Let’s face it: If you’re new to the no-meat-on-Mondays plan, eating a veggie-centric meal can be daunting. But the good news is there are a few tricks to not missing the meat, and perhaps the most important is playing up the vegetables with a variety of textures and flavors, just as Jeff Mauro does with his Fried Green Tomato Parm Sandwiches (pictured above).

The fun part about these Southern sandwiches — which make for a delicious addition to eat-with-your-hands barbecue and cookout food — is that kids can get involved, too. Set up an assembly line for the flour, eggs and breadcrumbs, and take turns battering the tomatoes before frying. Though the crispy texture of the green tomato stars in this classically Southern sandwich, Jeff puts an Italian twist on it by adding creamy Burrata cheese and canned tomatoes that he bakes until caramelized. Layer the cheese and two types of tomatoes on a soft brioche bun and top with giardiniera, a mixture of pickled vegetables, for a tangy bite.

Meatless Monday, an international movement, encourages people everywhere to cut meat one day a week for personal and planetary health. Browse more Meatless Monday recipes.