15+ Vegan Recipes to Brighten Your Meals

Vegan recipes offer a wonderful way to enjoy delicious meals while embracing a plant-based lifestyle. You can also explore new flavors and ingredients with these recipes. By incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes, you can create satisfying dishes that everyone will love.

Whether you are a long-time vegan or just curious about trying plant-based meals, there is something here for you. From quick weeknight dinners to show-stopping desserts, each recipe celebrates the joy of cooking with wholesome ingredients. Get ready to discover easy and enjoyable vegan recipes that will make your kitchen come alive!

1) Creamy Avocado Pasta

Creamy avocado pasta is a delicious and healthy dish you can make quickly. It’s perfect for a plant-based meal that is both satisfying and nutritious. The creamy texture comes from ripe avocados, making it a great option for a quick dinner.

You can prepare this pasta dish in about 15 minutes. Simply cook the pasta of your choice and blend ripe avocados with garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. This simple sauce will coat your pasta beautifully.

For an added twist, you can top the dish with cherry tomatoes or vegan feta. It’s a colorful and tasty way to enjoy your meal.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados
• 8 ounces (225 grams) of pasta
• 1 garlic clove
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh herbs (basil or parsley)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a blender, combine avocados, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs.
3. Blend until smooth.
4. Mix the sauce with the drained pasta.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve with cherry tomatoes or vegan feta if desired.

2) Chickpea Salad Sandwich

A chickpea salad sandwich is a tasty and healthy option. It’s easy to make and perfect for lunch. You can enjoy it on your favorite bread or in a wrap.

Start by mashing the chickpeas in a bowl. You can use a fork or a potato masher to aim for a chunky texture.

Next, mix in diced celery and onion for crunch. Add vegan mayo for creaminess and a pinch of salt for flavor. Fresh herbs like dill can add a nice touch too.

Spread the mixture on your bread or wrap. Top with lettuce or other veggies if you like.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas
• 1 stalk celery
• 1 small onion
• ¼ cup vegan mayo
• Salt to taste
• Fresh dill (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
2. Mash the chickpeas in a bowl.
3. Chop celery and onion, then add to the bowl.
4. Stir in vegan mayo and salt.
5. Spread on bread and add veggies if desired. Enjoy!

3) Lentil Soup with Spinach

Lentil soup with spinach is a tasty and healthy option for any meal. It is easy to make and packed with nutrition. You can enjoy it as a hearty main dish or a delicious side.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will need lentils, fresh spinach, onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and your favorite spices. This soup is not only filling but also rich in protein and fiber.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Your choice of spices (e.g., cumin, paprika)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until they are soft.
2. Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 25 minutes.
4. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and spices to taste.
6. Serve hot. Enjoy!

4) Vegan Lasagna with Tofu Ricotta

Vegan lasagna with tofu ricotta is a delicious plant-based dish that’s easy to make. You’ll find that the tofu ricotta adds a creamy texture, just like traditional cheese.

To prepare, layer your favorite marinara sauce with noodles, sautéed vegetables, and the tofu ricotta mixture. This combination creates a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy.

You can customize it with extra herbs or vegetables to suit your taste. Baking it at 350°F (175°C) will help meld all the flavors together beautifully.

Ingredients

• Lasagna noodles
• 14 oz (396 g) firm tofu
• 1 cup (240 ml) marinara sauce
• 1 cup (150 g) spinach
• ½ cup (75 g) nutritional yeast
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice
• Italian herbs (basil, oregano)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Drain and crumble the tofu into a bowl.
3. Add nutritional yeast, lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper to the tofu.
4. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
5. Place a layer of lasagna noodles on the sauce.
6. Add a layer of the tofu mixture and spinach.
7. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
8. Top with more marinara sauce.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
10. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

5) Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos

Buffalo cauliflower tacos are a fun and spicy twist on traditional tacos. You’ll love the crunchy texture of the roasted cauliflower mixed with a kick of buffalo sauce. Pair it with creamy avocado and crisp lettuce for a delicious meal.

These tacos are easy to make. You can prepare them in the oven or use an air fryer for a faster option. Top them with your favorite vegan ranch for added flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 head of cauliflower, chopped
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 2 avocados, mashed
• 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup vegan ranch dressing
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortillas

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Toss the cauliflower with buffalo sauce and spread it on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
4. Warm the tortillas in a pan or oven.
5. Assemble tacos with cauliflower, avocado, and lettuce.
6. Drizzle with vegan ranch before serving. Enjoy!

6) Mushroom Stroganoff

Mushroom stroganoff is a delicious and creamy dish that is easy to make. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home. You can enjoy it over pasta, rice, or even potatoes.

The key ingredients in this recipe include mushrooms, plant-based cream, and spices. The mushrooms provide a rich, umami flavor. You won’t believe it’s dairy-free!

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup plant-based cream
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pan, sauté the onions and garlic until soft.
2. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release moisture.
3. Stir in the vegetable broth, soy sauce, and mustard.
4. Simmer for 10 minutes, then add the plant-based cream.
5. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Serve over your choice of pasta or rice. Enjoy!

7) Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

This Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili is a delicious and hearty vegan meal. It combines tender sweet potatoes and protein-rich black beans for a satisfying dish. You can serve it with toppings like avocado and fresh cilantro.

To make this chili, start by cooking onion and garlic. Then, add diced sweet potatoes, black beans, and spices. Let it simmer until the sweet potatoes are soft. You can enjoy it on its own or with cornbread.

Ingredients

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Toppings: avocado, cilantro, cornbread

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add sweet potatoes and cook for a few minutes.
3. Stir in black beans, tomatoes, and spices.
4. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.
5. Serve hot with desired toppings.

8) Vegan Pad Thai

Vegan Pad Thai is a delicious and quick meal you can whip up in about 30 minutes. This dish features rice noodles, fresh vegetables, and tofu for protein. The sauce is a balance of sweet and savory, making it a crowd-pleaser.

You will need flat rice noodles, fried tofu, bean sprouts, and chopped green onions. Feel free to add other veggies you like, such as shredded carrots.

Ingredients

• 8 oz flat rice noodles
• 1 cup firm tofu, cubed
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 5 tbsp tamarind sauce
• 1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
• 2-3 tbsp maple syrup

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the rice noodles in hot water for about 10 minutes.
2. In a pan, sauté the tofu until golden brown.
3. Add the veggies and cook briefly.
4. Mix tamarind sauce, tamari, and maple syrup.
5. Toss in the noodles and sauce. Stir well and serve hot!

9) Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers

Quinoa and black bean stuffed peppers make a delicious and healthy meal. They are easy to prepare and packed with nutrients. You’ll enjoy the blend of flavors and bright colors.

Start by cooking quinoa. Mix it with black beans, diced tomatoes, cumin, and lime juice. This filling is rich in protein and fiber, making it perfect for a satisfying dish.

Next, hollow out bell peppers and fill them with your quinoa mixture. Bake the peppers in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes. This will make the peppers tender and enhance the flavors.

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
3. In a bowl, mix quinoa, black beans, tomatoes, cumin, and lime juice.
4. Hollow out the bell peppers and fill them with the mixture.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender.

10) Vegan Eggplant Parmesan

Vegan Eggplant Parmesan is a delicious and comforting dish. It features layers of crispy, breaded eggplant, rich marinara sauce, and vegan cheese. This meal is perfect for dinner and easy to make.

To start, slice the eggplant into rounds and coat them in breadcrumbs. Bake them until they turn golden and crunchy.

Next, layer the baked eggplant with marinara sauce and vegan cheese in a baking dish.

Bake everything at 375°F (190°C) until it’s hot and bubbly. Serve it with pasta or a side salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup vegan cheese
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the eggplant into rounds.
3. Coat the eggplant slices in breadcrumbs.
4. Place on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.
6. In a baking dish, layer eggplant, marinara, and vegan cheese.
7. Bake for an additional 20 minutes.
8. Serve warm and enjoy!

11) Chana Masala

Chana masala is a flavorful and hearty dish made with chickpeas. It’s a classic in Indian cooking and perfect for a quick meal. You can prepare it in about 30 minutes.

This dish is packed with spices, like cumin and coriander, which give it a rich taste. You can serve chana masala with rice or flatbread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas (15 oz, drained)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 green chili, chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
3. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.
4. Add the diced tomatoes and cook until soft.
5. Mix in the spices and cook for a few more minutes.
6. Add chickpeas and a little water if needed.
7. Simmer for 10 minutes and season with salt.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

12) BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

BBQ jackfruit sandwiches are a delicious vegan option that everyone can enjoy. They have a meaty texture and are packed with flavor, making them a great alternative to pulled pork.

To make these sandwiches, you will cook green jackfruit in BBQ sauce, which gives it a smoky taste. You can also top your sandwich with crunchy slaw for some extra texture.

These sandwiches are perfect for a summer cookout or a cozy meal at home. You can serve them with your favorite sides, like coleslaw or potato salad.

Ingredients

• 2 20-ounce cans green jackfruit in water
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup BBQ sauce of choice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sandwich buns
• Slaw mix (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Drain and rinse the jackfruit.
2. In a pan, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add the jackfruit and BBQ sauce. Cook for 20 minutes on medium heat.
4. Mash the jackfruit lightly with a fork.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve on sandwich buns with slaw if desired.

13) Kale and White Bean Stew

Kale and white bean stew is a comforting and nourishing dish. It’s packed with flavor and is simple to make. This stew is vegan and gluten-free, making it great for many diets.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil. Then, add chopped kale and cook until it wilts.

Next, mix in canned white beans for protein and creaminess.

Season the stew with vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer until the flavors meld together. You can enjoy this stew on its own or with your favorite bread.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups kale, chopped
• 2 cans white beans, drained
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add chopped kale and cook until wilted.
4. Stir in white beans and vegetable broth.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Simmer for 20 minutes.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

14) Vegan Jambalaya

Vegan jambalaya is a delicious and hearty dish that brings the flavors of Louisiana to your table. Packed with vegetables, rice, and beans, this meal is filling and nutritious.

You can make it in one pot, which simplifies cleanup. The mix of Cajun spices adds a nice kick to the dish.

To prepare, gather your ingredients and follow a few simple steps. You’ll enjoy a vibrant meal that’s easy to whip up on a busy night.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add bell pepper and cook for 3 minutes.
4. Stir in rice, beans, tomatoes, and Cajun seasoning.
5. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

15) Tofu Stir-Fry with Vegetables

Tofu stir-fry is a quick and delicious meal that you can customize with your favorite vegetables. It’s packed with protein and can be ready in just 20 minutes.

Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into cubes.

Next, heat some oil in a pan and cook the tofu until golden brown. Add your choice of colorful vegetables, like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots.

For flavor, you can use soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Stir everything together and let it cook until the veggies are tender. Serve this dish over rice or noodles for a complete meal!

Ingredients

• 1 block of firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. First, press the tofu for 15 minutes to remove moisture.
2. Then, cut the tofu into cubes.
3. Next, heat oil in a pan over medium heat (around 350°F or 175°C).
4. Cook the tofu until it turns golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
5. After that, add bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot. Stir-fry for another 5 minutes.
6. Finally, stir in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Cook for 2 more minutes.
7. Serve over rice or noodles. Enjoy!