If you’ve invited non-vegan friends to your vegan dinner table, or vice-versa, don’t fret too much about what to serve. Because we’re serving up the best vegan meals for non-vegans in this article. Each dish will keep your guests and you happy, vegan or not. You’ll want to include a few of these options in your menu, or just enjoy them as vegan comfort food for yourself.
CONTENTS – In this article, you will learn about veganism, the best vegan meals for non-vegans, and delicious vegan comfort food. This includes:
- What is Veganism?
- Foods that Vegans Eat
- What Vegans Don’t Eat
- Benefits of A Vegan Diet
- 5 Delicious Vegan Dishes Anyone Would Love
- Final Thoughts on Vegan Meals for Non-Vegans
What is Veganism?
Veganism is a lifestyle which prohibits any products or services that use animal products. It has been around for centuries and has grown significantly in recent years. According to the United Nations, an estimated 79 million people identify as vegan globally and the number is increasing annually.
While veganism is culturally significant for many reasons, vegans are perhaps best known for is their food.
What Foods are Vegan?
Vegans only eat foods that are made from plants. That includes:
- Breads
- Dairy alternatives (almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, soy milk)
- Fruit
- Legumes (beans, lentils, peas)
- Nuts
- Pasta
- Rice
- Seeds
- Vegetable oils
- Vegetables
What Can’t Vegans Eat?
Vegans don’t eat any foods made from animals, including:
- Beef
- Butter
- Cheese
- Chicken
- Cream
- Dairy Products
- Duck
- Eggs
- Fish
- Honey
- Ice cream
- Lamb
- Mayonnaise (with egg yolks)
- Milk
- Pork
- Poultry
- Red Meat
- Shellfish (crab, clams, lobster, mussels)
The Benefits of a Vegan Diet
There are many benefits of a vegan diet. Some of these benefits include:
- Weight loss
- Healthy skin
- Strong nails
- Clearer eyesight
- Improved mental health
- Better for the environment
You might find it challenging to give up meat and dairy products if you have been eating these foods since childhood. However, you will be shocked to discover that vegan food is just as delicious as what you are used to.
In fact, in recent years, more non-vegans are enjoying small parts of vegan cuisine, such as veggie burgers which can be an excellent replacement for meat burgers, and tofu, a significant source of protein.
You’ll discover many other delicious vegan foods that you may want to try as a non-vegan, or serve to your non-vegan guests.
Best Vegan Meals for Non-Vegans – 5 Delicious Vegan Dishes to Try
We think you’ll love these five delicious vegan dishes whether or not you’re vegan. Check them out, below.
1. Vegan Pizza
Vegan Pizza is not a replacement for animal products but rather provides an alternative if you want a meatless meal with your favorite toppings. The vegan pizza is basically a crustless pizza made of vegetables or tofu.
You can eat Vegan Pizza as its own meal or also with a side salad or soup.
The most common type of vegan pizza includes:
- Tomato sauce
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Herbs
Vegan pizza is on trend in professional kitchens. Chefs use vegan ingredients like rice, soy milk, cauliflower, and tofu to elevate the traditional pizza experience to new heights. And guess what? Everybody is loving it!
2. Vegan Noodle Soup
Making Vegan Noodle Soup is so easy to make that you can prepare it in less than an hour.
You typically make a vegan noodle soup recipe with a rich broth that is flavored with savory, earthy spices and the zesty bite of ginger. The aromas of the sage, thyme, and rosemary infuse the soup, making a mouth-watering meal.
It starts by sauteing onion in a large pot until soft and translucent, then adding the other ingredients for flavor, saving the noodles for last.
This flavorful comfort food will satisfy vegans and non-vegans alike.
Related article: How to Preserve Your Fresh Herbs for Cooking.
3. Vegan Snickerdoodle
Even when you’re making healthy choices, some sweets usually come into the picture.
Vegan Snicker Doodle cookies are a vegan-friendly dessert with a gooey, cinnamon-y filling. They’re great for a party or just for snacking on by yourself with a cup of tea.
Vegan snickerdoodles are sugar cookies made with only natural ingredients, including coconut oil and applesauce. Some are even chocolate-dipped. (Yum!)
They’re perfect for anyone who wants something guilt-free or wants to try a vegan alternative.
4. Vegan Chocolate Cookies
Chocolate Chip Cookies are a classic favorite when it comes to presenting dessert – especially warm and fresh out of the oven. They’re soft and sweet with a rich chocolate flavor that’s hard to top.
Likewise, the classic vegan chocolate chip cookie recipe is unbelievably simple to make. You’ll also find they’re gluten-free, oil-free, and dairy-free, but just as delicious as the traditional version. This way, you’ll have all the pleasure of a delicious treat, but no worries if you have dietary restrictions.
5. Oat Milk
Oat Milk is the perfect dairy substitute if you are lactose-intolerant or have difficulties digesting dairy products such as casein or calcium-enriched dairy products.
It’s also a healthy alternative to cow’s milk.
Oat milk has a high level of protein which helps to build strong bones and muscles as well as prevents:
- Type-2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- Arthritis
- Some cancers
Oat milk is made by soaking steel-cut oats or whole oats in water, then blending and straining the mixture through a cheesecloth.
The result is a rich, creamy drink that goes well with cereal, in coffee, or to make a delicious milkshake.
And of course, a tall, cold glass of oat milk is a must when you’re eating vegan chocolate chip cookies, too!
Final Thoughts on Vegan Meals for Non-Vegans
If you weren’t hungry when you started reading about these delicious vegan foods, you might understandably feel some hunger pangs now!
Whether you are planning your next bite to eat or entertaining guests, it’s a good idea to incorporate some of these options on your menu. You may even want to check out the good guys latest catalogue for more inspiration.
These are a few of the most delicious vegan foods that are great for non-vegans, so we hope you give one of these recipes a try!
For more culinary adventures, look to these 3 popular comfort foods around the world, next.
Photo credits: avocado tacos – Edgar Castrejon, Bluberries – Andrew Welch (Unsplash), all others courtesy of Canva Pro.