25 Plant-Based Breakfast Ideas: Easy and Quick Recipes

These easy, quick, and absolutely delightful plant-based breakfast ideas will keep you feeling full, and satisfied all morning long. They are vegan, oil-free, high in plant protein, and many include gluten-free options!

What is a plant-based diet?

A whole food plant-based diet breakfast consists of natural plant foods. This means that you are consuming foods that are free of refined flours, sugars, and in many cases free of oil. While a vegan diet is free of all animal products including meat, dairy, and eggs, it do’s not restrict processed ingredients.

A plant-based diet breakfast in some cases allows for some wiggle room when it comes to the consumption of animal products. Some people who say they follow a plant-based diet may consume animal proteins, dairy, or eggs in moderation, 10% or less of their overall diet.

While others who consider themselves plant-based completely eliminate all animal-derived foods. A plant-based vs. vegan diet has many nuances.

Here at Keeping the Peas, my recipes are always 100% vegan, meaning they do not contain any animal products. Most of my recipes are also whole food plant-based, meaning they do not contain any refined flours, sugars, or oils.

In this round-up of recipes, you will find plant-based breakfast recipes that are all whole food plant-based, which means they do not contain any oil, refined flours, or refined sugars.

Does a plant-based breakfast offer enough protein and nutrients?

You are sure to get enough protein and nutrients with these plant-based breakfast recipes. When following this diet you consume more fruits and veggies, whole grains,

What can you eat for a plant-based diet breakfast?

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts: Enjoy nuts such as peanuts, almonds, cashews, and pecans.

Nut Butters: You can also consume nut butters such as peanut, almond, or cashew. When looking for nuts and nut butters look for ones that are free from palm oil, sugar, or molasses. I go for the natural nut butters. When looking at the ingredient label there should be only one ingredient, the nut that’s in the nut butter.

Seeds: You may also sprinkle seeds on top of your breakfast for added crunch. Seeds such as pumpkin, sunflower, flax, hemp, and chia add a lot of nutrients, and healthy fats to your meal.

Vegetables

You don’t need to shy away from veggies in your breakfast. Load them up on the side, or mix in your tofu scramble, or top them on whole-grain toast.

Below is a list of veggies I like to include in my breakfasts:

• Sweet Potatoes
• Potatoes
• Brussel Sprouts
• Avocado
• Tomatoes
• Asparagus
• Onions
• Garlic
• Fresh Herbs
• Peppers

Fruits

Fruit is an excellent choice for breakfast. Keep it simple and slice a grapefruit. Place berries on top of your oats, granola, or cereal bowls. Slice apples and dip in peanut butter.

Below is a list of my favorite fruits to enjoy for breakfast:

• Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries
• Citrus Fruits: Oranges, clementines, grapefruit, mandarins
• Stone Fruit: Peaches, plums, nectarines
• Tropical Fruits: Mangos, Bananas, pineapple, kiwi
• Melons: Honeydew, watermelon, cantaloupe
• Apples
• Pears
• Grapes

Whole Grains

When it comes to whole grains you can enjoy bread, muffins, bagels, pancakes, waffles, and more! You just need to be sure that they are made with 100% whole grains. You can even find varieties that are gluten-free.

Look out for labels that say “enriched.” Anything that uses this word means it is refined flour. You don’t want to consume refined grains because they are essentially stripped of all nutrients and a form of sugar.

Below is a list of whole grains you can include in your breakfasts:

• Whole grain bread
• Oats
• Quinoa
• Farro
• Millet
• Barley
• Granola (sugar-free)
• Buckwheat
• Bulgar
• Brown Rice
• Wheat Berries

Plant Milk

Utilizing plant milk in your breakfast is an excellent substitute for milk. It can be added to whole-grain cereal, oatmeal, and smoothies. Be sure to look for unsweetened plant milk. You can also make your own at home!

Below are types of plant milk you can use:

• Almond Milk
• Cashew Milk
• Soy Milk
• Coconut Milk
• Rice Milk
• Oat Milk
• Hemp Milk

Legumes

Legumes are the fruit or seed of some type of plant. They are full of plant protein and nutrients, making them an excellent option to incorporate into your breakfast.

Below is a list of types of legumes:

• Lentils
• Kidney Beans
• Black Beans
• Pinto Beans
• Lima Beans
• Black-Eyed Peas
• Split Peas
• Garbanzo Beans (chickpeas)
• Soy Beans
• White Beans

Tubers

Tubers are an underground stem of a plant that grows and enlarges to store nutrients. Common tubers that we eat include:

• Potatoes
• Sweet Potatoes
• Taro
• Jicama
• Cassava
• Ginger
• Radishes
• Carrots
• Parsnips
• Beetroot

What are the best plant-based breakfast recipes?

An excellent plant-based breakfast is well-rounded and includes plant protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. There are many options when it comes to putting together a healthy nutrient-rich plant-based breakfast.

• Smoothies
• Tofu Scrambles
• Oatmeal
• Overnight Oats
• Baked Oatmeal
• Vegetable Hash
• Power Bowls
• Pancakes
• Waffles
• Muffins
• French Toast
• Dairy-free yogurt parfaits
• Fresh Fruit
• Chia Pudding
• Avocado Toast

Can you eat eggs on a plant-based diet?

Eggs are not traditionally included in a whole food plant-based diet. Depending on your definition of plant-based that may change slightly.

If you consider yourself plant-based but allow yourself 10% or less of animal protein and dairy, then yes, you can include eggs.

However, if you are following the whole food plant-based diet then you do not include eggs.

Plant-Based Breakfast Ideas

Plant-Based Pancake Recipes

Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes

These vegan pumpkin pancakes are light and fluffy with real pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice. They are whole food plant-based made with whole wheat flour and no refined sugar!

Tropical Mango Pancakes

Sweet tropical Mango Pancakes are simply delicious. Whole grain pancake batter is combined with mango puree and cinnamon to create a healthy, nutrient-rich pancake that’s light, fluffy, and vegan.

Vegan Protein Pancakes

These vegan protein pancakes are made with a combination of almond flour, oat flour, and flax giving these pancakes added protein and they just happen to be gluten-free too!

Vegan Whole Wheat Pancakes

Easy vegan whole wheat pancakes are the perfect weekend breakfast. Stir in your favorite pancake filling such as chocolate chips, bananas, blueberries, or pumpkin. The options are endless with these eggless, dairy-free, nut-free vegan whole wheat pancake recipes!

Plant-Based Breakfast Ideas: Oatmeal Recipes

Brownie Oatmeal

A decadent dessert-like breakfast, this Brownie Oatmeal is rich and chocolaty topped with a peanut butter drizzle, and chocolate shavings. It’s naturally sweetened, vegan, and gluten-free.

Protein Overnight Oats

A healthy and delicious way to start the day Protein Overnight Oats with Berries has you covered! Rich and creamy with a combination of protein, complex carbohydrates, and antioxidants.

Vegan Baked Oatmeal

This vegan baked oatmeal is like a healthy apple pie for breakfast! It’s simple, naturally sweetened, and keeps you full and energized all morning long!

Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

Creamy nutty peanut butter overnight oats are the solution to your busy morning breakfast dilemma. It’s an easy, healthy, hearty, delicious, grab and go breakfast!

Sugar-Free Granola

Nut lovers unite! This easy sugar-free granola made with almond butter, pecans, and unsweetened cranberries is your answer to breakfast on busy mornings. With no added sugar this homemade granola is a healthy start to the morning coupled with your favorite dairy-free milk.

Plant-Based Breakfast Ideas: Scrambles and Hash

Silken Tofu Scramble

Silken Tofu Scramble with Mixed Vegetables is an easy, protein-filled savory vegan breakfast! Serve with toast, or make it into a breakfast burrito! The options are endless!

Sweet Potato Brussel Sprout Hash

This Sweet Potato Brussel Sprout Hash is a savory way to start your morning or enjoy it as a main dish. Roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and sweet onion are roasted then tossed in cinnamon spice, topped with dried cherries and a balsamic drizzle.

Plant-Based Sweet Breads and Muffins

Vegan Pumpkin Muffins

Easy oil-free vegan pumpkin muffins are moist, fluffy, and full of fall spices. Made with whole wheat flour these muffins are healthy and delicious! 

Vegan Zucchini Muffins

These moist and flavorful Vegan Zucchini Muffins are made with whole food plant-based ingredients and are oil-free. A healthy and delicious muffin perfect for breakfast, snack, or even dessert topped with coconut vanilla icing.

Vegan Banana Carrot Muffins

These easy vegan banana carrot muffins are light, moist, and refined sugar-free. They’re a healthy breakfast option, a sweet snack, or a decadent dessert when topped with vegan cream cheese frosting!

Vegan Pumpkin Bread

A light and moist vegan pumpkin bread recipe that’s full of fall flavors and made with plant-based ingredients. It’s a healthy plant-based quick bread you will come back to again and again!

Vegan Banana Nut Bread

This simple and easy one-bowl dairy-free banana bread will become the only recipe you’ll ever need. Banana bread gets a healthy vegan makeover while staying moist, sweet, and totally delicious. Put your own spin on this recipe by adding your favorite chopped nut, or chocolate chips!

Vegan Coffee Cake

Whole food plant-based ingredients combine to create an out-of-this-world Vegan Coffee Cake with Apple Cinnamon Streusel topping. Moist, light, fluffy, totally indulgent, and healthy too!

Vegan French Toast Casserole

This Vegan French Toast Casserole is smothered in a pumpkin coconut milk custard, topped with a pumpkin spice glaze and chopped pecans.

Plant-Based Breakfast Ideas: Smoothies and Drinks

Chocolate Smoothie Bowl

This Chocolate Smoothie Bowl is made with all-natural vegan ingredients, and topped with sliced banana, chocolate shavings, nuts, and chia seeds making it a healthy yet decadent sugar-free breakfast, snack, or dessert!

Mango Banana Smoothie

This creamy high protein mango banana smoothie is naturally sweet and vegan. It’s a healthy way to start your day!

Spinach and Apple Green Smoothie

This spinach apple smoothie is a fresh take on the traditional green smoothie made with spinach, avocado, a Granny Smith apple, banana, and chia seeds. It’s just the thing to start your morning off right, or quench your hunger between meals while fueling your body with plant-powered nutrients!

Blueberry and Spinach Smoothie

Vegan Pumpkin Smoothie

This Vegan Pumpkin Smoothie-made pumpkin puree, bananas, and mangos is a natural, healthy, way to start the day.

Chocolate Chia Pudding

Chocolate Chia Pudding is a healthy dessert with all-natural sugars that whips up in 5 minutes. Top with your favorite fresh fruit, seeds, or nuts to make it your own!

Golden Turmeric Latte

Healthy, warm, subtly sweet, a hint of spice, and frothy foam, make this vegan Golden Turmeric Latte the perfect drink to warm up with.

Oat Milk Latte 5 Ways

Learn how to make a creamy, frothy, simple oat milk latte with endless flavor combinations to suit your taste. Choose from plain, vanilla, pumpkin spice, gingerbread, or mocha!

More Plant-Based Resources and Tools

I hope you have found this list of plant-based breakfast ideas helpful! I will continue to update this list as more recipes are added.

If you are beginning the transition to a plant-based lifestyle you can find more helpful information on a WFPB Diet (whole food plant-based diet) and how to get started with my plant-based vegan grocery list.

I also recommend checking out my list of recommended plant-based diet books or visiting the Forks Over Knives for more tips!

If you’ve tried any of these breakfast ideas, let me know how they turned out. You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more plant-based family recipes your whole family will enjoy!