These 30 plant-based recipes are easy to make, protein-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.
Here’s what you can expect from these plant-based recipes:
- Focus on protein: Each recipe is thoughtfully designed to provide a balanced diet of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
- Easy-to-Find Ingredients: Most recipes use readily available ingredients, making plant-based cooking accessible and convenient.
- 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 is an easy five–minute 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
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 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 plant–based breakfast that can soak in your fridge overnight.
4. Egg-free frittata
This chickpea flour–based frittata studded with tender zucchini slices offers a protein-rich start to the day.
This egg–free twist on the classic Italian dish provides a satisfying and vegetable-forward breakfast without compromising texture or taste.
5. Oatmeal
For a 10–minute breakfast idea with wholesome plant–based 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
Fluffy quinoa forms the base of this protein–packed salad, tossed with colorful vegetables and black beans.
A lime–cilantro 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
Try this vegan egg salad for a great, quick, fulfilling plant-based lunch or snack idea.
Made with tofu, vegan mayo, and herbs, itโs great on roasted veggies or a sandwich.
8. Lentil salad
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
Ready in 20 minutes, this wholesome and colorful chickpea salad is an excellent plant–based 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
This easy pasta salad is a vibrant meal for potlucks, picnics, and a quick lunch.
Fresh veggies, white beans, mustard dressing, and bowtie pasta make a delicious combination.
11. Buddha bowl
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 is one of the tastiest meals you can make when you want something plant-based but donโt have much time to cook.
Our recipe is Mediterranean-inspired, fresh, colorful, crunchy, and a little zesty, thanks to a tasty mustard dressing.
13. Chickpea fritters
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 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
Our Mediterranean-inspired cauliflower salad is a tasty, creamy, 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 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 protein–rich meal offers a perfect balance of comfort and nutrition, energizing you throughout the afternoon.
Plant-based dinner ideas
16. Tofu Curry
Our tofu curry is simple, healthy, tasty, family–friendly, nutritious, and fulfilling.
Pair with cauliflower or basmati rice for a creamy and satiating plant–based meal.
17. Zucchini boats
Hollowed–out zucchini halves become the perfect vehicle for a flavorful mixture of lentils and tomato sauce.
Seasoned with Mediterranean herbs, these boats offer a low–carb vegetarian alternative to pasta dishes.
18. Easy stir fry
Hereโs 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
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
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
This plant-based chili recipe is a tasty, spicy, and wholesome one-pot idea for a delicious family dinner.
Itโs also excellent for meal prep and pairs well with nachos, tortillas, and your favorite toppings. Serve it with sour cream, guacamole, pickled red onions, and fresh cilantro.
22. Microwave sweet potato
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
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 texture, protein, iron, and heartโand gut-healthy fiber.
24. African peanut stew
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
This plant-based chili recipe combines protein-rich beans, aromatic 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
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
Youโll 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 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
Crispy corn tortillas serve as the base for these satisfying Mexican–inspired 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 plant–based meal.
30. Vegetarian Meatloaf
Lentil loaf is an excellent recipe for those who want less meat but are not necessarily vegan.
Our recipe combines hearty lentils with vegetables, herbs, spices, cheese, and egg to create a tasty and satisfying vegetarian alternative to meatloaf.
31. Lentil curry
Youโll love this lentil curry because of its rich, velvety texture and bold flavors.
This plant-based meal is a one–pot favorite made with minimal effort for a wholesome, warm, and delicious dinner.
32. Pasta e Fagioli
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
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 protein–rich, fiber–packed meal.
34. Curry lentil soup
This warming soup combines protein–rich 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
A classic Italian vegetable soup, minestrone is a perfect way to incorporate various plant–based ingredients.
This hearty soup features a tomato-based broth filled with beans, pasta, and various seasonal vegetables.
More easy plant-based meals
Plant-based cooking is relatively easy once you know the foods you like.
30 Plant-based recipes: fried tofu
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
Nutrition
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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?
Just made the pasta salad. Awesome.
Fantastic, Gaile!
I’m delighted you enjoyed the salad. Best,
Louise