32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (2024)

Explore a world of deliciousness with our 32 plant-based recipes that prove you don't need meat for a tasty meal. From hearty lentil and mushroom burgers to flavorful roasted vegetable tacos, these dishes showcase the amazing variety and creativity of plant-based cooking. Discover how to make satisfying and nutritious meals that not only taste great but also support a sustainable and cruelty-free lifestyle. Whether you're a seasoned vegetarian or just curious, our recipes demonstrate that going meat-free can be both yummy and good for you. Dive into the flavorful realm of plant-based eating and see for yourself – meat isn't everything!

Creamy Pasta with Spinach

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (1)

This creamy pasta is satisfying, delicious, and incredibly easy to make! The creamy, rich coconut sauce perfectly coats the penne pasta, while the roasted chickpeas provide a pleasant crunch. The garlic and spinach add a layer of freshness, making every bite absolutely delicious! Get the recipe.

Vegetable Bean Soup

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (2)

This delicious and healthy Vegetable Bean Soup is the perfect potato and bean soup that's light yet filling. It's made with crunchy cauliflower and protein-packed pinto beans and comes together in just 30 minutes! Get the recipe.

Creamy Pad Thai

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (3)

This Pad Thai dish combines the essence of Thai cuisine with plant-based goodness. This vibrant and satisfying recipe features tender rice noodles, crispy tofu, and a colorful array of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a luscious peanut sauce. Get the recipe.

Vegetable and Chickpea Curry

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (4)

Clean out the freezer with this simple curry recipe with chickpeas and coconut milk. Use any veggies you have, combine them with some savory spices and coconut milk, and presto! A delicious and nutritious plant-based meal ideal for busy days. Get the recipe.

Never Miss A Recipe!

Get HEALTHY Vegan Recipes straight to your inbox weekly!

Quinoa Patties with Zucchini and Feta Cheese

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (5)

You'll love these Mediterranean Style Quinoa Patties with Zucchini and Feta Cheese. They are crispy, delicious and easy to make.
Cook quinoa the night before or in the morning and finish the patties just before lunch or dinner and you'll have a complete meatless meal thatis full of healthy goodness. Get the recipe.

Turkish Lentil Soup

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (6)

This traditionalTurkish Lentil Soupalso called Mercimek çorbası is a uniquely fragrant, cozy and satisfying soup perfect for chilly days. You can make it in no time and enjoy for lunch or hearty dinner. Get the recipe.

Hearty Potato and Eggplant Stew

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (7)

This cozy and filling recipe for eggplant and potato stew includes tender potatoes, chewy eggplants, and flavorful aromatics. It's the best vegan stew, made with tons of vegetables in under an hour. Get the recipe.

Stovetop Grilled Vegetable Panini

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (8)

Loaded with flavorful Grilled Veggies, melty Mozzarella and smothered in grilled pepper tapenade, these easy Stovetop Grilled Vegetable Panini don't require panini maker. You can make them with just a grill pan and one easy trick. Get the recipe.

Mushroom Chili Recipe

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (9)

This Mushroom Chili Recipe is the chili you'll ever need! Hearty mushrooms make a wonderful substitution for ground beef. With an easy secret step to give this chili the perfect texture, it's extremely flavorful and great for cozy fall and winter dinners. Get the recipe.

Thai Coconut Curry

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (10)

This Thai Eggplant Red Curry is simple yet flavor packed meal perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights. Zucchini and tofu add richness and nutrients to this already healthy freezer-friendly dish. Made in one pot and ready in just 30 minutes. Get the recipe.

Easy Moroccan Slow Cooker Bean Stew

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (11)

ThisMoroccan Slow Cooker Bean Stewis the ultimatecomfort food full of flavor. Made with white Beans, tomatoes, and spices, this slow cooker recipe issure to warm you upon a chilly night. Get the recipe.

Roasted Bell Pepper Pasta with Olive Gremolata

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (12)

This Bell Pepper Pastafeatures easy-roastedsweet red pepper saucetossed with Fettuccine and a simple Olive Gremolata. It's a super quick and satisfying recipe that you can make on a whim. Perfect for lunch or late dinner. Get the recipe.

Mushroom Stroganoff Pasta

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (13)

No more bland mushroom pasta! This incredibly delicious Mushroom Stroganoff recipe packs a serious flavorful punch. It's so creamy and satisfying, perfect comfort food for long winter days. Get the recipe.

Lentil and Cauliflower Tacos

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (14)

These Lentil Tacos are one of the easiest and healthiest recipes that have the perfect meat replacement! Not only does it taste amazing, but it's also budget-friendly and a great way to get started with a vegan diet. It's a protein-packed, iron-rich, and full of flavor in each bite thanks to the homemade avocado dressing. Get the recipe.

Easy Harissa Tofu Recipe

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (15)

This easy Harissa Tofu recipe has a big flavor, thanks to a few tablespoons of Harissa paste. You might want to make extras, as leftovers make a great addition to salads and grain bowls. Get the recipe.

Escarole Soup

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (16)

For a light and delicious soup that you can whip up and have ready in just 20 minutes, escarole soup does the trick! This one-pot soup is simple to make and does not require any complicated equipment or recipes. It is both flavorful and filling, creating a perfect addition to your lunch or dinner table! Get the recipe.

Baked and Stuffed Potatoes

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (17)

ThisHealthy Baked Potatois stuffed with the tastiest vegetables like spinach and mushrooms. It's easy, healthy, and makes the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion. Get the recipe.

Juicy Black Bean Burger Recipe

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (18)

Are you ready for the best vegan black bean burger recipe out there? This easy and delicious veggie mushroom burger is healthy and bursting with flavor. And the best part is, it takes just 30 minutes to make it from start to finish! This vegan burger recipe is so good that you will never miss the meat. Get the recipe.

Casarecce Pasta Recipe

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (19)

This Casarecce Pasta recipe will give you an incredibly delicious pastca recipe that’s family-friendly and ready in just a little over 20 minutes! This pasta variety, with its twisted and rolled shape, resembles a small scroll and is known for its ability to hold sauces and ingredients exceptionally well. And my recipe features a plant-based sun-dried tomato pesto topped with fresh basil that you’ll absolutely love. Get the recipe.

Creamy Polenta with Roasted Mushrooms

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (20)

This 30-minute Polenta Recipe gets its unique flavor from an umami-packed Miso Paste. Served with quick vegan sautéed mushrooms, this dairy-free polenta is SO creamy and perfect for busy days. It's healthy, comforting, and easy to make. Get the recipe.

Dill Pickle Soup

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (21)

Dill Pickle Soup is my all-time favorite soup recipe for busy weeknights. It requires merely 30 minutes of your time and provides you with a hearty and satisfying bite. This easy soup is savory and creamy and kids love it too. Perfect for lunch or dinner, especially in cold winter weather. Get the recipe.

Tofu Broccoli Stir Fry

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (22)

Enjoy this quick & easyTofu Broccoli Stir Fryrecipe for a wholesome, restaurant-style Asian meal! Crispy tofu is cooked with tender broccoli in an aromatic flavorful sauce, then topped with sesame seeds, and served over rice.Get the recipe.

Broccoli and Mushroom Salad

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (23)

This Broccoli and Mushroom Salad Recipe features some of my favorite ingredients. Shiitake mushrooms, fresh crunchy broccoli, Kalamata olives, and amazing red onion vinaigrette. So healthy, clean, and perfect for a light dinner or acolorful side. Get the recipe.

Creamy Kale and Mushroom Lasagna

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (24)

Have you ever made vegetablelasagna? No? It's time to fix that. This Creamy Kale and Mushroom Lasagna is full of delicious and aromatic mushrooms, covered in a cheesy Bechamel sauce and fresh Mozzarella and baked until bubbly perfection. Get the recipe.

Spicy Chickpea, Broccoli and Potato Dinner

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (25)

A simple one pan meal packed with veggies, plant-based protein and a spicy sauce on top.Get the recipe.

Pasta e Ceci Soup

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (26)

Is there anything more comforting than pasta with chickpeas? A healthy, weeknight pasta e ceci ricetta featuring ditalini pasta with garbanzo beans in a nourishing tomato broth. Vegetarian and easily vegan. Get the recipe.

Creamy Mushroom Soup

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (27)

It's aUkrainian Mushroom Soup. After you take the first sip of it, you'll instantly feel cozy and warm. Classic autumn soup with a ton of flavor. Get the recipe.

Black Bean Soft Tacos

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (28)

Craving some hearty and tender black bean soft tacos? These tacos are full of fiber and protein and come together in about ten minutes. Fresh flavors of tomato and onion are mixed with warm spices such as chili powder and cumin to make these tacos as flavorful as possible.Get the recipe.

Crispy Rice Paper Spring Rolls

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (29)

These rice paper spring rolls are the best Chinese spring rolls using rice paper instead of classic spring roll wrappers. These crispy, savory rolls have a colorful, pre-cooked veggie filling (with julienne carrots, red cabbage, scallion, and bean sprouts) as well as marinated shredded tofu. Get the recipe.

Glass Noodles Stir Frywith Vegetables

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (30)

EasyGlass Noodles Stir FryakaMung Bean Vermicelliin a flavorful Almond Butter Sauce. This simple yet delicious recipe comes together quickly and perfect for lunch or dinner in a hurry. Get the recipe.

Peanut Tofu Buddha Bowl

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (31)

Peanut Tofu Buddha Bowl! A gluten-free and vegan lunch or dinner. Brown rice, the BEST peanut tofu, vegetables and roasted broccoli in a simple peanut sauce. If you are looking for a healthy buddha bowl recipe, this is it! Get the recipe.

Easy Sweet Potato Sushi Rolls

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (32)

These sweet potato sushi rolls combine teriyaki-glazed sweet potato chunks with cool crunchy cucumber, green onion, and creamy avocado for an amazing sushi experience that’s also vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free! Get the recipe.

More from Lavender & Macarons

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (33)

Forget dry, tasteless chicken nights! We're about to turn that bird into a flavor fiesta! We're talking 13 juicy, crispy, saucy, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying recipes that'll have you drooling before you even turn the oven on. 13 Lusciously Delicious One-Pan Chicken Recipes We Can't Get Enough Of.

Iryna Bychkiv

Website

Iryna Bychkiv is the founder and writer of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares clean, European-inspired recipes that are delicious, easy to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients. Iryna loves creating meals that are simple yet healthy and unique, including vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Iryna is also a freelance writer for MSN and Associated Press Wire.

32 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove Meat Isn't Everything (2024)

FAQs

What is the fake meat called? ›

A meat alternative or meat substitute (also called plant-based meat, mock meat, or fake meat sometimes pejoratively), is a food product made from vegetarian or vegan ingredients, eaten as a replacement for meat.

How many times a week do flexitarians eat meat? ›

Unlike strict vegetarians, flexitarians eat meat sometimes. There aren't any rigid guidelines about how often a flexitarian can eat meat. Some light flexitarians may eat meat every day of the week except one, while heavy flexitarians might have red meat, poultry, or seafood just once or twice a week.

What do vegans eat to replace meat? ›

Vegan Substitutes for Meat
  • TOFU. Tofu—a high-protein alternative to meat—is perhaps one of the most well-known plant-based meat substitutes. ...
  • SEITAN. Need an easy and convenient meat substitute for cold cuts or prepared meats? ...
  • JACKFRUIT. ...
  • TEMPEH. ...
  • BEANS.

What is a vegetarian that eats meat occasionally? ›

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.

Why fake meat is unhealthy? ›

“Some of those products, even though they contain high amounts of plant-based protein, may also contain unhealthy ingredients, such as high amounts of sodium or unhealthy fats,” he said.

Are fries from Chick fil a vegan? ›

Vegans, rejoice: The chain's beloved waffle fries are on your meal plan. Cooked in canola oil and sprinkled with sea salt, these irresistible gems are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Ask for a vegan-friendly dipping sauce (read on for the full list) or classic ketchup on the side.

What is a pascaterian? ›

By that definition, a pescatarian is someone who chooses to eat a vegetarian diet, but who also eats fish and other seafood. It's a largely plant-based diet of whole grains, nuts, legumes, produce and healthy fats, with seafood playing a key role as a main protein source. Many pescatarians also eat dairy and eggs.

What is an ovo diet? ›

What is an ovo-vegetarian diet? An ovo-vegetarian diet excludes all animal-based foods except for eggs. Meat, poultry, fish, or dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are eliminated, but whole eggs, egg whites, and egg-containing foods like mayonnaise, egg noodles, and certain baked goods are permitted.

What do you call someone who eats chicken and fish but not meat? ›

A pollotarian diet is a type of semi-vegetarianism in which chicken is allowed, but red meat and pork are not. Some pollotarians may also include eggs and dairy in their diet. Those who eat fish and seafood are considered pesce-pollotarians.

What vegetable has the highest protein? ›

And what are the best sources for protein?
  • Green peas. Green peas are at the top of the list of the most protein-filled vegetables. ...
  • Spinach. A big crisp spinach salad is certainly refreshing, especially on a hot day in the South. ...
  • Collard greens. ...
  • Sweet corn. ...
  • Mustard greens. ...
  • Lima beans. ...
  • Asparagus. ...
  • Broccoli.

What's the healthiest meat substitute? ›

  • 1 Tempeh.
  • 2 Jackfruit.
  • 3Tofu.
  • 4 Beans.
  • 5 Seitan.
  • 6 Mushrooms.
  • 7 Cauliflower.

Are vegans generally healthier than meat-eaters? ›

Vegetarians and vegans typically have lower body mass index, serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and blood pressure than comparable regular meat-eaters, as well as lower bone mineral density.

Do vegetarians live longer than people who eat meat? ›

A team of researchers at Loma Linda University in the United States has shown vegetarian men live for an average of 10 years longer than non-vegetarian men — 83 years compared to 73 years. For women, being vegetarian added an extra 6 years to their lives, helping them reach 85 years on average.

What happens if a long-term vegetarian eats meat? ›

Regardless of how we choose to eat, we humans are omnivores, and our bodies retain the ability to digest both plants and meat. In fact, the enzymes the body produces to metabolize plant proteins like beans are the same ones it uses to break down meat proteins.

What is a demi vegetarian? ›

Definition of 'demi-vegetarian'

1. a person who eats poultry and fish, but no red meat. adjective. 2. denoting a person who eats poultry and fish, but no red meat.

What is another name for artificial meat? ›

Besides cultured meat, the terms healthy meat, slaughter-free meat, in vitro meat, vat-grown meat, lab-grown meat, cell-based meat, clean meat, cultivated meat and synthetic meat have been used to describe the product. Although it has multiple definitions, artificial meat is occasionally used.

What is mock meat made out of? ›

Fake meats fall into two categories: plant-based proteins and cell-based proteins. The plant-based burgers and sausages found on supermarket shelves are made by extracting the protein from plant foods, often pea, soy, wheat protein, and mushrooms.

What is synthetic meat made of? ›

While synthetic beef is produced from 100% plant-based ingredients, cultured, or cultivated meat (also known as lab-grown meat), is created using animal stem cells ethically harvested from cows and grown under ideal conditions in a nutrient-rich cell medium inside bioreactors.

What is the fake blood in meat called? ›

Well, the liquid you see in those packages isn't blood at all. It is actually a combination of water and a protein called myoglobin. Myoglobin is a protein found in red meat that transports oxygen in the cells. As a piece of meat ages, the muscle tissue breaks down, causing the liquid and myoglobin to leak out.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dan Stracke

Last Updated:

Views: 5845

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (63 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dan Stracke

Birthday: 1992-08-25

Address: 2253 Brown Springs, East Alla, OH 38634-0309

Phone: +398735162064

Job: Investor Government Associate

Hobby: Shopping, LARPing, Scrapbooking, Surfing, Slacklining, Dance, Glassblowing

Introduction: My name is Dan Stracke, I am a homely, gleaming, glamorous, inquisitive, homely, gorgeous, light person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.