11 Easy Recipes You Need in Your Meal Prep Routine Right Now
Many of us admit we're interested in eating less meat to improve our overall health, but we're not always confident in our skills of making delicious plant-based meals at home. After all, studies have shown that eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can significantly reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
The team at Meatless Monday compiled a list of 11 easy plant-based recipes from expert food bloggers so that you can diversify your weekly meal prep routine and improve your health along the way.
Bell pepper breakfast burrito
No eggs are necessary for this bell pepper breakfast burrito. A mixture of diced tofu and mushrooms mimics the fluffy texture of scrambled eggs, while a bit of liquid smoke and apple cider vinegar provide a satisfying tang.
Easy vegan eggplant meatballs
This recipe for easy vegan eggplant meatballs recreates the meaty chew and savory flavor of traditional meatballs by using a mixture of roasted mushrooms, eggplant, onion, white beans, and spices. Pair with a side of zoodles or pasta, and you have a healthier version of a family favorite.
Jamaican Jerk tofu tacos
One of the most popular Meatless Monday recipes of all time, this Jamaican jerk tofu is so intensely seasoned that you'll forget what it is you're actually eating! Fresh ginger, lime juice, maple syrup, and a big spice blend make for some seriously big flavors.
Lentil walnut tacos with sour cream and pineapple avocado salsa
Taco night will never be the same. These lentil walnut tacos with pineapple avocado salsa are a perfect recipe for people looking to get more plant-based protein in their diet. Lentils and walnuts provide a satisfying chew, while the pineapple salsa contributes a sweet, spicy, citrusy pop of flavor.
Loaded vegan nachos
Complete with all of the fixings, this loaded vegan nacho skillet is a terrific alternative to regular nachos. A topping of kidney beans, chickpeas, red onion, jalapeños, avocado, and vegan queso is healthier than your traditional ground beef and nacho cheese sauce.
Potato salad with coconut bacon
Yes, you heard correctly—potato salad with coconut bacon; but it's really not as weird as you might think. Unsweetened coconut flakes are tossed with liquid smoke, soy sauce, and spices and then baked to create a potato-salad topping that has the same satisfying chew and smokiness as the bacon.
Don't miss 6 Best Ways to Make Bacon—Using Only Plants.
Pad Thai zoodle salad
Capture the sweet tang of traditional pad Thai using only plant-based ingredients for a healthier version of this take-out favorite. Almost entirely made of vegetables, this pad Thai zoodle salad gets better the longer it's allowed to marinate, so have patience!
Pistachio Crusted Tofu
Knowing how to prepare tofu is a valuable skill that will serve you well as you continue to cook more plant-based meals. Putting a coating or crust on tofu before cooking is one of the ways to impart more textures and flavors to a relatively blank canvas. This recipe for pistachio-crusted tofu is nutty and crispy, and the addition of dill and fresh basil adds a pleasant freshness to the tofu.
Pumpkin pasta with spinach and mushrooms
The sweet-and-savory nature of pumpkin makes it a welcome addition to pasta dishes. This pumpkin pasta with spinach and mushrooms is a cozy weeknight meal option and a definite crowd-pleaser that's loaded with plant-based ingredients.
Supreme crispy quinoa vegetable burger
Making these supreme crispy quinoa vegetable burgers is a great way to add more vegetables to your diet. This hearty burger patty uses quinoa, black beans, bread crumbs, and carrots to recreate the bite and flavor of a regular burger.
Thai tofu pumpkin curry
Curry paste is an explosive ingredient, and you should definitely consider investing in a jar for your pantry. This Thai tofu pumpkin curry gets its richness and sweet-and-spicy flavor from a combination of fresh basil, curry paste, kaffir lime leaves, and fresh Thai chiles (be careful, these can be spicy). Serve over rice for an easy weeknight meal that everyone is sure to like.
For more, be sure to check out 50 Best Easy (and Fast) Dinner Recipes.
