Embarking on a plant-based journey doesn’t have to be daunting, especially for beginners. With 10 easy recipes, newcomers can explore plant-based meals’ rich flavors and health benefits without feeling overwhelmed.
From hearty black-eyed peas to vibrant quinoa salads, these easy vegan recipes are designed to be simple, nutritious, and satisfying, making the transition to a plant-based diet enjoyable and accessible.
These recipes are based on a vegan diet and do not contain animal products. Some are main courses, whereas others are side dishes or bases to get you started!
Hottie Black Eyed Peas With Ginger Mashed Sweet Potatoes & Apples
The Post Punk Kitchen is an excellent source for plant-based recipes, and this particular dish combines the savory flavors of black-eyed peas with the sweet and spicy notes of ginger mashed sweet potatoes and apples, making it a unique and flavorful meal.
Vegan Coconut Milk Curry
Vegan Coconut Milk Curry is a rich and aromatic dish that combines the creamy texture of coconut milk with a medley of spices, creating an intensely flavorful sauce. This curry typically features a variety of vegetables and sometimes legumes, making it both nutritious and satisfying.
The best part is that the vegan curry dish is known for its versatility, allowing for adding ingredients based on preference or availability. So you can throw anything in here, and it will come out great!
Black Bean Soup Without Oil
Black beans are a healthy way to get whole foods into your diet. Brandi’s recipes on this blog are easy to make and an excellent start if you are looking for easy plant-based recipes for beginners. The simple ingredients are a great way to get your foot in the door with plant-based foods.
Check out Brandi’s recipes here.
Whole Grains for Bowls
Making a batch of these whole grains makes your life easier. Especially if you only have a little time to cook meals every night, you can make a batch of these whole grains and then use it as a base for other recipes during the week.
The good news is that you can even throw all the ingredients into a rice cooker and let it work for you!
Check out the full recipe here!
Nutritional Yeast Popcorn
Nutritional Yeast Popcorn is a savory and healthy twist on classic popcorn, using nutritional yeast to add a cheesy, nutty flavor without the dairy. This simple snack is made by popping corn kernels and tossing them with melted vegan butter or olive oil, then generously coating them with nutritional yeast for a burst of umami and a boost of B vitamins.
It’s an easy, satisfying treat perfect for movie nights or as a nutritious snack option. It’s one of my go-to snacks. If you haven’t tried it, you are in for a treat!
It’s easy to make without a recipe, but if you need one, check out Ali’s Nooch recipe!
Garlic Pistacio Pasta
This is one of those pasta dishes you’ll want to make repeatedly for an easy plant-based meal idea. It’s one of those comfort foods that is so quick and can take plant-based eating to the next level!
So, if you want a go-to recipe that’s an easy dish with a creamy sauce, then try this recipe!
Here’s the full recipe from Veg News!
Turkish Style Stuffed Bell Peppers
Turkish-style stuffed bell peppers are an excellent choice for an easy plant-based meal due to their simple preparation and rich flavors. This dish typically involves filling bell peppers with a savory mixture of rice, herbs, spices, and sometimes nuts or whole grains.
You can even use the entire grain recipe above and stuff it inside the peppers. These peppers are not only nutritious but they are packed with vegetables and whole grains.
Watch the video with step-by-step instructions here.
Tofu Bacon BLT
The vegan punks Jess & Dan on IG@vegan_punks have got it going on with their tofu science. They have some of the best vegan recipes on Instagram.
With the savory flavor of this crispy tofu, BLT plant-based eating will be a dream! Most of our other recipes are super simple, but this one utilizes frozen tofu so that it might take a little planning. So, if you want a plant-based protein sandwich, try this!
Creamy Vegan Peanut Sauce
One key to eating excellent meatless meals is the sauce. A good peanut sauce will have layers of deep flavors, which include lime juice and soy sauce (or Braggs or Tamari).
You can put this over fresh veggies, mix it with soba noodles, or use it to create tasty dishes. It also goes well with crispy oven-baked tofu over rice. Feel free to make this with almond butter if you are allergic to peanuts!
The simple recipe by The First Mess will get you started!
Hearty Salads
We love making a hearty salad and layering it on top of the abovementioned whole grains. Any greens, cabbages, or root vegetables like beets or sweet potatoes and legumes such as chickpeas or lentils can add substantial nutrition and satisfy bulk. Incorporating roasted nuts, seeds for crunch, and dried fruits for a hint of sweetness can elevate the dish further.
Once you top this with a homemade dressing infused with herbs and spices, these salads transform into a complete, balanced meal that’s both nourishing and flavorful. Add some tortilla chips on the side, or a loaf of olive bread, and this salad will be a hearty meal!
Check out this green vegan hearty salad from the Lazy Cat Kitchen.
Final Thoughts for Easy Plant-based Recipes for Beginners
So there you have it: 10 easy plant-based recipes for beginners. Each site we linked has a wealth of easy meals you can create at home. I always love following a recipe when making new dishes, especially if others have tried them. Doing this ensures that your meal comes out fantastic every time!
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