7 Simple Vegan Keto Recipes You'll Love

Vegan and ketogenic diets might seem like an unlikely pairing due to the exclusion of animal products in the former and the high fat, moderate protein of the latter. However, by making thoughtful ingredient choices, you can craft delectable meals that adhere to both lifestyles. Here, we'll explore seven simple vegan keto recipes that you'll not only love but might find surprisingly easy to prepare.

1. Keto Vegan Cauliflower Fried Rice

Rice is a no-go on keto diets, but cauliflower can be an excellent substitute.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head cauliflower, riced
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup diced carrots and peas
• 2 tbsp tamari sauce (or soy sauce substitute)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in carrots and peas, cook until tender.
4. Add riced cauliflower to the pan, cook until tender.
5. Stir in tamari and sesame oil, cook for 2 minutes.
6. Garnish with green onions before serving.

🍲 Note: Cauliflower can release a lot of water when cooked; ensure you drain any excess to maintain the "fried" texture.

2. Avocado Cucumber Sushi Rolls

Who says you can’t have sushi on a keto diet? These avocado cucumber sushi rolls are a delight.

Ingredients:

• 2 nori sheets
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• ¹⁄₂ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• Wasabi and pickled ginger for serving
• Coconut aminos for dipping (instead of soy sauce)

Instructions:

1. Lay out a nori sheet.
2. Place slices of avocado, cucumber, and red bell pepper on the lower part of the nori.
3. Roll tightly with bamboo mat or by hand.
4. Slice into bite-sized pieces.
5. Serve with wasabi, pickled ginger, and coconut aminos.

3. Creamy Cashew Alfredo

Cashews make an excellent base for a creamy vegan Alfredo sauce that fits within keto parameters.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup soaked cashews
• ¹⁄₂ cup vegetable broth
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles

Instructions:

1. Blend soaked cashews, broth, garlic, yeast, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Heat the sauce in a pan, adding water if needed for consistency.
3. Serve over zucchini or shirataki noodles.

4. Vegan Keto Protein Shake

For a quick and nourishing breakfast or post-workout meal, this shake packs in the protein without breaking keto.

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop vegan keto protein powder
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tbsp almond butter
• ¹⁄₂ cup ice
• Stevia to taste (optional)
• ¹⁄₄ tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Adjust sweetness with stevia if needed.

5. Coconut Flour Keto Pancakes

These pancakes use coconut flour for a keto-friendly twist that’s also vegan.

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp coconut flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 4 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 12 tbsp water (as egg replacer)
• ¹⁄₂ cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted

Instructions:

1. Mix coconut flour and baking powder.
2. In a separate bowl, combine flaxseed mixture with almond milk and coconut oil.
3. Stir wet into dry until batter forms.
4. Cook on a greased griddle or pan until golden brown.

6. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

A light, fresh dish that can be made in minutes, perfect for a summer evening.

Ingredients:

• 2 zucchinis, spiralized
• ¹⁄₄ cup walnuts
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 garlic clove
• ¹⁄₄ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon juice to taste

Instructions:

1. Blend basil, walnuts, nutritional yeast, garlic, and olive oil until pesto forms.
2. Toss the zucchini noodles with the pesto.
3. Adjust flavors with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

7. Cauliflower Hummus

A creative twist on the classic hummus, substituting cauliflower for chickpeas.

Ingredients:

• 1 small head cauliflower, steamed
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp cumin
• Juice from 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Adjust with water if needed for consistency.
3. Serve with keto-friendly veggies for dipping.

In exploring these vegan keto recipes, you'll find that adhering to these dietary restrictions doesn't have to mean sacrificing flavor or variety. These dishes offer a tantalizing way to explore new tastes while keeping your macros in check. With smart ingredient swaps and a little creativity, the world of vegan keto cuisine is rich with potential. Enjoy these meals, share them with friends, and discover the joy in eating well while staying true to your dietary principles.