25 Best Spanish Vegetarian Tapas [+Recipes]

Here is our list of the best Spanish Vegetarian tapas you should try to eat or make!

Can you believe that some people still dare to say that Spanish vegetarian dishes are boring and have a bland taste?

Well, thankfully, the vegetarian Spanish tapas come to the rescue – they have a fantastic flavor, and the recipes are so simple that anyone can make them.

If you don’t believe us (or want to learn more about them), then keep reading this article because here we will show you the best Spanish vegetarian tapas.

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Pssst…??!! You can’t get enough Spanish Vegetarian Dishes? Have a look at my other posts:

• Simple Spanish 5 Bean Soup Recipe
• Best Green Tomato Avocado Gazpacho
• Easy Ensalada de Remolacha Recipe

25 Spanish Vegetarian Tapas

What we love the most about these recipes is that they are usually healthier than regular tapas.

Even when they are not, they are still an excellent way for people with different diets to enjoy fantastic Spanish dishes.

1. Marinated Carrots

When it comes to Spanish vegetarian tapas, one of the easiest you will find is marinated carrots.

This recipe was created in Cadiz, Andalusia, over 100 years ago, and since you serve it cold, it is perfect for summer and spring.

To make this recipe, you will only need carrots (regular size, or you can go for the cute baby carrots), garlic, sherry vinegar, and olive oil. 

Then, you can add any type of seasoning and spices you choose.

It’s one of the best vegetable tapas there is!

Get the recipe: Easy Marinated Carrots Recipe from Spain

2. Tortilla De Patatas

The tortilla de patatas is a classic among Spanish vegetarian tapas, and it is probably the most famous one worldwide.

If you are having a tapas party, you can’t miss this one: everyone will love it, and you can have it ready quickly.

This Spanish tapa was invented in the 1500s, as soon as potatoes arrived in the Old Continent from America.

You will only need two main ingredients: potatoes and eggs.

Sometimes, people add onions to give it a different flavor, and we can assure you that that combination is fantastic.

This is one of the Spanish vegetarian recipes that is also easy to make at home!

Get the recipe: Tortilla de Patatas – Spanish Omelette Recipe

3. Gazpacho

The Gazpacho stands out from other vegetarian Spanish tapas recipes mainly because you can serve it as a tapa or as a main dish.

In case you didn’t know, Gazpacho is a cold tomato soup from Southern Spain, making it perfect for hot summer days.

The classic version is the tomato gazpacho, but nowadays, you can find dozens of different versions.

From watermelon gazpacho to cucumber gazpacho, almost any juicy vegetable or fruit can work to make this recipe.

The traditional Andalusian gazpacho calls for a little bit of serrano ham as a topping, but you can skip it, and it will be completely vegetarian.

Get Gazpacho recipes here:

• Asparagus Gazpacho Recipe
• Summer Fruit Gazpacho with Raspberry
• Avocado Gazpacho Recipe
• Beet Gazpacho from Spain
• Classic Andalusian Gazpacho Recipe
• Refreshing Mango Gazpacho from Axarquia
• Watermelon Gazpacho Recipe

4. Padron Peppers

You can check thousands of Spanish starters, and none of them comes close to the spiciness of this dish, making it one of the best Spanish tapas vegetables.

As you can guess from the name, the main ingredient is Padron peppers  (a flavor profile similar to the green bell pepper but way spicier), and besides that, you need salt and oil to make them.

The best way of cooking them is on the grill, but you can also make them in the oven or a regular pan. 

You can make a Spanish vegetarian tapas platter and serve this with dipping sauces or creams like aioli, cream cheese, sour cream, etc.

Get the recipe: Best Spanish Padron Peppers Recipe

5. Patatas Bravas

Potatoes are known for being a neutral flavor vegetable, but with the Patatas Bravas, you will be able to give them a fantastic twist.

This Spanish vegetarian tapa has a lot of paprika as the seasoning, alongside salt and pepper, and the potatoes are served with an amazing tomato sauce. 

You can have this as Spanish vegetarian tapas if you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and the flavor will still be great. 

Get the recipe: Crispy Patatas Bravas [Spanish Fried Potatoes]

6. Berenjenas Fritas con Miel

Now we switch from spicy to sweet with the berenjenas fritas con miel.

This is one of the most unique and bold Spanish vegetable dishes because it isn’t afraid of mixing sweet ingredients with salty ones.

You prepare and fry the berenjenas (eggplants) and then serve them with a drizzle of honey sauce (or serve it as a dip in a small bowl), and that’s how you end up with a match made in heaven.

If you aren’t the biggest fan of eggplants, you can use other vegetables or switch the honey for a different dip (but the honey works wonders).

Get the recipe: Spanish Berenjenas con Miel – Berenjenas Fritas Recipe

7. Vegetarian Empanadas

This Spanish vegetarian tapas recipe is perfect because it is a change from the classic empanadas recipe that everyone knows and loves, but it is still impressive in its way.

We know that you might be more used to enjoying chicken, beef, or cheese empanadas, but vegetarian empanadas are great, too.

If you are having a party and some of the guests are vegetarian, this tapa is perfect because it is easy to eat, and you can serve the empanadas cold, warm, or at room temperature.

To serve them as vegan tapas, you have to avoid any animal product on the dough (check the label if you are using a store-bought one) and skip the cheese.

This is one of the highly recommended vegetarian tapas dishes.

Get the recipe: Tasty Vegetarian Empanadas Recipe from Spain

8. Vegetable Paella

Spanish paella is one of the dishes that Spanish vegetarian people miss the most once they switch their diet, and who can blame them? Everyone loves it.

With the help of the vegetable paella, they have a way of enjoying it again but as a vegetarian Spanish dish.

Instead of the classic seafood, you have to use a mix of vegetables for the rice topping and make sure to use vegetable broth.

This tapas vegetarian classic will make you really full!

Get the recipe: Quick Vegetable Paella Recipe from Spain

9. Spanish Lentil Salad

Among the different Spanish vegetarian tapas that you can find there, the Spanish lentil salad is probably the healthiest one.

Not only is it low in calories, but the lentils give all of the nutrients you need, and it is an excellent replacement for meat in case you are following a vegetarian diet.

The recipe is easy to make; you can play with the different ingredients.

It is the perfect side dish or tapa if you serve it in a small portion, and it works as a main dish, too; just make sure to serve it on a giant plate.

Get the recipe: Healthy Spanish Lentil Salad Recipe

La Paella: Deliciously Authentic Rice Dishes from Spain’s Mediterranean CoastCarbon Steel Paella PanPaella Seasoning from SpainSpanish AioliOrganic Extra Virgin Olive OilForum – Spanish Cabranet Sauvignon Red Wine Vinegar – 500 mL

 

10. Spanish Roasted Vegetables

Sometimes, we don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen preparing a recipe, and we need something that can be done fast; for those days, Spanish roasted vegetables are the solution.

Not only is it a delicious dish made with a mix of the best vegetables, but it is also healthy and super easy to make. 

You have to grab your favorite vegetables, clean and chop them, and follow the cooking method.

After that, you will end up with one of the healthiest Spanish vegetarian tapas you will find.

Get the recipe: Delicious Spanish Roasted Vegetables Recipe

11. Mushroom Croquettes

Croquettes are the most classic tapas, but the mushrooms are a modern twist to this recipe.

What we love about this dish is its flavor: everyone knows and loves the traditional version with ham, but this alternative is pretty great, too.

Since the mushroom has no strong flavor, you can serve this Spanish veg tapas with dipping sauces such as aioli, sour cream, tomato sauce, etc.

Get the recipe: Best Spanish Mushroom Croquettes Recipe

12. Fried Goat Cheese

If you like mozzarella sticks, you will adore this fried goat cheese dish.

Contrary to the other Spanish vegetarian tapas recipes listed in the article, this one has a fast-food feeling to it.

We know it isn’t the healthiest, but we don’t care: the flavor is fantastic, the goat cheese melts perfectly, and the recipe is super easy to make.

It is a sweet-and-sour recipe because the fried goat cheese is served with melted honey, making it the best of both worlds.

Get the recipe: Sweet-Sour Fried Goat Cheese Recipe from Spain

13. Pisto Manchego

For all the people who enjoy feeling the taste of every vegetable, this recipe is for you.

Compared to other Spanish vegetarian tapas, this one relies the most on the flavors of the vegetables, as all the ingredients are vegetables (plus seasoning).

The name can sound a bit odd if you don’t know Spanish, but it is a game of words.

Pisto is sometimes used as ‘crushing’ or getting the juice out of something, and that’s exactly what you do with the vegetables in this recipe.

Get the recipe: Best Spanish Summer Stew – Pisto Manchego

14. Espinacas con Garbanzos

Espinacas con garbanzos, or spinach and chickpeas in English, is one of the most popular vegetarian foods in Spain.

It is perfect for when you are looking to have a healthy lunch or dinner but still want to feel filled up.

Also, this dish is served during Lent or Semana Santa in Spain, making the version without meat.

Spinach and chickpeas are the main ingredients, and the dish is usually served warm as a side or tapas, but you can also serve it as a main dish.

What we love the most about this recipe is that you can play a lot with the ingredients: switching the spinach for other vegetables, using lentils or beans instead of chickpeas, etc.

Get the recipe: Easy Potaje de Vigilia Recipe – Espinacas con garbanzos

15. Salmorejo

The Salmorejo is one of the oldest Spanish appetizer recipes, dating back to the 1800s.

The recipe was created in Cordoba, Andalusia, but it underwent many changes until it reached the form we know today.

The Salmorejo is easy to make, and sometimes people like to pair it up against gazpacho, but we think that competition is pointless and we should enjoy both dishes.

The Salmorejo is commonly served with chopped boiled eggs on top and some serrano ham, but you can skip them if you are looking for Spanish vegan recipes.

Get the recipe: Savory Spanish Salmorejo Recipe

16. Spanish Garlic Mushrooms

This is probably the simplest among easy tapas recipes, and we couldn’t be more obsessed with it.

As well as other Spanish vegetarian tapas, garlic plays a crucial role in being the primary flavoring agent, but the mushroom also gets to shine.

It is usually served warm, but the great thing about this tapa is that you can serve it cold, too.

You can also serve them as a side dish or make a table filled with Spanish tapas plates.

Get the recipe: Easy Spanish Garlic Mushrooms Recipe

17. Spanish Fried Cauliflower

If you think that cauliflower tastes bad or nothing good can come out of it, then you have to try the Spanish fried cauliflower.

This Spanish vegetarian tapas will change your mind immediately, as it is one of the tastiest vegetarian dishes you can find.

The best part is that you can have it as a side dish, tapa, or even as a main dish.

You can serve it at big parties or when you have just a few friends at home: they are the best tapa for any occasion.

Get the recipe: Tasty Fried Cauliflower Recipe from Spain

18. Pan Con Tomate

There can be thousands of Spanish appetizer recipes, but no other is more iconic than the pan con tomate, one of the most classic veggie tapas.

This is mentioned in multiple books, stories, and songs from Spain, and it has an important place in Andalusian culture.

Everyone from Southern Spain knows how to prepare this recipe because it is extremely simple to make, so you should give it a try.

Get the recipe: Easy Spanish Tomato Toast [Pan con Tomate]

19. Patatas a lo Pobre

Patatas a la pobre are other iconic easy tapas, and what makes them a little bit more popular worldwide is that the main ingredients are potatoes.

The flavor of this dish is amazing, and you won’t be able to find another recipe like this anywhere in the world.

It doesn’t take much effort or time to make this dish, so everyone can try and make it.

Get the recipe: Patatas a lo Pobre – “Poor Man’s Potatoes” Recipe

20. Papas Arrugadas

Papas arrugadas, or wrinkled potatoes, are one of Spain’s most creative dishes and recommended Spanish vegetarian tapas.

What makes them stand out is that the potatoes taste like any other potato dish but have a wrinkly texture on the outside.

You can serve them by themselves or with dipping sauces, from tomato sauce to aioli or the classic condiments; everything goes well with these potatoes.

Get the recipe: Wrinkled Spanish Papas Arrugadas Recipe

La Paella: Deliciously Authentic Rice Dishes from Spain’s Mediterranean CoastCarbon Steel Paella PanPaella Seasoning from SpainSpanish AioliOrganic Extra Virgin Olive OilForum – Spanish Cabranet Sauvignon Red Wine Vinegar – 500 mL

 

21. Espárragos Trigueros a la Plancha

One of the delicious tapas ideas vegetarian dishes available is Espárragos Trigueros a la Plancha

Hailing from the culinary heart of Andalusia, this dish showcases the verdant beauty of asparagus grilled to perfection on the hot plancha.

The result is a harmonious blend of smoky char and tender crispness, creating a taste sensation that’s both wholesome and delightful.

Crafting this Spanish delicacy is a breeze.

Gather your fresh Espárragos Trigueros, a touch of garlic, a drizzle of sherry vinegar, and the finest olive oil.

Let the plancha work its magic, infusing the asparagus with a smoky allure that elevates its natural flavors.

22. Piquillos Rellenos de Queso de Cabra

Another tapas recipes vegetarian to enjoy is the exquisite Piquillos Rellenos de Queso de Cabra.

These stuffed piquillo peppers, brimming with creamy goat cheese, are a true celebration of the country’s rich culinary heritage.

The peppers are roasted to perfection, imparting a smoky essence that elevates the dish to a new level of indulgence.

Writing this makes us drooling for more!

23. Flor de Escabeche

Try the Flor de Escabeche for a taste of authentic Spanish flavors and one of the best Spanish vegetable tapas.

This delicate blossom, steeped in the age-old tradition of escabeche, showcases the richness of Iberian cuisine.

Inspired by the sunny landscapes of Spain, the marination process infuses the flower with aromatic spices, olive oil, and tangy vinegar, creating a delightful harmony.

Carefully chosen edible flowers are embraced by the vibrant escabeche marinade, preserving both their distinctive taste and delicate beauty.

24. Andalusian-Style Quinoa

An Andalusian veggie tapas recipes to make is the Quinoa a la Andaluza.

This Spanish vegetarian tapas recipe combines the nutty goodness of quinoa with fresh veggies, herbs, and a hint of citrus.

Cook the quinoa to perfection and mix it with colorful tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini for a tasty and nutritious meal.

Serve it as a light main course or a flavorful side dish to elevate your culinary collection.

Enjoy the wholesome and satisfying blend of flavors inspired by the sunny landscapes of Southern Spain!

25. Ensaladilla Rusa

Do not forget the Ensaladilla Rusa – a beloved classic that graces Spanish tables with its creamy charm.

This potato salad, is a delightful medley of flavors and textures, capturing the essence of Spanish culinary tradition making it one of the best vegetarian tapast.

The dish features a harmonious blend of tender potatoes, carrots, peas, and hard-boiled eggs, all bound together with a velvety mayonnaise dressing.

To create this Spanish favorite, boil the vegetables to perfection, let them cool, and then gently fold them into a luscious mayonnaise dressing.

The result is a creamy and dreamy ensemble, topped with slices of hard-boiled eggs for an extra touch of indulgence.

It’s truly one of the Spanish vegetarian tapas you should not miss!

Get the recipe: Spanish Potato Salad – Ensaladilla Rusa Recipe

Check out other Spanish recipes roundups here:

• Best Spanish Recipes for Each Season
• Best Spanish Chorizo Recipes
• Best Spanish Ingredients You Should Know
• Best Spanish Cold Soups for Summer
• Easy Spanish Dishes for Winter
• Best Spanish Soup Recipes

Short FAQ: the Spanish Vegetarian Tapas

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