25 Plant-Based Dinner Ideas That Make Healthy Eating Easy
If you’re struggling to eat right on busy nights, Purple Carrot’s here to help. With the right recipes, you can have a mouthwatering, nutritious meal ready in under 30 minutes. These plant-based dinner ideas are packed with protein, fiber, and most importantly, flavor.
1. Grilled veggie tostadas
This dinner is the perfect mix of textures, flavors, and nutrients, and it’s all ready in just 20 minutes. You’ll bake corn tortillas into crispy tostadas and top with a mix of black beans, grilled veggies, and vegan sour cream. Every serving of our delicious grilled veggie tostadas offers 27 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber.
2. BBQ tofu wraps
Craving BBQ but don’t want to break your plant-based habits? Try these BBQ tofu wraps made with sweet potato and a spicy mustard coleslaw. They’ve got 32 grams of protein per serving and the perfect combo of soft and crunchy textures.
3. BBQ bacon cheeseburgers
Indulge in a high-protein, high-fiber, plant-based version of a classic comfort food. These BBQ bacon cheeseburgers are made with Impossible meat, soy cheddar, and smokey carrot bacon. Serve with a side salad or heat up our crispy potato super tots for the full burger joint experience. One serving of our not-quite-bacon cheeseburgers 26 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber.
4. Butternut apple pizza
Savor your favorite fall flavors with our butternut apple pizzas. A base of white bean puree is topped with butternut squash, Granny Smith apples, spinach, and caramelized onions, for an autumn delight that satisfies any time of year. Each serving includes 22 grams of protein and 19 grams of fiber.
5. Spicy California sushi bowls
Satisfy your sushi craving without the expensive takeout pricing. Our plant-based spicy California sushi bowls feature crispy rice, seaweed, and a mix of veggies tossed in a blend of tamari and vegan sriracha mayo. Jalapeno adds an extra kick to this gluten-free, sodium smart recipe.
6. Jackfruit melts
Enjoy a plant-based twist on a classic sandwich with seven grams of fiber per serving. It only takes 15 minutes to make these jackfruit melts. You’ll mix up jackfruit with celery and parsley, coat it in egg-free mayo, Dijon mustard, and bay seasoning, and toast up on sourdough with gooey vegan mozzarella.
7. One-pot Bolognese
When you want stick-to-your-ribs comfort food without a ton of clean up, this plant-based one-pot Bolognese has you covered. The sauce is made with Impossible meat and tomatoes, serving up 32 grams of protein and 12 grams of fiber in every bowl. Sprinkle on some vegan Parmesan and you’ve got a filling, nutritious dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
8. Queso fajita chicken
Let’s face it: some nights, getting out even just one pot is too much effort. When all you can handle is putting something in the microwave, this queso fajita chicken hits the spot. Soy-based chicken is served over a bed of Mexican rice with a side of broccoli, because you deserve a balanced meal even on the busiest days.
9. Cashew tofu
This cashew tofu recipe is packed with flavor and an impressive 34 grams of protein per serving. Tofu and green beans are drenched in a mouth-watering spicy coconut sauce. Plus, it only takes 30 minutes to prepare this sodium-smart, gluten-free treat, perfect for busy nights.
10. Spicy peanut curry udon noodles
You’ll need a medium saucepan to cook these spicy peanut curry udon noodles, made with red curry paste and a delicious Thai peanut sauce. Finish it off with fresh cilantro, crispy onions, and crunchy peanuts for a high-protein (20 grams per serving) dish with an incredibly satisfying bite. Plus, it’s ready to eat in only 15 minutes.
11. Black bean enfrijoladas
These black bean enfrijoladas are one of the tastiest ways to up your protein and fiber intake. Black bean puree, vegan cheese, avocado, and tomatillo salsa make your taste buds sing, while offering 24 grams of protein and 16 grams of fiber per serving.
12. Mojo rojo mushroom tacos
Do mushrooms make your mouth water? Enjoy one of your favorite veggies with a unique twist. Our smoky mushroom tacos are made with cremini mushrooms and Swiss chard, topped with a blend of mojo rojo sauce and vegan cream cheese.
13. Chile-peanut tofu
This recipe has it all: 22 grams of fiber, 47 grams of protein, and a bold Chile peanut sauce, served with a side of garlicky ramen. Best of all, this Chile-peanut tofu takes only 20 minutes to prepare — less time than you’d be waiting for delivery.
14. One-pot hummus pasta
Pasta and hummus may seem like an unlikely combo, but once you taste this one-pot pasta, you’ll understand why our chefs decided to craft this culinary masterpiece. Gluten-free penne, broccoli, and sundried tomatoes are coated in a zesty hummus sauce, and it’s all ready in 15 minutes.
15. Coconut plantain curry
Our ready-to-eat coconut plantain curry heats up in three minutes, ideal for nights when you don’t have the energy to cook, but don’t want to order expensive takeout. This delicious curry is served over rice with a side of perfectly crisp green beans. It’s completely gluten-free, too!
16. Massaman curry
When you’re craving something sweet and spicy, this Massaman corn curry belongs on your menu. This gluten-free recipe includes 17 grams of protein and 11 grams of fiber from ingredients like corn, tomato, and kale, served over a bed of quinoa. Top with peanut-Chile crunch for just the right amount of added heat.
17. French lentil bowls
This dish has all the right balance of flavors with walnut-roasted peppers, creamy vegan pesto, and filling lentils as the main star. Our French lentil bowls are gluten-free, with 32 grams of protein and 28 grams of fiber.
18. Spicy Buffalo tofu bowls
Make dinner time feel like game day with these high-protein, gluten-free Buffalo tofu bowls. You’ll toss crispy tofu cubes in Buffalo sauce and serve with herb ranch celery slaw over a bed of basmati rice.
19. Rosemary-mushroom ragu polenta
When you need something hearty, this rosemary-mushroom ragu polenta will warm you up. Tomato ragu perfectly complements creamy polenta, topped off with a vegan Parmesan crisp.
20. NYC street dogs
You don’t have to give up your favorite summertime staples because you’re trying to eat plant based. These Better Balance vegan NYC street dogs are garnished with mustard and a unique onion sauce, served with a side of poppy seed coleslaw for a little extra tanginess and crunch.
21. Black bean power bowls
What’s not to love with these gluten-free, high-protein, high-fiber black bean power bowls? Broccoli florets and Cuban black beans bring fiber and flavor, with serrano pepper for added heat. Spoon over quinoa and sprinkle on hemp seeds and pepitas for a crunchy finishing touch.
22. Eggplant parm rollups
Made with tofu ricotta, this plant-based, pre-made eggplant parm is ready in less time than it takes to place a delivery order on the apps. You’ll get 11 grams of protein in these tomato sauce-smothered rollups, with a side of broccoli for a no-effort, balanced dinner.
23. Cauliflower asadas
No need to fire up the grill for this perfectly charred cauliflower asada. All you need is a baking sheet and a microwave. You’ll roast cauliflower steaks in a simple marinade of garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Serve with a side of zesty cabbage slaw and easy-to-prep black bean salsa.
24. Power greens cavatappi
Sometimes it actually is easy being green. This power greens cavatappi pasta dish with pesto, kale, and spinach only takes 20 minutes to prep. You’ll finish with a sprinkle of hemp seeds for a super yummy serving of 20 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber.
25. Hamburger seitan helper
This plant-based version of a classic favorite is just as good as Mom used to make, but way healthier. Our seitan helper also features spinach, vegan cheddar cheese, nutritional yeast, and crispy onions for that perfect little crunch. Plus, this high-protein recipe boasts 54 grams of protein in every serving.
Dinnertime is easy and delicious with Purple Carrot
Purple Carrot’s meal kits and ready-to-eat meals take the stress out of making dinner. With easy-to-follow recipes, there’s no more decision fatigue, just yummy plant-based meals that satisfy your cravings and serve the important nutrients you need to thrive. Shop Purple Carrot today and get everything you need to make easy dinners delivered to your door every week.
