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When it comes to preparing dinner on busy weeknights, quick and easy recipes are essential. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of 50 Quick and Easy vegan recipes from light salads to hearty mains! These recipes are perfect for any occasion, whether you’ve got last minute dinner guests, you’re racing against the clock before the kids’ soccer game or you’re just not in the mood to cook something elaborate. Whatever the occasion, every recipe in this list comes together from prep to eat in under 25 minutes and also serves as amazing meal prep options.
Maybe you’re not in a rush, but you’re learning how to incorporate more vegetables into your daily meals – this is also for you. Cooking with vegetables doesn’t just mean steaming or mashing, it can also be roasting, sauteeing or stuffing! It’s time to get creative with minimal effort and maximum flavor. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious, healthy meal on the table in no time. So, let’s dive in and discover your new favorite vegan meals that you can whip up in just 25 minutes or less!
Meal Prep
Spend a little time on the weekends prepping ingredients like chopping veggies, cooking grains and cleaning and prepping your berries. This will make weeknight dinners much faster. By having pre-prepared components like cooked rice or quinoa, and batch roasted veggies or tofu, you can easily assemble meals without the hassle of starting from scratch each day. Meal prepping also helps reduce food waste and ensures you have healthy options readily available, even on your busiest days. Another great way to meal prep is creating large batches of your favorite recipes and storing them in serving size containers so all you’ve got to do is pull one out and eat! Grab it to pack away for lunch at work or reheat on a busy week night. Are you interested in learning more about meal planning here!
Use Frozen Veggies
Frozen vegetables are a great time saver and are just as nutritious as fresh produce options. They can be quickly added to stir-frys, soups, and bowls. Since they’re already washed and chopped, they reduce prep time significantly. Plus, they’re available year round, making it easy to include a variety of vegetables in your diet regardless of the season. Going back to meal prep – another great hack for frozen veggies is to do the chopping yourself and store them in your freezer so that they last longer.
One-Pot Meals
Looking for recipes that only require one pot or pan? Any of the recipes below that are marked *easy clean up* are going to be your one pan/ one pot wonders and will have you eating more and cleaning less! I love the ability to make a delicious meal all in one pot – this includes roasting all the ingredients for one recipe in the oven like these Butternut Squash Black Bean Tacos. This not only saves time on cooking but also on cleanup. One-pot meals are perfect for busy weeknights as they simplify the cooking process and reduce the number of dishes you need to wash. Another great part about one pot and one pan meals is that you can often multitask while things are cooking; which leads me to my next point…
Multitasking Like a Pro
Maximize your time in the kitchen by multitasking. For instance, while your vegetables are roasting in the oven, you can prepare a salad or cook grains on the stovetop. By doing multiple tasks simultaneously, you can have a complete meal ready in less time. This approach helps you utilize every minute efficiently and ensures your dinner is on the table faster. I’m a big fan of cooking my grains and chopping my vegetables at the same time!
Make More Than You Need So You Have Leftovers
Cooking larger portions means you’ll have leftovers for the next day, saving you time on future meals. Leftovers can be packed for lunch or repurposed into a new dish, making meal planning easier. This strategy not only saves time but also ensures you have delicious, homemade food available without extra effort. Sometimes I make a soup that would serve 10 but save half in the freezer and half in the fridge – a great soup to make in large portions is my Creamy Sweet Corn Soup.
Over Prep Your Vegetables So You Have More for Another Meal
When you’re chopping vegetables for a recipe, prepare extra and store them in the fridge for later use. This way, you’ll have ready-to-use veggies for salads, stir-fries, or snacks throughout the week. Over prepping helps streamline meal prep on busy days and ensures you’re always ready to cook healthy meals.
Stock Your Pantry
Keep your pantry stocked with essentials like canned beans, lentils, pasta, grains, and spices. Having a well-stocked pantry means you can quickly put together a meal without needing to run to the store. Basic staples allow you to create a variety of dishes and adapt recipes based on what you have on hand, making cooking more convenient and flexible.
While this list of recipes is perfect for everyone, no matter your dietary preferences, it’s also a great place to start for those new to a plant-based diet, as I get questions about going vegan ALL THE TIME. Here are a few tips that perhaps you never considered:
10 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook
Get ready to enjoy a flavor packed High Protein Quinoa Pea Salad! This quick and easy dish combines cooked quinoa, chickpeas, and three types of peas all tossed with green onions and pumpkin seeds for a hearty, refreshing bite in every forkful. The oil-free Lemon Basil Vinaigrette is so delicious that you’ll want to put it on everything! It ties the whole salad together so nicely making it a solution to all your mealtime desires.
15 minutes prep
Looking for a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make salad that’s also gluten-free, oil-free, and vegan? Look no further than this sesame cabbage salad! This crunchy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying dish checks all the boxes, and whether you’re a seasoned plant-based eater or just looking to add more veggies to your plate, this salad is sure to impress even the most discerning taste buds.
20 minutes prep
This Vegan Dill Pickle Salad is a delightful celebration of spring, made with kale, romaine, red cabbage, cauliflower, chickpeas, and fresh dill. Topped with savory breadcrumbs and a tangy dill pickle dressing, it’s a perfect addition to any occasion.
15 minutes prep
A salad that you will make time and time again. It is so easy, so delicious and goes well with absolutely everything. This Sweet Corn Avocado Salad is a flavor explosion with zesty tajin, creamy avocado, and a touch of jalapeño, it’s the perfect blend of fresh and spicy. Plus, it’s ready in just 20 minutes! Serve it as a side to grilled veggies or enjoy it as a main, it’s extremely versatile.
20 minutes prep
This Rainbow Quinoa Layered Salad is a show-stopper at summer parties. Make it ahead and impress your guests with its beautiful presentation and delicious flavors. The quinoa marinates in the dressing, while the veggies stay crisp and fresh.
25 minutes prep
My Cilantro Lime Palmini Rice Layered Salad is a show-stopping vegan and grain-free dish that is perfect for any occasion. Marinating Heart of Palm rice in zesty dressing for an explosion of flavor! Give it a try, I promise you’re not going to regret it!
10 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook
This plant based salad was inspired by my love for the Whole Foods Cranberry Couscous Salad which if you haven’t tried it, it’s absolutely delicious! I may be biased, but my take on the Cranberry Couscous Salad is even better, and filled with better-for-you ingredients meant to keep you satiated. It’s the perfect side dish to any BBQ or social gathering – and it can also be easily adapted into a main course or used for meal prep! Try this salad and you’ll fall in love with its flavorful ingredients and light refreshing taste.
5 minutes prep
This High Protein Sumo Citrus Avocado Salad combines Sumo Citrus, creamy avocado, and edamame for a quick, nutritious lunch. It’s too easy to prepare and bursting with fresh flavors, and perfect for health-conscious eaters and anyone looking to increase their veggie and protein intake.
5 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook
This Crunchy Kale Salad combines tender kale, edamame, broccoli, and jasmine rice in a tangy oil free Thai peanut sauce. It’s vegan-friendly, great for meal prep, and ready in under 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights and healthy eating.
25 minutes prep
If you are searching for the perfect dish for a summer potluck or backyard BBQ, look no further. This gluten free vegan lemon poppyseed pasta salad is just the recipe you need. Its bright and subtly sweet flavor screams summer and it is filled with in-season summer produce for an easy to make recipe that is ready in less than 30 minutes.
25 minutes prep
Looking for a recipe to bring to your next dinner party that’s sure to get you invited back? This Orange Miso Palmini Noodle Layered Salad is literally the ticket. It’s low-carb, high-protein, gluten free and really easy to make! These palmini noodles soak up the orange miso dressing like a sponge making each bite delectable and delicious!
25 minutes prep
Craving a wholesome dish that’s as visually striking as it is delicious? Say hello to this Curry Chickpea Layered Salad – an intoxicating mixture of textures and tastes that will take your taste buds on an adventure! If you are familiar with my layered salads then you are going to LOVE this one; especially because it’s ready in a flash and can be made ahead of time and divided into smaller containers for meal prepping ease.
20 minutes prep, 5 minutes cook
Grilled Peach and Avocado Salad is a burst of summer flavors, featuring grilled peaches, avocados, corn, heirloom tomatoes, and Lemon Dijon dressing. Next time you host a summer BBQ, make this salad. It combines all your favorite summer ingredients including juicy ripe peaches, creamy avocado, local Iowa sweet corn, and fresh heirloom tomatoes. Grilling the corn, peaches and avocado enhances their natural flavor and takes this vibrant summer salad to the next level. it won’t be complete without the homemade dressing trust me – it won’t disappoint.
15 minutes prep, 10 minutes cook
Explore all the layers of my newest layered salad; the Layered Greek Pasta Salad! This salad is packed with gluten-free rotini, fresh veggies, and a creamy, oil-free dressing. A fresh and vibrant addition to any dining table or potluck!
15 minutes prep, 10 minutes cook
A dish that promises to not only satisfy your pasta cravings but also bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your table. It’s the perfect choice for anyone looking for a refreshing, nutritious, and easy-to-prepare meal that’s bound to become a new favorite. This recipe offers large portions making it an amazing meal prep option. It comes together in a flash, so if you’ve got last minute guests this is the pasta salad for you!
10 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook
Want a salad that is a total burst of sunshine? Every bite of this salad is delightful, bright and is filled with healthy, wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a quick lunch, a hearty dinner, or as a side dish refined sugar free salad for any occasion.
10 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook
This creamy Pesto Pasta Salad is so easy to make and it’s filled with flavor, making it the quintessential side dish for any occasion! Unlike traditional pesto that contains cheese and oil, we’re using perfectly ripened, nutrient-rich avocados! They give a little extra silky texture and they’re filled with healthy fats and fiber. Perfect for a Sunday brunch, springtime dinner, or a healthy meal prep this recipe will have you coming back for more!
20 minutes prep
Indulge in a vibrant spinach salad harmonized with the tantalizing sweetness of a strawberry rhubarb vinaigrette. Crisp lettuce provides a refreshing base, complemented by the delicate crunch of watermelon radish and green beans. Creamy avocado adds a smooth contrast, while pistachios impart a satisfying nuttiness. Fragrant basil leaves offer a herbaceous note, enhancing the medley of flavors. This oil free salad dressing is made with Strawberry Rhubarb Fruit Spread. There is no added sugar in this 100% fruit jam!
10 minutes prep, 10 minutes cook
Turn your life upside down and forget everything you thought you knew about chickpeas because this Cranberry Walnut Vegan “Chicken” Salad recipe is about to blow your mind. A perfect blend of chickpeas, cranberries, walnuts, and a creamy dressing makes this dish a must-try for anyone looking for a hearty, nutritious lunch option.
20 minutes prep
Embrace the simple joy of fresh ingredients with this Avocado Citrus Salad, and let it bring a burst of color and flavor to your meal repertoire. Made with a delicious Lemon Maple Vinaigrette, this citrus salad is perfect for a casual weekday lunch or a special gathering.
20 minutes prep
This Southwest Palmini Rice Salad is the perfect dish for an effortless, flavor packed, nutrient rich meal. Preparing it with hearts of palm rice instead of traditional rice keeps it light and fresh. This salad includes black beans, corn, cilantro and poblano peppers, all brought together with a zesty chipotle lime dressing.
10 minutes prep, 5 minutes cook
This Spicy BBQ Chickpea Salad is everything you want in a quick 15 minute dish. It’s filled with healthy ingredients and each bite offers a mix of both spicy and tangy flavors, and both crunchy and creamy textures, it’s guaranteed to become a frequent favorite in your kitchen.
25 minutes prep
If you’re looking for a salad to keep in rotation then look no further than this Southwest Salad with a tasty homemade Creamy Avocado Lime Dressing. This salad is a complete game-changer as it’s low-carb, gluten free, dairy free and ready in just 25 minutes. Need I say more?
15 minutes prep, 10 minutes cook
Originating from the coastal city of Nice, and pronounced “nee-swahz,” this niçoise salad embodies the flavors of the Mediterranean with a plant-based spin. This plant-powered version swaps in hearty tofu and tender hearts of palm, but keeps the traditional briny olives, boiled potatoes, sliced tomatoes, crisp vegetables and fragrant herbs. Each bites a celebration of freshness and a delightful homage to the colorful history and cultural fusion of the beloved Niçoise salad from the South of France.
10 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook
The Best Lentil Salad is no understatement – this refreshing and satisfying dish is perfect for any sunny day. It combines protein packed green lentils, crunchy veggies, and a tangy lemon dressing! This dish is versatile, easy to prepare and fun to customize. Serve it poolside, at a BBQ, or packed for a picnic, this salad is sure to become a favorite.
10 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook
The most delicious Quinoa Fruit Salad that’s perfectly paired with a homemade Tangerine Vinaigrette (trust me, it’s so good you’ll want to drink it!) This salad combines your favorite summer berries, fresh greens, the perfect amount of crunch and quinoa to satisfy and refresh all summer long! Perfect for any occasion, this salad is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and to everyone you share it with.
10 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook
This Kale Quinoa Salad with Sun Dried Tomatoes is not just visually appealing but also packed with essential nutrients. It is a healthy hearty salad that offers a flavorful bite and is incredibly easy to prepare. Ideal for anyone looking for a nutritious, vegan, gluten free and oil-free option that doesn’t compromise on flavor and is perfectly easy to meal prep.
10 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook
Dive into the vibrant flavors of spring with this Asparagus Lemon Orzo Salad. This dish pairs gluten-free orzo, crisp asparagus and protein-rich lupini beans, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. It’s ideal for a light lunch or a flavorful side dish that compliments a variety of main courses. Each bite encapsulates the freshness of the season, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or peaceful solo lunches.
10 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook
Enjoy this quick and elegant Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Salad, ready in under 30 minutes! It combines tender gluten-free pasta with a sweet and tangy homemade roasted red pepper sauce. Perfect for a healthy lunch, light dinner, or as a standout dish at your next BBQ, this salad is oil-free, gluten free, and dairy free, making it a great choice for a balanced meal or meal prep throughout the week.
10 Minutes prep, 10 Minutes Cook
15 minutes prep
Experience the ultimate summer refreshment with this Avocado Melon Gazpacho! This chilled soup combines the creamy richness of ripe avocados with the sweet, juicy goodness of honeydew melon, creating a vibrant and satisfying blend. Enhanced with a hint of lime juice and fresh dill, each spoonful bursts with delightful flavors. Perfect for a light summer meal or appetizer, this gazpacho is as easy to make as it is to eat!
10 minutes prep, 10 minutes cook
Revel in this quick 20-minute Spicy Kimchi Tofu Soup. Featuring Ocean Halo’s exceptional organic kimchi and tofu, this vegan delight promises robust flavors, gut-friendly probiotics, and a comforting warmth perfect for any meal.
10 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook
If you’re looking for a soup that is going to rock your world in under 30 minute, you’ve gotta try this Vegan Cream of Asparagus Soup. This perfect soup is gluten free, dairy free and creamier than you could ever imagine! Enjoy all your favorite vegetables in a creamy, dreamy soup that is perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
5 minutes prep, 20 minutes cook
This spicy noodle soup is gluten free, vegan, and ready in less than 30 minutes. Not only does it come together quickly, but it is also very easy to make, even with homemade broth. The shelf-stable silken tofu is ready to use right out of its box. The Asian-inspired flavors of the soup are bold and warming with garlic, ginger, and miso and the mushrooms add an abundance of umami flavor. Each bowl is a wholesome vegan meal with a good source of complete protein the extra firm silken tofu.
5 minutes prep, 20 minutes cook
20 minutes prep
This Vegan Egg Salad will have all the heads turning at the office for all the right reasons! Skip the smelly boiled eggs and embrace this lunchtime favorite! Featuring tofu, celery, and vegan mayo, it’s a cruelty-free twist on the classic, packed with flavor and perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or lettuce cups.
5 minutes prep, 8 minutes cook
Get ready to make the tastiest and easiest vegan mac and cheese of your life! No soaking cashews for this recipe because we are using incredible raw cashew butter to make the sauce. This 10 Minute Dairy Free Mac and Cheese is ready in the same amount of time it takes you to boil your noodles; it doesn’t get much better than that!
5 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook
ONE PAN RECIPE! Indulge in a savory and protein-packed delight with this high-protein one-pan vegan taco skillet. Bursting with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, this dish combines an array of colorful veggies, including bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, with hearty textured vegetable protein (TVP) for a satisfying meaty texture. Adding to the nutritional profile, Palmini rice offers a low-carb alternative to rice that is rich in fiber. With a medley of Mexican-inspired flavor, each bite is a fiesta for the taste buds, perfect for a quick and nourishing 20 minute meal that’s just as easy to prepare as it is delicious. This recipe provides over 25g of protein per serving and is great for meal prep!
5 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook
Experience a scrumptious 15-minute plant-based dinner with Balsamic Mushrooms and Creamy Palmini Mash. I used a palmini mash that complements the savory mushrooms and chickpeas perfectly, delivering a delicious and low-carb option. Feed this to any of your dinner guests and they will not believe this restaurant style dish only took you 15 minutes to whip up!
5 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook
ONE PAN RECIPE! Try this Creamy Miso Chickpeas for a quick, healthy, and comforting meal ready in just 20 minutes. This one-pan recipe combines chickpeas, coconut milk, and miso paste for a hearty, satisfying dish filled with rich, umami flavor. Serve over rice, massaged kale, or with crusty bread or naan for a versatile and satisfying dish that can be a main course, side dish, or appetizer!
20 minutes cook
ONE PAN RECIPE! All you need is 20 minutes and one large skillet to enjoy this incredibly fragrant and delicious meal. Since when can a curry be ready in 20 minutes? Since Jackfruitful Kitchen had its way and my goodness you will not want to skip this dish. This vegan and gluten-free delight is inspired by traditional Chana Saag and brings the flavors of Indian cuisine to your home.
5 minutes prep, 20 minutes cook
This aromatic recipe combines the richness of basmati rice with the warmth of turmeric, cumin, and ginger, all simmered in creamy coconut milk for a luscious texture. Topped with golden raisins, crunchy roasted cashews, hearty chickpeas, and fresh parsley, this dish offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors. It’s a wholesome and satisfying meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
10 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook
A 15 minute saucy tofu noodle recipe is almost too easy to make! It’s oil-free, gluten free, and packed with protein thanks to crumbled high-protein super firm tofu. It’s a quick fix for any busy weeknight, delivering loads of delicious flavor without any of the fuss. The savory sauce, made with simple pantry staples, coats the noodles and tofu perfectly, creating a satisfying and healthy meal that is also incredibly easy to meal prep.
5 minutes prep, 13 minutes cook
I took my classic mac and cheese recipe and turned it into a harissa veggie dish that you are going to love! Think spicy, flavorful, healthy and effortless. It’s packed with veggies and a bold harissa pepper paste, perfectly balanced with cauliflower and cashews. The best part? It requires zero chopping and is ready in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Add this to your menu this week for a dish that will delight your whole family.
10 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook
This Carribean style dish is bursting with flavors and comes together in a jiffy. Red beans and rice are a staple around the world and with good reason; the combination is satisfying, flavorful and pairs perfectly with anything. Not only is this dish super flavorful, it’s also incredibly affordable, nutrient-rich and a great source of complete plant protein. It is also naturally gluten free!
10 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook
This bright and easy Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce is both refreshing and quick to make! Combining rice noodles with crisp vegetables like carrots, red cabbage, and bell peppers, all tossed in a rich peanut sauce made with peanut butter, lime juice, rice vinegar, and sriracha. Protein-rich edamame and fresh herbs add nutritional value, making this vegan, gluten-free salad perfect for a hearty lunch, light dinner, or a standout dish at your next gathering.
10 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook
Weekends are meant for pizza parties (even if that’s a personal party for one) and this two-ingredient, super simple, plant-based, gluten-free crust makes those pizza parties easier and healthier than ever. To sweeten the pot even more, chances are you already have both of the ingredients you need! This delicious crust is made with flour and plant-based yogurt! Top as you choose or follow the full recipe for the dreamiest creamiest spinach artichoke pizza you’ve ever had! And of course, it’s totally vegan.
5 minutes prep, 20 minutes cook
This creamy vegan cauliflower cashew alfredo is a game-changer for pasta lovers. It’s made with raw cashews, cauliflower, and a blend of flavorful ingredients that create a rich, cheesy sauce without any dairy. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner, this might surprise you but this Alfredo is also gluten free and oil free! It is the perfect addition to your recipe repertoire.
5 minutes prep, 20 minutes cook
Experience the delight of my Vegan Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta. I opted to use sun dried tomatoes that were not soaked in oil so that this recipe could be as clean as possible! So many of you have enjoyed this recipe as it offers a luscious, healthy twist to a traditional Italian dish. It comes together quickly making it perfect for a comforting and nutritious weeknight meal.
5 minutes prep, 20 minutes cook
A pasta that has an ingredient list only 6 items long is a bit of a dream come true! This easy to whip up feast is creamy bliss from cashews, roasted peppers, and a cheesy twist from nutritional yeast. Ready for some pasta magic? Make this recipe tonight and love it for life! I guarantee it won’t be the last time you make it.
Author of the Clean Vegan Cookbook, Food Blogger and Recipe Developer from Des Moines, Iowa.
Jackfruitful Kitchen has proudly been featured in Forks Over Knives, Vegan Bowls, Vegan Food and Living, and DSM Magazine.
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