30 Plant-based Recipes (easy meals) - The Plant Based School (2024)

These 30 plant-based recipes areeasyto make,protein-packed,andfulfilling.

With these recipes, we’ll explore delicious and uncomplicated plant-based dishes with the natural goodness of vegetables, grains, legumes, and fruits.

Whether you’re a vegetable enthusiast or just beginning to explore the benefits of a more plantcentric diet, these recipes are designed to add glorious greens.

30 Plant-based Recipes (easy meals) - The Plant Based School (1)

From hearty salads bursting with flavor to one–pot wonders that simmer with aromatic spices, our recipes celebrate the abundance of plant-powered options available.

Whether you want to incorporate more meatless meals into your routine or seek inspiration for delicious vegetarian protein choices, join us on this culinary adventure.

Plant-based recipes video

1. Tofu scramble

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Tofu scramble is an easyfiveminutebreakfastidea with plant-based protein.

Its texture is soft and creamy, just like delicious scrambled eggs. Mix inspinachormushroomsand serve on toasted bread.

2. Bircher Muesli

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Bircher Muesli is a humble but delicious overnight oats meal with simple, wholesome ingredients such as grated apples, oats, milk, almonds, and raisins.

This meal is quick and convenient for a healthy and fiber-rich plantbased breakfast.

3. Homemade Granola (oil-free)

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Our granola is an easy and oilfree recipe with almonds, oats, and chia seeds.

This crunchy, oat-packedgranolarecipeis great for a quick plantbased breakfast with yogurt and fresh berries.

4. Zucchini Muffins

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These muffins are easyto make and bake in just 20 minutes.

Add chocolate chips to your muffins for an indulgent and delicious beginner recipe for plantbased baking.

5. Oatmeal

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For a 10minute breakfast idea with wholesome plantbased nutrition, try this creamy stovepot oatmeal.

Top your oatmeal with almonds, blueberries, and cinnamon for a refreshing start to your day.

Plant-based lunch ideas

Enjoy the goodness of plant-based lunches by savoring these wholesome ideas brimming with protein, fiber, and fresh veggies.

6. Vegan Tuna

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It is the perfect replacement for tuna, and you can serve it on a bed of salad leaves, on top of baked potatoes, or in a sandwich.

No cooking is required for this plant-based lunch idea, only 10 minutes of preparation time.

7. Vegan Egg Salad

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Try this vegan egg salad for agreat, quick, fulfillingplant-based lunch or snack idea.

Made with tofu,vegan mayo, and herbs, it’s great on roasted veggies or a sandwich.

8. Tofu Salad (tahini sauce)

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Thistofu salad recipeis a crispy, healthy bowl perfect forlunch or dinner.

Low in calories, high in protein, and fulfilling. Make this plant-based salad today, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

9. Chickpea Salad

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Ready in20minutes, this wholesome and colorfulchickpeasaladis a perfect plant-based beginner meal.

You can even prepare it one day ahead for a convenientlunchboxidea with fresh veggies and a creamy mustard dressing.

10. White bean pasta salad

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This plant-based pasta salad is a vibrant and happy meal, great forputlocks,picnics, and a quicklunch.

Fresh veggies, white beans, mustard dressing, and bowtie pasta make it kid-friendly.

11. Chickpea pasta salad

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Chickpea pasta saladis one of thetastiest andmost fulfillingmeals you can make when you want something plant-based butdon’t have much time to cook.

Our recipe isMediterranean-inspired,fresh,colorful,crunchy, and a littlezesty, thanks to a tastymustard dressing.

12. Zucchini fritters

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They are tasty, savory pancake-shaped flat cakes made with a simple batter ofgrated zucchini, and you can choose toprepare them with eggs or without.

Zucchini fritterspack a ton of flavorand are an excellent plant-based meal for the whole family. Our tip is to top them or dip them withtzatziki sauce,marinara sauce, or vegan sour cream.

13. Black bean salad

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Black bean salad is a plant-based crowd-pleaseras it pairsthe crisp and creamy texturesof the veggies with afresh and tangy cilantro lime dressing.

We addcreamy roasted sweet potatoesbecause they are a love affair with the black beans, but you cansubstitute cherry tomatoesif you don’t want to turn on your oven, grill, or air-fryer.

14. Creamy cauliflower salad

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OurMediterranean-inspired cauliflower saladis atasty,creamy, plant-basedrecipemade with simple ingredients.

Creamy, earthy, nutty, and flavorful, this cauliflower salad is a Mediterranean-inspired recipe that nourishes and satisfies you.

15. Lentil carrot salad

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Lentils and carrots make a fantastic flavor combination when seasoned with adelicious cumin, lemon, and olive oil dressing.

As a result, this warm carrot salad becomes tasty and aromatic and will make youfall in love with plant-based salads.

Plant-based dinners

Try these weeknight-friendly and proteinpacked dinners that are full of flavor.

Our plant-based dinners are quick and easy, with plenty offreshingredients,herbs,andspices.

16. Tofu Curry

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Our tofu curry is simple,healthy, tasty,familyfriendly, nutritious, fulfilling, and everyone at the table will (probably) take seconds.

Pair with cauliflower rice or basmati rice for a creamy and satiating plantbased meal.

17. Vegan stir fry

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Here’s an easy and versatile30-minute plant-based stir frywith yourfavorite veggiesand atasty saucethat makes it better than a takeaway.

Firm and extra-firm tofuis an excellent ingredient and meat substitute in stir fries thanks to itscompact texture andhigh protein content,which goes wonderfully with most veggies and sauces.

18. Tofu Soup

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This tofu soup is quick, tasty, and straightforward.

You canmake it in 30 minutes with simple ingredients and seasonal veggiesany time of the year.

19. Vegetarian chili

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Thisplant-based chili recipeis atasty, spicy, creamy, andwholesomeone-potideafor a delicious family dinner.

It’s also excellent formeal prepand pairs well withnachos,tortillas, and yourfavorite toppings– we love to serve it withsourcream,guacamole, pickled red onions, and fresh cilantro.

20. Microwave sweet potato

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Microwave sweet potato isone of the easiest mealsyou can make and theeasiest and fastest way of cooking sweet potato.

Load your sweet potato with couscous, chickpeas, and tahini sauce for an easy plant-based meal.

21. Lentil vegetable soup

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This soup is made withsimple ingredients, is excellent forweeknightdinnersand meal prep, and is a plant-basedhomemademeal.

The lentils make the dish nutritious and fulfilling, withtexture,protein,iron, and heart andgut-healthy fiber.

22. African peanut stew

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This peanut stew recipe iswithout meat; we use chickpeas to make this aneasy 30-minute high-protein plant-based meal,packing more than 20 grams of protein per small portion.

23. Fried tofu

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Fried orpan-fried tofuiscrisp,tender,flavorful, and ready in 15 minutes.

It’s aprotein-rich add-infor salads, wraps, stews, and curries and is delicious as a snack.

24. Lentil bolognese

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Lentils are anexcellent ground meat replacementbecause they have a rich earthy taste, keep their texture, and arerich in minerals, iron, and plant protein.

Our plant-based lentil bolognese isperfect with pasta – withlasagnaor homemade gnocchi.

25. Chickpea curry

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You’ll love this curry for its bold andwarm spiceswithtender,nutty chickpeashugged by a creamy andluscious tomato and coconut milk sauce.

We developed this plant-based chickpea curry so that you can make it witheasy-to-find ingredientsinless than 30 minuteswithout compromising flavor and texture.

26. Stuffed butternut squash

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Stuffed butternut squashis a showstopper, theperfect plant-based centerpiecefor special holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas.

The roasted butternut is filled with arich, earthy, flavor-packed lentil filling, suitable for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

27. Vegan mushroom pasta

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This plant-based mushroom pastais an easy and wholesome recipe where theearthy flavor of sautéed mushroomsmelds withjuicy cherry tomatoesinto a tasty sauce.

You can make this recipein 20 minutes. It’s perfect foreveryday dinnersand excellentfor guests, too!

28. Vegetarian Meatloaf

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Lentil loaf is an excellent recipefor those who want less meatbut are not necessarily vegan.

Our recipe combineshearty lentils with vegetables,herbs,spices,cheese, andeggto make a vegetarian alternative to meatloaf that istasty and satisfying.

29. Lentil curry

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You’ll love this lentil curry because of itsrich, velvety textureandbold flavors.

This plant-based meal is a onepot favorite made with minimal effort for a wholesome, warm, and delicious dinner.

30. Pasta e fa*gioli

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This recipe represents theessence of Italian home cooking: using simple ingredients to create awholesome, tasty, and plant-based meal.

Pasta e fa*gioli soupis excellent as aweeknight family dinnerand for meal prep and will be enjoyed by picky adults and kids alike.

Some plant-based protein ideas

To help you find good plant-based protein sources, here are some helpful ideas*:

  • Tofu (silken or firm)
  • Tempeh
  • Seitan
  • Grains, such as quinoa, brown rice, and wild rice.
  • Legumes and pulses, such as chickpeas, beans, and lentils.
  • Vegan cheeses include vegan ricotta, parmesan, and meltable cheese.
  • Nutritional yeast is an excellent cheese-flavor agent in pesto and vegan cheese alternatives.
  • Nutbased spreads and cheeses.
  • Vegan creams (such as soy, coconut, and cashew).
  • Nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews.
  • Plant milk, such as oat, almond, soy, cashew, rice, or coconut milk. Soy milk is fantastic for making vegan mayonnaise and vegan custard creams as it emulsifies due to its protein content.
  • Seeds include pepita, chia, sunflower, flax, and hemp seeds.

It is possible to cook easy, tasty, and colorful food with a meatless diet.

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Little by little, you will find what you like, your favorite plant-based proteins, and new grains (hello bulgur, farro, and amaranth!) that may delight your taste buds. You can do this!

*Always consult your doctor or health specialist before starting a new diet.

More easy plant-based meals

Plant-based cooking is, in fact, relatively easy when you’ve gotten to know the foods you like.
If you’re curious about other vegetarian recipes, take a peek at these roundups:

  • 45 easy salad recipes
  • 25 best tofu recipes
  • 30 chickpea recipes you need to try
  • 20 wholesome and delicious lentil recipes

Collections

20 Bean Recipes (easy meals)

Collections

30 Vegan Breakfast Ideas

Collections

40 Best Vegan Recipes

Mains

25 One Pot Meals

For many more tofu ideas, check out our tofu category page.

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30 plant-based recipes

By: Nico Pallotta

5 from 3 votes

Pan-fried tofu is one of our favorite plantbased recipes.

Here’s a simple cooking method that makes fried tofu taste great and feel just as good in your mouth.

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 12 minutes mins

Total Time: 17 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Main Course, Plant-Basics, Side dish

Cuisine: International

Pin Print

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces tofu firm or extra firm
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 twists black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin

Instructions

  • Drain the tofu then cut it into small dice, about ½ inch or 1 cm thick. Set aside.

    Tip: don't pat dry and don't press the tofu.

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  • To a medium-sized dish, add the cornstarch, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, salt and pepper.

    Mix with a fork till the ingredients are well combined.

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  • Toss the tofu cubes into the dish with the seasoning. Shake the dish left and right till the tofu is fully coated in the seasoning.

    Tip: you might need to use your hands to fully coat the tofu in the seasoning.

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  • Warm up the olive oil on medium heat in a nonstick pan. Add the tofu onto the pan and fry for about 12 minutes on medium heat.

    Flip the tofu around with a fork every 2 to 3 minutes.

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  • Your fried tofu is ready when it's cripsy and golden-brown on the outside.

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Notes

SUBSTITUTIONS

– Extra virgin olive oil:sub with avocado oil, coconut butter, canola oil, sunflower oil, or regular olive oil.

– Spices:you can use most spices such as curry, turmeric, dried herbs, cumin, coriander, onion powder, and more.

– Cornstarch:we haven’t tried replacing the cornstarch but some readers had success with arrowroot powder.

VARIATIONS

– Curry fried tofu:sub 1 teaspoon of curry powder, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, and ½ ground cumin for paprika and chili powder.

– Italian fried tofu:sub 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon dried rosemary for paprika and chili powder.

– Turmeric-black pepper fried tofu:sub 2 tsps of turmeric and ½ teaspoon black pepper for paprika, garlic, and chili powder.

MAKE AHEAD & STORAGE

– Make ahead:this is not the best recipe to make ahead because the tofu loses its outer crispiness. However, if you’d like to make it in advance, you can certainly do so, and we often do this, especially when we do meal prep for a few days. The tofu is still tasty, just not as crisp. A trick that helps is to reheat it on a non-stick pan with a bit of oil for a couple of minutes.

– Refrigerator:store pan-fried tofu leftovers in a bowl, covered with a plate, or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. Remember that the coating absorbs moisture as it sits in the fridge and will lose its crispness.

– Freezer:we don’t recommend freezing fried tofu because the coating won’t thaw and reheat well.

– Reheat:you can warm leftovers in the microwave for 2 minutes or on a non-stick skillet or cast iron pan with a tablespoon of olive oil on medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 119kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Potassium: 18mg, Dietary Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 144IU, Vitamin B6: 1mg, Vitamin C: 1mg, Vitamin E: 1mg, Vitamin K: 3µg, Calcium: 92mg, Folate: 1µg, Iron: 1mg, Manganese: 1mg, Magnesium: 2mg, Zinc: 1mg

Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below or mention @theplantbasedschool on Instagram. We are also on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and TikTok.

If you liked these plant-based beginner recipes, you might also like:

Recipes

45 Easy Vegetarian Dinner Recipes

Collections

40 Easy Meatless Meals

Collections

20+ Lentil Recipes (easy meals)

Collections

35 Chickpea Recipes (easy meals)

Categorized as:
Collections, Mains, One-pot Meals, Recipes

30 Plant-based Recipes (easy meals) - The Plant Based School (47)

Hi! We are Nico & Louise

Welcome to The Plant-Based School, a food blog with easy, tasty, and wholesome recipes.

Our aim is to help you and your family eat more veggies through delicious recipes with simple ingredients.

Easy right?

More About US

2 Comments

  1. Just made the pasta salad. Awesome.

    Reply

    1. Fantastic, Gaile!
      I’m delighted you enjoyed the salad. Best,
      Louise

      Reply

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