22 Plant-Based Recipes That Prove You Don’t Need Meat to Feel Full

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If you think plant-based recipes can’t fill you up, think again. These dishes prove you don’t need meat to enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal. Packed with bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and plenty of protein, they keep you feeling full and fueled without any animal products. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and perfect for anyone trying to eat a bit lighter or add more plants to their diet. If you’re ready to rethink what a filling meal looks like, these plant-based recipes are a must-try.

Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cups Recipe

A black cutting board holds several round peanut butter cups, some whole and some cut open, with a jar of peanut butter nearby and a blue cloth in the corner.
Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cups Recipe. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

These homemade peanut butter cups are a healthier version of your favorite treat, with no added sugar. They’re a great pick for plant-based recipes, offering a sweet snack that doesn’t mess with your sugar intake but still hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cups Recipe

Easy Carrot and Red Lentil Soup Recipe with Tomatoes

A bowl of tomato soup garnished with a bay leaf, placed on a white plate with a spoon beside it. A yellow cloth is partially visible in the background.
Easy Carrot and Red Lentil Soup Recipe with Tomatoes. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

This hearty soup blends red lentils and carrots for a filling, plant-based meal that’s full of goodness. It’s an easy choice for plant-based recipes when you need something simple yet nourishing that doesn’t take all day to cook.
Get the Recipe: Easy Carrot and Red Lentil Soup Recipe with Tomatoes

Spaghetti Squash Hash Browns

Close-up of crispy, golden-brown hash browns and a fried egg on a white plate.
Spaghetti Squash Hash Browns. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Who says hash browns have to be made with potatoes? Spaghetti squash brings a fun, veggie-filled twist to this breakfast favorite. As a plant-based recipe, it’s a perfect alternative that’s light yet just as satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash Hash Browns

Easy Tofu Tacos Recipe with Cabbage Slaw and Avocado

Three tacos with grilled tortillas, red cabbage, cilantro, and sauce are served on a plate with a lime wedge.
Easy Tofu Tacos Recipe with Cabbage Slaw and Avocado. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Tofu takes center stage in these tacos, topped with crunchy cabbage slaw and creamy avocado. This plant-based recipe gives you a satisfying taco experience with a healthy dose of protein and veggies, without the need for meat.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tofu Tacos Recipe with Cabbage Slaw and Avocado

Iced Rose Rooibos Tea Latte

A glass of creamy beverage with ice cubes and dried rose petals on top sits on a wooden surface with scattered petals around it.
Iced Rose Rooibos Tea Latte. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Cool off with this refreshing iced rose rooibos latte, where delicate floral notes meet the earthy goodness of rooibos. It’s a wonderful plant-based recipe for anyone looking to unwind with a flavorful beverage that’s both light and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Iced Rose Rooibos Tea Latte

Fresh Pineapple Ginger Juice Recipe

A glass of yellow pineapple juice with a blue straw is placed on a wooden surface, flanked by two whole pineapples and a piece of ginger root.
Fresh Pineapple Ginger Juice Recipe. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Sweet, tangy pineapple pairs perfectly with the kick of ginger in this energizing juice. This plant-based recipe is perfect for a refreshing, hydrating drink that’s full of flavor and free of artificial additives.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Pineapple Ginger Juice Recipe

Best Homemade Sugar-Free Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Jar of tomato sauce on a wooden surface with a lid partially open, next to three whole tomatoes on the vine.
Best Homemade Sugar-Free Spaghetti Sauce Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Skip the store-bought stuff and whip up your own spaghetti sauce with no added sugar. This plant-based recipe lets you control the ingredients while still enjoying a flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with any pasta.
Get the Recipe: Best Homemade Sugar-Free Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Three Sisters Soup

A bowl of soup with corn, beans, potato chunks, and red peppers in a seasoned broth.
Three Sisters Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This hearty soup combines corn, beans, and squash—three ingredients long celebrated in Native American culture. It’s a solid choice for plant-based recipes, offering rich flavors and nutrition in a simple, comforting bowl.
Get the Recipe: Three Sisters Soup

Vegan Chocolate Doughnuts

Chocolate glazed donuts with white sprinkles are arranged on a crinkled sheet of parchment paper.
Vegan Chocolate Doughnuts. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

These soft, decadent doughnuts are made without any dairy or eggs, proving that vegan treats can be just as indulgent. A great plant-based recipe when you’re craving something sweet without the guilt.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chocolate Doughnuts

Jackfruit Gyros

A hand holds a soft tortilla wrap filled with lettuce, tomato, red onion, shredded meat, and a white sauce.
Jackfruit Gyros. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Jackfruit takes the place of meat in these plant-based gyros, offering a satisfying, savory option that’s just as good as the original. It’s a must-try plant-based recipe for anyone looking to switch up their typical gyro experience.
Get the Recipe: Jackfruit Gyros

Vegan Sweet Potato Muffins

Three muffins with crumbly tops in white paper liners are placed on a wooden board and a marble surface, with star anise visible nearby.
Vegan Sweet Potato Muffins. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

These sweet potato muffins are light, fluffy, and packed with natural sweetness. They’re a perfect example of plant-based recipes that are both healthy and satisfying, making for a great snack or breakfast on the go.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Sweet Potato Muffins

Creamy Cherry Mango Popsicles

Three striped popsicles with yellow, orange, and purple layers rest on ice cubes, surrounded by fresh cherries.
Creamy Cherry Mango Popsicles. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Get your fruit fix with these creamy cherry mango popsicles, a perfect combination of tart and sweet. A fun plant-based recipe that’ll keep you cool all summer long without any of the processed junk.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cherry Mango Popsicles

Non Alcoholic Apple Cider Recipe in the Slow Cooker

A glass of apple cider sits on a wooden surface with two apples and a cinnamon stick next to it. A beige cloth is in the background.
Non Alcoholic Apple Cider Recipe in the Slow Cooker. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Warm up your fall with this delicious, alcohol-free apple cider made right in the slow cooker. This plant-based recipe is an easy way to enjoy all the cozy flavors of autumn with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Non Alcoholic Apple Cider Recipe in the Slow Cooker

Spicy Harissa Pasta

A plate of spaghetti topped with chopped herbs and crushed nuts, with a fork placed on the side.
Spicy Harissa Pasta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This pasta dish kicks up the heat with a spicy harissa sauce that’s full of flavor. It’s an exciting plant-based recipe, combining the comfort of pasta with the bold taste of spices for a meal that’s anything but boring.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Harissa Pasta

Easy Vegan Coconut Macaroons

Stacked coconut macaroons on a white plate, set on a white cloth, with more macaroons on a cooling rack in the background.
Easy Vegan Coconut Macaroons. Photo credit: The Honour System.

These coconut macaroons are crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. A simple plant-based recipe that proves you can make a sweet snack without any animal products.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Coconut Macaroons

Homemade Lavender Syrup

A spoon drizzles liquid into a jar filled with brown syrup, resting on a green surface with a checkered cloth and a sprig of lavender nearby.
Homemade Lavender Syrup. Photo credit: Sage Alpha Gal.

Bring the calming scent of lavender to your drinks with this easy-to-make lavender syrup. It’s a great plant-based recipe for anyone who loves adding a little floral sweetness to their beverages, without any artificial ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lavender Syrup

Mexican Lettuce Wraps

Three lettuce wraps filled with corn, black beans, tomatoes, and sauce on a plate, surrounded by lime, chili flakes, and a cloth.
Mexican Lettuce Wraps. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

These lettuce wraps are bursting with fresh flavors, loaded with veggies and a spicy kick. A refreshing and easy plant-based recipe, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy Mexican flavors without the tortillas.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Lettuce Wraps

Smoky Purple Sweet Potato Fries

A bowl of sweet potato fries arranged around a small dish of ketchup, with one fry dipped in the sauce.
Smoky Purple Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

These smoky, crispy sweet potato fries are a must-try, adding a flavorful twist to the classic. A great plant-based recipe when you’re craving something crunchy but still packed with nutrients.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Purple Sweet Potato Fries

No Cook Cranberry Relish Recipe

A white bowl filled with a chunky, red fruit sauce and a white spoon resting inside. Three berries are scattered on the wooden surface beside the bowl.
No Cook Cranberry Relish Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Fresh and tangy, this cranberry relish is an easy, no-cook side dish that adds a burst of flavor to any meal. It’s a must-have plant-based recipe when you want something quick and refreshing without the hassle of cooking.
Get the Recipe: No Cook Cranberry Relish Recipe

Creamy Roasted Vegan Beet Soup Recipe

A bowl of beet hummus topped with chickpeas sits on a white surface. Nearby are two spoons and a small bowl of chickpeas. A yellow cloth is partially visible.
Creamy Roasted Vegan Beet Soup Recipe. Photo credit: Fit as a Mama Bear.

Roasted beets add a rich, earthy flavor to this smooth, creamy vegan soup. It’s a solid plant-based recipe that’s perfect for cooler days, offering a warm and nourishing meal that’s both filling and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Roasted Vegan Beet Soup Recipe

Dandelion Jelly Recipe

A glass jar filled with golden liquid sits on a woven mat next to a blue cloth and fresh green herbs.
Dandelion Jelly Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

This jelly made from dandelion flowers offers a unique, floral sweetness that’s perfect for spreading on toast or topping desserts. A great plant-based recipe to make use of wild foraged ingredients while enjoying a one-of-a-kind treat.
Get the Recipe: Dandelion Jelly Recipe

Vegan Almond Flour Pancakes

A stack of thick pancakes layered with sliced strawberries, served on a clear plate with syrup drizzled underneath.
Vegan Almond Flour Pancakes. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

These almond flour pancakes are fluffy and light, with a nutty twist that makes them a little extra special. A perfect plant-based recipe when you want a delicious breakfast that’s both satisfying and gluten-free.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Almond Flour Pancakes

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