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Want to eat more vegetables? These easy plant based recipes are packed with flavor and please everyone around the table.

Eating a plant based diet can be life changing! Health professionals are even finding it can treat and prevent disease. Take it from us—we’re two cookbook authors and recipe experts who have been eating mostly plant based for over a decade.
What’s a plant based diet? Put simply, it’s choosing more of your foods from plant sources than from meat or dairy. Here we’ve put together a list of our most delicious plant based recipes that everyone always loves! Each one is also a vegan recipe, meaning it contains no animal products (meat, dairy, eggs, and honey).
How to make vegetables filling
A misconception we hear is that plant based meals are just a pile of carrot and celery sticks and not filling. Au contraire—vegan main dishes need to be packed with plant-based protein! For more, see our Guide to Plant Based Protein. These recipes focus on protein and fiber packed ingredients like:
- Whole grains like rice, quinoa, farro, bulgur, freekah and millet
- Beans and chickpeas
- Nuts and seeds
- Soy proteins like tofu and tempeh
Without further ado, here are our favorite plant based recipes that are both filling and delicious!
Our top plant based recipes
This falafel bowl is one of our favorite plant based recipes for a satisfying meal, full of bright Mediterranean flavors! Featuring homemade baked falafel, pickled cucumbers and onions, and crunchy veggies, it’s a delicious healthy lunch or dinner idea.
Here’s a fun way to infuse loads of veggies into your life: this tasty Vegan Stir Fry! This mess of vibrant vegetables is just as tasty as it looks. It’s all smothered in a tangy, zingy vegan stir fry sauce that you’ll want to drizzle on just about everything. We love serving with soba noodles, but it’s just as tasty with rice.
This Moroccan stew is cozy, healthy and full of flavor. It's spiced with cumin, coriander and cinnamon, and the chickpeas are simmered with tomatoes and chickpeas. Sere with a side of quinoa or couscous.
Need dinnertime inspiration? Cozy up to a bowl of these creamy, zingy peanut noodles! This plant based recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes. The peanut butter sauce is lusciously creamy, bursting with flavor from soy sauce, fresh lime juice and honey or maple syrup. Mix it with luscious noodle strands and top with loads of fresh cilantro and crunchy peanuts.
It’s easy to resolve to eat more plant based recipes, but actually doing it is another matter entirely. Here’s one way to make it mega-delicious: Vegan Tacos! They're filled with hearty, spiced walnut taco meat that tastes remarkably similar to the real thing. Add refried beans, your favorite classic toppings, and dollop with a creamy, spicy sauce.
Need a healthy plant based recipe that pleases everyone? Try this Kale Soup with White Beans! Hearty Tuscan kale, white beans and kale float in a tangy broth flavored with oregano and fennel. It’s like a combination of all our favorite soup recipes in one bowl: comforting and full of bold Mediterranean-style flavors. It comes together in just 30 minutes and makes a huge pot that’s great for leftover lunches.
Here’s one of our favorite meal prep ideas: salad meal prep dinners! Prepare the greens mix, then mix and match toppings, proteins, and dressings to make different bowl meals. It also works as prep for lunch or side salads. Ditch those bag salads and make this for healthy dinners and lunches through the week!
Need a fresh plant based recipes? Try this lettuce wraps recipe! The punchy, savory filling is infused with hoisin, soy sauce and rice vinegar, mixing savory tofu with cashews and green onions. Throw it into tender leaf of crunchy green lettuce with a few more colorful veggies, and it’s to die for!
Hello and welcome to the best quick lunch or easy plant based dinner around: the Hummus Bowl! Layer a dollop of hummus with crunchy veggies and serve with pita wedges. It takes just 5 minutes to make this Mediterranean-style meal that’s bursting with creamy, tangy, crunchy, fresh, and savory flavors.
Here’s a way to prepare tofu that we cannot get enough of: this crispy tofu recipe! It’s easy to make and comes out perfectly seasoned, with extra crunchy edges and a tender interior. There’s no need to even press the tofu! It’s actually pretty amazing that it can turn into meaty, savory cubes in just 20 minutes. Make it into a plant based meal by adding rice and broccoli.
Need a hearty plant-based recipe idea? Look no further than this trusty trick: Stuffed Sweet Potatoes! Bake the spuds whole until they’re moist and tender, then top with savory fillings to make a hearty dinner recipe. The way the savory black beans contrast with the sweet orange flesh makes magic, in our opinion.
Here's a fan favorite plant based recipe: this Easy Sheet Pan Dinner! This recipe has 4 of our best vegetables to eat all at one time: and it’s seriously tasty, too. It’s perfect to meal prep for healthy dinners or lunches throughout the week.
If there’s one plant based recipe that always satisfies, it’s a great lentil soup. Lentils are one of nature’s wonders: they’re full of protein, shelf stable for years, inexpensive, and make for some of the most satisfying filling meals. Try this simple Red Lentil Soup! It’s deliciously hearty, featuring aromatic vegetables, lemon and a hint of smoked paprika.
Let us present another favorite plant based recipe: these incredible sheet pan vegan fajitas! Everyone loves this meal, even meat eaters. It’s a great way to make a fun healthy dinner where no one notices there’s no meat! Roast up lots of veggies on a sheet pan with spices, and serve with refried beans and “guac-ish”.
These veggie nuggets are so delicious and made with a simple combination of vegetables, oats, and flavorful spices. Everyone loves them (both kids and adults!), and they’re vegan and easily gluten-free. Dip into a fun sauce and enjoy as a meal or snack!
Welcome to the tofu sandwich of your dreams! This incredible vegan sandwich stars crispy breaded tofu, tangy Russian dressing, and crunchy pickles that create a flavor explosion everyone will love.
This marinated tempeh recipe is an explosion of flavor! The zingy marinade makes a plant based meal everyone will love. It it with broccoli or as part of a rice bowl.
These vegan lentil sloppy joes are deliciously filling plant-based dinner made with lentils, tomatoes, and seasonings! The tangy flavor makes them a crowd-pleaser, and they’re a huge hit at our house. Serve on a bun with pickles for the true sloppy joe experience.
This vegan eggplant Parmesan is dairy free but delivers on flavor, starring crispy breaded eggplant slices smothered in a tangy marinara sauce! A plant-based dinner win.
This tofu bowl with rice stars crispy tofu, fresh veggies, spicy mayo and crunchy bits of fried onion! A deliciously healthy vegan dinner to fill your day with plant-based goodness.
This creamy vegan broccoli cheddar soup is packed with nutrients and flavor! Made with simple ingredients, it’s a healthy and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
These crispy, crave-worthy vegan crab cakes are truly amazing! These patties will wow eaters of any diet. Serve them up with vegan tartar sauce as a fun plant-based dinner or appetizer!
Try this creamy vegan mac and cheese recipe, made with all whole foods! A luscious cashew sauce blankets tender noodles, creating cozy pasta comfort food that everyone will love.
This tofu broccoli stir fry comes to the dinnertime rescue! Broccoli florets and tofu cubes are tossed in a tangy, savory sauce for a vegetarian and vegan dinner everyone will love. Even better, it’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Vegan Taco Salad to the dinnertime rescue! This genius recipe comes to you by the magic of Walnut Taco Meat: a tasty way to make a plant-based version of ground beef. Walnuts, mushrooms and spices do a spot on job of simulating the savory goodness of meat crumbles. Add to that fresh veggies and a zingy sauce, and you’ve got a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy: including meat lovers!
Want to make black bean soup and don’t have time to cook dried beans? Try this Quick Black Bean Soup! Using canned beans makes it possible to whip up this tasty soup in 30 minutes. It’s creamy, garlicky and hearty, and a big bowl feels positively restorative. Top it with pico de gallo for a bright and zingy contrast in flavors.
Loading up on plant-based protein is key to making plant based recipes filling! And this insanely-tasty healthy chili recipe is full of it: it's got a trio of protein-packed beans, quinoa and is topped with pepitas. It’s full savory, hearty flavor even though it’s meatless!
This tofu fried rice recipe is bursting with flavor! Tender tofu takes center stage with fluffy rice, colorful veggies, and a savory sauce in this hearty vegan dinner.
Here's a plant based recipe in our regular rotation: this quick Vegan Coconut Curry! Here, coconut milk and curry powder make healthy vegetables taste like a decadent treat. And, it takes under 25 minutes to whip up! It’s an ode to the simplicity of plant based ingredients and great seasoning.
Also try: Coconut Cauliflower Curry
Craving sushi but want it as a plant based recipe? Try this fresh, delectable Vegan Sushi! These rolls have got it all, proving that this Japanese dish (or rather, art form!) is perfectly adaptable no matter what the filling. Savory, flavor-popping marinated tofu joins crunchy veggies and tender sushi rice to make a craveable roll filling. Top it off with Japanese BBQ Sauce and it tastes like a dream!
Try this irresistible BBQ Tofu recipe! Each bite has just the right chewy texture, bathed in a silky, sweet, savory sauce. You’ll want to keep eating it for days. This plate disappeared very quickly at our house! This recipe is easy to put together and a great starter recipe for people who are wary of the stuff.
Here’s a quick and easy plant based recipe perfect for weeknights: try these Mushroom Tacos! Portobello mushrooms have enormous savory flavor: throw them in a skillet with some punchy seasonings and they make plant based magic. Combine those portobellos with creamy refried beans and the quickest slaw, and you’ve got dinner!
Turns out, you don't need cheese to make a great lasagna. Vegan lasagna is majorly good. In fact, this one is our favorite lasagna, period. You can make this huge pan on a budget, so it’s a healthy whole food plant based recipe that’s affordable to all!
Meet our favorite plant based dinner recipe: the Falafel Burger! These are easy to make with canned chickpeas. The combination of a cumin and coriander-scented chickpea patty with cool cucumber sauce and all the fixin’s is pretty darn epic.
These vegan enchiladas are one of our most crowd-pleasing plant based recipes…ever. Tortillas are wrapped around a veggie filling oozing with flavor, and it’s all doused in a zesty homemade enchilada sauce. With the crunchy veggie topping, this dish looks simply incredible. And it tastes even better than it looks
Here’s a plant based dinner that takes just 30 minutes and results in so much flavor…you’ll put it on your regular rotation immediately. Try this Tofu Curry recipe! The brilliant red broth is flavored with coconut milk and red curry paste, with the zing of lime and a hint of spicy sweetness. The Thai-style flavors are the perfect way to introduce tofu to those wary of it.
Here’s a healthy soup you’ll immediately add to your regular rotation…because it’s just that good. Try this White Bean Soup recipe, full of humble ingredients and huge flavor! Tender white beans float in the cozy broth with soft potatoes and leafy kale. Lemon zest lends brightness and tarragon brings an herby nuance. It’s made of 100% plant based and tastes like a dream.
These tacos are a fan favorite plant based recipe! They star Crispy Roasted Cauliflower, roasted in the oven and covered in a savory, salty, sweet and lightly spicy breading. Cover it all in Yum Yum Sauce, used in Japanese steakhouses and served with seafood. It adds a richness to these tacos that’s out of this world good!
This shepherd's pie is cozy comfort food to the max! Imagine: a creamy gravy filled with tender vegetables, lentils and scented with fennel and sage. Then a fluffy layer of Yukon gold potatoes, topped with fresh rosemary. It’s layered together in a baking dish and then baked until golden. This one’s a plant based stunner.
This simple tofu soup recipe is a tasty, nourishing plant-based meal! Cubes of tofu float in a savory broth flavored with miso, ginger, dried mushrooms, and fresh mushrooms. Add crunchy carrots and green onions just before serving, and it’s a satisfying combination of hearty earthiness with crisp, fresh vegetables.
Here's the very best plant based burrito! This burrito is packed with flavor from Spanish rice, seasoned black beans, peppers and onions, and mashed avocado. Even better, step it up with a zingy vegan sauce. Ready to cook?
Here’s a go-to when you need a plant based dinner that’s protein-packed: this Vegan Meatballs! This recipe takes under 30 minutes to make, and it’s packed with protein! Even better: the flavor is outstanding. Pair it with your favorite pasta, or a few vegan sides.
Try this Sweet Potato Curry! Tender sweet potatoes and bell peppers swim in a luscious broth of coconut milk and Thai curry paste, topped with fresh cilantro and crunchy peanuts. There’s so much flavor going on, you’ll want to take another bite before you’re finished savoring the first.
Here’s plant based recipe to file under dinnertime basics: this easy rice bowl! This 30 minute dinner features these easy black beans, a trick to make a bland can of beans taste amazing in 5 minutes. Pair it with rice and colorful veggies. The kicker? A zingy cilantro lime ranch that you’ll want to bathe in.
Your noodles are destined for greatness with this vegan pasta alfredo! The impossibly creamy sauce is a healthy spin on the traditionally rich pasta. It’s made with nutrient-dense cauliflower and protein-packed cashews instead of dairy. Said one reader: “YUM! I love it! It’s super easy to make. I made it again 2 days later!”
Poke is a Hawaiian specialty, typically made with ahi tuna. But here's a plant based version of this popular healthy bowl meal: vegan poke bowls! They're bursting with flavor, and they’ve got an unusual ingredient that amazingly gives the same texture and flavor as poke. Beets. Yep, you’re going to have to taste this to believe it…but it really works! Drizzle with spicy mayo and enjoy.
Here's a simple plant based recipe to power your morning: try this microwave oatmeal! It’s the quickest way to cook oatmeal around, and it comes out just as good as the stovetop version. Here’s the thing: you don’t need those microwave packets from the store. All you need are Old Fashioned rolled oats, a microwave, and 2 minutes!
Want to liven up your plant based recipe game in the mornings? Try Breakfast Quinoa! This alternative to oatmeal is just as satisfying. Cook it with milk, maple syrup and cinnamon, then load it up with toppings like fresh berries, coconut and nut butter. It’s a healthy breakfast idea that’s a fun way to start the day.
The path to healthy plant based breakfast ideas is difficult, especially for meals on the go. So here’s a make ahead breakfast that fits in the palm of your hand: these Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies! Yes, it’s magic: oats, nut butter, applesauce, and maple syrup transform into cookies that you can eat for breakfast.
Looking for a plant-based way to start the day? Try this vegan breakfast sandwich! It takes just 5 minutes to whip up a savory chickpea pancake that surprisingly has a similar flavor and texture to scrambled eggs. Pile it high on a toasted sourdough muffin with tomato and avocado and it’s so satisfying: and totally plant based!
Last up in these plant based recipes, try these zucchini brownies! Stop what you’re doing and gather the ingredients for this recipe that will have your friends and family running for another piece. The brownies come out ultra moist and gooey, with a deep, rich chocolaty flavor. They’re simple to make and you won’t believe the amazing flavor and texture!
Or try more of our top Vegan Dessert Recipes!
More plant based recipes
Looking for other types of plant based recipes, like breakfast, snacks, or desserts? Head to these posts:
- Go for our favorite vegan recipes or vegan dinner recipes.
- Add tasty vegan side dishes or vegan salad recipes to make it a meal!
- Try our top vegan breakfast ideas, vegan desserts or vegan snacks.
Want a meal plan? Try our 28-Day Vegan Meal Plan or Plant Based Diet Meal Plan.
50 Plant Based Recipes: Falafel Bowl & More!
This falafel bowl makes a satisfying meal, full of bright Mediterranean flavors! Featuring homemade baked falafel and crunchy veggies, it’s a delicious healthy lunch or dinner idea.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
For the Falafel Bowl
- 1 recipe Baked Falafel (recipe below; or purchased falafel), plus leftover cilantro to garnish
- 1 handful Pickled Cucumber and Onions, plus leftover sliced English cucumber
- 1 dollop hummus (purchased)
- 1 handful sliced or chopped tomatoes
- 1 handful olives
- 1 handful baby arugula
- Feta (optional; or vegan feta)
- Olive oil, to drizzle
- Sumac (optional)
Baked Falafel (or go to Baked Falafel)
- 15-ounce can chickpeas
- ½ cup Old Fashioned rolled oats (or use ½ cup oat flour)
- ¼ cup red onion, roughly chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled
- ½ cup cilantro leaves and tender stems, loosely packed (or fresh parsley)
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Make the Pickled Cucumbers and Onions: Start the Pickled Cucumbers and Onions, which take 30 minutes to pickle (or make in advance). Alternatively, you can use fresh sliced cucumber and red onion.
- Make the Baked Falafel: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Dab the chickpeas with a paper towel to remove extra moisture and set them aside. Place the rolled oats in a bowl of a food processor. Process 30 seconds to 1 minute until they are the texture of flour. Pour into a separate bowl and set aside. (If using oat flour, skip this step.)
- Roughly chop the red onion and peel the garlic. Place them into the food processor with the cilantro and pulse until finely minced, stopping and scraping down the bowl once. Add the chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, cumin, coriander, baking powder, salt and pepper and process until combined, stopping and scraping the bowl once. Then add the oats and pulse until a uniform dough forms. (Try not to over-process the dough: you’ll want it uniform and shape-able with a little texture.) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Use your hands to roll the dough into 16 balls that are 1 ½ tablespoons each, then flatten them into discs (it’s helpful to use a size 40 cookie scoop, if you have it). Place the discs on the baking sheet and brush the tops with olive oil. Bake the falafel for 15 minutes until golden brown, then flip. Brush the tops with more olive oil. Return to the oven and bake for 10 minutes, until golden brown on the other side. Allow to cool at least 5 minutes before eating. (Refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze up to 3 months; consider making a double batch and storing leftovers.)
- Make the Falafel Bowl: To make the bowl, add a generous handful baby arugula and dollop of hummus to a shallow bowl. Surround with handfuls tomatoes, pickled cucumbers and onions, fresh cucumber (left over from the pickled recipe), olives, and feta cheese (if using). Add the falafel to the bowl and drizzle with olive oil. If desired, sprinkle with sumac.
Look forward to receive healthy receipes
The best on promoting healthy eating is trying new ideas. How about plant based meat in addition. Your website is scrumptious and I want to get all needy about Live Animal Exports, feeding more and more people, particularly our islander neighbours (don’t we all have them) and the poor mums stuck with halal methods and young impressionable kids.
Thank you for the wonderful Cauliflower Curry recipe. It was amazing! Looking forward to trying the pizza recipes.
I’d love to eat more plant based but I don’t like beans so that can post a challenge! That pizza recipe looks to die for though!
These are awesome! I recently decided to try going vegetarian for a month and have started to work through these recipes. They’re really softening the blow of dropping the meat!