Today marks the start of DC Meat-Free Week, and what better way to celebrate with a Meatless Monday lunch? The good news is that local lunch spots are not short of vegetarian-friendly options. Read on for some of our favorites:
Smokey Root Veg & Bean Soup at Pret A Manger
You don’t have to worry about being hungry 30 minutes after eating this soup. You’ll be satisfied for a while thanks to 11 grams of fiber and 8.5 grams of protein from the veggies and beans.
Veggie Burger at Energy Kitchen
The new-to-DC restaurant offers meals under 500 calories, and the veggie burger is no exception. Round out the meal with some black bean salsa for a satiating 20 grams of fiber.
Vegan Original Bar-Rito at Protein Bar
Protein Bar’s vegan original bar-rito is a health foodie’s dream: marinated tofu, black beans, quinoa, vegan cheese, and cilantro. That’s 24 grams of fiber and 28 grams of protein for 515 calories.
Avocado Panino at Busboys and Poets
There are tons of vegan and vegetarian options at this Washington institution, but this is one of our favorites. The simple sandwich comes with Havarti, arugula, roasted red peppers, and avocado on multigrain bread.
February Salad at Sweetgreen
Sweetgreen’s seasonal salad arrives just in time for Meat-Free Week. The bowl is filled with warm grains, baby arugula, kale, roasted portobello mushrooms, basil, raw beets, Parmesan, and pesto vinaigrette. Just be sure to go light on the dressing or get it on the side, since that’s where most of the fat (45 grams!) comes from.
For more great meat-free meals, check out Best Bites Blog’s roundup of Washingtonian food critics’ favorite dishes at local restaurants.
