More and more people are exploring and embracing the vegan diet — eating mostly plants and avoiding foods that come from animals, including dairy and eggs.

The health benefits of going vegan are robust, from lowering the risk of health conditions like diabetes and obesity to improved digestion and weight loss.

Whether you’re new to veganism or simply looking for cooking inspiration, we highlight some of the most delicious and nutritious vegan recipes you need for your cookbook.

When making a lifestyle change like switching to a specialty diet, it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by cooking at home. We’re here to empower you to take on veganism with enthusiasm!

Making Vegan Recipes with Ease

There are a few secrets and tricks to cooking vegan at home that are worth knowing, particularly if you are new to veganism.

To add texture, keep nuts and nut butter on hand for a boost of flavor in any recipe. To make dishes extra creamy, try almond milk, coconut milk, and coconut cream as substitutes for milk and heavy cream. Add cornstarch to thicken up any sauce you create.

Also, don’t be afraid to season your food! Vegans love using spices in their recipes to elevate the flavors and take the taste to the next level. Be adventurous with new spices, and don’t be afraid to try new flavors or cuisines you may have otherwise avoided. Variety, as you know, is the spice of life!

Ingredients to always have in your pantry as a vegan include:

• Nutritional yeast
• Flaxseed and chia seeds
• Nut and seed butter
• Olive oil and vinegar
• Chickpeas and rolled oats
• Lentils, beans, brown rice

5 Delicious Vegan Dinner Recipes

If you’re new to the vegan diet, you may think your meals will be bland or less exciting. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Here are five flavor-packed dinner recipes you’ll love.

Craving an Asian-inspired dish? This Crispy Sesame Tempeh Bowl is incredibly flavorful, vibrant, and easy to make! With broccoli, cabbage, carrots, and peppers, you can pack the best veggies to pair delightfully with the tempeh and rice. Bon appetit!

For Taco Tuesday, try these savory Cauliflower Tacos with refried beans and a vegan yum-yum sauce. The intense flavors and textures will blow you away, and these tacos will surely become one of your regular meals at home.

For an easy yet cozy meal after a long day, the air fryer is a lifesaver in the kitchen. Try this Air Fryer Peanut Curry Tofu with Cauliflower Rice to warm you up and satisfy curry cravings. With tangy and slightly spicy flavors, this will become your go-to on chilly winter evenings.

You can successfully be vegan while still enjoying Italian food. This Spaghetti Bolognese recipe substitutes the traditional pork and beef in the sauce with mushrooms and lentils, amongst many other fresh vegetables.

For a hearty, healthy dinner that’s vegan-friendly, try this amazing Vegan Stir Fry. Made with mushroom, cauliflower, bell pepper, zucchini, bok choy, and more, this meal will have you feeling satisfied whether you enjoy it for lunch or dinner.

Enjoy the Vegan Lifestyle with Z.E.N. Foods

Going vegan can be an adjustment, but there are some resources and tools that can help ease the transition and ensure you’re properly fueling your body.

Z.E.N. Foods’ healthy meal delivery service offers various meals from cuisines worldwide, including some plant-based meals, cold-pressed juices, and vegan soups. Call us at (310) 205-9368 for more information on our healthy meals, juices, and more! Learn more about our meal plans here.