There are so many reasons to go for a more plant-based diet. Not only is it better for your health (and great for your waistline) but it's also smart for the planet, good for our animal friends, and it can be easier on your wallet, to boot.
But first: What exactly is a plant-based diet? Though it's similar to vegan and vegetarian diets (we've got lots of vegan dinner recipes and vegetarian recipes for you too!), there are a few key differences. A plant-based diet changes the focus from what you're not eating to what you are, which is mostly plants! That means that while meat and dairy aren't necessarily entirely off limits, they're generally eaten only very rarely, and mostly only as a garnish, if at all. Also, plant-based eaters tend to focus on whole, fresh foods, eschewing a lot of the highly processed fake meats and/or cheeses that many vegetarians and vegans enjoy. Ultimately this means eating a lot of fresh, colorful foods, and having dishes that are packed with interesting flavors, as opposed to packaged foods with long lists of ingredients.
Whether you're doing a plant-based trial period or have adopted this lifestyle full time, it's likely that you're in the market for some fresh recipes for simple meals. Luckily, we've got you covered! Here are a few dozen of our favorite plant-based meals. All are meatless, and most are dairy-free, or the dairy can be easily left out. But what they do have is a ton of flavor, and a wide variety of fresh ingredients. And the best part is that most of them are easy enough to whip up on a weeknight without too much trouble.
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1
Shaved Asparagus Salad with Raisins
Looking for a side salad base that's a little heartier than lettuce? This shaved asparagus needs no cooking, tastes incredibly fresh, and is very filling!
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2
Carrot and Black Bean Crispy Tacos
Spiced, roasted carrots form the backbone of this surprisingly robust taco.
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3
Cauliflower Mac 'n' Cheese
This cold-night staple serves up ample creamy gooeyness, while a stealthy vegetable (puréed cauliflower!) boosts vitamins and fiber.
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4
Vegetarian Chili with Grains and Beans
This recipe is ideal for those just starting to go plant-based. It's so hearty, you may not even notice the lack of meat.
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5
Bulgur and Cashew Stuffed Eggplant
There's no meat or dairy, but plenty of sweet and spicy flavors in this heart-healthy meal.
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6
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Apples, hazelnuts, and Pecorino cheese elevate this salad to a whole new level. Or, skip the cheese and make it fully vegan.
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7
Farro-and-Acorn Squash Salad
This hearty grain and winter squash dish is delicious warm, but tastes arguably even better after it's had a day for the flavors to marinate. If you're dairy-free skip the blue cheese and add a little nutritional yeast instead.
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8
White Bean and Peppadew Salad
Get a zesty kick from the pickled Peppadew peppers in this delicious white bean salad.
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9
Vegan Gluten-Free Noodle Bowl
This combo of rapini and soba noodles from Sarah Yates of A House in the Hills has it all: It's simple, spicy, packed with flavor, and hearty enough to keep you going.
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10
Steamed Wild Rice with Toasted Hazelnut Butter
This protein-rich combo of nuts and wild grains makes a good side dish or a hearty main all on its own. Pair with a salad for a full meal. One note: Vegan substitutes won't "brown" the way butter does, so you can skip that step, but the toasted hazelnuts will impart plenty of rich, nutty flavor.
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11
Grilled Summer Squash With Lemon-Scallion Dressing
The jalapeño gives just the right amount of spice to this refreshing grilled squash side dish.
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12
Chopped Salad
Packed with crunchy greens and hearty chickpeas, this salad can be a meal all on its own
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13
Roasted Butternut Squash With Cider Vinaigrette
Whole grain mustard and red onion give this dish some serious flavor, while apple cider sweetens it up just enough. It's a must-have in any healthy recipe arsenal.
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14
Wild Rice-and-Cider-Cranberry Pilaf
Cranberries, apple cider, and cinnamon, oh my! This just-sweet-enough dish tastes like autumn in a bowl, and it'll keep you full too.
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15
Marinated Mushroom-and-Charred Broccolini Salad
Got a family of meat-lovers? A mushroom-based dish is the best way to convert them to vegetable-centric meals.
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16
Pearl Couscous With Leeks and Peas
The genius of this dish is that it can be served warm or at room temperature.
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17
Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Barley and Arugula
Dress a simple arugula salad with fresh and tasty ingredients like barley, sweet potatoes, and feta for a light weeknight dinner.
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18
Lentil Stew with Butternut Squash
Rich in vitamins A and C, butternut squash adds a subtle sweetness to this hearty, slow-cooker lentil stew.
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19
Savory Pumpkin Soup with Spice Shake
This puréed soup is quite delicious as-is, but don't sleep on the spice shake! It's good enough you may find yourself putting it on other things.
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20
Sweet Pea and Avocado Soup
This chilled soup is made extra easy by relying on a bag of frozen peas.
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