50 Plant-Based Swaps
That Won't Ruffle Any Feathers!
Looking for some inspiration for plant-based eating? Here are 50 delicious ideas to transform your meaty dishes into plant-based goodness! You’ll get:
- 50 ideas for swapping out meat for plants to reduce your foodprint.
- Suggestions on how to marinate plant-based proteins so they have the similar flavors to your favorite dishes.
- Cooking tips to mimic the textures you might find in your meaty dishes.
- Creative alternatives that go beyond the typical plant-based suggestions.
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Looking for some inspiration for plant-based eating? Here are 50 delicious ideas to transform your meaty dishes into plant-based goodness! You’ll get:
- 50 ideas for swapping out meat for plants to reduce your foodprint.
- Suggestions on how to marinate plant-based proteins so they have the similar flavors to your favorite dishes.
- Cooking tips to mimic the textures you might find in your meaty dishes.
- Creative alternatives that go beyond the typical plant-based suggestions.
What are plant-based swaps?
Plant-based swaps are ideas for ways that you can swap out meat from your favorite recipes and replace it with plant-based proteins. We focus mostly on whole food plant-based swaps, like tofu for chicken, or chickpeas for tuna but we do have a few suggestions that use commercial meat alternatives. The reason we favor whole food, plant-based swaps is that when you reduce the amount of processing for a food item, you reduce the environmental impact because each additional step means more energy, transportation and packaging is involved.
Why are plant-based swaps important?
Plant-based swaps are important because they make it much easier to incorporate more plant-based dishes in your weekly meal plan. When you try and make brand new dishes, it can be challenging to get everyone on board. When you take a recipe that you already use and instead use a plant-based swap, you’re just making a little change that can have a huge impact.
“The most ethical diet just so happens to be the most environmentally sound diet and just so happens to be the healthiest.”
Can I just swap meat ingredients for plants?
In some cases yes, but in other cases you might need to add some extra spices. In our 50 Plant-Based Swaps resource we mention what additions and modifications are necessary to maintain the flavor and texture that you’re looking for. For example a plant-based black bean burger needs some additional spice and binder to hold it together. Our recipe for the Napa Valley Black Bean Basil Burger, is a perfect example of this.
What if my family doesn't like the swaps?
The best approach when you have family members who don’t want to try plant-based swaps is not to force it. Everyone is in a different stage of transitioning to sustainable eating and today might not be the time for them. Eating plant-based should be fun and enjoyable and trying new things is part of this incredible journey.
Even though it can be discouraging when you’re trying your best to eat in a way that is better for the planet, the best thing you can do is be an example. For many people it can take a while to warm up to this idea but when they see how much you are loving it, they get that feedback that there is something that they’re missing out on!
The thing about plant-based swaps is that you can do two versions of the same meal when you use swaps without having to cook two totally different recipes.
The most important thing is that you celebrate what you are accomplishing and know that others will follow when the time is right for them.
