Easy Recipes

4 Vegan Party Dishes Plus Non-Alcoholic Drink Ideas

Just in time for New Years Eve celebrations whether you’re going out, staying at home, or heading into work!

In this post, we’ll share four of our favorite dish recipes, plus some refreshing non-alcoholic drink ideas. As always we’re keeping things quick, easy, and delicious.

1. Cheese Board (2-3 of each)

  • Fruit (apples, grapes, clementines)
  • Nuts (candied pecans, almonds)
  • Multi grain crackers
  • Vegan cheese

2. Taco Salad

  • Coconut yogurt
  • Taco seasoning
  • Black beans
  • Pico de gallo
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Tortilla chips
  • Sliced loaf of bread

3. Veggie tray

  • Celery sticks
  • Baby carrots
  • Grape tomato

4. Hummus

  • 2-3 types of beans (kidney, pinto, chickpea)
  • Diced tomato
  • Salt & pepper
  • Lemon juice

Bonus: Fun Non-Alcoholic Drink Options

  • LMNT mocktail
  • Sparkling water
  • Lemon & mint water
  • Coffee or tea
  • Coconut water
  • Kombucha
  • Olipop soda
  • Protein shake

✨ Hope you enjoyed these party dish ideas! What’s your favorite dish to make for a party? Share with us in the comments below! ✨

Nutrition

Energize Your Life: Best Plant-Based Foods for Vitality

Are you looking for a natural energy boost? Incorporate these plant-based foods into your diet to increase vitality and support overall well-being.

Top Energy-Boosting Plant-Based Foods

1. Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale, Collard Greens)

Rich in iron, these greens help transport oxygen to cells, reducing fatigue.

2. Legumes (Lentils, Chickpeas, Black Beans)

High in complex carbohydrates, fiber, and protein, legumes provide sustained energy.

3. Nuts and Seeds (Almonds, Pumpkin Seeds, Chia Seeds)

Rich in healthy fats and protein, these foods support energy production and satisfaction.

4. Whole Grains (Quinoa, Brown Rice, Whole Wheat)

Complex carbohydrates in whole grains release energy slowly, preventing crashes.

5. Fresh Fruits (Berries, Citrus Fruits, Apples)

Natural sugars and fiber in fruits provide a quick energy boost.

6. Adaptogenic Herbs (Ginseng, Ashwagandha, Maca)

These herbs help your body adapt to stress, increasing energy and resilience.

7. Fermented Foods (Kimchi, Sauerkraut, Miso)

Rich in probiotics, fermented foods support gut health, enhancing energy absorption.

Sample Energy-Boosting Recipes

  • Spinach and Lentil Curry
  • Chickpea and Quinoa Bowl
  • Berry and Chia Seed Smoothie
  • Ginseng and Green Tea Latte
  • Kimchi and Avocado Sushi Rolls

Tips for Maximizing Energy

  • Stay hydrated
  • Exercise regularly
  • Practice stress-reducing techniques (meditation, yoga)
  • Get enough sleep (7-9 hours)
  • Limit processed foods and sugar

Join the Plant-Based Movement!

Share your favorite energy-boosting recipes!

✨ Stay Inspired ✨

Easy Recipes

Rice, beans, veg, and greens


Rice, beans, veg, and greens

🌿 Ingredients: jasmine rice, spicy beans with olives, celery, baby carrots, green pepper, spinach, black pepper

A simple, well-balanced meal that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.

PRO TIP: Cook up rice and beans in bulk to make meal time quicker 🙂

Inspired to create your own dish?
Plant-Based Meal Guide

Need some tips for food shopping?
How to (healthy) Food Shop

Looking for a free meal plan?
CC’s Plant-Based Meal Plan

Need a place to start?
Healthy Kitchen 101

Ready for some more easy recipes?
Comfort Foods: Plant-Based Alternatives

Easy Recipes

Comfort Foods: Plant Based Alternatives

Healthy, plant-based alternatives to your favorite, comfiest foods.

Satisfy your cravings while getting in vitamins and minerals your body loves and needs.

Foods are continuously added and updated.

Bookmark this page, email it to a friend, or simply leave this blog open in your phone’s browser so you can come back to it regularly as your go-to resource for easy, healthy comfort food recipes.

Cheese

Bake sweet potatoes uncovered at 400 degrees for 30 mins or until ready (use fork to test). Let cool and remove potato skins. Mix potatoes with some nutritional yeast and salt. Season to taste.

Bread

Ezekiel sprouted bread and Ezekiel english muffins are personal favs because they are dairy-free, nutritious, and super satisfying! Homemade sourdough is always a great touch. I also love Dave’s Killer bread and bagels.

Grilled Cheese

Using our cheese alternative above and toasted bread, make a sandwich and heat it up on the frying pan. Press down with a fork. Add salt on top.

Pizza

Toast some bread and cook up a few veggie toppings like green pepper, onion, and tomato. Add pasta sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and veggies to your toast. Top with fresh basil.

French Fries

Slice potatoes into fries or wedges, toss with extra virgin olive oil and salt. Bake uncovered at 400 degrees for 30 mins or until ready. Toss every 10 mins.

Meat

Mushrooms, tofu, tempeh, beans, or cauliflower. Cook up your meat substitute with some seasonings and add it to your favorite savory dishes.

Burgers

Heat up a big portabella mushroom and some onion. Once cooked, top them onto your favorite dairy-free buns. Add hummus, guac, and leafy greens.

Hot Dogs

Boil long carrots (fork test) and throw them on a roll when they’re done. Top off your hot dogs with some hummus, guac, pico, and/or pickles.

Pasta

Whole wheat noodles (1-2 ingredients), sauce with seasonings, mixed vegetables.

Tacos / Burritos

Sub out meat, shredded cheese, and sour cream for beans, sweet potato, and dairy-free yogurt. Add lettuce, tomato, pico, and/or guac. Choose dairy-free taco shells and wraps with minimal / whole ingredients.

Spreads / Dressings

Hummus

Jelly / jam

Peanut butter (peanuts &/or salt only)

Guacamole (avocado, pepper, tomato, salt, pepper, lime)

Honey mustard (spicy mustard and pure maple syrup)

Ice Cream

Smoothie bowl

Dairy-free yogurt (I love Harmless Harvest)


A note on packaged foods:

As always, check your labels! We are looking for minimal ingredients, the more whole-foods the better. If there are whack ingredients, see if there are other options you can take a look at. Most times there is a healthier alternative right on the same shelf as the product you’re currently using.

In other words, take a minute before putting a packaged good in your cart to check the label. Is this product good for me? Is there another brand who uses better ingredients? I still to this day find myself swapping one thing out for another whether it’s food, lotions, cleaning supplies, etc – relentless forward progress baby.

Get in touch!

Any feedback or questions about anything from this blog, please comment below!

If you’ve found value, send this blog to a friend to spread the love.

Keep on stepping family ♡

Goals

Craving sweets? Make a smoothie

Choose your fruit:

  • Banana
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Mango
  • Peaches

A fruit and water only smoothie is the perfect way to start your morning!

Choose your liquid:

  • water
  • coconut water
  • almond milk
  • soy milk
  • coconut milk

Add in some extras to your smoothie when you’re craving something sweet!

Extras:

  • peanut butter
  • protein mix
  • chia seeds
  • flax seed
  • cacao powder
Nutrition

Plant-Based Meal Guide

If you’re new to plant-based eating or are looking for a little inspiration for your next meal – I’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide on how to build a yummy and nutritious plant-based meal.

1. Choose Your Protein Sources

Proteins are essential building blocks for your body, supporting muscle growth, tissue repair, and proper immune function. Plant proteins provide all the amino acids you need without the downsides of animal proteins.

  • Beans: So much variety here! Chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, lentils, and more provide significant protein and fiber.

  • Quinoa: Red, black, or white – this complete protein contains all nine essential amino acids your body can’t produce on its own.

  • Tempeh: This fermented soybean product offers a nutty flavor, is rich in probiotics, and contains all essential amino acids your body needs.

  • Tofu: This typically comes packaged, so make sure to read the label to minimize the ingredients. I always go for the option with the most whole ingredients, with the least amount of additives.

2. Choose Your Complex Carbohydrates

Complex carbs provide sustained energy throughout the day and are rich in fiber, helping with digestion and keeping you fuller longer.

  • Rice: Jasmine, basmati, brown, or white – each variety offers different nutritional benefits and textures.

  • Potato: Sweet, regular, and so on (in Peru you have over 4,000 kinds to choose from. They come in every shape and color, including blue, yellow, red, pink, and purple!)

  • Pasta: Keep the ingredients clean – better yet, make your own pasta at home (date night idea?!)

  • Couscous: Sooooo good and so underrated. Make sure it’s just whole wheat flour, no other ingredients!

3. Choose Your Vegetables

Vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health and reduce inflammation. Aim for a colorful variety to get the broadest spectrum of nutrients.

  • Broccoli
  • Carrots
  • Corn
  • Beets
  • Asparagus
  • Cauliflower
  • Onion
  • Peppers
  • Cucumber

4. Add Your Herbs

Herbs not only add flavor without extra calories but also contain powerful antioxidants and medicinal properties that support immune function and reduce inflammation.

  • Sweet basil
  • Oregano
  • Cilantro
  • Green onion
  • Parsley
  • Thyme

5. Add Your Basic Spices

Spices transform bland ingredients into exciting meals while offering significant health benefits, from anti-inflammatory properties to metabolism support.

  • Black pepper
  • Sea salt / pink salt
  • Paprika
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Cumin

6. Add Your Greens – ALWAYS

Leafy greens are nutritional powerhouses, packed with vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. You’ll barely taste them with all of the other flavor going on, and they will add so much goodness to your dish. People who started adding greens to their diet noticed a difference in energy levels almost immediately!

  • Spinach
  • Beet greens
  • Kale
  • Romaine
  • Swiss chard
  • Watercress
  • Leaf lettuce

7. Add Your Extra Yummy Toppings

These flavorful additions can elevate your meal with healthy fats and extra nutrients while making everything more satisfying.

  • Soup
  • Guacamole
  • Hummus
  • Tahini