MY VEGETARIAN FAMILY

I love these muffins! Cute little muffins full of yummy, awesome, sweet, cinnamon pumpkin. These Vegan Pumpkin Mini Muffins are super moist + perfectly portioned! Eggless, easy, and topped with the BEST homemade icing!

Just like a regular Tuesday for me, I sat down to publish my tips knowing my fans are eagerly awaiting what I have to say every Tuesday 😉. I went to hit the publish button + noticed that today I am publishing post number 500 [continue reading]

Is your New Year’s Resolution to eat less meat? More plants? Get healthy? You have come to the right place! My tips this week are a quick-start guide to a painless transition from wherever you are with your eating to easily eating more plants in [continue reading]

This list will come in handy if you are lazy, yes. But it will also prove useful if you are short on time, energy, or ingredients.  When I don’t feel like cooking, these go-to lazy vegetarian meals come to the rescue. I know takeout can [continue reading]

If you’ve been popping by here for some time now, you might remember me writing a few articles asking you to make sure you know ‘why’ you are vegetarian. Knowing ‘why’ is more important than how or when or how much. My ‘why’ for being [continue reading]

My tips this week bring you into the MVF kitchen to show you the foods we eat every day as vegetarians. I hope by showing you this, you might consider eating them too! The number one question I get asked is, what do you eat? [continue reading]

I love this hot sauce.  Seriously I put it on everything! This Jalapeño Hot Sauce Recipe is ready in 30 minutes + perfect to drizzle on a taco, veggie burger, burrito, just about anything! I love making my own hot sauce.  I know exactly what [continue reading]

The struggle is real. Most people encounter feeling tired + battling fatigue in their daily lives. Stress, balancing work and personal life, exercise regimens + more can leave you feeling low on energy. Can what you put on your plate help get your energy levels [continue reading]

Want to eat plant-based but feel like you might miss some of the classics? For me, potato salad was one of those classics I thought I would never be able to eat again! I am super excited to bring you my twist on this traditional [continue reading]

When I think of The Fourth of July, I think of watermelon, beach time, backyard barbecues, and of course (vegan) hot dogs! Here in the My Vegetarian Kitchen, we typically celebrate America’s birthday by inviting lots of friends + family, and eating veggie dogs, watermelon, [continue reading]

These BBQ Chickpea Veggie Burgers are perfect for a summer picnic, party or BBQ! They are also super healthy + packed with plant-based protein making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend lunch meal! This easy recipe that can be pulled together in under [continue reading]

If you have ever looked at your plate & wondered if you are getting it right, my tips this week will help! Learn how to eat as a vegetarian to make sure you are happy with what is on (and off) your plate to keep [continue reading]

This is my favorite way to eat quinoa! Easy + vegan + gluten free + ready in 20 minutes! Perfect for dinner, lunch, or meal prep.  The best part? You can make this Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa entirely in your Instant Pot.

Tara, I need some new ideas on how I can eat more lentils, what should I make? You ask what to do with lentils, I answer! This Tuesday is Ingredient Tuesday + we are using another one of my favorite ingredients! Lentils! These little legumes [continue reading]

This super flavorful Easy Lentil Veggie Burger is vegan + gluten free + ready in under 30 minutes! No breadcrumbs, no eggs, no flour, no fuss! Lentils + oats + onions + a few spices tossed in a food processor + there you have it, [continue reading]

We have all heard that in order to lose weight we need to be in a calorie deficit. Recently, you’ve also probably heard of the benefits of balancing our calories to also achieve optimal health and even longevity.  This idea of a calorie deficit, it [continue reading]

This one is a keeper! Cilantro + jalapeño + lemon + peanuts + cumin! 5 simple ingredients + 5 minutes + your blender! That is all you need for this yummy chutney. Authentic Indian Chutney is perfect as a dip for your favorite snack, spread [continue reading]

Are you a vegetarian worried about how in the world you are going to get in enough protein? My tips this week will help! These 7 hacks to hit your protein goals as a vegetarian are a total game changer!  

This quinoa cracker recipe is easy + healthy + vegan + gluten free! Homemade crispy crackers made with no oil + only 2 ingredients! Does it get any better?!?!?! Perfect gluten free crackers made with just a few easy steps right in your own kitchen. [continue reading]

As a vegetarian, I regularly find myself in a conversation about my diet. Like it or not, this seems to come with the territory of being a plant-based eater. I’ve been a vegetarian for a while now. I raised two children who have never eaten [continue reading]

A few simple ingredients layered in a bowl, drizzled with some yummy dressing, and you have yourself an awesome + easy + healthy + plant-powered bowl of awesome! Roasted sweet potatoes + black beans + kale + oh so delicious creamy jalapeño cilantro dressing come [continue reading]

Tara, I’ve got a bundle of asparagus, what should I make? You ask, I answer! This Tuesday is Ingredient Tuesday + we are using another one of my favorite ingredients! Spring is in the air + that means bright green asparagus in the stores, farmers [continue reading]

Nut-free + Oil-free + Dairy-Free + sooooo creamy and delicious.  Finally …. a salad dressing you can feel good about eating. Did you hear that? NO NUTS! No soaking cashews for this vegan dressing! This Silken Tofu Creamy Italian Dressing is SUPER EASY and oh [continue reading]

Protein intake is a hot topic + I’m not sure that’s going anywhere any time soon.  Making it even worse is the obsession with cutting carbs.  Ugh.  So, do we need to consume more protein or more animal products? Consume excess amounts of protein? Eat [continue reading]

A carton of vegan JUST Egg, a muffin tin + your favorite veggies! That’s all you need for these JUST Egg Muffin breakfast bites! We absolutely LOVE these. I can customize them with any veggies or chz shreds or even jazz them up with some [continue reading]

Are we obsessed with fad diets? Whole 30, Keto, WW, Mediterranean, WFPB, the list goes on and on. 45 million Americans embark on a new diet plan each year adding up to more than $30 billion spent on weight loss products. Yes, we are obsessed [continue reading]

This Spinach Mushroom Quinoa is a quick, healthy, plant-based side dish ready in minutes with only 5 Ingredients! SO delicious! This is one of our favorite go-to side dishes on busy nights or for meal prep. You are going to LOVE this one!

Kitchen is closed.  Or is it?  Nighttime hunger is a real health issue.  If we let it, it can easily get out of control.  There’s no denying that it’s really really hard to curb hunger that plagues us at night.  When answering the question, “Why Am [continue reading]

Meet Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash. All of the wonderfulness of spaghetti squash but a fraction of the cooking time 💛.  A beautiful yellow squash turned into spaghetti, does it get any better? Le me show you how easy + yummy this …

Tara, I’ve got a box of pasta, what should I make? You ask, I answer! You have come to the right place. This Tuesday is Ingredient Tuesday + we are using one of my favorite ingredients! I know you all have a box of pasta [continue reading]

This Chili Lime Tahini Dressing is super easy to make! The most perfect flavorful dressing ready in 5 minutes! Vegan + gluten-free + dairy-free + made without cashews. Drizzle this awesomeness in your wrap, on your salad, or even as a dip!

Are you a salad hater? I am here to tell you, it is ok to hate salads + you don’t have to eat them if you don’t want to. Making a hearty, irresistible salad isn’t an easy task to accomplish. Planning for a salad and [continue reading]

The easiest bowl you will ever make! This Quinoa Black Bean Salad with Lime Dressing is so simple + so healthy! The zesty lime dressing is made oil-free and everything is ready in under 10 minutes! Perfect recipe for meal prepping or to throw together [continue reading]

I don’t have a recipe for you today or my favorite way to use a new plant-based ingredient. I have a list. The best things I ever did to improve my health. But what exactly does it mean to be healthy? If I were to [continue reading]

Move over croutons, your salad just got a new crunchy topping! Once you learn how to toast quinoa you will see how easy + versatile it is.  Best of all, you don’t need any oil to make crispy quinoa in minutes!

Mindful eating is not just another diet. It isn’t complicated or cumbersome with calculators, rules, measurements, and restriction. Eating mindfully is a practice of being aware of cues that influence your food choices. There are SO MANY benefits to learning how to eat mindfully. This [continue reading]

Sometimes you just need a cookie.  A cookie that you can eat and actually feel good about it.  This is that cookie.  These healthier cookies are the perfect way to use up leftover cooked quinoa.  If you prefer, they can be made extra sweet with [continue reading]

It’s almost Super Bowl time! Just because you are vegetarian, doesn’t mean your game day food doesn’t have to taste good. No more plates of celery for us! This year, let’s make your meat-free Super Bowl eats as memorable as the commercials. Less time stressing, [continue reading]

5 minutes + a blender. Yep, that is all you need to make this fabulous + easy Black Bean Hummus Recipe! Perfect for a protein-packed snack, appetizer, lunch, or dip at a party!

The Mediterranean Diet continues to grow in popularity + for very good reason! I am not a ‘diet’ kind of girl but that is what makes The Mediterranean Diet so awesome! It is a style of eating rooted in history, culture, and enjoyment of unprocessed, [continue reading]

I am in LOVE with this salad! If you know me, you know I am a salad fanatic.  Not to mention, I am obsessed with trying to sneak quinoa into just about anything.  Meet my latest creation, The Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Bowl.  Full of vibrant [continue reading]

Getting enough protein as a vegetarian is not as difficult as people think! Are you looking for ways to easily increase your protein intake without turning to animal products? You have come to the right place! My tips this week are 5 Insanely Easy Vegetarian [continue reading]

YUMMY + Easy! This Cake Batter Hummus is dairy free + egg free + healthy(ish)! Made with chickpeas + peanut butter + sweetened with dates! You seriously won’t be able to stop eating this!!! No Joke.  This stuff is like a dream come true … [continue reading]

How about a salad that is not just an ordinary salad? How about a salad packed with lots and lots of healthy foods with crunch and flavor!?!?!? This superfood salad is just that. A salad constructed of super foods. Colorful foods high in vitamins, antioxidants, [continue reading]

I’ve got shocking news for some of you. Ready? You do not need to eat meat to get enough protein. Here is more shocking news: vegetarians, vegans, plant-forward eaters all get plenty of protein. How? So glad you asked. My usual answer is tofu, beans, [continue reading]

As a vegetarian, sometimes you need to think outside the box when it comes to baking. Some vegetarians don’t eat eggs, some don’t eat dairy, some try to eat as plant-based as possible even when it comes to baked goods. No matter where you fall [continue reading]

Super Easy Peanut Butter Granola! The EASIEST granola you will ever make! Ready in 30 minutes + crunchy + vegan + gluten free + packed with plant-based protein + fiber. Peanut butter + oats perfection!  

Diets are addicting. A quick fix promising fast results. It is very easy to get caught up in a cycle of diets. Somehow, it is satisfying to know that being on a “diet” puts parameters on your life leaving no room for uncertainty of what [continue reading]

Get ready for a hearty + flavorful recipe packed with vegetables + meatless protein! This vegan chicken pot pie is made with a few simple ingredients, ready in under 30 minutes + topped with phyllo dough!

Can something as simple as what we eat help prevent us from getting sick? YES! Your immune system is the most complex organ system in your body constantly patrolling your every cell + rapidly responding. Our organs, blood vessels, molecules + cells are constantly being [continue reading]

These Rice Flour Cinnamon Sugar Cookies are free of nuts, gluten, dairy + eggs.  You will not miss any of that when you bite into one of these super fluffy + moist  cookies. Perfect for anyone with any food allergies or if you are looking [continue reading]

Today I am sharing my secrets for staying healthy over a holiday weekend. You asked, Tara, “What easy things can I do to stay on a healthy path during Thanksgiving weekend?” So glad you asked! I am sharing my secrets that I use on holidays [continue reading]

Vegan quiche, yes please! This Just EGG Vegan Zucchini Quiche is dairy-free, ready in one hour, and so delicious! Zucchini, onions, dairy-free cheddar shreds, Just EGG, a few dry spices, and a frozen pie crust. You will be so happy to have this on your [continue reading]

It is tricky to be a vegetarian this time of year. A food holiday is upon us that literally has a table centerpiece of a stuffed bird as its mascot. Let’s put some plant-foods on that table! If you are welcoming a vegetarian to your [continue reading]

What to make for the vegetarians on Thanksgiving? Let me think …. how about a seitan roast? This vegan seitan roast will feed 6 people, can be served along with your favorite holiday side dishes, bakes in your oven, and is oh so delicious!  

As vegetarians, we opt not to eat animals. Our reasons for not eating animals can be anything from health or religion to ethical reasons or for the environment. Whatever your reason is, next you decide if your life of vegetarianism includes eggs, dairy, gelatin, honey, [continue reading]

Ready for the ultimate fall dinner idea? YES! Ready in 10 minutes in one pot, dairy free + gluten free! Kid-friendly or when you need quick comfort food that turns out perfectly creamy every single time. Pin, print, or bookmark this recipe for Instant Pot [continue reading]

It’s that time of year again. How lucky am I that I write an article every week on a Tuesday + this year Halloween is on a Tuesday? Two of my favorite things on the same day. 🧡  For this special occasion (yes, I am [continue reading]

When the list of what is not in the cookies is longer than the title, does that make you worry?  Most likely your answer is yes 😊 BUT  the answer is NO!!!!! 🙌  Not these healthy pumpkin cookies! They are simply wonderful, fluffy, moist and [continue reading]

Dietary fats have been on a popularity roller coaster over the last few decades. Eat fat, don’t eat fat, fat is good, fat is bad. Where fats land today in the public eye is still up for debate. One thing we do know, is that [continue reading]

  You are going to LOVE this one! This sauce comes together in 20 minutes with just a few everyday ingredients. Vegan + gluten-free + easy! Perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall dinner or lunch! Pin or print this one because this recipe for perfect [continue reading]

Don’t be afraid of tempeh! Some people tell me they don’t like the taste of tempeh, that it is bitter or has a soapy, sandy taste. If this is you, you aren’t cooking it correctly. Let me help you! Today, my tempeh Q&A will help [continue reading]

I have a little secret for you. Pumpkin recipes do not have be sweet and tacos do not have to be full of meat + cheese to be awesome. Yep, you heard me correctly.  These Pumpkin Black Bean Tacos are by far the best tacos [continue reading]

Do you want to eat a more plant-forward diet but feel overwhelmed? I’m here for you! This Tuesday, I am sharing my 9 favorite hacks to make being a vegetarian easier. These hacks will have you prepping + cooking vegetarian foods like a pro!

This Air Fryer Pumpkin Recipe is super easy + packed with flavor + turns out perfect every time! This is the quickest + absolute best way to make roasted pumpkin! So fabulously versatile it can be added into your favorite recipe or eaten as is!

Happy October! Oh how I love October. Fall races, cooler weather, football season, and lucky for me October is my birthday month! Does it get any better?!?! Yes, it does. In the month of October I can cook with pumpkin almost every day 🧡 and [continue reading]

Oh my yum! I am completely in love with this Thai Coconut Curry 💛 Meet my newest go-to meal. So super easy and so super delish. You guys are going to love this one. 

Do you hate cooking at home? You know you should be doing it, but do you hate it? It is a task we can’t escape from so if you hate it, let’s explore a few practical tips that can help you go from uber eats [continue reading]

I have been on a mission to make the perfect pizza at home. Pizza that doesn’t come out of a box or left on the porch from a delivery. Today I bring you my latest creation. Roasted Vegetable Pizza with homemade whole wheat pizza crust. [continue reading]

What do you think? Are spicy foods healthy or dangerous? Such a mixed camp on this hot topic! This Tuesday, let’s put the fire out on some of the myths surrounding spicy foods and you can decide for yourself.

This Easy Vegan Pumpkin Chili Recipe is packed with the absolute perfect fall menu item!  Tomatoes, onions, garlic, jalapeños, cumin, and a hint of creamy pumpkin.  This chili is a great protein source, ready in under 30 minutes, and is perfect for fall or any [continue reading]

Are you curious about volume eating? Not sure if it is right for you? Can you use volume eating for better health? Longevity? Improved blood sugars and gut health? How is it different for vegetarians? SO MANY questions!

These easy meatless tofu meatballs are vegan + gluten free + oil-free + nut-free + packed with authentic Italian flavors! Craving a hearty meatball but don’t eat meat? You have come to the right place. These are perfect for vegans, vegetarians, and even the meat-eaters [continue reading]

Don’t eat fish? Me either! But the first thing most of us think of when we think of Omega-3 fatty acids is fish. Does that mean if we want to get enough omega-3 in our diets we need to eat fish? Nope! Today, my tips [continue reading]

Lately I feel as though everywhere I turn I see an advertisement for a magnesium supplement. To be honest, I think we are seeing lots of supplements, but magnesium is certainly having its moment in the spotlight. So today, I decided to devote a little [continue reading]

This Ghost Pepper Hot Sauce Recipe is spicy! Just a few simple ingredients and 25 minutes is all you need to transform the beautiful, red, spicy ghost pepper into a magnificent hot sauce! I love making my own hot sauce.  It is the perfect way [continue reading]

Another addition in my collection of letters. I like to sprinkle in a letter from a food blogger now + then to spice up the Tuesday Tips. If you know me, you know I usually have a lot to say. When I write you a [continue reading]

This Fermented Jalapeño Hot Sauce is a magnificent way to spice up your tacos, veggie burgers, sandwiches, or just about anything. Be sure to make a big batch, you are going to love it! Super easy to layer a few ingredients into a fermenting jar, [continue reading]

You asked, “Should I be eating only organic foods?” This week, I give you my answer … with a little explanation … so you can decide for yourself. This is an extremely polarized debate, but perhaps we can get a little perspective on it together.

Another addition into my hot sauce collection! This one is sweet and spicy and oh so delicious. You are going to love the combination of the sweet mangos with the fiery habaneros fermented to perfection with onions + garlic. Time to put hot sauce on [continue reading]

It is no secret that pink salts have become a trendy food item over the last few years. There is no arguing that they are much prettier + more interesting looking than the average table salt. The lovely pink hue + textured rock-like appearance gives [continue reading]

Where are the almond butter fans? Welcome! I have the cookie for you! Whole wheat flour combined with almond flour + a few simple ingredients and you have yourself a perfect eggless almond butter cookie.  Edible cookie dough anyone? Yes, please! You can eat the [continue reading]

Eat more fiber. How many times have you heard that? You know you are supposed to eat lots of fiber, but do you? About 95% of Americans do not eat nearly enough fiber. If you are one of them, then you are missing out on [continue reading]

The easiest marinara sauce you will ever make now with a spicy twist! A few years ago I shared a 3-ingredient tomato sauce recipe. One of the most delicious things I have on this blog. I mean seriously delicious. I took that recipe and spiced [continue reading]

Can you believe it is the middle of July? Summer is in full swing! Here in sunny Florida, that means it is about as hot as it gets.  Hot and humid! Most of you reading this are experiencing the exact same thing. Some days, we [continue reading]

I am all for big goals. Big financial goals, health goals, and fitness goals alike. We should never stop setting + striving for these types of goals. However, the path to ultimate health is an accumulation of the tiny decisions we make every single day. [continue reading]

Just in time! Independence Day here in the USA is quickly approaching! Do you know anyone interested in trading out their burger for a meatless Independence Day celebration? Then you have come to the right place! I know I will be hosting a few vegetarians [continue reading]

Some like it hot! If you like spicy chili, you have come to the right place! This Vegetarian Ghost Pepper Chili Recipe is perfectly spicy and ready in under 30 minutes! Made with kidney beans, tomatoes, onions, garlic, cumin, and meatless ground crumbles. The absolute [continue reading]

Vegan, vegetarian, plant-based, plant-forward. It can be tough to keep these terms straight without making your head spin. The word vegan can be quite polarizing to some, making them afraid to label themselves as such. Or, have you ever heard someone refer to themselves as [continue reading]

This Vegan Ghost Pepper Ranch Dressing is the perfect spicy, creamy, dairy-free, oil-free, nut-free dressing to drizzle over your salad, dip your chick’n nuggets into, layer into a wrap or sandwich. The blended silken tofu gives you that rich, creamy, salad dressing texture paired with [continue reading]

The season of summer is comin’ in hot! If only every day could be a summer day! I think I was made just for sunny summer days. Warm sunshine, swimming, sandy feet, and summer foods!!! Even if you aren’t a fan of the sun or [continue reading]

5 simple ingredients are all you need for these perfect grain-free, dairy-free, vegan burgers. My latest veggie burger creation is my most favorite of all! These Buffalo Chickpea Veggie Burgers are perfect for a meal prep, summer BBQ or game day! Grab a bun + [continue reading]

The Vegetarian’s Guide to the 80/20 Diet is just in time! As summer approaches, we are being bombarded with summer diets, quick fixes, and the latest diet train to jump on. A diet is a diet and, in my world, diet culture stinks. Let’s face [continue reading]

This 5-minute cucumber salsa recipe is my latest salsa creation! This salsa is an easy way to up your veggies in your salsa, swap out the tomatoes for cucumbers for a fresh twist on traditional salsa. Perfect to pair with any of your favorite Mexican [continue reading]

Convenient, portable, quick, packed with nutrients, all in one single cup + ready to set the foundation for a healthy day of eating. With endless possibilities of flavor combinations, my daily smoothie is a beloved part of my routine. Why do I drink a smoothie [continue reading]

My latest addition into my salsa collection + if you love spice, you are going to LOVE this one! This Ghost Pepper Blender Salsa Recipe is super EASY + can be eaten with chips or layered into your taco or burrito or nachos. + so [continue reading]

Ready or not, summer is coming! To me, that means wonderful + yummy summer side dishes made of colorful, fresh ingredients. This is the perfect plant-based summer pasta salad! Bring this one to a picnic, serve as a side dish for a barbecue, or simply [continue reading]

This Tuesday my tips are 7 small + easy steps you can take to be healthier. Steps that I take every day for a healthy life. So many of you have told me that you just don’t know where to start. Getting back on track [continue reading]

This Vegan Dill Pickle Ranch is the perfect creamy blend of  silken tofu + a few simple ingredients giving you a healthy + dairy-free + nut-free + oil-free dill pickle flavored ranch dressing in minutes! When I went plant-based I thought I would never eat [continue reading]

Another addition into my collection of vegan bacon recipes! This time I bring you a salad! Two of my favorite things in one bowl of awesome. The bacon is crispy + flavorful + smoky + meatless! These Vegan Tempeh BLT Salad Bowls are super easy [continue reading]