5 Easy Zero Waste Plant Based Meal Ideas

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Zero waste food is probably one of my biggest struggles . It’s easy to say no to straws and buy toothpaste in a glass jar but saying goodbye to convenience food is proving to be quite challenging .

Thats why I decided to share my top 5 go to meal ideas .

I’m not a food blogger so these are just ideas and some of my sauce recipes !

5 Zero Waste Meal Ideas

1.Pasta Dishes

Pasta is a staple in our diet . We have it about 4 times a week! No joke .

I Buy all our pastas at bulk barn completely waste free . I tend to buy quinoa , lentil , chickpea , and rice noodles over regular pasta .

You can make your own pasta sauces or you can buy them in glass. Bulk barn even has bulk Alfredo powder and cheese powder if you are looking for non vegan options.

I do prefer to keep my sauces plant based.

You can add any veggies you want to your pasta dishes .

My fav pasta sauce is :

3 TBS White Wine Vinegar

4 TBS Soy Sauce

2 tsp Maple Syrup

1/2 tsp of Ginger

optional 1/2 TBS hot sauce

I like to add broccoli , shredded carrots , peppers , peas , and spinach in with it !

I also love all of Classico’s pasta sauces .

I reuse the jars as cups !

2. Chilli’s , Stews, & Curries

Chilli , stews , & curries or anything that you can throw in a crock-pot (US link) or instant pot (US link) make for great waste free meals .

Using an instant pot cuts cooking times and uses 50-80 % less energy than a saucepan! Not to mention it’s just way easier for everyone .

I love to make an excessive amount of food when I use my crock-pot and Insta pot. That way I can freeze them and have them when we need a meal fast.

My absolute favourite curry recipe is Oh She Glows Instant Pot Cauliflower and Butternut Thai Curry.

its amazing ! I could eat it every single day .

3.Stir Fry's

Stir fry‘s are another one of my go to meals . I have an addiction .

You can buy all types of rice in bulk stores or you can buy it in a box at your local grocery store.

I typically add any veggies in my fridge and some chickpeas .

You can buy chickpeas in bulk or canned .

My favourite stir fry sauce is :

1-2 TBS Sesame Oil

1 TBS Rice Vinegar

2 TBS Soy sauce

2 TBS Garlic

optional 1/2 TBS hot sauce

& occasionally I’ll add 3 TBS hoisin sauce .

There are tons of stir fry sauces you can by in glass ! I personally prefer homemade because I think it taste better .

4. Buddha Bowls and other Bowls

Buddha and vegan sushi bowls are so easy and so delicious.

I’m gonna say this now and I’ll probably say it again a million times , if you can make your own sauces you can make most meals zero waste .

Building a Buddha bowl is so simple:

1. Add a grain - rice, quinoa , ect.

2. Add a protein - chickpeas , beans , edamame , tofu , ect.

3.Add some Crunchy Veggies-cucumber , broccoli , carrots , spinach , ect.

4.Add your dressings / sauce - tahini , peanut sauce , hoisin ginger sauce , etc .

5. Add some toppings - flax seeds , cashews , nuts , etc.

Serve cold .

My go to Tahini dressing :

1/2 cup Tahini - You can buy this in bulk or in the international section at your grocery store

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 cup warm water

So Simple , So Easy, So Delicious!

Vegan Sushi bowls are awesome for lazy day dinners . They are so good and I could eat them daily..

You follow the same steps as a buddha bowl .

I use rice , edamame , shredded carrots , cubed cucumber , avocado , baked and cubed sweet potato, and what ever else I feel like adding that day .

Once the rice is cooked I mix this sauce in it :

4 TBS soy sauce

2 TBS rice vinegar

1 TBS Maple Syrup or Honey

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp ginger

( You can buy all you spices in bulk)

I add vegan mayo and hot sauce on top of everything .

You can either buy mayo ( US link) or make your own following THIS recipe.

5.Soups & Sandwiches

Sandwiches are my all time favourite food . Any excuse to eat bread and I’m happy !

Sandwiches are simple and fast . I used to make my own bread but now due to issues with my arm I struggle to knead .

I have learned that the bakery at most grocery stores will gladly give you a fresh loaf of bread unwrapped ! Just be sure to bring your own bag .

We love almond butter , chia seeds, and jam sandwiches as well as sandwiches with avocado, salsa, tomato, spinach, and a little bit of salt. So much yum.

My go to sandwich Is a chickpea salad sandwich ! It is delicious !!!!!

My Chickpea Sandwich Recipe :

1 can of chickpeas - drained & blended or mashed with a fork

1/2 a cup of vegan mayo

2 TBS nutritional yeast - Buy in Bulk

1-2 TBS Dijon Mustard ( US link) or regular mustard

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp Garlic powder

( I buy all my spices at bulk barn )

Optional : add avocado and use less mayo!

Always add pickles ! It’s amazing !

Soup is also easy ! If you can find a great canned soup without a BPA lining then always have a few in your house .

Aluminum can be endlessly recycled so they are a great option .

If the can doesn’t say non BPA I wouldn’t recommend it!

You can buy soups in most bulk stores ! They have great options and all you do is add water and boil it ! My favourite one from bulk barn is their split pea soup.

Homemade soups are another great option!

There you have it . My 5 go to vegan meal ideas . They can all be made in 30 mins or less so they are perfect for a week night . Best of all they are all minimal to zero waste . Most my sauce recipes can be used for a variety of dishes. Change it up and experiment. You will have your go to meals in no time.

Remember every meal doesn't have to be a big fancy meal. Peanut butter and banana sandwiches on whole grain bread is easy and packed with tons of nutrients.