Happy Chinese New Year, and welcome to the year of the dragon! As we let go of any ill will towards the previous year and ask for power, respect and positivity in the year of this mythical creature to come, why not make it a Meatless Monday, and celebration? Here are some of the most recent Chinese-inspired recipes to honor this cultural holiday full of good fortune and festivity, that also happen to be either vegetarian or vegan. 

What quintessential good luck Chinese celebration would be complete without fortune cookies? Make 'em yourself with this awesome recipe from the Huffington Post for homemade Green Tea Fortune Cookies. 

Another lovely little delight came way of Season With Spice this week from their charming recipe for Chinese New Year Almond Cookies. 

You've got to have some type of noodles symbolizing longevity, and Bitter Sweet has done it in the healthiest way imagineable! Using innovative (kelp noodles!) and seasonal ingredients, this Crave-Worthy Kale Noodle Salad deserves the spotlight, especially if you've committed to a healthier 2012. 

Want to keep it a tad more tradtional than that? Tadka Pasta brought us a Pow Wow! Kung Pao Potatoes. It might be just the kick you need to start off this powerful year of dragonlike capabilities.

image: bingbing