These vegetarian Diwali recipes are quick and easy, and will make the festive season even more fun! A collection of appetizers, mains and desserts for you to choose from.
Diwali is one of the most joyful times of year — the lights, the gatherings and, of course, the food. Below is a curated list of vegetarian Diwali recipes that are festive, flavorful and easy to prepare. You’ll find appetizers like crispy paneer tikka and creative pani puri variations, comforting mains such as dal makhani and paneer gravies, plus a selection of decadent desserts including jalebi and rice kheer. Many of these dishes can be prepped ahead so you can enjoy the celebrations instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Plan a menu from snacks and starters to hearty mains and sweet finales, light the diyas, invite family and friends, and celebrate with dishes that are delicious, manageable and full of good vibes. ✨
Jump to section: Diwali Recipes For The busy cook
- Appetizers and Snacks for Diwali
- Diwali Mains
- Diwali Sides
- Diwali Recipes for Desserts
Appetizers and Snacks for Diwali
Air Fryer Paneer Popcorn
Crispy outside and soft inside, these air-fryer paneer popcorn bites make a delicious, lighter appetizer or party snack.
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Papad Bowl (Katori) Chaat
Crunchy edible papad bowls filled with a tangy peanut chaat — bright, zesty and perfect for festive grazing.
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Anar Pani Puri
A sweet, tangy and spicy pomegranate water that elevates pani puri to an elegant party bite.
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Guava Pani Puri
Fruity, tangy and spicy — guava pani puri brings a refreshing twist to your chaat spread.
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Moong Sprouts Apple Salad
Crunchy and zesty sprouts with apple — a healthy, flavorful starter served in a few variations for a fun presentation.
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Beetroot Tikki | Beetroot Cutlet
Vibrant, crispy tikkis made with beetroot — healthy, easy to make and full of flavour.
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Cucumber Sushi
Crisp, fresh and visually appealing — a light vegetarian appetizer with texture and umami.
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Cucumber Rolls
Crunchy and creamy cucumber rolls that make a pretty and refreshing Diwali starter.
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Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower
Crunchy, saucy and full of flavour — a bold snack that upgrades cauliflower to a party favorite.
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Sprouts Dhokla
Light, healthy and steamed — sprouts dhokla is quick to make and perfect as a party appetizer or tea-time snack.
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Paneer Beetroot Toast
Tangy, herby and vibrant paneer beetroot toasts — an easy showstopper for any gathering.
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Asian Cucumber Salad with Tofu
Refreshing, creamy and crunchy — this salad is light and ideal for warmer weather or buffet tables.
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Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms
Cheesy, crisp and packed with flavour — perfect bite-sized indulgence for Diwali guests.
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Hara Bhara Kebabs
Classic green kebabs made with greens and potatoes — nostalgic, wholesome and great with chutney.
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Air Fryer Aloo Samosa
Flaky, crisp and guilt-reduced — air fryer aloo samosas bring the classic taste without excess oil.
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Nepali Mushroom Salad | Mushroom Sadheko
Bold, fiery and addictive — a quick salad with lots of punch and texture.
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Air Fryer Potato Chips
Homemade, crispy and lighter than packaged chips — a simple snack that’s always a hit.
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Sooji Fries
A wholesome, crunchy alternative to regular fries that kids love.
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Achaari Paneer Naan Bombs
Gooey, cheesy paneer-filled naan bombs — small bites with big flavour, great for entertaining.
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Chinese Bhel
Saucy, crispy and tangy — an easy, crowd-pleasing Indo-Chinese chaat.
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Air Fryer Roasted Makhana and Nuts
Roasted makhana with nuts — light, crunchy and ready in about 20 minutes with minimal oil.
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Broccoli Tikki | Broccoli Cutlet
Veg-filled tikkis with paneer and cheese — hearty, crunchy and kid-friendly.
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JOWAR DHOKLA / SORGHUM DHOKLA
Soft, mildly sweet steamed dhokla made with jowar — a wholesome, healthier snack option.
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Cornflakes Chivda | Trail Mix
Crunchy cornflakes chivda — a savory tea-time snack that stores well for gifting too.
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Namak Para
Crispy, savory namak para made with a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour — a classic festival snack.
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Easy Aloo Chaat – Delhi Style
An addictive, tangy and spicy street-food style aloo chaat that’s perfect for snacking and entertaining.
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Jalapeno Three Cheese Samosa
Gooey, cheesy samosas stuffed with multiple cheeses and jalapeno — an irresistible party snack.
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Watermelon Pizza
Juicy watermelon slices topped like mini pizzas with creamy sauces and fresh fruits — a refreshing party treat.
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Healthy Aloo Paneer Tikki
North Indian style aloo-paneer tikkis — wholesome, soft inside and crisp outside — great as an appetizer.
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Vegetable Pakoras
Crispy mixed-vegetable pakoras with a secret ingredient for maximum crunch — perfect with chutney and chai.
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The Best Indian Punjabi Samosa
Detailed, foolproof method for making classic Punjabi samosas at home — dough, stuffing and folding tips included.
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Crispy Honey Chilli Potatoes
Sweet and spicy Indo-Chinese potatoes made healthier using the air fryer — sticky, flavourful and addictive.
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Paneer Pakora Recipe 2 Ways
Super crispy paneer pakoras made two ways — soft paneer inside with an ultra-crisp batter outside.
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Green Coriander Chutney
A bright, tangy and versatile coriander chutney that pairs brilliantly with pakoras, samosas, kebabs and more.
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Crackling Spinach
Crispy fried spinach tossed with ginger, garlic and sesame — a crunchy and surprising snack for guests.
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Crispy Thread Paneer
Marinated paneer wrapped in crispy threads and deep-fried — party-perfect finger food.
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Gobi Manchurian
Super crispy cauliflower in a sweet-spicy Manchurian sauce — a popular Indo-Chinese favorite.
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Railway Style Veg Cutlets
Crispy, flavorful veg cutlets coated with vermicelli — nostalgic and tasty with chutney.
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Onion Pakora
Use a dry-batter trick for extra crisp onion pakoras — perfect with coriander chutney or ketchup.
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Check out more Diwali snack recipes here
Diwali Mains
Paneer Do Pyaza
Rich, spicy and loaded with texture — a restaurant-style paneer curry that pairs well with naan.
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Jackfruit Biryani | Kathal Biryani
Hearty biryani using jackfruit for a meaty texture — fragrant and satisfying for main-course celebrations.
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Veg Kadai | Veg Kadhai
A classic, spicy and creamy vegetable kadai — excellent with rotis or naan for a festive meal.
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Dhaba Style Paneer Masala
Rustic, spicy paneer curry inspired by highway dhabas — pairs beautifully with rice or bread.
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Paneer Ghee Roast
Fragrant, roasted spices cooked in ghee to coat paneer cubes — indulgent and aromatic.
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Mushroom Ghee Roast Tacos
A creative, rich fusion of mushroom ghee roast served as tacos — a fun main for entertaining.
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Dhaba Style Aloo Palak
Smoky, rustic aloo palak — a quick dry sabzi that tastes great with roti or naan.
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Orange Rasam
Zesty and spicy orange rasam — a refreshing South Indian staple with a citrus twist.
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Dahi Tadka | Chukauni
Whisked yogurt elevated with a spicy tempering — a cooling, flavorful side for summer menus.
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Punjabi Kadhi Pakoda
Comforting, tangy yogurt-based curry with pakodas — serve with rice for a homely feast.
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Vrat Wale Aloo (No onion, no garlic) | Dahi Wale Aloo
Quick, filling and vrat-friendly dahi wale aloo — simple spices and creamy yogurt make this a repeat dish.
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Air Fryer Mushroom Chilli
Quick and spicy air-fried mushroom chilli — a tasty side or starter for contemporary menus.
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Paneer Kali Mirch
Mild peppery paneer gravy — creamy, elegant and loved by adults and kids alike.
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Dal Makhani – The Ultimate Recipe!
Buttery, luscious dal makhani — a weekend project that rewards with rich, leftover-friendly flavours.
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Kerala Veg Stew
Mild, creamy and comforting veg stew — ideal with appam or dosas and simple to prepare.
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Vegetable Korma Curry
Creamy cashew-based korma loaded with vegetables — rich, comforting and very festive.
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Authentic Saag Paneer
Healthy and vibrant saag paneer using leafy greens — quick, nutritious and great with naan or paratha.
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Easy Palak Paneer Recipe
An easy palak paneer method without blanching — creamy restaurant-style results in 30 minutes.
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Dhaba Style Dal Fry
Spicy, smoky dhaba-style dal fry — quick, hearty and perfect with rotis or rice.
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Chana Aloo or Chhole Aloo Masala
Spicy chickpeas and potato curry — a flavorful, hearty main that pairs well with rice or bread.
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Restaurant Style Paneer Butter Masala
Rich, creamy and indulgent paneer butter masala — classic and beloved for festive dinners.
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These Diwali recipes will help you assemble a festive, flavourful and manageable menu. Choose a few starters, a couple of mains, some sides and a dessert to create a memorable, stress-free celebration. Wishing you a bright and delicious Diwali!