12 Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners (That You’ll Actually Love)
If you’re curious about eating more plants or diving headfirst into a plant-based lifestyle, you’re in the right place. Whether it’s for your health, the planet, or pure curiosity, starting a plant-based diet doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, it can be simple, delicious, and budget-friendly.
This guide covers 12 beginner-friendly plant-based recipes that require minimal cooking skills and use common pantry ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prepping.
Let’s dive into some plant based recipes for beginners that will make you fall in love with veggies!
🥦 What is a Plant-Based Diet?
A plant-based diet emphasizes whole, minimally processed foods from plants. This includes:
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Whole grains
- Legumes (beans, lentils, peas)
- Nuts and seeds
It doesn’t necessarily mean 100% vegan, but many plant-based recipes omit meat, dairy, and eggs, especially in beginner-friendly versions.
✅ Benefits of Starting a Plant-Based Diet
Before we jump into the recipes, here’s why beginners often choose plant-based meals:
- Heart Health: Lower cholesterol and blood pressure
- Weight Loss: Naturally lower in calories and fat
- Energy Boost: More fiber and nutrients
- Better Digestion: Thanks to all that fiber
- Eco-Friendly: Reduces your carbon footprint
Now, let’s get to the good stuff—easy, tasty, and satisfying recipes.
🥗 1. Chickpea Salad Sandwich
Ready in: 10 minutes
Great for: Lunch or light dinner
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and mashed
- 2 tbsp vegan mayo or hummus
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 tbsp red onion, chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Whole grain bread, lettuce, and tomato
Instructions:
- Mix chickpeas, mayo, mustard, celery, and onion in a bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon onto bread with lettuce and tomato.
Why Beginners Love It:
It’s like tuna salad—without the tuna. It’s quick, familiar, and kid-approved.
🍝 2. One-Pot Lentil Spaghetti
Ready in: 30 minutes
Great for: Weeknight dinner
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dry lentils
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 8 oz spaghetti (whole grain or gluten-free)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
Instructions:
- In a pot, sauté garlic for 1 minute.
- Add lentils, broth, and sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add spaghetti and cook until noodles are done, stirring occasionally.
Why Beginners Love It:
You don’t need to cook everything separately—plus, lentils make it hearty.
🌯 3. Black Bean Tacos
Ready in: 20 minutes
Great for: Taco night
Ingredients:
- 1 can of black beans, drained
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Toppings: avocado, salsa, lettuce, vegan cheese
Instructions:
- Warm olive oil in a skillet. Add beans and spices. Cook for 5–7 minutes.
- Warm tortillas, then fill with beans and toppings.
Pro Tip:
Double the beans and store them for taco salads later in the week.
🥣 4. Creamy Vegan Oatmeal
Ready in: 10 minutes
Great for: Breakfast
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup plant milk (almond, oat, or soy)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 banana, mashed
- Toppings: berries, peanut butter, maple syrup
Instructions:
- In a small pot, bring oats and milk to a simmer.
- Stir in banana and chia seeds.
- Top with fruit and nut butter.
Why Beginners Love It:
It’s comforting, quick, and keeps you full until lunch.
🍛 5. Coconut Chickpea Curry
Ready in: 25 minutes
Great for: Cozy dinners
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- Cooked rice or quinoa
Instructions:
- Sauté onion and garlic in a pot.
- Add curry powder, chickpeas, and coconut milk.
- Simmer for 15 minutes, then stir in spinach.
- Serve over rice.
🥗 6. Buddha Bowl
Ready in: 30 minutes
Great for: Meal prep
Ingredients:
- Cooked brown rice or quinoa
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Steamed broccoli
- Chickpeas or black beans
- Tahini dressing (tahini + lemon + water + garlic)
Instructions:
- Assemble bowl with rice, veggies, and beans.
- Drizzle with tahini dressing.
Custom Tip:
Use whatever veggies and beans you have on hand!
🥪 7. Hummus Veggie Wraps
Ready in: 10 minutes
Great for: On-the-go lunches
Ingredients:
- Whole grain tortilla
- 3 tbsp hummus
- Sliced cucumber, carrot, lettuce, bell pepper
Instructions:
- Spread hummus on tortilla.
- Layer veggies and roll tightly.
- Slice in half and serve.
🥬 8. Easy Tofu Stir-Fry
Ready in: 20 minutes
Great for: Takeout replacement
Ingredients:
- 1 block tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 cups mixed stir-fry veggies
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Cooked rice or noodles
Instructions:
- Sauté tofu until golden, then remove from pan.
- Add veggies and stir-fry 5–7 mins.
- Return tofu, add sauce, and serve.
🥔 9. Loaded Baked Potatoes
Ready in: 40 minutes
Great for: Comfort food nights
Ingredients:
- Russet potatoes
- Black beans
- Vegan sour cream or avocado
- Salsa
- Green onions
Instructions:
- Bake potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 40 mins.
- Slice open and stuff with toppings.
🧆 10. Baked Falafel
Ready in: 35 minutes
Great for: Middle Eastern night
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas
- 1/4 onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup parsley
- 1 tsp cumin
- 3 tbsp flour or oats
Instructions:
- Blend ingredients until chunky.
- Form into balls and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
🥄 11. Banana Nice Cream
Ready in: 5 minutes
Great for: Dessert
Ingredients:
- 2 frozen bananas
- Splash of plant milk
- Optional: cocoa powder or peanut butter
Instructions:
- Blend frozen bananas until creamy.
- Add milk for smoother texture. Add flavor if desired.
🍲 12. Vegetable Soup
Ready in: 30 minutes
Great for: Batch cooking
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 onion
- 2 carrots
- 2 celery stalks
- 1 cup chopped potato
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp thyme
Instructions:
- Sauté onion, carrot, and celery.
- Add broth, potatoes, and thyme.
- Simmer 20–25 minutes.
🌱 Final Thoughts on Plant Based Recipes for Beginners
Eating plant-based doesn’t have to mean complicated ingredients or bland food. With just a few pantry staples and fresh produce, you can create satisfying, beginner-friendly meals that are good for your body and the planet.
Whether you’re going plant-based for a day, a week, or a lifetime, these plant based recipes for beginners will help you feel confident in the kitchen—and full at the dinner table.
