10+ Vegan Dinner Recipes for a Deliciously Healthy Meal
Eating vegan doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or variety at dinner. With so many creative and delicious options available, you can enjoy meals that satisfy diverse tastes and diets.
Vegan dinner recipes can be easy to prepare and are often packed with nutrients, making them a great choice for you and your family.
Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just starting to explore plant-based meals, there are plenty of satisfying dishes to try. From hearty pasta to flavorful tacos, these recipes can transform your dinner table into a tasty experience.
Cooking vegan meals can also inspire you to be more adventurous in the kitchen.
1) Harissa-Spiced Lentil and Carrot Stuffed Flatbread
This Harissa-Spiced Lentil and Carrot Stuffed Flatbread is a tasty and filling vegan dish. The combination of lentils and carrots creates a hearty filling. The harissa adds a nice spice that makes the flavors pop.
You’ll enjoy the soft, warm flatbread as it wraps around the lentil mixture. This meal is perfect for any night of the week. Plus, it’s simple to make!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1/2 cup cooked carrots, diced
- 2 tablespoons harissa
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Whole wheat flatbreads
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix cooked lentils and diced carrots.
- Add harissa, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Spoon the mixture onto flatbreads.
- Roll up the flatbreads tightly.
- Warm in a skillet for a few minutes until heated through. Enjoy!
2) Vegan Spanakopita
Vegan spanakopita is a delicious twist on a classic Greek dish. This flaky pastry is filled with spinach, herbs, and creamy vegan cheese, making it a satisfying option for any meal. It’s perfect for dinner or a tasty appetizer.
You can use phyllo dough to create those delightful layers. The filling often includes ingredients like extra firm tofu and vegan feta for that cheesy flavor. Fresh dill and spring onions add a nice touch.
Ingredients
- Phyllo dough
- Fresh spinach
- Extra firm tofu
- Vegan feta cheese
- Fresh dill
- Spring onions
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté the spinach until wilted in a pan.
- Mix in the tofu, vegan feta, dill, and spring onions.
- Layer phyllo dough in a baking dish, brushing each layer with olive oil.
- Add the filling and fold over the dough.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
3) Spicy Cauliflower Shawarma
Spicy cauliflower shawarma is a delicious and healthy option for dinner. You can enjoy the warm, bold flavors without any meat. This dish features roasted cauliflower tossed in spices, making it both tasty and satisfying.
To prepare, start by cutting your cauliflower into florets. Next, mix your favorite spices, such as cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper, to give it a kick. Toss the florets in this spice mix and roast them in the oven until they are golden and tender.
Serve your spicy cauliflower shawarma in a pita or over rice. Add toppings like fresh veggies, tahini sauce, or yogurt for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 large cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Cut the cauliflower into florets.
- In a bowl, mix the olive oil and spices.
- Toss the cauliflower in the spice mixture.
- Spread the florets on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes until golden.
- Serve in pita or over rice with toppings.
4) Vegan Lasagna with Hearty Veggies
This vegan lasagna is packed with hearty vegetables, making it a filling and tasty meal. You can customize it with your favorite veggies, like spinach, zucchini, and mushrooms.
Layered with marinara sauce and creamy cashew ricotta, this dish offers great flavor without dairy. The rich sauce and fresh herbs bring everything together perfectly.
To make this dish even healthier, consider adding a side salad. Enjoy this warm, delicious lasagna straight from the oven.
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup cashew ricotta (or tofu ricotta)
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
- In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce.
- Place 3 noodles on top, then add a layer of cashew ricotta.
- Add a layer of spinach, veggies, and another layer of sauce.
- Repeat until ingredients are used, finishing with sauce on top.
- Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
5) BBQ Jackfruit Pulled Pork
BBQ jackfruit pulled pork is a tasty and satisfying vegan dish. Jackfruit’s texture is similar to pulled pork, making it a great meat substitute. When cooked and seasoned well, it can satisfy any craving for BBQ.
To start, you’ll need young green jackfruit, which can often be found canned in water or brine. Drain and rinse the jackfruit before cooking. Sauté it with onion and garlic for added flavor.
Add your favorite vegan BBQ sauce and let everything simmer. This will let the jackfruit soak up the flavors. Serve it in buns with coleslaw for a delicious sandwich.
Ingredients
- 1 can young green jackfruit
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegan BBQ sauce
- Buns for serving
- Coleslaw for topping
Cooking Instructions
- Drain and rinse the jackfruit.
- Sauté onion and garlic in a pan.
- Add jackfruit and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the BBQ sauce.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve on buns with coleslaw.
6) Creamy Vegan Tuscan Pasta
This Creamy Vegan Tuscan Pasta brings together rich flavors and simple ingredients. You’ll love the combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach. It’s a perfect choice for a quick, delicious weeknight meal.
To make it, you’ll use a creamy base made from cashews, which adds a velvety texture. Fresh basil will elevate the dish, giving it a vibrant taste. You can enjoy this pasta with your favorite type of pasta for a filling dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. pasta (gluten-free if desired)
- 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
Cooking Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
- Blend soaked cashews and vegetable broth until smooth.
- In a pan, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Stir in the cashew cream and pasta.
- Mix well and serve hot.
7) Mushroom Pot Pie
Mushroom pot pie is a comforting and delicious vegan dinner option. You will love the creamy filling made with fresh mushrooms, vegetables, and flavorful herbs. The flaky crust adds the perfect touch.
To start, gather your favorite mushrooms, like cremini and oyster. Sauté them with onions and garlic until they’re tender. Add in some carrots, celery, and peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
For the creamy sauce, use a plant-based broth and some dairy-free milk. Thicken it up with cornstarch or flour. Once everything is mixed, pour it into a pie dish and cover with puff pastry. Bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mushrooms, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups plant-based broth
- 1 cup dairy-free milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sauté onions and garlic in a pan until soft.
- Add mushrooms, carrots, celery, and peas. Cook until tender.
- Stir in broth and dairy-free milk.
- Mix cornstarch with a little water, then add to the pan.
- Simmer until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour filling into a pie dish and cover with puff pastry.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
8) Tofu and Cabbage Slaw
Tofu and cabbage slaw is a tasty and fresh vegan dish. It combines the crunch of cabbage with crispy tofu for a satisfying meal. You can serve it on its own or as a side.
The tofu adds protein, while the cabbage provides fiber. This dish is perfect for hot days or when you want something light. You can customize it with your favorite dressings or toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 block of firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 4 cups of shredded cabbage
- 1 carrot, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: sliced green onions or sesame seeds for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- Cut the tofu into cubes.
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add sesame oil.
- Add tofu cubes and cook until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix cabbage, carrot, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.
- Toss in the cooked tofu.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
9) Vegan Mac and Cheese
Vegan mac and cheese is a comforting and creamy dish that you can easily make at home. It’s made without dairy but still packs all the cheesy flavors you love.
For a simple version, you can use ingredients like cashews, nutritional yeast, and plant-based milk. These create a rich and creamy cheese sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
You can also bake it for a crispy topping. Adding breadcrumbs makes it even more delicious. This dish is quick to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked)
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
- Drain and rinse the cashews. Then, blend them with nutritional yeast, plant-based milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked macaroni and mix well.
- If desired, transfer to a baking dish. Then, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
10) Vegan Pizza Margherita
Making a Vegan Pizza Margherita is simple and delicious. You can enjoy the classic flavors without any animal products.
For the crust, you can make a quick dough or use a pre-made one. Spread a tasty tomato sauce over it.
Top it with fresh basil and vegan mozzarella cheese. You can choose to make your own cashew mozzarella or use store-bought.
Bake the pizza at 475°F (245°C) until the crust is crispy. Enjoy your homemade pizza with family or friends!
Ingredients
- Pizza crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup vegan mozzarella cheese (homemade or store-bought)
- Olive oil (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Spread the tomato sauce over the pizza crust.
- Add fresh basil leaves on top.
- Sprinkle vegan mozzarella cheese evenly over the pizza.
- Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
- Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust is crispy.
- Remove from oven and let the pizza cool slightly before slicing.