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10 Creative Vegetarian Spreads to Elevate Your Meat-Free Lunches

10 Creative Vegetarian Spreads to Elevate Your Meat-Free Lunches

Meat-free dinners offer endless delicious recipes, but lunchtime often leaves us craving inspiration. As experienced food enthusiasts, we've curated these expert tips from the Week Without Meat to transform your sandwiches.

Vegetable Tartare

This inventive twist on steak tartare swaps meat for vibrant veggies. Finely dice tomatoes, bell peppers, grilled eggplant, or zucchini. Season with onion, garlic, fresh herbs, and your favorite dressing for a fresh, flavorful topping we swear by.

Eggs

Eggs pack high-quality protein, making them an ideal meat alternative. Opt for boiled, scrambled, or fried eggs for a speedy lunch. With extra time, master poached eggs: swirl boiling water with a ladle, add a splash of vinegar, and gently crack in the egg. Top your sandwich and let the runny yolk cascade over.

Cheese

Cheese delivers creamy satisfaction for vegetarian spreads, but not all varieties qualify—many use animal rennet from calves' stomachs, a slaughter byproduct. Look for 'microbial rennet' on labels for truly vegetarian options, ensuring your choices align with plant-based principles.

Hummus

Hummus is a staple for its creamy texture and nutrition. Whip up your own easily—view the recipe for hummus here—or grab supermarket favorites from classic to spicy pumpkin or beet varieties. Simple, quick, and satisfying.

Avocado

Avocado's versatility shines on bread: mash or slice it solo, or layer over hummus. Season with salt, pepper, chili flakes, garlic, and paprika powder. Got leftovers? These are 4 ways to store half an avocado.

Nut Paste

Peanut butter reigns supreme with its protein punch. Beyond classic chunky styles, explore flavors like chocolate, sea salt caramel, coconut, or chili. We prefer 100% peanut versions without additives. Experiment with almond butter too—this is how you make almond butter yourself.

Vegetable Spreads

Boost your veggie intake with ready-made spreads like carrot puree or baba ganoush (eggplant-based). Supermarkets stock more options daily, delivering your daily greens in a delicious, effortless bite.

Fruits

Fruit makes an unexpected yet brilliant sandwich topper. Banana slices pair perfectly with peanut butter, or sauté apple chunks with raisins for apple pie vibes on bread.

Sweet

Indulge occasionally with sweet spreads: chocolate hazelnut, sprinkles, jam, or honey for a treat that's simply irresistible.

Vegetarian Meat Products

Struggling to skip meats? Quorn offers spot-on alternatives like vegan chicken-free slices, smoky free ham, pepperoni, spinach, and red pepper slices. Find them easily at Albert Heijn. Text and image: Quorn