Kickstart Your Year: Top 30 Healthy Recipes and a Cheat Day Treat

Fresh Beginnings with Balanced Breakfasts

Hey food lovers! 💚 As someone who’s been on countless culinary journeys, I know the transformative power a good meal can wield. Let’s start this new year with a bang of flavors and health on our plates! Breakfast is the cornerstone of our day, and I’ve rounded up some delicious vegan breakfasts that will keep your energy high and your taste buds dancing.

1. Avocado and Tomato Toast with a Twist: While I was traveling in Spain, I saw all kinds of creative dishes at cafés! This toast combines creamy avocado with fresh tomatoes, sprinkled with hemp seeds, and drizzled with balsamic glaze. It’s a delightful mix of creamy, tangy, and crunchy.
2. Chia Seed Pudding with Berries: This is my go-to when I need a quick morning meal. Mix 1/4 cup (45g) of chia seeds with 1 cup (240ml) of almond milk and a splash of vanilla extract. Let it sit overnight and top with fresh berries in the morning. It’s rich in fiber and omega-3s, perfect for a fresh start.
3. Savory Sweet Potato Hash: Dice a medium sweet potato and sauté it with some onion and bell peppers. Add black beans and your favorite spices for some southwestern flair! I find this super filling and a great way to enjoy veggies in the a.m.
4. Warm Winter Oatmeal with Spiced Apples: A cozy, sweet oatmeal topped with warm, cinnamon-spiced apples. Cook oats in almond milk, top with sautéed apples spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and finish with a drizzle of maple syrup and optional nuts or raisins.
5.  Spinach and Mushroom Vegan Breakfast Wrap: A flavorful and filling breakfast wrap packed with veggies. Sauté spinach, mushrooms, and onions, then wrap them in a whole-grain tortilla with hummus or avocado spread. Warm the wrap briefly in a skillet before serving.
6. Vegan Overnight Oats with Peanut Butter and Banana: A creamy, protein-packed breakfast prepared the night before. Combine oats, plant-based milk, chia seeds, and a dollop of peanut butter in a jar. Refrigerate overnight, then top with banana slices and a drizzle of maple syrup in the morning.

Energizing Lunches to Power Through

1. Rainbow Veggie Wraps: Think colorful bell peppers, shredded carrots, spinach, and red cabbage all wrapped in a Mission Soft Flour Tortilla with hummus. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of hemp seeds for texture. It’s like a little veggie party for your lunchbox!
2. Quinoa and Chickpea Buddha Bowl: I’ve made this bowl a hundred times, and I keep experimenting with flavors. Start with quinoa as the base, add roasted chickpeas, steamed broccoli, and avocado. Drizzle some tahini dressing over the top, and you’ve got a nutrient-packed meal that’ll make you feel incredible.
3. Zucchini Noodle Salad: No spiralizer? No problem! Slice zucchini thinly and toss with cherry tomatoes, olives, and a lemon vinaigrette. This refreshing salad is like a taste of summer all year long.
4. Winter Vegetable and Barley Soup: A hearty, comforting soup loaded with root vegetables, barley, and herbs, perfect for chilly January days. Sauté onions, garlic, and diced winter vegetables like carrots and parsnips. Simmer with vegetable broth, barley, and herbs until tender and flavorful.
5. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Wrap: A vibrant wrap filled with chickpeas, fresh veggies, and a tangy tahini dressing. Mix chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion with a tahini-lemon dressing. Wrap in a whole-grain tortilla with greens for a quick, refreshing lunch.
6. Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta: A rich and creamy pasta dish made with sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a cashew-based sauce. Blend soaked cashews, garlic, and nutritional yeast for a creamy sauce. Toss with whole-grain pasta, sautéed mushrooms, and wilted spinach for a satisfying meal.

Delicious Dinners for Family Times

1. Eggplant and Red Lentil Curry: My father Edward absolutely loved this dish. It brings back such cozy memories. Dice an eggplant and simmer it with red lentils, coconut milk, and curry spices for a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant.
2. Mushroom Stroganoff: Who doesn’t love a good comfort dish? Sautéed mushrooms with cashew cream make this dish creamy without the cream! Serve it over whole wheat pasta or spiralized zucchini, and you’ve got a health-friendly twist.
3. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Stuff bell peppers with a mixture of quinoa, black beans, corn, and spices. Bake and top with avocado or vegan cheese. They’re so deliciously satisfying—I promise you won’t even miss the meat.
4. Eggplant and Chickpea Tagine: A Moroccan-inspired stew featuring tender eggplant, hearty chickpeas, and warming spices. Sauté onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and cinnamon, then simmer with eggplant, chickpeas, and tomatoes. Serve over couscous or rice for a flavorful, aromatic dinner.
5. Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna: A creamy, cheesy lasagna layered with spinach, ricotta, and tomato sauce. Layer lasagna noodles with a spinach-ricotta mixture, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Bake until golden and bubbly for a classic comfort dish.
6. Thai Coconut Curry with Tofu: A creamy coconut curry filled with tofu, vegetables, and Thai-inspired flavors. Cook tofu and a medley of vegetables like broccoli and carrots in a fragrant coconut curry sauce. Serve over jasmine rice for a cozy and satisfying meal.

Refreshing Snacks to Keep You Going

Snacking can be the savior during a busy day. Here are some crispy, crunchy options to munch your way through afternoon slumps.

1. Kale Chips: Massage kale leaves with olive oil and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. Bake until crispy. They’re so addictive that you might eat the whole batch in one go!
2. Spiced Almonds: Toss almonds with chili powder and lime juice. A perfect mix of spicy and tangy for when you need a quick pick-me-up.
3. Cucumber Hummus Cups: Slice cucumbers into thick discs and scoop a little hummus on top. It’s simple, refreshing, and you’ll want to make lots because they’re tasty little bites!
4. Baked Zucchini Fries: Crispy, oven-baked zucchini fries coated in breadcrumbs and spices, perfect for a healthy snack. Slice zucchini into sticks, coat in a mixture of plant-based milk, breadcrumbs, and spices, then bake until golden and crispy. Serve with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce for a guilt-free treat.
5. Spicy Roasted Chickpeas: Crunchy, seasoned chickpeas roasted to perfection for a protein-packed snack. Toss chickpeas with olive oil and spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne. Roast in the oven until crispy, making them a great grab-and-go snack.
6. Mini Caprese Skewers: A bite-sized version of the classic Caprese salad, featuring cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil. Assemble skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a quick, elegant, and flavorful snack.

Sweet Treats (Almost Guilt-Free!)

Desserts are a must, and these sweet finders will scratch that sugar itch without pulling you off track.

1. Chocolate Avocado Mousse: Blend ripe avocados with cocoa powder and a bit of agave nectar. It’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. My friends are always shocked this treat doesn’t have dairy!
2. Coconut & Almond Bliss Balls: Combine shredded coconut, almond butter, and a bit of maple syrup. Roll them into little balls and refrigerate. Perfect little bites of joy!
3. Lemon Chia Seed Cookies: These cookies are refreshingly tangy, with a crunchy chia seed twist. Perfect alongside an afternoon tea!
4. Banana Oatmeal Cookies: Soft, chewy cookies made with ripe bananas, oats, and your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or raisins. Mash bananas and mix with oats, cinnamon, and add-ins of choice. Bake for 10–12 minutes for a naturally sweet and satisfying treat.
5. Peanut Butter Energy Balls: Bite-sized treats packed with peanut butter, oats, and chocolate chips for a quick energy boost. Mix oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, and chocolate chips into a dough, then roll into bite-sized balls. Refrigerate for an easy, no-bake snack or dessert.
6. Apple Cinnamon Crumble Bars: Soft, spiced apple filling layered between crumbly oats for a warm and comforting dessert. Prepare an oat and almond flour crust, layer with spiced apple slices, and top with a crumbly oat mixture. Bake until golden and let cool for a sliceable treat.

The Cheat Day Delight

Now, I promised a cheat day treat, right? Because let’s face it, life’s also about balance and indulgence.

Vegan Chocolate Fudge Cake:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (195g) all-purpose flour
•  1 cup (200g) sugar
•  1/3 cup (40g) cocoa powder
•  1 tsp baking soda
•  1/2 tsp salt
•  1/3 cup (80ml) vegetable oil
•  1 tsp vanilla extract
•  1 tsp apple cider vinegar
•  1 cup (240ml) water

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. Mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
3. Add oil, vanilla, vinegar, and water. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. Let cool before devouring!

I whipped up this chocolate cake recipe after a particularly long week, and oh boy, does it hit the spot. Give yourself the okay to indulge once in a while. You’ve earned it.

I hope these recipes kickstart your year with health and happiness! Remember, each meal is a step towards a healthier you. Now go out there and make 2023 the year of delicious, mindful eating. 🍽️

If you enjoyed this recipe or have suggestions on how we can improve it, please leave us a comment below. Also, make sure to check out other dishes I’ve created or stories I’ve written about food culture – here.