Want to show Dad—or the father figure in your life—how much you appreciate him? We're here to help, with this specially curated collection of Father’s Day recipes for the perfect plant-based dinner. Think hearty appetizers, pizza, burgers, mac and cheese, grilled veggies, rustic salads, comforting desserts, and more. Get out the grill, fire up the oven, and create lasting memories with your special dude this Father's Day.
Mediterranean Tacos with Spicy Roasted Cauliflower
This hearty cross between a wrap and a taco will keep Dad smiling for hours. Grab your favorite oil-free whole wheat pita bread, add a slather of creamy hummus, then top with smoky roasted cauliflower and potatoes. Sumac powder adds tang flavor to the roasted veggies, while cumin and paprika add a savory flavor. Garnish with lemony tahini dressing, sliced japaleños, crunchy red cabbage, and aromatic cilantro.
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Lebanese Lentil Burgers in Cabbage Pockets
If Dad likes flavor, he’ll love these Lebanese lentil burgers seasoned with ras el hanout, a North African blend of spices, including cumin, ginger, coriander, and allspice. These primo plant patties are packed with veggies and meaty lentils and taste great atop crunchy cabbage leaves. But feel free to serve on a whole grain bun if you prefer. Finish with a dollop of homemade tahini sauce, fresh cucumber, and a sprinkle of parsley. “Absolutely delicious,” writes a fan.
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Sweet Potato Steaks with Grilled Salsa
Looking for something different to throw on the grill this Father’s Day? We’ve got you covered with these chili-lime-infused sweet potato steaks. A bright and smoky corn salsa featuring grilled onion and jalapeño, black beans, avocado, cilantro, and lime juice boosts the flavor and perfectly complements the sweet, earthiness of the sweet potato steaks. To spice things up, add a little hot sauce. Shares a fan, “The flavors of this recipe are outstanding. My son took a few bites and said, ‘You should make this again.’”
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Fold-Up Rice and Black Bean Quesadillas
For these hunger-busting stacked quesadillas, top each quadrant of a whole wheat tortilla with a different Tex-Mex-inspired filling, and fold into a four-layer stack. Spicy black beans sit in one layer, while fresh avocado and green pea guacamole sit in another. Brown rice and tangy pico de gallo nestle in another layer, while a layer of shredded spinach and sliced olives rounds things out. Serve with pico de gallo and hot sauce (optional). A commenter shares, “Great flavor combinations. Very satisfying.”
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Vegan Galette with Caramelized Onion and Vegetables
This rustic savory tart gets off to a good start with a quick and easy homemade whole wheat crust. What knocks it out of the stratosphere is the veggie filling featuring gooey thyme-scented caramelized onions, sweet butternut squash, mild-flavored cauliflower, and umami-rich shiitake mushrooms. With just seven ingredients, it's surprisingly simple to make. A perfect main dish for two people, the recipe can easily be doubled or quadrupled for a bigger crowd for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
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Incredible Chocolate Sweet Potato Cake
Aptly named, this vegan chocolate cake is incredible. Orange sweet potato is the behind-the-scenes star—no one will detect it—adding sweetness and moisture to create a dense, moist crumb. Cocoa powder and chocolate chips deliver rich chocolate flavor, and the nut-butter frosting also features sweet potato, with surprisingly decadent results. For fancy presentation, top with fresh berries or edible flowers. A fan writes, “Epic cake! This is not only delicious but far better than any regular cake recipe with butter, eggs, and oil. My kids inhaled this amazing cake.”
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Air-Fried Cauliflower Poppers with Smoky Garlic Dipping Sauce
Start the meal off right with these brewery-style cauliflower dippers that have all of the flavor of fried bar snacks and none of the fat. Cooked in an air fryer, and coated with whole wheat panko breadcrumbs and cornmeal, the poppers are crispy on the inside while still being tender on the inside. A smoky garlic dipping sauce is the perfect accompaniment. Be sure to make plenty!
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Loaded Lentil Nachos
The natural earthiness of lentils make them an ideal nacho topping. For a tasty meal, serve over a bed of baked corn tortilla chips and top with a creamy vegan potato cheese sauce, pico de gallo, scallions, and cilantro.
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Linguine with Mushroom Pesto
Ready in just 30 minutes, this cafe-quality linguine has rich flavor thanks to a basil-mushroom pesto that also features earthy walnuts. Toss the mushroom pesto through whole wheat noodles (or gluten-free noodles) and top with a mix of lemon zest and juice, arugula, and white beans. Simply divine! A reviewer writes, “Delicious! Made as written, we loved it and will make it often. Thank you!”
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Onion Rings
Yes, you can have your onion rings and be whole-food, plant-based too! These crispy-on-the-outside and tender-on-the-inside onion rings from Kiki Nelson are breaded with a simple mix of salt, onion powder, and bread crumbs. These can be baked in an oven or an air-fryer. Note: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and rice or gluten-free oat flour, instead of whole wheat flour.
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New American Veggie Cheeseburgers
What says “dude food” better than a cheeseburger? This plant-based version approaches things from a different perspective by serving the hearty veggie patty open-faced on a grilled bun and piled high with tangy veggies and a potato-based cheese sauce. Dig in!
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Purple Potato Croquettes with Kale Salad
Vibrant purple potato croquettes add color and heft to this earthy kale, white bean, and cherry tomato salad. The potato croquettes are made by pressing boiled purple potatoes through a ricer to make them light and airy, while onion, garlic, and Dijon mustard bump up the flavor. Drizzle a savory homemade dressing over the lot, and you’re ready to go. Note: Leftover croquettes taste great with homemade ketchup or vegan ranch!
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Barbecue Bean and Cornbread Bake
Swiss chard, beans, and tomato always work well together. But when you bake them up with barbecue flavorings and a homemade cornbread crust—now you've got baked-bean bliss.
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Taco-Spiced Tortilla Chips
These tasty baked tortilla chips contain no added oil and are just as irresistable as their high-fat cousins. Serve with Green Pea Guacamole or one of these tasty hummusrecipes.
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Vegan Korean-BBQ Waffles
This savory Korean-inspired waffle recipe is the perfect meal to impress your Pops. The fluffy batter is infused with scallions and acorn squash then topped with a mountain of smoky tempeh, tender veggies, and a scrumptious spicy BBQ sauce.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob with Chipotle-Lime Rub
Grilled in their husks, ears of corn stay moist without getting too smoky. And the chipotle-lime juice rub is better than butter. We probably don't need to say this, but be sure to make plenty.
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Barbecue Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Smoky Jackfruit
Turn the classic steak-and-potatoes meal into a veg-forward feast with this delectable sweet potato dish. The tender orange spuds are loaded with meaty jackfruit and smoky lentils so each bite feels like a backyard BBQ. Pickled onions and sliced cucumber make for an irresistibly fresh finish.
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Grilled Mushroom Burgers with Tarragon Crema
Transform portobello mushrooms into tantalizing burgers for a Father’s Day recipe that won’t disappoint. The savory mushroom caps are paired with juicy tomato slices, fresh spinach, and a creamy tarragon sauce that’s reminiscent of Thousand Island dressing. Add some baked french fries on the side for the perfect dad-appreciation dinner!
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Vegan Jalapeño Poppers with Savory Sweet Potato Filling
Kick off the meal with these handsome sweet-potato stuffed jalapeños. The combination of the sweet filling paired with the tender, spicy jalapeño skin is divine.
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Mushroom Chorizo Tacos con Papas
These savory tacos con papas (aka tacos with potatoes) are perfect for enjoying with your pops! Stuffed with smoky, seasoned mushrooms, chickpeas, and potatoes, this scrumptious meal will surely stick to his ribs. Plus, creating a colorful topping bar is a great way to infuse meal time with extra fun.
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Potato Snackers with Red Pepper Dip
Seasoned with lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder, these crispy baked potato rounds will go fast. Note: The red pepper dip is made by mixing jarred roasted red peppers with store-bought hummus. If you can't find an oil-free store-bought hummus, this easy homemade hummus will work, too.
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Carrot Dogs
One of our highest-rated recipes to date, these scrumptious carrot dogs are bound to impress the father figure in your life. Carrots are marinated in flavor-packed sauce for several hours before being tossed on the grill and into a bun topped with all your favorite fixings. One happy reviewer raves: “My mind was blown away by these!”
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The Great Purple Sweet Potato Pie
This delicious and visually stunning vegan pie will blow everyone away. A cinnamon-scented oat-walnut crust keeps the whole thing grounded, while the sweet, creamy, no-bake sweet potato filling melts in your mouth. Top with a zesty three-ingredient blueberry sauce. Shares a fan, “I made this for an Easter gathering, and it was a HUGE hit! It’s so beautiful and so delicious… Everyone at the party was so impressed!!!”
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Vegan Welsh Rarebit with Mushrooms
Perfect for a hearty breakfast or a satisfying afternoon snack, this plant-based twist on the Welsh rarebit utilizes the power of umami-rich mushrooms and cheesy nutritional yeast to replicate the classic flavors. Chewy English muffins make these tasty treats easy to hold so your dad can enjoy a slice on-the-go.
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How to Make Veggie Steaks (Great for Vegans)
Get creative with veggie steaks this Father's Day. It's really easy and fun to do. Just cut ¾- to 1-inch-thick rounds of your favorite veggie, season with your choice of spices, and cook on the grill or in the oven.
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Greek Salad with Air-Fryer Falafel
Made with canned chickpeas, these crispy air-fried falafels taste amazing in this Greek salad grain bowl, which also features bulgur wheat and a creamy cashew-garlic sauce.
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Jackfruit Barbecue Sandwiches with Broccoli Slaw
This vegan Father’s Day recipe will easily become an annual tradition. Jackfruit and farro soak up a homemade BBQ sauce that’s perfectly paired with a crunchy broccoli slaw. The flavors are absolutely out-of-this-world delicious, and you’ll definitely want to keep extra napkins on hand for this delightfully messy meal!
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Mac and Cheese with Roasted Veggies
The intensity of roasted mushrooms and cherry tomatoes give this comfort-food classic an appealing boost of flavor, while the oat-based vegan queso is so cheesy that it’s hard to believe it’s dairy-free.
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Szechwan Coleslaw
With densely chopped veggies, hearty beans, two grains, and a richly flavored peanut-ginger dressing, this colorful coleslaw will hit the spot.
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Vegan Spaghetti Marinara with Lentil Balls
Present this eye-catching plate of pasta to your dad on Father’s Day and watch his face light up! Lentil “meatballs” are packed full of Italian herbs and nestled in a bed of tender spaghetti and luscious tomato sauce. Top everything with fresh basil leaves for restaurant-worthy presentation.
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Crispy Baked Polenta Sticks with Ranch Dip
Have these crispy snacks ready to go as you work on the main course so Dad can munch before the main meal is served. Polenta is formed into sticks and coated in crunchy breadcrumbs to create irresistible finger food. Dunk each stick in a homemade vegan ranch dip, and you’re all set!
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Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce
Packed with crisp, colorful veggies and a delicious homemade peanut sauce, this scrumptious stir-fry is so much better than takeout!
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Five-Ingredient Veggie Burger
This is a great recipe for children to help with. Seasoned with lime juice and chili powder, these vegan patties, made with black beans and oats, taste amazing. Serve on whole grain buns or in lettuce wraps with tomato, red onion, and your favorite ketchup or dressing.
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Tex-Mex Potato Skins
Filled with a well-seasoned bean and corn mix and topped with a creamy vegan cheese sauce (made with some of the scooped out potato flesh), these potato skins are a real crowd-pleaser. Serve them as a hearty appetizer, or as a main, alongside a salad.
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Vegan Chili Cheese Fries
Cheesy, spicy, and packed full of hearty ingredients, these chili cheese fries are the perfect Father’s Day recipe for the foodie in your life. Steak-cut potatoes are baked to crispy perfection then doused in a homemade kidney bean chili. The potato-based cheese sauce is thick, creamy, and the perfect way to top off this decadent dish.
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Spicy Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Even if your father isn’t a fan of veggies, he’ll love these simple spicy Brussels sprouts. Each bud is sliced in half and roasted in a tantalizing mixture of cumin, coriander, garlic, and turmeric. The chickpea flour helps them get nice and crispy in the oven so the end result is ideal for snacking on before you serve the main course.
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4-Layer Enchilada Cakes
In this four-tier stack of deliciousness, corn tortillas and enchilada sauce layer up with cashew cheese, black beans, mashed potato, Swiss chard, and mushrooms. This is a great special-occasion dish, bursting with flavor and wow-factor.
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Polenta Cake with Apples and Cherry Compote
Naturally sweetened with applesauce and maple syrup, this moist, richly flavored, polenta cake is as festive as it is satisfying. For best results, serve warm with a simple cherry compote.
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Chocolate-Strawberry Vegan Whoopie Pies
If your dad has a sweet tooth, make these delightful desserts to remind him of a childhood classic. Fluffy strawberry cream is sandwiched between two moist chocolate cookies and rolled in dried strawberry flakes for an extra berry burst. Bon appétit!
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Peach-Cranberry Cobbler
Watch as Dad takes his first bite of this mouthwatering fruit cobbler. Sweet peaches, tart cranberries, and an oat crust come together with our Vanilla Bean Ice Cream to create an extra special dessert.
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Vegan Black Forest Brownies with Cherries
Cherries and coconut flakes add extra oomph to these fudgy brownies, which are the perfect way to close out your Father’s Day celebrations. We bet that dad will never guess the secret ingredient that makes these treats so rich: black beans! Whip up a batch of these chocolaty squares for a healthy treat that tastes positively sinful.
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Cherry Soft-Serve Ice Cream
Add chocolate chips to this creamy banana-based cherry ice cream, or leave it plain: It's great either way. This is one ice cream Dad can eat freely.
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Chocolate-Orange Dessert Donuts
What dad doesn’t love a good donut? This chocolate-orange recipe features a light and cakey batter that’s packed full of powerful flavor. A zesty orange sauce takes the place of a traditional glaze, and chocolate shavings are the perfect replacement for sprinkles.
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Mint and Blueberry Nice Cream
End Father’s Day on a sweet and light note with this heavenly frozen treat, which is made with just three ingredients. Juicy blueberries and cooling mint are blended with frozen bananas for a frosty ice cream–like texture that balances out a heavy meal. One reader raves: “Delicious, refreshing, and packed with the best antioxidants!”
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