Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (2024)

Looking to start a plant-based diet? EatingWell is here to help with simple vegan recipes to help you make the transition in the easiest and most delicious way possible. Plant-based diet recipes like Marinated Tofu Salad, Black Bean Quinoa Bowl and Berry-Almond Smoothie Bowl will fill you up with plenty of healthy fruits and vegetables plus the inspiration to kick-start your journey on a new way of eating.

01of 27

Black Bean-Quinoa Bowl

View Recipe

Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (1)

This black bean and quinoa bowl has many of the usual hallmarks of a taco salad, minus the fried bowl. We've loaded it up with pico de gallo, fresh cilantro and avocado plus an easy hummus dressing to drizzle on top.

02of 27

Berry-Almond Smoothie Bowl

View Recipe

Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (2)

A little frozen banana gives creamy texture to this satisfying smoothie bowl.

03of 27

Vegan Creamy Coleslaw

View Recipe

Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (3)

Classic coleslaw goes vegan in this easy barbecue side dish recipe. Eggless or vegan mayonnaise's mild flavor is indistinguishable from regular mayo in this coleslaw flavored with Dijon and cider vinegar. Look for it in the condiment section of large grocery stores or natural-foods stores.

04of 27

Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Soup with Parsley-Chive Swirl

View Recipe

Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (4)

Blitzed cauliflower gives this very easy vegan soup recipe its creamy taste without adding any dairy. To get the silkiest texture, puree the soup in a blender rather than using an immersion blender.

05of 27

Cocoa-Chia Pudding with Raspberries

View Recipe

Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (5)

Have chocolate for breakfast with this unbelievably healthy chia pudding recipe. The deep chocolaty flavor pairs perfectly with juicy raspberries for a fun switch-up from oatmeal for your morning routine.

06of 27

Vegan Bistro Lunch Box

View Recipe

Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (6)

Perfect to pack for lunch to take to work or for a picnic in the park, this vegan bistro box is filled with Mediterranean diet-inspired crunchy vegetables, pita bread, creamy hummus and olives.

07of 27

Use-All-the-Broccoli Stir-Fry

View Recipe

Quinoa Chickpea Salad with Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Dressing

View Recipe

Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (8)

This hearty vegan salad is loaded with plant-based power ingredients: chickpeas, quinoa and hummus. We love the crunch of the sunflower seeds and the unexpected flavor of roasted peppers.

09of 27

Pineapple Nice Cream

View Recipe

Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (9)

All-fruit, dairy-free and with no added sugar--these are the hallmarks of "nice cream," a healthy alternative to ice cream. This pineapple nice cream has tropical flavors, thanks to a hit of mango and lime. It takes just minutes to make this naturally sweet frozen dessert in the food processor or a blender. Enjoy it alone, or top with fresh fruit and toasted coconut.

10of 27

West Coast Avocado Toast

View Recipe

Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (10)

Hummus, sprouts and avocado top sprouted whole-wheat bread in this healthy vegan lunch idea. Look for sprouted bread in the freezer section of your grocery store.

11of 27

Roasted Vegetable & Black Bean Tacos

View Recipe

Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (11)

These hearty vegan tacos are quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights. They are so tasty no one will miss the meat or dairy.

12of 27

Tofu Cucumber Salad with Spicy Peanut Dressing

View Recipe

Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (12)

Making tofu tastier can be as simple as tossing it in a knockout sauce like this Sichuan-inspired peanut dressing. To make this cucumber salad recipe a meal, add rice noodles and double the dressing. Serve with an extra drizzle of sesame oil and sliced scallions.

13of 27

Chocolate Banana Oatmeal

View Recipe

Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (13)

Have your fruit and a little luxury too with this kid-friendly healthy chocolate and banana oatmeal recipe. Short on time in the morning? Try our overnight oatmeal variation.

14of 27

Roasted Root Veggies & Greens over Spiced Lentils

View Recipe

Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (14)

This earthy bowl of lentils bursting with Middle Eastern flavors is topped with leftover roasted root veggies from a large batch for an easy weeknight dinner. Keep it vegan or add a drizzle of plain yogurt for extra richness.

15of 27

Mixed Greens with Lentils & Sliced Apple

View Recipe

Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (15)

This salad with lentils, feta and apple is a satisfying vegetarian entree to whip together for lunch. To save time, swap in drained canned lentils--just make sure to look for low-sodium and give them a rinse before adding them to the salad.

16of 27

"Chocomole" Pudding

View Recipe

Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (16)

Creamy avocados make this dairy-free and vegan chocolate dessert recipe super-rich. Serve as a not-so-sweet dessert or with strawberries for dipping.

17of 27

Quinoa Avocado Salad

View Recipe

Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (17)

Protein-packed quinoa pairs with creamy avocado in this refreshing grain salad. It's the perfect make-ahead side dish to bring on a picnic or take to a potluck. Or pack it for lunch or enjoy it as a light dinner.

18of 27

Stuffed Sweet Potato with Hummus Dressing

View Recipe

Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (18)

Hearty yet simple to prepare, this stuffed sweet potato with black beans, kale and hummus dressing is a fantastic 5-ingredient lunch for one!

19of 27

Butternut Squash & Cauliflower Soup with Chickpea Croutons

View Recipe

Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (19)

Bulk up boxed butternut squash soup with frozen cauliflower florets, then top off your bowl with crispy chickpea snacks for major crunch (look for them near the dried fruit and nuts at your grocery store). This impressively easy dinner comes together with just those three ingredients, not including salt, pepper and oil. Because prepared soups are typically higher in sodium, look for light or reduced-sodium versions of your favorites.

20of 27

Lentil Curry with Cauliflower Rice

View Recipe

Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (20)

Combine precooked lentils (often located in the produce section of your grocery store) with an Indian-style simmer sauce for a super-fast and flavorful curry. Serving it over riced cauliflower bumps up the vegetable count and keeps carb servings in check. This 3-ingredient dinner (not counting salt, pepper and oil) is really as easy as it gets. To be mindful of the salt, look for simmer sauces with less than or close to 350 mg sodium per ¼-cup serving.

21of 27

Clean-Out-the-Fridge Vegetable Soup

View Recipe

Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (21)

This recipe is purposefully flexible so you can incorporate just about any veggie into it. Top with a dollop of pesto and/or a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.

22of 27

Summer Grilled Vegetables

View Recipe

Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (22)

Colorful grilled summer vegetables are served with a light and refreshing sauce in this easy side dish that pairs perfectly with just about everything.

23of 27

Golden Vegetable Soup

View Recipe

Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (23)

In this vegan golden vegetable soup, butternut squash adds color, while ginger, serrano pepper and spices add depth and earthy flavors.

24of 27

Marinated Tofu Salad

View Recipe

Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (24)

Tofu soaks up the flavors of lemon, cumin and coriander in this marinated tofu salad. The marinade does double duty, combining with tahini to transform into a dressing with a nutty taste and creamy texture.

25of 27

Peanut Zoodles with Edamame

View Recipe

Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (25)

A package of fresh zucchini noodles gets tossed with shelled edamame and store-bought peanut sauce in these 5-minute, no-cook vegetable noodle bowls. Because prepared sauces and dressings are commonly high in sodium, scan the label and opt for those that contain 150 mg sodium or less per tablespoon.

26of 27

3-Ingredient Refried Bean & Pico de Gallo Tostadas

View Recipe

Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (26)

Making your own tostadas is easy. Use store-bought corn tortillas, brush them with olive oil and bake to crunchy perfection! Here we topped the tostada with refried beans and fresh pico de gallo for an easy 3-ingredient meal.

27of 27

Black Bean Hummus

View Recipe

Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (27)

For a slightly Southwestern spin on hummus, swap in black beans for the traditional chickpeas. It's just as fiber-rich and filling, but with a taste that pairs well with tortilla chips and crisp bell peppers.