Add some creativity to your meatless meals with our favorite healthy plant based recipes. This collection includes both vegetarian and vegan recipes for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks—perfect for anyone looking to add more whole-food, plant-forward meals to their routine.
Happy Sunday! I spent a quiet weekend at home catching up on chores, working, and investing time in self-care. Sometimes alone time is exactly what I need before getting back into social mode. Today I’ll be doing some meal prep for the week—mostly plant based breakfasts and lunches so Mark and I have healthy grab-and-go options. I’m not going fully vegetarian, but I enjoy how satisfying a well-made meatless meal can be: they’re often packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins from fresh fruits and vegetables. Below you’ll find many of my favorite whole-food plant based recipes organized by meal type.
Plant Based on a Budget
Eating more plant based doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are practical tips to save money while enjoying healthful meatless meals:
- Lean on beans: Beans are an inexpensive, versatile source of protein and fiber. Stock up when they’re on sale—canned or dried beans work for many recipes.
- Buy in bulk: Grains, dried beans, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit are often cheaper in bulk and let you build a variety of meals without frequent trips to the store.
- Shop seasonally: Choose fruits and vegetables that are in season to get better flavor and value—cherries in summer, apples in fall, etc.
Note: Some recipes in this roundup include eggs or dairy, so the collection contains both vegetarian and vegan options.
Plant Based Breakfast Recipes
Start the day with nutrient-dense breakfasts that are quick, satisfying, and full of flavor. Below is a simple, everyday plant based breakfast we enjoy often, followed by a selection of favorite breakfast recipes.
Avocado Toast with Cheese and Berries
This quick plant based breakfast is simple and delicious: ripe avocado, your choice of hard or vegan cheese, a handful of berries, and a light drizzle of honey for a balance of sweet and savory.
By: Lee Funke
Prep: 10 mins • Cook: 5 mins • Total: 15 mins • Servings: 1
Ingredients
- 1 piece whole grain bread
- 1/2 large ripe avocado
- Handful of berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
- 1 oz. hard cheese (sharp cheddar recommended) or vegan cheese, thinly sliced
- Optional: drizzle of honey or maple syrup
Instructions
- Toast the bread until golden and crisp.
- Spoon the avocado onto the toast and mash slightly with a fork.
- Top with berries and thin slices of cheese.
- Finish with a light drizzle of honey or maple syrup if desired.
Nutrition (approximate)
Calories: 379 kcal • Carbohydrates: 35 g • Protein: 18 g • Fat: 21 g • Fiber: 10 g • Sugar: 9 g
Nutrition information is an approximation.
Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes (vegetarian)
Neapolitan Overnight Oats (vegetarian)
Sweet Potato Crust Quiche (vegetarian)
Black Bean Breakfast Burritos (vegetarian)
Strawberry Rhubarb Oatmeal Bake (vegetarian)
Black Bean Breakfast Bowls (vegetarian)
Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal (vegetarian)
Whole Grain Blender Breakfast Muffins (vegetarian)
Pomegranate Green Smoothie Bowl (vegan)
Vegetarian Lunches
These lunches include hearty salads, bowls, and soups that travel well and make satisfying midday meals—great for work or home.
Massaged Kale and Fennel Salad (vegan)
Mexican Quinoa Salad (vegan)
Instant Pot Potato Salad (vegetarian)
Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Salad (vegan)
Golden Roasted Cauliflower and Quinoa Salad (vegan)
Thai Chili Corn Salad (vegan)
Sweet Potato Vegan Buddha Bowls (vegan)
Creamy Tomato Basil Vegan Pasta (vegan)
Plant Based Dinner Recipes
These dinner recipes are made for comfort and convenience—many are suitable for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or batch cooking.
Healthy Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Mexican Quinoa (vegan)
Whole Wheat Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Pasta (vegan)
Roasted Brussels Sprout Polenta Bowls (vegan)
Kung Pao Quinoa Bowl (vegan)
Vegetarian Beer Chili (vegan)
Spinach Quinoa Lasagna Casserole (vegetarian)
Sweet Potato Green Curry Quinoa Casserole (vegan)
Plant Based Snack Recipes
Between meals, reach for snacks that are nutritious and energizing. Below are sweet and savory options that are easy to prepare and pack well for work or school.
Healthy Edible Cookie Dough (vegan)
Southwestern Sweet Potato Nachos (vegan)
Healthy No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies (vegan)
7-Layer Greek Yogurt Taco Dip (vegetarian)
Cherry Pie Energy Balls (vegan)
Skinny Roasted Red Pepper Goat Cheese Dip (vegetarian)
Golden Roasted Cauliflower (vegan)
Garlic Roasted Kale Chips (vegan)
Homemade Strawberry Banana Fruit Leather (vegan)
Almond Butter Hemp Seed Banana Sushi (vegan)
Whether you’re new to plant based eating or already enjoy meatless meals regularly, this collection gives plenty of inspiration: quick breakfasts, nourishing lunches, comforting dinners, and portable snacks. Try a few recipes this week and see how satisfying a balanced plant based plate can be.