These 30 plant-based recipes are easy to makeprotein-packed, and fulfilling.

These recipes focus on satiating and wholesome meals, making them excellent if you want to try meatless meals or explore new flavors.

You’ll discover how to transform everyday fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes into mouthwatering meals that satisfy your body and soul.

easy plant based recipes with salads, tacos, and soups

Here’s what you can expect from these plant-based recipes:

  1. Focus on protein: Each recipe is thoughtfully designed to provide a balanced diet of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
  2. Easy-to-Find Ingredients: Most recipes use readily available ingredients, making plant-based cooking accessible and convenient.
  3. Cooking Tips: Gain insights into plant-based cooking techniques and ingredient substitutions.

Whether you want to incorporate more meat-free meals into your routine or seek inspiration for delicious vegetarian protein choices, join us from your kitchen.

Plant-based breakfast recipes

1. Tofu scramble

Tofu scramble on avocado and bread

Tofu scramble is an easy fiveminute breakfast idea with plant-based protein.

Its texture is soft and creamy, just like delicious scrambled eggs. Mix in spinach or mushrooms and serve on toasted bread.

2. Avocado toast

Avocado toast with chickpeas and red onion

Make avocado toast with marinated or roasted chickpeas and red onion.

Avocado spread is a creamy and flavorful spread made with avocado, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper.

3. Bircher muesli

bircher muesli with berries

Bircher Muesli is a quick but delicious overnight oats meal with simple, wholesome ingredients such as grated apples, oats, milk, almonds, and raisins.

This meal is convenient for a healthy and fiber-rich plantbased breakfast that can soak in your fridge overnight.

4. Egg-free frittata

vegan frittata with zucchini

This chickpea flourbased frittata studded with tender zucchini slices offers a protein-rich start to the day.

This eggfree twist on the classic Italian dish provides a satisfying and vegetable-forward breakfast without compromising texture or taste.

5. Oatmeal

Oatmeal with banana and peanut butter in a bowl

For a 10minute breakfast idea with wholesome plantbased nutrition, try this creamy stovepot oatmeal.

Top your oatmeal with sliced banana and peanut butter for a fiber-rich start to your day.

Plant-based lunch ideas

6. Quinoa salad

quinoa salad in a white bowl after mixing ingredients

Fluffy quinoa forms the base of this proteinpacked salad, tossed with colorful vegetables and black beans.

A limecilantro dressing brightens the flavors, while fresh herbs add freshness. This versatile dish can be served warm or cold, perfect for meal prep or lunchbox meals.

7. Vegan Egg Salad

vegan egg salad sandwich with vegan mayo

Try this vegan egg salad for a great, quick, fulfilling plant-based lunch or snack idea. 

Made with tofu, vegan mayo, and herbs, itโ€™s great on roasted veggies or a sandwich.

8. Lentil salad

Lentil salad with feta and lemons on the side

This plant-based salad is low in calories, high in protein, and fulfilling. Make lentil salad today with canned or cooked dried lentils, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

9. Chickpea Salad

Chickpea salad on a plate with cucumber and tomatoes

Ready in 20 minutes, this wholesome and colorful chickpea salad is an excellent plantbased beginner meal.

You can prepare it one day ahead for a convenient lunchbox idea with fresh veggies and a creamy mustard dressing.

10. Easy pasta salad

Vegan Pasta Salad with fresh parsley and hand serving the pasta salad

This easy pasta salad is a vibrant meal for potluckspicnics, and a quick lunch.

Fresh veggies, white beans, mustard dressing, and bowtie pasta make a delicious combination.

11. Buddha bowl

Buddha bowl with peanut sauce

This nourishing Buddha bowl combines a variety of textures and flavors in one satisfying meal.

Start with a base of brown rice, add roasted vegetables, leafy greens, and plant-based protein with grilled tofu and peanut sauce.

12. Chickpea pasta salad

Chickpea Pasta Salad served on a white plate with a spoon

Chickpea pasta salad is one of the tastiest meals you can make when you want something plant-based but donโ€™t have much time to cook.

Our recipe is Mediterranean-inspiredfreshcolorfulcrunchy, and a little zesty, thanks to a tasty mustard dressing.

13. Chickpea fritters

Chickpea fritters in pita bread with fresh veggies and tahini sauce

They are tasty, savory pancake-shaped flat cakes made with a simple batter of mashed chickpeas and herbs.

Chickpea fritters pack a ton of flavor and are an excellent plant-based meal for the whole family. Serve them in pita bread with lettuce and tahini sauce.

14. Black bean salad

black bean salad with a female hand and lime on the side

Black bean salad is a plant-based crowd-pleaser. It pairs the crisp and creamy textures of the veggies with a fresh and tangy cilantro lime dressing.

Black beans are a versatile and nutrient-dense plant-based protein source. They are packed with fiber and iron, which can support overall health.

15. Creamy cauliflower salad

cauliflower salad in a hand-painted serving bowl

Our Mediterranean-inspired cauliflower salad is a tastycreamy, plant-based recipe made with chickpeas and tahini dressing.

Creamy and flavorful, this cauliflower salad is a Mediterranean-inspired recipe that nourishes and satisfies you.

16. Chana masala

Chana masala with rice, kale, and cutlery

Chana masala is a flavorful Indian dish that makes for a satisfying vegetarian lunch option.

Tender chickpeas simmered in an aromatic tomato-based sauce infused with warming spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala.

Served with rice or naan bread, this proteinrich meal offers a perfect balance of comfort and nutrition, energizing you throughout the afternoon.

Plant-based dinner ideas

16. Tofu Curry

Tofu curry with white rice

Our tofu curry is simple, healthy, tasty, familyfriendly, nutritious, and fulfilling.

Pair with cauliflower or basmati rice for a creamy and satiating plantbased meal.

17. Zucchini boats

zucchini boats on a plate with tzatziki and parsley

Hollowedout zucchini halves become the perfect vehicle for a flavorful mixture of lentils and tomato sauce.

Seasoned with Mediterranean herbs, these boats offer a lowcarb vegetarian alternative to pasta dishes.

18. Easy stir fry

Tofu stir fry with white rice and broccoli

Hereโ€™s an easy and versatile 30-minute plant-based stir fry with your favorite veggies and a tasty stir fry sauce.

Firm and extra-firm tofu, thanks to its compact texture and high protein content, is an excellent ingredient and meat substitute in stir-fries.

19. Stuffed bell peppers

stuffed bell peppers with feta cheese and fresh parsley on a plate

Colorful bell peppers serve as edible vessels for a hearty filling of seasoned rice, lentils, and vegetables.

Baked until tender, these peppers offer a complete meal rich in fiber and vitamins.

20. Tofu Soup

Tofu soup recipe with hand and white spoon

This tofu soup is quick, tasty, and straightforward.

You can make it in 30 minutes with simple ingredients and seasonal veggies any time of the year.

21. Lentil chili

lentil chili in a white bowl with avocado and pickled red onions

This plant-based chili recipe is a tasty, spicy, and wholesome one-pot idea for a delicious family dinner.

Itโ€™s also excellent for meal prep and pairs well with nachostortillas, and your favorite toppings. Serve it with sour creamguacamole, pickled red onions, and fresh cilantro.

22. Microwave sweet potato

Microwave sweet potato with couscous topping

Microwave sweet potato is one of the easiest and fastest ways of cooking sweet potato.

Load your sweet potato with couscous, chickpeas, and tahini sauce for an easy plant-based meal.

23. Lentil vegetable soup

Easy lentil vegetable soup with a silver spoon in the bowl and bread on the side

This soup is made with simple ingredients. It is a plant-based meal that is excellent for weeknight dinners and meal prep.

The lentils make the dish nutritious and fulfilling, providing textureproteiniron, and heartโ€”and gut-healthy fiber.

24. African peanut stew

African peanut stew with pickled red onions in a white bowl and peanut garnish

We use chickpeas to make this easy 30-minute high-protein plant-based meal

This peanut stew packs more than 20 grams of protein per small portion and is excellent for meal prep.

25. Vegetarian chili

vegetarian chili served in a white bowl

This plant-based chili recipe combines protein-rich beansaromatic spices, and a rich, bold tomato sauce.

Served with rice and a colorful topping of herbs, lime, and avocado, vegetarian chili is the perfect cozy meal or family dinner.

26. Lentil bolognese

lentil bolognese with pasta in a white skillet

Lentils are an excellent ground meat replacement due to their rich taste, texture, and protein content.

Our plant-based lentil bolognese is perfect with pasta โ€“ with lasagna or homemade gnocchi.

27. Chickpea curry

creamy bowl of chickpea curry with spinach and basmati rice

Youโ€™ll love this curry for its bold and warm spices with tender, nutty chickpeas hugged by a creamy tomato and coconut milk sauce.

This plant-based curry is made with easy-to-find ingredients in less than 30 minutes without compromising flavor and texture.

28. Stuffed butternut squash

stuffed butternut squash after baking with melted parmesan

Stuffed butternut squash is a showstopper, the perfect plant-based centerpiece for special holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas.

The roasted butternut is filled with a rich, earthy, flavor-packed lentil filling, suitable for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

29. Tostadas

tostada with refried beans and other Mexican toppings

Crispy corn tortillas serve as the base for these satisfying Mexicaninspired tostadas.

A generous layer of creamy refried beans, often made from pinto or borlotti beans, provides a protein-rich foundation.

A drizzle of tangy salsa or pico de gallo adds the perfect finishing touch to this quick and customizable plantbased meal.

30. Vegetarian Meatloaf

lentil loaf and how to store it

Lentil loaf is an excellent recipe for those who want less meat but are not necessarily vegan.

Our recipe combines hearty lentils with vegetablesherbsspicescheese, and egg to create a tasty and satisfying vegetarian alternative to meatloaf.

31. Lentil curry

Lentil curry with rice and fresh cilantro

Youโ€™ll love this lentil curry because of its rich, velvety texture and bold flavors. 

This plant-based meal is a onepot favorite made with minimal effort for a wholesome, warm, and delicious dinner.

32. Pasta e Fagioli

Pasta e Fagioli with a silver spoon and garlic cloves

This recipe represents the essence of Italian home cooking: using simple ingredients to create a wholesome and plant-based meal.

Pasta e fagioli soup is excellent for weeknight family dinners and meal prep and will be enjoyed by picky adults and kids alike.

33. Black bean burgers

two black bean burgers side by side

Hearty black bean patties offer a satisfying vegetarian alternative to traditional meat burgers.

These versatile patties can be pan-fried or grilled, then served on whole grain buns with fresh toppings for a proteinrich, fiberpacked meal.

34. Curry lentil soup

curry lentil soup

This warming soup combines proteinrich lentils with aromatic curry spices for a comforting and nourishing meal.

Simmered with vegetables like carrots and potatoes, lentil curry soup develops a rich depth of flavor.

35. Minestrone

minestrone soup in a bowl topped with pesto, parmesan, and basil

A classic Italian vegetable soup, minestrone is a perfect way to incorporate various plantbased ingredients.

This hearty soup features a tomato-based broth filled with beans, pasta, and various seasonal vegetables.

More easy plant-based meals

easy plant based meals

30 Plant-based recipes: fried tofu

By: Nico Pallotta
5 from 3 votes
Pan-fried tofu is one of our favorite plantbased recipes.
Hereโ€™s a simple cooking method that makes fried tofu taste great and feel just as good in your mouth.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course, Plant-Basics, Side dish
Cuisine: International

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces tofu firm or extra firm
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ยฝ teaspoon paprika
  • โ…› teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 twists black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin

Instructions 

  • Takeย 14 โ€“ 16 ouncesย tofuย out of the package, drain the liquid, and break it apart with your hands intoย bite-size chunks.
    Tip: don't pat dry and don't press the tofu.
    breaking tofu into bite-size pieces
  • To a medium-sized dish, add the cornstarch, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
    Mix with a fork till the ingredients are well combined.
    tofu pieces coated in the spice mix
  • Toss the tofu cubes into the dish with the seasoning. Shake the dish left and right till the tofu is fully coated in the seasoning.
    Tip: you might need to use your hands to fully coat the tofu in the seasoning.
    fried tofu on a pan before an after
  • Warm up the olive oil on medium heat in a nonstick pan. Add the tofu onto the pan and fry for about 12 minutes on medium heat.
    Flip the tofu around with a fork every 2 to 3 minutes. Your fried tofu is ready when it's cripsy and golden-brown on the outside.
    crisp and tender fried tofu on a plate

Notes

SUBSTITUTIONS
ย 
– Extra virgin olive oil:ย sub with avocado oil, coconut butter, canola oil, sunflower oil, or regular olive oil.
ย 
– Spices:ย you can use most spices such as curry, turmeric, dried herbs, cumin, coriander, onion powder, and more.
ย 
– Cornstarch:ย we haven’t tried replacing the cornstarch but some readers had success with arrowroot powder.
ย 
VARIATIONS
ย 
– Curry fried tofu:ย sub 1 teaspoon of curry powder, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, and ยฝ ground cumin for paprika and chili powder.
ย 
– Italian fried tofu:ย sub 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon dried rosemary for paprika and chili powder.
ย 
– Turmeric-black pepper fried tofu:ย sub 2 tsps of turmeric and ยฝ teaspoon black pepper for paprika, garlic, and chili powder.
ย 
MAKE AHEAD & STORAGE
ย 
– Make ahead:ย this is not the best recipe to make ahead because the tofu loses its outer crispiness. However, if you’d like to make it in advance, you can certainly do so, and we often do this, especially when we do meal prep for a few days. The tofu is still tasty, just not as crisp. A trick that helps is to reheat it on a non-stick pan with a bit of oil for a couple of minutes.
ย 
– Refrigerator:ย store pan-fried tofu leftovers in a bowl, covered with a plate, or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. Remember that the coating absorbs moisture as it sits in the fridge and will lose its crispness.
ย 
– Freezer:ย we don’t recommend freezing fried tofu because the coating won’t thaw and reheat well.
ย 
– Reheat:ย you can warm leftovers in the microwave for 2 minutes or on a non-stick skillet or cast iron pan with a tablespoon of olive oil on medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 119kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Potassium: 18mg, Dietary Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 144IU, Vitamin B6: 1mg, Vitamin C: 1mg, Vitamin E: 1mg, Vitamin K: 3ยตg, Calcium: 92mg, Folate: 1ยตg, Iron: 1mg, Manganese: 1mg, Magnesium: 2mg, Zinc: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below or mention @nicoandlouise on Instagram. We are also on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and TikTok.

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Nico and Louise in the kitchen

Hi! We are Nico & Louise

Welcome to The Plant-Based School, a food blog with easy, tasty, and wholesome recipes.

Our aim is to help you and your family eat more veggies through delicious recipes with simple ingredients.

Easy right?

5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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