We know that we can make anything vegan, from ice cream to recreating our favorite comfort foods. Plant-based foods may be slowly stealing the spotlight, but one diet that’s still hanging around the outskirts is the alkaline diet. So, what is an alkaline diet and how can we incorporate it into our everyday meals?

Proponents of the diet believe that the human body functions best in an alkaline state, which is when the body’s pH is at around 7.4. It’s believed that an alkaline diet can improve digestion, help prevent osteoporosis, allergies, fatigue, and other conditions. Anything below 7.0 is considered acidic, which can lead to a number of health problems. Alkaline diets are believed to release minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium into our bloodstreams. But, when we aren’t consuming enough alkaline foods, then our bodies have to absorb these essential minerals from our bones, teeth, and organs. This can make us fatigued or susceptible to illnesses. To be fair, there is little scientific evidence that backs the health benefits of a high-alkaline diet. In spite of that, alkaline foods are among the healthiest plant-based foods that we could eat, while acidic foods include fast and processed foods, meat, and dairy.

Some of the many foods considered alkaline include avocados, tomatoes, peas, bell peppers, eggplant, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potato, lentils, and more. So, if you’re interested in trying your hand at some delicious plant-based alkaline food-rich recipes, get started with these 15 delicious recipes!

1. Za’Atar Grilled Eggplant Salad

This fresh, summery Za’Atar Grilled Eggplant Salad is a great way to have an alkaline meal at a barbecue. It’s got eggplant, lentils, fresh herbs, and you can serve it over any greens you like — we recommend spinach or kale. Make a big batch since cold leftovers make great pita fillings with hummus and extra greens. Serve with a big squeeze of lemon for a refreshing kick.

2. Green Pea and Avocado Spread

This vibrant Green Pea and Avocado Spread has the sweet, refreshing taste of green peas combined with creamy avocado. Not only is it super healthy, it’s also alkaline and super-versatile! Use it as a dip for your favorite veggies, add a scoop to your salads, or add it to a wrap.

3. Onion and Bell Pepper Masala

Bursting with flavor, this Onion and Bell Pepper Masala is a delicious and complex-tasting addition to any alkaline-friendly dinner table. It is spicy and savory, with layers of herbs and spices bringing out the best of the flavors of the vegetables. Use it as a side dish or paired with naan as an appetizer.

4. Cauliflower Cheese Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Comfort food, without the guilt? These Cauliflower Cheese Stuffed Sweet Potatoes prove it’s possible! These decadently stuffed sweet potatoes ooze delicious miso-cauliflower cheese and are covered with plenty of alkalizing vegetables. They’re also super easy to make. So there are no excuses with this one!

5. Spiced Coconut Dal

This simple Spiced Coconut Dal is the ultimate recovery food after long days of outdoor activity and intense exercise. Although it seems plain, warm spices add a complexity of flavor that will make you want to savor every bite. Plus, you can add whatever toppings you like! It’s especially good when mixed with sautéed onions, dark, leafy greens, and tempeh for extra protein.

6. Shakshuka

Shakshuka is one of those breakfast recipes that has steadily gained popularity in the last couple of years, but anyone who’s enjoyed a North African or Middle Eastern breakfast will be familiar with its rich and tangy flavors. Typically topped with eggs, this recipe substitutes them for seasoned silken tofu, giving you a genuine, egg-free shakshuka experience. This is an easy one-pan meal best served with bread that’s perfect for soaking up all the flavorful tomato sauce.

7. Summer Zoodle Glow Bowl With Creamy Avocado Lime Sauce

Zoodles are a fun way to switch things up if you want a lighter version of pasta. Don’t be fooled, though – this Summer Zoodle Glow Bowl is filling. With edamame and the creamy avocado lime sauce, as well as any added veggies, this dish is a fresh and flavorful meal that’s perfect for warmer weather. These zoodles can be served raw or sautéed for a more pasta-like texture, but eating them raw makes for a meal that’s refreshing.

8. Curry Roasted Cauliflower and Red Onions

Amazing and flavorful, crispy and soft, this recipe for Curry Roasted Cauliflower and Red Onions is a necessary addition to your weekly dinner rotations. Fresh cauliflower is roasted with turmeric, cumin, garam masala, and tangy red onion until everything is tender and cooked through. Serve these warm, spiced florets with greens, grains, and anything else you’re craving.

9. Garden Veggie Burger

Delicious gluten-free burger alert! This Garden Veggie Burger is made from a variety of  vegetable that are combined to form flavorful patties. Crispy on the outside, but tender on the inside — does it get better than this? Serve these on the roll of your choice if you’re not strictly alkaline, with a slice of tomato and some greens, or enjoy it on a bed of dark, leafy greens and grains as a part of a hearty salad.

10. Whole Roasted Celeriac

Celeriac isn’t quite on cauliflower’s level when it comes to popularity, but this versatile vegetable is perfect for an alkaline diet. This Whole Roasted Celeriac is a worthy centerpiece for any dinner table! It’s perfectly partnered with an endless combination of other alkalizing veggies and grains. Ready to try something new? The possibilities are endless!

11. Tofu Scramble Stuffed Avocado

Want a wonderfully light, yet satisfying breakfast that’s also alkaline? Look no further than this Tofu Scramble Stuffed Avocado. In this recipe, creamy halved avocados are stuffed with a savory tofu scramble. Not only is this breakfast different, it’s also incredibly easy to make!

12. Zucchini Tater Tots

You probably remember tater tots, those coveted (and greasy) pillows of potato-y goodness served at school lunches. These Zucchini Tater Tots are a healthier take on those and they’re so good, you’ll want to carry them around in your pocket so you can have them all to yourself. It’s as easy as mashing potato and grated zucchini together, forming them into tots, and baking them until golden and crispy.

13. Roasted Spiced Carrots

Who said carrots were boring?! These Roasted Spiced Carrots will delight your palate in several ways! They’re tender, bursting with spices, and topped with a deliciously creamy tahini sauce. Served on a bed of alfalfa sprouts and wild rice and topped with crunchy pumpkin seeds and pine nuts, this dish will wow your guests!

14. Curry Broccoli Salad

This raw Curry Broccoli Salad with sweet grapes and crunchy walnuts is the easy answer to a crowd-pleasing alkaline side for picnics barbecues. No mayo, no dairy, and so delicious! Aside from barbecues, it’s a great option for lunches because it’s just the right level of satisfying not too heavy that you’ll feel like taking a nap after you devour it

15. Tahini-Roasted Cauliflower With Lemony Herb Oil

Dinners, in the traditional sense, are usually centered around one main dish. For a stunning centerpiece that looks as amazing as it tastes, you have to try this Tahini-Roasted Cauliflower With Lemony Herb Oil. Along with being absolutely gorgeous, it is craftily spiced, rubbed down with a nutty tahini coating, drizzled with lemony herbs, and eventually garnished with roasted almonds.

The alkaline diet may still be fairly obscure, but it sounds delish to us. Which one of these recipes are you going to try first? Tell us in the comments!

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Lead image source: Tahini-Roasted Cauliflower With Lemony Herb Oil