Plant-Based

In northern parts of the country, vegetable gardens are still emerging from winter, and in warmer parts of North America, it’s still a couple months before many warm-season crops begin to produce. So what's a locavore to do?

Take advantage of the season’s best peaches, plums and cherries to make this Spanish-inspired drink.

We show how you’re just a few easy steps away from serving a delicious, all-natural hummus that’s double-dip worthy! (Don’t worry, we won’t judge.)

Parmesan, garlic and herbs add big flavor to these easy patties while a fresh, feta-topped tomato and olive salad is served alongside.

This colorful grain salad is delicious warm or at room temperature. If you don’t have time to soak the Kamut in advance, cook it for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. For a twist, swap in another whole grain, such as faro, barley, quinoa or wheat berries.

Vibrant magenta tzatziki sauce adds rich and sweet notes to this light Greek-inspired entrée.

Navy beans stand in for chickpeas in this twist on falafel. Sweet and sour pickled radish, garlic yogurt sauce and pita triangles round out the meal.

A lightly sweet salad complements spicy pan-seared scallops perfectly in this 25-minute meal.

No need to call for delivery to get a veggie packed, Asian-style fried rice – ours tastes just as good and can be ready in 25 minutes. Plus, we’ve added fermented kimchi and tempeh, both of which contain gut friendly probiotics.

This light and fresh salad from our March 2015 meal plan makes a satisfying lunch.

Jicama gives this guacamole a unique and refreshing crunch – everyone will be trying to guess your secret ingredient!

Chia seeds give this easy-to-make pudding a fiber boost, while warm, aromatic pumpkin pie spice provides a depth of flavor.

Spirals of zucchini and carrot are a lighter and lower-carb alternative to grain-based noodles. Here, they are tossed with a spicy mango and avocado dressing and topped with chicken and crunchy cashews.

This carrot and ginger soup is packed with fiber and requires only 20 minutes of prep.

These all-in-one dip containers layer seasoned black beans with avocado, yogurt, salsa and cheddar for a snack that really satisfies. Pack in individual containers and serve with carrots and celery, or all-natural tortilla chips.

A natural libido enhancer, maca has been used for thousands of years to increase stamina, energy and sexual function.

With just 169 calories a pop, these nutty and chocolaty frozen pops satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt.

Coconut contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that can be helpful in preventing cancers and may have positive effects on on immunity.

Make your own snack bars to pop in your purse or gym bag with this 10-minute recipe that uses mostly pantry staples.

Substitute mint for basil in this refreshing pesto pasta recipe.

A fresh, soft cheese made from mozzarella and cream, burrata helps give this colorful salad an air of sophistication.

This healthier version of taco salad provides layers of flavor without the overload of calories and fat.

Making dressing with farro instead of bread is definitely a welcome – and healthy – change of pace.

Wonderfully fresh and tender scallops are served on a bed of fennel and lettuce with a sweet and tart grapefruit dressing. If your budget allows, buy high-quality, dry-packed scallops, which are not packed in a phosphate preservative solution.

Rich in micronutrients, Swiss chard is the workhorse of leafy greens. To avoid bitterness, destem and steam the leaves for a few minutes before using as wraps.

Packed with the superfood power of butternut squash, these delicate butternut squash souffles weigh in at only 94 Calories!

These quick and easy corn cakes make a protein-packed veggie dinner.

Superfoods like beets and walnuts meet greens and heirloom grains in this healthy quinoa salad.

Coated in coconut, panko and cashew meal, these tofu bites are accompanied by a decadent curry-scented sauce made with coconut milk and mango.

Crunchy radish, carrots, cabbage and bell pepper are combined with black rice and edamame for a vibrant and satisfying lunchtime salad. The best part is that you can pack it into a glass jar up to 5 days in advance – since the dressing only touches the heartiest vegetables, there is no risk of having a soggy salad!

This Greek-inspired recipe pairs tender chickpea burgers with sweet, warm watermelon and a crisp arugula and fennel salad. For added flavor, add fennel fronds as a garnish.

Not only does our Mediterranean Baked Cod offer a generous 35 grams of protein, but we also serve it on a piece of sweet and colorful bell pepper with a hearty chickpea salad.

Look forward to lunch time thanks to this make-ahead falafel recipe, topped with a tangy feta- and herb-laced yogurt sauce.

Wild rice adds depth of flavor to this veggie-packed, whole-wheat dressing. For best texture, look for bread that has a thicker, crunchier crust rather than a softer one.

Sweet, savory and filled with good-for-you veggies, this speedy stir-fry will please both vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Try serving this flavor-packed dish over brown jasmine rice or Wehani red rice.

Black Forbidden rice gets its name from ancient China, where the dark-hued grain was banned from commoners and reserved strictly for royalty and nobility. Today, it can be found in local markets and ethnic grocery stores, and is commonly used in Thai cooking and is perfect in this black rice salad!

Cobb salad is an American favorite, but clean eaters usually steer clear of its heavy, fatty dressing. Our version has all the same great taste of a traditional chopped salad, but with a lightened-up dressing that won’t disappoint!

Impress your guests with Jo’s bold-flavored, restaurant-style salad. The caramelized onions and strawberries add sweetness and depth to the tangy goat cheese and sharp citrusy dressing.

This 10-minute sauté takes its cue from a classic frittata, combining fluffy egg whites with pops of color from sweet bell peppers, crisp zucchini and golden threads of saffron.

This simple Moroccan chickpea salad is hearty enough to stand on its own for a no-cook dinner, and if you have any leftovers simply pack them for work tomorrow – a marinated dish such as this often tastes even better the next day!

An insatiable craving for a moist, sweet slice of zucchini bread sent this reader to the kitchen to try her hand at creating her own clean version. The result: a delicious apple zucchini bread loaf.

Wakame, a type of seaweed, must first be soaked briefly in cold water before using. Drain it thoroughly before adding it to other ingredients.

Here, vegetables and tofu step in for the traditional meat and get a soak in a spicy coconut marinade before a quick skewerless grill. (Don't fret - no fire pit required!)

For a perfectly portable, leak-proof lunch, layer the ingredients in this quick and easy vegetarian salad in a glass jar (with a lid). When you're ready to eat, just shake it up!

Ingredients vary widely when it comes to these trendy, French bistro-style, open-faced sandwiches. Start with our basic recipe for snack time and, later on, try adding lean chicken, turkey, fish or more vegetables for a heartier meal.

Crisp, golden toasted ravioli with rich marinara sauce is now your perfect skinny snack (we save you 14 grams of fat!).

This side is about as simple as they come, though it's not without healthy vitamins and minerals, thanks to the addition of nutrient-rich edamame and corn.

Smaller spring potatoes, also known as new potatoes, tend to be sweeter, making this an ideal time of year to try a variety other than America's beloved Russet (otherwise known as the Idaho potato). Our Herbed New Potatoes is a side that's both simple and elegant.

Infuse iron-rich spinach and protein-powered chickpeas with some simple flavor thanks to garlic, paprika, cumin and red wine vinegar.

An honorary mention in our AHA collaboration, this heart-healthy southwest quinoa salad comes from Chef Jean Hertzman, PhD, CCE, assistant professor of food and beverage management at the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration at UNLV.

Whip up a hearty French salad in just 25 minutes! Ringing in at just $8, this healthy recipe suits your wallet as well as your waistline.

A short marinade infuses the salmon with citrus flavor and helps keep it moist. Plus, since only a small fraction of the marinating liquid is absorbed, this easy step keeps calories low!

Our rustic take on the classic Italian pie has a swirl of savory fillings and just 175 calories per slice.

You can make both the potatoes and onions the day before so that your pre-party preparation is extra fast and easy. After assembling the dish, either bake it at home and serve it within an hour or so (it's equally delicious at room temperature), or take it to the host's place and bake it there.