The journey of more plant-based meals continue! We’ve watched some documentaries and read some articles and are really happy eating more plant-based meals. Well, I’m really happy and David is going along with it- but dare I say enjoying some parts of it too?
I’ve read differing opinions on meat, dairy, and eggs and while “research” differs based on who you listen to, I haven’t seen a single shred of evidence against eating more plants. That’s why I use the word plant-based instead of vegetarian. Many of the meals we are eating are vegetarian or vegan, but I won’t be putting a label on my eating habits, as I don’t plan on restricting myself to any single diet.
I’ve been compiling a list of go-to plant-based meals to make meal planning each week easier. Here are some of our tried and true favorites, as well as a few I have my eye on to make soon!
For Dinner
- Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
- One Pan Mexican Quinoa
- Black Bean Nachos
- Golden Red Lentil Dal with Cilantro Rice
- Garlic Kale and Cashew Fried Rice
- Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
- Pinto Bean and Cheese Freezer Burritos
- Vegan Bean Burgers
- Carrot Soup (I love serving all soups with homemade sourdough)
- Red Pepper Cashew Pasta
For Breakfast:
- Avocado toast
- Oatmeal with cinnamon and pecans
- Banana Nut Toaster Pop-Ups
On my try list:
- Black Bean Salsa Burgers
- Creamy Coconut Cashew Spaghetti Squash Alfredo
- Southwest Kale Power Salad
- Falafel
- Basic Chia Pudding
- Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchilada Bake
- BBQ Jackfruit with Avocado Slaw
I’m especially excited (and slightly intimidated) by the jackfruit, but I keep hearing good things so I’m going to give it a go!
If you have one, I’d love for you to leave me a comment with your very favorite plant-based meal so I can have them all listed in one place to try! Happy meal planning π
Karen says
I recently bought the Love Real Food cookbook since we also are finding eating clean is better for everyone. And now since my husband can’t have any artificial sweeteners this has made cooking much more difficult and things without food labels are my friends(veggies, fruits , etc.).
I have tried a few recipes so far and have loved everyone…you may want to look into this one.
sherry says
Thank you so much for the recipes! I can’t wait to give them all a try. Nice to have some tried and true ones!
Kristin says
Something like this would top our list:
http://dailyburn.com/life/recipes/cauliflower-kale-recipe/
I might add feta or parmesan, and some garbanzo or white beans for more substance and protein (nuts work well too).
We do a lot of meatless and faves are black bean tostadas (with refried blk beans), cauliflower white bean soup (pureed), blk bean burgers, and any kind of farro (love) bean dish.
Andria says
Iβm not totally on the plant-based diet train, but Iβve apparecisted your recipe suggestions! I found this soup on Pinterest and have made it twice already within the past couple weeks. So tasty! https://sweetpeasandsaffron.com/thai-curry-lentil-sweet-potato-soup/
Cindy says
Yes to Jackfruit! And I wouldn’t have said that 5 days ago π I have been doing a Daniel fast with my church since Jan 9th and this past Tuesday I was at a small local restaurant that I didn’t think would have anything vegan/sugar free/dairy free and so the chef said “I’ve got just the thing for you”. And he made me homemade vegan Jackfruit tacos, homemade vegan refried beans and I thought I had died and gone to heaven. The chef hit a home run!! I’ve never had jackfruit before but I will so be hunting some down soon. π Cindy xx
Stephanie says
Winter Lentil Soup!!! https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/winter-lentil-soup I am not vegetarian by any means but this is SO good and great as leftovers.
Kathy Weiss says
I have been a plant based eater for about 5 years now so I am happy to see you enjoying more plant based meals too….and now sharing some of your favorites. <3 Thank you!!
Laura says
I love all food and eat meat in moderation, probably 3- 5 meals per week, mostly for dinner. Something I got into the habit about 5 years back of making a big salad to serve with dinner. Ideally, I’d sit down to eat it first but that’s pretty much impossible when trying to finish the main course with little ones running around. We get a 6 pack of organic romaine heads from Costco and get through it in about 7- 10 days. I wash about 2- 3 heads at time and serve it really simple- with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, sea salt and black pepper. It isn’t the most exciting salad, but it is tasty and healthy something we never get sick of. My 1 and 4 year old will even eat some at times, although they prefer cooked green veggies. With a big salad bowl on the table with dinner, we naturally fill up some on the fiber and not just the main course. As far at vegetarian meals, I really enjoy the classics- eggplant Parmesan (tedious to make, but delicious!), Indian daals, vegetable soup, bean and cheese quesadillas or burritos. It would be really unusual for me to make a vegan meal for dinner, I just don’t typically find these satisfying or filling, although lunches are almost always vegetarian, and usually vegan (bean salads) as well. I’ve noticed carbs and meat make me feel sluggish if I eat them mid-day, but not in the evenings. My best guess is my body metabolizes food differently at different times.
Sarah Simon says
Would love to know what to do with Jackfruit! I’ve had Jackfruit as BBQ on nachos in a vegan restaurant but haven’t made it myself. Our grocery store actually has some Jackfruit right now but I would have no idea how to cut it! It’s a crazy looking fruit, it’s huge!
Amy says
Quinoa Sweet Potatoes Fiesta Bake from Eating Bird Food is a favorite in my house. We eat mostly plant based meals and my husband actual says they fill him up more then meals with meat!
Erica says
This casserole looks incredible!
Erica says
Awesome links, thanks! One of my favorite vegan meals ever: http://www.adayinmomlife.com/2016/07/family-breakfast-vegan-style.html
Recipes were modified from Isa Chandra of Post Punk Kitchen (info in the post). Check out her site/cookbooks if you are unfamiliar with her!
Rachel says
Asian markets also carry canned jackfruit in brine…which is WAY easier to deal with than an actual jackfruit! You should try it! Just be sure it’s in brine and that you rinse it before using.
Brittany Dixon says
I’ve heard canned is the way to go! I didn’t know about rinsing, so I’ll be sure to do it. Thanks!!
Debbie says
I love that these recipes aren’t soy-heavy!
One of our go-to veggie recipes is this taco dinner. The zuchinni adds a satisfying texture & leftovers have proven great over salad greens or eggs. http://www.cookingclassy.com/roasted-veggie-black-bean-tacos/
I also love minestrone/vegetable soups that get me to eat vegetables & beans that aren’t in other parts of my diet.
Brittany Dixon says
Leftovers on top of salad greens is my jam! Love the veggie mix in this recipe you shared and will save it to try. Thank you!
Marissa says
These meals look delicious! I know everyone is different, but eating vegetarian did not work out for me. I turned up deficient in several vitamins & had really low energy back when I tried it out. I donβt eat a ton of meat now, but I find some animal protein really helps me out!
Brittany Dixon says
You aren’t the only person I’ve heard say that and I really think a healthy diet can differ a lot based on individual needs. Sounds like you found a great balance!
Jeannie says
Love this list and would love to see more plant based meal options as you go along for brrakfast lunch dinner and also snacks.
For breakfast, overnight oats and smoothies are always good. Also check out fitnessista breakfast cookie.
Brittany Dixon says
I really need to try overnight oats again. I think I’m the only person ever who wasn’t wild about them, so maybe I did it wrong π
Karina says
Love this post. My husband and I have been trying to eat a more plant-based diet as well. We have been reading and learning about this for some time now and have progressively gotten better at eating healthier each time. We are always searching for new recipes and ideas, so this post is very helpful.
Thank you for that!
Karina
http://www.mommymornings.com
Cate says
https://joanne-eatswellwithothers.com/2017/08/braised-black-bean-stew-with-cheesy-spinach-polenta-and-fried-shallots.html
We LOVE this recipe- my meat eating husband requests it every couple weeks
Brittany Dixon says
THAT looks INCREDIBLE. I am definitely bookmarking it. Thank you!