There’s a reason plant based dishes feel like the perfect move for Earth Day—they're simple, smart, and way more doable than you'd think. You don’t have to overhaul your life or hunt down strange ingredients. These kinds of recipes keep things grounded and actually make it easier to stick to good habits, not harder. Think of it like doing something that feels right, without making it a whole thing. If you've been wanting to try more plant-based meals, this is a solid place to start.
Rigatoni Arrabbiata. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.
Shiro Wat (Ethiopian Chickpea Stew)
This chickpea stew comes together in 45 minutes with simple spices and pantry staples. It’s an easy meatless dinner that makes eating sustainably feel effortless.
Get the Recipe: Shiro Wat (Ethiopian Chickpea Stew)
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
Spaghetti squash lasagna is ready in 45 minutes and layered with cheese for a solid main dish. It’s a great pick when you want something meat-free without overthinking it.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
Squash Casserole with Stuffing
Squash casserole with stuffing and hatch chiles works well for holiday spreads. It’s hearty, meatless, and a smart way to keep things simple and plant-based.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole with Stuffing
Rigatoni Arrabbiata
Rigatoni arrabbiata comes together in 30 minutes with a punchy tomato sauce. It’s great for meatless meals that don’t take much effort.
Get the Recipe: Rigatoni Arrabbiata
Paccheri al Forno
Paccheri al Forno is a baked pasta that’s ready in under an hour. It’s a great way to enjoy a no-meat meal that still feels filling and easy to pull together.
Get the Recipe: Paccheri al Forno
Nigerian Fried Rice
This Nigerian fried rice is done in just 15 minutes with colorful vegetables and long-grain rice. It’s a quick, plant-based go-to for when you need something fast and solid.
Get the Recipe: Nigerian Fried Rice
Vegetable Korma
Vegetable korma with potatoes and peas is creamy and easy to pair with flatbread. It’s a solid dinner plan for sticking to plant-based meals without making it hard.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Korma
Vegan Ham
This vegan ham made with vital wheat gluten is a hearty pick for special meals. It’s an easy swap for traditional dishes that helps keep Earth Day cooking simple.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ham
Aloo Gobi Masala
Roasted aloo gobi comes together fast with just 15 minutes of prep. It’s a low-lift dinner that fits right into a plant-based plan without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala
Vegan Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew)
Vegan efo riro is packed with flavor and works well with rice. It’s a bold, no-meat option that makes going plant-based feel straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew)
Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Stuffed spaghetti squash with vegetables and cheese is easy to prepare. It’s a reliable meat-free option that works for any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms
Spring pasta with pea shoot pesto and mushrooms is ready in 30 minutes. It’s a quick win for plant-based eating that doesn’t need much planning.
Get the Recipe: Spring Pasta with Peas and Oyster Mushrooms
Ayurvedic Indian Kitchari
Kitchari is a rice and lentil dish that cooks in 45 minutes. It’s an easy, comforting meal that makes Earth Day cooking feel totally doable.
Get the Recipe: Ayurvedic Indian Kitchari
Mumbai Pav Bhaji
Curried vegetable mash with a buttered roll is a filling street-style dish. It’s a great way to serve up a plant-based meal that feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Mumbai Pav Bhaji
Vegan Bolognese
Lentil and mushroom bolognese is ready in under an hour with a rich tomato base. It’s a solid weeknight dinner that proves meatless meals can be simple.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Bolognese
Mushroom Ragù
Mushroom ragù works well over pasta or rice and is quick to prepare. It’s a hearty option for when you want a plant-based meal without overthinking dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Ragù
Jamaican Rasta Pasta
Vegan rasta pasta with fresh vegetables and spices is ready in 30 minutes. It’s an easy pick for anyone trying to cook more plants on a tight schedule.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Rasta Pasta
Vegan Fajitas
This vegan fajita wrap is packed with sautéed veggies and dairy-free yogurt. It’s a fast, meat-free meal that works when you're short on time.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Fajitas
3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Broccoli cheese casserole uses just three ingredients and takes 30 minutes. It’s a no-stress side dish that works for Earth Day and beyond.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Baked Cauliflower with Cheese
Baked cauliflower cheese with a creamy sauce is ready in an hour. It’s a great go-to when you want something hearty without using meat.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower with Cheese
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Sun-dried tomato pasta with ricotta and parmesan is a one-pot meal done in 30 minutes. It’s a no-fuss dinner that fits right into plant-based cooking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Eggplant Casserole
Eggplant casserole layers cheese and vegetables into one hearty bake. It’s a smart choice for a no-meat meal that still hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
Cheesy green bean casserole bakes in just 30 minutes with a crispy top. It’s easy to add to holiday meals while keeping things plant-based.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
Easy Mushroom Wellington
Vegan mushroom Wellington wrapped in flaky pastry is packed with flavor. It’s a great main dish when you want something festive but still plant-based.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mushroom Wellington
Instant Pot Jollof
Nigerian Jollof Rice cooked with tomatoes and peppers is full of bold flavor. It’s a simple way to keep meals meat-free while sticking to familiar dishes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Jollof
Pasta e Piselli
Pasta e piselli is a quick dish made with peas and cheese that’s ready fast. It’s an easy win when you want a filling meal without meat.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Piselli
Broccoli Pesto Pasta
Broccoli pesto pasta with roasted vegetables is done in 30 minutes. It’s a strong choice for busy nights when you still want to eat plant-based.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pesto Pasta
Chana Masala
Chana masala is a one-pot chickpea curry that’s ready in 30 minutes. It’s a great option for anyone looking to keep Earth Day meals simple and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Chana Masala
Dal Tadka
Dal tadka is a protein-packed lentil curry that’s easy to make. Serve with rice or flatbread for a no-meat dinner that fits right in.
Get the Recipe: Dal Tadka
Pasta alla Norma
Pasta alla Norma uses eggplant and tomato sauce for a hearty dinner in 30 minutes. It’s a smart pick for staying meat-free without much prep.
Get the Recipe: Pasta alla Norma
One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Lemon ricotta pasta comes together in just 15 minutes. It’s a great go-to for quick, fresh meals that keep things light and plant-based.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Penne Pomodoro
Penne Pomodoro with tomatoes and basil takes just 30 minutes. It’s a simple dish that makes meatless eating feel easy and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro
Kung Pao Tofu
Kung Pao tofu with peppers and peanuts is ready in 30 minutes. It’s bold, quick, and a strong choice when you want a fast plant-based meal.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Tofu
Fried Avocado Tacos
Fried avocado tacos with beans and poblano sauce are hearty and simple. They’re a great way to mix things up while still keeping it plant-based.
Get the Recipe: Fried Avocado Tacos
Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza
Homemade Margherita pizza comes together in just 20 minutes. It’s an easy win for Earth Day dinners that don’t need much effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza
Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese
Broccoli cheddar mac and cheese is ready in 20 minutes with a creamy sauce. It’s a quick meat-free meal that keeps things simple and filling.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese
Greek Vegetarian Moussaka
Vegetarian moussaka layers vegetables and lentils into a rich bake. It’s a solid option for plant-based meals on special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Greek Vegetarian Moussaka
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili
Vegetarian chili in the slow cooker is easy to set and forget. It’s a one-pot meal that keeps things plant-based without adding stress.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili
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