These recipes prove there are so many incredible ways to create vegan dishes that taste great
There’s a common misconception about following a vegan diet and we’d like to clear it up here and now. Vegan food can feature exclusively plant-based ingredients while still being protein-rich and filled with juicy flavors and layers of textures. What we’re trying to say is that vegan meals can taste just as good as meals with meat. There are so many incredible ways to create dishes that have enough depth that they’ll be loved by vegans and meat eaters alike. If you’ve been hesitant to take on Meatless Monday, or you can’t seem to get excited about vegan recipes, you have to check out these vegan dinner recipes that will make you ditch the meat.
Whether you’re looking for an alternative to your favorite pizza, a meaty Mexican enchilada recipe, or a new way to incorporate the flavors of BBQ, we have you covered. These succulent entrees will make your mouth water and prove just how delicious it can be to follow a plant-based diet. Even the meat eaters in your family will be satisfied: they’re so good, these are vegan dinner recipes that will make you ditch the meat.
1. Broccoli and Mushroom Stir-Fry
Looking for something you can whip up quickly and easily on a busy weeknight? Add this super simple stir fry dish to yourvegan dinner recipes that will make you ditch the meat. It has so much flavor and texture, you may never add chicken or shrimp again!
2. Vegan Spaghetti Squash with Mushroom Marinara Sauce
This delicious, low-calorie dish is tasty enough to make any traditional Italian grandma proud! Who knows, she might even ask YOU for the recipe! The soft and buttery squash pairs wonderfully with the hearty, cremini mushrooms and marinara sauce. If you love Italian comfort food, but are trying to eat healthier, this is your recipe!
3. Sweet Potato Noodles with Almond Sauce
By now you’ve heard all about zoodles (zucchini noodles,) but how about swoodles (otherwise known as sweet potato noodles?) These filling, nutrient dense swoodles are a lot healthier than regular pasta, but the texture and taste is just as good! The flavor of the almond sauce sends this recipe over the top; it’s definitely one to try!
4. Fusion Paella
This gluten-free, low-calorie, high-protein paella combines flavors from around the world with vegan-friendly ingredients. Teriyaki-marinated tofu works perfectly with smoked paprika and saffron to create a truly unique dish.
5. Vegan Quinoa Chili
Craving a big bowl of chili? Swap out the meat for hearty quinoa and beans. They’re full of protein and fiber to fill you up with a satisfying, bulky texture that feels so comforting.
6. Chickpea Puttanesca Over Polenta
Mild, soft polenta is the perfect meat alternative. It soaks up the flavors of this traditional Italian dish, which combines saltiness from the olives and capers with the sweetness of fresh tomatoes.
7. Raw Pasta with Tomato Sauce, Spicy Nut Balls & “Parmesan Cheese”
Craving spaghetti and meatballs? Swap out the meat for a refreshing, vegan take on your favorite classic. This dish has all the depth and flavor of the meal you loved growing up.
8. Gardener’s Pie
We took your favorite meat-filled pie and turned it into something vegan-friendly. Don’t worry, we didn’t skimp on any of the flavor. It’s still just as delicious and completely comforting as the original Shepherd’s pie.
9. Slow Cooker Chickpea and Vegetable Soup
Not only does this recipe utilize chickpeas for their fiber, protein, and meaty texture, but it’s under 400 calories, too. This one-pot recipe is super comforting and is just as easy to clean-up!
10. Raw Pad Thai
Looking for an ultra-clean dish to add to yourvegan dinner recipes that will make you ditch the meat? Try out this raw pad Thai that uses zoodles to keep things light. The raw sauce can be made by blending tahini, chili, tamari, garlic, and ginger. Yum!
11. Raw Lasagna with Cashew Cheese+ Pesto
Another raw favorite, this Italian classic dish is reinvented with zoodles and a cashew cheese. The “cheese” is made by combining soaked cashews with garlic, lemon juice, rosemary, nutritional yeast, water, salt, and pepper.
12. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili
Start cooking with pumpkin in this slow cooker chili recipe. This bright and festive food offers you a hefty helping of vitamin A and fiber, making this plant-based dish both healthy and heavenly.
13. Raw Burrito Wraps
Bring on the burritos in a healthy way with this raw, vegan recipe. It combines fresh-cut veggies, spicy taco nut meat, and some creamy “cheese” that’s all wrapped up in collard greens.
14. Creamy Vegan Gnocchi with Garlic & Kale
This decadent dish is a creamy concoction that doesn’t include any dairy. Tender gnocchi come together with rich kale to create a fluffy, garlic-infused meal that takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish.
15. Dairy Free Mac and Cheese with Black Pepper & Broccoli
This dreamy meal combines tender macaroni and chopped broccoli with a vegan “cheese” sauce. It’s a silky, succulent dish that even the meat-eaters in the family will absolutely love.
16. Quinoa Stuffed Squash
Utilize acorn squash as a replacement for meat. This hearty vegetable has a great texture and provides a lot of comfort. Stuffed with quinoa, vegetables, and spices, you’ll love the finished product.
17. Down Home Vegan BBQ Burger
Looking for the flavors of summer without the meat? You don’t have to say goodbye to BBQ sauce just because you’ve gone vegan! These down home vegan BBQ burgers are sure to put you in the season’s spirit. The burgers are made with brown rice, black beans, onion, potato, cornmeal, corn, maple syrup, liquid smoke, chili powder, garlic powder, and an easy homemade BBQ sauce.
18. Vegan Paella
There is so much flavor and texture going on in this dish. The savory and hearty meal is a total crowd pleaser, both for vegans and non-vegans alike. This is one of the best vegan dinner recipes that will make you ditch the meat when you’re trying to impress your guests!
19. Vegan Slow Cooker Pinto Bean Enchiladas
Stuff your enchiladas with pinto beans and corn for a filling meal that’s vegan-friendly. It’s also great that it can be assembled in minutes and takes advantage of the slow cooker. Talk about a hands-free and easy cooking technique.
20. Quinoa Lentil Burger
Fill up on plant-based protein by combining quinoa and lentils. They make a brilliant burger that will keep you full and satisfied for hours. This recipe features clean and yummy ingredients, like red onion, green chilies, rolled oats, whole wheat flour, panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, cumin, and paprika. For a saucy complement, the honey dijon mustard is simple and easy to make, too.
21. Creamy Vegan Cajun Pasta
Swap out traditional cream sauce for cashew cream and use hearty shiitake mushrooms in place of meat. Toss it all in Cajun seasoning and you’ll have a unique plate of pasta that will wow your taste buds.
22. Vegan Sweet Potato, Chickpea & Spinach Empanadas
Traditionally, empanadas are stuffed with ingredients like meat, cheese, corn, and spices like cumin and paprika. This vegan alternative offers all the savory flavor you’re looking for by combining meaty chickpeas with rich sweet potato and spinach for a dish that’s oh-so-satisfying.
23. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie with Whipped Sweet Potato
While the classic shepherd’s pie is filled with meat, this plant-based version doesn’t sacrifice any of the richness or depth. Healthier mashed sweet potato are made withunsweetened, non-dairy milk and vegan butter. The filling consists of quinoa, thyme, vegetable broth, button mushrooms, white onion, celery, carrot, garlic powder, balsamic vinegar, and arrowroot powder.
24. Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Buddha Bowl
This simple but superfood-packed dish is perfect for your list of vegan dinner recipes that will make you ditch the meat. The creaminess of the avocado is complemented by the nuttiness of the quinoa, the richness of the spinach, and the chewy texture of the broccoli.
25. Easy Vegan Manicotti with Tofu Ricotta
Oh my yum! This recipe feels like a super-indulgent dish but achieves its its richness using plant-based ingredients. That make this one a seriously next-level meal. The recipe is made with a creamy tofu filling that’s topped with a homemade tomato sauce. You’ll absolutely love it!
26. 3-Ingredient Vegan BBQ Pulled Pork
The secret weapon in this vegan BBQ “pulled pork” recipe is hearts of palm. Sound strange? Try it out for yourself and tell us we’re wrong. You might be surprised at how tasty it turns out!
27. Hearty Lentil and Vegetable Soup
Hearty lentils make a great replacement for ground beef. Packed with protein, fiber, and iron, they also happen to be great for you, too! This vegan soup uses an array of spices to add even more depth.
28. Vegan Burrito Bowls
These vegan burrito bowls are delicious, filling, and perfect for a quick-and-easy meal that the whole family will love. They also make a great addition to your Meatless Monday repertoire. They feature yummy ingredients like jasmine rice, black beans, tomatoes, corn, avocado, cilantro, and salsa.
29. 1-Pot Vegan “Barbacoa”
If you’re looking for a meal that reminds you of the spice and smokiness of marinated meat on the grill, add this dish to yourvegan dinner recipes that will make you ditch the meat. It combines onion, garlic, shredded carrots, lentils, smoked paprika, cumin, cloves, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and so much more goodness!
30.Creamy Vegan Risotto with Asparagus and Quinoa
There’s so much to love about this risotto. The recipe provides that the creaminess you crave from a classic risotto can be made in a vegan-friendly way that’s less fattening! What’s not to love about that?
See? Veganism doesn’t have to be boring. Savory sauces, crunchy and chewy textures, and a whole lot of depth come together to create marvelous meal. These elements are sure to make you rethink whether you even need meat in your life every day.
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