These Vegan Soul Food Recipes make the best, easy, healthy, plant-based dinners. African American & Southern meals like raw greens, mac and cheese, black eyed peas and much more!
To find more vegan comfort food recipes, check out our vegan Winter recipes, vegan crockpot recipes, vegan casseroles, vegan stuffing recipes and vegan Fall dinners roundups.
What is soul food?
Soul food is a cuisine developed in the Southern United States with influences from Africa, Europe, and North America. It originated from enslaved African American communities who created the recipes from discarded meats and produce, and the flavors and dishes are enjoyed centuries later as comfort food.
Vegan Soul Food Recipes
1. Cauliflower Nashville Hot “Chicken”
I love this recipe since it tastes like Nashville Hot Chicken, without the meat! It’s packed with spices and flavor.
2. Ultimate Vegan Mac n Cheese
Rich and creamy, this is the stuff of vegan dreams. Packed with all the cheese, this has become one of my new favorites.
3. Black Eyed Peas with Smoky Collards and “Cheesy” Grits
This is soul food at its finest. And, it’s easy to make! Reheat some for leftover meals as well.
4. Oven Fried Okra
Get all of the taste, but none of the guilt, with this cornmeal-topped okra. This is savory, delicious and addictive.
5. Cajun-Style Red Beans and Rice
I like these since they’re a healthier, lighter vegan take on a Southern staple. So filling, flavorful and super tasty!
6. Blackberry + Blueberry Cobbler
Fruit means this is healthy, right? Top this two berry-filled dessert with a generous scoop of classic vanilla ice cream!
7. Blackened Scallops and Grits
This take on a non-vegan classic has me drooling. It’s pure savory goodness, thanks to mushrooms and a decadent sauce.
8. Sweet Potato Biscuits
This appetizer mixes sweet and savory. I can’t eat just one. Top them off with some maple syrup or butter.
9. Sweet Potato, Okra, Chickpea Gumbo
What’s a list of vegan soul food without a take on a hearty gumbo? Slurp this filling delightful goodness up.
10. Hoppin John
Tofu, rice, beans, pepper and onion make for one tasty New Years dish. Take my advice and prepare some the night before the festivities.
11. “Chicken” and Waffles
How’s this for a new Southern classic? Top this sweet and salty combo with butter, powdered sugar, or, what I’m into — powdered sugar.
12. Purple Sweet Potato Pie
This pie is as pretty as it is yummy. Don’t forget to take a picture after it’s topped with whipped cream.
13. BBQ Black Eyed Pea Collard Rolls
Tasty and healthy twists on BBQ, such as these pea collard rolls, are my favorite. Care for some seconds, anyone?
14. Southern-Style Coleslaw
A side dish that goes well with anything, like coleslaw, is an essential to have when making soul food. Yum!
15. Beer Battered “Fish” Sticks
No, contrary to popular belief, these aren’t just for kids. Grab the tartar sauce or ketchup, and dip away. Ahoy!
16. Skillet Fudgy Brownie
Perfect for a party, this brownie is just dying to be eaten. Rich and chewy is just the way I like them.
17. Okra and Tomatoes
A simple yet colorful take on veggies that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Eat them before they’re gone!
18. Air Fryer Hush Puppies
I’m obsessed with topping these with powdered sugar, and enjoying them piping hot. This healthier take is a little more guilt-free.
19. Gumbo
This is such a classic, that there isn’t much to write or say about it. Eat it and enjoy!
20. Southern Bowls
Want to make something that’s healthy, fresh, trendy and pretty? I love that this dish is all of those things.
21. Black-Eyed Pea Salad
This vibrant salad is as Instagrammable as it is tasty. See, soul food doesn’t always mean greasy fried dishes!
22. Peach Cobbler
Crispy, fluffy and the perfect summer treat. It is best eaten with ice cream, whipped cream or extra crumble topping.
23. Cornbread
Fluffy, buttery and packed with flavor, this is the right holder for vegan butter or margarine. It’s a fixture with chili and other soups.
24. Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
Creamy, crunchy and mouth watering, these cheesecake bars are good for breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert. I love them!
25. Buffalo Cauliflower Po’Boy
This takes buffalo cauliflower to the next level. I highly recommend noshing on these while you eat your favorite potato chips.
26. Rainbow Power Greens Salad with Black Eyed Peas
This salad is a feast for the eyes, with its purple, red, green and white hues. Good to eat daily!
27. Cajun Black-Eyed Pea Burgers
Top this with all of the fixings (tomato, onion, lettuce, mayo and vegan cheese), and dig into one jumbo, hearty burger!
28. Citrusy Sweet Potato Pie
This unique dessert is super tangy, subtly sweet and light, which makes for the perfect combo, if you ask me.
29. Black-Eyed Peas and Corn Salad
I don’t know about you, but I’m a huge corn fan. I like this because it mixes one of my favorite veggies with a Southern staple.
30. Cornbread Pot Pies
There’s nothing like a pot pie on a cold and rainy day. A cornbread holder makes it taste even better.
31. Pecan Pie
I saved the best for last. Here’s a secret — this gooey rich pie has a Southern twist, thanks to some rum.
What are your favorite vegan soul food recipes?
Leave a comment below!
The 31 Best Vegan Soul Food Recipes on the Internet
Here are the best Vegan Soul Food Recipes in the world to satisfy your Southern meal cravings. Delicious and healthy-ish comfort food dishes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 350kcal
Author: Mira M.
Ingredients
- black eyed peas
- collard greens
- garlic
- yellow corn grits
Instructions
Choose your favorite meal from the list.
Click on the name to get to the recipe.
Get to cooking.
Video
Nutrition
Calories: 350kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
FAQ
What are traditional soul food dishes?
Some traditional soul food dishes include collard greens, red beans and rice, fried catfish, macaroni and cheese, candied sweet potatoes, cornbread, and buttermilk biscuits. Many of these dishes are flavored with bacon fat, and seasonings like cayenne pepper, garlic, onion, black pepper, and celery salt.
What’s the difference between soul food and Southern food?
Southern food encompasses all of the different cuisines from the Southern United States including soul food, Creole, Cajun, Low Country, and more. Soul food specifically comes from African American communities all over the South, not a specific state or city, though most soul food originates around Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama.
What are the staple foods of African American cooking?
Some staple foods and ingredients in soul food and African American cooking are collards, black eyed peas, cornmeal, rice, beans, okra, and yams. Many of these ingredients are native to North America and they are prepared with influences and seasonings from African cuisine.
