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    Home » Vegetarian Basics

    Vegetarian Pantry Staples

    Lindsay Moe

    416 shares
    vegetables on a blue background
    lemons in a cloth bag
    chickpeas, beans, and spices

    If you’re struggling with how to stock your vegetarian pantry, this post will show you all the staples you can build off of to always be prepared!

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are my own.

    chickpeas, beans, and spices

    Stocking a vegetarian pantry is important whether you’re on day one of being vegetarian or just want to be prepared for any situation. Having a well stocked pantry full of essentials will allow you to make fewer trips to the grocery store and set you up for easy to make, delicious meals.

    I’m sharing what’s always in my pantry, organized into a few basic categories, as well as a few bonus items that I would never go without. This list looks a little different than some of the other vegetarian pantry lists out there because I’m being super realistic about what I use and what I don’t. 

    If you’re someone who cooks with farro frequently, you would definitely want it in your pantry at all times. I don’t, so it’s not! Everyone’s list will look different, and as you cook more at home you’ll learn what you just can’t do without.

    I’ve tried to include affiliate links for some of the products that might be new to you, so even if you don’t purchase online you’ll have an idea of what you’re looking for in the store.

    Dry Goods

    • Oatmeal
    • Rice – Brown and White
    • Quinoa
    • Bulgur
    • Pasta – Spaghetti, Penne, Lasagna, etc.
    • Rice Noodles
    • Panko Breadcrumbs

    Nuts and Seeds

    • Nuts – Peanuts, Cashews, Almonds, Walnuts, Pecans, Pistachios, Pine Nuts
    • Pepitas
    • Chia Seeds
    • Flaxseed Meal

    Canned and Jarred Goods

    • Canned or Dried Beans and Lentils – Garbanzo, Black, Pinto, Great Northern
    • Canned Coconut Milk
    • Canned Diced Tomatoes
    • Canned Whole San Marzano Tomatoes
    • Tahini
    • Vegetable Broth
    • Marinara Sauce
    • Nut Butter (Peanut, Almond, Cashew)

    Baking

    • Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
    • Dry Yeast
    • Almond Flour
    • Granulated Sugar
    • Brown Sugar
    • Confectioners’ Sugar
    • Chocolate Chips
    • Baking Powder
    • Baking Soda
    • Cocoa Powder
    • Vanilla Extract
    • Butter or Dairy Free Butter (store in the freezer for longer life)

    Sturdy Fruits and Vegetables

    • Garlic
    • Onions
    • Potatoes
    • Sweet Potatoes
    • Carrots
    • Oranges
    • Lemons
    • Limes

    Oils and Condiments

    • Coconut Oil
    • Olive Oil
    • Ketchup
    • Mustard – Dijon, and a stronger flavor such as Chipotle or Grainy
    • BBQ Sauce
    • Pesto (store in the freezer for longer life)
    • Salsa – I always have 2-3 kinds!
    • Balsamic Vinegar
    • Soy Sauce or Tamari

    Sweeteners

    • Maple Syrup
    • Honey
    • Molasses
    • Dates

    Spices

    • Coarse Kosher Salt
    • Black Pepper
    • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
    • Garlic Powder
    • Onion Powder
    • Dried Oregano
    • Dried Thyme
    • Chili Powder
    • Ground Cumin
    • Cinnamon
    • Nutritional Yeast

    Freezer

    • Veggie Burgers
    • Hamburger Buns
    • Frozen Spinach
    • Frozen Fruit or Smoothie Packs

    Important Extras

    • Tortilla Chips – Enjoy with salsa, make nachos, crumble over salads
    • Bread – Whole Wheat and Sourdough
    • Tortillas – Corn and Flour
    • Cheese – Mozzarella and Monterey Jack or Cheddar, shredded and sliced
    • Avocados – They go with everything!

    Recipes featuring vegetarian pantry ingredients

    These recipes are made almost entirely out of vegetarian pantry staples. They could easily handle a few substitutions if you can’t find an ingredient or wanted to leave it out.

    Vegetarian Pantry Recipes

    Spinach and White Beans

    This can be a side dish or main dish that uses only a couple pantry staples and is ready in minutes.

    Spaghetti Aglio Olio

    Just 3 ingredients and 15 minutes!

    Pesto Linguine with Crispy Balsamic Chickpeas

    This is an easy, flavorful pantry meal with plenty of vegetarian protein.

    Chipotle Veggie Quesadillas

    Chipotle peppers add a tasty twist to this classic.

    Easy Vegetarian Chili

    This chili is hearty and uses mostly canned ingredients.

    Crispy Baked Black Bean Tacos

    These easy tacos are completely addictive!

    Orecchiette with Spinach and Butter Beans

    Orecchiette adds a fun element to this simple yet tasty dish.

    Vegetarian Stacked Enchiladas

    Forget the work of rolling enchiladas, you can stack up pantry ingredients to make this easy version.

    Broccoli, Bean, and Cheese Vegetarian Calzone

    Dip these calzones in warm marinara sauce for a comforting dinner.

    Italian Quinoa Casserole

    This vegetarian casserole is so rich and comforting!

    Mediterranean Buddha Bowl

    If you have a few basics on hand you can always whip up these grain bowls.

    Did I miss anything you think is essential? Add it to the comments!

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    lindsay moe in a kitchen with glasses on shelves behind her

    Hi, I'm Lindsay! I've been creating easily customizable vegetarian recipes since 2011. I love the outdoors, brownies, and brand new books. I live and work in La Crosse, Wisconsin and founded Wild Flour Media to expand on my love for food photography and videography to my community and beyond.

    More about me →

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