This Vegetarian Haystack recipe is an ideal Meatless Monday meal — fun to assemble and even more fun to eat.
If you haven’t tried Haystacks before, think of them as a cross between a taco salad and nachos: a bed of tortilla chips topped with layers of fresh vegetables, beans, cheese and salsa. They’re quick to prepare and excellent for feeding a crowd.
I grew up in a Seventh-day Adventist household, where Haystacks were a regular meal at church gatherings, camping trips and relaxed weekends. In that tradition we often ate vegetarian, so my haystacks have always been meat-free. The beans provide plenty of protein, making this a satisfying alternative to beef or poultry.
One of the best things about this dish is how easy it is to serve: place the ingredients in bowls on the table and let everyone assemble their own haystack. It’s less work for the host and everyone gets exactly what they want.
How to Make Vegetarian Haystacks:
Whisk the sour cream with cold water until smooth and slightly loosened. Then layer your haystacks in any order you prefer.
My favorite order is:
- Chips
- Lettuce
- Beans
- Tomatoes
- Sour cream (thinned)
- Olives
- Cheese
- Salsa
Vegetarian Haystacks – Tips & Tricks
- Customize freely: add or omit ingredients to suit tastes or dietary needs. Haystacks are highly adaptable.
- For leftovers, store each component separately in airtight containers. Fresh ingredients will keep in the refrigerator for about three days — assemble when ready to eat.
Other quick & easy recipes you’ll love—
Lebanese Tabbouleh
Hot Honey Prosciutto Pizza Bites
Fennel and Apple Salad with Goat Cheese
Margherita Pizza Bites
Caprese Salad with Homemade Balsamic Glaze
Huevos Ahogados en Salsa Verde (Eggs Poached in Salsa Verde)
Cactus Pico de Gallo (Pico de Gallo con Nopales)
Quick and Easy Tuna Ceviche
If you make these Vegetarian Haystacks, tag me on Instagram — I love seeing your recreations!
Vegetarian Haystacks
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Ingredients
- 20 oz tortilla chips
- 4 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 3 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups black or pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 5 oz queso fresco, crumbled (or another crumbly cheese)
- Salsa
- ¾ cup sliced black olives
Optional:
- Avocado slices
Instructions
-
Whisk the sour cream with the cold water until it becomes smooth and slightly thinner in consistency. This makes it easier to drizzle over the haystacks.
Suggested assembly:
-
Chips
-
Lettuce
-
Beans
-
Tomatoes
-
Sour cream
-
Olives
-
Cheese
-
Salsa
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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