35 Easy and Healthy Plant-Based Meals + Beverages

By Alexandra Caspero on April 17, 2019

 I spent the last few days at a Plant-Based Nutrition Leadership conference and wow, my mind is racing with so many facts, figures and emotions. My friend and colleague Kate Geagen presented on plant-based diets and sustainability, a pressing conversation that all of us need to listen to. Eating a more sustainable diet has the power to decrease global mortality, shrink the global food gap, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and nourish the projected 10 billion people on a healthy, resilient planet.

This is why I promote a predominantly plant-based diet. I know that not everyone is willing to go vegan (hi, I’m not vegan), but if we can get more people to eat less animal-based foods and more plant-based foods we can make huge strides in overall human health and the planets health. Amazing, right? 

Healthy eating should be simple and accessible. At least, that’s my goal. It’s why I’ve put together this round-up of my favorite easy and healthy plant-based meals and beverages. 

Plant-Based Meals: Breakfast Recipes

Start your day the right way!

1.) Vegan Strawberry Lemonade Scones

These breakfast scones are made with fresh strawberries and topped with a lemonade drizzle.

2.) Vegan Baked Oatmeal with Fresh Berries

Make ahead the night before and pop in the oven in the morning. Incredible on it’s own or topped with fresh berries and cold almond milk. This recipe doubles or even triples really well, so make it for the weekend and enjoy leftovers during the week! I make this one at least weekly. 

3.) Vegan Tropical Trail Mix Breakfast Cookies

These cookies are lightly sweetened, packed with fiber and nutrients and perfect for breakfast or on-the-go snacking. Vegan and easily gluten-free.

Tropical Trail Mix Breakfast Cookies! These Cookies Are Lightly Sweetened, Packed With Fiber And Nutrients And Perfect For Breakfast Or On-The-Go Snacking. Vegan And Easily Gluten-Free. | Www.delishknowledge.com

4.) Raspberry Oatmeal Bake via Whitney E. RD

Oh my, this raspberry oatmeal bake is too delicious to make just once. If you like my oatmeal bake, then you’ll want to try this one. 

5.) Fluffy Vegan Pancakes with Blueberry Topping via Hummusapien

This one had me at vegan pancakes, but Hummusapien seals the deal with a blueberry topping. 

Plant-Based Meals: Lunch & Dinner Recipes

Best part? Most of these recipes can be ready to serve in 30 minutes or less!

15 Minute Vegan Pad Thai! Save This One When You Need A Quick, Healthy Meal. Crispy Tofu, Brown Rice Noodles, Spinach, Peanuts And A Simple Pad Thai Sauce. | Www.delishknowledge.com

 

6.) 15 Minute Vega Pad Thai

Save this one when you need a quick, healthy meal. Crispy tofu, brown rice noodles, spinach, peanuts and a simple pad thai sauce.

 

7.) Oven Roasted Veggie Fajitas

These veggie fajitas are such a simple meal. Throw everything in the oven and dinner is ready in just 30 minutes. Customize them however you like ’em.

Oven Roasted Fajitas! These Veggie Fajitas Are Such A Simple Meal. Throw Everything In The Oven And Dinner Is Ready In Just 30 Minutes. Customize Them However You Like 'Em. | Www.delishknowledge.com

8.) Sheet Pan Vegetable Stir Fry

Sheet pan dinner! We’re taking the easy stir-fry and making it… even easier.

Vegan Chinese Chicken Salad

9.) Vegan Chinese Chicken Salad

Love Chinese Chicken Salad? Then you will LOVE this lighter, vegan version! Cabbage, lettuce, carrots, edamame, almonds, chow mein noodles, and crispy seitan chunks covered in a sesame ginger dressing.

10.) Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Chili

Thick, hearty and packed with plant-based protein. You’re going to love this Instant Pot vegan lentil chili.

Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Chili! Looking For A Healthy, Quick Chili? Try This Vegan And Gluten-Free Lentil Chili. Made In The Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker For Ease, With Directions For The Slow-Cooker. | Www.delishknowledge.com

11.) Vegan Potato and Chorizo Tacos

These are the best vegan and gluten-free tacos. Spicy soyrizo with crispy potatoes and pico de gallo, served with corn tortillas.

Green Goddess Veggie Sandwich! This Sandwich Is Layered With Flavor And Packed With Vegetables! Homemade Green-Goddess Dressing, Tomatoes, Sprouts, Avocado, Goat Cheese, Radish, Carrots. Vegetarian, Easily Vegan Or Gluten-Free. | Www.delishknowledge.com

12.) Green Goddess Veggie Sandwich

This sandwich is layered with flavor and packed with vegetables! Homemade green-goddess dressing, tomatoes, sprouts, avocado, radish and carrots.

13.) Instant Pot Vegan Burrito Bowls

These vegan bowls are perfect for busy weeknights. Super flavorful Mexican rice with avocados, lettuce, tomatoes and more!

Instant Pot Vegan Burrito Bowls

15.) Avocado Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Healthy vegan sandwich! Smashed chickpea and avocado salad on poppyseed bagels.

16.) Vegan Macaroni and Cheese with Broccoli

Creamy shells with steamed broccoli, a plant-based meal for both adults and kids.

Bowl Of Vegan Broccoli Mac And Cheese

17.) Vegan Tahini Lentil Veggie Burgers

These vegan burgers are super meaty! Perfect for summer cookouts.

18.) Zoodle Stir-Fry with Spicy Peanut Sauce

You’ve gotta try this one-skillet meal, vegan and gluten-free. Spiralized zucchini, snow peas, carrots and herbs in a spicy peanut sauce. Enjoy as is or add your favorite protein.

19.) 20 Minute Pasta with Vegan Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Need a quick, vegan pantry meal? Try this simple pasta with penne and a creamy, cheesy roasted red pepper sauce.

Roasted Red Pepper Pasta4 1 Of 1

20.) Spicy Vegan Black Bean Enchiladas via Whitney E. RD

Enchiladas are the perfect way to incorporate some Mexican flare into your diet! Whitney’s black bean enchiladas don’t disappoint either.

21.) Vegan Mediterranean Meal Prep Bowls via Hummusapien

A simple and delicious way to meal prep your lunch for the week!

22.) Curried Chickpea Wraps via Emilie Eats

If you’ve been following the blog for a while, you may know about my love for chickpeas.

Vegan Peach Cobbler

Plant-Based Meals: Dessert Recipes

Fruity desserts are some of my favorites.

23. Vegan Apple Crisp

Vegan and gluten-free apple crisp with a walnut oat crust. This dessert is so easy and delicious, perfect for fall!

24. Vegan Peach Cobbler

Fresh peaches topped with yummy cobbler topping and baked until bubbly. Perfect for summer and amazing with ice cream.

Vegan Peach Cobbler With Ice Cream

25. Pumpkin Cranberry Energy Bites

Looking for a healthy pumpkin treat? This is it! Rolled oats, dried cranberries, pepitas, pumpkin spice in a granola bar bite form. Gluten-Free and easily vegan.

26. Chocolate Banana Popsicles

Creamy, chocolatey and perfect for Summer. Yes, I said summer. Because the best thing to pair with overly humid, Midwestern evenings is a homemade fudgesicle. Obviously.

Almond Butter Popsicles 8

27. Cinnamon Spice Apple Cake

Cinnamon and apples! Besides peanut butter and jelly, this might be one of my favorite flavor combinations.

28. Grilled Honey Ginger Apricots with Ice Cream

This summer dessert is so easy, perfect for an easy entertaining dessert. Gluten-free and easily vegan.

29. No Bake Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars via Emilie Eats

30. Vegan Berry Yogurt Bark via Whitney E. RD

Grilled Honey Ginger Apricots With Ice Cream. This Summer Dessert Is So Easy, Perfect For An Easy Entertaining Dessert. Glutenfree And Easily Vegan. | Www.delishknowledge.com

Frozen Watermelon Lemonade5

31. Watermelon Lemonade

Refreshing, lightly sweetened, the perfect beverage for hot summer days! Watermelon puree, fresh lemon juice, and sparkling water. 

32. Raspberry Mint Limeade

A refreshing drink, perfect for summer! It’s my favorite thing to sip on a hot, humid day.

33. Pineapple Mint Green Drink

Somewhere between a smoothie and a juice. It’s thinner than a smoothie, with more body than a juice. It’s a green drink! And, it’s delicious.

Pineapple Mint Green Drink! Tastes Like A Pineapple Mojito. Mint, Kale, Pineapple And Lime, A Refreshing Juice For Spring And Summer. Vegan And Gluten-Free. | Delishknowledge.com

34. Apple Green Ginger Smoothie

This superfood smoothie is perfect, nutrient dense snack.

35. Cucumber Mint Lime Agua Fresca

Super refreshing and low-sugar drink mocktail. Try it this summer!

Cucumber Mint Lime Agua Fresca! Super Refreshing And Low-Sugar Drink Mocktail. Try It This Summer! Fresh Cucumber, Lime And Mint. Vegan And Gluten-Free Beverage | Www.delishknowledge.com


This was just a teeny-tiny collection of plant-based meals that my family and I enjoy frequently. Follow this board on Pinterest for more meals and recipes.

Any plant-based recipes that you want to see? I’m working on Spring and Summer recipes and would love to know what you want to see more of. 

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Meet Alex Caspero

Alex Caspero is a Registered Dietitian, New York Times Bestselling Chef, and mom of two. She aims to cut through the nutrition noise by providing real-life, nourishing tips for body and mind. Learn more about Alex.

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