10+ Vegan Dinner Recipes for Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meals

Finding delicious meal options can be a challenge, especially if you’re looking for plant-based choices. Vegan dinner recipes are not only healthy but also offer a variety of flavors and textures that can please everyone at the table.

Incorporating vegan meals into your dinner routine can be simple and enjoyable. With a wealth of recipes available, you can create satisfying dishes that fit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry

Spicy tofu stir-fry is a quick and delicious dish that packs a punch. You can easily prepare it with fresh vegetables and flavorful sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.

Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Then, cut it into bite-sized cubes. For crispiness, coat the cubes with cornstarch. Next, heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the tofu until golden brown.

Add your choice of colorful veggies, like bell peppers and broccoli. Pour in your spicy sauce, which can include ingredients like soy sauce, chili paste, and garlic. Stir everything together until well-coated. Cook for just a few minutes to heat through, and then serve warm.

Ingredients

• 1 block firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili paste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Press the tofu for 15-20 minutes and cut into cubes.
2. Coat tofu cubes with cornstarch.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
4. Cook tofu until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add veggies and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
6. Mix soy sauce, chili paste, and garlic. Pour over the stir-fry.
7. Stir until everything is heated through and serve.

2) Lentil Walnut Tacos

Lentil walnut tacos are a tasty and easy vegan dinner option. They combine the wholesome flavors of lentils and walnuts to create a hearty filling. You can customize them with your favorite toppings, like avocado, salsa, or fresh herbs.

To start, cook the lentils until they are soft. Then, mix in chopped walnuts for added texture. You can spice them up with cumin, paprika, and chili powder for a flavorful kick.

These tacos are perfect for meal prep. The filling can stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days. Just reheat it when you’re ready to eat!

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Taco shells or tortillas

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the lentils until soft, about 20 minutes.
2. Stir in the chopped walnuts.
3. Add cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Heat through for a few minutes.
5. Serve in taco shells or tortillas.

3) Butternut Squash Risotto

Butternut squash risotto is a warm and creamy dish that’s perfect for dinner. It’s packed with flavor and is easy to make. This vegan version is both comforting and satisfying.

To start, preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Peel the butternut squash, cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and chop it into cubes. Roast the squash until it’s tender.

While the squash is cooking, heat vegan butter in a pan. Add minced garlic and let it cook for a few minutes. Then, stir in arborio rice and toast it lightly.

Next, add vegetable broth gradually, stirring often. This helps the rice absorb the flavors. Once the rice is creamy and cooked, mix in the roasted squash.

Garnish with fresh herbs for extra taste. Enjoy your delicious bowl of butternut squash risotto!

Ingredients

• 1 butternut squash
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup arborio rice
• Fresh herbs (like sage or thyme)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F).
2. Prepare and roast the butternut squash cubes.
3. In a pan, melt vegan butter and sauté garlic.
4. Add arborio rice and toast it lightly.
5. Gradually add vegetable broth while stirring.
6. Mix in roasted butternut squash.
7. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

4) Chickpea Spinach Curry

Chickpea spinach curry is a delicious and hearty meal that’s easy to prepare. This dish combines chickpeas and spinach in a flavorful sauce that warms you up. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Start by heating oil in a pan and sautéing onions until they’re soft. Add garlic and ginger for extra flavor. Next, stir in chopped tomatoes and let them cook down.

You’ll want to add your spices, like cumin and coriander, for a fragrant touch. Then, toss in the chickpeas and fresh or frozen spinach. Let everything simmer until the spinach wilts.

Serve it with rice or bread for a fulfilling meal. This chickpea spinach curry is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients!

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 4 cups spinach (fresh or frozen)
• Spices (cumin, coriander, salt, pepper)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
2. Sauté the chopped onion until soft.
3. Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in chopped tomatoes and spices; cook until tomatoes soften.
5. Add chickpeas and spinach; simmer for 5-10 minutes.
6. Serve warm with rice or bread.

5) Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Sauce

Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” are a great way to enjoy a low-carb meal. They are fresh and light, making them perfect for any dinner.

To make this dish, you’ll need ripe avocados, zucchini, garlic, and some herbs. The creamy avocado sauce adds a rich texture to the noodles without any dairy.

Start by spiralizing the zucchini into thin strands. This gives you the perfect base for your meal. Next, blend the avocado with garlic and herbs until smooth.

Toss the zucchini noodles in the sauce for a tasty finish. You can serve it right away, but let it chill for a bit to enhance the flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 clove garlic
• Fresh herbs (like basil or parsley)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Spiralize the zucchinis into noodles.
2. In a blender, combine avocados, garlic, and herbs. Blend until smooth.
3. Toss the zoodles in the avocado sauce.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve immediately or chill for better flavor.

6) Portobello Mushroom Steaks

Portobello mushroom steaks are a delicious and hearty option for a vegan dinner. Their meaty texture makes them a great substitute for traditional steaks. You can cook them in many ways, such as grilling or baking.

To prepare your mushrooms, start by marinating them in your favorite sauces or herbs. This adds great flavor and helps tenderize them. You can sear the steaks in a hot skillet for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.

If you prefer baking, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the mushrooms for about 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This method brings out their natural juiciness.

Serve your Portobello steaks warm with sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. They’re perfect for a satisfying and filling meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 large Portobello mushrooms
• ¼ cup of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems.
2. Mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Marinate the mushrooms for at least 30 minutes.
4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Sear the mushrooms for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

7) Eggplant Lasagna

Eggplant lasagna is a delicious vegan alternative to traditional lasagna. It uses slices of eggplant in place of pasta, making it gluten-free too.

To start, you’ll layer grilled or roasted eggplant with tasty vegan ricotta, marinara sauce, and vegan cheese. This dish is hearty and satisfying.

You can customize it with your favorite veggies for added flavor. Spinach and mushrooms work great in this recipe.

Eggplant lasagna is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead and enjoy it throughout the week.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup vegan ricotta
• 1 cup vegan cheese (shredded)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the eggplants and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 30 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.
3. Brush slices with olive oil and roast in the oven for 20 minutes.
4. In a baking dish, layer eggplant, marinara sauce, vegan ricotta, and vegan cheese.
5. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up.
6. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Enjoy!

8) Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl

A Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl is a tasty and filling vegan dinner option. This dish is packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice.

Start by cooking quinoa according to package directions. Rinse it well before cooking to remove any bitter taste.

While the quinoa cooks, you can prepare your black beans, which are easy to rinse and heat.

Mix your cooked quinoa and black beans in a bowl. Add your favorite toppings, like diced tomatoes, avocado, or corn. You can also drizzle some lime juice for extra flavor. Fresh herbs like cilantro can enhance the taste.

This bowl is customizable. You can switch up ingredients to match your preferences or what you have at home.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 can black beans
• 1 avocado
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• Lime juice
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water.
2. Cook quinoa in 2 cups of water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Rinse and heat 1 can of black beans.
4. Combine cooked quinoa and beans in a bowl.
5. Top with diced avocado and cherry tomatoes.
6. Drizzle lime juice and add cilantro if desired.

9) Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas

Sweet potato and black bean enchiladas are a tasty and filling vegan dinner option. They are simple to make and bring together lovely flavors. You can enjoy them any night of the week!

Start by roasting sweet potatoes. Mix them with black beans, spices, and some greens for extra nutrition. Then, wrap the mixture in tortillas and lay them in a baking dish.

Top your enchiladas with a homemade or store-bought enchilada sauce. Add some vegan cheese on top if you like. Bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until they are hot and bubbly.

These enchiladas are perfect with toppings like salsa, guacamole, and fresh cilantro.

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 cup kale or spinach
• 8 tortillas
• 1 cup enchilada sauce
• 1 cup vegan cheese (optional)
• Spices (cumin, chili powder, salt)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roast sweet potatoes until soft, about 20 minutes.
3. In a bowl, mix sweet potatoes, black beans, and kale.
4. Fill tortillas with the mixture and place in a baking dish.
5. Top with enchilada sauce and vegan cheese.
6. Bake for 20 minutes or until hot. Enjoy!

10) Cauliflower Lentil Dal

Cauliflower Lentil Dal is a warm and comforting dish, perfect for a vegan dinner. The blend of red lentils and cauliflower creates a hearty meal that’s both nutritious and filling.

You start by sautéing onions in olive oil until they are soft. Next, add spices like garam masala for a rich flavor. Then, mix in the cauliflower and red lentils.

Pour in vegetable broth and let it boil. Allow it to simmer until the lentils and cauliflower are tender. Finish with a splash of coconut milk for creaminess.

This dal pairs well with rice or bread, making it a delightful meal!

Ingredients

• 1 large cauliflower, cut into chunks
• 1 cup red lentils
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup coconut milk
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onions until soft.
3. Add garam masala and cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in cauliflower and red lentils.
5. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
7. Stir in coconut milk and season with salt.
8. Enjoy!