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Home » Vegetarian

These 28 Plant-Powered Dishes Are Anything But Basic

Published: Jun 18, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Plant-powered dishes don’t have to be bland or boring—they can be bold, bright, and straight-up great. These recipes are proof that eating more plants doesn’t mean giving up flavor or fun. Whether you're all-in on plants or just plant-curious, this is the kind of food that actually gets you excited to cook. No fluff, no weird ingredients you’ll use once and forget—just real food that hits the spot.

An image of a vegetarian tater tot casserole.
Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Vegan Cabbage Fritters

An overhead image of cooked cabbage fritters in a pan.
Vegan Cabbage Fritters. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These cabbage and onion fritters cook up crispy and work well as a snack or tea-time side. They’re a practical plant-based option for gatherings or casual meals.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cabbage Fritters

Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos

A close-up image of gochujang cauliflower tacos on a plate, accompanied by a small bowl of lime slices and sliced red onions.
Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Korean-style cauliflower tacos come together quickly and can be customized with your choice of toppings. They’re a solid plant-based meal for relaxed dinners or small groups.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos

Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

An overhead image of a cooked gouda mac and cheese in a baking pan.
Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Baked gouda mac and cheese is creamy, simple to prepare, and done in under an hour. As a plant-powered dish, it works well for both quiet dinners and larger gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Creamed Spinach

An overhead view of creamed spinach in a skillet with a wooden spoon.
Creamed Spinach. Photo credit: Urban Farmie

This plant-powered dinner includes potatoes, peas, and a coconut curry sauce for a filling meal. Served with roti or poori, it comes together quickly and doesn’t require much effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach

Pineapple Fried Rice

An image of pineapple fried rice on a plate.
Pineapple Fried Rice. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pineapple fried rice brings together roasted tofu, pineapple, and crispy rice on one sheet pan. This makes it a practical plant-powered dinner with easy cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Fried Rice

Stuffed Baked Potatoes

A close-up image of stuffed baked potatoes.
Stuffed Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These baked potatoes are filled with mushrooms, spinach, and cheddar, and are done in 30 minutes. They’re a hearty plant-powered side that fits easily into weekly meal plans or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Spicy Indian Bombay Potatoes

Horizontal shot of Bombay Potatoes on a plate with naan, with extra naan and red onions on the side.
Spicy Indian Bombay Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Bombay potatoes are ready in about 30 minutes and come with a bold, spiced flavor. This practical plant-based side fits both regular meals and holiday spreads.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Indian Bombay Potatoes

Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

An image of cooked tater tot casserole.
Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Tater tot casserole combines a creamy vegetable filling with crispy topping for an easy meal. This makes it a practical, kid-friendly plant-based dinner.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole

Roasted Cauliflower Soup

An image of roasted cauliflower soup in a white bowl, with fresh thyme on the side.
Roasted Cauliflower Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted cauliflower soup made with garlic, thyme, and cumin comes together quickly and suits any season. Its creamy texture makes it a strong plant-powered choice for all kinds of meals.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Sesame Tofu

An overhead image of sesame tofu with rice on the side.
Sesame Tofu. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Sesame tofu with vegetables and sauce comes together fast and holds up well as a weekday dinner. It's a straightforward plant-based option with plenty of texture.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Tofu

Nigerian Fried Rice

An overhead image of Nigerian fried rice in a serving bowl.
Nigerian Fried Rice. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Nigerian fried rice uses long-grain rice and mixed vegetables, ready in just 15 minutes. It’s a fast plant-based option that works for both casual meals and special gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Nigerian Fried Rice

Ethiopian Cabbage

A close up image of cooked Ethiopian cabbage in a skillet pan with a wooden serving spoon mixing the dish.
Ethiopian Cabbage. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Ethiopian cabbage stew is a one-pot meal made with everyday ingredients and warming spices. This makes it a practical plant-based option when you need something hearty without much prep.
Get the Recipe: Ethiopian Cabbage

3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

An image of broccoli cheese casserole served on a table with a spoon on the right side.
3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Broccoli cheese casserole uses just three ingredients and bakes in about 30 minutes. It's a quick plant-based side that fits into any dinner with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

An overhead image of slow cooker French onion soup.
Slow Cooker French Onion Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Slow cooker French onion soup features caramelized onions, thyme, and melted cheese with very little active prep. It’s a low-effort plant-based dinner option for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

Green Beans and Potatoes

An image of green beans in a serving bowl with a spoon resting on it.
Green Beans and Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Green beans and potatoes are ready in about 25 minutes using a few pantry staples. This simple plant-powered side fits both weeknight dinners and holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans and Potatoes

Easy Egg Rolls

An image of vegan egg rolls arranged on a serving dish with sweet chili sauce on the side.
Easy Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan egg rolls are ready in 20 minutes and cook up with a crisp texture. These plant-powered snacks work well for gatherings or as a side on casual days.
Get the Recipe: Easy Egg Rolls

Sheet Pan Bibimbap

A bowl of Sheet Pan Bibimbap with a pair of chopsticks.
Sheet Pan Bibimbap. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Sheet pan bibimbap uses roasted vegetables and tofu, ready in about 35 minutes. This all-in-one plant-based meal is easy to prepare and clean up.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Bibimbap

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

An image of roasted cabbage steaks on a serving plate.
Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted cabbage steaks take about 35 minutes in the oven and come out with crisp edges. As a plant-based side, they work well for everyday dinners or larger meals during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Mushroom Stroganoff

An image of mushroom stroganoff and white rice on a plate, with a fork on the side.
Mushroom Stroganoff. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Mushroom stroganoff is ready in 30 minutes and works with pasta, rice, or potatoes. It’s a reliable plant-based option when you want a quick meal with a creamy sauce.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Stroganoff

Instant Pot Tortellini Soup

An image of instant pot tortellini soup in a bowl.
Instant Pot Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Instant Pot tortellini soup mixes cheese-filled pasta and vegetables in under 30 minutes. This quick plant-powered meal is easy to prepare and works well during the week.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortellini Soup

Slow Cooker Ratatouille

An image of ratatouille on a plate with bread.
Slow Cooker Ratatouille. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Slow cooker ratatouille turns fresh vegetables into a tomato-based stew with little active cooking. It’s a dependable plant-based choice when you want something warm and hands-off.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ratatouille

Kung Pao Tofu

An image of kung pao tofu served in a bowl over rice.
Kung Pao Tofu. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Kung Pao tofu brings together tofu, peppers, and peanuts in a flavorful sauce, all finished in about 30 minutes. It's a solid plant-based option for nights when you want something with texture and bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Tofu

Mushroom Masala

An image of cooked mushroom masala in a skillet.
Mushroom Masala. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This mushroom masala comes together in 30 minutes and pairs well with either rice or naan. Its tomato-coconut base makes it a dependable plant-powered dinner that works well on a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Masala

Spicy Soba Noodles

An overhead image of spicy soba noodles in a bowl.
Spicy Soba Noodles. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Spicy soba noodles come together with vegetables and a bold sauce in under 30 minutes. This quick plant-powered meal fits easily into busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Soba Noodles

Thai Curried Butternut Squash Soup

Top view of butternut squash soup with a spoon in it.
Thai Curried Butternut Squash Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Butternut squash soup with coconut milk and a bit of spice works well in colder seasons. It’s a straightforward plant-based option for lunch or dinner with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Thai Curried Butternut Squash Soup

Jamaican Rasta Pasta

An overhead image of cooked rasta pasta on a serving bowl.
Jamaican Rasta Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan rasta pasta comes together with basic pantry ingredients and mild spices in just 30 minutes. It’s a reliable plant-powered dinner that’s helpful on busy days.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Rasta Pasta

Eggplant Casserole

An eggplant casserole in a baking dish, accompanied by a wooden spoon.
Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Eggplant casserole layers vegetables, herbs, and cheese into a baked dish that works well for family meals. It’s a reliable plant-powered option when you want something straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Easy Veggie Lasagna

An image of a slice of vegetable lasagna on a white serving plate.
Easy Veggie Lasagna. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegetable lasagna stacks roasted vegetables, pasta, and cheese into a filling option that works well for feeding a group. This makes it a strong plant-based choice for both dinners and leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Easy Veggie Lasagna

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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