Welcome to Vegan January! Here is a selection of our favorite plant-based recipes to “reset” the body and help recalibrate our cravings after the holidays. Whether you are looking for a whole month of vegan eating or simply want to incorporate more plants into your meals, we have you covered!
Fall down seven times, get up eight. Life starts from here.
~Japanese proverb~
Today is the perfect time to realign ourselves with our health goals and give our bodies some much-needed love. Whether that means eating more fresh vibrant fruits and veggies, cutting back on sweets or processed foods, or just cooking more meals from scratch… we know what we need to feel alive and energized.
For me, come January, this often means doing a plant-based “reset” after all the holiday eating. December is the time of year I let myself indulge in cookies and sweets, and by the end of it, I find my cravings for sweet things have dramatically increased! In my mind, it is because I’ve fed all the unhealthy bacteria in my gut (who love sweets)- and now they’ve grown in strength and number and want even more!
So January has become a time to “reset” my gut, and focus on feeding my good bacteria with healthy fruits and veggies- thus minimizing the sweet cravings. Anyways, that’s how I see it. 😉
Whether you are new to the Plant-Based Diet, or a seasoned veteran, here are some healthy, Plant-Based Vegan Recipes to help get you started and inspired this month! Take stock of what you have in your pantry, then pick out a few recipes to try this week. Remember to keep it simple!
Imagine how energized and alive your body will feel. This truly is a gift of love, for ourselves and for our families.
Vegan Breakfasts
Another simple way to improve gut health- is to time our meals. Eating within 8-12 hour window (intermittent fasting) has been shown to not only improve our gut health but help regulate our insulin levels, weight, and help rid our bodies of damaged cells. I typically eat only two meals a day in an 8-hour eating window.
So I start my day with “breakfast” (or lunch) at noon and I finish eating dinner by 8pm. I find that when I eat a higher protein meal first, I stay fuller longer and have fewer cravings throughout the day. My favorite breakfast is the tofu scramble, loaded up with seasonal veggies.
The Ultimate Vegan Breakfast Tacos
- 👉Vegan Tofu Scramble
- 👉Homemade Vegan Granola Recipe (Vegan & Gluten-free)
- 👉Vegan Muesli
- 👉Vegan Breakfast Grain Bowls
Vegan Lunch Recipes
Lunchtime is when I like to load up on healthy veggies. Whether it’s a vibrant Buddha bowl, a Vegan Salad, or one of these Plant-based Soups, my focus is always on getting as many veggies as I can, into the mix. Eating a wide variety of plants is the best way we can support our healthy gut bacteria. It’s nice to meal prep a few things ahead, and have them ready and on hand.
Healthy Vegan Collard Green Wraps!
- 👉Vegan Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce Recipe
- 👉Smashed Chickpea Avocado Sandwich
- 👉Beet & Quinoa Bliss Bowl
- 👉Middle Eastern Salad Tacos
- 👉Spicy Mexican Oaxacan Bowl
Vegan Dinner Recipes
On busy nights, dinner can be made simpler with soups, stews and stir-fries. I like to comb through my fridge and pantry and take stock of what I have- on hand using these things up first. Take a peek at our most popular Vegan Dinner Recipes or pick a few below.
- 👉 Black Pepper Tofu with Bok Choy
- 👉Vegan Shepherds Pie
- 👉Smokey Cauliflower Chimichurri Bowls!
- 👉Peruvian Burritos with Aji Verde Sauce (Vegan!)
- 👉Instant Pot Mujadara
- 👉Mushroom and Black Barley Bowl with Sunchokes and Zaatar Tahini
- 👉Ayurvedic Detox Bowl -Khichari
- 👉Bali Bowls with Peanut Tofu
Vegan Vegetable Side Dishes
For me, this month is all about upping our veggies. My goal is to try to eat 6 cups of veggies a day- picking a wide variety. Leafy greens, cruciferous veggies, colorful veggies, getting in a wide diversity. Here are some of my favorite standbys that go with many different meals. (A little tip- if sensitive to oxalates, citric acid helps clear this from the blood-simply squeeze a little lemon juice in your drinking water.)
15-Minute Broccoli with Garlic & Lemon Zest
We make this broccoli recipe on repeat- because it is just so fast and DELICIOUS!
- 👉Simple Sautéed Greens Recipe
- 👉Grain-Free Moroccan Cauliflower Couscous
- 👉Simple Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic, Lemon and Parsley
- 👉Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- 👉Green Beans with Hazelnuts and Lemon!
Vegan soups
Vegan soups are a godsend. They are full of nutrients, hydrating, filling, full of fiber and plant-based protein. So satiating. They can be made ahead, waiting and ready for when hunger “emergencies” arise. I like to pick 1-2 soups a week, just to have on hand.
- 👉Vegan Broccoli & Cheddar Soup
- 👉Moroccan Lentil Quinoa Soup
- 👉Our Favorite Vegan Chili
- 👉 Instant Pot Lentil Soup
- 👉Turmeric Detox Broth
- 👉Mushroom Lentil Stew with Fennel and Sage
Vegan Salads
Make-ahead vegan salads are perfect for busy workweeks. They are packable, fresh and healthy, full of nutrients! Like soups, I always try to have 1 or 2 on hand for hunger emergencies.
- 👉Creamy Vegan Broccoli Salad
- 👉Lemony Chickpea Quinoa Salad
- 👉Moroccan Chickpea & Sweet Potato Salad
- 👉Easy Vegan Bombay Carrot Salad Recipe
- 👉Thai Noodle Salad with the BEST EVER Peanut Sauce
Vegan Treats
Is it possible to go a whole month without something sweet? I honestly can’t tell you, because I have never once succeeded! Yes, I’ve tried. I’ve reduced my intake of sweets and sugar dramatically, but honestly, this is really challenging for me! An easy, healthier way for me to deal with this is to have a piece of good-quality dark chocolate paired with fresh berries. Do what is best for you. 😉
- Vegan Energy Balls with Masala Spice
- Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies with Hazelnuts
- Cashew Ginger Chocolate Bark
- Vegan Oatmeal Cookies with Chai-Soaked Raisins
Vegan Snacks and Appetizers
Light and crisp, these Rustic Seed Crackers are keto, gluten-free and vegan. This recipe is incredibly easy, flexible, adaptable and full of toasty rich flavor. They are the perfect snack by themselves, and pair with most toppings.
- 👉Rainbow Veggie Hummus
- 👉Teriyaki Mushroom Lettuce Wraps
- 👉Tandoori Hummus
- 👉Muhammara Dip
- 👉Homemade Stovetop Popcorn
- 👉Lemony Artichoke White Bean Dip
Soothing Drinks
Another way to help minimize snacking and sugar cravings are to substitute comforting soothing drinks. Here are a few of my favorites!
- Moroccan Sore Throat Tea (even if you don’t have a sore throat!)
- Make your own Herbal Tea Blends!
- Jamu Juice (Hot or cold -Bali’s anti-inflammatory Juice)
- Delicious Authentic Masala Chai with Whole Spices
- Apple Cider Vinegar Drink Recipe (Switchel) and TOP 10 Benefits
More Plant-Based Ideas:
- 25 Delicious Vegetarian & Vegan Soup Recipes
- 40 Mouthwatering Vegan Dinner Recipes
- 20 Vegan Buddha Bowls
- 40 Make-Ahead Vegan Salads
- Our 25 BEST LENTIL RECIPES
Hope these veggie-based, clean-eating recipes inspire you to try something new this week! Please note any of your favorites in the comments below!
Print
30 Plant-Based Recipes!
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6
- Category: plant based recipes
- Method: oven, stovetop
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Welcome to Vegan January! Here is a list of our favorite plant-based recipes to restore the body and help recalibrate our cravings after the holidays. Whether you are looking for vegan breakfast, lunch, dinner, salads, soups or treats -we have you covered.
Ingredients
- fresh veggies
- fresh fruit
- whole grains
- plant-based protein – tofu, seitan, beans, legumes
- plant-based fats- avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds
- fermented things
Instructions
Pick out a couple of plant-based recipes to make this week.
Make a shopping list.
Make a plan for the week ahead, prep ahead!
Always have a plant-based recipe prepared ahead for hunger “emergencies”!
Imagine how energized and nourished you will feel.
Notes
Leave your favorites in the comments below
Keywords: vegan January, plant based recipes, plant based recipes, vegan recipes, plant based meals, vegan recipes, plant-based dinners
Wow. Your food looks absolutely amazing and your photography is beautiful! I can’t wait to try so many of your recipes, thank you for sharing!! xoxo
Thanks Shannon!
Thanks for your good website and information !
Tried the Oaxacan bowl, and loved it! My husband and I are so excited to try the more of the vegetarian recipes!
I am looking for inspiration to turn our vegetarian diet more vegan and less gluten-intense. My family is stuck in a pasta / bread / potato heavy cycle and we just need some new ideas. What a fantastic collection of recipes this is!
Thanks so much Dena! Appreciate the comment!
Yuuuuuuum cheap easy and satisfying
Thank you so much for all of these recipes ! What a great website !! Congratulations sincerely ..
Thanks so much Pepe- very appreciated!
Just found your website and it is absolutely lovely! Thank you!
One note I want to put after noticing that at least in one of the salads, there was a suggestion to add feta cheese when there’s already tahini. It is better to separate dairy from iron containing foods (even if the food itself has both in it). The calcium cancles the iron, and in adults with a tendency to anemia and young children, it could cause worsening/start a long term anemia problem. So nuts and seeds, red meat, lentils, etc’ should be separated from dairy products. Also, the calcium slows down the deep green leaves nutrients absorption in the body. Once in a while it will not harm, but it will also not provide benefits. I grew up surrounded by the dairy industry. It’s one of the things they would rather you didn’t know.
Thanks again 🙂
Would love to see a package of these recipes like your 5day bowl recipes. So helpful.
Thanks so much for such beautiful food ideas.
Amazing!! So glad I came across these no meat vegan recipes. Beautifully presented images, all full of dimension and flavour. Thank you for sharing and please continue to post more vegan dishes!!
Thanks Kim, every week I post one vegan or vegan adaptable meal!
The Turmeric Detox Broth looks fantastic – eager to give it a try! I’ve been adding tumeric to a lot of my cooking lately where it makes sense (primarily soups) because of the tremendous health properties, particularly the anti-inflammatory properties (since inflammation is at the root of many serious diseases, including dementia, so the tumeric provides a great “ounce of prevention”. Also a great ingredient to consume when you have a cold or flu!
Dear Sylvie,
You are great! Thanks for these ideas, I will probably make 19 out of 20 haha, they look so good. Just nade you Buts and seeds bars, if these are half as good, I shall be in heaven!
thanks Alex, so glad you like them!
Since a few months i have been trying out , some of the recipes your website.
I became a real fan, and even better my husband and family give me compliments for my cooking:).
amazing , refreshing ,healthy, original and soooo easy !!!!
thank you Silvia
YAY!!! Im so glad that you are getting good feedback from your family…it always makes cooking feel good… feeling appreciated. Thanks so much so happy you are here!!!
I find these recipes to be full of flavor and easy to make. I love to cook but have limited time. It all works well for me. Thanks for giving this to all of us.
thanks Marian! Glad you are enjoying them!
Everything look so delish and light and lots of veggies which i like!
I make your Jade noodle bowl with Israeli cous cous sometimes. Your recipes are inspiring. Keep it up girl!
Hi Joy! Love that you made it with cous cous- such a fun idea, I’ll have to try it. Happy New year!!!
Hi ..
I’m interesting with vegetarian food and I will save your post in my device. . Thanks
I recently found your blog through Pinterest. I decided to follow you by email because after looking through your blog I realized that every post I saw was a delight to look at and enjoyable to read. These 10 bowls blew me away. I would adore anyone of them! I love the ethnic influences, the healthy greens and veggies, and the beautiful photos and presentations..
Thanks Judee, appreciate the feedback!!!
Wow! Everything looks so scrumptious.
Will be trying every one of those recipes.
Thanks for sharing!
790943 939012 very nice post, i definitely adore this web site, keep on it 148530
Hi. 🙂 I was trying to figure out which bowl is the main picture that you click on in pinterest that brings you to this sight? That’s the one I really want to make. Help!
Thanks so much. 🙂
Can you tell me what it looked like? i pinned all the recipes on pinterest! Sorry and we will get it figured out!!!
Hi. 🙂 I was trying to figure out which bowl is the main picture that you click on in pinterest that brings you to this sight? That’s the one I really want to make. Help! 🙂
Hi Sylvia,
Once again, Thank You from the bottom of my heart for the good work you do. I just finished reading a great book, Proteinaholic, by Garth Davis, which has spurred both my husband and I to change what we eat. We are both in our 50’s (52 and 55); he has chronic irritable bowel, I… well I am just fat. Both of us have extremely busy, stressful jobs (which we love!) and our bodies are just not dealing with the crap we put into them like they did when we were younger and more resilient. I love the prep ahead! My biggest downfall is that I come home late and don’t have the time or the energy to cook a healthy meal so I shove whatever is in the fridge, in my mouth. This is usually cheese, meat, crackers and fruit. Though I know this food makes me feel horrible and wreaks havoc on hot flashes 🙁 I still eat it, largely because of a lack of planning ahead. So, to cut to the chase, this plan will be wonderful to help with all of that. Fruit in the morning, an energy bowl for lunch to get through the busy day and a green salad with some legumes for lighter fair in the evening. That’s the plan. THANK YOU for assembling all of this in one spot. I know your food will be delicious! It always is!
Warmly,
Marina
Hi Marina, thank you for this honest and funny comment, it made me chuckle! Yes, time and energy to cook healthy meals is the most common challenge I hear– you are not alone in this! I like your plan, it sounds really do-able. Please keep us posted and thanks so much for being here! xo
Thanks so much for these! I have printed out and Pinned a bunch! 🙂
You are so welcome! Enjoy!
Gorgeous site.
Thanks! Welcome and I hope you visit again. 🙂
I love this post!
I’m printing each of the recipes. I’m trying to implement a new eating habits. Thank you so much!