Simple Recipes for Antioxidant-Rich Meals (15 Minutes or Less)

11 Quick and Easy Antioxidant-Rich Recipes for boosting nutrition in all your meals. These vegan dips and spreads are made with the most anti-oxidant-packed spices and herbs. Plus, they taste so good, that you won't believe they are incredibly healthy! Pair them breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or enjoy them as a snack, for more protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Plus, they're gluten-free.

Six simple antioxidant-rich dips for adding to meals, in white bowls.

Are you looking to meal prep easy protein sides for the week? If so, these flavor-packed healthy vegan dips will help you immensely.

Dips are the ideal vehicle for adding antioxidant-rich spices and herbs. They do not require heating, preserving the antioxidant power of these heat-sensitive substances. Plus, they have the best flavor profile and texture for adding herbs, and spices.

Finally, they are extremely versatile. I am always thinking of what I can add to boost the nutrition of my meals. This usually means adding greens, beans, or a generous sprinkle of herbs and spices. These easy dips are made with all these components and pair well with veggie bowls, sandwiches, crudites, grain bowls, roasted veggies, burgers, or almost any dish.

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🫚 The Most Antioxidant-Packed Spices and Herbs:
✔️ Expert Tips
11 Antioxidant-Rich Vegan Dips & Spreads
Edamame Guacamole
Sweet Potato Hummus
Beetroot Hummus
High-Protein Vegan Artichoke Dip
5-Minute Artichoke Hummus Recipe
Golden Hummus
Easy White Bean Hummus
Red Lentil Dip or Spread
Best Paprika Dip
Green Pea Hummus
White Bean Avocado Sandwich
💪🏼 Dip Toppings
👩🏽‍🍳 Made These Recipes?
💬 Comments

🫚 The Most Antioxidant-Packed Spices and Herbs:

These spices and herbs are among the most antioxidant-rich and contain compounds that may reverse cellular aging. They are my go-to ingredients for boosting the nutrition of my vegan dips, which I pair with lunches and dinners for more flavor and protein.

Black cumin seeds - Boosts AMPK, an enzyme that induces autophagy. Autophagy is the natural cleaning process by which cells remove damaged components to maintain their health and functionality. Daily black cumin consumption has been found in systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials to significantly improve weight loss, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, and blood sugar control. It may also lower markers of inflammation.
Long pepper - Contains a natural senolytic compound 'piperlongumine'. A senolytic compound is a substance that selectively targets and eliminates senescent cells, which are aged or damaged cells that can contribute to aging and age-related diseases.
Marjoram - In the oregano family with fifty percent more antioxidant powder than oregano. Adding a dash of marjoram can significantly increase the antioxidant power of a meal.
Ground cloves - Cloves have the most antioxidants of all herbs and spices.
Turmeric and black pepper - Turmeric is ranked the most anti-inflammatory food in the Dietary Inflammatory Index. It may protect against DNA damage. Pair with a pinch of black pepper or a healthy fat for the best absorption of its active compound, curcumin.
Salt-free seasoning - In a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease, excess sodium appears to be the number one dietary risk factor for death. Use salt-free seasoning for a flavor boost instead of table salt, and kelp granules for additional iodine.
Capers -Rich in quercetin (those who consume more quercetin appear to have half the risk of dying from heart disease). Choose a brand lower in sodium.

✔️ Expert Tips

Grind whole spices at home or purchase them ground from reputable brands to reduce the risk of heavy metal contamination.
Black cumin seeds - grind them for serving using a peppermill
Long pepper - Purchase whole long peppers and grind them. I use this washable coffee and spice grinder.
Cloves - Purchase whole cloves and grind them. I use this washable coffee and spice grinder. Or purchase ground cloves from a reputable brand.
Storing spices: Store ground spices in a dark airtight container to limit the oxidation and degradation of nutrients.
Storing dips and spreads: Refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Add the antioxidant-packed herbs beforehand or for serving.

11 Antioxidant-Rich Vegan Dips & Spreads

Prepare these recipes as written. Then add the antioxidant-rich spices above to taste.

Edamame Guacamole

5-minute vegan Edamame Guacamole with plant-based protein and spinach! This healthy protein-packed dip tastes incredible! Perfect for snacks, sandwiches, picnics, parties, or a protein side at dinner! A crispy edamame bean topping adds more protein.

Sweet Potato Hummus

Sweet potato hummus is packed with antioxidants, and bursting with flavor. This homemade hummus will become a favorite in no time! Topped with crispy roasted lentils for more protein! Served with 2-ingredient Homemade Gluten-Free Crackers.

Beetroot Hummus

Protein-packed Beetroot Hummus that tastes incredible. This healthy version is made with red lentils and tahini. It's so creamy and is the perfect sandwich spread, dip, or protein addition to any veggie bowl. You do not taste the beets!

High-Protein Vegan Artichoke Dip

This dairy-free artichoke dip recipe is a take on the classic spinach artichoke dip, but it's vegan. It uses low-oxalate kale instead of spinach, and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Plus, this spread is made with all healthful and flavorful ingredients.

Dairy free cream cheese with artichokes in a white bowl next to crackers.

5-Minute Artichoke Hummus Recipe

5-minute healthy longevity Artichoke Hummus with Calabrian chili peppers, plant-based protein, and fiber! This spread tastes incredible! It's perfect for snacks, sandwiches, crudités, parties, or a quick snack!

Artichoke hummus with Calabrian chili peppers in a white bowl.

Golden Hummus

Easy golden hummus, packed with antioxidants and anti-aging compounds. This hummus recipe is brimming with healthful ingredients and perfect for dipping veggies or spreading on toast!

Easy White Bean Hummus

7-Ingredient Easy White Bean Hummus. Deliciously creamy, healthy, vegan, and gluten-free. Rich in plant-based protein, and lasts for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. The perfect snack with pita chips, or add to veggie bowls for more protein.

Easy creamy white bean hummus topped with chili crisp and served with crispy toasts.

Red Lentil Dip or Spread

5-ingredient High-Protein Red Lentil Dip & Spread is quick, easy, and cheap to make. Doubles as a creamy hummus-style filling for sandwiches, and a dip for veggies. Oil-free option.

High-Protein Red Lentil Dip & Spread in a white bowl with chopped parsley.

Best Paprika Dip

Dairy-free, easy to make, packed with vibrant flavors from roasted red pepper, garlic, and paprika, and made with all healthful ingredients. Serve this creamy dip with sliced baguette, or pita chips, or add some to veggie bowls for more plant-based protein. This roasted red pepper recipe even works well as a pasta sauce.

Green Pea Hummus

This Quick Green Pea Hummus is full of plant-based protein! The ingredients were picked to add flavor without too much salt, or oil. It's super tasty and even has red lentils, high in antioxidants and fiber for an extra protein boost!

White Bean Avocado Sandwich

Loaded with iron, protein, and nutrients, this is the best healthy sandwich you've ever tasted! Plus, it's plant-based and easy to make. Perfect for meal prep and an easy lunch.

High-Iron Avocado White Bean Sandwich being held.

💪🏼 Dip Toppings

Make a crispy bean or lentil topping for these dips. This adds significantly more protein and fiber, and a delicious crunch. These crispy toppings taste just like croutons but are so much healthier!

Plus, bean and lentil consumption is associated with a slimmer waistline and lower blood pressure. They also help regulate blood sugar, insulin levels, and cholesterol.

1. Add Crispy Roasted Lentils:

Method: Transfer al-dente-cooked lentils to a nonstick baking sheet. Toss them with a drizzle of olive oil or lemon juice. Add a dash of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Spread the lentils out in a single layer. Bake at 400ºF for about 15 minutes, or until the lentils are crispy, tossing them halfway. Remove from the oven and toss them with chili crisp, and chopped scallions as desired.

Crispy roasted lentils and green onion on a white baking sheet with a wooden spoon.

2. Add Crispy Roasted Chickpeas:

Make this crispy roasted chickpea topping in just 20 minutes! Follow my 3-step oven or air fryer recipe for the best Crispy Roasted Chickpeas every time. Plus, learn how to store them so they stay crispy!