It’s the start of a new year, and I know lots of you out there are trying to up your veggie intake! Here’s a helpful list of vegan recipes for beginners, so that you can dip your toes in for a test. Don’t worry, I made sure they’re convenient, easy-to-make and delicious, just for you!
Many of these recipes use simple ingredients and/or are done in 30 minutes and under. Otherwise, many of them are just easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time, whether that means for weekly prep, or just taking lunch to school or work. Here, you have many options for low-effort recipes to choose from! And speaking of, you must check out my round up of low-effort recipes by Black creators!
In this list of plant-based recipes that are easy-to-make, I've made sure to label each recipe title with allergy designations (GF=gluten-free, SF=soy-free, and NF=nut-free). There are many allergy friendly dishes here, that can be made with accessible ingredients and in no time at all!
Easy Vegan Breakfast Recipes
I can’t have a list of vegan recipes for beginners without starting out with the first meal of the day! Here are some easy, quickly-made, or make-ahead recipes to get your morning going.
Banana Cacao Recovery Smoothie (GF, SF, NF)
A delicious, naturally-sweetenend, and healthy banana cacao recovery smoothie for helping you post-workout or after a rough night out.
Dreamy Tangerine Chia Pudding (GF, SF, NF)
Start your day with this Dreamy Tangerine Chia Pudding, the perfect breakfast bowl! It's simple, delicious and healthy.
Veggie Frittata Bites (GF, SF, NF)
These veggie frittata bites are nutritious, filling and TASTY! Plus, they are allergen friendly with no soy, gluten, nuts, or dairy.
A delicious and easy recipe of Peanut Butter & Jelly Oatmeal, that encapsulates the nostalgia of homemade lunches, but for breakfast!
Sheet Pan Tofu Scramble (GF, NF)
Having breakfast prepped for the week is truly awesome. I can help you out with that goal by making this easy, sheet pan tofu scramble!
Pumpkin Protein Chia Pudding Parfait
This plant-protein filled treat is great for breakfast all through squash season! The pumpkin chia pudding is made with silken tofu, then layered with granola and vanilla yogurt. Delicious!
Chunky Monkey Baked Oatmeal (GF, SF)
This Chunky Monkey Baked Oatmeal is a terrific and easy holiday breakfast inspired by the delectable ice cream flavor!
Oil-free Banana Buckwheat Granola (GF, SF)
Making granola at home is so much easier than it may seem! Plus, this banana buckwheat granola gives you another way to use up those SUPER ripe bananas (that’s not bread).
Tofu Scramble Breakfast Burrito (NF)
A filling Tofu Scramble Breakfast Burrito that has lots of nutrients and protein to get your day started off right!
Simple Vegan Lunches
These lunch ideas come together in minutes or are easy to make ahead for a work or school meal!
Kale Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad (SF, GF, NF)
Love Lebanese dishes? Make this Kale Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad! I take the well-loved tabbouleh from a tasty appetizer, to a well-rounded meal.
Gochujang Kimchi Tofu Salad
This no-cook Gochujang Kimchi Tofu Salad is bursting with flavor, has some heat, and is a great, protein-rich recipe to eat all through the Summer months. Nut-free, Gluten-free.
Vegan Turkey Lunch Roll-Ups (NF)
Easy-to-make and full of Mediterranean flavors, these vegan turkey lunch roll-ups are the perfect weekday meal!
Curried Tofu Lettuce Cups (NF, GF)
With warmer weather here, it's nice to have a filling, flavorful, and refreshing lunch or appetizer option. That's where these Curried Tofu Lettuce Cups come in! Perfect for enjoying in the sun.
Rosemary Chickpea Salad Sandwich (NF)
Here’s a back-to-school-ready lunch idea that’s easy and delicious!
Chipotle Tofu Rainbow Wraps (NF)
Try these crispy chipotle tofu rainbow wraps out, to make everyone envious of your fresh, flavorful lunch.
Balsamic Baked Tofu Sandwich (NF)
A melody of flavors in this marinated Balsamic Baked Tofu Sandwich come together to produce a satisfying and delicious meal!
Empowered Noodle Bowl (NF)
A delicious recipe for the Empowered Noodle Bowl with lots of veggies, and a Thai peanut sauce; from The Oh She Glows Cookbook!
Tofu Egg Salad Sandwich - Three Ways! (GF, NF)
Protein-rich, easy, and flavorful, everyone needs a classic tofu egg salad sandwich in their lives! Here are 3 ways to make the perfect, quick lunch.
Try this healthy and simple dinner of Steamed Veggies with Quinoa & Sesame Ginger Dressing during the week and you won’t be let down!
Tasty Vegan Dinners
For this section I made sure to pick recipes that either had simple ingredients, didn't take long to make, or could be prepped in advance!
Grilled corn and pasilla peppers, vegan coleslaw, quick bbq beans, plus, some cumin-spiced quinoa to make it an easy, well-rounded meal.
Chipotle Brown Rice Bake (GF, SF, NF)
There’s no need to pre-cook rice or sauté separately, just use pantry and freezer-friendly ingredients to make this dish!
Vegan Potpie Noodle Casserole [Meatless Monday Family Cookbook] (GF, SF, NF)
Need a convenient, nutritious dinner that’s perfect for the whole family? Author Jenn Sebestyen has us covered with this delicious Vegan Potpie Noodle Casserole!
Vegan Potato Corn Chowder (GF, SF)
This creamy soup is chock-full of veggies, super satiating and the perfect comfort food! Gluten-free, Soy-free.
Buffalo Chickpea Nachos (GF, NF)
Take a break from your standard nacho plate with these Buffalo Chickpea Nachos!
Gluten-free Avocado Tahini Pasta (GF, SF, NF)
Here, creamy avocado and iron-rich tahini come together to make a delicious, super-simple, dish! This avocado tahini pasta is great for a quick dinner, or make-ahead lunch.
Fall Farro Protein Bowl
A seasonal, vegan Fall Farro Protein Bowl that's easy-to-make, filling and delicious!
One-Pot Lentil Mushroom Pasta (SF, NF)
Put those dried lentils to delicious use with an easy, one-pot lentil mushroom pasta! This recipe is savory, satiating, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Grilled Tofu Miso Noodle Soup (GF, NF)
Here's a grill-em'-all soup with heaps of veggies, marinated tofu and rice noodles in a seasoned miso broth that is delicious and easy enough for a weeknight dinner!
No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake (SF)
This convenient and incredibly delicious No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake is easy, great for bulk-cooking, and will have you coming back for seconds!
Savory Tomato Cobbler with Cheddar Chive Biscuits (SF, NF)
Savory Tomato Cobbler with Vegan Cheddar Chive Biscuit topping! Delicious, hearty and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Mediterranean Sheet Pan Meal (GF, NF)
This Mediterranean Sheet Pan Meal is full of color, flavor, is allergy-friendly AND perfect for meal prep. What more could you ask for?
Portobello Fajita Salad (GF, SF, NF)
Need dinner in a pinch? This Portobello Fajita Salad from Vegan Yack Attack On the Go! is packed with flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes.
Divine Vegan Desserts
Sweets are some of my favorite things to eat, but also what you’ll find the least of when you eat out at non-vegan restaurants. Know that you won’t be missing out on the occasional indulgence once switching to a more plant-based lifestyle! Here are some dessert recipes that aren’t too labor intensive, have accessible ingredients, and a couple that can be made ahead.
No-Bake Berry Cheesecake Bowls (GF, SF)
Here is a cute dessert that has all of the creaminess and tang of cheesecake, along with a juicy berry topping and a crunchy raw crust, without all of the baking and waiting.
Vanilla Fig Cake (SF, NF)
This Vanilla Fig Cake is dotted with vanilla bean caviar, oil-free, super moist, and topped with sweet figs. Perfect with a cup of tea!
Cinnamon Knots with Glaze Dip (SF, NF)
Soft dough knots with a golden crust, cinnamon sugar insides and sweet glaze make for quite the treat!
Berries and Cream Puff Pastry Bites
If you like a dessert that's "not too sweet" you will LOVE these Berries & Cream Puff Pastry Bites. With a filling akin to a sweetened mascarpone and a super-flaky base, you can't go wrong.
Avocado Raspberry Pops (GF, SF, NF)
Ultra-creamy, plant-based popsicles made with avocados, lemon, and tart raspberries! These Avocado Raspberry Pops take only 7 ingredients, and are soy-free, nut-free, and vegan.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy Bites [The Vegan 8 Cookbook] (GF, SF)
Easy-to-make and with only 8 ingredients, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy Bites are perfect for satiating that sweet tooth in no time!
One-Bowl Vegan Chocolate Chai Cookies (SF, NF)
These rich, spiced, one-bowl Chocolate Chai Cookies with pepitas are what autumnal dreams are made of.
Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chia Parfait (GF, SF)
A filling, inviting breakfast that is satisfying, and doubles as a dessert!
And there you have it! A wonderful and diverse list of vegan recipes for beginners that with satiate your appetite. For more recipes or advice on how to go vegan, check out ChooseVeg.com!
