You can never have too many mouthwatering fresh pasta and gnocchi meal ideas up your sleeve that will keep everyone in the family happy! Whether you’re on the hunt for more meat-free recipes or want a break from your routine, these recipes will please everyone around the table.

After all – filling and flavorful – vegetarian dishes are anything but boring! We’ll show you how to prepare great meals using fresh ingredients. Preparing a vegetarian meal is a great excuse to try new vegetables or meat alternatives. Luckily, with Olivieri®, you don’t have to choose between quality and convenience. We’ll guide you through some of our favourite Italian-inspired, meat-free meals.  

Meat-Free Food Choices 

Before we delve into recipe ideas, let’s talk about what kinds of foods are included within different vegetarian or meat-free diets. 

  • Vegetarians: don’t eat meat, poultry, or fish but typically opt to eat dishes containing animal-derived products like dairy, eggs, and broth.
  • Pescatarians: follow similar guidelines, except for eating seafood and other shellfish. This recipe includes savoury shrimp, zesty lemon, and red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick – this creamy Tortellini with Asparagus Shrimp has it all! There is no limit to the number of pescatarian plates you can create! 
  • Vegans: do not eat any byproducts from animals, including dairy products and eggs.

We’ve compiled our favourite vegetarian and pescatarian recipe ideas using lots of vegetables and, of course, our filling sauces, pasta and gnocchi! So sit back, scroll down, and discover how Olivieri® can help you create unforgettable meals for you and your family. 

Vegetarian Recipes

Delicious dishes start with Olivieri® and end with a satisfying family sharing time around the dinner table together. There’s no shortage of meal appetizers, soups, salads and other dinner options when you have the right ingredients and know just what to do with them.  

Black-Bean-Salsa-With-Marinara-Sauce
Black Bean Salsa

Vegetarian Appetizer Recipes

Appetizers are a great way to serve various snacks that accommodate everyone’s dietary preferences! Whether you’ve got guests coming over or you’re looking for an elevated dinner option, we’ve got great starter ideas. 

Inspired by a classic Caprese, these bite-sized Fresh Mozzarella & Tomato Crostinis have a zesty Olivieri® Basil & Cheese Pesto spread that will undoubtedly have everyone coming back for more. 

Be sure to make enough for everybody – because no one can resist this tasty Tex-Mex hearty Black Bean Salsa

Vegetarian Soup Recipes

Soups are great filling and meat-free meal options, especially on chilly days! 

Soup-tortellini-with-spinach-beef-chicken-cheese
Mama’s Tortellini Soup

Mouthwatering and meat-free, Mama’s Tortellini Soup shows you just how easy it is to make a cup of comfort food for the family; swap out the beef broth for a vegetarian-friendly meal. Simmer your favourite tortellini variety in vegetable stock for 10 minutes before tossing in your favourite veggies. 

Vegetarian Pasta Salads

When you’re looking for something fresh, nothing beats a delicious pasta salad! Want to know our secret to make the perfect dish? Swap in fresh gnocchi or other filled pastas in place of traditional pasta. 

We can’t get enough of this Gnocchi Pasta Salad made with four ingredients in 2 minutes. Now that’s a recipe for success! But maybe you need a cure for the winter blues or need to beat the heat with a refreshing dish; a Mediterranean meal – like our Tasty Tuscan Tortellini Salad – is just the ticket!

Vegetarian Dinner Recipes

With our delicious Olivieri® filled pasta, you can prepare hearty homestyle dinners that make Nonna proud! 

Ravioli-with-butternut-chicken-and-kale
Butternut Squash Ravioli with Brown Butter and Sage

The meal options are endless as you can mix and match your favourite sauces and pasta! To give you a little inspiration, we’ve compiled a few of our favourites:  

If you love gnocchi as much as we do, take a look at our selection of some the best gnocchi recipes you’ll find anywhere.

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Churro-Style Gnocchi Bites

Quick Dessert Idea: Make a dessert charcuterie board with sweet dips and dippable treats like these Churro-Style Gnocchi Bites.   

Olivieri® offers a wide range of vegetarian-friendly products, so you’ve got plenty of options to experience the joy of an Italian-inspired meal.