These recipes are so good, you may not even miss the meat!
If you’ve never ventured into the world of plant-based eating before, you’re in for a delicious surprise! Plant-based recipes can be just as satisfying, flavorful, and nutritious as their meat- and dairy-based counterparts, and they offer a wide array of health benefits. If you’re looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these easy and accessible recipes are a great place to start.
Here are 12 plant-based recipes that are not only delicious but also open the door to a world of culinary creativity:
- Veggie burgers
- Stir-fries
- Mediterranean stuffed bell peppers
- Thai vegetable curry
- Lentil shepherd’s pie
- Sweet potato & black bean tacos
- Green smoothie (or smoothie bowl)
- Chickpea salad
- Pasta primavera
- Rainbow grain bowl
- Tofu scramble
- Vegan ramen
Let’s head to the kitchen and learn about these plant-based recipes together!
Veggie burgers
Swap out traditional beef burgers for hearty and flavorful veggie burgers. You can make them from scratch using ingredients like black beans, chickpeas, quinoa, and spices. Top with your favorite burger fixings like lettuce, tomato, onion, and avocado, and serve them on whole-grain buns for an extra nutritional boost.
Stir-fries
Vegetable stir-fries with Asian flavors are quick, versatile, and perfect dinners for busy weeknights. Cook up a colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas, then toss them with your choice of stir-fry sauce. Customize with tofu, tempeh, cashews, soy curls, or another plant-based protein source, and eat the stir-fry atop your favorite kind of rice or noodles!
Mediterranean stuffed bell peppers
Transform bell peppers into a Mediterranean delight by stuffing them with a mixture of cooked rice or quinoa, chickpeas, tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs, then top it with a drizzle of creamy roasted red pepper sauce. Bake until the peppers are tender, and the filling is heated through.
Thai vegetable curry
Cold fall or winter nights are perfect times to indulge in the aromatic, rich flavors of Thai curry. There are many types of curry, but try starting with a red curry or green curry recipe! You’ll simply simmer chickpeas, lentils, or tofu in a coconut-milk-based curry sauce with garlic, ginger, vegetables, and a medley of spices. Serve over steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a satisfying meal.
Lentil shepherd’s pie
Experience the ultimate comfort food with a plant-based twist by making a lentil shepherd’s pie. Cook lentils with carrots, peas, and onions in a savory homemade gravy. Top with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes (blended with cauliflower for an extra health boost) and bake until golden brown.
Sweet potato & black bean tacos
Mexican cuisine offers a wealth of plant-based options. Give taco night a plant-based makeover with sweet potato and black bean tacos. Roast sweet potato cubes until they’re tender and slightly crispy, then pair them with seasoned black beans. Load up your tacos with fresh salsa, guacamole, and a squeeze of lime for a burst of flavor.
Green smoothie (or smoothie bowl)
Start your day with a vibrant and nutritious green smoothie, packed with healthy fats and leafy greens. Choose your favorite fruits (the recipe recommends trying any combination of pineapple, banana, mango, pear, kiwi, and/or green apples), add a generous handful of leafy greens like spinach or kale, and add avocado for extra nutrition and creaminess. Customize with optional extras like protein powder or nut butter! If you want to turn it into a smoothie bowl, top it with granola, fresh fruit, hemp seeds, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Chickpea salad
Whip up a simple yet satisfying smashed chickpea salad by mashing chickpeas up with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh herbs. Add lemon juice, olive oil, and vegan mayo to the mixture for a zesty and refreshing meal. Eat it on its own, atop pita bread, or as a portable lunchtime sandwich with whole-grain bread!
Pasta primavera
Indulge in a creamy vegan pasta primavera loaded with sautéed seasonal vegetables. Create a velvety sauce using cashews, garlic, and lemon juice, then toss with your favorite kind of pasta and top with fresh herbs for a bright, flavorful meal.
Rainbow grain bowl
Colorful grain bowls are a fantastic way to showcase the beauty and flavor of plant-based ingredients. Start with a base of quinoa, brown rice, or farro, and layer on your favorite fresh or roasted vegetables, avocado, sautéed greens, and a protein of your choice like tofu, tempeh, or edamame. Drizzle with teriyaki sauce, balsamic vinaigrette, lemon-tahini dressing, or another sauce — feel free to get creative.
Tofu scramble
Start your day with a protein-packed tofu scramble that rivals traditional scrambled eggs. Crumble firm or extra-firm tofu and sauté it with bell peppers, onions, spinach, and your favorite spices. You can choose different flavor profiles, like a southwest tofu scramble! It also makes a perfect filling for breakfast burritos.
Vegan ramen
Savor the flavors of Japan with a steaming bowl of vegan ramen. Prepare a flavorful vegetable broth and load it up with ramen noodles, tofu, sautéed mushrooms, nori sheets, and your choice of veggies. Garnish with green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil for an authentic touch.
Whether you’re craving comfort food, international cuisine, or a hearty bowl of soup, there’s a plant-based recipe to satisfy every palate. Plus, you can experiment with different ingredients, spices, and seasonings to make each dish your own.
Next, check out these six delicious soup recipes to keep you warm on chilly days!
