Transitioning to a vegan lifestyle can come with a multitude of health benefits. However, just because a food is vegan doesn’t mean it’s great for our health.
While we all need the occasional battered, fried, sweet, or savory splurge, here are some simple swaps to give you all your favorite flavors without any guilt.
Get Saucy
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Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast, or “Nooch,” is a must-have ingredient in my household. I’m guilty of emptying the coop bulk bins at a time or two. It’s a nutrient-rich inactivated yeast that provides protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Better yet, it provides a savory, cheesy flavor to all of your favorite soups and sauces. It also makes an excellent topping for salads and popcorn! Be sure to check out this Best Vegan Cheese Sauce from Eat Plant-Based!
Cashew Cream
If there’s one recipe I find myself making the most, it’s likely cashew cream! It’s so incredibly versatile, and I use it with everything. It makes any soup, pasta, or lasagna creamy and delicious! I think it’s a fantastic sour cream alternative, and I regularly top any tacos, burritos, nachos, or bowls with this recipe! For a great step-by-step on how to make it, check out this recipe by Minimalist Baker.
Bake it Healthy
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Chia or Flax Egg
Gone are the days of vegan baking woes. Eggless baking is simple, healthy, and as delicious as the originals. Check out Vegan Richa’s take on making a flax or chia egg. Whether you have flaxseed or chia on hand, this recipe is a straightforward swap that you can use as a direct substitute for eggs in cookies, muffins, bread, and other treats!
Baked Fries
I’ve never met a fry that I didn’t like. Fresh, frozen – I love them all! Unfortunately, most fries are typically deep-fried and covered in salt. If you are craving fries to enjoy whenever you’d like, look no further than these Crispy Baked French Fries from Healthy Girl Kitchen. Yes, please!
Buffalo Cauliflower
Are you team cauliflower? I am! Cauliflower wings are the perfect healthy alternative for a game day appetizer or shareable with friends. If you love the kick of buffalo sauce, pair these wings with some delicious vegan ranch. If you’re not a fan of spice, swap for barbeque! Check out this Cauliflower Wing recipe from Nora Cooks. J Selby’s in St. Paul, MN has some of the best vegan buffalo cauliflower around! Be sure to visit if you’re in town.
No Meat Required
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Tofu Crumbles
You can utilize tofu in so many ways. While it may seem obvious that tofu is a great meat replacement, it’s also an incredibly healthy swap for any recipe! My favorite ways to cook with tofu are crumbling, seasoning, and baking. Tofu crumbles are perfect in tacos, nachos, burritos, on a pizza, or anywhere your dish may be lacking! These Vegan Chorizo Tofu Crumbles by It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken are incredibly tasty.
Lentil Walnut
Tacos are a weekly staple in my house. We love the flavors of cumin and chili, and it’s easy to capture this profile with plant-based cooking. My favorite vegan taco meat is gluten-free and soy-free. It’s a delicious and incredibly healthy alternative that won’t leave anyone missing meat. It’s great for tacos, nachos, burritos, salads, and more. Check out this Lentil & Walnut Taco Meat by Sweet Simple Vegan.
Jackfruit
How awesome is jackfruit, right? If you haven’t had the chance to cook with this vegan staple, take this as your sign! The texture is similar to shredded meat, and it quickly takes on the flavors of any spices or sauces you pair with it. Enjoy it on a bun with barbeque sauce and some vegan coleslaw! Try this BBQ Jackfruit Pulled Pork recipe by Loving It Vegan. For a restaurant taking vegan taqueria to the next level, be sure to visit One Grub Community in El Paso, Texas. They’re making a difference in their community through plant-based, vegan cooking!
Sweet Treats
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Nice Cream
When you have a craving for ice cream, look no further than vegan nice cream! This frosty treat is meant to mimic the texture of ice cream by blending frozen bananas and other fruits to get an icy, soft-serve treat. It is entirely plant-based and great for your health. You can mix things up with a variety of ingredients. Check out these fun Nice Cream recipes from Forks Over Knives.
Date Caramel
If your sweet tooth is crying out, but you’re looking for a healthier option – date caramel is the way to go! A smooth, all-natural alternative with no refined sugar. It’s ready quickly; you can dip, drizzle, or try it right off the spoon! This All-Natural Date Caramel Sauce by Plant-Based Folk has only a handful of ingredients and is worth all five stars!
Enjoy without the guilt!
While we all indulge in our favorite junk-food options occasionally, we may be looking for those salty, sweet, or savory flavors on a more regular occurrence.
Healthy vegan swaps are fun, versatile, and have much to offer for taste and health! Enjoy!
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How to Make Your Vegan Protein Shake Without Protein Powder
Time-Saving Vegan Cooking Tips For Beginners
How To ‘Veganize’ Indian Recipes
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