20 Simple Vegan Recipes to Begin Your Plant-Based Journey

1. Sesame-Crusted Tofu with Spicy Dipping Sauce

Tofu is an excellent source of plant-based protein, making it a key ingredient for vegans to add to salads and soups. This recipe from the Leung family takes tofu to the next level with its sesame-crusted crispy coating and a bold, spicy dipping sauce that elevates the dish.

2. Spicy Dumpling Soup

If you enjoy a dish with a bit of heat, this spicy dumpling soup is a must-try. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a simple meal to prepare, thanks to store-bought vegetable dumplings. Top off each bowl with fresh scallion slices and a drizzle of chili crisp for an extra kick.

3. Winter Lentil Soup

Use kale, leeks, and sweet potatoes in this comforting one-pot dish. Packed with vegetables, this soup is hearty and full of nutrients. Omit the Parmesan for a fully vegan version.

4. Crispy Tofu Noodle Soup

Crispy tofu is paired with rice noodles and Swiss chard in a flavorful vegetable broth infused with ginger, garlic, tamari, and star anise for a nourishing, protein-packed meal. To get the tofu crispy, be sure to pat it dry before cooking.

5. Roasted Broccoli Pesto Pasta

This savory pesto coating the pasta is made from roasted broccoli (both florets and stems), almonds, lemon zest, lemon juice, arugula, olive oil, salt, and pepper. While the pesto includes an optional cheese addition, you can easily swap it with vegan-friendly nutritional yeast. Once the sauce is ready, mix it with the pasta and garnish with extra broccoli florets and fresh arugula.

6. Curried Eggplant with Tomatoes and Basil

Eggplant’s hearty texture makes it perfect for vegan and vegetarian dishes. Chickpeas boost the protein content, while curry powder adds a spicy kick. For a fully vegan meal, opt for plant-based yogurt.

7. Cuban Black Beans and Rice

Packed with fiber and protein, this Latin American classic works well as either a main dish or a side. Serve it with a fresh salad, or add plant-based meat for an even heartier option.

8. Spicy Summer Squash Stir-Fry

This vibrant stir-fry (ready in just 20 minutes) is full of nutritious vegetables, including summer squash, Japanese eggplant, and spicy red jalapeños. It's all coated in a cornstarch-soy sauce and served on a bed of hearty white rice.

9. Toasted Israeli Couscous with Corn and Herbs

Take your pasta salad to the next level with this vegan dish, perfect for summer picnics or potlucks. The toasted Israeli couscous is paired with sweet summer corn, fresh herbs—basil, chives, and dill—and caramelized onions. Trust us, you won’t miss the meat in this one.

10. Loaded Sweet Potatoes with Coconut and Kale

For a quick vegan meal, top a microwave-baked sweet potato with your favorite vegetables. This recipe features kale cooked in a creamy, spicy coconut sauce, seasoned with lime juice and aromatic curry powder. To keep it fully plant-based, skip the butter or use vegan butter (found in Trader Joe's vegan foods selection).

11. Simple Red Beans and Rice

This simplified version of the classic Louisiana dish will leave you feeling full and satisfied. Red kidney beans are packed with nutrients and take center stage in this meal, with the bonus that it cooks in under 30 minutes.

12. Squash, Mushroom, and Kale Soup with Dill

Enjoy the health benefits of mushrooms and butternut squash with this flavorful soup. The orzo adds a nice texture, while the kale gives it an earthy finish. Hard to believe such a filling meal comes together in just 30 minutes.

13. Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili with Sweet Potatoes

Packed with sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and two kinds of beans, this vegetarian chili is a powerhouse of protein. After just 20 minutes of prep, the slow cooker takes care of the rest, leaving you with a warm, satisfying meal when you come home. Serve it with tortilla chips and skip the sour cream and cheese for a fully vegan dish.

14. Walnut Mushroom Bolognese

This plant-based Bolognese sauce uses mushrooms and walnuts to mimic the texture of meat. When paired with your favorite pasta, it makes for a hearty and flavorful addition to your weekly meals. Use non-dairy creamer and skip the cheese for a fully vegan version.

15. Skillet Polenta in Creamy Tomato Sauce

This dish, featuring cooked polenta, white beans, and canned tomatoes, is an easy and comforting choice. It's a quick meal that pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping.

16. Spinach and Artichoke Quinoa Casserole

This casserole is a delightful spin on the beloved dip, featuring a creamy texture from non-dairy milk and cashew butter. The crispy potato chip topping provides a satisfying crunch, while quinoa adds substance to this easy, flavorful dish.

17. Za'atar Tofu Skewers With Tomato Salad & Hummus

This savory, Middle Eastern-inspired vegetarian dish is packed with protein from hummus and tofu. The crisp cucumbers, red onions, and tomatoes offer a refreshing balance, while za'atar seasoning delivers a punch of flavor in this quick and satisfying meal.

18. Veggie Patties

By using a flaxseed "egg" in place of a traditional egg, this veggie-packed recipe remains entirely vegan. With endless possibilities for customization, these patties can be made in countless ways, allowing you to enjoy a different version every night of the week.

19. Tofu and Cabbage Salad With Coconut Dressing

By replacing fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari, this zesty salad becomes completely vegan! The recipe comes together quickly thanks to pre-marinated tofu and pre-packaged slaw, but it's the fresh herbs, scallions, peanuts, and crispy fried onions that elevate the flavor and texture. The creamy coconut dressing, flavored with soy sauce, lime juice, and sriracha, adds a deliciously spicy finish to the dish.

20. Orange-Glazed Crispy Tofu and Broccoli

Sweet, tangy, and savory all in one bite. This dish features crispy oven-baked tofu and perfectly cooked broccoli drenched in a citrus glaze made from fresh orange juice, soy sauce, and garlic. Served over rice, this vegan and gluten-free meal is packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for quick weeknight dinners.