Whether you want to be a more sustainable eater or just save time in the kitchen, these easy vegan recipes for busy weeknights will help you get dinner on the table. They’re also perfect for anyone who’s new to cooking with plant-based ingredients!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Making vegan meals doesn’t have to be difficult with the right plant-based ingredients and substitutes. |
| 2. It’s easy to get enough protein on a vegan diet by incorporating plant-based protein sources like lentils and tofu. |
| 3. Cooking with plant-based ingredients can be just as flavorful and satisfying as cooking with animal products. |
| 4. A plant-based diet can have numerous health benefits and may lead to a longer, healthier life. |
| 5. There are many resources available for easy and delicious vegan recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. |
Pasta With Mushrooms And White Beans
Ingredients:
- 200g pasta (or 4 cups cooked)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped finely
- handful of fresh parsley and basil leaves, chopped finely (or use dried herbs) – optional
Directions:
Cook the pasta according to the directions on the packet or jar. Drain when cooked and set aside in a bowl. 2. Heat up 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add the mushrooms, garlic and herbs and cook for about 5 minutes until softened but still firm. 3. Stir through your cooked pasta along with some salt & pepper to taste!
Cooking vegan meals can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Many animal products can easily be substituted with plant-based alternatives. To add more variety to your meals and make the transition to veganism easier, check out our guide on Vegan Cooking 101 for helpful tips and tricks.
Tomato-Basil Frittata
This recipe is so easy that it almost feels like cheating. Plus, if you have any leftovers (which will be likely because this dish is so good), they’re great to have on hand.
You can serve it over spaghetti squash or fresh greens for a lighter meal, or add some more protein by topping with fried eggs and serving alongside some crusty bread. The possibilities are endless!
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 8 |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Tomato, diced | 1 cup |
| Basil, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs together with milk, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet and sauté diced tomato until soft and translucent, around 5 minutes.
- Pour egg mixture over the tomatoes in the skillet and let cook for an additional 5 minutes on low heat.
- Sprinkle chopped basil over the top of the frittata and transfer the skillet to the oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the eggs are cooked through and slightly puffy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Takeaway: This tomato-basil frittata is a simple and easy recipe that makes an excellent meal anytime. Serve it over spaghetti squash or fresh greens for a lighter meal, or add more protein by topping with fried eggs and serving alongside some crusty bread. With endless possibilities, this recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Ham And Cheese Quinoa Cups
To make these delicious ham and cheese quinoa cups, you will need:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cup diced ham or turkey (I like to use leftover holiday ham)
- 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any other kind of cheese you prefer)
- 1 egg, beaten (optional)
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Spray an 8×8 baking dish with non-stick spray and spoon mixture into the pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown on top. Let cool slightly before serving!
One of the biggest misconceptions about a vegan diet is that it’s difficult to get enough protein. However, with the right foods, reaching your daily protein needs can be easy and delicious. From quinoa to lentils, check out our guide on Vegan Power Foods for ideas on the best plant-based protein sources.
Lemony Chickpea Stew
Ingredients: 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed), 1 cup vegetable broth, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 teaspoons cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon thyme
How to make it: Put everything in a pot over medium heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chickpeas are soft.
How long will it last? Store in an airtight container in your refrigerator up to 5 days. If you want to freeze this dish for future use make sure that you pack it tightly so there’s no room for liquid expansion when frozen.
Tips for making this recipe better: serve with crusty bread or crackers!
Black Bean Sweet Potato Burritos
These burritos are hearty and full of flavor. They’re also very easy to make and can be made ahead of time for quick assembly.
The sweet potato provides the perfect amount of sweetness without making the burrito too sweet, while the black beans add protein and fiber.
You’ll need:
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and chopped into cubes
- 1 tablespoon oil (grape seed oil works best)
- 2 cups black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves roughly chopped (optional) – I love cilantro so I add it in but you can leave this out if you don’t like it! If you want extra heat add some chili powder or jalapeño salsa on top!
Cooking with plant-based ingredients can feel overwhelming at first, especially if you’re used to relying on animal products. But with the right ingredients and techniques, vegan cooking can be just as, if not more, delicious and satisfying. To learn how to cook with plant-based ingredients like tofu and chickpeas, check out our guide on Cooking with Plant-Based Ingredients for inspiration
Vegetable Tostadas
These vegetable-topped corn tortillas make a quick and easy weeknight meal. Throw them together when you’re feeling lazy, but also enjoy this meal as a way to pack in extra nutrition.
In addition to being delicious, the veggies are good sources of fiber, vitamins A and C, iron and potassium.
The avocado adds healthy fats and more fiber; salsa adds antioxidants; lime juice gives it some vitamin C. Parsley is an excellent source of vitamin K which helps maintain bone health!
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Corn tortillas | 4 |
| Black beans, rinsed and drained | 1 can |
| Red bell pepper, diced | 1/2 cup |
| Red onion, diced | 1/4 cup |
| Avocado, sliced | 1 |
| Salsa | 1/4 cup |
| Lime, juiced | 1 |
| Parsley, chopped | 1/4 cup |
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place corn tortillas on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy.
- While the tortillas are baking, heat black beans in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Top each tortilla with black beans, diced red bell pepper, and diced red onion.
- Add sliced avocado on top of the veggies, then finish up with a dollop of salsa.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice on top and sprinkle chopped parsley over everything.
Takeaway: These vegetable tostadas are a quick and easy way to pack in nutrition for a weeknight meal. The veggies are a great source of fiber, vitamins A and C, iron, and potassium, while the avocado provides healthy fats and more fiber.
Salsa adds antioxidants, and lime juice is a great source of vitamin C. Plus, parsley is an excellent source of vitamin K, which helps maintain bone health.
Eggplant Lasagna
Eggplant is a good source of fiber, potassium, and manganese. It also contains some antioxidants.
And the best part? Eggplant is low in calories and fat! You can eat it raw or cooked and it’ll be equally delicious either way.
A plant-based diet has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. To learn more about the benefits of a plant-based diet and how it can lead to a longer, healthier life, check out our article on Why Plant-Based Diets Are the Key to Longevity and Good Health today.
Falafel Burgers With Cucumber Salad
To make falafel, place all ingredients except oil in a food processor. Pulse until it forms a coarse paste, then add enough oil to form a smooth ball. Refrigerate for at least an hour or freeze it for up to 3 months.
To make garlic sauce, mix all ingredients together in a bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
To assemble burgers: Make 8 patties from the falafel mixture; they should be about 1/2 inch thick and 4 inches wide (or whatever size you want!)
Place patties on grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium heat and cook for 10 minutes on each side until golden brown with dark grill marks from your grilling tool or tongs if using one of those instead of pan (like me!). Spread each cooked patty with some tahini sauce before serving alongside the cucumber salad (recipe below).
Creamy Vegan Ramen
Vegan Ramen with Miso Paste:
- 1 cup vegetable broth (or more if needed)
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 carrot, peeled and shredded or julienned into thin strips (julienne slicer is a fun gadget to have!)
- 2 cups cooked edamame (soy beans) – you can buy these canned in water or frozen. Or make your own from dry soybeans! But I find them hard to cook without burning them on the stovetop.
Contrary to popular belief, it’s easy to get enough protein on a vegan diet. From nuts to soy products, there are plenty of plant-based protein sources out there to give you the energy and nutrients you need. To learn more about easy ways to include protein in your vegan diet, check out our guide on Getting Enough Protein on a Vegan Diet now.
Lentil Walnut Veggie Burgers
- Add walnuts for an extra crunch.
- Add breadcrumbs for a firmer texture.
Add spices for extra flavor! Try cumin, oregano, or chili powder to make these burgers taste like the real thing.
Add vegetables to make your veggie burger more nutritious and flavorful! Try adding grated carrots or shredded zucchini to the mix but watch out: too much moisture will ruin this recipe’s chances of holding together in patties without crumbling apart in your hands.
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Lentils, cooked and drained | 1 cup |
| Walnuts, chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Bread crumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Cumin | 1 tsp |
| Oregano | 1 tsp |
| Chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Carrots, grated | 1/2 cup |
| Zucchini, shredded | 1/2 cup |
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked lentils, chopped walnuts, bread crumbs, cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Mix well.
- Add grated carrots and shredded zucchini to the mixture and stir until well combined.
- Form the mixture into patties and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
- Serve on a bun with your favorite toppings.
Takeaway: This lentil walnut veggie burger recipe can be customized with additional ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Try adding breadcrumbs for a firmer texture, spices for extra flavor, or vegetables for added nutrition and flavor.
Lentil Sloppy Joes
Lentils are a great substitute for ground beef, especially in this dish. The sloppy joes are healthier than the traditional recipe, and they’re a great way to enjoy all of those tomatoes from your garden (or at least from the farmers market).
You can make these on Sunday and enjoy them for lunch all week long! Or you can even freeze them. That way, you can have something ready to heat up when your husband comes home from work after a long day and all you want is something tasty in your tummy.
Conclusion
So there you have it, 20 easy vegan recipes! We hope you enjoyed these delicious recipes and find some that suit your taste.
If you have any questions or comments please feel free to leave them in the comments section below.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for easy and delicious vegan recipes for busy weeknights:
Simple Veganista: This website offers a variety of vegan recipes that are quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
My Dainty Kitchen: Get inspired by these lazy vegan recipes that are perfect for when you don’t feel like cooking but still want something healthy and nutritious.
Keeping the Peas: These vegan recipes are not only easy and lazy, but they’re also perfect for meal prep to save time throughout the week.
FAQs
What are some easy vegan meals to make during the week?
Some easy vegan meals to make during the week include pasta with marinara sauce, veggie stir-fry with tofu, lentil soup, and sweet potato falafel wraps.
How can I make vegan meals more flavorful?
You can make vegan meals more flavorful by using herbs and spices, sauces like soy sauce or hot sauce, or incorporating flavorful ingredients like roasted veggies or caramelized onions.
What are some vegan substitutes for meat?
Vegan substitutes for meat include tofu, tempeh, seitan, lentils, and chickpeas.
Can I make vegan meals in bulk for meal prep?
Yes, many vegan meals can easily be made in bulk for meal prep, like lentil soup, veggie stir-fry, and roasted veggies.
How can I make sure I’m getting enough protein on a vegan diet?
You can make sure you’re getting enough protein on a vegan diet by incorporating protein-rich plant-based foods like beans, lentils, tofu, and tempeh into your meals.
Hi! My name is Hellen James, and I’m a vegan lifestyle enthusiast. I’ve been living the vegan lifestyle for over 10 years now, and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The food is amazing, the community is incredible, and there’s no way I could go back after experiencing all this firsthand.
