Vegan Food to Serve to People Who Say, “I Don’t Like Vegan Food!”

February 26, 2016 By Linda Meyer 36 Comments

Do you find yourself wanting to serve vegan food to friends and family? It’s not as hard as you think it might be! Check out these amazing crowd pleasing recipes and you’ll be sure to have everyone raving about your vegan food!

A few days ago I mentioned the all too familiar comment, “I don’t like vegan food,” that I’ve heard numerous times from people who don’t know what they’re saying. That statement always makes me chuckle because every single plant that they’ve ever eaten is “vegan” food.

WHEN PEOPLE SAY THEY DON’T LIKE VEGAN FOOD

Do you like apples? Vegan food.
Do you like vegetable soup? That’s vegan food.
Do you like corn on the cob without butter? Vegan.
Do you like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries? Yep, vegan food.
Do you like rice? Pasta? Oatmeal? All vegan food.

You all see where I’m going with this? Anything that you eat that doesn’t contain animal parts or fluids is vegan.

When I ask my friends and family members if they like the foods listed above, I can see their attitudes start to adjust as they answer yes to those questions. And as their position begins to change, I remind myself that what they really meant to say—at least I think so—is that they don’t like vegan foods that pretend to be animal foods. They don’t like vegan bacon, vegan lunch meat, vegan cheese, and so on.

WHAT ABOUT MEAT & DAIRY REPLACEMENTS?

Point taken my friends, because the truth is, they used to not be very good. Once upon a time there were only a few brands that were worthy mimics of traditional meat and dairy. Now we have a multitude of vegan meat and dairy replacements like Upton’s, Field Roast, Tree Line, Kite Hill, Miyoko’s Kitchen, Beyond Meat, Gardein, Violife, Dr. Cow, and about a million other brands that are all awesome! I’ve convinced many non-vegans that there are tasty alternatives to dairy and meat products because of those brands.

Funny enough, so many of my non-vegan friends drink almond milk over dairy milk these days. It’s a start.

Nevertheless, I still get some resistance from people when it comes to vegan vs. non-vegan food. Even after I ask them the questions listed above. My father used to love to remind me that “patience is a virtue.” He will never know how much those words mean to me today. Thanks, Dad.

If you’re a vegan, you’ve probably heard the same statement from your non-vegan friends. And if you’re not a vegan, and have said these words before, I understand. That’s why today’s recipe roundup is all about real food. Real. Good. Food.

All of the following recipes are made from delicious, flavorful, and healthy plants. You’ve eaten these dishes before, only you probably never thought of them as vegan food. But that’s what they are. So for today, let’s put away labels and just celebrate hearty, healthy, and good food.

SERVE VEGAN FOOD FOR BREAKFAST

You can make pancakes, waffles, and muffins with non-dairy milk. They are just as delicious and fluffy as those made with dairy, and they’re better for you.

Old Fashioned Fluffy Vegan Pancakes

Cherry Berry Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

Southern Strawberry Pecan Waffles

Skillet Fried Potatoes with Chives

SERVE VEGAN FOOD FOR LUNCH

Don’t eat greasy burgers or chicken sandwiches with fries and a big coke for lunch. They’ll leave you feeling like a slug, and eventually you’ll end up looking like one. Make yourself something bright and flavorful that will fuel your body and make you feel and look fabulous.

Spicy Roasted Chickpea Lettuce Wraps

Copycat Soba Noodle Bowl with Edamame

Mediterranean Sandwich with Spicy Hummus

Summer Spinach Salad with Avocado Dressing

SERVE VEGAN FOODS FOR APPS!

Don’t get bogged down with deep fried garbage that’s high in calories, fat, and cholesterol. Try these plant-based snacks instead.

Quick and Easy Oil-Free Chipotle Home Fries

Breaded Maple Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Oven Fried Parmesan Zucchini Crisps

Spinach Guacamole

WHAT TO SERVE FOR A VEGAN DINNER

Try any one of these hearty, cozy, and satisfying meals that will leave you feeling good instead of stuffed.

Sweet & Spicy Asian Brown Rice and Pineapple Bowl

Mushroom Bourguignonne

Smoky Corn and Potato Chowder

Blue Corn Tacos with Fried Potatoes

VEGAN DESSERTS

The beauty of eating lighter and fresher plant-based meals is that you’ll have space for something sweet after dinner.

Chocolate Coconut Cupcakes

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble

Piña Colada Sorbet

Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies

And there you have it. Proof. Vegan food is just food. There isn’t anything mysterious, scary, or creepy about it. When you leave animal parts and fluids out of the equation what do you get? Healthy, fresh, vibrant, and tasty plants and grains that come together in the most delicious ways.

It is said that a picture says a thousand words. I’d say that these pictures say much more. So the next time you run into someone who tells you that they don’t like vegan food. Show them this post. I think that it might make them eat their words.

WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK?

Tell me:

Has someone ever told you that they don’t like vegan food?

Have you ever said that you don’t like vegan food?

Will you share this with someone who doesn’t eat vegan food?

Wait, one more thing!

Don’t forget to subscribe to Veganosity. Fill out the subscription box right above our picture on the top right corner. And, Alex and I love hearing from you. Please leave a comment and let us know what you think of our recipes. And let’s connect! Hop on over to Facebook page and give it a like, or follow us on Instagram or Twitter, and follow us and share this and other Veganosity recipes on Pinterest. We’d be so grateful if you did.

« Vegan Chunky Monkey Chocolate Smoothie

Spicy Oil-Free Mexican Hummus »

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Comments

Strength and Sunshine says
February 26, 2016 at 4:39 pm

O I know! It's so annoying! More than half the meals people eat probably are "vegan". Same with gluten-free! People are just to ignorant!

Reply
- Linda Meyer says
  February 27, 2016 at 3:00 pm
  
  I think it's the name, vegan, that scares and confuses people. It conjures up images of aliens and food that's made with seaweed. ;)
  
  Reply
Cadry's Kitchen says
February 26, 2016 at 4:44 pm

This all looks so very tasty! I don't know how anyone could say no to that stack of pancakes. :)

Reply
- Linda Meyer says
  February 27, 2016 at 2:58 pm
  
  Thank you, Cadry! Those pancakes are pretty darn good, if I do say so myself. :)
  
  Reply
Becky says
February 26, 2016 at 4:57 pm

I'm always mystified when someone tells me that they've never had vegan food. They've never had a banana or guacamole? I feel terrible for their bland food life!

Reply
- Linda Meyer says
  February 27, 2016 at 2:58 pm
  
  Hahaha! For real. I just try to be patient with them. I was one of those people too before I went vegan. ;)
  
  Reply
Natalie says
February 26, 2016 at 6:11 pm

I will send any and all skeptics I encounter your way now haha! Your site is my go-to though when people ask me what vegan meals look like since I really just have desserts. Speaking of desserts, those cupcakes :o I don't think I've seen those before, WANT THEM NOW! And those cute little cookies, those too!

Reply
- Linda Meyer says
  February 27, 2016 at 2:56 pm
  
  Thank you so much, Natalie! Wow, that's such a huge compliment. I'm so flattered. The cupcakes are a neighborhood favorite. I take them to all of our get-togethers and now a few of the men request them for our parties.
  
  Reply
Sophia @veggies dont bite says
February 26, 2016 at 7:34 pm

Ha! I'm laughing at your answers. Most people don't realize that so much of our food is naturally plant-based. And so much more can easily be made that way, especially these days with all the options! I like to think about my recipes as great food that just happen to be plant-based versus just plant-based food. When I was a teacher in Special Education, we always followed the "person first" rule when talking about students with disabilities. So it's Ryan, who happens to have autism, versus the autistic student. I apply the same rule to my food. Great food that happens to be plant-based, not plant-based food that is also great. What a yummy stomach grumbling list!

Reply
- Linda Meyer says
  February 27, 2016 at 2:54 pm
  
  I love that "person first" rule, I'm storing that in my brain for future use. Thanks, Sophia!
  
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Jenn S. says
February 26, 2016 at 9:02 pm

Oh gosh, yes, I hear that all the time. I always get the question: "What DO you eat?" I have started answering that question by simply saying, "a lot!". It's honestly easier than trying to make someone understand who doesn't really want to understand (that's a generalization, of course!).

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- Linda Meyer says
  February 27, 2016 at 2:52 pm
  
  It's just funny. My friends are finally starting to understand, but it's taking them a while.
  
  Reply
alisamarie says
February 27, 2016 at 4:26 am

It's so true! I always find it funny how people profess being against certain ways of eating, when so much of what they love fits that diet! I get that a lot with people about even just dairy-free - people think it is all about some strange and flavorless food.

Reply
- Linda Meyer says
  February 27, 2016 at 2:50 pm
  
  Bizarre, isn't it? A friend recently made a veggie chili and she called me and told me that she made vegan food. I just laughed. What else could I do?
  
  Reply
  - alisamarie says
    February 27, 2016 at 3:29 pm
    
    Oh that put a smile on my face this morning. So many people don't even realize how unadventurous they are with food either, until they cut out a few foods. I mean, veggie chili, really? Even my mom who was a basic Kraft-style cook would make something like that! :)
    
    Reply
    - Linda Meyer says
      February 28, 2016 at 5:29 pm
      
      Yay! I love making people smile. :) Seriously, I just don't get it, it's just food without animal parts.
      
      Reply
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
February 27, 2016 at 6:02 am

Everything on this list looks so fresh and healthy! I would rather have a fresh and natural ingredient or even a basic salad or piece of instead of one of those fake meat products.

Reply
- Linda Meyer says
  February 27, 2016 at 2:45 pm
  
  Amen, sista! Good real food, that's what makes a great meal.
  
  Reply
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
February 27, 2016 at 6:08 am

P.S. Pinned!

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- Linda Meyer says
  February 27, 2016 at 2:44 pm
  
  Thank you!
  
  Reply
Lucie says
February 27, 2016 at 4:57 pm

What an amazing resource! It's funny how often meat-eaters actually love vegan food if you don't tell them before hand that it's vegan (then they seem to automatically expect something "weird" or whatever). Seriously, how could anyone not fall in love with at least half of those recipes?

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- Linda Meyer says
  February 28, 2016 at 5:28 pm
  
  So true! It's like it's food straight out of The X Files. Thanks, Lucie. :)
  
  Reply
Christine (Run Plant Based) says
February 27, 2016 at 10:11 pm

Great post, so much inspiration here. Thanks! I hear a lot of people say that or food needs to taste good in response to going vegan, ugh!

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- Linda Meyer says
  February 28, 2016 at 5:27 pm
  
  You're welcome, and thanks for the kind words. It's always so curious to me when I hear that comment. Fortunately, vegan food is becoming less of a mystery as the media talks about it.
  
  Reply
Gingi Edmonds Freeman says
February 28, 2016 at 8:02 pm

I pretty much want to eat everything you have posted on your blog, lol. It all looks so fresh and flavorful!

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- Linda Meyer says
  February 29, 2016 at 12:41 pm
  
  Aw, thanks, Gingi! You're so kind. :)
  
  Reply
The Vegan 8 says
February 28, 2016 at 10:26 pm

You know, this made me laugh because whenever people say they are weirded out by vegan food, I say, "oh really, you don't eat potatoes or veggies or rice or fruit?" Guess what, everything is vegan naturally. But I admit, it's just a lack of knowledge because back in my early twenties, I went to an all vegan wedding (vegan food) and I was so clueless and weirded out by what exactly that meant, that I ate NOTHING the entire time and just starved. So dumb, but I realize I was just clueless, but now days it is so much more mainstream and pretty much anybody should know what it means now. Great post Linda!

Reply
- Linda Meyer says
  February 29, 2016 at 12:40 pm
  
  Oh no! That's so funny, I can't believe that you didn't try any of the food. My guess is that they served a bunch of fake meats and granola-haha! Alex will have a vegan wedding (obviously). I told her not to tell anyone that the food will be vegan because they'll immediately think that it won't taste good. Thanks, Brandi. :)
  
  Reply
Evi says
February 29, 2016 at 4:58 pm

Hahaha, I love when people say they don't like vegan food. Last time a guy talked about that he has never even had vegan food in his life. Of course, I said :D Great post, Linda! So many delicious VEGAN food!!!

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- Linda Meyer says
  February 29, 2016 at 5:05 pm
  
  That's too funny! Some people.... Thanks, Evi!
  
  Reply
Sina @ Vegan Heaven says
February 29, 2016 at 6:19 pm

I absolutely love this post, Linda!! I got a couple of people I'll send your way. Haha! :D Oh, and as always the food looks amazing! :-)

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- Linda Meyer says
  February 29, 2016 at 11:54 pm
  
  Thank you so much, Sina. That's so sweet of you. I'll be waiting-haha!
  
  Reply
Casey @ Two City Vegans says
March 1, 2016 at 8:06 pm

Such a pet peeve of mine! It drives me crazy when people don't realize the large amount of things that are already vegan. What a great post.

Reply
- Linda Meyer says
  March 1, 2016 at 10:32 pm
  
  Hi Casey! Thanks so much, hopefully this post and others like it will help show people that vegan food is just good food.
  
  Reply
Dan says
May 2, 2018 at 2:20 pm

I'm non vegan and honestly, I don't like most of the foods here. Corn and mushrooms are some of the foods I hate most. I like some fruits and vegetables, and of course pasta but not enough to live on. I've tried a dairy free diet and that wasn't for me either. Yet now, in your comments, I'm being called ignorant because my tastes aren't the same as people here? I see a lot of people wonder why people turn their noses up at veganism and it's probably because of the snide insults we get from vegans- as if they're better than us for liking the foods other people might not.

Reply
- Linda Meyer says
  May 2, 2018 at 6:13 pm
  
  Hi Dan, We're so sorry that some of the comments offended you. That certainly wasn't our intention. Most of the comments were about how so many normal recipes are vegan (such as veggie chili), yet there are some people who would cringe because the word "vegan" is attached to it. We weren't born vegan, and we don't judge our non-vegan friends for their dietary choices, and we certainly wouldn't judge you for yours. Yes, there are some in the vegan community who would, and do, that's not us. Have a wonderful day!
  
  Reply