Carnivores everywhere often proclaim that they would never be able to give up meat because they love it too much. But even forgoing meat just once or twice a week can have far-reaching positive effects on both personal health and the environment. Here are ten delicious and satisfying vegetarian snacks that are sure to keep you happy between meals no matter what you're eating.
Avocado toast: Smash some ripe avocado on toast with salt, pepper and garlic, then top with a runny egg: You know the drill. This combination of creamy avocado and crunchy bread is a favorite and immensely satisfying snack of vegetarians everywhere. On the go? Stop by Tout Suite for its take on avo toast.
Beet hummus: Corner Table ups your average hummus game with a shockingly vivid beet hummus that combines harmoniously with crudités and pita chips. Try
this recipe for an easy at-home version.
Cheese plate: The great thing about cheese (aside from the perfect combination of carbs, protein and fat) is that you can dress it up or down however you want. From making your own
vegan cheese at home to trying one of the fabulous cheese plates at 13 Celsius, cheese makes for incredibly satisfying snacking.
Tofu spring rolls: Pop into
Huynh, Café TH or any of your favorite Vietnamese restaurants for a quick and cheap pick-me-up in the form of soft rice paper wrapped around protein-rich tofu and fresh vegetables. Spring rolls are also an easy snack to
make at home.
Vegetable chips: The vegetable chips in the bulk section at Whole Foods or Central Market are a dangerous vice that still provides slightly more nutrition than your average potato chip. Try these
baked beet chips for a homemade version.
Vegetarian empanadas: A mini handheld pie with a vegetable-packed filling enrobed in flaky pastry: Your snacking game can't get much better than a quick empanada or two. Manena's Pastry Shop & Deli and The Original Marini's Empanada House specialize in a wide variety of empanadas, but you can also pick up empanadas at a coffee shop like Siphon or Cafe Brasil.
Fruit bars: Fruit and nut bars are a sweet and convenient way to boost your energy with a load of protein and fiber. The two-bite fruit-loaded snacks from
Green Plate Foods — in flavors like cherry chocolate, apricot cranberry or blueberry pistachio — are a great way to get a nutritious snack and support a growing local business.
Acai bowls: Acai bowls use the tropical superfood acai as a blended smoothie-like base to top with fruit, vegetables, granola and other healthy ingredients. They’re easy enough to
blend up at home, but
Beet Box Blend Bar also offers customizable bowls in two sizes if you’re crunched for time.
Roasted nuts: A step up from trail mix, roasted almonds, walnuts and other nuts make for an irresistible snack filled with protein and healthy fats. Make them at home with this
rosemary twist, or pick up a bag at your local farmer’s market.
Olives: Olives are a great source of antioxidants, vitamin E and iron, among a plethora of other minerals and vitamins. Pick up an exotic variety at
Phoenicia Specialty Foods or your favorite grocery store, or enjoy them in
tapenade form on whole-grain crackers.