Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (2024)

Looking to start a plant-based diet? EatingWell is here to help with simple vegan recipes to help you make the transition in the easiest and most delicious way possible. Plant-based diet recipes like Marinated Tofu Salad, Black Bean Quinoa Bowl and Berry-Almond Smoothie Bowl will fill you up with plenty of healthy fruits and vegetables plus the inspiration to kick-start your journey on a new way of eating.

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Black Bean-Quinoa Bowl

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Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (1)

This black bean and quinoa bowl has many of the usual hallmarks of a taco salad, minus the fried bowl. We've loaded it up with pico de gallo, fresh cilantro and avocado plus an easy hummus dressing to drizzle on top.

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Berry-Almond Smoothie Bowl

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Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (2)

A little frozen banana gives creamy texture to this satisfying smoothie bowl.

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Vegan Creamy Coleslaw

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Classic coleslaw goes vegan in this easy barbecue side dish recipe. Eggless or vegan mayonnaise's mild flavor is indistinguishable from regular mayo in this coleslaw flavored with Dijon and cider vinegar. Look for it in the condiment section of large grocery stores or natural-foods stores.

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Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Soup with Parsley-Chive Swirl

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Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (4)

Blitzed cauliflower gives this very easy vegan soup recipe its creamy taste without adding any dairy. To get the silkiest texture, puree the soup in a blender rather than using an immersion blender.

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Cocoa-Chia Pudding with Raspberries

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Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (5)

Have chocolate for breakfast with this unbelievably healthy chia pudding recipe. The deep chocolaty flavor pairs perfectly with juicy raspberries for a fun switch-up from oatmeal for your morning routine.

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Vegan Bistro Lunch Box

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Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (6)

Perfect to pack for lunch to take to work or for a picnic in the park, this vegan bistro box is filled with Mediterranean diet-inspired crunchy vegetables, pita bread, creamy hummus and olives.

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Use-All-the-Broccoli Stir-Fry

Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (7)

Spiralized broccoli stems transform into tender "noodles" in this lo mein-inspired vegetarian recipe. Serve on top of brown rice or buckwheat soba noodles.

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Quinoa Chickpea Salad with Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Dressing

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Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (8)

This hearty vegan salad is loaded with plant-based power ingredients: chickpeas, quinoa and hummus. We love the crunch of the sunflower seeds and the unexpected flavor of roasted peppers.

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Pineapple Nice Cream

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Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (9)

All-fruit, dairy-free and with no added sugar--these are the hallmarks of "nice cream," a healthy alternative to ice cream. This pineapple nice cream has tropical flavors, thanks to a hit of mango and lime. It takes just minutes to make this naturally sweet frozen dessert in the food processor or a blender. Enjoy it alone, or top with fresh fruit and toasted coconut.

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West Coast Avocado Toast

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Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (10)

Hummus, sprouts and avocado top sprouted whole-wheat bread in this healthy vegan lunch idea. Look for sprouted bread in the freezer section of your grocery store.

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Roasted Vegetable & Black Bean Tacos

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Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (11)

These hearty vegan tacos are quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights. They are so tasty no one will miss the meat or dairy.

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Tofu Cucumber Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing

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Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (12)

Making tofu tastier can be as simple as tossing it in a knockout sauce like this Sichuan-inspired peanut dressing. To make this cucumber salad recipe a meal, add rice noodles and double the dressing. Serve with an extra drizzle of sesame oil and sliced scallions.

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Chocolate Banana Oatmeal

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Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (13)

Have your fruit and a little luxury too with this kid-friendly healthy chocolate and banana oatmeal recipe. Short on time in the morning? Try our overnight oatmeal variation.

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Roasted Root Veggies & Greens over Spiced Lentils

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Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (14)

This earthy bowl of lentils bursting with Middle Eastern flavors is topped with leftover roasted root veggies from a large batch for an easy weeknight dinner. Keep it vegan or add a drizzle of plain yogurt for extra richness.

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Mixed Greens with Lentils & Sliced Apple

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Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (15)

This salad with lentils, feta and apple is a satisfying vegetarian entree to whip together for lunch. To save time, swap in drained canned lentils--just make sure to look for low-sodium and give them a rinse before adding them to the salad.

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"Chocomole" Pudding

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Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (16)

Creamy avocados make this dairy-free and vegan chocolate dessert recipe super-rich. Serve as a not-so-sweet dessert or with strawberries for dipping.

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Quinoa Avocado Salad

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Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (17)

Protein-packed quinoa pairs with creamy avocado in this refreshing grain salad. It's the perfect make-ahead side dish to bring on a picnic or take to a potluck. Or pack it for lunch or enjoy it as a light dinner.

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Stuffed Sweet Potato with Hummus Dressing

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Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (18)

Hearty yet simple to prepare, this stuffed sweet potato with black beans, kale and hummus dressing is a fantastic 5-ingredient lunch for one!

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Butternut Squash & Cauliflower Soup with Chickpea Croutons

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Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (19)

Bulk up boxed butternut squash soup with frozen cauliflower florets, then top off your bowl with crispy chickpea snacks for major crunch (look for them near the dried fruit and nuts at your grocery store). This impressively easy dinner comes together with just those three ingredients, not including salt, pepper and oil. Because prepared soups are typically higher in sodium, look for light or reduced-sodium versions of your favorites.

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Lentil Curry with Cauliflower Rice

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Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (20)

Combine precooked lentils (often located in the produce section of your grocery store) with an Indian-style simmer sauce for a super-fast and flavorful curry. Serving it over riced cauliflower bumps up the vegetable count and keeps carb servings in check. This 3-ingredient dinner (not counting salt, pepper and oil) is really as easy as it gets. To be mindful of the salt, look for simmer sauces with less than or close to 350 mg sodium per ¼-cup serving.

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Clean-Out-the-Fridge Vegetable Soup

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Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (21)

This recipe is purposefully flexible so you can incorporate just about any veggie into it. Top with a dollop of pesto and/or a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.

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Summer Grilled Vegetables

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Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (22)

Colorful grilled summer vegetables are served with a light and refreshing sauce in this easy side dish that pairs perfectly with just about everything.

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Golden Vegetable Soup

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Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (23)

In this vegan golden vegetable soup, butternut squash adds color, while ginger, serrano pepper and spices add depth and earthy flavors.

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Marinated Tofu Salad

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Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (24)

Tofu soaks up the flavors of lemon, cumin and coriander in this marinated tofu salad. The marinade does double duty, combining with tahini to transform into a dressing with a nutty taste and creamy texture.

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Peanut Zoodles with Edamame

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Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (25)

A package of fresh zucchini noodles gets tossed with shelled edamame and store-bought peanut sauce in these 5-minute, no-cook vegetable noodle bowls. Because prepared sauces and dressings are commonly high in sodium, scan the label and opt for those that contain 150 mg sodium or less per tablespoon.

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3-Ingredient Refried Bean & Pico de Gallo Tostadas

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Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (26)

Making your own tostadas is easy. Use store-bought corn tortillas, brush them with olive oil and bake to crunchy perfection! Here we topped the tostada with refried beans and fresh pico de gallo for an easy 3-ingredient meal.

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Black Bean Hummus

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Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (27)

For a slightly Southwestern spin on hummus, swap in black beans for the traditional chickpeas. It's just as fiber-rich and filling, but with a taste that pairs well with tortilla chips and crisp bell peppers.

Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (2024)

FAQs

How do I start a plant-based diet for dummies? ›

Use salad as a base.

Add a variety of other vegetables and plant-based options like fresh herbs, peas, tofu, or beans. Eat whole grains for breakfast. Start your day with quinoa, oatmeal, buckwheat, or barley. Add some nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit to make a tasty meal.

What is a plant food for beginners? ›

It's All About the Nutrients: NPK
  1. Nitrogen (N)-helps fuel growth.
  2. Phosphorus (P)-promotes root development, increases blooms, and helps gets plants off to a strong start.
  3. Potassium (K)-essential to overall plant health; helps plants fight off diseases and withstand stressful growing conditions (like drought and heat).

What are examples of plant-based meals? ›

41 Easy Plant-Based Recipes You'll Make Again and Again
  • Green Bean Pasta with Cashew Pesto. ...
  • Thai Rice Salad Bowls. ...
  • Tex-Mex Pita Pizzas. ...
  • Chickpea Flour Pizza Crust (Gluten-Free), Plus Topping Ideas. ...
  • Sneaky Chickpea Burgers. ...
  • Lentil Vegetable Soup. ...
  • Kale Arrabbiata-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash. ...
  • Hearty Vegan Red Bean Chili.
Oct 31, 2022

Can I eat eggs on a plant-based diet? ›

In other words, plants were paired with protein sources, like eggs, to make a nutritious and well rounded meal. Eggs can and should be part of a plant-based diet, and these five suggestions showcase how easy it is to incorporate the incredible egg into your plant-forward dishes.

Can you eat pasta on a plant-based diet? ›

You can eat true 100 percent whole-grain cereals, pasta, and bread and follow a WFPB diet, but you also need to be careful and read labels closely. Foods labeled as multi-grain, made with whole grain and 100 percent wheat are not pure 100 percent whole-grain foods.

What is a good DIY plant food? ›

Coffee Grounds, Cinnamon and Club Soda

The combination of this homemade plant food contains NPK (plus other minerals) and takes no time to put together. You'll need four to six tablespoons of coffee grounds, one teaspoon of cinnamon and one cup of club soda.

How do I start a plant-based diet on a budget? ›

Buy in bulk: Get comfy in the bulk section of your grocery store or local health food store. Loading up here is the most affordable way to buy grains, beans and pulses like lentils. Check out the nuts and seeds too, though be sure they aren't rancid. Organize your bulk buy with some air-tight storage containers.

What are 5 plant-based foods? ›

Leafy greens, broccoli, carrots, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, squash, bell peppers, cucumbers…the more, the merrier! Whole grains: many whole grains are a vital source of protein and fiber.

What meat can I eat everyday? ›

5 of the Healthiest Meats
  • Sirloin Steak. Sirloin steak is both lean and flavorful – just 3 ounces packs about 25 grams of filling protein! ...
  • Rotisserie Chicken & Turkey. The rotisserie cooking method helps maximize flavor without relying on unhealthy additives. ...
  • Chicken Thigh. ...
  • Pork Chop. ...
  • Canned Fish.
Jan 6, 2020

What 5 foods do you eat that are plant-based? ›

Plant-based or plant-forward eating patterns focus on foods primarily from plants. This includes not only fruits and vegetables, but also nuts, seeds, oils, whole grains, legumes, and beans.

Can you eat tuna on a plant-based diet? ›

Fish is an animal and tuna goes under the category of “fish”, so that would imply that vegetarians do not eat tuna. However, you can be a pescetarian. Those are people who follow a plant-based diet but still eat seafood - like fish. They also generally eat eggs and dairy.

Can you eat bananas on a plant-based diet? ›

Veggies though, veggies I eat a LOT of. So to answer, a lot of fruit isn't essential, as long as you eat a good amount of other healthy stuff. Yes, bananas are a vegetarian-friendly food as they do not contain any meat or animal products.

Can I eat cheese on a plant-based diet? ›

What is a plant-based diet? These vegan-like diets eliminate all animal products, including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy and honey. As the name suggests, everything you eat — including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds — is derived from plants.

What happens to your body when you start a plant-based diet? ›

Plants are high in fiber.

Eating a plant-based diet improves the health of your gut so you are better able to absorb the nutrients from food that support your immune system and reduce inflammation. Fiber can lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar and it's great for good bowel management.

Can you eat cheese on a plant-based diet? ›

What is a plant-based diet? These vegan-like diets eliminate all animal products, including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy and honey. As the name suggests, everything you eat — including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds — is derived from plants.

Can you eat bread on a plant-based diet? ›

The simplest form of bread is vegan — but this doesn't mean all bread is vegan. A few types of bread that are commonly vegan include pita, ciabatta, and focaccia. Veganism refers to a way of living that attempts to minimize animal exploitation and cruelty.

What are the 30 plant-based foods? ›

What could 30 plant points look like?
  • Green beans.
  • Beetroot.
  • Rocket.
  • Sweet potato.
  • Courgettes.
  • Carrots.
  • Mushrooms.
  • Red pepper.
Mar 3, 2023

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