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    Home » Recipes

    21 Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners

    Published: Jun 3, 2019 · Updated: Apr 7, 2020 by Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC · 21 Comments

    21 Delicious Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners

    A delicious collection of plant-based recipes that are easy to make, completely reliable, and will build your confidence in the kitchen!

    The cover image of the post, consisting of 9 images of plant-based recipes.

    Looking to add more plant-based recipes into your diet but don’t know where to start? Or maybe you recipes that your loved ones will actually, truly enjoy!

    I’ve totally got you covered today!

    Below you'll find 21 simple and easy-to-make recipes, including breakfast, drinks, main dishes, salads, soups, and more!

    Plant-Based Recipes that Build Your Confidence in the Kitchen

    When I first started integrating more plant-based into my own diet, I struggled and felt overwhelmed. Let's just say my first batch of quinoa turned out less than appetizing. And I had no idea what I was doing with kale. Feeling defeated, I gave myself a goal to feel confident with 2 recipes, that's it. Once I became comfortable with those, I added two more recipes to my repertoire. Soon I was cooking at home on a regular basis!

    Needless to say, I've gone through the hurdles of cooking food at home, especially when trying to make a change to support my health.

    I've put together a solid list of plant-based recipes for beginners. And if you prefer a printable copy of these, just drop your email below and I'll send it your way!

    Breakfast & Smoothie Plant-Based Recipes

    Chia Seed Pudding

    Chia Seed Pudding

    Chia seed pudding is delicious, versatile, easy to make, and a powerhouse of nutrients. It makes for a delicious snack, breakfast, and even dessert.

    Overnight Steel Cut Oats

    Overnight Steel Cut Oats

    Here's a quick and easy way of making a delicious and filling breakfast. Made with steel cut oats and a few more ingredients, it just needs 5 minutes of your time right before you go to sleep and another 5 minutes in the morning!

    Two bowls of Walnut Apple Crisp

    Walnut Apple Crisp

    This walnut apple crisp is inspired by the classic apple crisp dish. It’s made with fresh seasonal apples, nuts, oats, and warming spices. You'll love this guilt-free treat!

    Glass of Morning Green Smoothie

    Morning Green Smoothie

    A delicious, sweet and tangy green smoothie made with spinach, tangy lime, and sweet banana. This smoothie is perfect for busy mornings or as an afternoon snack.

    Glass of morning green smoothie

    Tropical Matcha Smoothie

    Looking for a new favorite smoothie? This is it! Made with spinach, mango, matcha, and ginger, this energizing smoothie takes all of 2 minutes to make!

    Soups & Curries Plant-Based Recipes

    A bowl of creamy Cauliflower Soup

    Creamy Cauliflower Soup

    This cauliflower soup is a delicious vegan staple any time of the year, but especially during the cooler months of the year. It’s silky, comforting, and easy to make.

    Bowl of soup with spoon and linen napkin

    Sweet Potato Kale Soup

    This delicious soup is hearty and nourishing. Made with sweet potato, kale, fresh tomatoes, and onions, it’s easy to make and comes together in a quick 30 minutes.

    A bowl of chickpea curry

    Chickpea Curry

    Chana masala is an Indian staple and for good reason! It's with a delicious mixture of chickpeas, Indian spices, and fresh herbs. Tasty and easy to make, you can enjoy it with a side of rice, naan, or in a bowl!

    Main Dish Plant-Based Recipes

    A bowl of Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

    Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

    Simple, nourishing, and full of flavor! Tossed in a refreshing lemon herb dressing, this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a crowd-pleaser. It's perfect on its own or as a side salad.

    A Sweet Potato Black Bean Bowl

    Sweet Potato Black Bean Bowl

    This sweet potato and black bean bowl is packed with flavor and tastes delicious. It makes for a quick and easy meal to pull together any day of the week.

    A Vegan Power Bowl

    Vegan Power Bowl

    This vegan power bowl makes the perfect filling plant-based meal. It’s packed with fresh greens, sweet potatoes, seasonal product, and avocado. So much to love in this bowl!

    Garlic Roasted Cauliflower being drizzled with tahini sauce

    Garlic Roasted Cauliflower 

    These garlic roasted cauliflower florets make for a tasty side dish. Simple, delicious, versatile, and packed with flavor, each bite is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

    A platter of cauliflower tacos with sauce

    Cauliflower Tacos

    Take taco night to the next level with these roasted cauliflower tacos! Made with delicious garlicky roasted cauliflower, red cabbage, and a creamy cashew sauce. These tacos are filling, tasty, and make the perfect meal.

    Plant-Based Dressing Recipes

    A jar of Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing

    Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing

    Looking for that perfect go-to everyday dressing? This is it! It's delicious on salads, bowls, roasted veggies, and more. Made with a few ingredients, you'll love this dressing!

    A container of Lemon Vinaigrette

    Lemon Vinaigrette

    This vinaigrette is simple, fresh, tangy and full of flavor. It tastes great on almost any salad or bowl and also makes a great marinade.

    A jar of Balsamic Vinaigrette

    Balsamic Vinaigrette

    Elevate any salad with this everyday balsamic vinaigrette. It's silky in texture with the perfect mix of tangy with a touch of sweetness. You just can't go wrong with this dressing!

    Plant-Based Drink Recipes

    A glass of iced Matcha Latte

    Iced Matcha Latte Recipe

    Iced matcha lattes are delicious but can add up quickly when purchased at a coffee shop or cafe. This iced matcha latte recipe is easy to make for a fraction of the cost!

    A cup of frothy matcha latte sprinkled with rose petals

    Hot Matcha Latte Recipe

    This matcha latte is made with almond milk and matcha green tea. It takes only a few minutes to make - no whisk needed!

    Two hands holding a cup of turmeric latte, sprinkled with rose petals

    Turmeric Latte Recipe

    You'll love this healing and anti-inflammatory beverage, made with turmeric, nut milk, cinnamon, and other Indian spices.

    Almond milk being poured from a bottle into a glass

    Plant-Based Almond Milk Recipe

    Learning how to make almond milk is a great place to start when adapting a healthier lifestyle. Almond milk is a delicious plant-based alternative to dairy. It's easy to make and you only need two ingredients!

    Two containers of homemade oat milk

    Plant-Based Oat Milk Recipe

    This oat milk is so good! It's perfect for smoothies, baked goods, and more! It's easy to make, needs only 3-ingredients, and takes less than 5 minutes to make!

    Get these Plant-Based Recipes in a Printable eBook!

    Bookmark this page for later, or better yet, enter your email address below to get a free copy of the recipes delivered straight to your inbox!

    Cover for 21 Delicious Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners eBook

    For More Easy Plant-Based Recipes...

    …feel free to check out the full collection of Recipes here on Real + Vibrant.  Or my cookbook Plant Power Bowls: 70 Seasonal Vegan Recipes to Boost Energy and Promote Wellness (including a chapter on plant-based Desserts)!

    Happy cooking, everyone!

    « Homemade Oat Milk
    Overnight Oats with Superfoods »
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    About Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC

    Sapana Chandra is a certified health coach, author of Plant Power Bowls, and founder of Real +Vibrant. Here you’ll find simply delicious vegetarian recipes with step-by-step photo instructions – recipes you’ll be excited to enjoy and share with your loved ones.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lizzy says

      July 21, 2022 at 2:45 am

      Hi my name is Lizzy (Elizabeth) I love your beautiful recipes. I have been on the plant base meals due to my high blood pressure and diabetes for a week now and l'm tired of the same old diet. I would love a copy of your recipes please. Much appreciated Lizzy.

      Reply
    2. Crystal McElroy says

      February 24, 2022 at 10:23 pm

      These look great

      Reply
    3. Mary says

      February 21, 2022 at 5:50 pm

      Hello, I'm so glad I found you as a beginner can get so overwhelmed with some recipes you're ready to give up before even getting started. I have to go slow incorporating these foods into my diet as I found out mistakenly. When using your 21 ideas then look forward to branching off into your other ventures. Thank you.
      Mary

      Reply
    4. Gina Rovelli says

      December 31, 2020 at 8:11 pm

      Excited to begin living healthier and feeling better!

      Reply
    5. Mandy says

      August 14, 2020 at 8:39 am

      Hello, thank you for these recipes. I look forward to making them. I'm choosing and excited to begin this new lifestyle.

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        September 24, 2020 at 6:09 pm

        You're welcome, Mandy! Best of luck on your journey. 🙂

        Reply
    6. Kate says

      March 17, 2020 at 1:46 pm

      Excited to try most of these recipes.

      Reply
    7. Wanda M says

      March 07, 2020 at 2:05 pm

      Exactly what I needed. Thank you!

      Reply
    8. Bobbi says

      March 05, 2020 at 9:42 am

      I would love to have these recipes in book form. I am just starting a plant-based lifestyle and all the books I have purchased so far are pretty advanced. These look like delicious and simple recipes - excellent transition and maintenance recipes!

      Reply
      • Allison says

        July 11, 2021 at 5:11 pm

        I’m excited to get started

        Reply
    9. cheri says

      February 03, 2020 at 9:16 pm

      I am looking forward to trying a plant based lifestyle

      Reply
    10. Chrissy says

      November 27, 2019 at 3:11 am

      Please forward the recipes in interested in changing my diet.

      Many thanks

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        December 07, 2019 at 8:55 pm

        Please add your email address in the form above to receive recipes in your inbox!

        Reply
    11. elizabeth shoemaker says

      November 25, 2019 at 6:35 am

      recipes look amazing

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        December 07, 2019 at 8:56 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    12. Kathleen Szalkowski says

      November 06, 2019 at 8:24 pm

      Hi, I would love to have a printable version, Thank you!

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        December 07, 2019 at 8:56 pm

        Hi Kathleen, please submit your email in the form above for a printable version. Thanks!

        Reply
    13. Kelli says

      September 30, 2019 at 10:31 am

      Would love a printable version! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        December 07, 2019 at 8:56 pm

        Hi Kelli, please submit your email in the form above for a printable version. Thanks!

        Reply
    14. Taylor says

      June 03, 2019 at 6:05 pm

      Exactly what I needed. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra says

        June 13, 2019 at 3:57 pm

        I'm so glad to hear! I hope you enjoy the recipes!

        Reply

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    Sapana Chandra

    Hi, I'm Sapana! I’m a recipe developer and author of the cookbook Plant Power Bowls. Here you'll find simple, delicious, vegetarian recipes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Learn more about me

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