10+ Easy Vegan Recipes to Whip Up Quick and Delicious Meals

Making delicious meals without animal products can actually be simple—and even fun. You don’t need fancy ingredients or loads of time to whip up something tasty and vegan.

Easy vegan recipes help you enjoy healthy, plant-based meals without stress or complicated steps.

Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or just want quick ideas for dinner, these recipes fit right into your busy life. You’ll find options that use everyday ingredients and come together fast, so you can focus on eating well and feeling good.

1) Tofu Scramble with Onions and Garlic

Tofu scramble is one of those dishes that’s both simple and surprisingly tasty. It’s got a texture like scrambled eggs but uses firm tofu instead.

Add onions and garlic for a savory flavor that really wakes you up. Start by cooking the onions and garlic until they’re soft and smell sweet.

Crumble the tofu into the pan and stir it in. Season with turmeric for color and maybe a little garlic powder or onion powder to boost the taste.

This dish works for breakfast—or honestly, whenever you want. It’s filling and you can toss in your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own.

Ingredients

• 1 block (14-16 oz) firm tofu
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft.
3. Crumble tofu into the pan. Stir well.
4. Sprinkle turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix evenly.
5. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often until heated through.
6. Serve warm.

For more ideas, see this easy tofu scramble recipe with onions and garlic.

2) Sweet Potato Patties made with whole plant-based ingredients

Sweet potato patties are a solid vegan option you can make with just a few basic ingredients. They’re easy to throw together and full of natural flavor—no oil or weird additives needed.

Add your favorite spices or herbs to match your mood. These patties work for meals and pair nicely with greens or a good sauce.

Using whole plant-based ingredients gives you fiber, protein, and vitamins in every bite. They’re gluten-free too, so plenty of people can enjoy them.

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed (or chia seeds) mixed with 3/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix mashed sweet potatoes, quinoa, flaxseed mixture, onion, garlic, and spices in a bowl.
3. Form mixture into patties about 1/2-inch thick.
4. Place patties on a lined baking sheet.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden.
6. Serve warm with your favorite toppings or sides.

For more ideas, see sweet potato patties recipes at Cheap Lazy Vegan.

3) Vegan Plant-Based Tacos

Vegan tacos are quick to make and bursting with fresh flavors. Use shredded tofu, tempeh, or lentils for the filling—they’re easy to cook and soak up spices really well.

Top with mango avocado salsa or guacamole for a creamy, bright finish. A vegan cilantro cream sauce brings even more flavor, no dairy needed.

You only need a few ingredients and about 10 minutes to get a satisfying meal on the table. These tacos are great for lunch or a chill dinner with friends.

Ingredients:

• Shredded tofu or tempeh (about 1 cup)
• Cooked lentils (1 cup)
• Taco seasoning (1 tbsp)
• Corn or flour tortillas (6)
• Mango (1, diced)
• Avocado (1, mashed)
• Fresh cilantro (handful)
• Lime juice (2 tbsp)
• Vegan sour cream or cashew cream (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat a pan over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).
2. Cook tofu, tempeh, or lentils with taco seasoning for 5–7 minutes.
3. Warm tortillas in a separate pan or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes.
4. Mix mango, avocado, lime juice, and cilantro for salsa.
5. Assemble tacos by adding the cooked filling and topping with salsa and vegan cream.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy your easy vegan tacos!

For more ideas, check out easy vegan tacos with shredded tofu here.

4) One Pan Baked Chickpea and Vegetable

This one pan chickpea and veggie dish is healthy and doesn’t take much effort. Just grab a baking sheet and your favorite vegetables.

Everything cooks together, which means cleanup is easy. The chickpeas get crisp while the veggies roast up soft and flavorful.

Add your favorite herbs and spices to make it your own. This is a good one for busy nights or meal prep.

You can find recipes like this with tips on roasting vegetables and chickpeas here.

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, carrots)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread chickpeas and vegetables on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through until everything is golden and tender.
5. Add fresh herbs after baking, if using. Serve warm.

5) Vegan Zucchini Bread

Vegan zucchini bread is a cozy way to use up extra zucchini. It’s moist, fluffy, and full of cinnamon.

You only need one bowl, so cleanup’s a breeze. Toss in nuts like walnuts if you like a little crunch.

The recipe swaps eggs and butter for applesauce and oil—nothing fancy, just simple stuff. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for a soft, tender bread.

Enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even dessert. It keeps well for a few days and freezes without a fuss.

Ingredients

• 2 cups grated zucchini
• 1 ½ cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup applesauce
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
3. In a large bowl, mix sugar, oil, applesauce, and vanilla.
4. Stir in zucchini.
5. Add flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices until just combined.
6. Fold in walnuts if using.
7. Pour batter into the pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Let cool before slicing.

For more details, check out this easy vegan zucchini bread recipe.

6) Vegan Dan Dan Noodles

Vegan Dan Dan Noodles are spicy, nutty, and packed with flavor. You get a bit of savory, a little sweet, and a nice kick in every bite.

Use tofu or mushrooms for protein. The sauce comes together with chili oil, sesame paste, soy sauce, and a splash of vinegar.

It’s saucy and satisfying—just the thing if you want something quick but bold. Top with spinach or peanuts for crunch.

You can adjust the spice to your liking. Why not make it your own?

Ingredients

• 6 oz noodles
• 1/2 cup firm tofu, crumbled or 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
• 2 tbsp chili oil
• 2 tbsp sesame paste or tahini
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp Chinkiang vinegar
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 2 tbsp crushed peanuts

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a pan, heat chili oil and cook tofu or mushrooms until golden.
3. Mix sesame paste, soy sauce, and vinegar in a bowl.
4. Toss noodles with sauce and cooked tofu or mushrooms.
5. Add spinach and stir until wilted.
6. Serve topped with crushed peanuts.

7) Mushroom Rice Easy Vegan Meal

Mushroom rice is a cozy vegan meal that comes together fast. You get tender rice, flavorful mushrooms, and fresh herbs all in one bowl.

Cook it on the stove or bake it if you want to set it and forget it. Vegan butter or oil adds a bit of richness.

Throw in chopped spring onions and maybe a little chili for extra zing. It works as a main or a side dish.

Try this recipe when you need something warm and comforting but don’t want to fuss too much. Sometimes, simple is just better.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup Basmati rice
• 3 tbsp oil or vegan butter
• 6 spring onions, chopped
• 1 red chili, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice until water runs clear.
2. Heat oil or vegan butter in a pan.
3. Add garlic, chili, and spring onions, sauté 2 minutes.
4. Add mushrooms and cook until soft.
5. Stir in rice and 1 ½ cups water.
6. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is cooked.
7. Fluff rice before serving.

For an oven-baked option, check this baked vegan mushroom rice recipe.

8) Vegan Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpeas

You can whip up a Vegan Caesar Salad with crispy chickpeas instead of croutons. The chickpeas bring crunch and a bit of protein, which is honestly a nice touch.

This salad leans on a creamy, plant-based dressing. Somehow, it still delivers those familiar Caesar flavors without any dairy getting involved.

The dressing usually blends cashews, garlic, and capers—rich, punchy, a little tangy. Toss everything with kale or romaine for a meal that tastes fresh and feels pretty healthy.

Roast the chickpeas with a few simple spices. They get crispy, golden, and surprisingly addictive.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 cups kale or romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked
• 2 tablespoons caper brine
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Spread chickpeas on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes until they’re crispy.
4. Blend soaked cashews, caper brine, mustard, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Toss lettuce with the dressing in a big bowl.
6. Top with crispy chickpeas and serve.

For a similar recipe, here’s Vegan Caesar Salad with Crisp Chickpeas.

9) PB&J Avocado Toast with Shoyu

Here’s a fun spin on classic PB&J toast: just add avocado and a drizzle of shoyu. The creamy avocado and peanut butter really work together, and the shoyu gives a bit of salty depth.

It’s sweet, salty, smooth, and honestly a bit strange sounding until you try it. You just spread peanut butter and mashed avocado on toast, then finish with shoyu.

If you want more texture, sprinkle on some sesame seeds or toss on sliced fruit. It’s fast and filling but doesn’t weigh you down.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices whole grain bread
• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon shoyu (soy sauce)
• Optional: sesame seeds, sliced fruit

Cooking Instructions:

1. Toast the bread until golden.
2. Mash the avocado in a bowl.
3. Spread peanut butter on the toast.
4. Add mashed avocado on top.
5. Drizzle shoyu lightly.
6. Sprinkle sesame seeds or add fruit if that’s your thing.
7. Eat right away.

10) 20 Minute Vegan Pasta

This vegan pasta is a lifesaver when you need something quick and good. It’s packed with veggies and a creamy sauce—no dairy, but you won’t miss it.

You cook the pasta and sauce together in one pot, which makes cleanup less of a chore. The sauce uses tomatoes and plant-based cream, so it’s smooth and surprisingly rich.

Add whatever vegetables you like. It’s hard to mess up.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup plant-based cream
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, bell peppers)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Toss in the garlic and let it sizzle for about 1-2 minutes.

3. Pour in the diced tomatoes and add the plant-based cream.

4. Add the pasta next, then cover everything with enough water.

5. Let it cook for 12-15 minutes, giving it a stir now and then so nothing sticks.

6. About halfway through, throw in your veggies.

7. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste, and serve it up warm.

If you want more quick vegan pasta ideas, check out this easy vegan pasta guide.