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If you are looking to start a plant-based diet or are just curious about what vegans eat, you’ve come to the right place. With recipes for main dishes, soups, pasta, burgers, and more, this list of Plant-Based Recipes has something for everyone. There are even categories for gluten-free, Instant Pot, and high-protein meals.
I remember when I went plant-based for health reasons back in 2013 and thought that I would have to deprive myself and get by eating just salads and raw vegetables. Thankfully, I found out quickly that nothing could be further from the truth!
You will find out from this list that people on a healthy, whole food, plant-based diet eat things like Nacho Supreme, Black Bean Burgers, and Pad Thai just to name a few.
When it comes to flavor, these healthy plant-based recipes are loaded, and no one will ever miss the meat. Every recipe in this list is vegan, vegetarian, and oil-free. Some are even gluten-free. Eating healthy never tasted so good!
What is a plant-based diet?
Eating plant-based, whole foods means fueling your body from the following food groups.
- WHOLE GRAINS– This group includes brown rice, millet, oats, barley, corn, bulgur, and all products made from whole grains including bread, cereals, pasta, and more. Whole grains are filling but have very little fat. In countries where whole grains are staples, such as rural Asia, diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, are much less common than in the States and Europe.
- LEGUMES– This group includes beans, peas, and lentils. They are hearty, high-protein foods that are rich in calcium, iron, cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber, and even traces of omega-3 fatty acids.
- VEGETABLES– These foods are loaded with vitamins and minerals, are very low in fat, and like all plant foods, have no cholesterol at all.
- FRUIT– These are vitamin-rich and have no cholesterol. They do have natural sugar but are low on the glycemic index, except for watermelon and pineapple.
Recommended foods doNOTinclude meat, dairy products, eggs, added oils, or most processed foods.
Are vegan and plant-based the same?
A whole-food plant-based (WFPB) diet issimilar to a vegan dietin that both ways of eating avoid meat, dairy, and eggs. However, WFPB takes it to a further level of eating closer to the plant.
Plant-Based Dinner Recipes
We love to make enough dinner to have leftovers. My husband packs the leftovers for lunch at the office the next day.
Plant-Based Dinner Recipes
Eating a healthy, whole food, plant-based dinner doesn't have to be complicated. These recipes prove that you'll never miss the meat!
Vegan Meat Loaf
When we are going to a family gathering and need to take a dish or two, this No-Meat Loaf is always my first go-to. On Thanksgiving, you can bet it will be on the menu.
Lasagna is such a hearty and filling meal, and it feeds a pretty big crowd! It takes a little bit of work but is so worth the effort. I remember when I used to do in-home cooking lessons, this vegan lasagna is one recipe that always received the best reviews.
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Piled high with perfectly sauteed spinach, shallots, and fire-roasted tomatoes, these portobello stuffed mushrooms are packed with flavor and absolutely delicious!
Falafel Chickpea Patties
Falafels are one of the most widely recognized foods from the Middle East, and with good reason. These deliciously nutty and herby chickpea patties are fabulous on pita sandwiches, salads, and so much more!
Cauliflower BBQ Wings
Thesecauliflower wings are lip-smacking delicious! Terrific for game day or any day for that matter. We even eat them as a main dish.
Vegan Shepherd's Pie
This mouth-watering vegan shepherd’s pie is packed with chunky vegetables, savory sauce, and fluffy mashed potatoes. Believe me, it’s going to be a hit!
Veggie Burgers, Sandwiches, & Wraps
At our house, vegan burgers will be on the menu for dinner on any given night. Pair them with Air Fryer French Fries, Mixed Bean Salad, or corn on the cob for a delicious meal.
Burgers & Sandwiches
Looking for something hearty and delish that will impress the family? Try a plant-based burger or sandwich recipe.
Vegan Meat Ball Italian Sub
This delightfully messy vegan meatball sandwich is great for dinner, parties, and game-day food. It’s such a versatile meatless marinara sandwich, even kids love it!
Black Bean Burger
These Vegan Black Bean Burgers are so popular because the patties are firm and can even be cooked on the grill without falling through.
Lentil Sloppy Joes
Easy, filling, and inexpensive, these veggie Lentil Sloppy Joes are a quick meal that keeps you full for hours and reheats well for lunch the next day.
Chickpea Burgers
This delicious Chickpea Burger is hearty and packed with flavor. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a dollop of my homemade vegan mayo.
Chickpea Salad Sandwich
Tired? Don't feel like cooking? This chickpea vegan salad with avocado takes less than 10 minutes and only requires a bowl and fork to prepare. No kidding! Protein-packed and delicious!
Fresh Veggie Wraps
Healthy meals just don’t get any easier than with these easyveggie wrapslayered with hummus or mayo and piled high with fresh veggies like lettuce, spinach, carrots, cucumbers, and anything else you can think of.
Vegan Sandwich Pinwheels
These bite-sized colorful sandwich pinwheels make terrific little appetizers or a quick tasty lunch, and they are very kid-friendly!
Portobello Mushroom Burger
Thick, juicy, tender, and hearty, these are the ribeyes of veggie burgers! Grilled or baked in the oven, you can't go wrong with Portobello mushroom burgers.
Smoked Tempeh Breakfast Sandwich
No greasy, artery-clogging bacon and eggs here. Only healthy deliciousness. Move over fast food drive through, we've got plant-strong Vegan Breakfast Sandwich only here!
Soy Curls Barbecue Sandwich
No kidding! Dinner can be ready in 10 minutes flat! Just add fresh lettuce, onion, and pickles. These soy curl (or seitan) barbecue sandwiches will be a hit, no matter who you feed them to.
Tired of a boring sandwich? Let me help you fix that with this Ultimate Veggie & Hummus Sandwich that is piled high with crunchy vegetables and creamy hummus and can be ready in 15 minutes or less.
Vegan Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This amazing vegan grilled cheese sandwich is layered with homemade vegan melty cheese, tomato, kale (or spinach), and creamy easy-to-make mayo. Who says grilled cheeses are for kids? This flavorful vegan sandwich is for everyone!
Chickpea Tuna Salad for Sandwiches
This fabulous Chickpea Tuna Salad recipe is from Cathy Fisher with Straight Up Food. Made with chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and seasonings, this vegan tuna is going to delight your taste buds!
Cucumber Sandwiches
Cucumber Sandwiches are perfect for appetizers, luncheons, bridal or baby showers, picnics, and even just for a healthy meal. They are fresh, light, and so delicious!
Pasta Recipes
I’ll admit it–I’m a pasta lover. There’s just something comforting and delicious about a plate of pasta piled high with fresh vegetables. These are some of my favorite pasta dishes.
Plant-Based Pasta Dishes
If pasta is what you're in the mood for, we've got you covered with these delicious dishes that include everything from stir fries to alfredo.
Vegan Pad Thai
This Vegan Pad Thai is so much better than takeout, with a nut-free sauce and a fresher take on ingredients. It's from OG vegan cookbook author,Dreena Burton, and is absolutely delicious!
This vegan spaghetti & meatball dish is the perfect comfort food. Not only is it healthy and delicious, but it can also be frozen and kept on hand for any time you like.
Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese
Thisgluten-free vegan mac and cheesedish is one of my favorite dairy-free comfort foods! Thecheesesauce can also be used in lots of other recipes and dishes as well.
Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice Noodles
This super simple vegetable stir fry can be on the table in about 40 minutes. It's amazingly peanuty and the rice noodles make it completely gluten-free.
This colorful orzo pasta salad is nutritious, filling, and can be made in about 20 minutes. It's loaded with green peas, tomatoes, basil, and a simple balsamic dijon sauce that is absolutely delicious!
These Udon Noodles & Veggies are delicious! The noodles have a naturally sweet flavor that requires very little extra seasoning. We will definitely be making these again!
Macaroni Salad
This easy Vegan Macaroni Salad is loaded with healthy ingredients including lots of fresh crunchy veggies, a creamy dairy-free dressing, and tender elbow pasta. It's oil-free, dairy-free, and completely vegan.
Vegan Alfredo Sauce
Roasted Garlic Butter Pasta
Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff
This creamyvegan stroganoff has a savorymushroomflavor that will remind you of the rich and scrumptious stroganoff recipes you grew up with. Now satisfy your pasta cravings without the guilt!
Plant Based Soups
It doesn’t have to be cold outside to enjoy a warm hearty bowl of soup. We eat it all year round. Oftentimes, I make a pan of my Country Cornbread to go with it.
Hearty Plant-Based Soups
The great things about plant-based soups are that they are inexpensive to make and feed a crowd. Check out some of these favorites.
Barley Vegetable Soup
I love soup for so many reasons! Not only is it easy to make and super filling, but it reheats and freezes well too. This barley vegetable soup recipe is also super healthy and loaded with wholesome ingredients. It can be a one-pot recipe for the stovetop or even made in a slow cooker.
French Onion Soup
French onion soup is a classic and gets its flavor from deeply caramelized onions. This vegan version has every bit of the flavor, with only a fraction of the fat. Topped with sourdough bread and vegan mozzarella, I think you are going to be amazed by its incredibly warm texture and taste.
Hearty Mexican Tortilla Soup
This Mexican Tortilla Soup is bursting with flavor and also happens to be completely vegan and oil-free.
Miso Soup in 20-Minutes
This deliciousvegan miso soupis chock full of wholesome ingredients and can be on the dinner table in about 20-minutes flat!
Vegan Cheddar Broccoli Soup
A classic favorite,cheddar broccoli soupwas one dish I missed after going dairy-free, so I worked hard to come up with this deliciously satisfyingvegan versionthat is loaded with flavor by the spoonful.
Creamy Mushroom Soup
Creamy, rich, and hearty, this delicious Vegan Mushroom Soup is healthy and bursting with flavor!
Sweet Potato Soup with Beans
This naturally sweet vegan sweet potato soup is bursting with flavor! It's smooth and creamy and has chunks of soft sweet potato flavored with rich smoked paprika.
Potato Soup Vegan
I believe my love of creamy potato soup developed in childhood. It's a deep-rooted comfort food for me. Even now, it doesn't have to be cold outside. We eat it year round.
African Peanut Soup
African Peanut Sweet Potato Stew is one of my personal favorite recipes of all time! We make it regularly. The flavors are simply amazing, like a party in your mouth. If you only try one recipe, let this be the one. I'm serious!
Lentil Stew with Artichokes
This lentil stew with artichokes is a hearty dish that is nutrient-dense and absolutely delicious!
Chef AJ's Black Bean Soup
Easy Black Bean Soup created by the one-and-only Chef AJ comes together quickly because it's made with convenient canned black beans and loaded with wholesome ingredients like sweet potatoes and onions and perfectly seasoned with warm spices. Everyone is going to love this vegan, oil-free, gluten-free, and vegetarian soup.
Plant-Based Instant Pot Recipes
I probably don’t use my Instant Pot as much as I should. Mostly, I use it to make fresh beans like Instant Pot Chickpeas and this Flawless Instant Pot Brown Rice.
Instant Pot Plant-Based Recipes
We all love our Instant Pots because they make getting dinner on the table fast and simple. These plant-based Instant Pot recipes will not disappoint!
Instant Pot Vegan Chili
There is nothing better to warm you up on a cold day than a big bowl of hearty chili, and it’s even better when it can be ready and on the table in minutes without any fuss in the kitchen. This Instant Pot Vegan Chili is easy to make and chock full of healthy wholesome ingredients.
White Bean Chili
This White Bean Chili satisfies the craving for chili but cuts out all of the unhealthy ingredients found in many other chili recipes. Loaded with chunks of sweet potatoes, tender white beans, celery, onions, and spices, this dish is sure to keep you full for hours.
Lentil Soup
This easy vegan lentil soup is chock full of wholesome ingredients and can be on the table in about 30-minutes. It's a one-pot meal, so clean up is a breeze! I've included directions for cooking on the stovetop, Instant Pot, and crockpot.
Instant Pot Cabbage
This vegan version of Instant Pot Cabbage is one of the easiest healthy side dishes you'll ever make. It's ready in only a few minutes and pairs well with so many other recipes.
Instant Pot Dairy-Free Yogurt
Making Dairy-Free Yogurt in your Instant Pot is super easy and requires only 2 ingredients. This simple recipe is from The China Study Cookbook by LeAnne Campbell, PhD.
Gluten-Free Recipes
There are quite a few gluten-free recipes on this website. Actually, a lot more than are on this list. For a full list, check out our Gluten-Free Category.
Gluten-Free Plant-Based Recipes
Though I'm not personally gluten-free, I know that a lot of folks are avoiding gluten. These gluten-free plant-based recipes are perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
This oil and dairy-free version of the traditional American hash brown casserole is delicious and hearty-healthy. With potatoes, onions, red bell peppers, creamy vegan cheese sauce, and smoked paprika, there is no skimping on taste. No artery-clogging butter and eggs either!Vegan Breakfast Casserole is amazing!
Stuffed Mushrooms
These Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms are a fabulous side dish or appetizer for any occasion. This is a simple and savory recipe that's a snap to assemble and a real crowd-pleaser dish.
Simple Garden Spring Rolls
Vegan Sushi
We love vegan sushi, but it can be so expensive. The good news is that it's easy to make at home, and you can even customize it to include all the stuffings you like best!
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
When we are going to a social gathering and I really want to make a big statement about how good eating healthy and plant-based can be, these Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a dish I love to make.
Veggie Fried Rice
We cook large quantities of rice on a regular basis and that means there are often leftovers in our refrigerator.This super simpleVeggie Fried Rice recipe is a great way to use up that leftover rice!
Mexican Stuffed Peppers
Mexican Stuffed Peppers are an amazingly flavorful main dish at my house. Loaded with rice, beans, veggies, and warm seasonings, they are hearty and perfect for family dinners and even entertaining guests.
Tofu Teriyaki with Broccoli
This super easy Tofu Teriyaki dish is absolutely delicious and perfect for dinner any night of the week. Serve with rice or noodles to make a complete meal that the whole family is going to love!
Easy Lettuce Wraps
This amazingly simple vegan Lettuce Wrap recipe is shared by Ann & Jane Esselstyn from their book, The Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease Cookbook. In just minutes, you can have a healthy meal on the table that everyone is going to love!
Easy Vegan Pad Thai
This Vegan Pad Thai is so much better than takeout, with a nut-free sauce and a fresher take on ingredients. It's from OG vegan cookbook author,Dreena Burton, and is absolutely delicious!
Cauliflower Walnut Tacos
Taco night will never be the same with these delicious Cauliflower Tacos that are simple to make and happen to be vegetarian, vegan, and even gluten-free.They are absolutely delicious!
High-Protein Plant-Based Meals
This article, How Much Protein is Too Much, is a real eye-opener and even has an easy formula to help you figure out exactly how much you need based on your body weight.
High-Protein Plant-Based Meals
The truth is, plant-based foods have plenty of protein to help us build muscle. But, for those endurance athletes that really want to add extra protein, these high-protein plant-based meals will help you do just that.
Black Bean Burger
These Vegan Black Bean Burgers are so popular because the patties are firm and can even be cooked on the grill without falling through.
Crock Pot Vegan Chili
Believe it or not, chili can be made healthy without loads of saturated fat and calories with this amazing Crockpot Vegan Chili that even has meat-eaters licking their lips.
Tofu Teriyaki with Broccoli
This super easy Tofu Teriyaki dish is absolutely delicious and perfect for dinner any night of the week. Serve with rice or noodles to make a complete meal that the whole family is going to love!
Amazing Tofu Scramble
This is the ultimate, healthy breakfast powerhouse! Your arteries will thank you! Watch our 5-minute cooking demo of this recipe above.
Roadhouse Vegan Breakfast Hash
This is asavory vegan breakfast hash that will keep you from ever missing traditional hash again. Roadhouse hash is so versatile and hearty, it is a great dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Baked Crispy Tofu
This crispy-on-the-outside and slightly-meaty-on-the-inside, crispy baked tofu is absolutely delicious smothered in gravy made by using the leftover marinade sauce.
Vegan Quiche Casserole
This vegan quiche casserole is packed with flavor and will be a huge hit no matter when you serve it.
Chickpea Burgers
This delicious Chickpea Burger is hearty and packed with flavor. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a dollop of my homemade vegan mayo.
Lasagna is such a hearty and filling meal, and it feeds a pretty big crowd! It takes a little bit of work but is so worth the effort. I remember when I used to do in-home cooking lessons, this vegan lasagna is one recipe that always received the best reviews.
Vegan Shepherd's Pie
This mouth-watering vegan shepherd’s pie is packed with chunky vegetables, savory sauce, and fluffy mashed potatoes. Believe me, it’s going to be a hit!
Falafel Chickpea Patties
Falafels are one of the most widely recognized foods from the Middle East, and with good reason. These deliciously nutty and herby chickpea patties are fabulous on pita sandwiches, salads, and so much more!
For a full list of our over 300 recipes, check out our Plant-Based Recipe Index which is broken down into categories for your convenience.
Free Plant-based diet resources
If you are just getting started on a plant-based diet, these FREE resources will be very helpful.
- How to Start a Plant-Based Diet
- 7-Day Plant-Based Diet Menu Plan
- Beginners Plant-Based Diet Grocery List
- Plant-Based Diet Beginners Guide
This post may contain affiliate links.Read my full disclosure here.
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4.41 from 128 votes
Black Bean Burger
These Vegan Black Bean Burgers are so popular because the patties are firm and can even be cooked on the grill without falling through.
Prep: 15 minutes mins
Cook: 20 minutes mins
Total: 35 minutes mins
Print Pin Rate Save
Servings: 4 servings
IngredientsUS Customary – Metric
US Customary – Metric
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed 15 oz can or 1.5 cups fresh cooked
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper diced
- 1/4 cup onions diced
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoons vegan Worcestershire sauce or Bragg's Aminos
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon steak seasoning dry spice optional
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
Drain and rinse black beans. Just be sure to get rid of all the liquid.
In a large bowl, mash black beans with a potato masher or even a fork.
Dice the onion and red pepper into small chunks.
Add all ingredients to the bowl with black beans,including oats, veggies, and spices.
Mix thoroughly. I use my hands to knead them well.
Make 4 to 5 pattiesfrom the mixture by forming a ball and pressing into patties .
Line a baking sheet with
and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. They also do well in an air fryer. You can pan-fry; however, for the firmest patties, baking or air frying are recommended.
Serve on a bun with onion, lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments. I love these with my Chipotle Ranch Sauce.
Video
Notes
Pro Tips & Suggestions
- Cooking methods- Bake, air fry, grill, or cook in a non-stick frying pan. For the firmest patties, baking or air frying are recommended.
- Air Frying- To make these in the air fryer, set the temperature to 400°F and cook for about 15 minutes. They come out nice and crispy.
- Black beans- Cook your own beans from scratch in yourInstantPotor use canned beans that have been drained and rinsed.
- Special sauce- The amazing sauce I use is my Chipotle Ranch Dressing, and it is HIGHLY recommended to knock these burgers out of the park.
- Double batch-The patties freeze very well, so make a double batch while you’re at it. You’ll be so glad you did!
- Freeze- The bean burger patties freeze well if you want to make a big batch and have them on hand for a fast-food meal. I always bake them and then freeze them, but you could freeze them raw and then bake them when you’re ready.
- Bun options– For an oil-free bun, try the Ezekiel brand in the freezer section of many grocery stores or make your own with this recipe from This Healthy Kitchen.
Topping Options
Using different toppings on these vegan burgers is a great way to spice them up even more. These are some of my favorite topping options:
- Partner with my low-fat Chipotle Ranch Sauce!
- Piled high with spinach or lettuce and tomato
- Round thinly sliced onions
- Dill pickle sandwich slices
- Ketchup or bbq sauce
- Salsa
- Homemade Mayo
- Mustard such as yellow, Dijon, or brown spice
- Vegan cheese sauce
Nutrition
Calories: 253kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 2g | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 5g
Disclaimer
To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
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About Terri Edwards
Hi guys! I am the content creator behind EatPlant-Based and a licensed Food for Life instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.I am passionate about sharing healthy recipes and tips to empower others to get healthy. I’m so glad you’re here! Read More…
