10+ Plant Based Whole Food Recipes for Delicious and Nutritious Meals

Plant-based whole food recipes are a great way to enjoy delicious meals while prioritizing your health. These recipes focus on using whole, unprocessed ingredients that provide essential nutrients and support overall well-being.

You’ll discover how easy it is to incorporate more fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes into your diet.

As you explore these recipes, you’ll find that they not only taste good but can also make meal preparation fun and enjoyable. Embracing a plant-based lifestyle can lead to various health benefits, including increased energy and better nutrition. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a space for healthy, flavorful cooking!

1) Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Oven roasted sweet potatoes are a delicious and healthy side dish. They are easy to make and perfect for any meal. The natural sweetness and vibrant color make them appealing to everyone.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Wash, peel, and cube the sweet potatoes into 1-inch pieces.

Spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together to coat the sweet potatoes evenly.

Roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes. They should be tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Enjoy them warm as a tasty addition to your plant-based meals!

Ingredients

• 2-3 medium sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash, peel, and cube the sweet potatoes into 1-inch pieces.
3. Place sweet potato cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Drizzle olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Toss to coat evenly.
6. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and crispy.

2) Vegetable Udon Stir Fry

Vegetable Udon Stir Fry is a simple and tasty dish that you can make in just a few minutes. It features chewy udon noodles and a colorful mix of fresh veggies. This meal is great for a quick weeknight dinner.

You can customize it with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli. A savory sauce adds flavor and ties everything together. Plus, it’s easy to make it vegan if you prefer.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) udon noodles
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the udon noodles according to package instructions.
2. In a large pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and stir for 1 minute.
4. Add mixed vegetables and cook for about 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in cooked udon noodles and soy sauce. Mix well.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy your meal!

3) Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Peanut butter granola bars are a quick and easy snack you can make at home. They are perfect for busy mornings or a healthy treat.

To make these bars, you will need simple ingredients. You can customize them by adding nuts or dried fruit if you like.

These bars are chewy, delicious, and full of energy. They are also vegan and gluten-free, making them suitable for many diets.

Ingredients

• ½ cup smooth peanut butter
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• ¼ cup brown rice syrup
• 2 cups rolled oats
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix peanut butter, maple syrup, and brown rice syrup until smooth.
3. Stir in rolled oats and sea salt until fully combined.
4. Spread the mixture in a lined baking dish.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Let cool, then cut into bars. Enjoy!

4) Egg Roll in a Bowl

Egg Roll in a Bowl is a tasty and simple recipe. It packs all the flavors of traditional egg rolls but skips the wrapper. Instead, you get a delicious mix of veggies and protein.

For this dish, you can use tempeh or crumbled tofu. Add shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions for crunch. A sweet and salty sauce brings everything together.

This meal is quick to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a great option for a healthy lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup tempeh or crumbled tofu
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ginger

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the tempeh or tofu and cook until browned.
3. Stir in the cabbage, carrots, and green onions.
4. Mix the sauce ingredients and pour them over the veggies.
5. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

5) Creamy Corn Chowder

This creamy corn chowder is a comforting dish that’s easy to make. It uses whole food ingredients to create a rich texture without any dairy. Perfect for cozy nights, this recipe is both hearty and satisfying.

You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn for this recipe. Potatoes add creaminess, while coconut milk brings a delicious flavor. Season with your favorite herbs for extra warmth.

Ingredients

• 2 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup potatoes, diced
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add diced potatoes and corn; stir for a few minutes.
3. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Stir in coconut milk and blend for a creamy texture.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

6) Hearty Taco Soup

Hearty taco soup is a delicious and filling meal that warms you up. It’s perfect for a cozy evening. You can make it with a variety of ingredients to suit your taste.

Start with a base of sautéed onions and garlic. Add in fire-roasted tomatoes and any beans you like. Fresh vegetables, such as bell peppers and corn, add texture and flavor.

Season your soup with your favorite taco spices, like cumin and chili powder. For creaminess, consider adding some plant-based milk or avocado. This dish is both nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 red onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1 can black beans
• 1 cup corn
• 2 bell peppers
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté chopped onion and garlic in a pot until soft.
2. Add fire-roasted tomatoes, beans, corn, and bell peppers.
3. Stir in cumin and chili powder.
4. Pour in vegetable broth and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Serve hot, topped with cilantro if desired.

7) Spicy Black Bean Burgers

Spicy black bean burgers are a tasty option for a plant-based meal. They are packed with flavor and protein, making them satisfying and healthy. You can enjoy these burgers on a bun or over a salad.

To make them, you will need black beans, oats, and spices like cumin and chili powder. These ingredients create a hearty texture that holds together well.

You can also add ingredients like brown rice or walnuts for extra texture and nutrition.

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup oats
• 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mash the black beans.
3. Mix in the oats, brown rice, walnuts, and spices.
4. Form the mixture into patties.
5. Place the patties on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

8) Broccoli and Tofu Stir Fry

Broccoli and tofu stir fry is a quick and healthy meal. It’s packed with nutrients and flavors that you will love. The combination of crispy tofu and fresh broccoli makes this dish both satisfying and delicious.

To start, you can sauté tofu in a little oil until it’s golden. Add broccoli and your favorite stir-fry sauce for extra flavor. This meal is quick to cook, taking about 20 minutes from start to finish.

Feel free to customize it with other vegetables or spices to match your taste. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete dish.

Ingredients

• 1 block firm tofu, drained and cubed
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
2. Add tofu and cook until golden, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add broccoli and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
4. Mix in garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Serve hot over rice or noodles. Enjoy!

9) Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry

Sweet potato and chickpea curry is a delicious and healthy dish. It combines sweet potatoes and chickpeas with spices for a warm flavor. This meal is great for busy days because it’s easy to make.

You can use fresh or canned chickpeas. The sweet potatoes add a nice creaminess when cooked. You can enjoy it with rice or flatbreads.

Ingredients

• 1 large sweet potato, diced
• 1 can (240g) chickpeas, drained
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 brown onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup coconut milk
• Spices (curry powder, salt, pepper)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft.
3. Stir in diced sweet potato and chickpeas.
4. Pour in vegetable broth and coconut milk.
5. Add spices to taste.
6. Simmer for about 20 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender.

10) Mushroom and Tofu Noodle Bowl

This Mushroom and Tofu Noodle Bowl is simple and packed with flavor. You will enjoy the chewy texture of the mushrooms paired with soft tofu and fresh veggies.

Start by cooking your favorite noodles. While they cook, prepare a mix of shiitake mushrooms, tofu, and any vegetables you like. You can try adding spinach or bell peppers for extra color.

For the dressing, whisk together miso, sesame oil, and a splash of soy sauce. Once everything is ready, toss the noodles with the veggies, mushrooms, and tofu. Drizzle the dressing on top and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) noodles
• 1 cup (75 g) shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup (150 g) tofu, cubed
• 1 cup (30 g) fresh spinach or other veggies
• 2 tbsp miso paste
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions.

2. In a pan, sauté the mushrooms and tofu until golden.

3. Whisk together miso, sesame oil, and soy sauce.

4. Toss the cooked noodles with the veggies, mushrooms, and tofu.

5. Then, drizzle the dressing over the bowl and serve.