3 Plant-Based Recipes that Even Your Non-Vegan Sweetie Will Love

I have been following a plant-based diet for over 10 years, and although my husband and children are vegan, my parents, siblings, and extended family are not. But I am still allowed to come to the family barbecues and I usually bring a dish. And most people eat it. So what do you do when you want to make a delicious, vegan home cooked meal for your significant other or family member but you they eat meat, and you don’t? Here are 3 plant-based dishes that even your non-vegan sweetie will love, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Butternut Squash Soup-There is nothing like a warm, savory soup to keep warm during the winter. Butternut squash soup is one of my favorites and really easy to make. Simply roast butternut squash until they’re soft, Then puree with creamy coconut milk (or plant-based milk of your choice), season to taste, and you’ve created a delicious starter that anyone (vegan or not) will love to sip during warm weather.

Vegan Lasagna-Lasagna is one of those recipes that is super easy to make plant-based without a lot of muss or fuss. Make sure your lasagna noodles don’t contain egg. Then load up on the veggies. I use zucchini, squash, carrot, and spinach. You can leave out the cheese altogether, find a store-bought plant-based cheese, or make your own cashew cheese for the pasta noodles. If you want to have a meaty texture try, using texturized vegetable protein too. Layer your veggies, noodles, sauce, and cheese and voila! Dinner is served! Serve a big green salad on the side to increase your veggie intake.

Cashew based cheesecake – Who doesn’t love cheesecake? There is a way to make a plant-based version without the cream cheese and dairy. Cashews are a great base for many dairy replacements in a vegan diet, and cheesecake is no exception. They do contain some fat, so be careful to eat in moderation. Here is a great and easy vegan cheesecake recipe from the Minimalist Baker that you will surely enjoy.

So, there you have it, a 3 Course meal that would probably please even the pickiest among your non-vegan family. Give it a try and see how it turns out.

Dr. Ruby Thomas is a 12-year vegan, mother, wife, and doctor who helps busy women plan delicious plant-based meals in 30 minutes or less while saving time, money, and energy in the kitchen. You can download her free recipe guide, 5 Vegan Recipes That Even Your Non-Vegan Family will love.