Vegan food gets a bad rap as bland and boring, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. There are so many delicious plant-based meals you can make at home, full of flavor and texture. Here are 14 dinner ideas to prove just how tasty vegan cuisine can be.
A bowl of coconut curry over rice is comforting and flavorful. Sauté onions, garlic, and veggies of your choice like bell peppers and broccoli. Add coconut milk, curry paste, and spices like cumin, coriander and turmeric. Simmer until the vegetables are tender and serve over rice or with naan bread.
Pasta primavera is a classic, bursting with the fresh flavors of spring vegetables. Toss cooked pasta with sautéd zucchini, tomatoes, spinach and basil in a light sauce made from olive oil, garlic, and vegetable broth. Top with vegan parmesan and fresh cracked pepper.
Nothing beats vegan tacos on a weeknight. Fill tortillas with spiced beans, salsa, guacamole, lettuce and your favorite veggies. A sprinkle of cilantro adds freshness. Serve with lime wedges, cilantro rice and hot sauce on the side.
A bowl of ramen is the ultimate comfort food. Make a rich broth from vegetable stock, miso paste, garlic and ginger. Add udon or ramen noodles, tofu, mushrooms, bok choy and scallions. A swirl of chili oil and a splash of sesame oil provide heat and nutty flavor.
Satisfy your pizza craving with a homemade vegan pizza. Use store-bought or homemade dough and top with tomato sauce, nutritional yeast, basil, spinach and olives. Add vegan cheese if desired. Bake until the crust is golden brown.
A chickpea pot pie is downright delicious comfort food for a chilly night. Sauté onions, carrots and celery, then add chickpeas, vegetable broth and herbs. Simmer, then pour into a pie crust and top with another crust. Cut slits in the top, brush with oil or non-dairy milk and bake until the filling is bubbly.
Nothing is cozier than a bowl of vegetable stew. Dice potatoes, carrots, celery and tomatoes and sauté in olive oil with garlic and herbs. Add vegetable broth and simmer until the vegetables are tender. Serve with a thick slice of bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
A stir fry with tofu and vegetables is a quick and healthy weeknight meal. Stir fry extra-firm tofu and veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, cabbage and bean sprouts in a wok or skillet. Make a sauce from soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil and chili garlic sauce and toss to coat. Serve over rice or noodles.
Vegan burgers can be just as satisfying as beef burgers. Mash beans, grains and veggies together with spices to make patties. Sauté in a skillet with oil until browned, then serve on buns with all your favorite burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles and condiments.
A bowl of vegetable fried rice is delicious any night of the week. Sauté diced carrots, peas, corn and tofu in sesame oil until crisp-tender. Add cooked rice, soy sauce, rice vinegar and spices like garlic and ginger. Stir fry until the rice is heated through.
Hummus and veggie wraps make a healthy, portable meal. Spread hummus, then pile spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers and sprouts onto tortillas or lavash bread. Roll up and slice in half or quarters to serve.
Black bean enchiladas are spicy, saucy and satisfying. Make an enchilada sauce from chili peppers, spices and tomato sauce, then fill tortillas with mashed black beans, rice and sautéd veggies. Roll up and place in a baking dish, pour over the sauce and top with vegan cheese. Bake until bubbly.
A Buddha bowl with grains, greens and beans is wholesome and delicious. Cook quinoa or farro and top with steamed or sautéd greens like kale, broccoli or Swiss chard. Add chickpeas or edamame, avocado, and a spicy nut or seed mix. Dress with a tahini or soy-based sauce. A perfect balanced meal.
Vegan food can be vibrant, flavorful and satisfying. With recipes like these, you’ll never miss the meat. Eating vegan meals a few times a week is a great way to boost your health and help the planet. Give these delicious vegan dinner ideas a try!
