Here is the list of our favorite easy vegan recipes for beginners that make quick and easy plant-based meals, that the whole family will love. Regardless of skill set or experience level, you will be able to make all these tasty dishes in no time!

Find more easy recipes that are perfect for beginners vegans in our cheap vegan meals, vegan soup recipes, vegan wraps, vegan sandwiches and vegan meal prep roundups.

 

Easy Vegan Recipes for Beginners

 

1. Easy Vegan Garlic Teriyaki Tofu

vegan recipes for beginners
Photo: The Green Loot

Are you looking for family dinner ideas? This garlic teriyaki tofu will be in the run to be a family favorite. It’s packed with flavor from the soy sauce, teriyaki glaze, garlic, and sesame seeds, perfect for adding some extra zing to your dinner table!

 

2. Easy Vegan Smoky Lentil Soup

easy vegan recipes
Photo: The Green Loot

There’s nothing more enjoyable than a hearty meal on a chilly day. You can have a delightful meal filled with dry lentils, fresh veggies, and a dash of smoked paprika.

 

3. Easy Vegan Chickpea Noodle Soup

easy vegan recipes for beginners
Photo: Umami Girl

Craving a hot bowl of soup with noodles? I got you! By adding vegan chickpea noodles flavored with garlic, your dish will be elevated from an appetizer to a filling main course.

 

4. Basil Tomato Soup

beginner friendly vegan recipes
Photo: The Green Loot

A meal that will make you say, I do; who wouldn’t want that? Using simple ingredients such as pureed tomatoes, onions, spices, and herbs, you can whip up this gratifying creamy soup in no time! Plus, the fresh basil and thyme give it a delightful flavor, making this a perfect meal.

 

5. Tofu Pesto Sandwich

recipes for beginner vegans
Photo: ExSloth

Imagine a bite of a sandwich that will make you sing. This shredded Tofu Pesto Sandwich is delicious and full of flavor. With just a few ingredients like olive oil and vegan pesto, you’ll have a slice of heaven on your plate.

 

6. Easy Vegan Spanish Chickpea and Spinach Stew

easy vegan recipes for beginners
Photo: Lazy Cat Kitchen

Dine like a king with a dish of Spanish chickpea and spinach stew that will truly tantalize your taste buds. Packed with flavors from garlic, cumin and cayenne pepper – all cooked together in a fragrant tomato sauce, it surely will leave you craving more.

 

8. Easy Vegan Mediterranean “Tuna” Salad

Mediterranean "Tuna" Salad
Photo: Blissful Basil

In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have your exquisite Mediterranean salad tucked in pita bread or on top of sandwich bread. The salad is packed with tasty ingredients like artichokes, chickpeas, and capers, giving it an incredibly flaxy texture.

 

9. Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos

Vegan Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos
Photo: Stacey Homemaker

For that special, once-in-a-week family dinner, imagine serving tasty tacos featuring buffalo cauliflower bites coated in panko breadcrumbs and served on spinach tortillas with pesto cream sauce. I get hungry just thinking about it.

 

10. Israeli Couscous Salad

Vegan Israeli Couscous Salad
Photo: The Green Loot

Who says you have to order out when you can enjoy a restaurant-quality salad in under 30 minutes? With nutritious fresh veggies like artichoke hearts and olives, your plate will be filled with delightful flavors that will melt in your mouth.

 

11. Easy Vegan Minestrone Soup

Easy Vegan Minestrone Soup
Photo: Life Made Sweeter

Want to clean out your fridge? Here is how you do it. Make this Italian-style dish with leftover vegetables and herbs like onions, garlic, bay leaf, and basil.

 

12. Spanish Beans with Tomatoes

Spanish Beans with Tomatoes
Photo: Veggie Desserts

Looking for a quick and easy fix? This flavorful bean stew will be sure to please the whole family. It’s easy to make with just a few pantry ingredients and fresh vegetables like lima beans and canned tomatoes. It’s also the perfect side dish for any meal, like rice.

 

13. Easy Vegan Pesto Vegetable Soup

Easy Vegan Pesto Vegetable Soup
Photo: Well and Full

A taste of summer, that is how I can describe this dish. It combines sautéed vegetables, pasta, and a flavorful homemade pesto for an easy meal that’s sure to please. This soup will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals.

 

14. Easy Vegan Zucchini ‘Meatballs’

Easy Vegan Zucchini 'Meatballs'
Photo: Making Thyme for Health

If creativity and fun can’t be used to describe this dish, I don’t know what will. With just 15 minutes of prep time, this dish combines zucchini, chickpeas, garlic cloves, oats, and herbs to make an incredibly palatable main course.

 

15. Easy Chickpea Stew

vegan chickpea stew
Photo: Lazy Cat Kitchen

It’s said that a family that eats together stays together. This filling chickpea stew gives substance to that assertion. The harissa paste, smoked paprika, and ground coriander give it a flavorful boost. A dollop of cashew cream at the end adds an extra creamy finish.

 

16. Cream of Mushroom Soup

Cream of Mushroom Soup
Photo: It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken

Your soup will be truly decadent with a combination of vegan butter, mushrooms, garlic, and spices. With just 20 minutes, you’ll be able to make this easy, creamy, velvety, full-flavored heaven from scratch.

 

17. Portobello Mushroom Steak

Vegan Portobello Mushroom Steak
Photo: Ceara’s Kitchen

Hearty portobello slices are marinated in a delightful sauce variation and molasses, giving them an extra unique flavor. Grill them perfectly for the perfect steak texture, and enjoy a luscious dinner.

 

18. BBQ Chickpea Lettuce Wraps

BBQ Chickpea Lettuce Wraps
Photo: ExSloth

If you enjoy dining outside, picture yourself with a platter of vegan ranch dressing over a BBQ chickpea lettuce wrap filled with a sweet and smokey taste. Adding pineapple pieces, onions, and peppers can make this an enchanting summer meal.

 

19. 15-minute Peanut Noodles

15-minute Peanut Noodles
Photo: A Virtual Vegan

And the winner is! Peanut Noodles. They are the optimal fusion of slurpy noodles, peanut sauce, and fresh, crunchy vegetables. They take barely any time to prepare and involve minimal cooking, making it the perfect midweek dinner.

 

20. Thai Pineapple Fried Rice

Vegan Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
Photo: Vegan Heaven

Use leftover rice to make this delicious and vibrant pineapple fried rice. It’s not only healthy and effortless to make, you will be teleported to Thailand as you eat it.

 

21. Easy Vegan One Pot Hummus Pasta

Easy Vegan One Pot Hummus Pasta
Photo: Sweet Simple Vegan

Craving something easy and delicious? Look no further than this one-pot 5-ingredient hummus pasta. In 15 minutes, you’ll be able to whip up this meal without breaking out multiple pots and pans. Don’t forget to top it off with your favorite vegan parmesan for that extra flavor boost!

 

22. Chickpea Artichoke Bliss Bowl

Vegan Chickpea Artichoke Bliss Bowl
Photo: Dreena Burton

Bliss in a dish, delight in your mouth, creates an unforgettable moment. All you have to do is chop up some veggies and mix them with potatoes; then it’s off to the oven for a nice and cozy bake: the final result is a nirvanic, healthy dish.

 

23. Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Sauce

Vegan Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Sauce
Photo: The Garden Grazer

Get ready for a tasty treat that will leave you wanting more! All you need is 15 minutes of cooking to chow down these delightful black bean tacos with a creamy avocado sauce. Next level of yumminess!

 

24. Southwestern Pasta Salad

Vegan Southwestern Pasta Salad
Photo: Vegan Heaven

Want an addition to your BBQ or potluck? This pasta salad is for you. It’s packed with nutritious ingredients like black beans, avocado, and cherry tomatoes, but also the zesty lime dressing also brings the flavors together for an unforgettable meal.

 

25. Easy Vegan Red Lentil Fritters

Easy vegan Red Lentil Fritters
Photo: Vegan Heaven

It’s said that food is the key to the heart, but this dish is the master key. Nothing beats vegetable potato fritters with red lentils served with a green salad alongside spicy sriracha mayonnaise for an irresistible entrée.

 

26. Easy Vegan Vodka Sauce Pasta

Vodka Sauce Pasta
Photo: Evergreen Kitchen

I can now brag about how I cooked a dish with vodka and made it fancy. This vodka sauce pasta has all the tangy, rich flavor of the classic dish but with an extra kick of heat from the red pepper flakes and a hint of boozy goodness.

 

27. Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Photo: Eating By Elaine

This delicious dish is a must-try! With just four simple ingredients: sweet potatoes, hummus, crispy chickpeas, and tahini sauce, this meal will be your family’s forever favorite.

 

28. Thai Drunken Noodles

Thai Drunken Noodles
Photo: Ooh Lala, It’s Vegan

Full of Umami! That’s what noodles should be. With pressed tofu, some rice noodles, and sautéd vegetables, you’ve got an exhilarating meal. Don’t forget to top it off with fresh basil and lime wedges for that edgy kick.

 

29. Grilled Veggie Wraps

Grilled Veggie Wraps
Photo: Culinary Shades

This is a tasty spin on a common classic food. With vibrant favor from the air-fried veggies and extra species, this healthy ecstatic treat will leave you licking your fingers.

 

30. Easy Vegan Sun-dried Tomato Pasta

Easy Vegan Sun-dried Tomato Pasta
Photo: Vegan Huggs

31. Veggie Fajitas

Veggie Fajitas
Photo: Happy Kitchen Rocks

Making fajitas is a great way to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal in no time. With just a few simple ingredients like mushrooms, onions, and olive oil, you can whip up a flavorful, satisfying meal that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

 

32. Instant Pot Paella

Instant Pot Paella
Photo: J Cooking Odyssey

Talk about the perfect marriage of mushroom, sweet, and heat. The balance is spot-on. The addition of saffron enhances the dish with a floral depth. It is so full of flavor that I gobbled it up.

 

33. Mushroom Ragu

Mushroom Ragu
Photo: xoxo Bella

Want the perfect meal for meal prep? Look no further. Try this mushroom ragu pasta sauce. It takes over an hour to make, but the result is well worth it! Plus, you can freeze any leftovers, so you have something tasty on hand whenever you need it.

 

34. Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes
Photo: Black People’s Recipes

Elevate your dinner needs by making a Sloppy Joe. This delicious option is packed with unique, mouthwatering flavors and spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika.

 

35. Curry Ramen Noodles

Curry Ramen Noodles
Photo: Midwest Foodie

Combining sesame oil, curry paste, vegetables, coconut milk, and ramen noodles will entice your taste buds. Plus, you can add a bit of fresh lime juice, cilantro, and jalapeno slices to make this dish pop!

 

36. Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese
Photo: Healthy Fitness Meals

Looking for a tasty vegan meal that’s packed with good-for-you veggies? Look no further than this vegan mac & cheese! Not only is it easy to make and filled with nutrients, but it’s also deliciously creamy and satisfying.

 

37. Greek Mac and Cheese

Greek Mac and Cheese
Photo: Rabbit and Wolves

Get ready for this delectable vegan Greek macaroni and cheese to tempt your palate! It’s full of creamy, cheesy sauce, sautéed red onion, and garlic. Top it off with crumbled Violife feta or other favorite toppings and turn it into your newest obsession.

 

38. Pesto Pinwheels

Pesto Pinwheels
Photo: Plantbased RD

Making these pesto pinwheels is a breeze! All you need is white beans, pesto, spinach, mushroom, and cherry tomatoes. Rolling them up tightly is like making mini sushi rolls; the result is a tasty and nutritious lunch or dinner.

 

39. Easy Vegan Egg Salad

Vegan Egg Salad
Photo: Where You Get Your Protein

Making this recipe is an enjoyable, easy, and rewarding experience! The blend of sweet, tart and salty flavors makes for a delicious dish. Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare?

 

40. Saucy Ramen Noodles

Saucy Ramen Noodles
Photo: The Foodie Takes Flight

I love to cook up a storm in the kitchen, especially with this delicious vegan saucy ramen noodles recipe! Through a few simple steps, I can create a flavorful and satisfying dish that leaves me feeling full.

 

41. Veggie Spring Rolls

Veggie Spring Rolls
Photo: The Mostly Vegan

Making veggie spring rolls is a great way to spice up your meal. They’re ready in 20 minutes and taste amazing with the spicy peanut dipping sauce! Plus, you can make a big batch and store them in the fridge.

 

42. Easy Vegan Quick Fried Rice

Quick Fried Rice
Photo: The Foodie Takes Flight

Sweet and savory, that is the best kind of dish. This quick and easy fried rice is a great way to use whatever veggies you have in the fridge! Whether it’s fresh or frozen, this dish will be delicious.

 

43. Roasted Tomato Sandwiches

Roasted Tomato Sandwiches
Photo: This Savory Vegan

If ‘effortless’ was a dish, it would be a roasted tomato sandwich. Loaded with avocado, arugula, and juicy tomato slices, you are set to enjoy some guilt-free indulgence.

 

44. Cheesy Black Bean Tacos

Cheesy Black Bean Tacos
Photo: Make It Dairy-Free

A taste of home is the best description for this recipe. Black beans give a simple, rich flavor that combines perfectly with salsa and vegan cheese. Twenty minutes is all you need for this dinner to be ready.

 

45. Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed Peppers
Photo: Simple Veganista

The combination of veggies, herbs, tempeh, and rice makes this a great meal for any time of day. Just sauté the ingredients and pop them in the oven for a golden-brown finish. Add some baby spinach or beans for variation.

 

46. Easy Vegan Cheese Pasta Salad

Vegan Italian Pasta Salad
Photo: The Green Loot

Who needs to travel when you can experience culture on your plate? With less than 30 minutes, you can have an ambrosial Italian-inspired pasta salad ready. Made with fresh cherry tomatoes, onion, basil, and red wine vinegar, you can serve it at a party or enjoy it right in your home.

 

What are your favorite easy vegan recipes for beginners?

Leave a comment below!

vegan recipes for beginners
5 from 1 vote

45+ EASY Vegan Recipes For Beginners (Simple & Delicious)

Mira M.
A list of our favorite easy vegan recipes for beginners that make quick and easy plant-based meals, that the whole family will love.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
SERVINGS4

Ingredients

Garlic Teriyaki Tofu Recipe

  • 1 block tofu (12 oz)
  • 6 tbsp soy sauce
  • 4 tbsp teriyaki glaze
  • 4 tbsp oil
  • 2 clove garlic
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 3 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • Cut up the tofu into small cubes. Season them with salt and pepper.
    cutting tofu
  • Heat the oil in a pan on medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the tofu cubes and start frying them on all sides. Your tofu cubes are ready when all sides are golden colored (as shown below).
    frying tofu cubes
  • When your tofu cubes are fried, add the soy sauce and fry everything evenly for 1/2-1 minute. This step is very important to make the tofu crispy.
  • Turn off the heat, then add the teriyaki glaze and minced garlic. Stir everything together in the pan for 1 minute.
    ready fried tofu cubes
  • Finally, add the sesame seeds, the optional garnish and serve over hot rice.
    This vegan Garlic Teriyaki Tofu is perfect for beginners! You will find step-by-step instructions in the article for this easy Japanese weeknight dinner recipe! | The Green Loot #vegan #veganrecipes

Video

Notes

*Teriyaki glaze is a thicker and stickier version of teriyaki sauce. If you use regular sauce, your end result will not be the same.
 
Alternatively, you can use a thick ("restaurant-style") teriyaki sauce as well.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

FAQ

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What are basic vegan foods?

Some basic vegan foods that are readily available, inexpensive, and healthy are grains, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, and tofu. There is a large variety of dishes that can be made with these basic ingredients using different herbs, spices, and cooking methods.

Is the vegan diet healthy?

Yes, the vegan diet is generally healthy since vegan ingredients are cholesterol free, rich in vitamins, and contain healthy fats. However, it totally depends on what you eat because there are vegan foods that are very processed, high in sugar and fat, and nutritionally void.

What do vegans eat instead of eggs/dairy and meat?

Instead of eggs, vegans can eat tofu scramble or a commercially-available vegan egg product like JUST Egg. For dairy, there are hundreds of plant-based alternatives to milk, yogurt, ice cream, and just about every dairy product available. Meat alternatives like tofu, tempeh, seitan, vegan burgers, chicken patties, sausages, and vegan fish are available for every craving.

What can vegans eat for breakfast?

Many common breakfast items are usually vegan like oatmeal, toast, cereal, and smoothies. Savory breakfast dishes like eggs, bacon, and sausage can be replaced with tofu or JUST Egg, vegan bacon, and vegan breakfast sausage. For sweet treats and pastries, look out for vegan options at bakeries.

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