30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (2024)

An amazing list of reader favorite healthy vegan recipes! From breakfast to dinner and everything in between, you'll have no idea that these are all vegan!

30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (1)

Food is meant to be enjoyed. And enjoying food doesn't mean you have to sacrifice when eating something nutritious. It takes someone that loves to eat as much as I do to create healthy vegan food to show the world you can have the best of both!

Healthy Vegan Recipes

These healthy vegan recipes are hands down amazing. I'm talking drool inducing, out of this world, damn I need that kind of food. Desserts, main dishes, appetizers, you name it.

They are the most loved recipes by my readers (uh...you guys!) and many people keep coming back to them again and again. These recipes are a mix of easy vegan recipes and a few that take a little more time, but all of them are incredible!

If you're more of a simple eater and need easy, check out this list of 30 minute vegan recipes.

How can a vegan be healthy?

All of our bodies are different, so what works for one person may not work for another. No one dictates how many plant-based or vegan meals you must have in your diet, one to all it's up to you. I go more into the balance of plant-based eating in my podcast all about extremes and why it's best to find your own happy middle ground.

Sticking to mostly whole foods will give your body the nutrients it needs to function and feel it's best. But the exact amount will change from person to person. I know I can't do more than a few less nutritious meals in a row before my body starts to crave it's veggies.

However for you, maybe it's less. Maybe it's more. Listen to your body. If something sounds delicious but you feel awful after eating it, keep that in mind next time you make a choice. I have learned that when I pay close attention and listen, I feel the best.

While eating healthy is great, living a balanced life so you don't go insane is just as important. Healthy has to do with our whole body which includes your mind. Stress is can be just as unhealthy, or even more, than less nutritious food. Which is why I preach balance most of all.

What are the healthiest vegan foods?

First, I am not a dietician. I am not a nutritionist. And I am not a doctor. Any time you decide to fully change your diet, you should always talk to a health professional.

But one thing I can do, is help guide you to delicious healthy vegan foods recipes to add into your current diet plan. Because eating plant-based food is not an all or nothing thing.

I am a no compromise girl when it comes to food. If it's not good, I don't eat it. Which is why I take a balanced approach when I eat. And it's also why I create so many healthy comfort foods.

My cheese sauces are some of my top recipes, especially my Ultimate Creamy Vegan Cheese Sauce. And my Ranch Dressing is legit like regular dairy ranch. If there is a non vegan food I love, I will recreate it for those that want a vegan version.

When I create my recipes, I try and think big picture. Do I have some sort of protein? Do I have a healthy fat source? Do I have veggies? I like to include most of the main things our body needs.

However I also create plant based foods without these things, because balance and not everything needs to have the ultimate nutrition. I love creating sweet treats, and even some healthier vegan desserts (meaning desserts made with natural sweeteners such as dates, without butter or oil and mostly whole foods).

Overall, when it comes to healthy vegan food, it's those made with mostly whole foods that are your best bet. Processed vegan alternatives have their place but don't always include the nutrition your body needs to be at it's best.

Can you be an unhealthy vegan?

Absolutely. You can be an unhealthy anything. Looking at the nutrition standpoint, eating only processed food without any nutrition will not give your body what it needs to function. So yep, not very healthy.

However on the other side, if you eat all whole foods, veggies, fruit and everything considered the ultimate "healthy" choice, you can still be unhealthy. Why?

Because of stress. Balance is such a key to living an overall healthy lifestyle. Putting yourself in a black and white world filled with extremes brings most of us stress. If you get anxiety when thinking of going out to eat, heading to a friends for dinner, etc. you may be overdoing it.

Food should be happy, I mean it's amazing! It should not cause stress. Think of your why for eating the way you do. If it's for health, think about your whole body including your mind.

If it's for ethical or environmental reasons, think about the fact that if you aren't working at your best, you can't make a difference in the world the way you want to.

Is vegan cheese unhealthy?

This all depends on the ingredients. If you are looking at a highly processed dairy free cheese, then it's not the most nutritious choice. Granted, if you love the way it tastes by all means allow yourself to eat the cheese sometimes.

However, you can definitely have amazing cheese that is made with mostly whole foods. One of my favorite brands is Miyoko's Kitchen. They use mostly whole food ingredients to create their artisan cheeses and dairy alternatives. And they are SO good!

I also love love creating my own cheese recipes. I am known for my cheese sauces and also have some amazing cheeseball recipes! Here are a few favorites:

  • Best Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce
  • Vegan Cashew Ricotta Cheese
  • Smoky Jalapeño Ranch Vegan Cheese Ball
  • Vegan Bruschetta Cheese Ball
  • Vegan Queso Blanco (Mexican White Cheese Dip)
  • Sharp White Cheese Sauce
  • Ultimate Creamy Vegan Cheese Sauce
  • Grateable Vegan Parmesan Cheese

Healthy Vegan Breakfast Recipes

Nothing like starting the day with something that feeds your belly, body and soul! I love a good delicious breakfast, and my kids love when I make it extra special!

Fluffy Vegan Banana Oatmeal Blender Pancakes

Vegan banana oatmeal blender pancakesare so delicious, fluffy, and soft you’ll have no idea they are made with healthy whole food ingredients!

30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (2)

Vegan Blueberry French Toast Breakfast Muffins

Mixing up breakfast in the most delicious way with blueberry flavored french toast made intovegan breakfast muffins!Easy to put together and prep ahead.

30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (3)

Vegan Creamy Spinach Savory Breakfast Oatmeal

With only7 ingredients and 5 minutesto make, this vegan creamy spinach savory breakfast oatmeal isperfect for those cozy morningsthat call for some comfort!

30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (4)

Vegan Breakfast Burritos!

Burritos are life. I mean, is there anything you CAN’T wrap in a tortilla? I think not. This breakfast variety is filled with all the yumminess and will keep you going for hours.

30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (5)

Healthy Vegan Appetizer and Side Dish Recipes

You may see these as appetizers or sides, but I say you can eat them as lunch or dinner too! I love snacky meals and these are top of my list.

Baked Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip

I took a traditionally dairy filled party staple and turned it into a hot, creamy and mouthwateringvegan buffalo chicken dip! The most amazing remake ever!

30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (6)

World's Best Greek Vegan Spanakopita

This authentic Greek recipe has gotten a makeover and isbetter than ever. Thisvegan spanakopitais hands down the absolutebest you’ve ever had!

30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (7)

Ultimate Creamy Vegan Cheese Sauce

Creamy gooey cheesy goodness without the actual cheese! You will be amazed at how this combination of veggies and spices create thisout of this world creamy vegan cheese sauce!

30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (8)

Mexican Coleslaw With Cilantro Lime Dressing

An easy to makeMexican coleslawthat pairs well with anything! Eat it in tacos, as a side salad or even as a main dish piled with toppings.

30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (9)

Vegan Taquitos

Thesevegan taquitosare out of this world delicious.Crunchy, taste like junk food, but filled with protein and veggies. It doesn’t get better than this!

30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (10)

Healthy Vegan Lunch Recipes

I always feel like you can changeup the whole lunch and dinner thing, and really any other meal of the day. There are no rules when it comes to how you want to eat, but this group of recipes are great for on the go which is exactly what I am during the day!

Vegan Mashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Mashed chickpeas, piles of veggies, and a mayo free creamy base make thisvegan mashed chickpea salad sandwichthe perfect all in one recipe!

30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (11)

Healthy Vegan Macaroni Salad

Creamy comfort food gone healthy in this vegan macaroni saladmade with all whole food ingredients! Perfect for barbecues, picnics or a night on the couch!

30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (12)

Vegan Burritos with Black Beans, Rice and Avocado

An easy throw together dinner that tastes amazing! Thesevegan burritosare filled with black beans, rice and avocado then grilled to a crispy perfection.

30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (13)

Vegan Pizza Burrito and Easy Pizza Sauce

Two favorite foods unite in this ultimate vegan creation. This pizza burrito and easy pizza sauce will quickly become your new favorite!

30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (14)

Vegan Pulled "Pork" Mushroom Sandwich

Thinly sliced shiitake and baby portobello mushrooms slathered in flavorful BBQ sauce makes thismeaty and chewy vegan pulled pork sandwichthe perfect addition to any party. Forget the grill and grab some buns!

30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (15)

Healthy Vegan Dinner Recipes

This collection of amazing recipes are not only filled with nutrition but are comforting and make your belly happy.

Super Easy Healthy Vegan Vegetable Lasagna

Thiseasy vegetable lasagnais not only vegan and healthy, but it’s made with regular noodles that don’t need to be boiled! Sosimpleandquick to build!

30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (16)

Vegan French Lentil Stew

Rich and creamy vegan lentil stewto warm you from the inside out. Full of healthy ingredients and anti-inflammatory benefits, a perfect cozy meal!
30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (17)

20 Minute Vegan Coconut Curry Soup

20 minutes and little effortfor a vegan coconut curry soup with big flavor! This soup is filled with veggies and protein, a perfect well rounded meal that will easily make its way into your regular dinner rotation.

30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (18)

Vegan Butternut Squash Soup

Creamyvegan butternut squash soupwith coconut milk is the perfect fall meal. Flavorful withfew ingredientsand super easy to make!

30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (19)

Easy Gluten-Free Vegan Black Bean Burgers

Looking for the perfect easy recipe for a quick dinner? Thesegluten-free vegan black bean burgersare low fat, full of protein and take 10 minutes to prep!
30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (20)

Baked Lima Bean Recipe (Gigantes Plaki)

This traditional Greekbaked lima bean recipewith added veggies is a one stop meal.Gigantes Plakiis loaded with protein, perfect for all ages and so flavorful!

30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (21)

Vegan Yemista Greek Stuffed Tomatoes and Peppers

Taking tradition to the next level with thesevegan Greek stuffed tomatoes and peppers. These Yemista are a healthy satisfying meal that screams the flavors of Greece!

30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (22)

Healthy Vegan Gyros with Tempeh

Your favorite Greek greasy indulgence gets a make over! Now super healthy, vegan Greek gyros, loaded with protein and full of pure authentic flavors and seasonings.
30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (23)

Healthy Vegan Condiment Recipes

Having a few vegan condiments in your back pocket is key to making simple meals a step up without a lot of work. These are a few of the recipes we always have laying around in the fridge and pantry.

Grateable Vegan Parmesan Cheese

Grateable Vegan Parmesanlike you’ve never seen. 5 ingredients and 5 minutes to freshly grated Parmesan every night of the week!

30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (24)

The Best Vegan Sour Cream Recipe

Thisvegan sour cream recipeis the closest homemade version to the real thing I have ever had. Both flavor and texture areso close to the dairy version!

30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (25)

Vegan Cashew Ricotta Cheese

Avegan cashew ricotta cheeserecipe that takes only 5 minutes to make. Creamy in flavor and the perfect texture for everything from lasagna to pizza!

30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (26)

Cajun Vegan Remoulade Sauce

Aneasy vegan remouladewith a cajun flair made with whole food ingredients. You will never know there isno mayo or oil!

30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (27)

Healthy Vegan Dessert Recipes

I always need a little sweet treat to finish up a savory meal. It doesn't have to be anything big, but I have what I call my dessert compartment. It's always ready for a little something. Here are some healthier versions of traditional desserts that I love.

Gluten-Free Vegan Strawberry Shortcake

Gluten-free vegan strawberry shortcakethat’s slightly crisp on the outside and perfectly soft in the middle. It only takes 30 minutes from start to finish!
30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (28)

Raw Vegan Protein Packed Brownie Batter Bites

Made with whole foods inmere minutes, these raw brownie bites arepacked with proteinand the perfect after school snack! There is even a nut-free option making this the ultimate allergy friendly recipe.

30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (29)

Healthy Vegan Apple Crisp

Avegan apple crispusing simple whole food ingredients to create an indulgence that’s out of this world delicious, healthy and gluten free!

30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (30)

Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Nine ingredients and less than 30 minutesto incredible healthy peanut butter banana oatmeal cookies. Crispy edge and melt in your mouth middle, perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack!

30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (31)

How can I make vegan eating easier?

While starting to learn any new way of eating can be overwhelming, when it comes to eating plant-based and vegan, it can actually be quite simple. The rule of thumb I use when creating new recipes is:

  1. Roast whatever veggies I have.
  2. Add some beans or vegan sausage to the mix.
  3. Serve over my favorite grain
  4. Cover with sauce (I make a sauce or two every week and keep it in the fridge).

This will give you a simple meal and keep it quick and easy. However I have other resources you can look at if you want some more guidance and support with eating vegan meals:

  • Vegan Benefits - A Low Stress Approach
  • Ultimate Guide to Vegan Meal Prep with Grocery Lists
  • 7 Day Vegan Meal Plan
  • 5 Day Raw Food Reset

30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (32)

30 Mouthwatering Healthy Vegan Recipes You'll Love (2024)

FAQs

Are potatoes vegan? ›

For a healthy vegan diet: eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day. base meals on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates (choose wholegrain where possible)

Are vegan meals healthy? ›

A vegan diet can be very nutritious, but there are some potential risks. Avoiding animal foods can shortchange you on a few nutrients, like protein, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. You need protein to power all the chemical reactions in your body.

What do vegans eat without beans? ›

Instead of using beans in vegan recipes, you can incorporate ingredients like lentils, chickpea flour, or vegetables such as mushrooms and eggplant. Lentils can be used in soups, stews, and salads, while chickpea flour can be used to make savory pancakes or as a binding agent in recipes.

What to feed vegan guests? ›

Your houseguest would most likely be happy with oatmeal or granola with almond milk and fruit for breakfast, nut butters, hummus, salads with beans, fruits and vegetables, and nuts for lunch, and grilled or sautéed veggies with a whole grain like quinoa are for dinner.

Are bananas not vegan? ›

According to Science Daily, the pesticide Chitosan, which fights bacteria and prevents bananas from over-ripening, is made from shrimp and crab shells. So although, like figs, the banana itself is still a fruit, the compound used to extend its life is made from animal matter.

Why is rice not vegan? ›

Is white rice vegan? Plain white rice is, generally speaking, vegan. It contains only the rice grain without the hull, making it a good alternative for people who have trouble processing high-fiber foods. White rice often comes topped with non-vegan butter, so be sure to order yours plain.

What is surprisingly not vegan? ›

Beer and Wine

Isinglass, a gelatin-based substance derived from fish, is used as a clarifying agent in some beer and wine. Other non-vegan ingredients sometimes used are casein (from milk) and egg whites.

What do vegans lack most? ›

Intake and status of vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium and bone turnover markers were generally lower in plant-based dietary patterns compared to meat-eaters. Vegans had the lowest vitamin B12, calcium and iodine intake, and also lower iodine status and lower bone mineral density.

What are the most filling foods for vegans? ›

Healthful foods that are high in protein, fiber, or both tend to be filling. Rich sources of protein for vegans include foods such as soybeans, pulses, and some nuts and seeds. Oats, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and fruit are all good sources of fiber.

Why are fries not vegan? ›

While many fries are free from animal ingredients, sometimes they contain dairy or may be fried in lard. In most cases, the fries you order from a fast-food restaurant are cooked in the same oil that's used to fry meat and other animal products.

Why are potato chips not vegan? ›

Some of the most common ingredients that can make potato chips non-vegan include dairy products like milk, cheese, cream, and buttermilk. You should also be on the lookout for “Natural Flavors,” which may or may not be made using animal products.

Is it vegan if it says may contain? ›

In the UK and the US, businesses voluntarily provide a warning that cross-contamination with allergens could unintentionally have occurred during manufacturing. Cross-contamination can happen if a variety of food products are manufactured in the same place. So foods that “may contain milk” (or egg) can still be vegan.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Jamar Nader

Last Updated:

Views: 6306

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (75 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jamar Nader

Birthday: 1995-02-28

Address: Apt. 536 6162 Reichel Greens, Port Zackaryside, CT 22682-9804

Phone: +9958384818317

Job: IT Representative

Hobby: Scrapbooking, Hiking, Hunting, Kite flying, Blacksmithing, Video gaming, Foraging

Introduction: My name is Jamar Nader, I am a fine, shiny, colorful, bright, nice, perfect, curious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.