10+ Easy Vegan Recipes for Delicious Weeknight Dinners

If you want to explore plant-based meals, easy vegan recipes are a great way to start. Many people think vegan cooking requires special skills or hard-to-find ingredients, but that’s not true.

There are many simple and tasty vegan recipes anyone can try. You can enjoy wholesome meals every day with little effort.

Whether you are a long-time vegan or just curious about a plant-based diet, you’ll find recipes that suit your taste. From quick snacks to hearty dinners, these dishes fit into busy schedules.

Making vegan meals can be fun and satisfying.

1) Tofu Bolognese with Marinara and Veggies

Tofu Bolognese is a delicious and easy meal you can make quickly. This recipe combines tofu, marinara sauce, and veggies for a tasty dish.

It’s perfect for pasta nights. Start by crumbling firm tofu in a pan and cook it until it’s slightly golden.

Add your favorite marinara sauce and chopped veggies like bell peppers and onions. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Serve it over cooked pasta. Enjoy this hearty, plant-based twist on a classic dish.

Ingredients

• 1 block of firm tofu
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup chopped vegetables (bell peppers, onions, etc.)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Spices to taste (salt, pepper, Italian seasoning)

Cooking Instructions

1. Crumble the tofu into a skillet.
2. Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium heat.
3. Cook the tofu until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add veggies and stir for another 3-4 minutes.
5. Pour in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Serve over cooked pasta.

2) Chickpea and Vegetable One-Pan Bake

This chickpea and vegetable one-pan bake is quick and simple. It’s a tasty way to enjoy a healthy meal with minimal cleanup.

Start by gathering chickpeas and a mix of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots. Add your favorite spices for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas and veggies.
3. Add olive oil and spices; mix well.
4. Spread everything on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until veggies are tender.

3) Avocado PB&J on whole grain toast

Avocado PB&J on whole grain toast is a quick and easy breakfast or snack. The combination of creamy avocado and sweet peanut butter with jam creates a delicious treat.

Start with a slice of whole grain toast for fiber and nutrients. Spread a layer of peanut butter for protein.

Add slices of ripe avocado for healthy fats. Top with your favorite jam, such as strawberry or raspberry.

This dish is colorful and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 slice of whole grain bread
• 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
• 1/2 ripe avocado
• 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite jam

Cooking Instructions

1. Toast the whole grain bread until golden brown.
2. Spread the peanut butter evenly on the toast.
3. Slice the avocado and arrange it on top of the peanut butter.
4. Add the jam on top of the avocado.

4) Quick tofu scramble with onions and garlic

Making a quick tofu scramble is simple and satisfying. This dish is perfect for breakfast or any time you want a nutritious meal.

Press the tofu to remove excess water. Heat a bit of oil in a pan, then add chopped onions and minced garlic.

Cook until the onions and garlic are soft and fragrant. Crumble the tofu into the pan and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.

Stir and cook for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. Enjoy this scramble with toast or on its own.

Ingredients

• 1 block of firm tofu
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional spices (turmeric, paprika)

Cooking Instructions

1. Press the tofu to remove excess water.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
3. Add chopped onions and minced garlic; cook until soft.
4. Crumble the tofu into the pan.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices.
6. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

5) Plant-based tacos with seasoned lentils

Plant-based tacos made with seasoned lentils are simple and tasty. They’re packed with flavor and make a great meal for everyone.

Start with cooked lentils. You can use canned or dried lentils, but season them well with cumin and chili powder for a delicious kick.

Fill taco shells or tortillas with the seasoned lentils. Top with avocado, salsa, and chopped veggies for extra crunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of lentils (or 1 cup cooked lentils)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Taco shells or tortillas
• Toppings: avocado, salsa, lettuce, diced tomatoes

Cooking Instructions:

1. If using canned lentils, drain and rinse them.
2. Heat lentils in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add cumin and chili powder, stirring well.
4. Once heated, fill taco shells with lentils.
5. Add your favorite toppings.

6) Mushroom Rice with Herbs and Spices

Mushroom rice is a simple and delicious dish that brings together the earthy flavor of mushrooms with fragrant herbs and spices. It’s a great way to enjoy a comforting meal that is vegan-friendly.

Use any variety of mushrooms you like, such as cremini or shiitake. Their rich taste pairs well with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.

This dish can serve as a main course or a side. It cooks quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice (Basmati or Jasmine)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and chopped mushrooms. Sauté until mushrooms are tender.
3. Stir in rice, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes (75°C).
5. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and garnish with parsley.

7) Easy Vegan Pasta Primavera

Easy vegan pasta primavera is a vibrant dish full of fresh vegetables. You can customize it with what you have on hand.

Start with your favorite pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. In a large pan, sauté vegetables such as asparagus, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.

Add garlic and a splash of vegetable broth for extra flavor. Mix in the cooked pasta and toss well.

A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can enhance the taste. Enjoy it warm and add herbs for a fresh twist.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta
• 1 cup asparagus, chopped
• 1 cup bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Nutritional yeast (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add asparagus and bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in cherry tomatoes and vegetable broth.
6. Toss cooked pasta into the pan and mix well.
7. Season with salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast if desired.

8) One-pot coconut curry with chickpeas

One-pot coconut curry with chickpeas is a delicious and easy vegan dish. This recipe combines hearty chickpeas with creamy coconut milk and flavorful spices.

You can have it ready in about 30 minutes. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pot.

Add spices like curry powder and cumin for extra flavor. Mix in cooked chickpeas and sweet potatoes for texture.

Pour in coconut milk and let everything simmer. This creates a thick, rich sauce that is perfect with rice or bread.

Add your favorite vegetables for more color and nutrients.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 sweet potato, diced
• 1-2 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic, cooking until soft.
3. Stir in curry powder and cumin.
4. Add sweet potato and chickpeas.
5. Pour in coconut milk and season with salt and pepper.
6. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender.
7. Serve with rice or bread.

9) Vegan lentil soup with carrots and celery

Making vegan lentil soup is easy and delicious. This soup is full of nutrients and flavor.

You will need lentils, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and vegetable broth. Cook the vegetables first, then add lentils and broth to simmer.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat (350°F/180°C).
2. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes.
3. Stir in lentils and pour in vegetable broth.
4. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes.

10) Fresh quinoa salad with veggies and lemon

This fresh quinoa salad is simple and packed with flavor. You can enjoy it as a main dish or a side.

Start by cooking your quinoa until it’s fluffy. Chop your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and parsley.

Mix everything together in a bowl. Dress it with fresh lemon juice and olive oil for a bright flavor.

Add chickpeas for extra protein if you like. It’s an easy way to eat more veggies!

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 bell pepper
• 1 cucumber
• 1 cup parsley
• 1 can chickpeas
• 2 lemons
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.

2. Cook quinoa in water over medium heat for about 15 minutes. Keep the temperature around 80°C.

3. Chop the bell pepper and cucumber. Chop the parsley.

4. Put all ingredients in a large bowl.

5. Squeeze lemon juice over the salad.

6. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper.

7. Toss to mix well. Serve immediately.