March 20 marks the Great American Meat Out Day, a celebration of plant-based eating that’s perfect for anyone looking to ditch meat for a day—or forever. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just curious about the lifestyle, there’s no better way to honor this day than by exploring Del Mar, California’s vibrant vegan dining scene. Here’s your guide to some of the top vegan-friendly restaurants in town and a few ideas to inspire your own plant-based creations.
Flower Child: Where Health Meets Flavor
Address: 2690 Via De La Valle Suite D100, Del Mar, CA 92014
Flower Child is like a playground for your taste buds—minus the meat. Their menu is a delightful mix of fresh, wholesome dishes that cater to vegans and vegetarians alike. Start with their Classic Hummus ($7.75), a creamy blend topped with sun-dried tomatoes and Castelvetrano olives, served with pita bread or raw veggies. Feeling adventurous? Try the Avocado Hummus ($8.75), jazzed up with sweet corn, radish, clementine, and pumpkin seeds.
For something heartier, their Crushed Avocado Toast ($8.75) is a fan favorite. It comes topped with a soft egg (optional), black sesame seeds, and white cheddar—but you can skip the egg to keep it fully vegan. And don’t miss their Daily Soup ($7.75), which changes frequently but always delivers on comfort and flavor.
Flower Child isn’t just about good food—it’s about eating clean without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing a quick bite to go, this spot will make you forget meat was ever on your radar.
Cook at Home: Vegan Recipes That Wow
If you’re more of a DIY chef—or just want to impress your friends on Great American Meat Out Day—check out the treasure trove of recipes at Love & Lemons. With options ranging from creamy pastas to flavorful tacos, there’s something for every palate.
Here are a few standout recipes to try:
- Creamy Vegan Pasta: A rich sauce made from white beans, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice pairs perfectly with broccoli and shell pasta.
- Vegan Tacos: Jackfruit steps in as the star ingredient, mimicking jerk-spiced chicken and topped with mango salsa.
- Chickpea Salad Sandwich: A plant-based twist on classic egg salad that’s perfect for lunch or picnics.
These recipes are easy to follow and guaranteed to make you rethink what “comfort food” can be without meat.
Why Celebrate Great American Meat Out Day?
The holiday isn’t just about skipping meat—it’s about embracing healthier choices for yourself and the planet. Founded by the Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM) in 1985, this day encourages people to explore plant-based diets as a way to protect animals and reduce environmental impact. Plus, it’s an excuse to try something new—and delicious.
More Vegan Options Around Del Mar
If Flower Child has whetted your appetite but you’re still hungry for more, Del Mar offers plenty of other vegan-friendly spots worth checking out:
- Cafe Gratitude (San Diego): Just a short drive away, this restaurant specializes in organic vegan dishes that are as Instagram-worthy as they are tasty.
- Choice Juicery (Encinitas): Perfect for smoothies, acai bowls, and grab-and-go vegan snacks.
- Peace Pies (San Diego): Known for their raw vegan pies and wraps that pack big flavor into small bites.
Make It Social
Great American Meat Out Day isn’t just about eating—it’s about spreading awareness. Share your plant-based meals on social media using hashtags like #MeatOutDay or #PlantBasedEating. Whether it’s a snap of your hummus platter from Flower Child or your homemade vegan tacos, inspire others to give meatless meals a try.
This March 20, let Del Mar be your gateway to exploring plant-based dining in style. Whether you’re savoring avocado hummus at Flower Child or whipping up creamy vegan pasta at home, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate Great American Meat Out Day deliciously—and sustainably!
Sources: google.com, loveandlemons.com, nationaltoday.com
Header Image Source: Ella Olsson on Unsplash
