5(ish) Ingredient Plant-based Recipes

You should always have a few simple recipes in your back pocket that are easy to execute and don’t require many ingredients. Besides being able to cut your shopping list in half, using only a handful of ingredients creates cleaner and more focused flavors.

But recipes that call for only five ingredients or less are also good for teaching. Whether it’s your kindergartener, college-bound teenager, or partner, easing them into the kitchen with a basic recipe can help stimulate a passion for wholesome ingredients and home-made food— as well as their appetites.

Click here for 10 Semi-Homemade Meatless Meals

This Monday, we’re breaking out a collection of some of our favorite plant-based recipes that require only five ingredients (or less). And when we say ingredients, we mean fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and grains; spices, oils, salt and pepper, and other seasonings don’t count. See what you have in your pantry, and let’s get cooking.

Apple Basil Panini

A good panini is a balance of salty and sweet, soft and crunchy, refreshing and flavorful. This apple basil panini is bright and light, making it a great addition to anyone’s lunchbox. Use plant-based mozzarella slices to make this dish completely animal-product free.

For the Apple Basil Panini recipe, click here.

Baked Polenta Fries

A toasty alternative to French fries, this recipe for polenta fries from Sherry of Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe is super simple to cook and can be made with only three ingredients. By using a package of prepared polenta, you can easily cut down on the prep time. Serve with fresh basil and marinara sauce for dipping.

For the Baked Polenta Fries recipe, click here.

Basic Tofu Scramble

A simple alternative to scrambled eggs, this recipe for tofu scramble from Catrina Muolo of @plantedfamilies gets its color and flavor from seasonings like turmeric, paprika, and nutritional yeast. Serve on toast with a side of ketchup and hot sauce or with plant-based bacon for a complete breakfast.

For the Basic Tofu Scramble, click here.

Cauliflower Buffalo Wings

Tangy, spicy, and a bit sweet, this recipe for cauliflower Buffalo wings from Kimatni Rawlins of Fit Fathers is a great alternative to chicken wings. Plus, these wings are fork-friendly, which means you can keep your fingers clean while eating.

For the Cauliflower Buffalo Wings recipe, click here.

Charred Brussels Sprouts with Za’atar and Date Syrup

For an easy Mediterranean-inspired appetizer that’s sure to impress, try these charred Brussels sprouts with za’atar. The fruity date syrup and fragrant za’atar seasoning pairs perfectly with the Brussels, making this recipe from Anusha of @yummyyatra a perfect way to introduce family/friends to this nutritious veggie.

For the Charred Brussels Sprouts with Za’atar and Date Syrup recipe, click here.

Everything Bagel Roasted Chickpeas

Need a healthy snack in a jiffy? Toss chickpeas in oil and seasonings and roast for a total of 25 minutes or until the chickpeas are crispy and crunch. This recipe from Aymara Lucero of @concernedcook is simple to execute and a great way to get kids in the kitchen.

For the Everything Bagel Roasted Chickpeas recipe, click here.

Fruity Mango Chia Popsicles

Who doesn’t love dessert? For some bright and refreshing, make your own fruity mango chia popsicles. Prep time takes only five minutes; you just have let them sit in the freezer overnight, and you’ll have a cold and yummy dessert just in time for lunch.

For the Fruity Mango Chia Popsicles recipe, click here.

Spiced Grilled Corn Ribs

These grilled corn “ribs” capture all the flavor of the grill, just without the meat. The key to this recipe from Deborah Brooks of Confessions of a Mother Runner is cutting the kernels off in planks so that the slabs stay together while on the grill.

For the Spiced Grill Corn Ribs recipe, click here.

Moroccan Split Pea Soup

A pot of soup is a nutritious, homey, and cost-effective dinner option. Some soups call for dozens of different components, but you can make this Moroccan split pea soup from Safa of Moroccan Zest with only a handful of ingredients.

For the Moroccan Split Pea Soup recipe, click here.

Tangy Cucumber-Dill Salad

Cucumbers are cool and refreshing, making this recipe from Kait of Habits of a Modern Hippie

an accompaniment to hearty veggie burgers or spicy curries. Cucumbers and thinly sliced red onions do most of the lifting, but a pop of dill and lemon juice rounds out the flavors.

For the Tangy Cucumber Dill Salad recipe, click here.

Three Bean Salad

If you need a quick, protein-packed salad recipe, look no further than this three bean salad from Goya. You can whip it up in no time and customize it to your liking by using your favorite beans.

For the Three Bean Salad recipe, click here.

Tofu Jerky

Another simple snack that you can make with pantry-staples, this tofu jerky almost tastes like the real thing. Using beer, maple syrup, seasonings, and a hot oven, you can turn tofu into a familiar dish that all eaters will enjoy.

For the Tofu Jerky recipe, click here.

If you decide to make one of these delicious recipes, let us know by tagging @MeatlessMonday and #MeatlessMonday on your social media posts for a chance to be featured on our channels.