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”

Vegan Cauliflower Nashville Hot "Chicken"
Photo: Food with Feeling

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

Ultimate Vegan Mac n Cheese
Photo: Vegan Huggs

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

Vegan Black Eyed Peas with Smoky Collards and "Cheesy" Grits
Photo: Vanilla and Bean

This is soul food at its finest. And, it’s easy to make! Reheat some for leftover meals as well.

 

4. Oven Fried Okra

Vegan Oven Fried Okra | The Green Loot #vegan
Photo: FatFree Vegan

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

Vegan Cajun-Style Red Beans and Rice
Photo: Emilie Eats

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

Vegan Blackberry + Blueberry Cobbler
Photo: Bakerita

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

Vegan Blackened Scallops and Grits
Photo: Connoisseurus Veg

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

Vegan Sweet Potato Biscuits
Photo: Sweet Potato Soul

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

Vegan Sweet Potato, Okra, Chickpea Gumbo
Photo: FatFree Vegan

What’s a list of vegan soul food without a take on a hearty gumbo? Slurp this filling delightful goodness up.

 

10. Hoppin John

Vegan Hoppin John
Photo: Contentedness Cooking

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

Vegan "Chicken" and Waffles
Photo: Rabbit and Wolves

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

Vegan Purple Sweet Potato Pie
Photo: The Endless Meal

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

Vegan BBQ Black Eyed Pea Collard Rolls
Photo: Vanilla and Bean

Tasty and healthy twists on BBQ, such as these pea collard rolls, are my favorite. Care for some seconds, anyone?

 

14. Southern-Style Coleslaw

Vegan Southern-Style Coleslaw
Photo: Healthier Steps

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

Vegan Beer Battered "Fish" Sticks
Photo: My Darling Vegan

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

Fudgy Skillet Brownie
Photo: The Full Helping

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

Vegan Okra and Tomatoes
Photo: Simply Recipes

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

Vegan Air Fryer Hush Puppies
Photo: Glue and Glitter

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

Vegan Gumbo
Photo: Cilantro and Citronella

This is such a classic, that there isn’t much to write or say about it. Eat it and enjoy!

 

20. Southern Bowls

Vegan Southern Bowls
Photo: The Wanderlust Kitchen

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

Vegan Black-Eyed Pea Salad
Photo: The Garden Grazer

This vibrant salad is as Instagrammable as it is tasty. See, soul food doesn’t always mean greasy fried dishes!

 

22. Peach Cobbler

Vegan Peach Cobbler
Photo: Bakerita

Crispy, fluffy and the perfect summer treat. It is best eaten with ice cream, whipped cream or extra crumble topping.

 

23. Cornbread

Vegan Cornbread
Photo: The Pretty Bee

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

Vegan Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
Photo: Delish Knowledge

Creamy, crunchy and mouth watering, these cheesecake bars are good for breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert. I love them!

 

25. Buffalo Cauliflower Po’Boy

Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Po'Boy
Photo: A Beautiful Mess

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

Vegan Rainbow Power Greens Salad with Black Eyed Peas
Photo: Crotter Crunch

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

Vegan Cajun Black-Eyed Pea Burgers
Photo: Connoisseurus Veg

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

Vegan Citrusy Sweet Potato Pie
Photo: Cocoon Cooks

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

Vegan Black-Eyed Peas and Corn Salad
Photo: Veggies Save The Day

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

Vegan Cornbread Pot Pies
Photo: The Fitchen

There’s nothing like a pot pie on a cold and rainy day. A cornbread holder makes it taste even better.

 

31. Pecan Pie

Vegan Pecan Pie
Photo: Namely Marly

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!

vegan soul food recipes

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.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Serving Size 4

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

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.

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8 Comments

    1. Hi Lillie!

      There is no cookbook that contains these recipes, since this is only a roundup, but if you click on the links, they will take you to the recipe sites and there you can print the recipes!

5 from 3 votes

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