Meal Prep for a Plant-Based Diet: Recipes and Ideas

As more people adopt plant-based diets for health, environmental, and ethical reasons, meal prepping has become an essential tool for making healthy, delicious, and affordable plant-based meals. Here are some plant-based meal prep ideas and recipes to help you stay on track with your health and fitness goals.

Buddha Bowls

Buddha bowls are a trendy and nutritious way to meal prep for plant-based diets. These bowls are typically made with a base of grains or greens, topped with a variety of colorful veggies, legumes, nuts, seeds, and a delicious sauce. Buddha bowls are easy to customize, so you can make them to your liking.

Here’s a recipe for a Southwest Quinoa Buddha Bowl:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup black beans
• 1/2 cup corn kernels
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

For the dressing:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.
2. Divide the cooked quinoa into four meal prep containers.
3. Top the quinoa with black beans, corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and cilantro.
4. Drizzle the dressing over each bowl and add a lime wedge on top.
5. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
6. Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are a simple and healthy plant-based breakfast that you can make in advance. All you need is some rolled oats, your favorite plant milk, and your preferred sweetener and toppings.

Here’s a recipe for Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup plant milk
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. In a jar or container with a lid, mix together the rolled oats, plant milk, chia seeds, cocoa powder, banana, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
2. Stir well and cover the container with a lid.
3. Store in the fridge overnight or for at least 4 hours.
4. Top with sliced banana, chopped nuts, or granola before serving.
5. Chickpea Curry

Curries are an easy and flavorful way to meal prep for plant-based diets. This chickpea curry recipe is packed with protein, fiber, and veggies, making it a perfect lunch or dinner option.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can dice tomatoes
• 1 can of coconut milk
• 2 cups baby spinach
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
3. Add the curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper and stir