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Plant-based meal plan for vegans

Plant-Based Meal Plan for Vegans offers a creative exploration of vegan gastronomy. Discover meals that transform simple ingredients like tofu, tempeh, and legumes into culinary masterpieces, accompanied by a symphony of fresh vegetables and exotic spices. From imaginative breakfast bowls to gourmet vegan dinners, each meal is a testament to the art of plant-based cooking, making veganism an endlessly delicious journey.

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Meal plan grocery list

  • Chia seeds
  • Almond milk
  • Fresh berries
  • Quinoa
  • Black beans
  • Mixed vegetables
  • Sliced apple
  • Almond butter
  • Tofu
  • Broccoli

  • Bell peppers
  • Brown rice
  • Spinach
  • Banana
  • Flaxseeds
  • Whole grain wrap
  • Hummus
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Lettuce
  • Lentils

  • Vegan shepherd's pie ingredients
  • Overnight oats ingredients
  • Peanut butter
  • Edamame
  • Carrots
  • Cucumber
  • Tahini dressing
  • Vegan chickpea curry ingredients
  • Vegan yogurt
  • Granola
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Meal plan overview

Step into a world where vegan eating is reimagined with the Plant-Based Meal Plan for Vegans. This plan is a celebration of the boundless possibilities in vegan cuisine, featuring innovative dishes that utilize plant-based proteins, grains, and an abundance of organic produce.

It's a fusion of traditional and contemporary vegan cooking, creating a dining experience that's both deeply satisfying and nutritionally complete.

Foods to eat

  • Whole Grains: Quinoa, brown rice, barley, and whole grain bread for fiber and essential nutrients.
  • Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, black beans, and edamame for plant-based protein.
  • Vegetables: A wide range of vegetables including leafy greens, broccoli, bell peppers, and squashes.
  • Fruits: Berries, citrus fruits, apples, and tropical fruits like mango and papaya.
  • Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds for healthy fats and protein.
  • Plant-Based Milks and Yogurts: Fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
  • Healthy Fats: Avocado, olive oil, and coconut oil for essential fatty acids.
  • Supplements: Vitamin B12, vitamin D, and algae-based omega-3s as necessary.
✅ Tip

Make sure to include fortified foods like plant-based milk alternatives and breakfast cereals to ensure adequate intake of vitamin B12, which is primarily found in animal products.

Foods not to eat

  • Animal Products: All meat, dairy, eggs, and honey are excluded in a vegan diet.
  • Processed Vegan Foods: High in sodium and unhealthy additives.
  • Refined Carbohydrates: White bread and pasta which are lower in nutrients.
  • Fried Plant-Based Foods: High in calories and often cooked in unhealthy fats.
  • High-Sugar Vegan Snacks: Like vegan cookies and candies high in sugar.
  • Alcohol: Provides empty calories and little nutritional value.
  • Sweetened Beverages: Soda and sweetened teas or coffees.
  • Artificial Sweeteners: Found in many low-calorie processed foods.

Main benefits

The Plant-Based Meal Plan for Vegans exclusively includes foods from plant sources. It focuses on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds, providing a well-rounded diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein, all derived from vegan-friendly sources.

Plant-based meal plan for vegans breakdown pie chart
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fiber

Other

Food alternatives

For a vegan meal plan, these alternatives can provide variety and nutrition:

  • To make a creamy base for sauces, cashew cream works well instead of dairy cream.
  • Sweetness and fiber are boosted by using medjool dates instead of sugar in recipes.
  • For a meaty texture, jackfruit can replace mushrooms in stews and curries.
  • When seeking a protein source, hemp seeds offer a good alternative to chia seeds in smoothies.
  • To achieve a cheesy flavor, nutritional yeast can be a great substitute for cheese in pasta dishes.

How to budget on this meal plan

Chia seeds, quinoa, and black beans are excellent staples to buy in bulk. Almond milk and fresh berries can be purchased in larger quantities or opted for frozen varieties. Utilize a variety of vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and spinach in your meals. Homemade hummus and roasted vegetables can be more cost-effective and healthier. Consider making your own vegan yogurt and granola for breakfast options.

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Extra tips

Any healthy snack ideas?

Enjoy these 7 vegan-friendly plant-based snacks:

  • Almond butter and banana sandwich
  • Vegetable crudités with dairy-free ranch dip
  • Coconut yogurt with mixed berries
  • Spicy roasted cauliflower bites
  • Chickpea salad with lemon tahini dressing
  • Vegan cheese and crackers
  • Fruit skewers with chocolate hummus
What should I drink on this meal plan?

For vegans, staying hydrated with water is essential. Herbal teas, such as chamomile or lemon balm, are calming and caffeine-free. Almond and soy milk are great for nutrient intake without dairy. Fresh vegetable juices provide essential vitamins and minerals. Kombucha offers a probiotic-rich, fermented beverage option.

How to get even more nutrients?

Vegan diets exclude all animal products, so it's crucial to include varied sources of protein like quinoa, tofu, and tempeh. Fiber from a range of vegetables and whole grains is essential for maintaining health and aiding digestion. Healthy fats can be incorporated through nuts, avocado, and plant oils, ensuring a balanced intake of essential nutrients to support overall health and well-being.

Meal plan suggestions

7-Day Plant-Based Meal Plan for Vegans

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Chia seed pudding made with almond milk, topped with fresh berries (calories: 280, protein: 6g, carbs: 40g, fat: 8g)
  • Lunch: Quinoa and black bean salad with mixed vegetables and avocado (calories: 450, protein: 15g, carbs: 60g, fat: 15g)
  • Snack: Sliced apple with almond butter (calories: 200, protein: 4g, carbs: 30g, fat: 10g)
  • Dinner: Stir-fried tofu with broccoli, bell peppers, and a side of brown rice (calories: 500, protein: 20g, carbs: 70g, fat: 15g)

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Smoothie with spinach, banana, almond milk, and flaxseeds (calories: 300, protein: 10g, carbs: 50g, fat: 5g)
  • Lunch: Whole grain wrap filled with hummus, roasted vegetables, and lettuce (calories: 400, protein: 12g, carbs: 60g, fat: 15g)
  • Snack: A handful of mixed nuts (calories: 180, protein: 5g, carbs: 8g, fat: 16g)
  • Dinner: Vegan lentil shepherd's pie (calories: 450, protein: 18g, carbs: 65g, fat: 12g)

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Overnight oats with almond milk, peanut butter, and banana (calories: 350, protein: 10g, carbs: 55g, fat: 12g)
  • Lunch: Buddha bowl with brown rice, edamame, carrots, cucumber, and tahini dressing (calories: 450, protein: 15g, carbs: 60g, fat: 18g)
  • Snack: Fresh fruit salad (calories: 150, protein: 2g, carbs: 35g, fat: 1g)
  • Dinner: Vegan chickpea curry with cauliflower rice (calories: 400, protein: 15g, carbs: 50g, fat: 15g)

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Vegan yogurt with granola and mixed berries (calories: 300, protein: 6g, carbs: 45g, fat: 10g)
  • Lunch: Avocado and tomato sandwich on whole grain bread (calories: 400, protein: 10g, carbs: 50g, fat: 20g)
  • Snack: Carrot and cucumber sticks with guacamole (calories: 150, protein: 3g, carbs: 15g, fat: 10g)
  • Dinner: Vegan pizza with a cauliflower crust and assorted vegetable toppings (calories: 450, protein: 12g, carbs: 55g, fat: 18g)

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Whole grain toast with avocado and a side of fortied orange juice (calories: 350, protein: 8g, carbs: 45g, fat: 15g)
  • Lunch: Spinach and strawberry salad with walnuts and balsamic vinaigrette (calories: 400, protein: 8g, carbs: 30g, fat: 28g)
  • Snack: A small banana and a handful of almonds (calories: 250, protein: 6g, carbs: 30g, fat: 12g)
  • Dinner: Stuffed bell peppers with quinoa and black beans (calories: 400, protein: 15g, carbs: 60g, fat: 10g)

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Green smoothie with kale, pineapple, chia seeds, and almond milk (calories: 280, protein: 6g, carbs: 45g, fat: 8g)
  • Lunch: Vegan sushi rolls with avocado, cucumber, carrot, and a side of miso soup (calories: 400, protein: 10g, carbs: 60g, fat: 10g)
  • Snack: Rice cakes with peanut butter (calories: 200, protein: 5g, carbs: 25g, fat: 10g)
  • Dinner: Vegan pad Thai with tofu and vegetables (calories: 500, protein: 20g, carbs: 65g, fat: 15g)

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Vegan blueberry pancakes with a side of almond butter (calories: 350, protein: 8g, carbs: 50g, fat: 15g)
  • Lunch: Vegan minestrone soup with a side of whole grain bread (calories: 350, protein: 12g, carbs: 55g, fat: 8g)
  • Snack: Edamame pods sprinkled with sea salt (calories: 150, protein: 12g, carbs: 10g, fat: 5g)
  • Dinner: Grilled eggplant and zucchini with quinoa salad (calories: 400, protein: 15g, carbs: 55g, fat: 15g)

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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.