Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners

Simple and Delicious Ideas to Get You Started. Transitioning to a plant-based diet is a wonderful way to embrace a healthier lifestyle while reducing your environmental impact. If you're new to plant-based eating, it's essential to have easy and tasty recipes that will keep you inspired and satisfied. In this blog, we will share a few simple plant-based recipes that are perfect for beginners. These recipes are flavorful, nutritious, and require minimal ingredients and preparation time!

 

Rainbow Quinoa Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup mixed bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and fresh parsley.
• In a separate small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
• Pour the dressing over the quinoa salad and toss gently to combine.
• Adjust seasoning if needed and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Serve chilled and enjoy a vibrant and nutritious rainbow quinoa salad.

 

Chickpea Stir-Fry with Veggies

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli florets, bell peppers, carrots), chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

• In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add chopped vegetables and sauté for 5-7 minutes until slightly tender.
• In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce and maple syrup to make the sauce.
• Add the chickpeas to the skillet and pour the sauce over the vegetables and chickpeas.
• Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce coats the veggies and everything is heated through.
• Garnish with sesame seeds if desired and serve this flavorful and protein-packed chickpea stir-fry over rice or noodles. 

 

Creamy Avocado Pasta 

Ingredients:

• 8 oz spaghetti (or your choice of pasta)
• 2 ripe avocados
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

• Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a blender or food processor, combine avocados, basil leaves, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
• Pour the avocado sauce over the cooked spaghetti and toss gently to coat.
• Adjust seasoning if needed.
• Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for an extra pop of color and flavor.
• Serve this creamy avocado pasta immediately and enjoy a satisfying and nourishing plant-based meal.