No matter what eating plan you’re following this new year, vegetables are the cornerstone of all healthy eating. Paleo, Whole30, or Plant-Based- all of these guidelines place emphasis on getting as many veggies into your diet as you can. Some allow grains, most allow good-quality meats, but no plan limits the number of vegetables. Plus, local vegetables are packed with even more nutrients, spending less time on their way from the ground to your plate. If your diet is mostly made up of plants, it just makes sense to eat the best tasting and highest quality plants you can get your fork on!
Read on for veggie-focused recipes that you can incorporate into your new eating plan. Let us know in the comments below what meals you’re planning on making this month!
Whole 30
Taking on this month-long eating plan is no small feat, and requires a lot of diet changes. Lots of nutrient-dense vegetables, limited fruits, and zero sugar are the essentials of this plan. Click Here to learn more about the Whole30 diet.
Dairy-Free Creamy Carrot and Ginger Soup (Wholesomelicious)
Smooth and luscious soups are key to the Whole30 diet and combating cold weather. Follow the basic format of this soup to incorporate more root vegetables and squashes (like sweet potato or butternut squash chunks) to use up even more nutrient-rich foods.
Easy Slow Cooker Paleo Beef Chili (Cotter Crunch)
Set it and forget it! Pasture-raised beef stew meat is simmered all day in a spiced sauce, perfect for topping with avocado, cilantro, and chopped green onions. Throw in as much chopped squash as you’d like in this dish- the chunks will hold up to a long cooking time.
Paleo
Bring on the meat! This eating plan is all about high-quality meats, fish, nuts, greens, vegetables, and seeds. Grains, wheat, and sugars are eliminated from your diet following the guidelines of a paleo plan. Click Here to learn more about the Paleo diet.
Paleo Burgers with Caramelized Balsamic Onions and Avocado (Joyful Healthy Eats)
You won’t even miss the bun! Pile these burgers high with balsamic-caramelized onions and thick slices of avocado, a good source of monosaturated fats (the good kind!).
Crispy Chicken Thai Salad (A Calculated Whisk)
This salad lends its burst of flavor to a pile of chopped fresh herbs and crispy chicken thighs. Paired with fresh scallion, fatty cashews, and sweet pineapple- this Paleo-friendly dish is a weeknight winner.
Plant-Based
The plant-based diet is focused mostly on whole and unrefined plant with limited or excluded meat. Meat should be the smallest portion on your plate, if at all, with this vegetable-based diet. Dairy, refined sugar, and wheat products are also limited. The most popular plan comes from the Forks over Knives plan (click here to read more).
Portobello Steaks with Avocado Chimichurri (Minimalist Baker)
You don’t have to eat meat substitutes to enjoy a good ‘steak’ on the plant-based plan! Opt for these hearty portobello mushrooms, marinated in a savory balsamic marinade. Top with a zesty avocado chimichurri for color and flavor contrast!
Apple and Smashed Cucumber Salad (Farmhouse Delivery)
If you are following a truly vegan plant-based diet, skip the honey in this recipe. Smashing the cucumbers allows dressing to get into every nook and cranny, allowing a super flavorful and crunchy veggie salad.
Get started with your new eating plan by having fresh, local vegetables delivered straight to your door. Farmhouse Produce Boxes arrive with in-season Texas veggies, weekly or biweekly, to inspire your healthful eating. Click here to learn more.
