Recipe Contest

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VN DPG Recipe Contest 2026

The VN DPG is thrilled to announce its "Rediscover the Power pf Plant Based Eating" Recipe Contest!

At a time when conversations around dietary guidance, sustainability, and chronic disease prevention are front and center, plant-based nutrition remains a powerful and evidence-based approach to improving health. In alignment with National Nutrition Month’s theme, “Discovering the Power of Nutrition,” VN DPG invites members to rediscover the power of plant-based nutrition, not as a trend, but as a deeply rooted, culturally rich, and scientifically supported way of nourishing individuals and communities. This theme also highlights the essential role of culinary creativity in translating evidence into practical, delicious, and accessible meals. Through this year’s recipe contest, we celebrate the science, culture, and innovation that make plant-based nutrition both impactful and inspiring.

Recipe entries must belong to one of these categories: Breakfast, Lunch/Dinner, or Snacks/Dessert. The contest will run March 2, 2026 through March 31, 2026. 

Guidelines for Submission:

  • Must be a VN member.
  • Must be an original recipe.
  • Must be a full recipe including author contact information, recipe title, ingredient list, directions, serving size, and number of servings, photo of completed recipe, total prep time, and a brief sentence of how this recipe connects you to friends, family, and loved ones.

  • Recipe may not include product (brand) names.
  • Only one entry per category.
  • Must submit to one of three categories:
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch/Dinner
    • Snacks/Dessert

Prizes:

  • One grand prize ($50) to be awarded in each category.
  • Top Category Winners, along with their winning recipe, will be featured in the VN DPG Newsletter the Green Fork Report.
  • Winning recipes shared in the Vegetarian Nutrition DPG booth at the FNCE® DPG/MIG Showcase.

Submission Process:

  • The VN Recipe Contest will run through March 31, 2026
  • Only one entry per category per person allowed.
  • Complete the Submission Form

    Megan Rollman, RDN
    Megan is a registered dietitian nutritionist based in Minnesota. She earned her degree in nutrition from the University of Minnesota, where she served as president of the nutrition student organization. Megan takes a holistic approach to nutrition, helping others improve their health through balanced, sustainable practices. She is certified in plant-based nutrition and currently writes content for Sky Blue Wellness. Passionate about making nutrition fun and approachable, she enjoys educating others through counseling, writing and cooking.

    Lakeside Sunrise Burritos

    Lakeside Sunrise Burritos
    Click Here to View the Recipe

    How this Recipe Demonstrates "Food Connects Us" 

    “Chilaquiles are more than just a dish—they celebrate togetherness, tradition, and comfort. Rooted in Mexican culture, chilaquiles brought us together every Sunday as my grandmother strategically used leftover tortillas, salsa, and frijoles to create this dish. We’d all gather around the table and top our plates with our favorite toppings.


    Often made with lard and chicken broth, I’ve experimented with various methods to suit today’s fast-paced life and enhance nutritional value. This recipe is lower in overall fat, including saturated fats, and higher in protein while still packed with flavor and texture.


    A real crowd-pleaser, this dish has become one of my favorite contributions to potlucks and gatherings for its ease yet complexity, as many steps can be made ahead. It’s alsobudget-friendly and customiza ble for a variety of dietary preferences. Chilaquiles remind me that heritage isn’t something we preserve in silence—it’s something we pass on, one plate at a time.


    I must admit that the traditional methods gave the dish an unforgettable depth, and though the taste is different, it still carries the same warmth. Making this dish today allows me to offer others the enriching experience I enjoyed as a child while honoring my family’s culture.”

    Victoria Llerena

    Victoria Llerena
    Tori is a Southern California native who has always held a strong passion for caring for the vulnerable, starting at a young age where she discovered her love for animals. After finding work as an animal hospital receptionist, she quickly moved to the treatment floor where she developed emergency and critical care skills as a registered veterinary technician (RVT). She found working with internal medicine patients to be the most rewarding, realizing the significant connection between nutrition and disease. Recognizing a lack of adequate nutrition knowledge in society, Tori transitioned her focus towards human medicine and is now currently pursuing her Master's in Nutrition and Dietetics at Loma Linda University. Though her interest as a future registered dietitian (RD) is primarily in acute clinical nutrition support, Tori enjoys recipe development and hosts her own ad-free website with vegan recipes (AlkhemyMau.com).

    Vegan Lobster Roll

    Vegan Lobster Roll
    Click Here to View the Recipe

    How this Recipe Demonstrates "Food Connects Us" 

    “Due to my partner Tim’s shellfish allergy, I sought to find a way for him to enjoy the flavors of “seafood” once again. What resulted is now his absolute favorite dish! He has since shared this recipe with others who have fish or shellfish allergies, including our fellow vegan friends. Bringing flavors and tastes back to those I love has provided me with greater drive on my journey to becoming a registered dietitian.”


    Snacks & Dessert
     Category Winner

    Anna Tseng

    Anna Tseng, MPH, RD, LDN
    Anna Tseng is a Master’s level plant-based Registered Dietitian, Transition Coach, and the Founder of PlantNourished. She’s also a published recipe creator and Host of the Plant Based Eating Made Easy Podcast. Using her signature PlantNourished Transition Success Method, Anna helps busy people with health challenges simplify and streamline the process of moving to a plant-based diet, so they can enjoy a smooth transition and regain their health. Through her podcast, coaching, and the Plant-Powered Life Transformation Course, Anna empowers them with key skills, practical strategies, and tasty recipes, so they can live their best life now with the people they love.

    Vegan Lobster Roll

    Pumpkin Tahini Spice Cookies
    Click Here to View the Recipe

    How this Recipe Demonstrates "Food Connects Us" 

    “I just recently created this new recipe to celebrate my daughter's 9th birthday, as I wanted to make something special. We then packaged up these cookies with popcorn into little gift bags to give her classmates and friends at church. I love how food connects us all, regardless of race, ethnicity or culture. These cookies were also a chance for my daughter and I to express love and care to family and friends around us!