Recipes in 30 Minutes or Less
This collection of recipes have either been created or adapted as I reinvented the way I eat and cook. My approach is now focused on whole food plant-based meals.
These recipes can be prepared in 30 minutes or less. They are whole food plant-based. They accommodate your pantry as well as your pocketbook.
Now let’s get cooking! ~Donna
Toddler Tomato Vegetable Sauce (aka Hidden Veggie Pasta Sauce)
If you’re a parent or grandparent trying to get little ones to eat their vegetables, you already know this challenge. This is why I created Toddler Tomato Vegetable Sauce. It…
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…
Baby Sweet Potato and Blueberry Mini Pancakes (Egg-Free, Dairy-Free)
Your little one will love these Sweet Potato and Blueberry Baby Pancakes! They are the perfect combination of healthy and easy pancake recipe. Made without eggs, dairy, or added salt,…
30 Minutes | Anti-inflammatory | Antioxidants | Ingredient | Instagram | Lower High Blood Pressure | Post | Recipe
Rosemary Ketchup Easy, Thick, and Low Sugar
This homemade rosemary ketchup is easier to make than you might think. It is a clean and flavorful alternative to store-bought versions. Tomato paste gives it a rich depth and…
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…
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…
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 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 | California Balsamic Vinegars | Instagram | Lower High Blood Pressure | Main Course | Post | Recipe
Perfectly Roasted Cabbage Steaks
These delicious and healthy Perfectly Roasted Cabbage Steaks, using my Caraway Seasoning Mix, promises to transform humble cabbage into a show-stopping centerpiece for any meal. Let me show you how…
30 Minutes | Anti-inflammatory | Antioxidants | Instagram | Lower High Blood Pressure | Main Course | Post | Recipe | Sunday Supper
Wholesome Zucchini Spice Oatmeal Cookies
My Wholesome Zucchini Spice Oatmeal Cookies to are a nutritious, delicious, gluten free, and plant-based way to kick off your day. These yummy cookies are not only plant-based, but free…
30 Minutes | Anti-inflammatory | Antioxidants | Instagram | Lower High Blood Pressure | Post | Recipe | Sides
Incredible Peach Crisp Dairy-Free Gluten-Free
This Incredible Peach Crisp is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a healthy, guilt-free dessert that you can enjoy without compromising your dietary goals. This dairy-free…
30 Minutes | Anti-inflammatory | Antioxidants | Instagram | Lower High Blood Pressure | Post | Recipe | Sides
The Ultimate Asian Wok Salad
The Ultimate Asian Wok Salad has two dressings for your selection and will be your go-to for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal. This vibrant salad is a crunchy and…
30 Minutes | Anti-inflammatory | Antioxidants | Instagram | Lower High Blood Pressure | Post | Recipe | Sides
Satisfying and Healthy Sweet Broccoli Salad
This Satisfying and Healthy Sweet Broccoli Salad offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures that make each bite an experience to savor. This is a healthier version of the…
30 Minutes | Anti-inflammatory | Antioxidants | Instagram | Italian | Lower High Blood Pressure | Main Course | Post | Recipe | Sunday Supper
Classic Italian Tomato Marinara Sauce (Oil-Free Dairy-Free)
Classic Italian Tomato Marinara Sauce should be a staple in any kitchen. This vegan and whole food plant-based version is oil-free. It is also dairy-free. This makes it a heart-healthy…
Spicy Roasted Cauliflower and Black Bean Tacos
These Spicy Roasted Cauliflower and Black Bean Tacos are not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients and delicious flavors with textures to satisfy both vegans and non-vegans…
30 Minutes | Anti-inflammatory | Antioxidants | California Balsamic Vinegars | Instagram | Lower High Blood Pressure | Main Course | Post | Recipe | Salad Dressing and Sauces
Lime Avocado Creme (No Dairy, No Oil)
Lime Avocado Crème, a lusciously creamy condiment that’s completely dairy-free and oil-free. This zesty creation combines the smooth richness of ripe avocados with the tangy plant-based plain yogurt and brightness…
30 Minutes | Anti-inflammatory | Antioxidants | California Balsamic Vinegars | Instagram | Lower High Blood Pressure | Post | Recipe
Fresh Peach Pico di Gallo
Fresh Peach Pico de Gallo is a twist on a classic salsa. It combines the juicy sweetness of ripe peaches with traditional pico de gallo ingredients. Diced fresh tomatoes, onions,…
30 Minutes | Anti-inflammatory | Antioxidants | California Balsamic Vinegars | Instagram | Lower High Blood Pressure | Main Course | Post | Recipe
Whole Food Plant Based Healthy Crunchy Slaw
This delicious and Whole Food Plant Based Healthy Crunchy Slaw promises to transform humble cabbage into a show-stopping addition for any meal. Bursting with vibrant colors and textures, this slaw…
Weisswurst Tofu Hots (Dogs)
Weisswurst has gone Tofu! Weisswurst Tofu Hots (aka Dogs) is a creative twist on traditional Bavarian cuisine. It transforms the classic Weisswurst sausage into a plant-based delight using tofu. he…
Grilled Corn Pasta Salad (No Oil No Dairy)
My Grilled Corn Pasta Salad is the perfect blend of summer flavors! This delicious dish combines the smoky sweetness of grilled corn with al dente pasta, fresh vegetables, and a…
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…
30 Minutes | Anti-inflammatory | Antioxidants | California Balsamic Vinegars | Favorite | Instagram | Post | Recipe | Salad Dressing and Sauces
4 Ingredient Oil-Free Raspberry Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
4 Ingredient Oil-Free Raspberry Vinaigrette Salad Dressing is everything you want a salad dressing to be. Fresh, uncomplicated, and complementary to the greens, veggies, and fruits being dressed. And if…
Healthy Broccoli Loaded and Cheezy Potato Skins
Potato Skins are a favorite appetizer and bar food. They are undeniably delicious, but can be laden with dairy, fat, and calories, especially when loaded with cheese, bacon, sour cream,…
30 Minutes | Antioxidants | California Balsamic Vinegars | Digestive Health | Favorite | Ingredient | Instagram | Post | Recipe | Top Post
Quick Tangy Pickled Onions
Quick Tangy Pickled Onions fit nicely in the world of whole food, plant-based diets. In this culinary realm, vibrant colors and diverse flavors take center stage. This humble yet mighty…
Incredibly Moist WFPB Wheat Banana Muffins
Treat yourself to the wholesome delight of my incredibly moist Whole Food Plant-Based Wheat Banana Muffins—a perfect blend of nutrition and flavor that reinvents the classic muffin experience. Each muffin…
Quick Preserved Lemons
Preserved lemons, a staple condiment in Middle Eastern and North African cooking, are celebrated for their robust flavor and adaptability. They infuse dishes with a distinctive complexity, blending a vibrant…
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…
Irresistibly Chewy Sourdough Oat Granola Bars
Indulge in the irresistible charm of my Chewy Sourdough Oat Granola Bars, a perfect marriage of texture and taste. Experience the delightful chewiness that comes from the perfect blend of…
Best Vegan Anchovy Paste for Caesar Salad & Pasta (Oil-Free)
Looking for a vegan anchovy substitute that actually works in Caesar salad and pasta? This oil-free vegan anchovy paste delivers deep umami flavor without fish, oil, or processed ingredients. It’s…
30 Minutes | Antioxidants | Instagram | Lower High Blood Pressure | Main Course | Post | Recipe | Sides
Low Fat Velvety Vegan Bliss Cheese Sauce (No Dairy, No Nuts, No Oil)
This Low Fat Velvety Vegan Bliss Cheese Sauce recipe was crafted for those of us seeking an option that excludes oil, dairy and nuts. It is also free of oil…
Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Carmel Muffins (Vegan)
Enjoy your Sourdough Apple Cinnamon Muffins (Vegan) as a healthy addition to your breakfast. Indulge in a moment of bliss as a mid-day snack! The use of both oat and…
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…
Crazy Good Sourdough Vegan Fudgy Brownies
Indulge your taste buds with my Crazy Good Sourdough Vegan Fudgy Brownies! Elevating the classic brownie experience to new heights, these decadent treats are a perfect fusion of rich, fudgy…
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 Hot Chocolate WFPB (Cioccolata Calda)
Italian Hot Chocolate, known as “Cioccolata Calda” in Italian, is a rich and decadent hot chocolate beverage that differs from the more common hot cocoa found in many other places…
Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Pancakes with Apple Blueberry Compote (Vegan)
Blueberry Lemon Sourdough Pancakes with an Apple Blueberry Compote are a delightful addition to your breakfast! While these are gluten-free, oil-free, egg-free, and dairy-free they are absolutely delicious. The pancake…
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…
Sourdough Banana Walnut Muffins (Vegan)
Enjoy your Sourdough Banana Walnut Muffins as a delightful addition to your breakfast or as a tasty mid-day snack! The use of both spelt and almond flour can contribute to…
30 Minutes | Anti-inflammatory | Antioxidants | Instagram | Lower High Blood Pressure | Main Course | Post | Recipe
Easy, Thick, and Creamy Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise
Indulge in the delightful goodness of this easy, thick, and creamy Vegan Tofu Mayonnaise — a plant-based alternative that effortlessly captures the rich and velvety texture of traditional mayo. Grocery…
Healthy Baked Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip WFPB No Oil No Eggs
Here is a great recipe for an amazing Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip that adheres to a Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) diet, without the use of oil or eggs. It is…
30 Minutes | Anti-inflammatory | Antioxidants | Instagram | Lower High Blood Pressure | Main Course | Post | Recipe
Caraway Seasoning Mix for Vegetable Steaks
This delicious and healthy Caraway Seasoning Mix for Vegetable Steaks makes it easy to add a burst of deliciousness to your main course dishes. Add a splash of warmed balsamic…
Sourdough Holiday Fruitcake Cookies No Dairy No Oil
These Sourdough Holiday Fruitcake Cookies are like eating the top of a muffin. They offer a delightful twist on the traditional fruitcake. The cookies combine the rich flavors of sourdough…
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…
Beginner’s Sourdough Starter
My sourdough starter is the new love in my life. I know it feels intimidating. I have been making it on and off for years and it was always such…
Creamless Cream of Mushroom Bisque (WFPB, Oil Free)
This Creamless Cream of Mushroom Bisque is a riff from an instagram reel I saw a few days back. My version has added potato, plant-based milk, and white wine giving…
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 when you are just not ready to let go of pumpkin season. However, it is also a great go-to recipe any…
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…
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…
Cast Iron Skillet Miso Soy Sauce Honey Corn
This Cast Iron Skillet Miso Soy Sauce Honey Corn recipe is ready in under 20 minutes. So, start husking those ears of corn for a super easy summertime side. It…
Super Easy Brown Rice and Black Beans (Rice Cooker, Oil-Free & Plant-Based)
This oil-free brown rice and black beans recipe is as simple as it gets and is a whole-food, plant-based meal. You can make it effortlessly in a rice cooker. It’s…
30 Minutes | Anti-inflammatory | Antioxidants | California Balsamic Vinegars | Instagram | Recipe | Sides
WFPB Watermelon Tomato Basil Salad
This WFPB watermelon tomato basil salad combo is nothing new I’ll admit. You can make it WFPB by omitting the olive oil and feta or mozzarella cheese. Let the freshness…
Homemade Baked Corn Tortillas Chips
Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips that are crispy with no oil have been a snack game changer! These baked tortilla chips are guilt-free. They are healthier than processed tortilla chips and…
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…
Charred Brussel Sprouts No Oil
Charred Brussels sprouts can be made with no oil if you know how to sauté with dry heat. They have been the rage on restaurant menus for several years now…
Creamy Vegan Jalapeño Sauce for Tacos (No Oil, No Dairy, Ready in 10 Minutes)
This creamy vegan jalapeño sauce is an oil-free, dairy-free way to add bold, spicy flavor to tacos, bowls, and sandwiches. Made with whole-food ingredients, it’s a healthy jalapeño sauce you’ll…
Homemade Baked Potato Chips
Homemade Baked Potato Chips that are crispy with no oil! These baked potato chips are REALLY addicting. They are healthier than processed potato chips and even more satisfying! Grocery List…
3-Ingredient Spiced Pumpkin Brownies (Vegan-Friendly!)
If you’re craving a quick and cozy chocolate treat, these 3-ingredient pumpkin brownies are quick and cozy. They are about to be your new go-to dessert. They taste like fall…
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…
30 Minutes | Anti-inflammatory | Antioxidants | Autoimmune | Instagram | Lower High Blood Pressure | Lunch | Recipe | Salad Dressing and Sauces
2 Ingredient WFPB Salad Vinaigrette Dressing
This 2 ingredient WFPB salad vinaigrette salad dressing is sure to make your life easier during a busy work week. It also helps you use some of those condiments sitting…
Lemon Miso Salad Dressing
I do love a good salad but let’s be real, I am here for the dressing, not the greens. I wish it wasn’t the case, but it is my truth!…
Grilled Peach Spinach with a Honey Miso Mustard Dressing
Grilling peaches is great to amp up their peachiness when they are hard, not ripe, or are low on the sweetness scale. Don’t feel like dealing the grill? No problem…
Quick Edamame Corn Salad
This quick and nutritious salad is packed with loads of vegetables. It can be adapted to whatever you have in your fridge at that moment. All you need to do…
Cauliflower Wing Bites
What?! If you are craving chicken wings, this recipe won’t disappoint! These cauliflower bites are crunchy outside like chicken wings, soft tender inside like chicken wings. Use a fermented hot sauce…
Eggplant Artichoke Carrot Tops Basil Pesto with Hummus
Eggplant, aka Aubergine if ya’ll live in Europe, is overlooked way too much. You might think it is difficult to make but this panini features it with artichokes and an…
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…
Bean Dip
White beans pureed into a creamy consistency make a wonderful dip that is high in protein, low in fat, simple to make, and very inexpensive! Look out purchased hummus, you…
Blueberry Bourbon Barbecue Sauce
Looking to take your grilled summer veggies to the next level? This Blueberry Bourbon Barbecue Sauce with molasses is the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed. It’s rich, sticky,…
Oil Free Nut Free Carrot Top Basil Pesto
You just found the best oil and nut free pesto that uses up those nutrient rich carrot tops. I use this as a vegetable dip or in a pasta dish…
Fresh Cranberry Waffles/Pancakes with an Apple Cranberry Maple Compote
No need to use dried fruit with all the sugar and shelf stabilization additives. Fresh Cranberries, apples and real maple syrup with gluten free flours make this incredibly healthy and…