Plant Based Meal Ideas
Buying fresh produce from the local farmers market supports small family farms and promotes sustainability. A plant-based diet supports your immune system, reduces inflammation, and helps maintain a healthy weight. Incorporating one or two vegetarian/vegan meals into your diet each week can make a significant health and environmental impact. Here are 5 plant-based meal ideas that are easy to prepare and will boost your long-term health.
One-Pot Pasta Primavera
A delicious, light variation on pasta primavera, this dish (courtesy of The Kitchn) is definitely a go-to in the New Wave kitchen. Super versatile and refreshing, this dish is packed with bright, fresh vegetables. Be sure to take advantage of in-season vegetables from your local farmers market that add texture, color, and flavor—get creative, this dish is so customizable! It takes less than thirty minutes to prepare, and there is little cleanup considering it’s a one pot dish. If you want to be even more efficient in the kitchen, prep your vegetables ahead of time and then throw them in the pot once you’re ready. Overall, this dish is light and bright and we can guarantee you will not be missing the meat!
Buddha Bowl
Otherwise known as a “hippie bowl” or “glory bowl,” this dish incorporates principles of Chinese and Japanese medicine to promote clean eating and wellness. Essentially a plate that intersects all food groups, this dish is super nourishing and satisfying. To start, you will need a base of whole grains (brown rice, bulgar, farro) and then top it with any vegetables, proteins, or seeds you want! Some ideas include kale, chickpeas, black beans, avocado, cucumber, sweet potatoes, broccoli, feta cheese, or even toasted almonds. Don’t forget to artfully arrange for presentation points! This dish is so versatile and is packed with plenty of nutrients from all of the fresh vegetables. Get creative and add whatever you are feeling—there are no rules with a build-your-own buddha bowl!
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
This vibrant quinoa salad from The Kitchn is perfect for meal prep! It’s colorful, nourishing, and can hold up in the fridge for an easy on-the-go lunch. It’s light and fresh and keeps you satisfied from the protein-packed quinoa. The flavorful aromatics from the garlic and herb goat cheese complement the acidity of the grape tomatoes, and the crunch of the cucumber adds a pleasant textural element. We definitely recommend!
Farmers Market Pizza
Even something as simple and delicious as pizza can be vegified! Fresh toppings such as sauteed bell peppers, onions, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini can go a long way. Farmers market pizza is so customizable and the fresh vegetables pair nicely with a layer of herb ricotta or mozzarella cheese. Rethink the way you eat your pizza and experiment with some new ingredients—the combinations are up to you and your preferences!
Sweet Potato & Black Bean Burritos
We know, the combination sounds skeptical. However, this dish from Food Network is a great alternative to meat-based mexican cuisine that is still high in protein and will leave you feeling satisfied. Sweet potatoes and black beans are simply meant for each other. Throw in some simple spices with a hint of cilantro and lime, and this dish is a guaranteed winner in any household. The filling can be put in the fridge if you are living an on-the-go lifestyle, and is perfect for a packed lunch.
