Top Vegan Recipes by CELEBRITY Chefs & Food Mags

These celebrity chefs (and food magazines) know a thing or two about food. But do their plant-based recipes also pass the taste test? (Spoiler alert: They do!)

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In This Post:

• Vegan Recipes From CELEBRITY CHEFS
• Vegan Recipes From Iconic Food MAGAZINES
• More Vegan Collections & Cookbooks

Are you ready to peek into the kitchens of some seriously big culinary names? I’m talking Nigella Lawson, Jamie Oliver, Martha Stewart, Yotam Ottolenghi, Nadiya Hussain, and Rachel Khoo – the master chefs, that is.

These names ring a bell, right? I mean, these celebrity chefs have been dishing up flavor bombs for ages. They’ve made us drool over our TV/PC/smartphone screens and their cookbooks ... Made us run into our kitchens to cook heavenly dishes ... and conquer new culinary horizons with confidence.

Today, we're peeking behind the curtain and checking out their latest creations.

But wait just a minute... We're here for the vegan stuff. So, are these kitchen giants known for their plant-based recipes? Ummm, not exactly. None of them are vegetarian, let alone vegan.

Thank goodness time moves on, and times are changing, and I’m so so READY for it. There's been a shift lately! And I'm doing a happy little dance right now seeing all these big-name chefs dive one by one into the world of vegan cuisine. 💃🏼 to the right, to the right, to the left to the left

Yet, I wondered: Do they bring the same magic/passion/joy to their vegan recipes?

Spoiler alert: They do! I put them to the test, and their vegan recipes were amazing - from irresistibly delish vegan meatballs and veg chilies to decadent choc cakes.

Below, I'm sharing some of my top picks I've fallen head over heels for, plus even more plant-based goodness from iconic food magazines (because we deserve all the fine vegan inspiration). From birthday parties to Easter and Diwali, we'll have all the holidays covered and will be cooking up a vegan storm like a pro!

And PLEASE: Share your fave vegan recipes from your fave non-vegan chefs in the comments! I'm always on the hunt for new delicious discoveries.

Vegan Recipes From CELEBRITY CHEFS

Nigella Lawson

Oh, Nigella! Can we just take a moment to appreciate her Italian goddess vibes?

Sure, you could say she’s just a regular human being—and you'd be absolutely right. Thank goodness for that because we need REAL people who care about REAL food.

And yes, you might argue there’s no such thing as an “Italian goddess.” Also true.

But can we all agree that Nigella Lawson is the closest thing we’ve got to culinary divinity? I mean—have you seen her in action? She's like a food magician, weaving spells with her incredibly, beautifully sensual language.

Take her dark & sumptuous chocolate cake, for example. It's plastered across several food sites with glowing reviews - of course, I couldn't resist giving it a try.

What really got me excited? It was... wait for it... vegan! (Also: the stunning photos. I mean, rose petals and dark chocolate? Could it be any more romantic?)

Now, if you're like me and enjoy watching Nigella whip up deliciousness on TV, you know she's all about that butter, eggs, and all the animal products. So, imagine my surprise when I found out she had crafted a completely plant-based cake that had everyone raving?

My verdict: Nigella Lawson's vegan choc cake is the epitome of decadence. It's rich. It's velvety. It's downright delightful! And my non-vegan family devoured it!

I got you if chocolate ain't your thing (gasp!), go ahead and have a moment with this luscious vegan gingerbread. Or how about a zesty lemon polenta cake? You won't be disappointed!

And for a hearty, surprising twist, the shockingly good banana peel curry is a must-try! (yes, that's right, banana peel it is.)

Want more? (What am I even asking, of course you do.) At nigella.com, you'll find a treasure trove of over 80 vegan recipes.

Now, if you're itching to dive even deeper into Nigella's culinary world and her engaging, lyrical writing style, snag one of her cookbooks.

She doesn't have a vegan or vegetarian cookbook (yet!), but her latest masterpiece, Cook, Eat, Repeat, has a good amount of vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free recipes that are clearly marked in the index.

Jamie Oliver

Next up is the British culinary whirlwind, Jamie Oliver!

Have you heard him talk about the future of food? He's all about that plant-forward life, and he walks the walk – his website boasts a whopping 170 (!) straight-up vegan recipes. Yesssss, ONE. HUNDRED. SEVENTY. (and counting) You can understand my excitement, right?

Have you seen his energy in the kitchen? It's inspiring! The man knows how to get everyone pumped about food!

But you know what else I admire about him? He doesn't shy away from the tough topics in food, like the importance of reducing sugar. His (successful, btw) "Less Sugar" campaign is proof that he cares about both taste and healthy living.

Plus, he’s always been a veggie champ. So, it's no surprise that his website is overflowing with vegan goodness. I've tried so, so many of his recipes that I've lost count!

Seriously, you gotta try Jamie Oliver’s vegan chili, chocolate brownies, epic vegan burger, toffee apple upside-down cake (just saying the name makes my mouth water!), tasty vegan lasagna, whole roasted spiced cauliflower, and those darn delicious vegan chocolate pods. And that's just scratching the surface!

OK, ok, because I know you're craving it, and I'm all in, here are two fun bonus recipes: mini vegan doughnuts and homemade vegan choc Easter eggs!

Now, for all of us cookbook aficionados (welcome to the fam), Jamie Oliver's got something special: Veg: Easy & Delicious Meals for Everyone.

It's technically vegetarian, but a ton of the recipes are either vegan or easily veganizable. And bonus points to this celebrity chef for having a dedicated meat-free cookbook! What’s more, his dishes are all about celebrating veggies, not just mimicking meat. So it's perfect for anyone side-eyeing those TVP (textured vegetable protein) meat substitutes.

Martha Stewart

Let's take a jaunt across the ocean from Great Britain to the US to visit the one and only Martha Stewart, the queen of American cooking and all-around boss/business lady.

If you've ever needed a crash course in all things kitchen, you've probably picked up one of Martha Stewart's "How to…" guides or cooking tutorials. Seriously, she has shown millions of people around the world how to cook better at home!

Like, want to know how to make speedy sauerkraut, turn lemon zest into sweet candy, or master a vegan pie crust? Martha Stewart has got you covered.

But beyond the basics, does she have any vegan yumminess? You bet she does. Like any good American chef, Martha Stewart’s got a dangerously delicious banana bread. So simple! So good!

Be sure to also try the vegan apple pie, vegan meatballs, and Martha Stewart's vegetarian chili (turns out it's vegan, plus super speedy (if you don't have 2-3 hours to invest for a more traditional chili dish).

Let's get romantic, shall we? This is for all the sparkled-eyed soon-to-be brides or grooms. First: CONGRATULATIONS! I have a feeling Martha Stewart’s articles on vegan wedding cakes and wedding menus will make your heart skip a beat.

And there is even more veggie yumminess waiting for you on Martha Stewart’s website.

In terms of cookbooks, Martha Stewart has an epic collection (soon to hit the 100^th milestone – say WHAAAAT!).

None of them are strictly vegan (hey, none of the chefs on this list have gone full vegan or vegetarian!), but her book Meatless is a real game-changer (published in the early 2010s, way before other celebrity chefs caught on that “meat-free” is going to be a thing).

Meatless is packed with tons of healthy protein options and delicious recipes that are clearly marked as vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free. Plus, with a little creativity (and maybe a trip to the grocery store or online shopping spree), you can easily veganize most of her vegetarian dishes with some quality vegan cheese or egg replacements.

Rachel Khoo

Back to Britain it is.

Or going around the globe?

After all, Rachel Khoo is a British celebrity chef with Chinese roots, a fancy patisserie degree from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, and a Swedish husband. That makes her a polyglot gourmet who likes diving into different culinary traditions, don't you think?

I had a blast watching her TV shows "The Little Paris Kitchen" and "My Swedish Kitchen". But what really got me excited was seeing her featuring vegan recipes in her latest shows. Have you seen it?

You absolutely have to try her Swedish-style falafels with red cabbage (so fresh & fun!) and her vegan Swedish meatballs with cauliflower mash (hearty & all-round satisfying).

I'd also very much like to encourage you to make Rachel Khoo’s chocolate mud cake. I can feel your suspicioun across the monitor. Did you just narrow your eyes? Well, I get it – sure you're unsure about this cake. I mean, it's not just vegan (of course it is!), it's also gluten-free AND refined sugar-free! AND the frosting is made with avocados instead of butter? Basically, it's a guilt-free breakfast in chocolaty cake form! The delicious, more-ish kind that screams 2nd and 3rd helpings.

You can find all the mouthwatering recipes I mentioned in Rachel Khoo’s lovely The Little Swedish Kitchen cookbook. Fair warning – it's far from being vegan. That being said, it's a fantastic book for exploring Swedish culinary traditions with a modern twist, courtesy of Rachel Khoo.

Oh, and before I forget, those 5-ingredient banana oat cookies from the cookbook? Heavenly, oat-ly, banana-ly delicious! Plus, they're totally plant-based if you use vegan butter.

Nadiya Hussain

Please tell me you know Nadiya Hussain! She’s absolutely fabulous, gorgeous, and stunning, with the most vibrant, colorful, everyone-loves-them, burst-of-joy-on-your-plate recipes you'll want to eat every day!

The second-generation British Bangladeshi feels like your friendly neighbor next door (you know, the one who brings over fresh-baked goodies every weekend?). She's the kind of person you'd love to grab a coffee with and chat for HOURS!

Her TV cooking shows are bursting with color and positivity – always guaranteed to put a smile on my face. It's crazy to think of all the amazing stuff Nadiya Hussain has achieved, especially considering the panic attacks she's dealt with her whole life (she’s talking openly about it on her website and in her memoir).

She's a true inspiration, landing spots on lists like the top 500 most influential people in the UK and BBC News' 100 Women.  

Over at The Happy Foodie, you’ll find a treasure trove of Nadiya Hussain’s recipes. Not all of her dishes are vegan, and not every vegan gem is clearly marked, so keep an eye out!

Here are a few plant-based winners that'll steal your ♡ (they sure stole mine):

• Sweet turmeric & ginger diamonds: Talking of little bites of sunshine here!
• Ginger rice w/ spiced chickpeas: Perfect for when you're craving something hearty and flavorful!
• Apple & olive cake: Sweet, tangy, gluten-free, and oh-so-satisfying!
• Pasta w/ peas & mint: Creamy, dreamy, and just the right amount of green goodness!
• Peanut & black sesame brittle: Crunchy, peanutty, yummy!

A bunch of her non-vegan recipes can easily go vegan...with a few tweaks! I mean, I swapped out the dairy in her Piccalilli Macaroni Cheese for vegan cheese (also vegan cream cheese and vegan butter), skipped the egg, and voila! Family-favorite status! (My dairy-cheese-loving relatives couldn’t get enough until they said, “One more forkful and I’ll pop!”)

And don’t get me started on Nadiya Hussain’s beet pasta. It's seriously yummy, positively addictive, and so, so pretty in pink. Thanks to the rise of vegan feta cheese (it’s everywhere in Germany, every grocery store has at least one brand), veganizing it is a piece of cake – err, pasta!

With just a teeny, tiny swap (ghee/dairy butter for vegan butter or neutral oil), you’ll instantly get some wonderfully taste-explosive mains with these recipes:

• Bombay potatoes: Spicy, crispy, and downright addictive!
• Whole roasted onion curry: Flavor explosion right about here
• Tomato galette: Rustic & comforting

Let's chat books! I'm a sucker for a good cookbook, and Nadiya's got some stunners. While they might not be the most vegan-friendly, she's got other books I'd recommend in a heartbeat, like her children’s book My Monster and Me (which really hits home when it comes to anxiety) and her beautiful memoir Finding My Voice.

Yotam Ottolenghi

Oh my oh my, have you heard of this totally down-to-earth celebrity chef? Yotam Ottolenghi seems to be so approachable, like someone you’d bump into at the market and start chatting about the best way to cook a parsnip!

But don't let his chill vibe fool you, this Israeli-born British chef is a big deal, especially when it comes to whipping up drool-worthy Middle-Eastern dishes. His many vegetarian and vegan dishes tell of his - the positive kind - obsession with produce and spices. Over on The Happy Foodie, they've dedicated a whole page to his epic plant-based creations. Do me a favor – no, do yourself a favor - and try his Ultimate Traybake Ragù or the Bkeila, Potato, and Butter Bean Stew.

But you know what Ottolenghi really excels at? Elevating the eggplant to royalty status! His eggplant game is impressive! Just check out these appatizing beauties (and yes, in British English, eggplant is called aubergine!):

• Aubergine with black garlic
• Burnt aubergine with tahini
• Soba noodles with aubergine and mango
• Stuffed aubergines in a curry & coconut dal
• Roasted aubergine with curried yogurt (just sub in Greek-style vegan yogurt)

And for starters, you gotta get a taste of his:

• Warm spinach & artichoke dip
• Sticky rice balls in tamarind rasam broth
• One of these 3 flavor-rich soups: Green Pea & coconut Soup / Roast Pumpkin Soup With Maple Walnuts / Chickpea, Carrot & Swede Soup

If you wanna see the man in action, binge-watch his TV show Jerusalem On a Plate. It'll have you craving all those Arabic-inspired and Jewish delicacies in no time.

Is your mouth watering yet?

Because mine sure is!

Let's indulge our cravings with more of Ottolenghi's produce-packed, spice-filled food. This top chef has not one but TWO vegetarian cookbooks, and both are loaded with veggie goodness: Plenty and his latest masterpiece, Flavor.

I'd vouch for both, although they're not exactly beginner-friendly or for those who like to keep it simple. All in all, Flavor's got more everyday-friendly recipes! Plus, the name says it all. You’ll get max flavor for your culinary labor of love.

Head over to The Happy Foodie to get a taste of some of the vegan dishes from Flavor.

Vegan Recipes From Iconic Food MAGAZINES

Celebrity chefs aren’t the only ones publishing more and more vegan recipes that are to die for.

Nope, the test kitchens of fancy food magazines are also churning out some serious plant-based goodies (maybe even more so)!

Since this article is getting ridiculously long, I won't bore you with a list of every mag recipe I've ever drooled over. Instead, I'll hook you up below with the top mags I turn to when the hunger strikes. They're just waiting for you to leisurely dive into their vegan recipe archives on a rainy Sunday afternoon.

BUT (yesss, all caps). There's one recipe that's got me all kinds of hyped: Food52's vegan chocolate chip cookies. These cookies are the bomb – seriously, THE BOMB!

The best – let me repeat: THE BEST – choc cookies everrrrrr.

I spent almost a whole year in the US, munching on those big, chewy-puffy-crumbly-in-the-middle, crispy-on-the-edges cookies with oodles of melty chocolate chunks. I taste-tested them over and over again. From bakeries, supermarkets, and my uni buddies' ovens.

By the time I returned to Germany, I knew what a good chocolate chip cookie was. I searched high and low to recreate that taste and texture. But none of the recipes I tried worked.

It wasn't until I stumbled upon Food52's recipe that I finally found my cookie heaven. And the secret? It's all in the technique! A nice, looong rest for the dough followed by a quick stint in the freezer. That’s it - such a game-changer.

Now back to my go-to magazines that are dropping some seriously drool-worthy vegan recipes (I've linked you straight to their vegan sections).

FOOD52
The Happy Foodie
Bon Appetit
Great British Chefs
Olive Magazine
Taste of Home

Over to you: What are your fave vegan recipes by celebrity chefs (or food mags)?

Wishing you planty of delicious delights today and forever,
Ramona

Psst ... you'll love the 11 Hottest Vegan Cookbooks of 2024 and these Epic Vegan Christmas Recipe Collections.

♥

More Vegan Collections & Cookbooks