Can you do Whole30 vegetarian?

The program is also effective for omnivores or vegetarians looking to explore or test a vegan diet . By eliminating animal protein for 30 days, then reintroducing it (if you choose), you can quickly identify the protein sources and carbohydrate sources that best suit your goals.

What are Whole30 meals?

The Original Whole30 has two phases: 30 days of elimination and 10 (or more) days of reintroduction. During elimination, your meals will include meat, seafood, and eggs; lots of vegetables and fruit; natural, healthy fats; and fresh herbs, spices, and seasonings .

Why is ghee allowed on Whole30?

While the Whole30 program rules don't allow dairy, ghee is allowed because when made properly, the lactose is removed from the butter making it as close to dairy free as possible . You can purchase ghee in many stores or add it to your next Thrive Market order, but it's very easy to make your own from scratch.

Is tofu allowed on Whole30?

The Plant-Based Whole30 program eschews all animal products but allows for legumes and minimally processed soy —think tofu, tempeh, and edamame. Textured soy products (TVP, used in many plant-based meats) and soy protein isolate (found in many protein powders) are not allowed.

Do you actually lose weight on Whole30?

The truth is, weight loss can be a natural byproduct of your Whole30, without tracking or purposefully restricting calories . You may lose weight naturally by eliminating alcohol, baked goods, soda, and other high-sugar foods.

Can you eat bananas on Whole30?

What about bananas? Yes, both pickles and bananas are allowed on Whole30 . Yet if they are a potential trigger food for you (for instance, the sweetness of bananas sets off a craving for other treats or makes you want to binge on the fruit), then you may consider including them on your “don't eat” list.

What are the cons of the Whole30 diet?

The cons of Whole30: Very restrictive, which may make eating out or socializing difficult. May be difficult to get adequate calcium for bone health. Restricts many cultural foods. May be time intensive due to food label reading, meal planning and meal prep. Dec 23, 2020

Are veggie burgers Whole30 approved?

Whole30 Loaded Veggie Burgers that are gluten-free, paleo and Whole30-approved ! A healthy and easy plant-based burger! Whole 30 + veggie burgers honestly sounds like an oxymoron to me. Whenever I think of veggie burgers, I assume there are beans or gains or even both in them!

Can you have cured meat on Whole30?

You can also eat processed meats as long as they don't include any artificial preservatives or added sugars . So when your bacon craving strikes, stick to sugar-free uncured bacon. A hearty meat-based stew with some nutrient-rich avocado makes a great Whole30® meal.

Can you have impossible meat on Whole30?

According to the Plant-Based Whole30 website, the following plant-based meat replacement brands are NOT compliant with their program : Impossible Foods: Many products contain soy protein isolate/concentrate and added sugar. Beyond Meat: Most products contain rice protein or flour, some contain gluten.

Why doesn't Whole30 allow legumes?

Whole30 doesn't allow beans based on the idea that they contain "anti-nutrients" like phytates . Phytates are compounds found in plants that can potentially block the body's absorption of important minerals like magnesium, iron, and calcium.

35 Whole30 Vegetarian Recipes to Try (2024)

The Minimalist Baker

We love Whole30 for jumpstarting a New Year’s reset, clearing up our skin or detoxing after an indulgent vacation. But with dairy, grains, legumes and sugar all strictly verboten, Whole30 can easily get heavy on the animal protein. The good news? It doesn’t have to. There are tons of snacks and meals you can indulge in that are totally meat-free, like smoothie bowls, green shakshuka, sheet-pan eggs with asparagus and even creamy curried cauliflower-kale soup. Whether you’re a strict vegetarian or just going easy on the meat, here are 35 Whole30 vegetarian recipes you’ll love.

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

1. Grilled Watermelon Steaks

No barbecue is complete without a few thick slabs of spiced watermelon on the grill.

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Half Baked Harvest

2. Creamy Thai Carrot Sweet Potato Soup

When it comes to flavor, a little red curry paste goes a long way.

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Kerri Axelrod

3. Green Smoothie Bowl

Packed to the brim with protein and vitamins and ready in 15 minutes.

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Pinch of Yum

4. Broccoli Salad with Creamy Almond Dressing

No mayo here. This take is lighter, but just as tangy and crunchy.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

5. Rainbow Vegetable Skewers

No filter necessary—they’re as naturally gorgeous as they are delicious.

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Healthy Nibbles and Bits

6. Harissa Portobello Mushroom 'Tacos'

We’ve got Taco Tuesday covered (guacamole and pico included).

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

7. Cold Sesame Cucumber Noodles

This genius recipe subs cucumber spirals for wheat noodles.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

8. Zoodle Stir-Fry

Lo mein fiends, rejoice. (Sub coconut aminos for soy sauce if you’re strictly on Whole30.)

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

9. 15-Minute Gazpacho with Cucumber, Red Pepper and Basil

Put your farmers market haul to good use.

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Cotter Crunch

10. Curried Cauliflower Kale Soup

Save this one for a chilly night.

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The Minimalist Baker

11. Roasted Rainbow Vegetable Bowl

The key is to roast the veggies until they’re totally soft and caramelized.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

12. Green Shakshuka

Our take on the Israeli dish swaps tomato sauce for spinach and fresh herbs.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

13. Ratatouille

Adorable cartoon rat (sadly) not included.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

14. Cold Lemon Zoodles

Eight ingredients + 20 minutes = the most refreshing dinner ever.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

15. Egg and Veggie Breakfast Bowl

Salad for breakfast? Eggs for dinner? We’re down.

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The Bojon Gourmet

16. Summer Vegan Green Goddess Salad

Thanks to nutritional yeast, you won’t miss the Parmesan.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

17. One-Pan Eggs and Asparagus and Tomatoes

You love 30-minute dinners. Dirty dishes? Not so much.

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The Modern Proper

18. Coconut Curry Zoodle Ramen

Sorry, dairy. Full-fat coconut milk has this creamy dream covered.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

19. Clean-Eating Bibimbap Bowls

Just skip the honey in the sauce to keep it Whole30 compliant.

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What’s Gaby Cooking

20. Citrus Farmers Market Salad

Complete with lemon-shallot vinaigrette.

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Simple Veganista

21. Vegan Mushroom Soup

You can’t have alcohol on Whole30, so just sub vegetable stock for wine.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

22. Crispy Roasted Artichokes

Good luck not inhaling the whole batch in one sitting.

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I Heart Umami

23. Whole30 Vegan Curry

Turmeric, coriander and cumin, oh my!

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

24. Cauliflower Fried Rice

This low-carb takeout favorite only takes 25 minutes to prepare.

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Well Plated by Erin

25. Whole30 Vegetarian Power Bowls

Tahini is the secret to the lemon-garlic dressing.

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Amanda Frederickson/Simple Beautiful Food

26. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Sriracha and Lime

Bookmark it for Thanksgiving (or any old Tuesday).

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Abra Berens/Chronicle Books

27. Blistered Green Beans with Tomatoes, Walnuts and Summer Squash

Taste the rainbow.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

28. Roasted Mixed Nuts

You can never have too many 15-minute party apps up your sleeve.

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Simon Smith/Vegan 100

29. Cheesy Raw Vegan Zucchini Lasagna

Think veggies smothered in pesto and cashew “cheese” sauce.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

30. Dairy-Free Butternut Squash ‘Fondue’

Just as silky-smooth and decadent as the real thing.

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Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Heath Goldman

31. Tandoori-Inspired Roast Cauliflower Bowls with Tahini

Skip the steamed basmati rice and you're in business.

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Katherine Gillen

32. Sheet Pan Curried Butternut Squash Soup

We'd make squash season last forever if we could.

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Nicole Franzen/Food: What the Heck Should I Cook?

33. Roasted Beet and Citrus Salad

Sweet beets, tangy citrus, peppery arugula and lots of walnuts.

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Erin Kunkel/Malibu Farm Sunrise to Sunset

34. Malibu Farm’s Vegan Chop Salad

It sure blows kale Caesar out of the water. (Skip the chickpeas if you just started Whole30.)

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Erin Kunkel/Malibu Farm Sunrise to Sunset

35. Open-Face Salad Omelet

Eggs are always there when you need dinner in a flash. Skip the prosciutto to keep it veg.

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35 Whole30 Vegetarian Recipes to Try (2024)

1. Grilled Watermelon Steaks

2. Creamy Thai Carrot Sweet Potato Soup

3. Green Smoothie Bowl

4. Broccoli Salad with Creamy Almond Dressing

5. Rainbow Vegetable Skewers

6. Harissa Portobello Mushroom 'Tacos'

7. Cold Sesame Cucumber Noodles

8. Zoodle Stir-Fry

9. 15-Minute Gazpacho with Cucumber, Red Pepper and Basil

10. Curried Cauliflower Kale Soup

11. Roasted Rainbow Vegetable Bowl

12. Green Shakshuka

13. Ratatouille

14. Cold Lemon Zoodles

15. Egg and Veggie Breakfast Bowl

16. Summer Vegan Green Goddess Salad

17. One-Pan Eggs and Asparagus and Tomatoes

18. Coconut Curry Zoodle Ramen

19. Clean-Eating Bibimbap Bowls

20. Citrus Farmers Market Salad

21. Vegan Mushroom Soup

22. Crispy Roasted Artichokes

23. Whole30 Vegan Curry

24. Cauliflower Fried Rice

25. Whole30 Vegetarian Power Bowls

26. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Sriracha and Lime

27. Blistered Green Beans with Tomatoes, Walnuts and Summer Squash

28. Roasted Mixed Nuts

29. Cheesy Raw Vegan Zucchini Lasagna

30. Dairy-Free Butternut Squash ‘Fondue’

31. Tandoori-Inspired Roast Cauliflower Bowls with Tahini

32. Sheet Pan Curried Butternut Squash Soup

33. Roasted Beet and Citrus Salad

34. Malibu Farm’s Vegan Chop Salad

35. Open-Face Salad Omelet

FAQs

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