More and more people are choosing to include plant-based meals in their daily routines. Going vegan can be a challenge, especially if you have a busy schedule. Finding delicious and easy-to-cook vegan dishes that you can whip up in a hurry becomes a must.
We’ve compiled a list of 10 delicious and easy vegan recipes for busy weeknights. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned vegan looking for new meal ideas, we’ve got you covered. These dishes will satisfy your taste buds in no time.
1. Quinoa Bowl
Looking for something healthy and filling? Here is the recipe for a quinoa bowl that you can customize according to your preferences. Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Next, gather vegetables and condiments that you like: diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, avocado, cilantro, and lime juice. Mix them together in a bowl and top it with your favorite vegan protein – tofu or tempeh. This plant-based bowl is packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
2. Vegan Chili
Craving something spicy and comforting? Say hello to our vegan chili recipe. It’s an easy-to-make one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Sauté onions and garlic in a pan until they turn translucent. Next, add in your diced tomatoes and spices, then stir. Add in your choice of beans and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Top it with crushed tortilla chips, vegan cheese, and cilantro. This hearty vegan chili is packed with flavors and proteins, and it’s also perfect for meal prep.
3. Chickpea Salad
Our chickpea salad is a flavorful vegan meal that’s perfect for hot summer days. In a mixing bowl, mix cooked chickpeas, diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, red onion, and a handful of freshly chopped parsley. Add salt, pepper, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil to the bowl for a delicious and refreshing salad. Serve it with warm pita bread or crackers for a complete meal.
4. Vegan Meatballs
If you are looking for a plant-based protein-packed meal, try our vegan meatballs. Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a mixing bowl, add chickpeas, oats, nutritional yeast, fresh parsley, and spices. Pulse it in a food processor until it forms a dough-like texture. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake it for 15-20 minutes, and voila! You have a vegan meatball dish that’s perfect with spaghetti or in a sandwich.
5. Vegan Tacos
Wrap up your busy day with this vegan taco recipe. In a pan, sauté diced onions with garlic and taco seasoning. Add in your protein choices like jackfruit or tofu, and let it cook for a few minutes. Create your toppings for the taco by mixing diced avocados, tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice together. Warm up your tortillas and serve with vegan sour cream or cheese.
6. Vegan Fried Rice
This vegan fried rice recipe is a delicious meal that’s ready in 15 minutes. Sauté some diced onions and garlic in a pan. Add in cooked brown rice, frozen mixed vegetables, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Cook it for a few minutes until everything is combined. Garnish it with green onions or chopped cilantro.
7. Vegan Caesar Salad
If you’re a fan of a classic Caesar salad, you’ll love our vegan version. Start with vegan Caesar dressing, made with tahini, lemon, garlic, and Dijon mustard. Pour the dressing over the romaine lettuce, and top it with vegan parmesan. Add crispy tofu or chickpeas for extra protein.
8. Vegan Lentil Soup
This hearty vegan lentil soup is perfect for colder days. In a pot, sauté onions and garlic with olive oil until they’re tender. Add in lentils, vegetable broth, diced carrots and celery, cumin, and turmeric. Cook for 25-30 minutes, and serve with warm bread or crackers.
9. Vegan Frittata
This vegan frittata recipe is simple, healthy, and easy to make. Mix chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, water, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add in your choice of veggies like spinach, mushrooms, and onions. Pour the mixture into a greased skillet and cook it in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes. It’s a perfect breakfast or dinner dish to enjoy with a side salad
10. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
End your busy weeknight with our vegan shepherd’s pie. In a pot, sauté onions, mushrooms and garlic with olive oil. Add in cooked lentils, canned tomatoes, and frozen vegetables. Add in mashed sweet potatoes on top of the pan and bake it at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until the potatoes are slightly golden.
In conclusion, being vegan does not mean sacrificing flavor and convenience. These 10 delicious vegan recipes are easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. They are healthy, satisfying, and will leave you feeling contented. Give these recipes a try and watch your taste buds savor the flavors of plant-based meals.