21 Delicious Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners - Real + Vibrant (2024)

A delicious collection of plant-based recipes that are easy to make, completely reliable, and will build your confidence in the kitchen!

21 Delicious Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners - Real + Vibrant (1)

Looking to add more plant-based recipes into your diet but don’t know where to start? Or maybe you recipes that your loved ones will actually, truly enjoy!

I’ve totally got you covered today!

Below you'll find 21 simple and easy-to-make recipes, including breakfast, drinks, main dishes, salads, soups, and more!

Plant-Based Recipes that Build Your Confidence in the Kitchen

When I first started integrating more plant-based into my own diet, I struggled and felt overwhelmed. Let's just say my first batch of quinoa turned out less than appetizing. And I had no idea what I was doing with kale. Feeling defeated, I gave myself a goal to feel confident with 2 recipes, that's it. Once I became comfortable with those, I added two more recipes to my repertoire. Soon I was cooking at home on a regular basis!

Needless to say, I've gone through the hurdles of cooking food at home, especially when trying to make a change to support my health.

I've put together a solid list of plant-based recipes for beginners. And if you prefer a printable copy of these, just drop your email below and I'll send it your way!

Breakfast & Smoothie Plant-Based Recipes

Chia Seed Pudding

Chia seed pudding is delicious, versatile, easy to make, and a powerhouse of nutrients. It makes for a delicious snack, breakfast, and even dessert.

Overnight Steel Cut Oats

Here's a quick and easy way of making a delicious and filling breakfast. Made with steel cut oats and a few more ingredients, it just needs 5 minutes of your time right before you go to sleep and another 5 minutes in the morning!

Walnut Apple Crisp

This walnut apple crisp is inspired by the classic apple crisp dish. It’s made with fresh seasonal apples, nuts, oats, and warming spices. You'll love this guilt-free treat!

Morning Green Smoothie

A delicious, sweet and tangy green smoothie made with spinach, tangy lime, and sweet banana. This smoothie is perfect for busy mornings or as an afternoon snack.

21 Delicious Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners - Real + Vibrant (6)

Tropical Matcha Smoothie

Looking for a new favorite smoothie? This is it! Made with spinach, mango, matcha, and ginger, this energizing smoothie takes all of 2 minutes to make!

Soups & Curries Plant-Based Recipes

Creamy Cauliflower Soup

This cauliflower soup is a delicious vegan staple any time of the year, but especially during the cooler months of the year. It’s silky, comforting, and easy to make.

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Sweet Potato Kale Soup

This delicious soup is hearty and nourishing. Made with sweet potato, kale, fresh tomatoes, and onions, it’s easy to make and comes together in a quick 30 minutes.

Chickpea Curry

Chana masala is an Indian staple and for good reason! It's with a delicious mixture of chickpeas, Indian spices, and fresh herbs. Tasty and easy to make, you can enjoy it with a side of rice, naan, or in a bowl!

Main Dish Plant-Based Recipes

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Simple, nourishing, and full of flavor! Tossed in a refreshing lemon herb dressing, this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a crowd-pleaser. It's perfect on its own or as a side salad.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Bowl

This sweet potato and black bean bowl is packed with flavor and tastes delicious. It makes for a quick and easy meal to pull together any day of the week.

Vegan Power Bowl

This vegan power bowl makes the perfect filling plant-based meal. It’s packed with fresh greens, sweet potatoes, seasonal product, and avocado. So much to love in this bowl!

Garlic Roasted Cauliflower

These garlic roasted cauliflower florets make for a tasty side dish. Simple, delicious, versatile, and packed with flavor, each bite is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Cauliflower Tacos

Take taco night to the next level with these roasted cauliflower tacos! Made with delicious garlicky roasted cauliflower, red cabbage, and a creamy cashew sauce. These tacos are filling, tasty, and make the perfect meal.

Plant-Based Dressing Recipes

Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing

Looking for that perfect go-to everyday dressing? This is it! It's delicious on salads, bowls, roasted veggies, and more. Made with a few ingredients, you'll love this dressing!

LemonVinaigrette

This vinaigrette is simple, fresh, tangy and full of flavor. It tastes great on almost any salad or bowl and also makes a great marinade.

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Elevate any salad with this everyday balsamic vinaigrette. It's silky in texture with the perfect mix of tangy with a touch of sweetness. You just can't go wrong with this dressing!

Plant-Based Drink Recipes

Iced Matcha Latte Recipe

Iced matcha lattes are delicious but can add up quickly when purchased at a coffee shop or cafe. This iced matcha latte recipe is easy to make for a fraction of the cost!

Hot Matcha Latte Recipe

This matcha latte is made with almond milk and matcha green tea. It takes only a few minutes to make - no whisk needed!

Turmeric Latte Recipe

You'll love this healing and anti-inflammatory beverage, made with turmeric, nut milk, cinnamon, and other Indian spices.

Plant-Based Almond Milk Recipe

Learning how to make almond milk is a great place to start when adapting a healthier lifestyle. Almond milk is a delicious plant-based alternative to dairy. It's easy to make and you only need two ingredients!

Plant-Based Oat Milk Recipe

This oat milk is so good! It's perfect for smoothies, baked goods, and more! It's easy to make, needs only 3-ingredients, and takes less than 5 minutes to make!

Get these Plant-Based Recipes in a Printable eBook!

Bookmark this page for later, or better yet, enter your email address below to get a free copy of the recipes delivered straight to your inbox!

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For More Easy Plant-Based Recipes...

…feel free to check out the full collection of Recipeshere on Real + Vibrant. Or my cookbook Plant Power Bowls: 70 Seasonal Vegan Recipes to Boost Energy and Promote Wellness (including a chapter on plant-based Desserts)!

Happy cooking, everyone!

21 Delicious Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners - Real + Vibrant (2024)

FAQs

How to make vegan food tastier? ›

But there are some simple steps we can take to make our plant-based meals taste flavorful and satisfying.
  1. Start with fresh ingredients. Any chef will tell you the best food starts with the best ingredients. ...
  2. Include a protein source. ...
  3. Add some herbs & spices. ...
  4. Come hungry. ...
  5. Add the secret ingredient.
Apr 4, 2024

How to make vegan food satisfying? ›

5 Tips for Making a Vegan Meal Feel Filling and Satisfying
  1. Balance the plate. I think the misconception that vegan meals are all veg and nothing else gets to the issue at hand. ...
  2. Flavor with herbs and spices. ...
  3. Take on the traditional. ...
  4. Mix up the cooking technique. ...
  5. Showcase the produce.
May 2, 2019

How to season plant-based food? ›

Common options include garlic, onion, herbs like basil and thyme, spices such as cumin and paprika, and condiments like soy sauce, nutritional yeast, and vegan-friendly sauces. These ingredients add flavor and depth to vegan dishes without using animal products. The same way, non-vegan seasoning food.

Can you eat eggs on a plant-based diet? ›

Eggs can and should be part of a plant-based diet, and these five suggestions showcase how easy it is to incorporate the incredible egg into your plant-forward dishes.

What vegan food fills you up? ›

Healthful foods that are high in protein, fiber, or both tend to be filling. Rich sources of protein for vegans include foods such as soybeans, pulses, and some nuts and seeds.

Can vegans eat rice? ›

Yes, absolutely! Rice is a common grain in all cooking and has a significant place in the plant-based world too. Some rice dishes may not be suitable for vegans though, so if you're eating out or following a recipe make sure there are no meat, fish or other animal products being used before you tuck in!

What foods do vegans love? ›

On a vegan diet, you can eat foods made from plants, including:
  • Fruits and vegetables.
  • Legumes such as peas, beans, and lentils.
  • Nuts and seeds.
  • Breads, rice, and pasta.
  • Vegetable oils.
Nov 3, 2023

What vegan food makes you happy? ›

The brain uses the amino acid tryptophan to produce serotonin, a neurotransmitter largely responsible for feelings of happiness and well-being. Plant-based sources of tryptophan include leafy greens, sunflower seeds, watercress, soybeans, pumpkin seeds, mushrooms, broccoli, and peas.

What do vegans struggle with the most? ›

Low vitamin B12 intake is a significant problem in vegan diets due to the exclusion of vitamin B12-rich foods such as meat, poultry, and eggs. A lack of vitamin B12 has been linked to neurologic and hematologic problems [19].

How long does it take for your gut to adjust to a plant-based diet? ›

It may take less time for your body to adjust if you make the switch gradually, but it could also take longer. Your body may have a hard time adjusting if you try to make the change overnight, but you should be able to settle into your new diet within two weeks.

How do I start eating more plant-based foods? ›

8 ways to get started with a plant-based diet
  1. Eat lots of vegetables. ...
  2. Change the way you think about meat. ...
  3. Choose good fats. ...
  4. Cook a vegetarian meal at least one night a week. ...
  5. Include whole grains for breakfast. ...
  6. Go for greens. ...
  7. Build a meal around a salad. ...
  8. Eat fruit for dessert.
Mar 28, 2024

What spices can you eat on a plant-based diet? ›

Unsweetened plant-based milks: coconut milk, almond milk, cashew milk, etc. Spices, herbs and seasonings: basil, rosemary, turmeric, curry, black pepper, salt, etc. Condiments: salsa, mustard, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, vinegar, lemon juice, etc.

What foods can you eat on a plant-based diet? ›

Plant-based or plant-forward eating patterns focus on foods primarily from plants. This includes not only fruits and vegetables, but also nuts, seeds, oils, whole grains, legumes, and beans.

What are 5 plant-based foods? ›

Leafy greens, broccoli, carrots, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, squash, bell peppers, cucumbers…the more, the merrier! Whole grains: many whole grains are a vital source of protein and fiber.

What are the 30 plant-based foods? ›

What could 30 plant points look like?
  • Green beans.
  • Beetroot.
  • Rocket.
  • Sweet potato.
  • Courgettes.
  • Carrots.
  • Mushrooms.
  • Red pepper.
Mar 3, 2023

Can you eat pasta on a plant-based diet? ›

Unfortunately, not all pasta is vegan. We've found pastas of all varieties, from spaghetti to lasagna noodles, with eggs in the ingredient lists. But don't worry—there are widely available vegan pastas that don't involve eggs or dairy and don't skimp on the texture you've come to love.

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