the nut roast and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it fresh on the day you plan to serve.

This makes it perfect for holiday meal prep!

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1/8 loaf)
Calories 280 kcal
Protein 10g
Fat 18g
Carbohydrates 18g
Fiber 6g
Sugar 3g
Sodium 350mg

Serving Suggestions

This nut roast pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or steamed green beans. For a festive touch, serve with vegetarian gravy or cranberry sauce to add a burst of flavor.

For a lighter meal, slice the nut roast thinly and serve over a mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. You can also use leftovers in sandwiches or wraps with fresh veggies and hummus.

To explore more delicious vegetarian dishes to complement your meal, check out these recipes: Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious, Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes, and Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore.

Conclusion

This vegetarian nut roast recipe is a delightful addition to any meal, offering a nourishing and tasty alternative to traditional meat roasts. Its rich combination of nuts, lentils, and vegetables provides a satisfying texture and robust flavor that will impress both vegetarians and omnivores alike.

Easy to prepare and adaptable for various dietary needs, this nut roast is perfect for festive occasions or a wholesome family dinner. By incorporating simple ingredients and aromatic herbs, you create a dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrition.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy a comforting, plant-based meal that celebrates the best of vegetarian cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Nut Roast

Description: A hearty and flavorful nut roast perfect for a vegetarian main dish. Packed with nuts, vegetables, and herbs for a satisfying meal.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT50M
Total Time: PT1H10M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, cashews), chopped
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup grated carrot
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Toast the nuts lightly in a dry pan and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
  4. In a large bowl, combine nuts, cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, grated carrot, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, thyme, rosemary, and eggs.
  5. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.
  6. Press mixture into a greased loaf pan.
  7. Bake for 50 minutes or until firm and golden brown.
  8. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 20 g | Carbs: 25 g

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Marta K

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