Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply trying to cut back on the meat in your diet, plant-based meals are the way to go. They’re healthier than traditional meat based meals and better for the environment so finding a recipe that is quick and easy is one of your best options for cooking great dishes.
The best part about plant based meals is that they are still tasty and have all the flavor you want without all of the guilt. The following are some of my favorite plant-based meal ideas that will have your family saying “who needs meat?”
1. Chickpea and Spinach Curry
Chickpea and spinach curry is a warming, comforting dish that’s sure to please. It’s easy to make and it’s also budget-friendly. You can make a big batch of it, then store it in your refrigerator or freezer for later. It’s a great way to have food on hand that you can reheat quickly and serve as leftovers.
2. BBQ Black Beans, Corn, and Avocado Salad
BBQ black beans mixes the flavors of spicy black beans with refreshing corn and sweet avocado. It’s also a hearty dinner salad that will please any crowd at your next gathering.
3. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Many people will never give up eating french fries. They’re delicious and they’re also a great source of carbohydrates and other nutrients to keep your body running. But when you have a sweet potato instead of a traditional potato, you can cut out most of the fat and carbs in your diet.
4. Spinach Artichoke Quinoa Bake
Spinach artichoke quinoa bake is a quick and healthy dinner for any night of the week. It’s loaded with protein so it will keep you full for hours while still being low in fat and calories.
5. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas
Sweet potato and black bean enchiladas are a Mexican-inspired treat that anyone will go crazy for. They’re full of flavor and naturally plant based. So if you’re looking for an easy way to introduce your family to a healthy meal, this is the perfect recipe to start with.
6. Baked French Toast with Vegan Crepes
French toast is an American classic that will always be popular no matter what you put on it. You can make it completely vegan by using soy milk instead of dairy milk in the batter and vegan butter instead of regular butter. It tastes just as good as the real thing, but there are no animal products in the recipe.
7. Green Beans with Garlic
Green beans with garlic is so simple to make, but at the same time, it’s so delicious. The trick to making them taste just like meat is adding a little bit of spice. I like to use crushed red pepper, but you can do whatever you like.
8. Tofu Burgers
Tofu burgers are easy to make and they are full of flavor. You can serve them on top of a salad with various vegetables, or you can put them in a bun. They are a great option for the days when you don’t want to use meat.
9. Zucchini Cake
Who doesn’t love cake? This zucchini cake will keep you from missing the traditional kind. It’s also very quick and easy to make, so it’s ideal for a busy weeknight.
10. Creamy Tomato Soup
Creamy tomato soup will remind you of the soup you used to eat when you were a kid. It’s made from real ingredients, is quick and easy to make, and it tastes great. The best part is that it uses fresh ingredients.
11. Vegan Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal
Oats are a quick and easy breakfast to make, but they are also versatile. A vegan peanut butter banana oatmeal can be sweet or savory depending on what you like. It’s a great way to start your day.
12. Broccoli Cheddar Quinoa Casserole
Quinoa is packed with protein so it makes a better option for plant based recipes than rice does. This broccoli cheddar quinoa casserole is loaded with veggies and healthy ingredients so you can live your life on your terms while still feeling full for hours.
13. Baked Vegan Mac and Cheese
Vegan mac and cheese is an easy way to change up your diet. You don’t need to worry about it being healthier than the traditional kind because it is already better for you. It’s also better for the environment because it uses fewer resources to make.
14. Homemade Vegetable Broth
Homemade vegetable broth tastes way better than the stuff you buy at the store, but it’s also way more effective than anything you can buy in a package. It’s simple to make and it’s easy to store. You can even freeze it and use it later in a recipe.
15. Protein Banana Pancakes
Protein banana pancake is better than traditional pancakes because you don’t need milk to make them. I like them with maple syrup and a variety of fruits on top.
16. Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potatoes are a healthy option that is light on the stomach and full of fiber. Sweet potato casserole is baked with plenty of seasonings so you don’t have to worry about the taste. You can also choose to make it into one big casserole and serve it as a side dish, or cut it into smaller pieces and use it as a scoop on top of your salad or in your soup.
17. Golden Herby Quinoa Patties
Golden herby quinoa patties are made as a quick and easy dinner, but they’re also perfect for breakfast. They have a great flavor that will remind you of potatoes, but they’re low in carbs so you can enjoy all the flavor without any of the guilt.
18. Vegan Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Carrot cake is a classic dessert that has been around for ages. Vegan carrot cake cupcakes are delicious and they are so easy to make. You can eat them as a snack or serve them as a dessert with your dinner. The whole family will love them!
19. Berry Bliss Parfait
Parfait is the perfect easy breakfast for when you’re on the go. Berry bliss parfaits are tasty, nutritious, and very attractive. You can eat them in three layers, depending on how much time you have available to make them.
20. Vegan Banana Bread
Vegan banana bread is just what you need to make the perfect treat when you’re wanting something sweet. It’s perfect for breakfast or dessert and will keep folks coming back for more. You can eat it with some vegan whipped cream to make it extra special.
Conclusion
We’ve done all the hard work for you and provided a selection of some of the most popular plant based meals in this article. It doesn’t matter what type of dishes you like – burgers & fries, curry or quick snacks – we’ve got it covered.
It’s easy to enjoy delicious food without meat. Although living without meat is not for everyone, there are so many delicious plant based foods available that it’s still possible to enjoy a varied diet. We hope that you’ll try some of these meal ideas and that they become part of your weekly meal plan.
