Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Cooking Light Diet
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 30-Day Mediterranean Diet Challenge

      Try one of the world's healthiest ways of eating: the Mediterranean Diet. Read More Next
    • These Are the Best and Worst Diets of 2021

      We took a look at the latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report to see which diets ranked at the top and bottom of their lists. Read More Next
    • Simple 30-Day Weight-Loss Meal Plan: 1,200 Calories

      A full month of easy-to-make recipes and helpful meal-prep tips, this healthy meal plan sets you up for weight-loss success. Read More Next
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See all Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See all Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See all Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See all Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See all Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See all Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See all Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Family Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See all Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Cooking Light Diet
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow us

  1. Home Chevron Right
  2. Healthy Recipes Chevron Right
  3. Healthy Lifestyle Diets Chevron Right
  4. Healthy Vegan Recipes Chevron Right
  5. You Just Started a Vegan Diet—Here Are the Recipes to Make First

You Just Started a Vegan Diet—Here Are the Recipes to Make First

Updated January 07, 2021
Skip gallery slides
Pin

Whether you’ve decided to go vegan for ethical, health, environmental or other reasons, eating a strictly plant-based diet can be a pretty big change. Thankfully you can still enjoy all your favorite foods from before with a little creativity. As you transition to a plant-based diet, try recipes like Vegan Mac & Cheese and Vegan Lasagna for a meal that’s free of animal products and full of flavor.

Start Slideshow

1 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Curried Sweet Potato & Peanut Soup

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this flavorful soup recipe, sweet potatoes simmer in a quick coconut curry, resulting in a creamy, thick broth punctuated by notes of garlic and ginger. We love peanuts for their inexpensive price and versatile flavor. They're also a great source of protein--1 ounce has 7 grams.

1 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Beefless Vegan Tacos

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Take taco night in a new direction with these healthy vegan tacos. We've swapped crumbled tofu for the ground beef, without sacrificing any of the savory seasonings you expect in a taco. You can also use the filling in burritos, bowls, taco salads and to top nachos. 

2 of 26

3 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Mushroom-Quinoa Veggie Burgers with Special Sauce

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These hearty mushroom, black bean and quinoa veggie burgers are a healthy and satisfying homemade alternative to store-bought veggie burgers. And they take just 25 minutes of active time to prep, so while they're special enough for entertaining, they're quick enough for weeknight dinners.

3 of 26

Advertisement

4 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Vegan Mac & Cheese

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Mac and cheese no longer has to be off the menu if you don't do dairy. A blend of hearty cauliflower, butternut squash, cashews and nutritional yeast gives this vegan macaroni and cheese the gooey, cheesy texture and flavor of traditional mac, without a bit of dairy!

4 of 26

5 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Falafel Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Deep-fried falafel can be a total grease bomb. But these pan-seared falafel still get crispy in just a few tablespoons of oil with equally satisfying results. Be sure to use dried, instead of canned, chickpeas in this healthy recipe--canned chickpeas add too much moisture.

5 of 26

6 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Vegan Freezer Breakfast Burritos

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Having a stash of flavorful bean burritos in your freezer means you'll always have a satisfying plant-based meal ready for a grab-and-go breakfast on a busy morning or to take to the campsite for an easy campfire meal. Our vegan breakfast filling--made with tofu and prepared to mimic scrambled eggs--is tossed with beans, veggies and salsa for a delicious and ultra-satisfying meal.

6 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Vegetarian Lo Mein with Shiitakes, Carrots & Bean Sprouts

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A hit of Sriracha gives a sweet and spicy edge to this healthy vegetarian recipe. Traditional lo mein is made with fresh lo mein noodles, which can be found in Asian markets. You can also use fresh or dried linguine noodles--fresh linguine is in the refrigerated section of some grocery stores. This easy dinner comes together in just 30 minutes, so it's perfect for weeknights.

7 of 26

8 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Vegetarian Sushi Grain Bowl

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Skip the hassle of making sushi rolls at home and just go for this grain bowl. Start with a base of brown rice and add veggies, dressing and creamy avocado for a delicious and easy meal.

8 of 26

9 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Vegan Lasagna

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Silken tofu seasoned with cheesy-tasting nutritional yeast makes a flavorful vegan substitute for ricotta and Parmesan. Whole-wheat noodles and lots of veggies make this version healthier than a typical lasagna.

9 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Vegan Pancakes

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Make classic light and fluffy pancakes vegan with this easy recipe. Try them topped with your favorite nut butter, maple syrup and fresh berries for a satisfying breakfast. 

10 of 26

11 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Falafel Burgers

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Pureed chickpeas, seasoned with the characteristic flavors of falafel, make excellent veggie burgers. We use a two-stage method for cooking the patties, first browning them in a skillet and then finishing them in the oven. Garnish the burgers with tzatziki or tahini sauce (see associated recipes), pickled red onions, lettuce and tomatoes.

11 of 26

12 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Four-Bean & Pumpkin Chili

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This healthy vegetarian chili has a fragrant touch of cinnamon for added flavor. Let diners top it with whatever suits their taste.

12 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Vegan Kale Caesar Salad with Tofu Croutons

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Swapping tofu for the bread in these meal-prep Caesar salad bowls bumps up the satiety factor with 18 grams of protein. These crispy tofu croutons originally appeared in Lauren Grant's recipe for Diabetic Living magazine (see Associated Recipes). Lacinato kale, also known as dinosaur kale or Tuscan kale, has flat, dark green-blue leaves--and its tenderness makes it perfect for eating raw, like in this salad.

13 of 26

14 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Stuffed Potatoes with Salsa & Beans

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Taco night meets baked potato night with this simple recipe for loaded baked potatoes with salsa, beans and avocado. This easy, healthy family dinner comes together with just 10 minutes of active time, so you can make it on even the busiest of weeknights. This recipe is just as delicious with sweet potatoes in place of russets.

14 of 26

15 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Vegan Minestrone Soup

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Is minestrone soup vegan? It can be, with the right ingredients! This vegan minestrone soup is heavy on the green vegetables (it has peas, zucchini and kale, to name a few!), setting this quick healthy soup recipe apart from the rest. If you miss the tomatoes, feel free to add them to the mix. Last but not least, enjoy the crispy garlic croutons that float on top and soak up the flavorful broth. 

15 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Vegan BLATs (BLTs with Avocado)

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Roasted shiitake mushrooms doused in soy sauce with a dash of smoked paprika become a natural, vegan alternative to bacon. Try them in this vegan version of a classic BLT with creamy avocado and eggless mayonnaise or on top of a salad as a substitute for bacon bits.

16 of 26

17 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Vegan Mushroom Bolognese

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This Bolognese sauce recipe is adapted from Marcella Hazan's Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking. We swap out the beef and pork for button mushrooms to keep this traditional comfort food vegan yet weighty with umami flavor. And while some recipes call for red wine, this recipe sticks with Hazan's white wine selection.

17 of 26

18 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Vegan Smoothie Bowl

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Eat this thick and creamy smoothie bowl with a spoon! Banana and frozen berries whip together with a little nut milk for a toppable vegan breakfast. We use fruit, nuts and seeds for topping, but feel free to experiment with whatever you like.

18 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Vegan Coconut Chickpea Curry

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

To make this 20-minute vegan curry even faster, buy precut veggies from the salad bar at the grocery store. To make it a full, satisfying dinner, serve over cooked brown rice. When shopping for simmer sauce, look for one with 400 mg of sodium or less and check the ingredient list for cream or fish sauce if you want to keep this vegan. If you like a spicy kick, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce at the end.

19 of 26

20 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Jackfruit Sloppy Joes

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Meaty jackfruit makes these vegan sloppy Joes rich and filling. Jackfruit, a starchy tropical fruit, is mildly nutty and sweet, a blank canvas for a warm and spicy sauce like the one for this quick meat-free sandwich.

20 of 26

21 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Creamy Vegan Butternut Squash Carbonara

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Carbonara, traditionally bathed in eggs, gets a vegan makeover using roasted and pureed butternut squash instead to make it ultra-creamy. A topping of ground almonds, garlic and sage gives it texture and an herby, savory flavor in place of the cheese and bacon.

21 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Edamame Hummus Wrap

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Made with protein-rich edamame instead of chickpeas, this easy hummus recipe is the perfect vegetarian filling for a grab-and-go wrap. Or double the recipe and use the hummus for a healthy snack with cut-up vegetables.

22 of 26

23 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sweet Potato, Corn & Black Bean Hash

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Quick and easy hashes are fabulous one-pot meals for those nights when getting dinner on the table fast is a priority.

23 of 26

24 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Veggie & Hummus Sandwich

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This mile-high vegetable and hummus sandwich makes the perfect heart-healthy vegetarian lunch to go. Mix it up with different flavors of hummus and different types of vegetables depending on your mood.

24 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Vegan White Bean Chili

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Fresh Anaheim (or poblano) chiles add mild heat to this classic white bean chili and contribute lots of smoky flavor. Quinoa adds body to the chili, while diced zucchini provides pretty flecks of green and increases the veggie content.

25 of 26

26 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Barbecue Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this vegan copycat recipe of barbecue pulled pork, we swap out meat for jackfruit, a tropical fruit that, when not fully ripe, has a texture similar to shredded pork. The mild-flavored fruit soaks up the delicious homemade barbecue sauce for a finger-licking-good sandwich filling. Top the sandwiches with a fresh slaw for a satisfying meal.

26 of 26

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 26 Curried Sweet Potato & Peanut Soup
2 of 26 Beefless Vegan Tacos
3 of 26 Mushroom-Quinoa Veggie Burgers with Special Sauce
4 of 26 Vegan Mac & Cheese
5 of 26 Falafel Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing
6 of 26 Vegan Freezer Breakfast Burritos
7 of 26 Vegetarian Lo Mein with Shiitakes, Carrots & Bean Sprouts
8 of 26 Vegetarian Sushi Grain Bowl
9 of 26 Vegan Lasagna
10 of 26 Vegan Pancakes
11 of 26 Falafel Burgers
12 of 26 Four-Bean & Pumpkin Chili
13 of 26 Vegan Kale Caesar Salad with Tofu Croutons
14 of 26 Stuffed Potatoes with Salsa & Beans
15 of 26 Vegan Minestrone Soup
16 of 26 Vegan BLATs (BLTs with Avocado)
17 of 26 Vegan Mushroom Bolognese
18 of 26 Vegan Smoothie Bowl
19 of 26 Vegan Coconut Chickpea Curry
20 of 26 Jackfruit Sloppy Joes
21 of 26 Creamy Vegan Butternut Squash Carbonara
22 of 26 Edamame Hummus Wrap
23 of 26 Sweet Potato, Corn & Black Bean Hash
24 of 26 Veggie & Hummus Sandwich
25 of 26 Vegan White Bean Chili
26 of 26 Barbecue Pulled Jackfruit Sandwiches

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message
EatingWell

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • About Us
  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Content Licensing
  • Recipe Index
  • Jobs

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletters
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
© 2021 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All Right Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from http://www.eatingwell.com

View image

You Just Started a Vegan Diet—Here Are the Recipes to Make First
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.