One of the latest trends in healthy eating right now is the Pegan diet. What is it? It’s a hybrid of the Paleo diet and the vegan diet. It sounds confusing because the Paleo diet prioritizes meats while vegans nix animal products altogether. Let me explain: Around 75 percent of what you eat on the Pegan diet comes from fruits and vegetables. The remaining 25 percent of what you eat should be a combination of high-quality fats (avocados, nuts, olive oil, and coconut oil) and, if you choose to eat animal products, grass-fed, antibiotic-free, and sustainably raised meats, poultry, and fish. No sweets, processed food or dairy. To really boil it down for you, the Pegan diet is made up of eating fresh food in its unadulterated state.
My family is very fluid when it comes to our diet (except for the gluten-free part). It really depends on what our bodies are telling us to eat. If we feel carb overloaded, then we eat meals with lots of fruits and veggies. If we’ve been extremely active for a few days, then we eat more carbs. If we feel a bit tired, then we add lean meat into our dinners. So, for us, it’s nice to have these family friendly Pegan recipe ideas to keep in our back pockets.
Here are 11 Pegan diet recipes that are delicious and easy-to-prepare:
More Healthy Recipes:
- Gluten-Free Cauliflower Crust Pesto Pizza
- Delicious Vegan Banana Nut Muffins
- The Best Healthy Oven Fried Chicken
Pegan Recipes (Paleo-Vegan)
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Zucchini Lasagna with Basil-Cashew Cheese Sauce
Who says you need to have noodles in a lasagna? This veggie-loaded recipe consists of tomatoes, artichoke hearts, zucchini and a ton of fresh basil. You can’t forget the cheese. Make your own vegan version out of cashews and almond milk. Michelle from Healthy Recipe Ecstasy says, “This may be my greatest victory yet.”
Source: Healthy Recipe Ecstasy
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Mac and Cheese with Butternut Squash Noodles
You don't have to forfeit mac and cheese from your diet! Transform butter squash into "noodles" and use a cashew sauce as the cheese. What you get is a healthy, gotta-have-seconds dinner that the whole will love.
Source: Food, Faith, Fitness
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Avocado Kale Caesar Salad and Sweet Potato Fries
This power-combo meal will satisfy both parents and kids. Kale is delicious when soaked in a creamy homemade caesar dressing and tossed around with chunks of avocado and handfuls of crunchy nuts. And the sweet potato fries on other half of your plate make it a done deal.
Source: Pinch of Yum
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Maple Roasted Squash and Apples with Crispy Sage
Maple syrup and crisp apples combined with sage leaves give this dish a nice hearty winter vibe. Be sure to double the recipe because your family will ask for seconds.
Source: Gourmande in the Kitchen
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Creamy Spinach Sweet Potato Noodles with Cashew Sauce
Move over spaghetti night - here is a healthy substitute your family will go gaga over. Spiralize sweet potatoes and cook them on the stovetop. Then drizzle cashew sauce over them and add in fresh spinach for extra color and nutrients. What you get is pure heaven.
Source: Pinch of Yum
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Three Herb Tomato Zucchini Salad
Here’s a tasty salad that is ideal for a light and healthy lunch or dinner side dish. Adding sumac to the dressing gives this dish extra flavor AND extra health benefits.
Source: Cotter Crunch
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Tomato Mushroom Spaghetti Squash
A handful of toasted pine nuts, a pinch or two of red pepper flakes and some basil, cut chiffonade, gives this dish lots of flavor without extra calories. Plus you can either roast the scooped out squash seeds or toss them in your garden and see if any grow. Surprisingly, they often do.
Source: What a Girl Eats
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Mushroom and Zucchini Stuffed Tomatoes
Your family has probably enjoyed stuffed peppers before, but have they ever tried stuffed tomatoes? Fill them with a mixture of diced zucchini, mushrooms, walnuts and loads of tasty spices. Each bite is tender and flavorful.
Source: Gourmande in the Kitchen
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Vegetable Kabobs
These kabobs can fill the role of an entrée or side dish. They are ideal for hosting a bbq or when you just want a no-fuss night in with the family. Best part: you can mix, match and customize your family’s favorite veggies on each stick. (Perfect for those picky eaters.)
Source: Simple Vegan Blog
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Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Sauce
Looking for a hearty recipe that will fill you up? This no-cook creamy and colorful dish does just that. It is made with zucchini noodles and an avocado sauce, which only takes 10 minutes to make.
Source: Simple Vegan Blog
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Grilled Sweet Potato Salad with Curry Almond Butter Vinaigrette
This grilled sweet potato salad is tossed with cauliflower rice and a creamy, curried almond butter vinaigrette for a healthy and delicious side dish or main course.
Source: Food, Faith, Fitness