Homemade Chickpeas from Scratch: A Plant-Based Essential
Versatile, hearty, and full of plant-powered goodness, chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) belong in every plant-forward kitchen. When I first started my plant-based journey, I realized I needed to…
Creamy Pasta e Cavolo – Plant-Based Pasta and Cabbage
This is my plant-based, Irish-inspired, Italian reinvented version of a comfort classic: Creamy Pasta e Cavolo (pasta and cabbage). I’ve added shredded potatoes to the sauce for extra naturally creaminess…
Plant-Based Pasta e Piselli | Easy Italian Pasta and Peas
This Plant-Based Pasta e Piselli is a simple and nourishing Italian comfort dish. It is made with pasta, sweet green peas, and aromatic onion and garlic. Oil-free and dairy-free, it…
Dairy-Free Asparagus Risotto | Easy Rice Cooker Recipe
Looking for a creamy, comforting dairy-free asparagus risotto without butter, cheese, or constant stirring? You’re in the right place. This simple rice cooker method makes it easy to achieve the…
Sneaky Veggie Pasta Sauce for Toddlers (Healthy, Oil-Free & So Creamy)
Picky-eater approved · Freezer-friendly · No oil · No added sugar If you’re a parent or grandparent trying to get little ones to eat their vegetables, you already know this…
WFPB Cucina Povera Lentil Soup (Zuppa di Lenticchie Rustica)
This WFPB Cucina Povera Lentil Soup (Zuppa di Lenticchie Rustica) channels the heart of cucina povera. It embodies the simple, resourceful home cooking that nourished generations. Made with pantry staples,…
Pasta e Lenticchie con Maltagliati (Pasta and Lentils)
There’s something magical about a bowl of pasta e lenticchie — humble, hearty, and deeply satisfying. This classic Italian stew is everything I love about cucina povera cooking: simple ingredients,…
Crispy Baked Herb-Crusted Tofu Marsala (WFPB)
Crispy Baked Herb-Crusted Tofu Marsala is a delicious, twist on the beloved Italian-American classic. Traditionally made with breaded and fried chicken, this version swaps in tender tofu. It provides a…
5-Minute No-Cook Pizza Sauce (Easy, Fresh & Authentic Flavor)
This 5-Minute No-Cook, Easy & Healthy Tomato Pizza Sauce is my go-to for homemade pizza nights. It’s bright, deeply flavorful, and made with simple pantry ingredients—no stovetop cooking required. Restaurant…
2-Hour Pizza Dough
Make perfect homemade pizza in just 2 hours with this easy, flavorful pizza dough recipe. This dough uses a blend of wheat and all-purpose flours. It includes rapid-rise yeast and…
WFPBÂ Italian Tomato Tonnato Sandwich
This WFPB Italian Tomato Tonnato Sandwich is a flavorful way to honor Italy’s seafood traditions—without the fish. At the heart of this recipe is my reimagined version of tonnato sauce…
Pasta Primavera (Dairy-Free Oil-Free)
Pasta Primavera can be made healthy without dairy and oil yet still deliciously Italian. And, before I dove deeper, I digressed and needed to know – is it “Pasta Primavera”…
Italian Vegetable Pasta (Pasta all’Ortolano – Easy One-Pot Vegetable Pasta Recipe – Oil-Free)
Pasta all’Ortolano is my go-to order whenever I see it on an Italian menu—and this vegetable pasta recipe is my plant-based, oil-free version inspired by our favorite neighborhood Italian restaurant…
Best Baked Tofu Parmesan
This is the Best Baked Tofu Parmesan with Pistachio Pesto and Dairy-Free Mozzarella. It is my plant-based take on the beloved Italian-American favorite. Traditionally, this dish is made with breaded…
Fresh Mozzarella’s Gone Plant-Based
It is true, fresh mozzarella’s gone plant-based. Mozzarella is a staple in countless Italian dishes, from classic Caprese salads to bubbling hot pizzas. But what if you could enjoy the…
Healthy Homemade Spinach Pasta with Semolina Flour
Healthy Homemade Beet Pasta with just 2 Ingredients, no oil, and no eggs. It is fresher than store-bought alternatives. I like to roast the beets before pureeing, but you can…
Arugula Pistachio Pesto with Lemon Balsamic (WFPB, Oil Free)
This Arugula Pistachio Pesto with Lemon Balsamic is a bright, oil-free twist on classic pesto. It bursts with fresh herbs. The arugula is very subtle and smooths out what can…
Caponata (Oil-Free)
Sicilian caponata is a vibrant, sweet-and-savory eggplant dish. It is traditionally drenched in olive oil. But what if you could enjoy all the rich, tangy flavors without it? My oil-free…
Lemon Granita
The main difference between sorbet and granita is in their texture and preparation methods. Both are made from fruit, water, and sugar. Sorbet is smooth and creamy, like soft ice…
Anti-inflammatory | Antioxidants | Digestive Health | Ingredient | Instagram | Italian | Lower High Blood Pressure | Post | Recipe
Oil-Free Confit Garlic with Aquafaba
Oil-Free Confit Garlic with Aquafaba offers a wonderful option compared to the traditional oil-immersed version. Typically, garlic cloves are slowly cooked at low heat for an extended period. This results…
Pappa al Pomodoro Soup
This isn’t your childhood Campbell’s tomato soup. Pappa al Pomodoro (Italian Bread and Tomato Soup) was particularly popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was romanticized in Italian…
Healthy Homemade Beet Pasta (2 Ingredients, No Oil, No Eggs)
Healthy Homemade Beet Pasta with just 2 Ingredients, no oil, and no eggs. It is fresher than store-bought alternatives. I like to roast the beets before pureeing, but you can…
Classic Creamy Polenta
Classic Creamy Polenta converted to a Whole Food Plant-Based version turned out to be easier than I expected. This dish lies in the heart of Italian cuisine and has been…
Creamy Italian Salad Dressing (No-Dairy, No-Oil)
This Creamy Italian Salad Dressing begins with an easy-to-make seasoning mix that’s simple yet flavorful. Instead of the typical olive oil base found in most Italian dressings, I’ve opted for…
Ultimate Italian Stuffed Shells with Tofu Ricotta
Italian cuisine has long been celebrated for its rich flavors and comforting dishes. My Ultimate Italian Stuffed Shells with Tofu Ricotta brings all the traditional goodness into the realm of…
Ultimate No Dairy Ricotta
The Ultimate No Dairy Ricotta is a versatile, delicious vegan alternative to traditional ricotta, made with natural ingredients like tofu, agar agar, and cashews. It’s easy to prepare and enhances…
30 Minutes | Anti-inflammatory | Antioxidants | Instagram | Italian | Lower High Blood Pressure | Main Course | Post | Recipe | Sunday Supper
Classic Italian Marinara Sauce (Oil-Free, Rich & Authentic Flavor)
This oil-free, dairy-free version for my classic Italian marinara sauce keeps everything you love about traditional marinara—rich tomato depth, garlic warmth, and Italian herbs—without the added oils or heaviness. Grocery…
Plant-Based Herby Farrotto (Farro)
Plant-Based Herby Farrotto is a wholesome twist on traditional risotto, made using farro instead of rice. Think of farrotto as risotto’s younger sister. This dish is completely plant-based, featuring a…
Focaccia Rolls
Focaccia rolls are a fun twist on the popular focaccia bread. This popular Italian flatbread, has its origins in ancient times and is believed to have originated with the Etruscans…
30 Minutes | Anti-inflammatory | Antioxidants | California Balsamic Vinegars | Instagram | Italian | Post | Recipe
Grilled Vegetable Focaccia Sandwich
A Grilled Vegetable Focaccia Sandwich made with whole food plant-based ingredients is a vibrant and satisfying twist on a classic favorite. There is a lot going on with sandwich and…
Deconstructed Crispy Eggplant Bake (WFPB, Oil-Free, Dairy-Free)
Deconstructed Crispy Eggplant Bake (WFPB, Oil-Free, Dairy-Free) is slices of tender, oven-crisped eggplant layered with a vibrant tomato sauce and crumble topping without the fuss of assembling a traditional eggplant…
Italian Artichoke Casserole (Sformato di Carciofi)
Here is an amazing Vegan Italian Artichoke Casserole (Sformato di Carciofi). It adheres to a Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) diet, without the use of oil or eggs. It is guilt-free,…
Lenticchie con Cavolo Nero (Braised Lentils and Kale)
Lenticchie con Cavolo Nero (Braised Lentils and Kale) is yet another great Italian whole-food plant-based dish. I wasn’t particularly fond of lentils until recently. However, during a Nutritional Culinary Workshop…
30 Minutes | Antioxidants | California Balsamic Vinegars | Instagram | Italian | Lower High Blood Pressure | Lunch | Main Course | Post | Recipe | Sides
Italian White Beans and Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce (WFPB Dairy-Free No Oil)
Italian White Bean and Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce (Fagioli in Crema di Pomodori Secchi) captures the essence of Tuscan cuisine. It offers a burst of flavors. This version is free from…
Simple Nutritious Quick Pumpkin Tomato Pasta Sauce (WFPB, Oil Free)
Simple Nutritious Quick Pumpkin Tomato Pasta Sauce is a flavorful and wholesome sauce. It effortlessly combines the rich earthiness of pumpkin with the vibrant tang of tomatoes. This sauce is…
30 Minutes | Anti-inflammatory | Antioxidants | Instagram | Italian | Lower High Blood Pressure | Main Course | Post | Recipe
Italian “Sauzage” Spice Seasoning Mix
This delicious and healthy Italian “Sausage” Spice Seasoning Mix for Vegetable Steaks makes it easy to add a burst of deliciousness to your main course dishes. Add a splash of…
Plant-Powered Bliss Vegan Parmesan Magic
This is the only Vegan Parmesan recipe you need from now on! Vegan Parmesan Cheese, often referred to as “vegan parm” or “plant-based parm,” is a dairy-free alternative to traditional…
Carabaccia – Tuscan Red Onion WFPB Soup
Carabaccia is a traditional Tuscan onion soup. When I found this recipe, I became obsessed with it. It is a culinary masterpiece that captures the essence of simplicity and rustic…
Best Vegan Anchovy Paste (Perfect for Caesar Dressing & Pasta – Oil-Free)
Looking for the best vegan anchovy paste substitute that actually works in Caesar salad and pasta? This oil-free vegan anchovy paste delivers deep umami flavor without fish, oil, or processed…
Trofie Pasta with Arugula and Saffron Chickpea Sauce (WFPB, Oil Free)
This Trofie Pasta with Arugula and Saffron Chickpea Sauce is WFPB and oil-free. Make this recipe with trofie pasta made from whole wheat or semolina flour for a healthier version…
Healthy Homemade Spinach Pasta (Tipo 00 Flour, No Oil, No Eggs)
Healthy Homemade Spinach Pasta (No Oil, No Eggs) is fresher than store-bought alternatives. You can use fresh or frozen spinach. Make the pasta dough right before cooking. This preserves the…
Italian Meatless Meatballs
This Italian Meatless Meatball recipe is a labor of love. I tried all the grocery store freezer brands. I searched high and low for a recipe at all the most…
Cauliflower Wheat Gnocchi
Cauliflower Wheat Gnocchi combines cauliflower and wheat flour as primary ingredients. This recipe is a spin-off of the traditional potato gnocchi I have made for years and the Trader Joes…
Walnut Porcini Creamless Sauce
Walnuts and mushrooms are an earthy pairing that you usually find in Vegan restaurants served as “taco meat”. In this recipe, we make a “cream” sauce by combining them with…
Limone Pepe Orzo (No Dairy, No Oil)
Limone Pepe Orzo is an upscaled version of a childhood favorite dish, orzo and butter. My research found several recipes, all loaded with butter and parmesan cheese. This is my…
Healthy Tuscan Bread Soup (Pancotto or Ribollita)
Tuscan Bread soup, also known as “pancotto” or “ribollita” in Italian cuisine, is a hearty and flavorful dish that makes use of stale bread. What a perfect way to use…
Italian Rice Pudding (No Dairy)
I found a vegan Italian Rice Pudding recipe that had long been forgotten dessert in ThePlantpower Way: Italia by Julie Piatt and Rich Roll. This was a childhood favorite my…
Chickpea Pancake aka Torta di Ceci (No Oil)
Chickpea Pancake is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy a nutritious meal. Chickpea pancakes, also known as socca or farinata, are not only tasty but also gluten-free and packed…
Delicious and Healthy Olive Walnut Spread (WFPB, Oil Free)
This delicious and healthy Olive Walnut Spread is nutritionally packed, WFPB, and oil-free. Heart-healthy walnuts and spinach are combined with olives to create a truly whole-food plant-based dish in every…
30 Minutes | Antioxidants | Favorite | Instagram | Italian | Lower High Blood Pressure | Main Course | Post | Recipe | Sunday Supper
Healthy Pumpkin Vodka Sauce with Pasta
This Healthy Pumpkin Vodka Sauce for pasta is great. Use it when you are just not ready to let go of pumpkin season. However, it is also a great go-to…
Healthy Hearty Tuscan Vegetable Farro Soup
A healthy hearty Tuscan vegetable farro soup that’s nutritious and supports your well-being. Farro is an ancient grain around for thousands of years. It contains fiber, Grocery List Add-Ins &…
Cozy Mushroom Ragu with Spaghetti Squash (Plant-Based, Rich & Oil-Free)
This Mushroom Ragu (Misto di Funghi) with Spaghetti Squash (Zucca) is the kind of plant-based comfort food that feels like it’s been simmering all day—but comes together in under an…
Trofie Pasta with Broccoli Basil Pesto, Potatoes, and Green Beans (WFPB, Oil Free)
This Trofie Pasta with Broccoli Basil Pesto, Potatoes, and Green Beans is WFPB and oil-free. It’s a classic Ligurian dish, often called “Pesto Genovese.” The potatoes are the perfect canvas…
Nutrition Packed Broccoli Basil Pesto (WFPB, Oil-Free)
This Nutrition Packed Broccoli Basil Pesto is nutritionally packed, WFPB, and oil-free. The broccoli is very subtle and smooths out what can be a strong basil-licorice flavor for some. Heart-healthy…
Instagram | Italian | Lower High Blood Pressure | Main Course | Post | Recipe | Soup | Sunday Supper
WFPB Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Vegan)
It has finally turned towards cooler weather and there is nothing more comforting than a bowl of WFPB Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Vegan). There are as many versions of this…
Orecchiette with Broccolini and Mushrooms
This Orecchiette with Broccolini and Mushrooms dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s ideal during the busy holiday season or a crazed work week. It just takes five…
WFPB Italian Rustic Blueberry Crostata
This WFPB Italian Rustic Blueberry Crostata is a beautiful balance of naturally sweet and subtly tart. It offers a refreshing change from overly sugary desserts. It’s an ideal way to…
Easy WFPB Vegan Apple Cake (Torta di Mele)
This is an easy WFPB vegan Apple Cake (Torta di Mele) that is also gluten-free. It is a nice treat to have on hand for an afternoon expresso, cappuccino, or…
30 Minutes | Antioxidants | Instagram | Italian | Lower High Blood Pressure | Main Course | Post | Recipe | Sides
Best WFPB Italian Alfredo Sauce (No Dairy)
If you’ve been missing Alfredo sauce since adopting a whole food, plant‑based lifestyle, this recipe may change everything. After going WFPB in 2019, traditional cheese and cream were no longer…
30 Minutes | Antioxidants | Instagram | Italian | Lower High Blood Pressure | Lunch | Post | Recipe | Sides | Type 2 Diabetes
Authentic Sicilian Fennel and Orange Salad (WFPB No Oil)
Authentic Sicilian Fennel and Orange Salad (WFPB No Oil) pairs two well-known ingredients to create a refreshing and vibrant dish that highlights the natural sweetness of oranges and the subtle…
30 Minutes | Desserts | Instagram | Italian | Lower Bad Cholesterol | Lower High Blood Pressure | Post | Recipe
Italian Soft Amaretti Cookies WFPB Vegan
Italian soft amaretti vegan cookies are the cousin to French Macaroons. This recipe is my way to quickly have a French Macaroon ‘like’ a cookie that you find in the bakery/pastry…
30 Minutes | Antioxidants | Instagram | Italian | Lower High Blood Pressure | Lunch | Main Course | Post | Recipe | Sides
Italian Beans and Greens (WFPB No Oil)
Growing up in an Italian family, we used escarole as our greens. In fact, it wasn’t until my 20’s I realized that escarole could be eaten as part of a…
Italian Beet Tomato Marinara Sauce
You read that right! Italian Beet Tomato Marinara Sauce. I added a beet to my marinara sauce. The beet really elevated my prized traditional tomato sauce into a richer and…
Panzanella Tuscan Summer Bread Salad
My WFPB version of Panzanella Tuscan Summer Bread Salad is more than a recipe. It’s now a memory. It’s a forever passion. It’s a celebration of summer produce. I rediscovered…
WFPB Pasta e Ceci Estiva (Pasta and Chickpea Summer Soup)
This is my WFPB version of Pasta e Ceci Estiva (Pasta and Chickpea Summer Soup). It is an iconic Italian dish. It goes all the way back to the Roman…
Dark Chocolate Almond Eggplant Torte (Vegan)
This Dark Chocolate Almond Eggplant Torte contains no flour, dairy, or eggs. This Italian-style cake (torte in Italian means cake, pie, or tart) is dense, rich, and fudgy. Each bite…
WFPB Grilled Eggplant Tomato Basil Lemon Pesto Salad
You will love this WFPB grilled eggplant tomato basil pesto salad. The pesto is made with no oil and no dairy. Adding preserved lemons to the pesto really elevated it…
Healthy Tuscan Tomato Basil Bisque Soup
A creamy dairy-free Tuscan Tomato Basil Bisque is the perfect comfort food throughout the year. This is a quick, easy, and both oil and dairy-free healthy version of Tuscan Tomato…
Easy Sunday Supper Eggplant Calzones
It is WFPB Italian Sunday Supper! Last night I fell asleep dreaming of eggplant and pizza. I woke up with an idea for an easy eggplant calzone. Grocery List Add-Ins…
Creamy Vegan Mushroom Pasta (Easy Dairy-Free, Oil-Free Boscaiola)
This creamy vegan mushroom pasta is a dairy-free, oil-free twist on Italian Pasta alla Boscaiola. Made with mushrooms and a rich vodka sauce using a plant-based creamy milk like cashew,…
Roasted Cauliflower Farro Salad
Roasted Cauliflower Farro Salad is a delightful blend of nutty farro grains, tender roasted cauliflower florets, and a medley of vibrant vegetables. The roasted cauliflower adds a satisfying depth…