11 Plant-Based Diet Recipes for a More Sustainable 2023

If your New Year's resolution is to try more plant-based foods and cut back on eating meat, we have some delicious plant-based diet recipes you'll want to try.

Plant-based diets aren't just a fad trending on TikTok. They're actually beneficial to both your health and the planet. Meat is more carbon- and water-intensive than plant-based foods, as are dairy products like milk and cheese. Even just eliminating meat or animal-derived products for one day a week could positively decrease your carbon footprint.

Whether you're looking to try some meat alternatives (like tofu and tempeh!), or need a new plant-based dinner recipe to impress your friends, check out some of our favorite plant-based diet recipes below.

11 Plant-Based Diet Recipes to Try

1. Tofu Scramble

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, not to mention a great way to start your day with a boost of protein! This tofu scramble is similar to scrambled eggs—just with vegan eggs! You can add in your favorite vegetables like kale and tomatoes. And the best part? It only takes 20 minutes to prepare.

2. Light and Crispy Oat Flour Waffles

If you like to start your day with something sweet, try these vegan and gluten-free waffles. Made with oat flour, corn starch, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, apple cider vinegar, and baking powder, these waffles are the perfect combination of airy and crispy. You can also add tahini or any nut butter of your choice, as well as your favorite fruits.

3. Vegan Spinach and Artichoke Quiche

Take breakfast to the next level with this easy quiche recipe. While typical breakfast pies are made with eggs, this quiche is made with tofu. And it's filled with veggies of your choice! This recipe calls for spinach, artichoke, onions, peppers, and mushrooms. And because the recipe is so versatile, you can eat it for any meal throughout the day.

4. Buffalo Cauliflower Wraps

Whether you work from home or need to pack a lunch, these buffalo cauliflower wraps are the recipe for you. The wraps can be prepared ahead of time and only take about 20 minutes in the oven. Plus, they're vegan and nut-free, and they can even be made gluten-free or soy-free.

5. Kale and Quinoa Salad

This salad is the perfect on-the-go lunch, or even a light and healthy dinner. It's also good for meal prepping, as leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 5 to 6 days. This recipe also offers ways to make the meal heartier, such as pairing it with a soup or freshly-made bread.

6. Creamy Thai Carrot Soup with Basil

This Thai-inspired recipe is super easy to make and freezes well to save for later. It's creamy and comforting, and it's healthy, too! You can add Sriracha or chili garlic sauce for some extra spice, and it makes for the perfect light lunch or dinner.

7. Santa Fe Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

Looking for a healthy and filling recipe to make for your friends and family? Try these stuffed bell peppers! Not only are they vegan, but they're also gluten-free and rich in protein and fibers. They're also easy to prepare, taking only about 35 minutes to make. When you're ready to serve, try topping your peppers with vegan sour cream.

8. Roasted Eggplant Pasta

This 10-ingredient roasted eggplant pasta is perfect for the whole family. Pick your favorite pasta—this recipe calls for any medium-shaped pasta—and pair it with roasted eggplant, zucchini ribbons, a roasted garlic dressing, and gremolata.

9. Vegetable Potato Fritters

Need a kid-friendly recipe that's easy to make? These potato fritters are for you! They're filled with protein because they're made with red lentils, and they can be made in just 25 minutes. Pair your potato fritters with a green salad or your favorite dip. This recipe recommends vegan spicy Sriracha mayonnaise!

10. Homemade Vegan Granola Bars

Plant-based eating isn't limited to breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It includes our favorite snacks, too! If you're looking for a healthy, plant-based snack for when you're on the go, try making your own granola bars. This recipe requires nine ingredients, and most of them you already have in the cupboard.

11. Fudgy Sweet Potato Brownies

Last but not least, no list of plant-based diet recipes is complete without something sweet. For a fun, healthy dessert, try these sweet potato fudge brownies! They're vegan and gluten-free, and the sweet potato not only adds in some sweetness, but also fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C. (Hello, perfect late-night snack!)