Home Healthy Eating
Charlotte GraingerUpdated: Jan. 30, 2024
Think plant-based recipes are dull and boring? Think again! Here are some tasty recipes chock full of fruits, veggies, beans and whole grains.
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Grilled Cauliflower Wedges
This side is incredibly easy, yet is packed with flavor and looks like a dish from a five-star restaurant. The grill leaves the cauliflower cooked but crisp, and the red pepper flakes add bite. —Carmel Hall, San Francisco, California
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Roasted Pumpkin and Brussels Sprouts
While traveling to Taiwan, I had the pleasure of trying a unique vegetable dish that included fresh pumpkin. It inspired me to roast pumpkin with Brussels sprouts. —Pam Correll, Brockport, Pennsylvania
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Craving that meaty taste? Learn how to create umami flavor in plant-based dishes.
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Black Bean-Tomato Chili
My daughter Kayla saw a black bean chili while watching a cooking show and called me about it because it looked so good. We messed with our own recipe until we got this easy winner. —Lisa Belcastro, Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
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Roasted Balsamic Red Potatoes
When I found a potato recipe that called for vinegar, I was intrigued. But without all the ingredients on hand, I had to improvise and gave it a whirl using Italian seasoning and balsamic vinegar. It was fantastic! —Lisa M. Varner, El Paso, TX
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Easy Homemade Chunky Applesauce
Here's a comforting, home-style treat that never loses its appeal. Dish up big bowlfuls and wait for the smiles! —Marilee Cardinal, Burlington, New Jersey
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One of my girls won’t eat meat and the other struggles to get enough fiber. This recipe is a perfect way to give them what they need in a dish they love to eat. I save my broccoli stems in the freezer until I have about two small bags, and then I make soup. —Maria Davis, Flower Mound, Texas
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By the way, these are the best meat substitutes you can buy.
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Avocado Fruit Salad with Tangerine Vinaigrette
On long summer days when we just want to relax, I make a cool salad with avocado, berries and mint. The tangerine dressing is refreshingly different. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio
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General Tso's Cauliflower
Cauliflower florets are deep-fried to a crispy golden brown, then coated in a sauce with just the right amount of kick. General Tso's cauliflower is a fun alternative to the classic chicken dish.—Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Craving even more? Check out our favorite plant-based meat brands.
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Roasted Curried Chickpeas and Cauliflower
When there’s not much time to cook, try roasting potatoes and cauliflower with chickpeas for a warm-you-up dinner. It's a filling meal on its own, but you can add chicken or tofu to the sheet pan if you'd like. —Pam Correll, Brockport, Pennsylvania
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Creamy Cauliflower Pakora Soup
My husband and I often crave pakoras, deep-fried fritters from India. I wanted to get the same flavors but use a healthier cooking technique, so I made soup using all the classic spices and our favorite veggie, cauliflower! —Melody Johnson, DePere, Wisconsin
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Smoky Cauliflower
The smoked Spanish paprika gives a simple side of roasted cauliflower extra depth. This is definitely a favorite. —Juliette Mulholland, Corvallis, Oregon
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A rich blend of spices adds flavor to tender, nutritious bulgur and garbanzo beans in this tangy dish that has just the right amount of heat. A hint of sweetness from golden raisins is the perfect accent. —Faith Cromwell, San Francisco, California
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Tofu Chow Mein
This is an easy recipe for a "tofu beginner," as it teaches people how to use it. If you have time, one way to prepare it is to cut the tofu block in half and wrap well in a terry kitchen towel. Let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour to absorb excess water. For a complete meal, serve with Chinese soup and egg rolls! — Autumn SinClaire, Gold Beach, Oregon
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I love to prepare dishes without gluten or dairy products, and this recipe meets the criteria when you use gluten-free pasta. It's proof you can use delicious, healthy products to create a crowd-pleasing meal. It's also soy-free, nut-free and vegetarian. —Amie Valpone, New York, New York
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Okra Roasted with Smoked Paprika
When you want to cook okra without frying it, roast it with lemon juice for a lighter version. The smoked paprika gives it even more roasty oomph. —Lee Evans, Queen Creek, Arizona
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I submitted this recipe to a local newspaper and won first prize. I make this hearty soup whenever my family needs a good dose of veggies. —Jody Saulnier, Woodstock, New Hampshire
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This tasty vegetable side dish can set a chilling scene on Halloween if you style it to look like a brain—try adding spiders and spiderwebs to your table setting. You can also serve it on Thanksgiving and pair it with the turkey and dressing. The festive orange sauce takes some time, but it tastes incredible.—Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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My favorite meals show a love of family and food. This zucchini dish with tomatoes is like a scaled-down ratatouille. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Pico de Gallo Black Bean Soup
Everyone at my table goes for this feel-good soup. It is quick when you’re pressed for time and beats fast food, hands down. —Darlis Wilfer, West Bend, Wisconsin
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Roasted Red Pepper Tapenade
When entertaining, I often rely on my pepper tapenade recipe because it takes only 15 minutes to whip up and pop in the fridge. Sometimes I swap out the almonds for walnuts or pecans. —Donna Magliaro, Denville, New Jersey
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Marinated Almond-Stuffed Olives
Marinated stuffed olives go over so well with company that I try to keep a batch of them in the fridge at all times. —Larissa Delk, Columbia, Tennessee
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Lemon Mushroom Orzo
Sometimes I serve this side dish chilled and other times we enjoy it hot. It has a pleasant tinge of lemon and a nice crunch from pecans.—Shelly Nelson, Akeley, Minnesota
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Lemony Chickpeas
These saucy chickpeas add just a little heat to meatless Mondays. They're especially good over hot, fluffy brown rice. —April Strevell, Red Bank, New Jersey
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Lemon Pepper Roasted Broccoli
Fresh green broccoli turns tangy and tasty when roasted with lemon juice and pepper. A sprinkle of almonds adds crunch. —Liz Bellville, Jacksonville, North Carolina
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Edamame Corn Carrot Salad
I came up with this easy salad while brainstorming light, protein-filled recipes. My vegetarian and vegan friends are especially big fans. —Maiah Miller, Monterey, California
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Green Beans in Red Pepper Sauce
For easy veggies, I make a simple sauce of sweet red peppers, almonds and parsley. We also like this sauce with zucchini or roasted cauliflower. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
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Red Lentil Soup Mix
Give your friends the gift of good health. Red lentils are protein powerhouses and are loaded with folate, iron and fiber. Oh, and this soup tastes amazing too. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Thyme-Sea Salt Crackers
These homemade crackers are decidedly light and crispy. An addictive snack on their own, they also pair well with a sharp white cheddar. —Jessica Wirth, Charlotte, North Carolina
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Vegetable Broth
The flavor of celery and mushrooms comes through in this homemade vegetable broth. Can be used as a substitution for chicken broth.
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I alter my sister's recipe by adding a finely chopped jalapeno pepper for a little heat. This tasty dip can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until serving. —Pat Roberts, Thornton, Ontario
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Market Basket Soup
I use kohlrabi in this soothing veggie soup. The vegetable has a mellow broccoli-cabbage flavor and can be served raw, but this is my favorite way to eat it. —Kellie Foglio, Salem, Wisconsin
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I'm a vegetarian, and this is a tasty, quick and healthy lunch I could eat for every meal. At my house, we call these sandwiches HATS: hummus, avocado, tomato and shallots. These are ingredients I almost always have on hand. —Sarah Jaraha, Moorestown, New Jersey
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Warm Tasty Greens with Garlic
My farm box had too many greens, so I had to use them up. This tasty idea uses kale, tomatoes and garlic in a dish that quickly disappears. —Martha Neth, Aurora, Colorado
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Eat these roasted veggies with a crunchy baguette or a couple of cheeses. You can also double, or triple, the amounts and have leftovers to toss with spaghetti the next day. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California
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Saucy Vegetable Tofu
This is my daughter Tonya's favorite meal. Sometimes we make it with rigatoni and call it "Riga-Tonya." It's a great dinner and a nice way to prepare yummy vegetables for the kids. —Sandra Eckert, Pottstown, Pennsylvania
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This addictive fennel recipe is a fresh take on one of my mother's standard wintertime dishes. I usually add more carrots—as many as the pans will hold. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
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I love making bulgar pilaf with apricots. So glad I tried it with dried apples and golden raisins! —Elizabeth Dumont, Madison, Mississippi
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Curried Sweet Potato Wedges
Sweet potatoes roasted with curry and smoked paprika delight everybody at our table. The mango chutney makes a tangy dip. —Simi Jois, Streamwood, Illinois
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Mushroom-Bean Bourguignon
In our family, boeuf bourguignon has been a staple for generations. I wanted a meatless alternative. All this dish needs is a French baguette. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
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Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini Peppers
Mini peppers are so colorful and are the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. They have all the crunch of pita chips but without the extra calories. —Christine Hanover, Lewiston, California
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Black-Eyed Peas 'n' Pasta
Tradition has it that if you eat black-eyed peas on New Year's Day, you'll enjoy prosperity all year through—but I serve this tasty combination of pasta, peas and tangy tomatoes anytime. —Marie Malsch, Bridgman, Michigan
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A standout cauliflower side is easy to prepare with just a few ingredients. Crushed red pepper flakes add a touch of heat. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
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Pumpkin-Lentil Soup
I was really craving a hot delicious soup—something filling and healthy. I looked around my kitchen for a few ingredients, then created this recipe. Pumpkin adds creamy richness and body. —Amy Blom, Marietta, Georgia
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Confetti Quinoa
If you have never tried quinoa, start with my easy side, brimming with colorful veggies. I serve it with orange-glazed chicken. —Kim Ciepluch, Kenosha, Wisconsin
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Maple-Walnut Sweet Potatoes
Topped with dried cherries and walnuts, this side is downright delicious. Even people who aren't into sweet potatoes will grab a second scoop. —Sarah Herse, Brooklyn, New York
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I like to make this sauteed Swiss chard a main dish by serving it with pasta, but it’s also a tasty side dish all on its own. My boys love it and ask for it often. —Rebekah Chappel, Portales, New Mexico
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Asparagus Tofu Stir-Fry
With its flavorful ginger sauce and fresh vegetables, this tasty dish is a favorite. I get rave reviews every time I serve it, and it doesn’t bother my husband’s food allergies. Check out our guide if you’re new to tofu. —Phyllis Smith, Chimacum, Washington
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Hearty Vegetable Split Pea Soup
This slow-cooker soup is my secret weapon on busy days. It’s delicious served with oyster crackers that are tossed in a bit of melted butter and herbs and then lightly toasted in the oven. —Whitney Jensen, Spring Lake, Michigan
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Curried Lentil Soup
Curry gives a different taste sensation to this chili-like soup. It’s delicious with a dollop of sour cream. My family welcomes it with open arms—and watering mouths. —Christina Till, South Haven, Michigan
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I am crazy for potatoes, especially when they're roasted and toasted. Toss them with fresh herbs and green onions for a bold finish. —Ally Phillips, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
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Quinoa Tabbouleh
When my mom and sister developed several food allergies, we had to modify many recipes. I substituted quinoa for couscous in this tabbouleh. Now we make quinoa tabbouleh all the time! —Jennifer Klann, Corbett, Oregon
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Some vegan quinoa recipes are boring, but this one definitely isn't. My daughter’s college asked parents for the best quinoa recipes to use in the dining halls. This healthy quinoa recipe fits the bill. —Lindsay McSweeney, Winchester, Massachusetts
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Up Next: Check out these 10 vegan Starbucks drinks to order if you’re plant-based.
Originally Published: September 16, 2018
Charlotte Grainger
Charlotte Grainger is a creative feature writer, with a flair for food, health and lifestyle pieces. Her work has been seen in a number of national publications including Beyond Words Magazine, Reader's Digest and Psychologies. When she’s not typing away, you can find her trying out new recipes or binging Netflix shows— sometimes simultaneously.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or expertise, but I can provide information based on the search results I have access to. Here is some information related to the concepts used in this article:
Plant-Based Recipes:
Plant-based recipes are meals that focus on using ingredients derived from plants, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. These recipes often exclude or minimize the use of animal products like meat, dairy, and eggs. Plant-based diets have gained popularity due to their potential health benefits, including reduced risk of chronic diseases and environmental sustainability.
Tasty Plant-Based Recipes:
This article features a collection of tasty plant-based recipes. Some of the recipes mentioned include:
- Grilled Cauliflower Wedges: This recipe involves grilling cauliflower until it is cooked but still crisp, and adding red pepper flakes for a bit of spice.
- Roasted Pumpkin and Brussels Sprouts: Inspired by a dish from Taiwan, this recipe combines roasted pumpkin with Brussels sprouts.
- Black Bean-Tomato Chili: This easy-to-make chili recipe features black beans and tomatoes.
- Roasted Balsamic Red Potatoes: This recipe uses balsamic vinegar and Italian seasoning to add flavor to roasted red potatoes.
- Easy Homemade Chunky Applesauce: A comforting and home-style treat made with chunky applesauce.
- Broccoli Stem Soup: A recipe that uses frozen broccoli stems to make a delicious soup.
- Avocado Fruit Salad with Tangerine Vinaigrette: A refreshing salad made with avocado, berries, and mint, with a tangy tangerine dressing.
- General Tso's Cauliflower: A fun alternative to the classic chicken dish, this recipe features deep-fried cauliflower florets coated in a flavorful sauce.
- Roasted Curried Chickpeas and Cauliflower: A quick and filling dinner recipe that combines roasted potatoes, cauliflower, and chickpeas.
- Creamy Cauliflower Pakora Soup: A healthier version of pakoras, this soup incorporates classic spices and cauliflower.
- Smoky Cauliflower: Roasted cauliflower with a smoky flavor, enhanced by smoked Spanish paprika.
- Bulgur and Garbanzo Bean Pilaf: A tangy dish made with bulgur, garbanzo beans, and golden raisins.
- Tofu Chow Mein: An easy tofu recipe that can be served with Chinese soup and egg rolls.
- Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Pasta: A crowd-pleasing meal made with gluten-free pasta and delicious, healthy ingredients.
- Okra Roasted with Smoked Paprika: A lighter version of okra that is roasted with lemon juice and smoked paprika.
- Market Basket Soup: A vegetable soup made with kohlrabi, which has a mellow broccoli-cabbage flavor.
- Zucchini with Tomatoes: A zucchini dish with tomatoes, similar to a scaled-down ratatouille.
- Pico de Gallo Black Bean Soup: A quick and healthy soup that beats fast food, made with black beans and tangy tomatoes.
- Roasted Red Pepper Tapenade: A quick and easy pepper tapenade recipe that can be made in 15 minutes.
- Marinated Almond-Stuffed Olives: A recipe for marinated stuffed olives that are great for entertaining.
- Lemon Mushroom Orzo: A side dish that can be served chilled or hot, with a pleasant tinge of lemon and a crunch from pecans.
- Lemony Chickpeas: Saucy chickpeas with a little heat, perfect for serving over brown rice.
- Lemon Pepper Roasted Broccoli: Fresh green broccoli roasted with lemon juice and pepper, topped with almonds for added crunch.
- Edamame Corn Carrot Salad: A protein-filled salad made with edamame, corn, and carrots.
- Green Beans in Red Pepper Sauce: A simple sauce made with sweet red peppers, almonds, and parsley, perfect for serving with green beans or other vegetables.
- Red Lentil Soup Mix: A homemade vegetable broth made with celery and mushrooms, which can be used as a substitution for chicken broth.
- Thyme-Sea Salt Crackers: Light and crispy homemade crackers that pair well with cheese.
- Vegetable Broth: A homemade vegetable broth recipe that can be used as a substitute for chicken broth.
- Jalapeno Popper Dip: A tasty dip made with cream cheese, jalapeno pepper, and other ingredients.
- Asparagus Tofu Stir-Fry: A flavorful stir-fry dish made with asparagus and tofu.
- Hearty Vegetable Split Pea Soup: A slow-cooker soup that is both delicious and filling, perfect for busy days.
- Curried Lentil Soup: A chili-like soup with a curry twist, served with a dollop of sour cream.
- Roasted Potatoes with Herbs: Roasted potatoes with fresh herbs and green onions for added flavor.
- Quinoa Tabbouleh: A quinoa-based tabbouleh salad that is colorful and packed with veggies.
- Vegan Starbucks Drinks: A guide to vegan-friendly drinks that can be ordered at Starbucks.
Please note that the recipes mentioned are snippets from this article, and I have access to the full recipes or their detailed instructions. For the complete recipes, I recommend referring to the original article or conducting a search for the specific recipe you are interested in.
Remember, it's always important to read and follow the full recipe instructions, including any dietary considerations or modifications, to ensure the best results when preparing these plant-based dishes.