For vegetarians managing kidney disease, maintaining a healthy eating pattern can seem challenging. However, with the right recipes and guidance, it's entirely possible to enjoy delicious and nutritious meals that support kidney health. AKF's Kidney Kitchen® offers a variety of recipes tailored for vegetarians with kidney disease. Plant-based eating can be both enjoyable and beneficial, and a recent study even suggested that following a healthy, plant-based diet may reduce the risk of death in people with kidney disease.
Featured Vegetarian Renal Diet Recipes
Here are several meat-free recipes that are both kidney-friendly and delicious:
Cheesy Cauliflower Steak
These low-carb, healthy cauliflower steaks are a flavorful way to incorporate vegetables into your diet.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- Two cauliflower heads
- Olive oil
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- Unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Vegetable broth
- Dairy-free cheddar style shreds (or dairy cheddar if you prefer)
- Sriracha
- Red and yellow bell peppers
- Green onion
Equipment:
- Cast-iron skillet
Easy Breakfast Burritos
These quick and easy egg burritos are versatile and can be customized with additional vegetables. They are perfect for any time of day.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- Canola or olive oil
- Red bell pepper
- Green onions
- Eggs
- Corn tortillas
- Chili powder
- Cheese
Zucchini Ribbon Pita Pizza
This recipe uses pita bread as a quick and easy pizza crust, eliminating the need to roll out dough.
Read also: Is a Vegetarian Elimination Diet Right for You?
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- Zucchini
- Olive oil
- Oregano
- Black pepper
- Pita bread
- Low sodium tomato sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Feta cheese
- Basil
- (Optional) pine nuts
Figs in a Blanket
These glazed figs stuffed with creamy goat cheese and wrapped in flaky pastry offer a sweet and savory flavor combination.
- Prep time: 55 minutes
- Cook time: 18 minutes
Ingredients:
- Balsamic vinegar
- Honey
- Fresh thyme
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- Water
- Dried figs
- An egg
- Walnuts
- Puff pastry
- Goat cheese
- (Optional) sumac
Equipment:
- Rolling pin
Apple Chocolate Pecan Treats
This healthy treat is a twist on chocolate fondue.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- Fuji apples
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Coconut oil
- Chopped pecans
Equipment:
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
Additional Vegetarian Kidney-Friendly Recipes
Here are five more delicious vegetarian recipes to try:
Spring Onion Frittata
This savory egg-based dish is versatile and can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Serving size: ⅛ frittata
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 shallot, minced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups chopped asparagus
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 8 eggs
- 1 bunch green onions, green and white parts, chopped
- ½ cup chives, chopped
- 1 lemon, zested
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
Directions:
- Heat oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add shallot and garlic. Cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add asparagus, salt, and pepper. Cook 5 minutes more, until the asparagus is tender and bright green. Set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs. Add green onion, chives, lemon zest, milk and cheese. Add cooked asparagus mixture. Mix to combine.
- Pour into an 8-9” pie plate. Bake at 400’F for 20-25 minutes, or until the center is set.
Customize this recipe by adding leeks, broccoli, or zucchini for some additional veggie goodness.
Read also: Healthy Vegetarian Eating
Mushroom Croquettes
This vegetarian version of a Spanish classic uses mushrooms for a meaty flavor.
- Serving size: 1 croquette
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- 2 cups raw mushrooms, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- ⅓ cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup unsweetened oat milk without phosphorus additives, warm
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup Japanese breadcrumbs, Panko
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Directions:
- Preheat a medium skillet on the stove over medium heat.
- Add 1 tablespoon of oil, mushrooms, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for an additional minute. Reduce the temperature to low heat.
- Add the remaining oil and flour. Cook the flour for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the warm milk and nutmeg. Keep stirring the mixture. Cook for 2-4 minutes until thickened.
- Transfer the mixture to a container with a lid. Let it cool for 20-30 minutes. Then, cover the container and place it in the freezer for 1 hour.
- Remove from the freezer. With a knife, divide the mixture into 6 equal parts.
- In a small container, add breadcrumbs with dried parsley. Mix.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- Take each equal part of the mixture and form a cylinder shape with your hands. You can also use spoons to shape the croquette.
- Roll the croquette in the breadcrumb mixture with parsley. Place it on the air fryer tray. Continue making the croquettes. If not eaten immediately, you can store them in the freezer.
- Cook the croquettes for 10 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Let the croquettes cool for 4-5 minutes. Serve and enjoy the heat.
Grilled Romaine Salad
Grilling romaine lettuce adds a unique flavor to this salad, which pairs perfectly with the homemade dressing.
- Serving size: 1 cup
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 romaine lettuce heads
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup lemon juice, fresh
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ cup blueberries
- ¾ cup sliced strawberries
Directions:
- Start by making the vinaigrette. Combine lemon juice, 1/2 cup strawberries, salt, and pepper in a food processor.
- Pulse until combined. Stream in 1/4 cup olive oil. Set aside.
- Preheat a grill to medium-high.
- Rinse and pat dry the lettuce.
- Cut the heads in thirds lengthwise.
- Lightly brush the surface with olive oil and grill for about 4 to 5 minutes total.
- Place each wedge on a salad plate. Top with remaining strawberries and blueberries. Drizzle with two tablespoons of strawberry vinaigrette.
Couscous Salad with Tangy Dressing
This bright and flavorful couscous salad is easy to prepare and makes a filling weekday lunch.
- Serving size: ½ cup
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried oregano leaves
- 1 tsp allspice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1 cup, whole sugar snap peas
- ½ cup frozen corn
- ½ cup chopped carrots
- ½ cup chopped yellow bell pepper
- ½ cup chopped red bell pepper
- 3 large cucumbers, peeled
- 1 cup couscous, dry
Directions:
- Prepare couscous according to the package, and chill.
- In a large bowl, mix chilled couscous, cucumbers, red pepper, yellow pepper, carrots, snow peas, and corn.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, All spices, dried oregano, minced garlic, and olive oil.
- Combine and serve chilled.
Sweet Strawberry-Pineapple Plant-Based Smoothie
This smoothie is packed with kidney-friendly superfoods like strawberries and plant-based milk alternatives.
- Serving size: 8 oz
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup almond milk or soy milk yogurt
- ½ cup plant-based milk (e.g., soy, almond, cashew)
7-Day Kidney-Friendly Meal Plan
Managing chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires a balanced diet that supports kidney function while controlling sodium, phosphorus, and potassium intake. A 7-day meal plan can provide a structured approach to ensure you're meeting your nutritional needs. This meal plan includes low-sodium and nutrient-rich meals that are both practical and delicious. The recipes are carefully prepared to provide nutritious, kidney-friendly options.
Read also: Is a Chicken-Inclusive Vegetarian Diet Right for You?
Eating well with kidney disease doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or variety. This carefully crafted 7-day meal plan is designed to support kidney health while keeping meals simple, satisfying, and packed with nutrients. Featuring low-sodium, kidney-friendly ingredients, each day includes balanced meals and snacks that help you maintain optimal kidney function without feeling restricted. Whether you're looking for easy breakfast ideas, tasty lunch options, or wholesome dinners, this plan offers delicious solutions tailored to your needs.
tags: #vegetarian #renal #diet #recipes