Looking for Vegan Recipes Easy enough to make on a weeknight? You’re in the right place. I’ve tested dozens of plant-based dishes that actually fit into busy lives—simple ingredient lists, minimal fuss, and real flavor. You’ll find quick breakfasts, no-fail dinners, and smart swaps that keep you full and satisfied. I think most people overcomplicate vegan cooking; from what I’ve seen, it’s mostly about a few staples and a couple of tricks. Read on and you’ll have 25 recipes, meal-planning tips, and nutrient notes you can use tonight.
Why easy vegan recipes work
Simple vegan meals are practical. They save money. They cut food waste. And yes—most of them taste great. You don’t need specialty stores or fancy tools. Focus on whole foods, bold seasoning, and reliable protein swaps.
Who this guide is for
- Beginners curious about plant-based meals
- Busy people who want quick vegan dinners
- Anyone wanting healthier, budget-friendly recipes
Top 10 easy vegan recipes to try (fast wins)
Below are compact recipes you can make with modest time and effort. I’ve included personal tips—little things that change the result.
1. Chickpea Salad Sandwich
Mashed chickpeas, vegan mayo, celery, lemon, salt, pepper. Smash, mix, serve on toast or lettuce. Pro tip: add diced pickles for brightness.
2. One-Pot Lentil Curry
Brown onion, garlic, ginger; add red lentils, canned tomatoes, curry powder, and simmer 20 minutes. Stir in spinach at the end. Serve with rice.
3. Tofu Stir-Fry (5-10 minutes active)
Press tofu, cube, pan-fry until golden. Toss with soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, and mixed veggies. Serve over noodles or rice.
4. Overnight Oats (Vegan Breakfast)
Oats, plant milk, chia, maple, and fruit. Prep the night before—done by morning.
5. Black Bean Taco Bowl
Black beans, corn, avocado, tomato, lime, cumin. Quick, nutritious, and kid-friendly.
6. Simple Vegan Chili
Mixed beans, canned tomatoes, chili powder, onion, bell pepper. Simmer 30 minutes—freeze leftovers.
7. Sheet-Pan Roasted Veg & Tempeh
Cube tempeh, toss with veggies and oil, roast 25 minutes. Fast, crisp, and great for meal prep.
8. Creamy Cashew Pasta
Soak cashews, blend with garlic, lemon, nutritional yeast; toss with pasta and peas. Rich without dairy.
9. Quinoa Bowl with Roasted Sweet Potato
Roast sweet potato cubes, combine with quinoa, kale, tahini dressing. Filling and portable.
10. Avocado Toast Upgrades
Mashed avocado, lemon, chili flakes, hemp seeds. Add baked beans for extra protein.
25 Quick recipe ideas (compact list)
- Peanut butter banana smoothie
- Stir-fried soba with mushrooms
- Vegan pesto pasta with spinach
- Hummus & roasted veggie wrap
- Spicy peanut noodles
- BBQ jackfruit sliders
- Vegetable fried rice with tofu
- Greek-style salad with olives & chickpeas
- Red lentil dal
- Stuffed bell peppers with quinoa
- Veggie-loaded minestrone
- Mushroom bourguignon (slow-simmered)
- Vegan shakshuka with tofu scramble
- Cauliflower tacos with slaw
- Smashed avocado & white bean toast
- BBQ tempeh bowl
- Roasted carrot & tahini salad
- Sweet potato & black bean quesadilla
- Simple miso soup with greens
- Lentil shepherd’s pie
- Chia pudding with berries
- Vegan sushi rolls (easy version)
- Green smoothie bowl
- Warm grain salad with cranberries
- Plant-based burger with sweet potato fries
Meal planning & quick vegan meals
Plan 2-3 core proteins for the week: tofu, lentils, chickpeas. Rotate sauces and grains. I usually cook a pot of lentils and roast a tray of veggies on Sunday—then dinners are 10 minutes away.
Simple weekly plan example
- Monday: Lentil curry + rice
- Tuesday: Tofu stir-fry + noodles
- Wednesday: Chickpea salad wraps
- Thursday: Sheet-pan tempeh & veg
- Friday: Peanut noodles + steamed greens
Protein, nutrients, and smart swaps
People ask me: “Will I get enough protein?” Short answer: yes, with a few staples. Mix legumes, tofu, tempeh, grains, and nuts across the day.
| Protein Source | Protein (approx) | Prep Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked lentils (1 cup) | ~18 g | 20–30 min |
| Firm tofu (100 g) | ~8 g | 10–15 min |
| Tempeh (100 g) | ~19 g | 10–15 min |
| Chickpeas (1 cup) | ~15 g | — canned: 2 min; dried: several hrs |
| Seitan (100 g) | ~25 g | 15–30 min |
Note: If you avoid gluten, skip seitan. For B12 and omega-3s, consider fortified foods or supplements—these are common vegan concerns.
Pantry staples & kitchen tools
- Staples: canned beans, lentils, quinoa, rice, oats, nuts, seeds, nutritional yeast
- Condiments: soy sauce/tamari, tahini, hot sauce, vinegar, maple syrup
- Tools: good knife, skillet, baking sheet, blender (for sauces & smoothies)
Time-saving tips & make-ahead hacks
- Batch-cook grains and legumes on Sunday.
- Roast a big tray of vegetables—use all week.
- Make dressings and sauces in jars; they keep flavors fresh.
- Freeze portions of chili, curry, and soups.
Real-world examples
I once taught a friend who claimed she had “no time”—we made three meals in 60 minutes total and froze two portions. Small wins—like prepping a jar of tahini-lemon dressing—change weeknight outcomes.
Frequently asked tips
- Flavor boost: toast your spices for 30 seconds in a dry pan.
- Texture: press tofu to remove water for better browning.
- Swap: use cashew cream or blended silken tofu for creamy sauces.
Final thoughts
Vegan cooking doesn’t need to be complicated. Start with a couple of recipes from this list and build a small rotation. Use the pantry staples and swaps above, and soon you’ll have reliable, tasty meals on demand. Try one recipe tonight—then tweak it to make it yours.
FAQs
What are some easy vegan recipes?
Try chickpea salad sandwiches, one-pot lentil curry, tofu stir-fry, overnight oats, and black bean taco bowls. These use minimal ingredients and are fast to prepare.
How can I get enough protein on a vegan diet?
Combine legumes, tofu, tempeh, whole grains, nuts, and seeds across meals. Aim for varied protein sources and consider fortified foods or supplements for nutrients like B12.
Can I meal prep vegan meals for the week?
Yes. Cook grains, roast vegetables, and prepare sauces on a single day. Store portions in containers for quick reheating or assemble bowls the night before.
Are vegan recipes expensive?
They can be budget-friendly. Staples like beans, rice, oats, and seasonal produce are affordable. Plan around sales and buy in bulk when possible.
What substitutes can replace dairy and eggs?
Use plant milks, nut creams, mashed banana or applesauce in baking, aquafaba for certain egg-like uses, and tofu or chickpea flour for scrambles and quiches.