20 Tasty Plant-Based Dishes to Impress Dads Everywhere
By Team Dirty
Jun 5, 2024,
Celebrate the father figure in your life with a meal that’s as delicious as it is healthy. What says “I love you” more than fueling your body with food that loves you (and Dad) back? We know dads can be skeptical about eating vegan or healthy food in general, but we have just the thing to help. We asked our community which recipes make dads drool and used that to put together a list of 20 tasty plant-based dishes to impress dads everywhere—even your omni meat-and-potatoes papa. Check it out!
1. Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Buffalo wings are practically synonymous with dads. Our oven-fried version made with cauliflower and homemade buffalo sauce will have him cleaning his plate and asking for more.
“These are absolutely absurd! So delicious.”
Marissa, Clean Food Dirty Girl member
2. Cheesy Black Bean Chimichangas with Red Enchilada Sauce and Avocado
These chimichangas are warm, cheesy, and packed with Tex-Mex flavor. Member Danielle says, “These were really good!! Quick, easy, and even the hubby ate it!”
3. Philly Cheesesteak
Who says you can’t make an excellent Philly cheesesteak with plants? Give them this and prove them wrong.
“Incredible! All of my kids (8, 6, and 3) enjoyed it minus the cheese sauce. My partner and I loved the works. We will definitely make this again and again. There were no leftovers at all!”
Jesslyn, Clean Food Dirty Girl member
4. Hearty Plant Based Chili
No list of Dad’s favorites would be complete without a big bowl of chili, and we’ve got a winner for you. This chili is big on flavor, vegan (of course), oil-free, and satisfying enough to please any omnivore. The secret is our Coney Island-Style Sauce, which is full of seasonings and made with a special ingredient to capture the texture and flavor of ground beef.
5. Dirty Bang Bang Tacos
This spin on restaurant-favorite bang bang tacos features crispy baked cauliflower wings, fresh veggies, and an easy, creamy, spicy bang bang sauce! Member Stacy says, “Both the cauliflower and sauce are delicious! Son, who says he doesn’t like cauliflower, even said it tasted good and that is high praise!”
6. Cheesy Pasta, Plant Powered Italian Sausage and Roasted Butternut Squash Casserole
Pasta smothered in creamy cheesy sauce is tossed with tender roasted butternut squash bites and Italian-spiced tofu sausage to create the ultimate Father’s Day dish. One of our most-loved recipes, it leaves kids and omnis alike begging for more!
“OMG! So so good! My omni and pretty closed-minded uncle had a second helping! Total success and a go-to for family and special dinners.”
Casey, Clean Food Dirty Girl member
7. Double-sauced Plant-powered Meatball Sub
“Winner! My husband, who often doesn’t offer feedback, volunteered, ‘”This is great!’” – Meg, member
“An absolute favorite in our household. I freeze extra meatballs and sauce [so they’re] ready for a quick dinner.”
Kayla, Clean Food Dirty Girl member
8. Plant Based Alfredo Sauce
Whether your pop is from the old country and believes no good sauce can be made in fewer than four hours or he thinks Alfredo sauce comes from a jar, he’ll love our version of this classic. Our cashew-based sauce is simple, satisfying, and it goes great over pasta, veggies, plant based meatballs, in casseroles, or wherever you want it.
“Really delicious Alfredo Sauce! I dare say better than the ones made with dairy. This will help me break my cheese addiction, thank you.”
Jen
“Just wanted to write and say I made this sauce last night. WOW…just awesome! Tonight I’m having leftovers will some baked tofu mixed in, kind of a ‘chicken’ Alfredo dish! Can’t wait.”
Sue
9. Antipasto Tofu Sub Sandwich
Speaking of the old country, did you know that tofu marinated with Italian seasonings and baked to perfection becomes an excellent base for an Italian-inspired sub? We did! This member-favorite is loaded with the works and it’ll charm any omni.
“My husband asked me to make this twice in one week. Really delicious!”
Nancy, Clean Food Dirty Girl member
10. Dirty Express Orange Sesame Soy Curls over Rice
If you haven’t discovered the magic of soy curls, now’s the time. We break down what soy curls are and where to find them here.
“Hubby absolutely loved it and made a point of saying [I] can definitely make this again anytime! Next time I will add some green veggies.”
Devi, Clean Food Dirty Girl member
“The soy curls have great texture, my omnis loved them and requested this meal again.”
Cristy, Clean Food Dirty Girl member
11. Mushroom Salisbury Steak “TV Dinner”
If Dad waxes poetic about the “good ol’ days,” then this meal has his name all over it. Mushroom and bean-based Salisbury steaks are smothered in savory Onion Gravy and served with Buttery Mashed Potatoes and corn on the side. Serve it up on a divided plate for authentic vibes.
“My husband who hates mushrooms loved this dish.”
Kayla, Clean Food Dirty Girl member
“Really really good, my husband almost ate my serving!”
Maria, Clean Food Dirty Girl member
12. Grilled Cheesy Apple Sandwich
“This is such a great combo! I’ve started making this every time I have leftover cheesy sauce from a main meal, not just the pub style cheesy sauce.” – Kate, member
“I was shocked at how great this! Made it a couple times.”
Tonya, Clean Food Dirty Girl member
Grilled cheese gets a glow up >
13. Classic 13-Layer Lasagna
Lucky number 13 (if you’ve heard 13 is unlucky, don’t believe it) is a lasagna that makes dads, kids, and picky family members fall in love with plants.
“This was a huge hit at a family gathering of both vegans and omnivores. My only regret in making this recipe is that I didn’t follow the advice of several Dirty Girls and make a double batch!”
Shannon, Clean Food Dirty Girl member
“Everyone loved this! Like genuinely loved vs. just being nice. All omnis, including my BIL [brother-in-law] who pretty much hates all veggies.”
Angela, Clean Food Dirty Girl member
14. Cheesy French Onion Soup with Toast Croutons
French onion soup is a classic for a reason, and we’ve leveled it up even more with a cheesy version Dad won’t believe is dairy-free.
15. Plant-powered Cheeseburger Pasta Bake
Everything you love about cheeseburgers layered into a crazy good casserole. Member Jenna said, “Delicious! A win for the whole family. Really nice flavor! I was a little hesitant about topping with lettuce and tomato, but it added a nice touch and we really enjoyed it.”
16. BBQ Pulled Jackfruit
If your dad says he could never give up pork, make him this. The jackfruit has an incredible shredded texture and is seasoned to perfection. It’s smoky, savory, and absolutely crave-worthy.
17. Tofu Sofritas Soft Tacos
Your local restaurant chain has nothing on these tacos! Our tofu sofritas are the star of this dish. Member Laura says, “This is my go-to when I want tacos—it’s SO flavorful and the consistency is very close to taco meat (except without the grease!) for those looking for a substitute. My omni husband and my part omni son devour this when I make it—no questions asked.”
18. Spicy BBQ Chickpea Mini Meatballs & Rice Bowl
“Delicious! That BBQ sauce alone is a keeper, but all of the flavors and textures in this meal were wonderful.”
Ashley, Clean Food Dirty Girl member
“Loved this! All the flavors worked together perfectly. Nice to have on hand for lunches too.”
Julie, Clean Food Dirty Girl member
19. Whole-Food Plant-Based Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ready for dessert? These cookies are just what you’re looking for. And they just so happen to be gluten-free, too.
“These are absolutely fantastic! Especially warm fresh out of the oven. Do yourself a favor and make them! I did it in my Vitamix and they turned out perfect. My toddler and husband both love them!”
Marissa, Clean Food Dirty Girl member
“I’ve made them many times and they are SO GOOD! The ingredients are healthy enough that I sometimes even eat them for breakfast! LOL.”
Kathrine, Clean Food Dirty Girl member
20. Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
Whip up brownies that Dad will rave over. (He won’t know there’s beans in there, trust us!)
“This. Is. Heaven. I licked the bowl. Hands down best brownies I ever made.”
Katrien, Clean Food Dirty Girl member
“Made this for omni friends and kids, huge hit with everyone.”
Anke, Clean Food Dirty Girl member
Show Dad some love
Pick one (or three) of these tasty plant-based dishes to impress your pop and celebrate him. Whether he’s already vegan or a devoted omni, he’s sure to enjoy and appreciate the yums. Sign up for a free Clean Food Dirty Girl trial to enjoy these and thousands of other taste-tested recipes.
Here’s to all the father figures we love.
Xo
Team Dirty
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