Forks Over Knives

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30 of the Most Popular FOK Recipes, Ever! (Updated for 2025)

In May 2011, the Forks Over Knives documentary film hit big and small screens, inspiring national conversation about the power of a whole-food, plant-based diet to prevent and reverse common chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. In the years since, with the help of many talented plant-based chefs, we’ve amassed an archive of over 1,700 free, delicious vegan recipes!

To celebrate another year of putting our best recipes and nutrition knowledge forward, we’ve updated our list of most popular recipes ever. A big hat tip to FOK readers who’ve made and shared our recipes over the years. Enjoy one of these tried-and-true favorite dishes today!

Asparagus, Potato, and Butter Bean Soup

Asparagus, Potato, and Butter Bean Soup

This dreamy soup—featuring tender asparagus spears, hearty potatoes, and creamy butter beans, all simmered in a mellow veggie broth—will win over even the pickiest eaters. Aromatic dill and spicy cayenne round out the flavors. Serve with a loaf of crusty whole wheat bread to soak up the flavorful broth!

“Oh my goodness! This soup is soooooo good!! I am still eating it three days later!! My picky husband LOVES it too! I am so excited to have this recipe! ” —Kristi
Chewy Apple-Raisin Oatmeal Cookies

Chewy Apple-Raisin Oatmeal Cookies

These oversized, chewy cookies are perfect for a boost of energy during a hike, after a long meeting, or as an after-dinner sweet treat. Peanut butter adds richness to the cinnamon-infused oats while plump raisins provide bursts of sweetness. Feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your tastes by adding ingredients like nuts, blueberries, or vegan chocolate chips. These freeze well, so make an extra batch!

“Made these countless times and they're always divine.” —Maggie
Instant Pot Mushroom-Barley Stew

Instant Pot Mushroom-Barley Stew

An Instant Pot makes quick work of this satisfying stew, perfect for a weeknight or weekend meal. This comforting dish gets its rich umami flavor from mushrooms and its staying power from barley and lima beans. Sweet potatoes provide a sweet and creamy base, and a garnish of fresh parsley and chopped walnuts finishes it in style.

“Common affordable ingredients, super simple to make, and delicious comfort food for everyone!” —V
Mango and Black Bean Tacos

Mango and Black Bean Tacos

Juicy mangoes, creamy avocado, and earthy black beans combine beautifully in these mouthwatering tacos that continue to wow fans. Red bell pepper adds crunch, while red onion, cilantro, and lime juice brighten the flavor. These beauties are ready in just 15 minutes and are perfect for family dining or feeding a crowd.

“This recipe has it all: Quick and easy to make, tasty, healthy, satisfying. And it would also be easy to pack as a lunch or picnic.” —Ginger
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

Moist and sweet, with chocolate chips dotted throughout, Julieanna Hever’s oat muffins are healthy enough to add to your rotation while still feeling like you’re having a treat. Naturally sweetened with pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and banana, and with minimal ingredients, they’re a cinch to prepare. These freeze well, so make plenty.

“This is one of my favorite recipes to go with a quick breakfast or for an easy snack.” —Sarah
“No-Tuna” Salad Sandwich

“No-Tuna” Salad Sandwich

Readers love making large batches of this chickpea-based "tuna" sandwich filling and eating it throughout the week. With tasty ingredients like red onion, capers, pickles, and maple syrup, it's easy to see why this scrumptious sandwich has been a consistent fan favorite through the years. Notes a reviewer, "Quick and easy to make. Delicious and satisfying. My family loved it! This is quickly becoming one of my favorite recipes."
Vegan Minestrone Soup with Potatoes and Kale

Vegan Minestrone Soup with Potatoes and Kale

Ready in 30 minutes and packed with everyday ingredients such as potatoes, kale, and white beans, this nourishing vegan minestrone is as delicious as it is convenient. Follow the recipe to a tee or use it as a base, subbing in different greens or beans that you have available. Either way, we know you’ll love it.

“Been making this stew for almost two years. Absolutely yummy” —Nigel
Blueberry-Banana Wraps

Blueberry-Banana Wraps

These delectable handheld wraps burst with flavor thanks to tasty ingredients such as fresh mint, earthy walnuts, and juicy blueberries. The sweetness of the banana complements fresh spinach and crunchy celery, creating a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. Ready in just 15 minutes, they’re ideal for breakfast or a quick and tasty lunch.

“This was very tasty and the mint made it quite refreshing; exactly what I needed to get out of the breakfast rut!” —Cynthia
Farro and Spinach Salad with Air-Fried Beets

Farro and Spinach Salad with Air-Fried Beets

Not big on beets? This recipe has turned beet-skeptics into beet-believers. Air-frying thinly sliced beets not only makes for a deliciously crispy texture; it also mellows out the root veggies’ earthy flavor. The addition of farro makes it a meal-worthy salad. (You can substitute in another cooked and cooled whole grain, such as groats.) Chopped pears add a refreshing hit of juicy, crunchy goodness, while the tangy homemade orange-walnut vinaigrette punches everything up. One reviewer raves, “Perfect summer day lunch salad. The flavors all complement each other.”
Spinach Lasagna

Spinach Lasagna

Heather McDougall’s healthy vegan take on a comfort-food favorite has been a hit with Forks Over Knives readers for nearly 10 years now. Although it takes some time to assemble and bake, it’s relatively simple to make. It’s just a matter of blending together all the ingredients for the tofu ricotta (a combo of silken and firm tofu, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, soy milk, and a handful of herbs and seasonings); streaming the spinach; and putting it all together with lasagna noodles and marinara.

“I have had this recipe for a few years. I never run out, [and] when I get down to one in [the] freezer, I make another batch. It is fabulous.”
Five-Ingredient Veggie Burger

Five-Ingredient Veggie Burger

These moist and tender black bean patties get an instant flavor boost from lime juice and chili powder while the stickiness of rolled oats makes the perfect binder.

“These burgers are great, and so easy to make. I make 3-4 batches at a time and they freeze wonderfully.”
Italian-Style Zucchini and Chickpea Sauté

Italian-Style Zucchini and Chickpea Sauté

Ready in just 25 minutes, this budget-friendly one-pan meal combines simple ingredients—bell pepper, zucchini, and a handful of pantry staples—with impressive results. Feel free to swap in other in-season produce that you have on hand, and don’t be afraid to get creative with the leftovers. One reviewer writes, “It’s also fantastic for breakfast! Enjoyed with 7-grain bread.”
Vegan Queso Sauce

Vegan Queso Sauce

While many vegan cheese sauces use nuts as a base, this fan-favorite relies on rolled oats for creaminess and jarred red bell pepper, onion, and nutritional yeast to give it a rich cheesy flavor. Notes a reviewer, “Wow! Usually, making any kind of cheese sauce goes like this: make recipe, taste, throw away. This is the game changer!” Another writes, “Oh, man! … tastes just like the ‘real’ queso from the grocery store.”
The Best Oil-Free Hummus

The Best Oil-Free Hummus

Using cumin and Bragg Liquid Aminos to dial up the flavor, it's easy to see why this superlight hummus recipe earns a spot in our top 10. Pro tip: Create your own custom hummus with additions like olives, mint, and spinach. Writes a commenter, "My kiddos loved this hummus dip, which blew my mind! So good and an easy, quick dip."
Zucchini Rollatini with Quinoa and Chickpeas

Zucchini Rollatini with Quinoa and Chickpeas

This colorful casserole is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Each strip of zucchini bundles together a flavorful package of creamy mashed chickpeas, homemade cashew cheese, cooked quinoa, and chopped spinach. Sprinkle on some breadcrumbs before baking to add a delicious crunchy garnish. One reviewer writes, “I made this last night and my husband couldn’t stop talking about how good it was, and how amazed he was that the ‘wanna-be-cheese actually tastes like cheese’ (his words, lol).”
Air-Fryer Taquitos with Cauliflower and Black Beans

Air-Fryer Taquitos with Cauliflower and Black Beans

You’ll savor every bite of these crispy vegan taquitos filled with a melt-in-your-mouth blend of riced cauliflower, black beans, and veggies. Stealthily healthy, these vegan taquitos delight young and old, picky eaters included. Shares a commenter, “Home run! I baked 10 in my air fryer and the rest in the oven at 400°F for 10 minutes. They turned out great in the oven, too.”
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese with Broccoli

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese with Broccoli

In this guilt-free mac and cheese, butternut squash is blended with plant milk and a few savory flavorings to create a velvety smooth vegan cheese sauce. Broccoli florets added to the pasta pot during the last few minutes of cooking give extra body and an appealing color contrast. “Yummy comfort food,” shares one commenter. Another writes, “My kids and I love this.”
Banana Teff Bread

Banana Teff Bread

Teff seeds have a pleasantly rich flavor that when ground into a flour for baking yield a light and spongy crumb. Ripe bananas lend sweetness and keep the loaf moist, while walnuts add nuttiness and raisins give it a fruity lift. One reviewer writes, “My favorite GF banana bread recipe.” Another says, “This is my new favorite bread. It stays moist and so tasty!”
Lentil Vegetable Soup

Lentil Vegetable Soup

Everyday veggies, brown lentils, and fire-roasted tomatoes are a winning combination in this simple, hearty, kid-friendly soup, which has been a fan-favorite for years. One reviewer shares, “A regular at our house!” Another writes, ”So delicious! My husband wants me to make this every week!”
Just Bananas Muffins

Just Bananas Muffins

These scrumptious bursting-with-banana muffins from Chef AJ are made with oat flour and come together in record time. To make these gluten-free, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats. Writes a reviewer, “I love these muffins! I make a double batch every week and experiment with adding different fruit and nuts. These are my go-to breakfast.”
Carrot Dogs

Carrot Dogs

It’s hard to imagine boiled carrots tasting like hot dogs, but thanks to a smoky, packed-with-flavor marinade, they do. Really! A consistent fan favorite, these genius vegan carrot dogs from Nancy Macklin are great on the barbecue or cooked inside anytime of the year. Notes a fan, “These are freakishly good!” Another writes, “Even my picky daughter thought these were fantastic. I will be making these for all my BBQ’s this summer.”
Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

It really is hard to believe these crispy, golden cauliflower bites have no added fat or oil. Drizzle with a hot sauce or a smoky barbecue sauce, and watch them go! Notes a fan, "Can eat these little guys all day!"
Perfect Vegan Carrot Cake

Perfect Vegan Carrot Cake

Traditional carrot cake is an oily affair, but not this one. Wonderfully moist, oil-free, and sweetened with dates, banana, and raisins, this is a great go-to cake for birthdays and special occasions. Serve with or without Vanilla Bean Frosting; it's great either way. "One of the best WFPB cakes," shares one commenter.
Chickpea Omelet

Chickpea Omelet

Chickpea flour is the star ingredient in this egg-free omelet. Serve with mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach, salsa, hot sauce, avocado, and other healthy plant-based toppings for a satisfying brunch or anytime meal. Writes one reviewer, "I have used this recipe for years ... and I have used many, many delicious variations with sautéed or raw vegetables. One of my favorites and one of the best FOK recipes."
Creamy Celeriac Pasta Alfredo

Creamy Celeriac Pasta Alfredo

Ready in 30 minutes, this supremely comforting pasta dish combines a creamy and flavorful celeriac-based sauce with fork-tender broccoli florets and whole grain penne for a dreamy marriage of texture and flavor. A fan writes, "Yummy dinner recipe that stores great for meal prep option! My daughter also loves this dish."
Easy Thai Noodles

Easy Thai Noodles

Fresh Thai flavors, soft rice noodles, frozen veggies, and crunchy mung bean sprouts come together in this restaurant-quality dish that's simple enough to make any day of the week. "Bright and tasty," says a fan.
2-Minute Oil-Free Balsamic Dressing

2-Minute Oil-Free Balsamic Dressing

Using a handful of everyday ingredients, this yummy balsamic dressing is great for busy weeknights when you want to pep up a salad in a jiffy. One reviewer shares, "This is my go-to dressing. Great sauce for other bites too."
Outrageously Healthy Black Bean Brownies

Outrageously Healthy Black Bean Brownies

Sweetened with date syrup and packed with oats and black beans, these delectable brownies are healthy enough to eat every day. Pro tip: Date syrup freezes well; make plenty and you'll be able to whip up a batch of brownies in a flash. Writes one commenter, "These brownies are so good. This would be a good item to take to a potluck. No one would ever guess the base is black beans."
Best-Ever Beefless Stew

Best-Ever Beefless Stew

Looking for vegan comfort food that will satiate the belly and soothe the soul? You have to try this hearty, savory stew from Cathy Fisher of StraightUpFood.com. Classic stew ingredients such as onion, carrots, celery, and garlic form the base of the broth, while tomato paste and fresh and dried herbs deepen the flavor. Portobello mushrooms soak it all up until they’re juicy and plump while potatoes and peas add extra heft. Reviewer Chris writes, “I make this meal nearly every second Friday. It is a major hit with all my family, especially my 3 and 5 year old grandsons. I put … a tablespoon or two of Balsamic vinegar towards the end of the cooking time… delicious.”
Black Bean and Sweet Potato Quesadillas

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Quesadillas

Filled with a mash of  sweet potato, salsa, rice, black beans, and fresh spinach, these dairy-free quesadillas are a family-friendly favorite that even your hard-core cheese-loving friends will admit are pretty amazing. A fan writes, "This did not disappoint! So delicious and flavorful. I added some smoked paprika, which is my go-to seasoning when I’m making tacos or fajitas, and I loved it!"

By Lisa Esile, MS ,

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Comments (47)

(4.85 from 20 votes)

47 comments

  1. Thanks for the Journey Fork over Knive. You have some outstanding recipes! I believe we would not be as healthy without them.

  2. Awesome recipes!
    Seven years ago I saw Forks over Knives at the grocery store. I bought the magazine, the recipes fascinated me and since then, it’s all I cook and eat!
    Thank you and keep it going!

  3. So easy to make and very delicious! I sauted fresh veggies and halved the garlic based on other comments. Will definitely add to our roster! Thank you.

  4. Happy Anniversary Forks Over Knives! You’ve included many of our favorites in this list (no-tuna, carrot cake, carrot dogs, hummus, lentil veggie soup. Some I’ve made and forgotten about (brownies, chickpea omelet, butternut squash mac & cheese). And several I’d like to try soon (veggie burgers, chickpea omelet, thai noodles, frozen banana bites, etc.) Thank you for creating so many delicious recipes for all of us. Forks Over Knives uses delicious seasoning combinations, especially in the Indian recipes. Thank you!!

  5. My husband and I have just decided to eat only plant based. I’m so glad to have found this site, the recipes look delicious. I hope this will be an easy transition for us both as we do love our meat. Wish us luck

    1. Congrats, Linda! I hope it is going well for you. If you and your husband are starting from a more traditional western diet, it may be best to gradually transition. You can get to a wfpb diet whenever you please, though not eschewing oils and fattier foods (and processed vegan foods) may be a good way to reduce the potential over shock of transition!

      Forks Over Knives is an awesome source for some really tasty recipes which are very healthy as well, but keep in mind that there are less drastic ways to get going on a plant based diet- just enjoy and don’t feel guilty for eating ‘unhealthy’ vegan foods- main thing is you keep up the good work and give yourself some credit!

      (Speaking as a 16 year long vegan :))

  6. Have tried four of these recipes. After watching documentary went. Plant based 2 yrs ago. No regrets. So did my son. Last 50 lbs improved all my health issues and feel great. Thanks for recipes!

    1. Yum! I’ve just saved several of these recipes!

      I went “vegan” two years ago after being diagnosed with kidney disease. Apparently, poorly functioning kidneys find animal protein more difficult to “process” than plant protein. I really haven’t missed meat as much as I have other now restricted items, e.g. sodium, potassium, protein & phosphorus. As an aside, once I was forced to look at nutrition labels more closely I was horrified at the amount of sodium in so many prepared foods! In any event, If you’re new to a plant based diet, & have no restrictions on seasonings & nutrients, the vegan universe is wide open to you. Seasonings make the difference in all foods whether you eat the standard American diet or a plant based diet, and will make a huge difference in terms of adjusting to a plant based diet.

  7. The recipe I’ve made the most so far is the TuNo and I talk it up all the time and I get hungry for it every few weeks. I’ve also made 3 of the other ones and I can’t wait to try the brownies and all the rest of the 10 I haven’t made yet. THANKS!

  8. These all look delicious, can’t wait to try the Buffalo Bites! I have made the brownies. . . they were great. I also tried a version of them with white beans, no cocoa powder, and instead of date syrup, used strawberry jam [made with only fruit]. That was also wonderful. I love my “strict” [LOL] FOK eating plan! Don’t feel denied at all!

  9. I enjoy my FOK app, where I know I can easily find WFPB recipes without having to conduct any substitutions or do internet research to conduct them. Love the carrot cake, brownies, omelet and dressing. The other ecipes are still on my list to try

  10. The Celeriac Alfredo recipe was terrible. It was dry and had zero taste. I gave half to my parents for dinner and they didn’t care for it either.

  11. I use the Forks Over Knives recipe app all the time! A couple of my go-to recipes are Sneaky Chickpea Burgers and the Lentil, Chard and Sweet Potato Curry.

  12. These ten recipes are EXCEPTIONAL!

    Thank you so much! Your recipes keep us 2 elderly people without the usual illnesses. My husband was unable to avoid stents in his heart despite the major changes but he continues to do well. I beat colon cancer and neither of us has arthritus or any of the other “old age” ailments.

    You are, without a doubt, saving lives!!

    1. Kaylyn and Ed…two other ‘elderly’ fans here (77/82) agree with you. Still healthy, active and going strong after ten years eating mostly whole, plant based foods. Barbara and George Parker

  13. Love the variety—chickpea omelet for breakfast, no-tuna salad for lunch, quesadilla for dinner—and brownies for desser/throughout the day! 🙂

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About the Author

Lisa Esile, MS

About the Author

Lisa Esile, MS

Lisa Esile is an author, illustrator, blogger, vegetable gardener, and whole-food enthusiast with a special fondness for potatoes. She has a master’s degree in human nutrition and is passionate about showing people how to live happier, healthier lives. She is the author of Reach Your Big Calm and the co-author of Whose Mind Is It Anyway? Find her on Facebook.
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