70+ Plant-Based Recipes
If you are looking to start a plant-based diet or are just curious about what vegans eat, you’ve come to the right place. With recipes for main dishes, soups, pasta, burgers, and more, this list of Plant-Based Recipes has something for everyone. There are even categories for gluten-free, Instant Pot, and high-protein meals.
I remember when I went plant-based for health reasons back in 2013 and thought that I would have to deprive myself and get by eating just salads and raw vegetables. Thankfully, I found out quickly that nothing could be further from the truth! Read my About Page for my bio and health situation.
You will find out from this list that people on a healthy, whole food, plant-based diet eat things like Vegan Nacho Supreme, Vegan Black Bean Burgers, and Vegetable Pad Thai just to name a few.
When it comes to flavor, these healthy plant-based recipes are loaded, and no one will ever miss the meat. Every recipe in this list is vegan, vegetarian, and oil-free. Some are even gluten-free. Eating healthy never tasted so good!
What is a plant-based diet?
Eating plant-based, whole foods means fueling your body from the following food groups.
- WHOLE GRAINS – This group includes brown rice, millet, oats, barley, corn, bulgur, and all products made from whole grains including bread, cereals, pasta, and more. Whole grains are filling but have very little fat. In countries where whole grains are staples, such as rural Asia, diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, are much less common than in the States and Europe.
- LEGUMES – This group includes beans, peas, and lentils. They are hearty, high-protein foods that are rich in calcium, iron, cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber, and even traces of omega-3 fatty acids.
- VEGETABLES – These foods are loaded with vitamins and minerals, are very low in fat, and like all plant foods, have no cholesterol at all.
- FRUIT – These are vitamin-rich and have no cholesterol. They do have natural sugar but are low on the glycemic index, except for watermelon and pineapple.
Recommended foods do NOT include meat, dairy products, eggs, added oils, or most processed foods.
Are vegan and plant-based the same?
A whole-food plant-based (WFPB) diet is similar to a vegan diet in that both ways of eating avoid meat, dairy, and eggs. However, WFPB takes it to a further level of eating closer to the plant.
Reasons you will love these recipes
- Healthy and Wholesome: These oil-free recipes focus on whole, plant-based ingredients, offering a nutritious way to enjoy delicious meals without extra fats.
- Full of Flavor: With fresh herbs, spices, and flavorful ingredients, these dishes prove that oil-free doesn’t mean sacrificing taste!
- Perfect for Any Meal: From hearty casseroles to satisfying sandwiches and wraps, this collection has options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between.
- Family-Friendly and Versatile: These recipes are designed to please everyone at the table and can be customized to suit a variety of tastes and dietary needs.
Plant-Based Dinner Recipes
We love to make enough dinner to have leftovers. My husband packs the leftovers for lunch at the office the next day.
Plant-Based Dinner Recipes
Eating a healthy, whole food, plant-based dinner doesn't have to be complicated. These recipes prove that you'll never miss the meat!
When we are going to a family gathering and need to take a dish or two, this No-Meat Loaf is always my first go-to. On Thanksgiving, you can bet it will be on the menu.
Lasagna is such a hearty and filling meal, and it feeds a pretty big crowd! It takes a little bit of work but is so worth the effort. I remember when I used to do in-home cooking lessons, this vegan lasagna is one recipe that always received the best reviews.
Piled high with perfectly sauteed spinach, shallots, and fire-roasted tomatoes, these portobello stuffed mushrooms are packed with flavor and absolutely delicious!
Falafels are one of the most widely recognized foods from the Middle East, and with good reason. These deliciously nutty and herby chickpea patties are fabulous on pita sandwiches, salads, and so much more!
These cauliflower wings are lip-smacking delicious! Terrific for game day or any day for that matter. We even eat them as a main dish.
This mouth-watering vegan shepherd’s pie is packed with chunky vegetables, savory sauce, and fluffy mashed potatoes. Believe me, it’s going to be a hit!
This amazing vegan BBQ made with soy curls is so delicious and perfect for summertime festivities and the Fourth of July because it delivers a smoky, savory flavor that rivals traditional BBQ, pleasing both vegans and meat-eaters!
Veggie Burgers, Sandwiches, & Wraps
At our house, vegan burgers will be on the menu for dinner on any given night. Pair them with Air Fryer French Fries, Mixed Bean Salad, or corn on the cob for a delicious meal.
Burgers & Sandwiches
Looking for something hearty and delish that will impress the family? Try a plant-based burger or sandwich recipe.
This delightfully messy vegan meatball sandwich is great for dinner, parties, and game-day food. It’s such a versatile meatless marinara sandwich, even kids love it!
These Vegan Black Bean Burgers are so popular because the patties are firm and can even be cooked on the grill without falling through.
Easy, filling, and inexpensive, these veggie Lentil Sloppy Joes are a quick meal that keeps you full for hours and reheats well for lunch the next day.
This delicious Chickpea Burger is hearty and packed with flavor. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a dollop of my homemade vegan mayo.
Tired? Don't feel like cooking? This chickpea vegan salad with avocado takes less than 10 minutes and only requires a bowl and fork to prepare. No kidding! Protein-packed and delicious!
Healthy meals just don’t get any easier than with these easy veggie wraps layered with hummus or mayo and piled high with fresh veggies like lettuce, spinach, carrots, cucumbers, and anything else you can think of.
These bite-sized colorful sandwich pinwheels make terrific little appetizers or a quick tasty lunch, and they are very kid-friendly!
Thick, juicy, tender, and hearty, these are the ribeyes of veggie burgers! Grilled or baked in the oven, you can't go wrong with Portobello mushroom burgers.
No greasy, artery-clogging bacon and eggs here. Only healthy deliciousness. Move over fast food drive through, we've got plant-strong Vegan Breakfast Sandwich only here!
This amazing vegan BBQ made with soy curls is so delicious and perfect for summertime festivities and the Fourth of July because it delivers a smoky, savory flavor that rivals traditional BBQ, pleasing both vegans and meat-eaters!
Tired of a boring sandwich? Let me help you fix that with this Ultimate Veggie & Hummus Sandwich that is piled high with crunchy vegetables and creamy hummus and can be ready in 15 minutes or less.
This amazing vegan grilled cheese sandwich is layered with homemade vegan melty cheese, tomato, kale (or spinach), and creamy easy-to-make mayo. Who says grilled cheeses are for kids? This flavorful vegan sandwich is for everyone!
This fabulous Chickpea Tuna Salad recipe is from Cathy Fisher with Straight Up Food. Made with chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and seasonings, this vegan tuna is going to delight your taste buds!
Cucumber Sandwiches are perfect for appetizers, luncheons, bridal or baby showers, picnics, and even just for a healthy meal. They are fresh, light, and so delicious!
Pasta Recipes
I’ll admit it–I’m a pasta lover. There’s just something comforting and delicious about a plate of pasta piled high with fresh vegetables. These are some of my favorite veggie pasta dishes.
Plant-Based Pasta Dishes
If pasta is what you're in the mood for, we've got you covered with these delicious dishes that include everything from stir fries to alfredo.
This vegan spaghetti & meatball dish is the perfect comfort food. Not only is it healthy and delicious, but it can also be frozen and kept on hand for any time you like.
This Vegan Pad Thai is so much better than takeout, with a nut-free sauce and a fresher take on ingredients. It's from OG vegan cookbook author, Dreena Burton, and is absolutely delicious!
This super simple vegetable stir fry can be on the table in about 40 minutes. It's amazingly peanuty and the rice noodles make it completely gluten-free.
This gluten-free vegan mac and cheese dish is one of my favorite dairy-free comfort foods! The cheese sauce can also be used in lots of other recipes and dishes as well.
This colorful orzo pasta salad is nutritious, filling, and can be made in about 20 minutes. It's loaded with green peas, tomatoes, basil, and a simple balsamic dijon sauce that is absolutely delicious!
These Udon Noodles & Veggies are delicious! The noodles have a naturally sweet flavor that requires very little extra seasoning. We will definitely be making these again!
This easy Vegan Macaroni Salad is loaded with healthy ingredients including lots of fresh crunchy veggies, a creamy dairy-free dressing, and tender elbow pasta. It's oil-free, dairy-free, and completely vegan.
This creamy cashew Alfredo is a delicious vegan alternative, offering a rich, velvety texture and a nutty flavor that’s perfect for pasta dishes. Made with simple, plant-based ingredients, it’s a healthy and dairy-free option that doesn’t compromise on taste!
This creamy vegan stroganoff has a savory mushroom flavor that will remind you of the rich and scrumptious stroganoff recipes you grew up with. Now satisfy your pasta cravings without the guilt!
This dish is all about the sauce bursting with flavor and tastes fabulous on almost anything–pasta, potatoes, grilled vegetables, or even spread on bread. Amazingly, this Vegan Roasted Garlic Butter Pasta is gluten-free and similar to an alfredo.
Plant Based Soups
It doesn’t have to be cold outside to enjoy a warm hearty bowl of soup. We eat it all year round. Oftentimes, I make a pan of my Country Vegan Cornbread to go with it.
Hearty Plant-Based Soups
The great things about plant-based soups are that they are inexpensive to make and feed a crowd. Check out some of these favorites.
I love soup for so many reasons! Not only is it easy to make and super filling, but it reheats and freezes well too. This barley vegetable soup recipe is also super healthy and loaded with wholesome ingredients. It can be a one-pot recipe for the stovetop or even made in a slow cooker.
French onion soup is a classic and gets its flavor from deeply caramelized onions. This vegan version has every bit of the flavor, with only a fraction of the fat. Topped with sourdough bread and vegan mozzarella, I think you are going to be amazed by its incredibly warm texture and taste.
This Mexican Tortilla Soup is bursting with flavor and also happens to be completely vegan and oil-free.
This delicious vegan miso soup is chock full of wholesome ingredients and can be on the dinner table in about 20-minutes flat!
A classic favorite, cheddar broccoli soup was one dish I missed after going dairy-free, so I worked hard to come up with this deliciously satisfying vegan version that is loaded with flavor by the spoonful.
Creamy, rich, and hearty, this delicious Vegan Mushroom Soup is healthy and bursting with flavor!
This naturally sweet vegan sweet potato soup is bursting with flavor! It's smooth and creamy and has chunks of soft sweet potato flavored with rich smoked paprika.
I believe my love of creamy potato soup developed in childhood. It's a deep-rooted comfort food for me. Even now, it doesn't have to be cold outside. We eat it year round.
African Peanut Sweet Potato Stew is one of my personal favorite recipes of all time! We make it regularly. The flavors are simply amazing, like a party in your mouth. If you only try one recipe, let this be the one. I'm serious!
This lentil stew with artichokes is a hearty dish that is nutrient-dense and absolutely delicious!
Easy Black Bean Soup created by the one-and-only Chef AJ comes together quickly because it's made with convenient canned black beans and loaded with wholesome ingredients like sweet potatoes and onions and perfectly seasoned with warm spices. Everyone is going to love this vegan, oil-free, gluten-free, and vegetarian soup.
Plant-Based Instant Pot Recipes
I probably don’t use my Instant Pot as much as I should. Mostly, I use it to make fresh beans like Instant Pot Chickpeas and this Flawless Instant Pot Brown Rice.
Instant Pot Plant-Based Recipes
We all love our Instant Pots because they make getting dinner on the table fast and simple. These plant-based Instant Pot recipes will not disappoint!
There is nothing better to warm you up on a cold day than a big bowl of hearty chili, and it’s even better when it can be ready and on the table in minutes without any fuss in the kitchen. This Instant Pot Vegan Chili is easy to make and chock full of healthy wholesome ingredients.
This White Bean Chili satisfies the craving for chili but cuts out all of the unhealthy ingredients found in many other chili recipes. Loaded with chunks of sweet potatoes, tender white beans, celery, onions, and spices, this dish is sure to keep you full for hours.
This easy vegan lentil soup is chock full of wholesome ingredients and can be on the table in about 30-minutes. It's a one-pot meal, so clean up is a breeze! I've included directions for cooking on the stovetop, Instant Pot, and crockpot.
This vegan version of Instant Pot Cabbage is one of the easiest healthy side dishes you'll ever make. It's ready in only a few minutes and pairs well with so many other recipes.
Making Dairy-Free Yogurt in your Instant Pot is super easy and requires only 2 ingredients. This simple recipe is from The China Study Cookbook by LeAnne Campbell, PhD.
Gluten-Free Recipes
There are quite a few gluten-free recipes on this website. Actually, a lot more than are on this list. For a full list, check out our Gluten-Free Vegan Food Category.
Gluten-Free Plant-Based Recipes
Though I'm not personally gluten-free, I know that a lot of folks are avoiding gluten. These gluten-free plant-based recipes are perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
This oil and dairy-free version of the traditional American hash brown casserole is delicious and hearty-healthy. With potatoes, onions, red bell peppers, creamy vegan cheese sauce, and smoked paprika, there is no skimping on taste. No artery-clogging butter and eggs either! Vegan Breakfast Casserole is amazing!
These Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms are a fabulous side dish or appetizer for any occasion. This is a simple and savory recipe that's a snap to assemble and a real crowd-pleaser dish.
These fresh and easy garden rolls are so healthy and delicious because they’re packed with crisp, vibrant vegetables and herbs, providing a burst of fresh flavors and essential nutrients in every bite. Wrapped in rice paper and paired with a light, simple peanut dipping sauce, they make a refreshing and vegan guilt-free appetizer, side dish, or snack.
This vegetable noodle stir fry with peanut sauce is bursting with flavor, featuring a creamy, savory sauce that perfectly complements the fresh veggies. It’s a healthy, satisfying dish that’s vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free, making it a delicious and nutritious meal for any diet!
We love vegan sushi, but it can be so expensive. The good news is that it's easy to make at home, and you can even customize it to include all the stuffings you like best!
When we are going to a social gathering and I really want to make a big statement about how good eating healthy and plant-based can be, these Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a dish I love to make.
We cook large quantities of rice on a regular basis and that means there are often leftovers in our refrigerator. This super simple Veggie Fried Rice recipe is a great way to use up that leftover rice!
Mexican Stuffed Peppers are an amazingly flavorful main dish at my house. Loaded with rice, beans, veggies, and warm seasonings, they are hearty and perfect for family dinners and even entertaining guests.
This super easy Tofu Teriyaki dish is absolutely delicious and perfect for dinner any night of the week. Serve with rice or noodles to make a complete meal that the whole family is going to love!
This amazingly simple vegan Lettuce Wrap recipe is shared by Ann & Jane Esselstyn from their book, The Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease Cookbook. In just minutes, you can have a healthy meal on the table that everyone is going to love!
This Vegan Pad Thai is so much better than takeout, with a nut-free sauce and a fresher take on ingredients. It's from OG vegan cookbook author, Dreena Burton, and is absolutely delicious!
Taco night will never be the same with these delicious Cauliflower Tacos that are simple to make and happen to be vegetarian, vegan, and even gluten-free. They are absolutely delicious!
High-Protein Plant-Based Meals
This article, How Much Protein is Too Much, is a real eye-opener and even has an easy formula to help you figure out exactly how much you need based on your body weight.
High-Protein Plant-Based Meals
The truth is, plant-based foods have plenty of protein to help us build muscle. But, for those endurance athletes that really want to add extra protein, these high-protein plant-based meals will help you do just that.
These Vegan Black Bean Burgers are so popular because the patties are firm and can even be cooked on the grill without falling through.
Believe it or not, chili can be made healthy without loads of saturated fat and calories with this amazing Crockpot Vegan Chili that even has meat-eaters licking their lips.
This super easy Tofu Teriyaki dish is absolutely delicious and perfect for dinner any night of the week. Serve with rice or noodles to make a complete meal that the whole family is going to love!
This is the ultimate, healthy breakfast powerhouse! Your arteries will thank you! Watch our 5-minute cooking demo of this recipe above.
This is a savory vegan breakfast hash that will keep you from ever missing traditional hash again. Roadhouse hash is so versatile and hearty, it is a great dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
This amazing vegan BBQ made with soy curls is so delicious and perfect for summertime festivities and the Fourth of July because it delivers a smoky, savory flavor that rivals traditional BBQ, pleasing both vegans and meat-eaters!
This crispy-on-the-outside and slightly-meaty-on-the-inside, crispy baked tofu is absolutely delicious smothered in gravy made by using the leftover marinade sauce.
This vegan quiche casserole is packed with flavor and will be a huge hit no matter when you serve it.
This delicious Chickpea Burger is hearty and packed with flavor. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a dollop of my homemade vegan mayo.
Lasagna is such a hearty and filling meal, and it feeds a pretty big crowd! It takes a little bit of work but is so worth the effort. I remember when I used to do in-home cooking lessons, this vegan lasagna is one recipe that always received the best reviews.
This mouth-watering vegan shepherd’s pie is packed with chunky vegetables, savory sauce, and fluffy mashed potatoes. Believe me, it’s going to be a hit!
Falafels are one of the most widely recognized foods from the Middle East, and with good reason. These deliciously nutty and herby chickpea patties are fabulous on pita sandwiches, salads, and so much more!
I hope you enjoyed exploring this collection of healthy plant-based recipes and found plenty of delicious inspiration for planning your next menu! With so many nourishing options, creating satisfying, flavorful meals is easier than ever.
For a full list of our over 300 recipes, check out our Plant-Based Recipe Index which is broken down into categories for your convenience.
Plant-Based Dessert Recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
To make plant-based meals more filling, include sources of protein like beans, lentils, tofu, or tempeh, and add whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, or farro. Healthy fats from avocados, nuts, or seeds also add satiety and make meals more satisfying.
Yes, many plant-based recipes are naturally low in calories and high in fiber, which can support weight loss. By focusing on whole foods like vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, you can enjoy filling meals that are nutrient-dense and support healthy weight management.
Absolutely! Many plant-based recipes are naturally gluten-free, and those that aren’t can often be modified by substituting gluten-free grains (like rice or quinoa) and gluten-free flours, making them suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
For those of you new to the whole food plant-based lifestyle, we’ve created a FREE 7-Day Plant-Based Menu Planner to help you get started!
Free Plant-based diet resources
If you are just getting started on a plant-based diet, these FREE resources will be very helpful.
- How to Start a Plant-Based Diet
- 7-Day Plant-Based Diet Menu Plan
- Beginners Plant-Based Diet Grocery List
- Plant-Based Diet Beginners Guide
- What’s the Difference Between Plant-Based & Vegan?
About Terri Edwards
Hi guys! I am the content creator behind EatPlant-Based and a licensed Food for Life instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. I am passionate about sharing healthy recipes and tips to empower others to get healthy. I’m so glad you’re here! Read More…
