Sustainable Action Now

Delicious and Sustainable Plant-Based Meal Prep Recipes for a Healthier Labor Day Weekend-From Breakfast To Lunch to Ice Cream

Eating well doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or time-consuming. Whether you’re looking to cut back on meat, try vegan meals, or simply make your weeknight dinners easier, these recipes combine flavor, nutrition, and convenience. From savory Maple Dijon Roasted Veggie Bowls to indulgent Gigi Hadid Spicy Vodka Pasta, these meals are perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or simply treating yourself to wholesome, satisfying food.

For more great recipes and meal prep inspiration, check out Sustainable Action Now Recipes.


Maple Dijon Roasted Veggie Bowls

Simple, hearty, and perfect for year-round cooking, these Maple Dijon Roasted Veggie Bowls are a standout for anyone looking for a vegan, nutrient-packed meal. Roasted to perfection with a sweet-and-savory maple Dijon glaze, these bowls feature a colorful mix of seasonal vegetables, tender chickpeas, and a drizzle of flavorful dressing.

Why we love them:

  • Vegan and versatile: Swap vegetables based on season or preference.
  • Meal prep-friendly: Roast a large batch and portion it for the week.
  • Balanced nutrition: Packed with fiber, protein, and antioxidants from fresh vegetables.

Meal Prep Tips: Prepare all vegetables and chickpeas in advance, roast either immediately or store in the fridge to cook on the day you plan to eat them. Make the dressing ahead of time and store separately for a fresh finish.


Sesame Ginger Tempeh Stir Fry

For a quick, protein-rich dinner that’s ready in just 25 minutes, this Sesame Ginger Tempeh Stir Fry is a winner. Tempeh is marinated and stir-fried with crisp vegetables, then finished with a savory sesame-ginger sauce that elevates every bite.

Why you’ll love it:

  • Fast and easy: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes.
  • Vegan and protein-packed: Tempeh provides a satisfying plant-based protein source.
  • Family-friendly: Even meat-lovers enjoy this flavorful dish.

Meal Prep Tip: Pre-chop your vegetables and marinate the tempeh the day before. Store the components separately and quickly stir-fry at mealtime for maximum freshness.


Peanut Butter Miso Ramen

Looking for a comforting, filling meal that comes together in just 20 minutes? Peanut Butter Miso Ramen combines creamy, nutty flavors with the umami depth of miso, fresh vegetables, and tender noodles. It’s vegan, satisfying, and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Meal Prep Tip: Chop vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Prepare the miso broth in advance and reheat with fresh noodles for an easy weeknight meal.


Gigi Hadid’s Spicy Vodka Pasta

For a more indulgent option, Gigi Hadid’s Spicy Vodka Pasta is a quick and delicious pasta dish featuring tender pasta in a creamy tomato sauce with garlic, shallots, tomato paste, and a hint of red pepper flakes. This recipe can be on your dinner table in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight treat.

Why it works:

  • Quick, indulgent, and satisfying.
  • Easy to customize with extra vegetables, vegan cream, or your favorite pasta.
  • Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.

Marry Me Butter Beans

If protein-packed, one-pan dishes are your style, Marry Me Butter Beans deliver. This hearty skillet meal combines creamy butter beans, sundried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, creating a dish bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even batch cooking for the week.

Meal Prep Tip: Make the full skillet and portion into containers for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners. Beans store well in the fridge and can also be frozen for later use.


Potato Chive Egg Bites (Starbucks Copycat Recipe)

For breakfast or a snack, these Potato Chive Egg Bites are creamy, fluffy, and packed with protein. Made with eggs, potatoes, cottage cheese, cheddar, and fresh chives, they’re perfect for meal prep or freezer storage.

Why you’ll love them:

  • Starbucks-inspired flavor at home, without the drive-thru price.
  • Freezer-friendly and quick to reheat.
  • Customizable with additional vegetables, herbs, or cheese.

Meal Prep Tip: Bake a batch ahead of time and store in an airtight container. Freeze individually for convenient breakfasts throughout the week.


Weekly Meal Prep Plan

Here’s how to streamline your week using these recipes:

  • Monday: Chop and prep all veggies for roasted bowls and chickpeas. Make the dressing. Roast immediately or store in the fridge for later.
  • Tuesday: Prepare tempeh and vegetables for the stir fry. Store sauce separately.
  • Wednesday: Chop vegetables for the ramen. Prepare miso broth ahead of time.
  • Thursday–Friday: Pasta, butter beans, or egg bites can be quickly assembled or reheated.

Bonus: Many of these recipes can be stored in the fridge or freezer, making them perfect for meal prep and grab-and-go meals throughout the week.


With these recipes, eating plant-based, nutrient-rich meals doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. From Maple Dijon Roasted Veggie Bowls to Potato Chive Egg Bites, each dish is designed for flavor, convenience, and versatility. By preparing meals ahead of time, you can enjoy healthy, satisfying food every day while saving money and reducing waste.

Potato Chive Egg Bites: The Ultimate Starbucks Copycat Recipe for a Healthy, Make-Ahead Breakfast

For many of us, mornings can be rushed—but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on flavor, nutrition, or convenience. If you love the creamy, savory goodness of Starbucks’ Potato Chive Egg Bites but aren’t a fan of the price tag, you’re going to adore this easy copycat recipe. These egg bites are fluffy, protein-packed, and loaded with tender potatoes, fresh chives, and melty cheddar—perfect for a cozy breakfast at home or meal prep for the week.

Best of all, you can make a whole batch in one sitting, store them in the fridge or freezer, and enjoy grab-and-go breakfasts without the Starbucks drive-thru.


Why You’ll Love These Egg Bites

Ever since Starbucks introduced potato chive egg bites, fans have been obsessed—and for good reason. Here’s what makes this recipe a winner:

  • Starbucks copycat: Save money and recreate the flavor at home.
  • Meal-prep friendly: Make a batch and enjoy easy breakfasts all week.
  • Protein-packed: Eggs, cottage cheese, and cheddar make these bites filling and satisfying.
  • Customizable: Swap in your favorite vegetables, herbs, or cheeses.
  • Kid-approved: Cheesy, potato-packed bites that even picky eaters love.

Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or a parent looking for quick meals, these egg bites are a versatile, nourishing solution.

For more creative, easy-to-make recipes that fit a busy lifestyle, visit Sustainable Action Now Recipes.


Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that capture the signature Starbucks flavor without unnecessary extras. You can also customize to suit your tastes or dietary needs:

  • Yukon Gold potatoes: Tender and creamy; swap with russet or sweet potatoes if desired.
  • Eggs: The protein-packed base; vegan alternatives like Just Egg can work.
  • Onion: Adds savory depth; shallots or green onions work too.
  • Chives: Fresh, mild onion flavor; dried chives are okay in a pinch.
  • Cottage cheese: Key for creaminess and protein; Greek yogurt can be substituted but will yield a firmer texture.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp flavor; Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Swiss work as alternatives.
  • Spinach: Optional nutrient boost; kale or arugula can be used instead.

Other basic seasonings include olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to bring the flavors together.


Step-by-Step Instructions

These potato chive egg bites are surprisingly easy to make, even if you’ve never done meal prep before:

Step 1: Preheat and prep

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  • Use silicone molds for easy release, or grease a muffin tin thoroughly.

Step 2: Sauté potatoes and onions

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add diced potatoes and onions, seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  • Cook until tender and slightly crisp, then set aside.

Step 3: Blend eggs and cottage cheese

  • In a blender, combine eggs and cottage cheese.
  • Blend until smooth and creamy with no lumps. This step is crucial for that signature Starbucks-style texture.

Step 4: Assemble the egg bites

  • Divide the potato mixture evenly among your molds.
  • Add half the shredded cheese, all chives, and chopped spinach.
  • Pour the blended egg mixture over the top, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese and more chives if desired.

Step 5: Bake and serve

  • Bake for 18–20 minutes. Optionally, broil for 1–2 minutes to brown the tops.
  • Let cool slightly before removing from molds.

Expert Tips

  • Silicone molds: Prevent sticking and help maintain shape.
  • Uniform potato pieces: Ensure even cooking.
  • Blending: Don’t skip the egg and cottage cheese step—it creates creamy, fluffy bites.
  • Ice bath: Optional step to stop cooking immediately and prevent deflation.
  • Freezer prep: Wrap cooled bites individually for convenient freezing.

Storage and Meal Prep

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Microwave for 30–60 seconds or bake at 325°F until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze potato chive egg bites?
Yes! Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat as needed.

Do I have to use cottage cheese?
It provides the creamy texture that mimics Starbucks’ egg bites. Ricotta or Greek yogurt can work, though texture will vary.

Can I make these dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free cheese and a plant-based alternative for cottage cheese.

What if I don’t have fresh chives?
Dried chives or green onions are suitable substitutes.


Why This Recipe Works

These egg bites strike the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and protein-packed. They are satisfying, nutritious, and adaptable for a variety of diets. By making them at home, you can enjoy the same Starbucks flavors for a fraction of the cost while having a reliable breakfast option ready all week.

For more creative, convenient, and wholesome recipes to simplify your mornings, check out Sustainable Action Now Recipes.


Nutrition Highlights (Per Bite)

  • Calories: 76 kcal
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 5g
  • Carbs: 3g
  • Fiber: 0.4g
  • Calcium: 67mg

These Potato Chive Egg Bites are perfect for anyone seeking a quick, affordable, and delicious breakfast that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition. With a few simple ingredients and a little prep time, you can transform your mornings with this versatile, make-ahead recipe.

NYC Goes Wild for Free Vegan Ice Cream: PETA’s iScream Truck Brings Plant-Based Delight to the Big Apple

When it comes to spreading the joys of vegan living, nothing gets people talking quite like free ice cream—and New York City got a taste of exactly that. The iScream Truck, a roaming initiative by PETA, hit the streets of the Big Apple and had New Yorkers lining up, cheering, and sharing in the excitement of plant-based indulgence.

This event wasn’t just about ice cream—it was a vibrant reminder of a growing movement: choosing foods that are compassionate, sustainable, and delicious.


A Sweet Way to Promote Vegan Living

PETA’s mission is clear: animals are not ours to experiment on, eat, wear, use for entertainment, or abuse in any other way. Their iScream Truck initiative turns that philosophy into a fun, engaging experience that reaches thousands of people in an accessible, joyful way.

By handing out free vegan ice cream from brands like Ben & Jerry’s Vegan, So Delicious, Oatly, and NadaMoo, the iScream Truck shows that plant-based desserts can be every bit as creamy, flavorful, and satisfying as their dairy counterparts—without harming animals or the planet.


NYC Reacts with Enthusiasm

From Midtown to Brooklyn, the reaction was unanimous: New Yorkers love vegan ice cream. Crowds gathered, cameras snapped, and social media lit up with photos and videos of the event. People were eager to taste these dairy-free treats, many trying plant-based desserts for the first time.

This kind of public engagement demonstrates the rising popularity of plant-based options and how creative outreach can help shift consumer habits toward more sustainable and ethical choices.


Why Vegan Desserts Matter

Vegan ice cream isn’t just a trendy indulgence—it’s a choice with real-world benefits:

  • Animal welfare: Choosing plant-based desserts means fewer animals raised and slaughtered for food.
  • Environmental impact: Dairy production is resource-intensive, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water use. Plant-based alternatives significantly reduce these impacts.
  • Health-conscious options: Many vegan ice creams are lower in saturated fat and free from cholesterol, making them a healthier choice for some consumers.

The iScream Truck offers a hands-on way to experience these benefits in a fun, memorable setting, highlighting that compassion doesn’t require compromise.


Try Vegan Desserts at Home

Inspired by NYC’s ice cream craze? You don’t have to wait for the iScream Truck to enjoy plant-based desserts. There are countless ways to bring vegan, dairy-free treats into your own kitchen. From rich and creamy ice creams to baked goods, smoothies, and even homemade frozen desserts, plant-based recipes can be just as indulgent as traditional options.

For more vegan-friendly recipes to try at home, check out Sustainable Action Now Recipes. There, you’ll find everything from easy breakfast ideas and hearty mains to decadent desserts—all crafted with compassion and sustainability in mind.


Social Media Buzz

The event trended online with hashtags like:

  • #VeganIceCream
  • #DairyFree
  • #VeganDessert
  • #BenAndJerrysVegan
  • #PlantBased
  • #GoVegan

These tags reflect the growing interest in plant-based eating and highlight the role of social media in spreading awareness about ethical, sustainable food choices.


The Bigger Picture

PETA’s iScream Truck isn’t just about ice cream—it’s a statement about how food choices can create meaningful change. Every scoop of vegan ice cream represents a small but tangible step toward:

  • Protecting animal welfare
  • Reducing environmental impact
  • Encouraging healthier, plant-forward diets

In a city as fast-paced and diverse as New York, such initiatives make a big impact. They bring attention to the ethical, environmental, and personal benefits of plant-based eating in a way that is fun, interactive, and highly shareable.


The iScream Truck proves that vegan food can be delicious, exciting, and accessible. From free ice cream on the streets of NYC to creating meals at home, plant-based eating is increasingly within reach for everyone. By choosing dairy-free options, whether as a treat or a staple in your weekly meal prep, you’re making a choice that is kind to animals, better for the planet, and full of flavor.

For those ready to explore plant-based cooking at home, from breakfast to dessert, visit Sustainable Action Now Recipes and discover a world of compassionate, delicious, and easy-to-make meals. For more meal prep inspiration, healthy recipes, and tips for plant-based cooking, visit Sustainable Action Now Recipes.