Italian meal plan for vegans
The Italian meal plan for vegans adapts classic Italian dishes to fit a vegan lifestyle. It includes plant-based versions of pasta, pizza without cheese, legume-based soups, and salads. Nutritional yeast and plant-based cheeses are used as dairy alternatives, ensuring a flavorful and nutritionally complete vegan diet.
Meal plan shopping list
- Whole grain bread
- Avocado
- Variety of vegetables and beans (for minestrone soup)
- Fresh fruit (berries, mango, banana, pear, orange)
- Almond milk
- Oatmeal
- Chia seeds
- Quinoa
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Olives
- Almonds
- Eggplant
- Vegan cheese
- Tomato sauce
- Whole wheat pasta
- Spinach
- Vegan protein powder
- Lentils
- Hummus
- Carrots
- Vegan pizza crust
- Coconut milk
- Caprese salad ingredients (vegan mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, balsamic glaze)
- Granola
- Mango
- Vegan risotto ingredients (arborio rice, mushrooms, asparagus)
- Roasted bell peppers
- Arugula
- Roasted pumpkin seeds
- Tofu
- Brown rice
- Vegan yogurt
- Sunflower seeds
- Sliced cucumber
- Bell peppers
- Polenta
- Grilled vegetables
- Tomato-basil sauce
- Whole grain cereal
- Vegan pesto
- Vegetable broth (for minestrone soup)
- Vegan bread
Article Reviewed
Our editorial team has checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
Meal plan overview
Explore the vegan side of Italian cuisine with the Italian meal plan for vegans. This plan adapts traditional Italian recipes to suit a vegan diet, focusing on plant-based ingredients.
Featuring a variety of vegetables, legumes, and grains, it's a healthful and flavorful way to enjoy vegan Italian meals.
Foods to eat
- Legumes: Chickpeas, lentils, and beans as protein sources in soups, salads, and pasta dishes.
- Whole Grains: Whole wheat pasta, farro, and polenta for energy and fiber.
- Vegetables: A wide array of vegetables, including leafy greens, tomatoes, and eggplants.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds for healthy fats and protein.
- Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives: Almond milk, soy yogurt, and vegan cheeses.
- Fruits: Fresh and dried fruits for natural sweetness and nutrients.
- Healthy Oils: Olive oil for cooking and dressings.
- Herbs and Spices: Basil, oregano, and rosemary to flavor dishes naturally.
✅ Tip
Experiment with plant-based protein sources like tempeh, edamame, and quinoa to ensure adequate protein intake.
Foods not to eat
- Animal Products: All meat, dairy, eggs, and honey are excluded from a vegan diet.
- Processed Vegan Foods: Often high in sodium and artificial ingredients.
- Refined Carbs: White bread and pasta which offer less nutritional value.
- Fried Foods: Such as vegan versions of traditionally fried items.
- Sugary Vegan Desserts: Often high in refined sugars and unhealthy fats.
- Alcohol: Can be high in calories and offer little nutritional value.
- Excessive Use of Oils: Even healthy oils like olive oil should be used in moderation.
- High-Sodium Products: Some vegan cheeses and meat substitutes can be high in salt.
Main benefits
The Italian meal plan for vegans adapts classic Italian dishes to a vegan diet. It includes a range of pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces, vegetable-centric pizzas without cheese, and legume-based soups and stews. Nutritional yeast and plant-based cheeses are used as alternatives to dairy, ensuring a flavorful and diverse vegan Italian dining experience.
How to budget on this meal plan?
Buying whole grain bread, avocado, and a variety of vegetables and beans in bulk can be more cost-effective. Fresh fruit like berries, mango, and banana are often cheaper when in season. Homemade almond milk and vegan cheese can be healthier and more economical than store-bought versions. Consider making your own tomato sauce and vegan pesto to save money.
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Extra tips ✨
Any healthy snack ideas?
Delight in these vegan, Italian-inspired snacks:
- Bruschetta with tomato, basil, and balsamic glaze
- Stuffed bell peppers with vegan risotto
- Grilled eggplant with a touch of agrodolce sauce
- Zucchini noodles with tomato and olive sauce
- Chickpea and vegetable stew with herbs
- Focaccia with rosemary and olives
- Marinated tofu with sun-dried tomatoes and capers
What should I drink on this meal plan?
For vegans on an Italian style diet, drinking plenty of water is key, along with herbal teas for variety, freshly squeezed vegetable juices for nutrients, unsweetened almond milk as a dairy substitute, and black coffee for a traditional Italian beverage choice.
How to get even more nutrients?
Adapting Italian food for a vegan diet means replacing certain traditional ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Nutritional yeast can be a substitute for Parmesan, giving a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Use tofu or tempeh as protein-rich additions to tomato-based sauces. Focus on whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes to ensure adequate intake of all essential nutrients in a flavorful and satisfying way.
Meal plan suggestions
Italian Vegan Meal Plan
Day 1
- Breakfast: Avocado toast on whole grain bread (calories: 250, carbs: 30g, protein: 6g, fat: 12g)
- Lunch: Minestrone soup with a variety of vegetables and beans (calories: 300, carbs: 45g, protein: 12g, fat: 5g)
- Snack: Fresh fruit salad (calories: 120, carbs: 30g, protein: 2g, fat: 0.5g)
- Dinner: Whole wheat pasta with tomato sauce and roasted vegetables (calories: 400, carbs: 70g, protein: 12g, fat: 8g)
Day 2
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with almond milk, topped with berries and chia seeds (calories: 300, carbs: 45g, protein: 10g, fat: 8g)
- Lunch: Quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives (calories: 350, carbs: 50g, protein: 10g, fat: 12g)
- Snack: A handful of almonds (calories: 160, carbs: 6g, protein: 6g, fat: 14g)
- Dinner: Eggplant Parmesan with vegan cheese (calories: 400, carbs: 40g, protein: 10g, fat: 22g)
Day 3
- Breakfast: Smoothie with banana, spinach, almond milk, and a scoop of vegan protein powder (calories: 300, carbs: 50g, protein: 20g, fat: 5g)
- Lunch: Lentil and vegetable stew (calories: 350, carbs: 60g, protein: 18g, fat: 5g)
- Snack: Carrot sticks with hummus (calories: 150, carbs: 20g, protein: 5g, fat: 6g)
- Dinner: Vegan pizza with a whole wheat crust, tomato sauce, and a variety of vegetables (calories: 400, carbs: 60g, protein: 12g, fat: 12g)
Day 4
- Breakfast: Chia seed pudding made with coconut milk and topped with mango (calories: 250, carbs: 30g, protein: 5g, fat: 12g)
- Lunch: Caprese salad with vegan mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze (calories: 300, carbs: 25g, protein: 5g, fat: 18g)
- Snack: A pear (calories: 100, carbs: 25g, protein: 1g, fat: 0.2g)
- Dinner: Vegan risotto with mushrooms and asparagus (calories: 400, carbs: 60g, protein: 10g, fat: 12g)
Day 5
- Breakfast: Granola with almond milk and a small banana (calories: 280, carbs: 45g, protein: 7g, fat: 8g)
- Lunch: Whole grain sandwich with hummus, roasted bell peppers, and arugula (calories: 350, carbs: 45g, protein: 12g, fat: 12g)
- Snack: A handful of roasted pumpkin seeds (calories: 180, carbs: 10g, protein: 9g, fat: 15g)
- Dinner: Tofu and vegetable stir-fry with brown rice (calories: 400, carbs: 50g, protein: 18g, fat: 16g)
Day 6
- Breakfast: Vegan yogurt with fresh fruit and a sprinkle of sunflower seeds (calories: 250, carbs: 35g, protein: 6g, fat: 10g)
- Lunch: Vegan lasagna with spinach and tofu ricotta (calories: 400, carbs: 50g, protein: 18g, fat: 16g)
- Snack: Sliced cucumber and bell peppers (calories: 100, carbs: 20g, protein: 3g, fat: 1g)
- Dinner: Polenta with grilled vegetables and a tomato-basil sauce (calories: 350, carbs: 55g, protein: 8g, fat: 10g)
Day 7
- Breakfast: Whole grain cereal with almond milk and berries (calories: 280, carbs: 50g, protein: 8g, fat: 6g)
- Lunch: Grilled vegetable panini with vegan pesto (calories: 350, carbs: 45g, protein: 10g, fat: 15g)
- Snack: An orange (calories: 80, carbs: 19g, protein: 1g, fat: 0.2g)
- Dinner: Vegetable minestrone with a side of whole grain bread (calories: 350, carbs: 60g, protein: 12g, fat: 5g)
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⚠️ Keep in Mind
As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.
Article Reviewed
Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of updating it on April 12, 2024.
