31 Easy Vegan Recipes for Beginners

by | Clean Eating Recipes, New Years Resolutions

So you want to try this vegan thing? Whether it’s Veganuary (Vegan January) or you want some simple and easy vegan recipes and plant-based meal plans, we’ve got you covered with 31 recipes – one to try each day of the month. Oh and PS – no tofu, no weird ingredients, and all recipes are gluten-free.

So you want to try this vegan thing? Whether it's Veganuary (Vegan January) or you want some simple and easy vegan recipes and plant-based meal plans, we've got you covered with 31 recipes - one to try each day of the month. Oh and PS - no tofu, no weird ingredients, and all recipes are gluten-free.

 

Let me start by saying there is zero judgment here. I grew up in a country/mountains community where people hunted game in the fall and that was their food for the winter. That being said, I rarely ate red meat. In fact, I’ve never had a hot dog. Like ever.

For years, and even before I got sick, I didn’t eat red meat. Just fish and poultry.

But after cancer and autoimmune disease and suffering from chronic fatigue, I wanted to clean up my diet for health reasons. I went 100% vegan for a long time.

My vegan journey has been all over the place:

  • 100% vegan
  • Backslidden bacon-vegan
  • Pesco-vegan
  • 6 days a week vegan.

 

So seriously, believe me when I say there is no judgment here. Regardless of your reason, I know it can be daunting to give up meat and enjoy a more plant-based diet.

Whether it’s for Veganuary (Vegan-January) or if you just want to learn how to cook vegan, you don’t have to be scared. I’ve curated 31 of the easiest and tastiest vegan recipes for you to learn. Try one new recipe a day!

 

What is a Vegan Diet?

No meat.

No fish.

Basically, nothing with eyes.

No eggs.

No milk, cheese, or any kind of dairy product.

Nothing that comes from an animal (like gelatin).

“Technically,” you can live off Skittles and call yourself a vegan. But the true essence of eating vegan is that you embrace a plant-based diet.

 

The Honey Controversy

Forget politics. Nothing will divide a vegan community more than the controversy over honey. Honey is made by bees, so “technically” it’s not vegan. BUT… there are as many people in the vegan community who eat honey as those who do not.

I prefer to cook and bake with honey (or maple syrup) instead of sugar. I’m also (obviously) not a “hardcore” vegan.

Again. NO JUDGMENT.

You do you. I will love and accept you no matter what you eat.

 

The Rules

I wanted these 31 recipes to be EASY. Like crazy simple easy to make.

While my S’mores Ice Cream Cake is the bees knees, it is WAAAAAY too complicated for a beginner vegan or vegan-curious. So here are the rules I made for myself to curate these 31 recipes for you:

  • Vegan (obviously).
  • Easy to make and not complicated.
  • Not a lot of steps or time involved.
  • No weird ingredients – mostly what you have on hand or can easily purchase at the store.
  • All recipes are gluten-free.
  • No tofu.
  • No smoothies.

 

And finally… I wanted them to look, act, and taste like the food that you are used to. Or close thereof.

That being said, as thoroughly vetted as the recipes are, always be sure to check the ingredients if you have any food allergies or restrictions.

 

The categories:

  • Breakfast
  • Soups and Salads
  • Sides
  • Main Dishes
  • Desserts and Sweet Treats

 

Are you ready to get started on your new vegan journey?

 

Breakfast

 

What's better than apple pie? How about apple pie pancakes? These pancakes are made with buckwheat, which is actually gluten free. They are also vegan. And they taste like apple pie. Can you think of anything better than eating a stack of these on a crisp, autumn morning? They're also perfect to serve your holiday guests for breakfast or brunch. Get the recipe... #applepie #pancake #glutenfree #pinkfortitude

Apple Pie Pancakes by Pink Fortitude

 

 

Breakfast Hash by Be Plant Well

 

 

These no bake energy bites are quick and easy to make, and are super healthy and nutritious for sustained energy.  Perfect as a compliment to breakfast, or as a snack during the day.  Oh... and they taste something close to a no-bake cookie or a Lara Bar.

No-Bake Energy Bites by Pink Fortitude

 

 

Peanut Butter Breakfast Bars by Joy Food Sunshine

 

 

Brown Sugar Pumpkin Banana Muffins by Bad to the Bowl

 

 

Breakfast Skillet by Heather Christo

 

 

 

 

Soups and Salads

 

GrandBob’s Vegetable Soup by Pink Fortitude

 

 

Wild Rice Salad with Roasted Garlic by Twists and Zests

 

 

Healthy Quinoa Salad by Peas and Crayons

 

 

Black Bean and Butternut Squash Chili by The Simple Veganista

 

 

Hearty Bean Salad by Very Vegan Val

 

 

Bok Choy Salad by My Quiet Kitchen

 

 

Potato Salad by Bree’s Vegan Life

 

 

Sides

 

I was never a fan of beets. I grew up in rural Pennsylvania, where pickled eggs and beets were a huge thing, and other than hogmaw, I don't think there was a food that grossed me out more. Ok, maybe liver and onions. But you get the point. So enter adulthood and healthy eating and beets were never on my radar. Until these oven baked beet chips came into my life.

Oven-Baked Beet Chips by Pink Fortitude

 

 

Balsamic Roasted Mushrooms by Eat the Gains

 

 

Not just for Easter brunch or dinner, these roasted carrots are going to be a side dish rotation for your weekly dinners throughout the year. They are easy to make, and they are Paleo, Whole30 compliant, gluten-free, and vegan. The taste is amazing as-is or you can top them with crushed pistachios. They are fancy enough to make for any holiday dinner and easy enough to take to a potluck. Get the recipe...

Roasted Carrots by Pink Fortitude

 

 

Avocado Chickpea Lettuce Cups by Tasting Page

 

 

Rosemary Roasted Beets and Carrots by Just Beet It

 

 

Scalloped Potatoes by Karissa’s Vegan Kitchen

 

 

Main Dishes

 

Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash by Vegan Huggs

 

 

Lemon Garlic Zoodles by Pink Fortitude

 

 

Vegetable Stir Fry with Pineapple by Green Scheme

 

 

Broccoli Fritters by Healthier Steps

 

 

Lentil Bolognese by Super Golden Bakes

 

 

Walnut Meat Tacos by VNutrition

 

 

Mac and Cheese by The Hidden Veggies

 

 

 

 

Desserts and Sweet Treats

 

Rice Krispies Treats that are gluten free and vegan? Surely you jest! Do they really exist? Yes, my friends, it IS possible! All you have to do is believe... and know how to substitute your favorites with your new favorites. So whether you call them Rice Krispy Treats, Rice Krispies Treats, or Rice Crispy Treats, you will never know the difference with this gluten free and vegan version.

Rice Krispies Treats by Pink Fortitude

 

 

Sweet Potato Chocolate Mousse by The Banana Diaries

 

 

Vegan Fudge by Texanerin Baking

 

 

No Bake Cookies by Vegan on Board

 

 

Have you ever thought about trying grilled watermelon but don't know where to begin? This is one of the tastiest and most healthiest desserts you can eat. It's so simple to make and doesn't take a lot of time and effort. The inspiration came from a restaurant and the quality is certainly "guest-worthy." But also perfect for any ordinary day. Check out the how-to... with a video too!

Grilled Watermelon by Pink Fortitude

 

 

Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies by Pink Fortitude

This is a bonus recipe. The best way to bake them is with (optional) gelatin, which is not vegan. But is there anything on the planet better than a chocolate chip cookie? I think not. So I’m sharing the best gluten, dairy and egg-free version out there. Because once you finish your 31 days, you are going to want to treat yourself!

 

So there you have it! You will probably be pushed a little out of your comfort zone, but hopefully not a lot. These 31 recipes are designed to help you dip your little toe into the deep end, not jump in all at once. I hope you enjoy the journey, and even if being vegan isn’t your thing, I do hope that you consider adding more plant-based meals to your diet.

 

So you want to try this vegan thing? Whether it's Veganuary (Vegan January) or you want some simple and easy vegan recipes and plant-based meal plans, we've got you covered with 31 recipes - one to try each day of the month. Oh and PS - no tofu, no weird ingredients, and all recipes are gluten-free.

 

Are you Inspired? Take the Quiz and Learn More!


Love, hugs, and not vegan-curious any more!

 

 

 

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