Eating a diverse range of plant-based foods is a fantastic way to improve gut health, boost immunity, and ensure a balanced diet. Aiming for 30 different plant-based foods each week might sound daunting, but with the right recipes, it’s easier than you think.

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From lentil-packed dhals to double bean chillies and veggie tacos, you won't believe how easy it is to pack in your plants when choosing recipes rich in vegetables, beans, herbs and spices. Ingredients that come from plants such as fruit, vegetables and beans count as one plant point each, while herbs and spices count as a quarter each due to their smaller quantity. It's worth noting that to reach your 30 in a week, all your plant points must be different.

Now try our 30 plant food recipes for more inspiration and find out why we should eat 30 plant foods a week. Next discover more healthy vegetarian recipes, vegetarian winter recipes and gut-friendly comfort foods to make this winter.

10 winter recipes to eat more plant foods

1. Spinach, sweet potato & lentil dhal

Spinach, sweet potato and lentil dhal on a plate topped with spring onions and coriander

This one-pot wonder is a winter classic. Packed with warming spices like cumin and ginger, it combines sweet potatoes, red lentils, spinach, and tomatoes. Serve with brown rice or wholemeal flatbread for added fibre.

Plant points: 6.75

Discover the health benefits of lentils and try more nourishing dhal recipes.

2. Double bean & roasted pepper chilli

Double bean & roasted pepper chilli

This lighter take on a classic chilli combines kidney beans, black beans, roasted peppers, tomatoes, and a medley of spices. Serve with brown rice or quinoa for extra plant diversity.

Plant points: 8.25

Try more healthy bean recipes.

3. Sweet & spicy carrot tacos

Ingredients for the sweet & spicy carrot tacos

If the spiced carrot filling for these tacos wasn't enough to get your plant points off to a great start, the charred sweetcorn and spring onion salsa packs in even more plant-based nutrition. These tacos serve up to six so they make a great entertaining or sharing dish for your gluten-free, vegetarian and flexitarian friends.

Plant points: 5.75

Try more healthy carrot recipes and learn about the health benefits of carrots.

4. Spiced root vegetable soup

Spiced-root-vegetable-soup

Packed with parsnips, carrots, swede, and lentils, this soup is a comforting bowl of goodness. Add garlic, onions, and fresh thyme for a burst of flavour. Serve with wholemeal bread to round out this fibre-rich meal.

Plant points: 7

Discover more root vegetable recipes, as well as the health benefits of parsnips and healthy sweet potato recipes.

5. Roasted cauliflower steaks

Roasted cauliflower steaks

Thick slices of cauliflower are roasted until golden and topped with a tangy salsa made from almonds, capers, and parsley. Pair with a side of quinoa and roasted Brussels sprouts for a nutrient-dense winter meal.

Plant points: 5.75

Learn more about the health benefits of cauliflower and then try more healthy cauliflower recipes.

6. Giant couscous salad with charred veg & tangy pesto

Platter of giant couscous salad with carred veg & tangy pesto

Roast beetroot, squash, and red onions until caramelised, then toss them with giant couscous, toasted walnuts, and a tangy lemon-tahini dressing. This salad is perfect for a light but satisfying lunch.

Plant points: 9

Read about the health benefits of beetroot, then try our vegan beetroot recipes for more nutritious ideas.

7. Vegan shepherd's pie

Three small baking dishes of vegan shepherd's pie

This plant-based twist on a classic features a filling of lentils, mushrooms, and carrots topped with mashed potatoes and parsnips. Bake until golden and serve with a side of steamed green beans for a hearty winter meal.

Plant points: 7.25

Read our guide on how to go vegan, then try more healthy vegan recipes, popular vegan recipes and vegan winter recipes.

8. Roast spiced squash salad with tahini dressing

Vegan roast spiced squash salad with tahini dressing

Roasted butternut squash seasoned with paprika and cumin is the star of this dish. Toss with pomegranate seeds, rocket, and a creamy tahini dressing for a vibrant, nutrient-packed salad.

Plant points: 10

Try more healthy butternut squash recipes and discover the top health benefits of butternut squash.

9. Tomato & spinach kitchari

A big bowl of lentils with spinach, tomatoes and spices, and flatbreads on the side

Red lentils, spices, spinach and tomatoes make for a warming and nourishing dinner that only takes 10 minutes of prep. Even better, it can be frozen to get ahead of busy weekday meals.

Plant points: 7.25

Learn about the health benefits of spinach, then discover more healthy tomato recipes and immune-supportive recipes.

10. Tofu with stir-fried noodles, pak choi & sugar snap peas

Asian tofu with stir-fried noodles, pak choi & sugar snap peas

A veg-packed stir-fry is a sure fire way to level up your plant points. This one combines crunchy sugar snap peas with pak choi, red pepper and plenty of ginger, garlic, soy sauce and red chilli for a flavour-packed dinner that's super speedy to throw together.

Plant points: 7.75

Discover more healthy tofu recipes, and how to make a stir-fry.

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Do you hit your 30 plants a week? Let us know in the comments...

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