Starting your day with a nutritious and delicious breakfast is essential for maintaining energy levels, improving focus, and promoting overall wellbeing. If you want a healthy start to your day, but don’t have loads of time, you’re in for a treat with these whole food plant-based breakfast ideas!

I’ve curated seven tasty options that are not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients to kickstart your day. From scrambled tofu to lentil pancakes and more, these recipes will satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body.

Monday: scrambled tofu

Start your week off with a filling, protein-packed breakfast! Scrambled tofu is a delightful and protein-packed alternative to traditional scrambled eggs.

🍳 You may also like: 16 vegan alternatives to eggs (with easy conversion tables) 🍳

To create this breakfast, you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 1 block of firm tofu (we like the Tofoo one)
• 1 cup diced bell peppers or other vegetables
• 1 cup spinach leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste (bonus points if you have kala namak / black salt – that will give the tofu an eggy flavour)
• A splash of unsweetened plant-based milk (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a non-stick pan, sauté the diced bell peppers until they become tender.
2. Crumble the tofu into the pan, along with turmeric and cumin. Cook over medium heat while stirring frequently.
3. If you’d like your scrambled tofu creamier, you can add a splash of plant-based milk.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Just before serving, toss in the spinach leaves and cook until they wilt.
6. Plate up your scrambled tofu with wholegrain toast or wrap it in a whole wheat tortilla for a satisfying breakfast burrito.

Tuesday: smoothie bowl

A smoothie bowl is a refreshing and nutritious way to start your day. You can get creative with your toppings and customise it to your taste. Here’s a basic recipe:

Ingredients:

For the smoothie:

• 1 frozen or ripe banana
• 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
• 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk or water – adjust based on the consistency you want
• 1 cup greens (e.g. spinach)

For the toppings:

• Sliced fresh fruits (e.g., strawberries, kiwi, banana)
• Granola / muesli
• Nuts and seeds (e.g., almonds, pumpkin seeds)

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the banana, frozen mixed berries, almond milk, and greens. Blend until smooth and creamy.
2. Pour the smoothie into a bowl.
3. Arrange your choice of toppings on the smoothie bowl. Be creative and make it visually appealing!
4. Dive in with a spoon and enjoy the burst of flavours and textures.

Wednesday: lentil pancakes

Who says pancakes can’t be part of a healthy breakfast? These lentil pancakes are not only nutritious but also incredibly delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red lentils (soaked for at least 2 hours)
• 1/2 cup oats (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped spinach
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Drain and rinse the soaked lentils.
2. In a blender, combine the lentils, oats, and a bit of water to form a thick batter.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chopped spinach, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat and lightly grease it with a drop of oil.
5. Pour a ladleful of the lentil batter onto the pan to form pancakes.
6. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip the pancakes and cook the other side until golden brown.
7. Serve your lentil pancakes with a side of salsa or a dollop of plant-based yogurt – or whatever you fancy (I believe it was red pesto above)!

Thursday: berries on toast

A simple yet delightful way to enjoy the natural sweetness of berries is to pair them with wholegrain toast. Here’s how:

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of wholegrain bread
• 1 cup mixed berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 1 tablespoon peanut or almond butter

Instructions:

1. Toast the slices of wholegrain bread until they’re crispy.
2. While the bread is toasting, wash and prepare your mixed berries.
3. Once the toast is ready, spread a thin layer of almond butter on each slice.
4. Top the toast with the mixed berries.
5. Enjoy your vibrant and flavourful berry-topped toast alongside a hot cup of herbal tea or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.

Friday: granola

Granola is a versatile breakfast option that can be enjoyed in various ways. You can eat it with plant-based yogurt, as a cereal with vegan milk, or sprinkle it on top of a smoothie bowl. Here’s a simple homemade granola recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups jumbo oats
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts)
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup dried fruit (e.g., dates, raisins, cranberries)
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, chopped nuts, pumpkin seeds, and dried fruit.
3. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the coconut oil. Stir in the maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. If you’re omitting the coconut oil, you can skip to the next step.
4. Pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well coated.
5. Spread the granola mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the granola is golden brown, stirring it halfway through.
7. Let the granola cool completely on the baking sheet; it will become crunchier as it cools.
8. Once cooled, break the granola into clusters and store it in an airtight container.

Saturday: avocado on toast

A vegan classic for a reason! Avocado on toast is a super simple breakfast that never gets old. It’s not only quick but also packed with healthy fats and fibre. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 slices of wholegrain bread
• A pinch of salt and black pepper
• Lemon or lime juice
• Optional toppings: sliced tomatoes and/or red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. Toast the slices of wholegrain bread until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
2. While the bread is toasting, cut the avocado in half, remove the stone, and scoop out the flesh into a bowl.
3. Mash the avocado with a fork and season it with a pinch of salt and black pepper, as well as lemon / lime juice.
4. Spread the mashed avocado evenly onto the toasted bread slices (or just skip steps 2 and 3 and plonk thr avocado on the toast, add salt, pepper and lemon / lime juice and mash directly on the toast).
5. Add your choice of toppings, such as sliced tomatoes or chili pepper flakes, to enhance the flavour.
6. Serve your avocado on toast with a side of fresh fruit for a well-rounded breakfast.

Sunday: vegan English breakfast with tempeh “bacon”

Missing the hearty flavours of an English breakfast? You can enjoy a plant-based version that’s just as satisfying. This is definitely more work than the other options, but great if you`ve got some time for a Sunday brunch. If not, skip to the bonus option!

Ingredients:

• Slices of tempeh, marinated in soy sauce
• 1 cup baked beans (check for low-sugar vegan options)
• 1 tomato
• 1 mushroom
• 1 slice of wholegrain toast
• 1/2 avocado, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Fry the tempeh “bacon” according to the package instructions.
2. Heat the baked beans in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Grill the tomato and mushroom until they are tender and slightly caramelised.
4. Toast the wholegrain bread until it’s crispy.
5. Slice the avocado and season it with salt and pepper.
6. Arrange all the components on a plate to create your vegan English breakfast, and enjoy!

Bonus: spruce up your porridge/oatmeal

I’ve been on a bit of a porridge kick recently as the days cool down, so here‘s a way to pack in more taste and nutrients.

This post was all about whole food plant-based breakfast ideas

These seven whole food plant-based breakfast ideas provide a variety of flavours, textures, and nutrients to keep your mornings exciting and your body nourished throughout the week. From the savoury goodness of scrambled tofu and vegan English breakfast to the refreshing simplicity of berries on toast or a smoothie bowl, there’s something for every mood.

Incorporate these recipes into your daily routine, and you’ll be well on your way to a healthier and more vibrant start to each day. Happy breakfasting!

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