Our 10 Most Popular Plant-Based Recipes of 2020

updated Dec 28, 2020
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White bean salad on a bed of lettuce and topped with fried egg.
Credit: Photo: Jason Rampe | Food Stylist: Amelia Rampe

The term “plant-based” has gained popularity in the past few years, and in 2020 it practically became a household word. If you’re unfamiliar with it, this style of eating is one that focuses on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and plant-based proteins like beans and lentils. It’s less of a strict diet than, say, vegetarianism and veganism, and is more of a moderate approach to eating that, if you like, may still include meat, eggs, and dairy to some extent.

We published an abundance of colorful recipes that fall under the plant-based umbrella this year, including hearty bean salads, cozy soups, and more. Here are the 10 most popular.

1 / 10
Japanese-Inspired Cucumber Salad
This easy cucumber salad, inspired by sunomono, is crunchy, refreshing, and swimming in delicate umami notes.
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2 / 10
The Ultimate Summer Salad
This bright and fresh mix of sweet summer peaches, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tender lettuce is tossed in a tangy cilantro-lime vinaigrette.
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3 / 10
Easy Lemon-Marinated Bean and Vegetable Salad
Creamy white beans and crunchy vegetables marinated in a honey-lemon vinaigrette is the ultimate make-once, eat-all-week lunch.
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4 / 10
3-Ingredient Lemon Tahini Sauce
This versatile sauce is creamy without any oil; has just a hint of sweetness; and tastes great on sandwiches, salads, and more.
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5 / 10
Homemade Giardiniera
Memorize this step-by-step guide to making Italian pickled vegetables and you'll never buy the jarred stuff again.
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6 / 10
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
These roasted portobello mushrooms are stuffed with a creamy, colorful mix of spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheese.
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7 / 10
Pommes Persillade
These crispy diced potatoes tossed in melted butter, garlic, and parsley are the ultimate side dish.
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8 / 10
Crispy-Skinned Sweet Potatoes in the Microwave
Here's the best, easiest way to cook a sweet potato in the microwave, including how to prep it, how long to cook it for, and how to get crispy skins.
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9 / 10
The Absolute Best Lentil Soup
Ease is the name of the game for this soup. After it simmers for about 20 minutes, you’ll be rewarded with a creamy soup with just a little bit of a tender bite from the lentils and carrots.
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10 / 10
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
This easy, flavorful side takes no time at all, thanks to the air fryer.
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