My Favorite Recipes For a Plant-Based Diet
I switched to a fully plant-based diet a few months ago, but I’ve been incorporating plant-based recipes for years. Every time I post about something delicious I’ve cooked up, many people are surprised to see that it contains no meat, dairy, eggs, and usually no gluten either!Â
A common misconception about plant-based diets is that the food must be boring without animal product ingredients, or too time-consuming using alternative ingredients. But, that is not the case! I love to cook, but don’t like spending my entire evening in the kitchen – I’ve got plenty of other things to do! I am going to assume I am not alone in that!
So, I’ve rounded up my go-to plant-based recipes to share with you! These recipes are easy to make, and oh so delicious! I hope you enjoy them!
Plant-Based Snacks
VEGAN SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP
via Vegan Heaven
I made this delicious dip for the Super Bowl this year and I think I might make it every year, and for every holiday, and probably a few times in between! I cannot even begin to explain how much it exceeded my expectations!
QUESO DIP
via Medical Medium
You may have heard me talk about this dip before in a previous blog post, but that is because I put this stuff on EVERYTHING!! Anything I might have previously topped with cheese, sour cream, or a sauce of pretty much any kind, now gets topped with this delicious dip!
Plant-Based Meals
VEGETARIAN LENTIL, BLACK BEAN, & SWEET POTATO CHILI
via Healthy-Liv
This is my number one favorite meal to make! It is easy, hearty, makes a TON so I can eat it for multiple meals, and it is just absolutely delish!
I have made this chili way too many times to count, and over the years I've made a few tweaks of my own to make it extra tasty. Of course I will share those with you too!!
Instead of the Marinara or Tomato Sauce, I use a large can of diced tomatoes. Instead of 2 cans of black beans, I use one black bean, and one red kidney bean. I also add an entire bell pepper cut into large chunks. I've followed the directions to make it on the stove, but must most often I toss all ingredients into the crockpot and cook it on low for about 8 hours. So yummy!
Don't forget the cornbread! I love this easy, egg-less recipe by Delicious Made Easy! Just make sure to snag the Vegetarian version of the Jiffy Cornbread mix – the original version has animal products.
VEGAN WHITE CHICKPEA CHILI
via Midwest Foodie
This is my other fav chili recipe! It has so much flavor! And, topping it with tortilla chips gives that extra little crunch to put it over the top! Pair it with the cornbread recipe above and mix in some chopped up Jalapeño for a little extra flavor!
VEGETARIAN LENTIL TACO ‘MEAT FILLING'
via food.com
It is a toss up between this and the next recipe on which one is most requested by my husband. Every other week he is asking when we're having lentil tacos again. And for good reason! This taco “meat” is so flavorful and filling! It pairs perfectly with all of the regular taco fixings!
I don't have a pretty photo of this dish, so you're just going to have to trust me on this one!
VEGAN BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER WINGS
via Avocado Centric
My husband and I are so obsessed with Cauliflower wings – and these ones are Vegan & Gluten-Free! I'm not a huge fan of buffalo sauce, so I toss the wings in a variety of sauces and I can tell you they are good with everything!
LENTIL STEW WITH MASHED POTATOES
via ElaVegan
This meal is the epitome of comfort food! It is so filling and delicious! My suggestion is where the recipe suggests a “splash” of Coconut Milk – use the rest of the can instead! It gives it just the right amount of creaminess. Also, topping with chopped pickles says its optional, but it shouldn't be! It really gives it that extra flair!
STUFFED ACORN SQUASH
via The Cozy Apron
This is one of the first recipes I ever cooked my husband when we were first dating. If he wasn't already in love with me at that point, I think this dish sealed the deal! It is that good! 😉
I know this recipe calls for meat and cheese – and when I first made this years ago I included those ingredients. But hear me out! This is super easy to make as completely plant based! Just omit the ground meat and the cheese (or use vegan cheese) and voila! Don't forget to top with vegan sour cream to bring it all together!
VEGAN SHEPHERD'S PIE
via Minimalist Baker
If you're looking for a healthy comfort meal, look no further! This delicious meal is simple and hearty!
INSTANT POT VEGAN LENTIL SLOPPY JOES
Sloppy Joes feel so nostalgic to me. My mom made them relatively often when I was a kid, but as I got older I kind of forgot about how yummy they are! When I stumbled upon this recipe I knew I had to try it! And, even without the traditional meat, they are SO tasty!
The recipe is for the Instant Pot, but I usually just dump everything into the crockpot and cook it on low for 6-8 hours. The Instant Pot works great too though if you're short on time!
VEGAN THAI RED CURRY WITH CAULIFLOWER AND POTATOES
Mmmm! This recipe has amazing flavor! Sometimes I add other veggies like Zucchini or Summer Squash!
SMOKY PAPRIKA SAUERKRAUT FRIED POTATOES
via Messy Vegan Cook
This dish is suuuuuper simple and incredibly comforting! It is amazing as is, but if I happen to have any vegan sausage, I like to chop it up and throw it in too!
Plant-Based Desserts
VEGAN RASPBERRY FUDGE CHICKPEA BROWNIES
These might be the best brownies I've ever made. I am not exaggerating here! They are SO moist and melt-in-your-mouthy! I've always omitted the raspberries (only because I never seem to have them on hand when I am making these) and they are delicious even without them! Top it with some banana nice cream and it is TO DIE FOR!!
VEGAN CHICKPEA CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
OK – this girl has some amazing plant-based recipes! These cookies are almost as good as the brownies and it blows my mind! Definitely try one of these desserts and check out the other amazing recipes she has on her Instagram!
Are you following a plant-based diet?
If you make any of these plant-based recipes, let me know how you like them! If you’re looking for extra plant-based diet meal inspo, follow me over on Instagram! I am forever posting about my meals and sharing the recipes I’ve found!
