12 Delicious Plant-Based Recipes to Add to Your Weekly Menu

Looking for new ways to enjoy plant-based meals? With the right ingredients, you can create delicious dishes that are both healthy and satisfying. These recipes offer a variety of flavors and textures, so you never feel like you are missing out. Whether you want a quick meal or something more complex, there are plenty of options to explore. Start adding these plant-based dishes to your weekly menu and enjoy the benefits of a more plant-focused diet.

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Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos

Sweet potato and black bean tacos are a flavorful and satisfying plant-based meal that can easily be added to your weekly menu. This recipe is not only affordable but also versatile, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences. It is perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and healthy. The natural sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with the savory black beans, making this dish a hit for everyone.

For this recipe, you will need sweet potatoes, black beans, tortillas, and various toppings such as avocado, salsa, and cilantro. Start by roasting diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, and salt until they are tender. You can use store-bought or homemade tortillas for the base. Fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime will add a burst of flavor to each bite.

To prepare the tacos, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast the sweet potatoes for about 25 minutes or until they are soft and slightly caramelized. Meanwhile, heat the black beans in a saucepan. Once the sweet potatoes are ready, warm your tortillas in a dry pan or oven for a few minutes. Assemble the tacos by layering the roasted sweet potatoes and black beans, then top with your favorite ingredients like avocado and salsa for a delicious meal.

Chickpea Salad Sandwich

A chickpea salad sandwich is a hearty and flavorful plant-based option for lunch or a quick snack. It is a satisfying, protein-packed meal that will keep you full for hours. The combination of mashed chickpeas with creamy vegan mayo and crunchy veggies creates a delicious and nutritious filling. This sandwich is a great alternative to traditional tuna salad, offering a fresh take on a classic favorite.

To make this sandwich, you will need canned chickpeas, vegan mayonnaise, mustard, celery, red onion, and fresh dill. Begin by mashing the chickpeas in a bowl until they are mostly broken down but still slightly chunky. Mix in the mayo, mustard, diced celery, onion, and fresh dill, then season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add pickles or nutritional yeast for extra flavor.

Once the chickpea mixture is ready, spread it generously onto your choice of bread, pita, or a wrap. You can add extra toppings such as lettuce, tomato, or avocado for more texture and freshness. This sandwich is perfect for meal prep, as it stores well in the fridge for a few days. It is a simple, satisfying meal that comes together in minutes and is packed with flavor.

Lentil & Vegetable Soup

Lentil and vegetable soup is a comforting, nutrient-dense dish that is perfect for any season. This hearty soup is filled with vegetables, lentils, and savory broth, making it a delicious and filling option. It’s a great way to incorporate more plant-based protein and fiber into your diet while enjoying a warm, flavorful meal. Plus, it is very affordable and easy to prepare.

The ingredients for this soup include lentils, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, vegetable broth, and herbs like thyme and bay leaves. Start by sautéing the vegetables and garlic in a bit of oil until they become soft. Then, add the lentils, vegetable broth, and herbs, and allow the soup to simmer until the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

To cook the soup, heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté the carrots, celery, onions, and garlic until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the lentils, broth, and herbs, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the lentils are cooked through, adjust the seasoning and serve the soup warm with a side of crusty bread.

Vegan Stir-Fry with Tofu

Vegan stir-fry with tofu is a quick and flavorful dish that makes for a satisfying meal any time of day. It combines tofu, vegetables, and a savory stir-fry sauce that’s both delicious and nutritious. This recipe is versatile, so you can customize it with your favorite vegetables or even use leftover ones. It’s a great option for meal prep or a busy weeknight dinner.

To make the stir-fry, you will need tofu, broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. First, press the tofu to remove excess moisture and cut it into cubes. Sauté the tofu in sesame oil until golden and crispy, then add your choice of vegetables like broccoli, peppers, and carrots. Toss everything in soy sauce and garlic for a flavorful finish.

To cook, heat sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning them until golden and crispy on all sides. Next, add the vegetables and stir-fry for another 5-7 minutes until they are tender. Pour in the soy sauce and garlic, stirring everything together until well coated, then serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Cauliflower & Chickpea Curry

Cauliflower and chickpea curry is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with plant-based goodness. The creamy coconut milk and hearty chickpeas create a rich base, while the cauliflower adds a satisfying texture. This curry is perfect for anyone craving a warm, spicy meal that’s both nutritious and filling. It’s also a great option for those new to plant-based cooking.

For this curry, you will need cauliflower, chickpeas, coconut milk, diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and curry powder. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in oil until fragrant. Then, add the cauliflower and cook for a few minutes before adding the chickpeas, tomatoes, coconut milk, and curry powder. Let the curry simmer until the cauliflower is tender and the flavors are well combined.

To cook, heat oil in a large pan and sauté onions, garlic, and ginger for about 3-5 minutes. Add the cauliflower and cook for another 5 minutes before adding the chickpeas, tomatoes, and coconut milk. Stir in the curry powder and let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes until the cauliflower is tender. Serve over rice or with naan for a delicious, satisfying meal.

Vegan Burrito Bowl

A vegan burrito bowl is a customizable, hearty, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. This bowl is filled with ingredients like rice, beans, guacamole, and salsa, making it a flavorful and nutrient-packed dish. It’s also a great option for meal prepping, as you can make large portions to enjoy throughout the week. The best part is that you can add or remove ingredients based on your preferences.

For this recipe, you will need rice, black beans, corn, avocado, salsa, lettuce, and a choice of seasonings. Start by cooking the rice and black beans, then arrange all the ingredients in a bowl. Add toppings like avocado, salsa, and lime for extra flavor. This dish is both colorful and satisfying, and it provides a great balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates.

To make the burrito bowl, cook the rice according to the package instructions. Warm the beans in a saucepan with your choice of seasonings. In a bowl, layer the rice, beans, corn, and fresh toppings like avocado, lettuce, and salsa. Drizzle with lime juice and enjoy!

Vegan Pad Thai

Vegan Pad Thai is a delicious stir-fried noodle dish that is packed with flavor. This plant-based version uses tofu, rice noodles, vegetables, and a rich tamarind-based sauce. It’s a wonderful combination of sweet, sour, salty, and savory, making it a perfect weeknight meal. You can adjust the spice level to your liking, depending on how much heat you enjoy.

The ingredients for this dish include rice noodles, tofu, carrots, bell peppers, tamarind paste, soy sauce, lime, and peanuts. Begin by preparing the rice noodles according to the package directions. In a pan, sauté the tofu and vegetables, then add the tamarind paste, soy sauce, and lime juice. Toss everything together to coat the noodles in the sauce.

To cook, heat sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat and sauté the tofu until golden. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for a few more minutes. Add the tamarind paste, soy sauce, and lime juice, stirring until the noodles are coated and heated through. Top with chopped peanuts and cilantro for extra crunch and freshness.

Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

Vegan shepherd’s pie is a comforting and hearty meal that is perfect for cold nights. This plant-based twist on the classic shepherd’s pie uses lentils and vegetables for the filling, topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a filling dish that provides plenty of flavor and nutrition while being completely dairy-free. It’s also a great way to use up leftover vegetables.

For this recipe, you will need lentils, carrots, peas, onions, garlic, vegetable broth, and potatoes. Start by cooking the lentils and vegetables in a pot with broth until they are tender. Then, transfer them to a baking dish and top with mashed potatoes. Bake until the top is golden and crispy.

To cook the shepherd’s pie, peel and boil the potatoes until soft, then mash with plant-based butter and milk. In a separate pan, sauté the onions, garlic, and carrots, then add the lentils, peas, and vegetable broth. Once the lentil mixture is cooked through, transfer it to a baking dish and top with the mashed potatoes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Vegan Buddha Bowl

A vegan Buddha bowl is a nourishing, customizable meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. It combines grains, protein, healthy fats, and vegetables, making it a well-rounded and satisfying dish. The beauty of this bowl lies in its versatility—you can use whatever ingredients you have on hand or what’s in season. It’s a great option for meal prep or a quick, healthy meal.

For this bowl, you will need quinoa, chickpeas, avocado, spinach, and your choice of dressing. Start by cooking the quinoa and chickpeas, then arrange them in a bowl with the vegetables and avocado. Drizzle your favorite dressing over the top and enjoy the perfect balance of textures and flavors. You can also add extras like roasted sweet potatoes, cucumbers, or tahini.

To assemble the Buddha bowl, cook the quinoa and chickpeas. Then, layer them in a bowl with fresh spinach, avocado, and any other toppings you like. Drizzle with a tahini dressing or lemon-tahini sauce for extra flavor. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a sprinkle of seeds for added crunch.

Vegan Mushroom Risotto

Vegan mushroom risotto is a rich, creamy dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. Made with Arborio rice, mushrooms, and vegetable broth, it’s the perfect plant-based alternative to traditional risotto. The earthy mushrooms provide a deep, savory flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture of the rice. This dish is a great option for dinner or special occasions.

For this recipe, you will need Arborio rice, mushrooms, vegetable broth, onions, garlic, and nutritional yeast. Begin by sautéing the onions, garlic, and mushrooms in olive oil until tender. Then, add the rice and cook for a few minutes before gradually adding the vegetable broth. Stir the rice often until it reaches a creamy consistency.

To cook the risotto, sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add the mushrooms and cook until tender, then stir in the Arborio rice. Gradually add the vegetable broth, stirring constantly until the rice is creamy and cooked through. Stir in nutritional yeast for a cheesy, creamy texture and serve hot.

Vegan Pizza

Vegan pizza is a fun, customizable dish that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy a plant-based version of a classic favorite while keeping it healthy. The base is typically made with a simple dough and topped with tomato sauce, vegan cheese, and your choice of toppings like vegetables, olives, or mushrooms. It’s an enjoyable meal for both kids and adults.

For this pizza, you will need pizza dough, tomato sauce, vegan cheese, and a variety of toppings such as bell peppers, onions, and olives. Start by rolling out the pizza dough and spreading the sauce on top. Add the vegan cheese and your choice of toppings, then bake in a hot oven until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.

To cook the pizza, preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and roll out the pizza dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread the tomato sauce evenly, followed by a generous amount of vegan cheese and toppings. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is crispy and golden. Slice and serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano.

Vegan Pasta Primavera

Vegan pasta primavera is a light, fresh, and healthy plant-based dish that is perfect for spring and summer. This dish features pasta mixed with a variety of seasonal vegetables and a light olive oil-based sauce. It’s quick to prepare and full of color, making it a beautiful and satisfying meal. You can use any pasta and vegetables you have on hand, making this a flexible recipe.

For this recipe, you will need pasta, bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, sauté the vegetables in olive oil until they are tender. Toss the cooked pasta with the sautéed vegetables and garlic, and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice.

To cook the pasta primavera, cook the pasta in salted water according to the package directions. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan and sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes. Drain the pasta and add it to the pan with the vegetables, tossing everything together. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before serving.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.