Plant-Based Family Meals You Can Make in 20 Minutes or Less

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t have the time to cook healthy, think again. Our culture has raised us to believe that food that’s convenient can’t be good for us at the same time. Or that food can’t be healthy and delicious at the same time. I always love when someone who doesn’t regularly eat plant-based says with surprise, “hey, this actually tastes good!” 

But you don’t have to fall into the trap of believing that your food can’t be both healthy, delicious AND convenient. And even when you may be spending a few more minutes that you would going through the drive-through, you’ll get those minutes back in mental clarity and energy.

So say goodbye to the belief that healthy is too hard with these delicious recipes. All require less than 20 minutes active time (a few just require a little time to get started and then you can walk away.

Avocado Salsa: 

Often labeled as an appetizer, this delicious blend makes a fabulous plant-based meal when paired with leafy greens, whole grains, wrapped in tacos or burritos. Scooping with a chip or a spoon is perfectly acceptable too!

Avocado Pasta

After many experiments with plant-based macaroni and cheese, I was shocked when this simple recipe was the one my kids begged to have instead. A simple avocado sauce coats pasta, black beans and corn for a satisfying meal that doesn’t take any longer than a box of Mac N Cheese.

5 Ingredient Plant-Based Burgers

I’ve tried a lot of plant-based burger recipes, but the lengthy ingredient lists usually left me going back to frozen veggie burgers, which tasted alright, but had a decent amount of oil and could sometimes be a little pricey. Finally these easiest ever burgers come together in a flash, even if you triple the recipe and freeze the extra, creating your own stash of frozen burgers. The best part? You can taste and adjust the seasonings all you want before baking.

Speedy Taco Filling

I’ve made this combination with black beans and canned jackfruit, and none of my dinner guests suspected their taco salad wasn’t made with shredded chicken. Until one of my family members decided to spill the beans [ha, no pun intended]. This is a fast method for developing maximum flavor, no meat needed.

Quinoa Burrito Bowl

Being able to toss a few ingredients into my Instant Pot in a few minutes and then walk away is priceless when you have a 16 month old climbing, clinging and making messes everywhere he goes.

Life Changing Lentils

I’ve dubbed these life-changing because they are so versatile and so stinking easy to make extra for other meals.  They freeze beautifully, and work well in sandwiches, over potatoes, in burritos or taco salad or just about anywhere else you need some easy and flavorful protein.

and last but not least

Oil-Free Crispy Tofu

This is definitely a family favorite! While the ideal plan is to press your tofu early in the day, actual hands on time is minimal and my kids LOVE it. The drier it gets the better it will crisp up, but a 3 ingredient coating leaves the tofu very flavorful and crisp without a drop of oil.