33 Easy Plant-Based Recipes Even Carnivores Will Love (2024)

Switching to a plant-based diet has many benefits, including lowering your chances of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. In fact, by decreasing your intake of animal protein by just three percent and replacing it with plant protein, you can actually lower your risk of death by 19 percent, according to a 2017 JAMA study cited by the Harvard Medical School. However, for someone who has been a meat-eater their whole life, switching to a diet that is primarily made up of fruits, vegetables, and grains may be intimidating. Thankfully, we have an easy fix for this!

If you are looking to adopt a more plant-based diet or just want to eat less meat, then look no further. From creative plant-based takes on sandwich classics to vegetable-filled dinner options that will have you coming back for seconds, we rounded up 33 of the easiest plant-based recipes out there.

Breakfast

Oatmeal Pancakes with Cinnamon Apples

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Make mornings a bit sweeter with this delicious oatmeal pancakes and cinnamon apples recipe. This healthier take on a fun breakfast classic is a perfect dish to whip up during weekend brunches at home.

Get our recipe for Oatmeal Pancakes with Cinnamon Apples.

Oatmeal with Peanut Butter and Banana

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Oatmeal, peanut butter, and a dash of almonds—what more could your mornings need? If you like your oats a bit sweeter, you can add a touch of agave, too.

Get our recipe for Oatmeal with Peanut Butter and Banana.

Honey-Pecan-Cherry Granola

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Pecans, coconut, dried cherries, and honey come together to create crunchy, irresistible granola that your whole family will love. Be sure to make a batch ahead of time, as the granola can be stored up to two weeks in an airtight container.

Get our recipe for Honey-Pecan-Cherry Granola.

Maple-Cashew-Apple Toast

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You're just minutes away from a deliciously satisfying breakfast with this Maple-Cashew-Apple Toast recipe. Just stir cashew butter and maple syrup in a bowl, spread over two pieces of toast, top with thinly sliced apples, and sprinkle with some cinnamon. That's all there is to it!

Get our recipe for Maple-Cashew-Apple Toast.

Mango Ginger Overnight Oats

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If you are tired of traditional oats with cinnamon, then we have the perfect recipe for you to try. All you need to do is combine oats, water, coconut milk, honey, and ginger with mango and refrigerate overnight in a Mason jar.

Get our recipe for Mango Ginger Overnight Oats.

Acai Bowl

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Not only is this breakfast bowl easy to make, but it is also jam-packed with tons of healthy ingredients. Acai, banana slices, honey, blueberries, kiwi, almonds, and coconut all come together to create a breakfast dish you will definitely look forward to eating.

Get our recipe for an Acai Bowl.

Paleo Cashew Blackberry Chia Pudding

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Throw together this simple paleo chia pudding recipe when you would like to give yourself a health boost. Chia seeds are not only delicious (and easy to prepare) but they also are packed with vitamins and nutrients such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Get our recipe for Paleo Cashew Blackberry Chia Pudding.

Plant-Based, Grain-Free Breakfast Burrito

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These plant-based, grain-free breakfast burritos pair perfectly with cozy mornings in. Just sauté plant-based ground "meat" with some diced onion and pepper, and serve it with scrambled eggs and shredded cheese. You'll definitely want to make a few extra—they're that good!

Crisp Breakfast Salad

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Salads just aren't for lunch or dinner—they can be eaten for breakfast, too! This refreshing morning meal features hard-boiled eggs, snap peas, and sliced cucumbers over a bed of crisp butter lettuce. We also love the mouthwatering vinaigrette it's served with; it boasts a combination of balsamic vinegar and dijon mustard.

Get our recipe for a Crisp Breakfast Salad.

Breakfast Veggie Burger

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Veggie burgers get a morning makeover with this breakfast burger recipe. Topped with a fried egg, a bit of onion, and sliced tomato, this morning dish will keep you satisfied for hours.

Get our recipe for a Breakfast Veggie Burger.

Lunch

Avocado Crispbreads

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This avocado crispbread recipe is so easy to put together, whether you're at home or you're looking for a quick lunch fix while sitting at your desk. Just stack sliced avocado on thin rye crispbread and garnish with fresh herbs, radish, and a squeeze of lemon. The secret ingredient? Everything bagel seasoning, which has the ability to elevate any dish it comes across.

Get our recipe for Avocado Crispbreads.

Mixed Greens Salad with Pumpkin Vinaigrette

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No more boring store-bought lunch salads here! As long as you have some pumpkin vinaigrette on-hand, your salads will be dressed to the nines.

Get our recipe for Mixed Greens Salad with Pumpkin Vinaigrette.

Quick and Easy Vegetarian Rice Bowl

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This vegetarian rice bowl, which has mixed vegetables, soy sauce, a fried egg, and sriracha, makes a fantastic lunch or dinner. Our favorite part? It only takes 10 minutes to prepare.

Get our recipe for a Quick and Easy Vegetarian Rice Bowl.

Grilled Vegetable Wrap

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The balsamic mayo in this grilled vegetable wrap gives it a tangy edge that keeps up coming back for more. No grill? No problem! You can roast vegetables in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes instead. Be sure to prepare vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge for quick prepping when hunger strikes.

Get our recipe for a Grilled Vegetable Wrap.

Mushroom Cheesesteak

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This delicious mushroom cheesesteak recipe will have even meat-eaters coming back for more. Portobello mushrooms, bell peppers, and Provolone cheese come together to create a truly memorable mid-day meal.

Get our recipe for a Mushroom Cheesesteak.

Simmered Lentils

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Lentils are a must-have staple for those following a plant-based diet. They're rich in fiber, folate, and iron, as well as protein.

Get our recipe for Simmered Lentils.

Quinoa Pilaf

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The secret ingredients to this quinoa pilaf recipe? Roasted pine nuts and golden raisins. Quinoa is also packed with many must-have nutrients, such as manganese and magnesium, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

Get our recipe for Quinoa Pilaf.

Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potato Salad

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We love not only how nutrient-rich sweet potatoes are, but also how versatile they can be. From being served as a sought-after side dish during the holidays to taking on the role of a go-to snack for those looking to eat healthier, sweet potatoes never let us down. In this particular recipe, sweet potatoes are roasted with cinnamon and served with seasoned wild rice. Omit the chicken the recipe calls for to create a simple vegetarian dish.

Get our recipe for Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potato Salad.

Vegan Portobello Pizza

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If you are looking for a healthier way to enjoy pizza, then look no further! This vegan pizza recipe takes portobello mushrooms and tops them with tomatoes, green peppers, onions, and vegan Parmesan to offer a fun, nutrient-packed twist on an old classic.

Get the recipe for Vegan Portobello Pizza from The Minimalist Baker.

Pecan Apple Chickpea Wraps

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These tasty wraps not only require zero cooking, but they also can be thrown together in just 15 minutes. For an even healthier version, swap out the tortilla wraps for lettuce cups.

Get the recipe for Pecan Apple Chickpea Wraps from Ambitious Kitchen.

Vegan "BLT" Sandwich

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This mouthwatering vegan recipe uses crispy, smoky eggplant "bacon" to achieve the same tasty crunch as a traditional BLT sandwich.

Get the recipe for a Vegan "BLT" Sandwich from The Minimalist Baker.

Green Goddess Sandwich

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This vegan sandwich takes just minutes to throw together, making it the perfect lunchtime meal to put together when you are short on time.

Get the recipe for a Green Goddess Sandwich from Feasting at Home.

Cauliflower Banh Mi Sandwich

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This creative take on an already-delicious sandwich is a must-try for anyone who may be trying to eat less meat or soy. Cauliflower, which is first marinated and then sauteed, is piled high on toasted bread along with cilantro, cucumber, and jalapeño peppers and then doused with a vegan aioli.

Get the recipe for Cauliflower Banh Mi Sandwich from The Minimalist Baker.

Italian Chopped Salad

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Want to make a meal that's healthy and easy to put together? Give this Italian Chopped Salad a try.

Get the recipe for Italian Chopped Salad from Cookie and Kate.

Mediterranean Baked Sweet Potatoes

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This colorful dish, which makes a great lunch or dinner, features sweet potatoes drizzled with a garlic herb sauce and topped high with cherry tomatoes and chopped parsley. This could easily become a go-to meal for those busy weekdays.

Get the recipe for Mediterranean Baked Sweet Potatoes from The Minimalist Baker.

Dinner

Easy Grilled Ratatouille Salad

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This easy-to-make ratatouille recipe has loads of delicious vegetables, including zucchini, squash, bell pepper, and asparagus. The added pesto, toasted pine nuts, and parmesan really seal the deal.

Get our recipe for Easy Grilled Ratatouille Salad.

Curry with Cauliflower and Butternut Squash Stirfry

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This flavorful cauliflower and butternut squash curry is a quick meal that's perfect for those chilly nights inside while you're reading a book or catching up on Netflix.

Get our recipe for Curry with Cauliflower and Butternut Squash Stir Fry.

Pumpkin Pad Thai

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Pumpkin, which may be most associated with pies and Halloween decorations, makes a welcome appearance in this hearty pumpkin pad thai recipe. It is so good it will have you asking yourself, "Why didn't I think of this?"

Get our recipe for Pumpkin Pad Thai.

Crockpot Vegetarian Chili

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If you need a simple dinner recipe that can be prepped in no time, then try out this tasty crockpot vegetarian chili. Just throw your ingredients into your crockpot to cook, and by dinner time, you'll be all set!

Get our recipe for Crockpot Vegetarian Chili.

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Tacos

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Sub out typical taco meats, such as ground beef, pork, and chicken, for sweet potatoes and black beans in this hearty plant-based taco recipe.

Get our recipe for Black Bean and Sweet Potato Tacos.

Mushroom Teriyaki Tacos

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Mushrooms simmered in teriyaki sauce take center stage in this must-make, plant-focused recipe.

Get the recipe for Mushroom Teriyaki Tacos from The Healthy Maven.

Deep Green Lentil Stew

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If you love lentils but are tired of lentil soup, you definitely have to try this deep green lentil stew. Featuring baby spinach, diced potatoes, lemon juice, garlic, and tahini, this will surely become a fan favorite in no time.

Get the recipe for Deep Green Lentil Stew from The First Mess.

Veggie Spaghetti

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This spaghetti recipe, which is loaded with tons of vegetables like zucchini and yellow squash, will totally change the way you prepare pasta going forward.

Get the recipe for Veggie Spaghetti from Inspired Taste.

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33 Easy Plant-Based Recipes Even Carnivores Will Love (2024)

FAQs

How to be vegan and live with a meat eater? ›

Another tip to combine plant-based options for non-vegan family members is to make the vegan meal the main meal with a side of meat or added cheese. Pasta dishes can also be made vegan with options for cheese to make them vegetarian. Also many meals can be made plant-based and enjoyed by the whole family.

Is honey plant-based food? ›

Whether to eat honey is a contentious issue. It's made by bees, and therefore not plant-based; however many plant-based eaters choose to include it in their diet. We believe what you eat is a personal choice. We do include honey in some of our recipes, and typically include alternatives.

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What is used to make plant-based meat taste like meat? ›

Soy protein concentrate and pea protein are common ingredients used to mimic the true taste and texture of real meat. Editor's note: Some plant-based meat options, notably Impossible Foods products, contain GMO soy.

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Can I 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.

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What do meat eaters get that vegans don t? ›

Intake and status of vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium and bone turnover markers were generally lower in plant-based dietary patterns compared to meat-eaters. Vegans had the lowest vitamin B12, calcium and iodine intake, and also lower iodine status and lower bone mineral density.

Will I live longer if I become vegan? ›

Another study found a 12% lower risk, but while research published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition agreed that a vegan diet can lower rates of certain chronic diseases, it did not find evidence that veganism led to a longer life.

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What do you call someone who is vegan but eats meat? ›

Flexitarian is a term coined to describe individuals who mainly eat a plant-based diet with the occasional meat or dairy added in. The word flexitarian has been around for a while but hit the mainstream in 2008 with the publication of the book "The Flexitarian Diet" by nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner.

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What common candy is vegan? ›

Fortunately, loads of candies are vegan, so we can indulge our cravings (mostly) guilt-free. Most dark chocolate is vegan, as are popular sweet treats such as Smarties (known as Rockets in Canada), Oreos, Airheads, Jujubes, and Swedish Fish (some Swedish Fish contain beeswax, so be sure to check the label).

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Can I eat popcorn on plant-based diet? ›

Popcorn! Corn comes from a plant. When that corn is popped it is still plant-based. You could buy pre-popped popcorn (an option to come), but you can also pop your own, which is incredibly delicious and also way easier than you think.

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Can I be plant-based and still eat meat? ›

The diet consists primarily of food made of plants: fruits and vegetables in addition to nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes. A plant-based diet is not a vegetarian or vegan diet; you can eat poultry, beef, eggs, fish, and dairy products, however most of your nutrient intake is coming from plant-based food sources.

What does plant-based meat do to your body? ›

Health Benefits:Reduced saturated fat and cholesterol: Plant-based meats are typically lower in saturated fat and cholesterol compared to actual meat. Consuming less saturated fat and cholesterol can contribute to a healthier heart and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Is it better to eat meat or plant-based? ›

And people who don't eat meat, called vegetarians, generally eat fewer calories and less fat. They also tend to weigh less. And they have a lower risk of heart disease than nonvegetarians do. Research shows that people who eat red meat are at a higher risk of death from heart disease, stroke or diabetes.

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Is plant-based healthier than meat? ›

New research shows that although plant-based meat products are generally healthier than meat equivalents, they can be higher in sugar and are often lacking important nutrients found in real meat.