1200 Calorie Vegan Diet Recipes for Healthy Weight Loss

Updated On: October 4, 2025

Are you searching for healthy, filling, and flavorful vegan meals that fit a 1200 calorie diet plan? You’re in the right place!

Whether you’re embarking on a weight loss journey, aiming for a lighter eating day, or just want to nourish your body with plant-based goodness, these 1200 calorie vegan diet recipes will keep you satisfied and energized.

Carefully balanced and packed with colorful vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, these recipes prove that eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or variety.

Below, you’ll find a sample day’s worth of delicious vegan meals: a breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack—all perfectly portioned to total around 1200 calories. Each recipe brings a burst of flavor and vital nutrition to your day.

Plus, I’ll share tips, variations, and links to more creative vegan ideas like Lipton Vegetable Soup Mix Recipes for Easy Family Meals and Vegan Casserole Recipes: Easy for quick weeknight dinner. Let’s dive into a day of vibrant, satisfying meals!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly Portioned: These recipes are designed to keep you around 1200 calories for the day, making them ideal for those tracking intake or looking to lose weight.
  • Balanced Nutrition: Every meal is rich in fiber, plant-based protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.
  • Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy or hard-to-find foods—just wholesome, everyday vegan staples.
  • Delicious Variety: Enjoy a full day’s worth of different flavors and textures, so you never get bored.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: These recipes are easy to make ahead, store, and pack for busy days.

Ingredients

Breakfast: Creamy Cinnamon Oatmeal Bowl (Approx. 300 kcal)

  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 small banana, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup

Lunch: Rainbow Chickpea Salad (Approx. 350 kcal)

  • 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 medium red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Dinner: Hearty Lentil & Vegetable Stew (Approx. 450 kcal)

  • 1/2 cup dry brown lentils
  • 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1/2 cup chopped zucchini
  • 1/2 cup chopped spinach
  • 1/2 cup diced carrots
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Snack: Apple Almond Butter Bites (Approx. 100 kcal)

  • 1 small apple, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon almond butter

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan (for oatmeal and stew)
  • Mixing bowl (for salad)
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Serving bowls and plates

Instructions

Breakfast: Creamy Cinnamon Oatmeal Bowl

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine rolled oats and almond milk. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
  2. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the oats are creamy and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 5 minutes).
  3. Stir in cinnamon and chia seeds. Cook for another minute.
  4. Remove from heat. Transfer oatmeal to a bowl and top with sliced banana and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Lunch: Rainbow Chickpea Salad

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine chickpeas, bell pepper, cucumber, carrots, red onion, and parsley.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Toss gently until well mixed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Dinner: Hearty Lentil & Vegetable Stew

  1. Rinse lentils under cold water and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add carrots, zucchini, and cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Stir in lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender and stew has thickened.
  6. Stir in chopped spinach and cook for 2 more minutes, until wilted.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Snack: Apple Almond Butter Bites

  1. Slice the apple into thin rounds or wedges.
  2. Spread a dab of almond butter on each slice. Enjoy as a quick, satisfying snack!

Tips & Variations

  • Switch up your veggies: Try adding kale, broccoli, or sweet potato to the stew for extra nutrients and flavor.
  • Boost the protein: Stir in a scoop of vegan protein powder to your oatmeal for longer-lasting fullness.
  • Spice it up: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes to the stew or salad for a little kick.
  • Make it meal prep: Double the stew or salad recipes to prep several days’ worth of meals in advance.
  • Dessert cravings? For a sweet treat under 100 calories, try a few fresh berries or a piece from this Vegan Easter Dessert Recipes Everyone Will Love list!

“A 1200 calorie vegan day doesn’t mean going hungry—just smart, colorful choices!”

Nutrition Facts

Meal Calories Protein (g) Carbs (g) Fat (g) Fiber (g)
Breakfast: Oatmeal Bowl 300 7 48 7 8
Lunch: Chickpea Salad 350 12 42 13 10
Dinner: Lentil Stew 450 20 68 8 13
Snack: Apple & Almond Butter 100 1 23 2 4
Total 1200 40 181 30 35

Note: Values are approximate and depend on exact brands and quantities used.

Serving Suggestions

  • Oatmeal Bowl: Top with chopped nuts or a few fresh berries for extra texture.
  • Chickpea Salad: Serve over a bed of mixed greens or in a whole wheat wrap for added bulk.
  • Lentil Stew: Pair with a small slice of whole-grain bread or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost.
  • Snack: Swap almond butter for peanut or sunflower seed butter if you prefer a different taste.

For even more variety, check out Recipes Dehydrated Vegetables: Easy Meals and Snacks for creative ways to pack your meals with veggies!

Conclusion

Sticking to a 1200 calorie vegan diet can be easy, delicious, and deeply satisfying with the right recipes and planning. With these vibrant meals—featuring hearty lentils, crisp veggies, creamy oats, and sweet fruit—you’ll fuel your day with wholesome, plant-based energy without ever feeling deprived.

Remember, the key to success is balance: focus on variety, fiber, and flavor, and your meals will always feel fresh and satisfying.

Ready to try even more plant-based recipes? Explore global inspiration with Turkish Vegan Recipes for Delicious Plant-Based Meals or discover nourishing ideas for athletes and active lifestyles with Vegan Recipes for Athletes: Power Your Performance.

Eating well on a 1200 calorie vegan diet has never been more delicious—happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: 1200 Calorie Vegan Meal Plan: Chickpea & Veggie Stir-Fry Bowl

Description: A simple, flavorful vegan stir-fry bowl loaded with protein-rich chickpeas and colorful vegetables. Perfect for a balanced low-calorie meal plan.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M

Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 green onion, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute.
  3. Add broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots; stir-fry for 5 minutes.
  4. Add chickpeas and soy sauce; cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
  5. Stir in cooked brown rice and toss to combine.
  6. Divide between two bowls, garnish with green onion and sesame seeds.
  7. Serve immediately.

Nutrition: Calories: 600 per serving | Protein: 18g | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 100g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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