85 Best Vegan Recipes - Love and Lemons (2024)

With everything from creamy pastas to burgers and beyond, these 85 vegan recipes will get you excited to cook (and eat!) plant-based meals at home.

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85 Best Vegan Recipes - Love and Lemons (1)

85 Best Vegan Recipes - Love and Lemons (2)

Most days in our house, Jack and I eat vegan recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Of course, there are exceptions, but the food I most enjoy cooking and eating often happens to be plant-based. I love putting vegetables at the center my plate – not only is it good for my health and for the world, but it’s also downright delicious.

To kick off the New Year, I’ve rounded up my top 85 easy vegan recipes. This list includes everything from hearty vegan dinner recipes (think creamy pastas, veggie burgers, tacos, etc.) to vegan basics that can serve as starting points for improvising satisfying plant-based meals. Whether you’re a longtime vegan, considering a plant-based diet for the first time, or just want to eat more veggies, you’re sure to love one (or more) of these delicious vegan recipes!

Pasta & Pizza Vegan Recipes

1. Creamy Broccoli Vegan Pasta

This luscious creamy vegan pasta will give any traditional mac and cheese a run for its money. Instead of containing dairy, the smooth, tangy sauce is a protein-packed blend of white beans, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice.

2. Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells

This recipe is an all-time Love and Lemons fan favorite, and for good reason. Even the biggest cheese lovers will fall for its bright, creamy spinach “ricotta,” caramelized cubes of butternut squash, and rich cashew cream sauce.

3. Spaghetti Bolognese

You won’t miss the meat in this hearty vegan version of spaghetti bolognese! Walnuts and lentils pack it with protein, while sage, mushrooms, rosemary, and balsamic fill it with rich, savory flavor.

4. Creamy Pasta Pomodoro

This easy vegan pasta is basically everything I want to eat for dinner any night of the week! An easy creamy tomato sauce (just cashews+marinara!) coats a 50/50 mix of fresh veggies and floppy rigatoni noodles.

5. Best Vegan Pizza

Who says you need cheese to make a crave-worthy pizza? This easy vegan pizza may be my all-time favorite! I top chewy homemade pizza dough with a lemony cashew cream sauce, a jumble of savory, spicy, crisp, and juicy veggies, and big handfuls of fresh basil.

6. Creamy Vegan Pasta Salad
7. Broccoli Pasta Salad

9. Creamy Pumpkin Penne

Taco & Tex Mex Vegan Recipes

10. Jerk Spiced Vegan Tacos

Saucy jackfruit mimics jerk-spiced chicken in these hearty vegan tacos. Topped with a fresh mango, cucumber, and avocado salsa, they’re a fun, filling, and delicious vegan meal.

11. Veggie Fajitas

Smoky grilled mushrooms take the place of meat in these easy vegan fajitas. The fajita veggies take minutes to make, so you can get straight to the good part: loading them into tortillas with guacamole, tomatillo salsa, and pickled jalapeños for pop!

12. Chipotle Cauliflower Nachos

There’s no cheese hiding in the oozy, gooey orange queso you see above. Instead, it’s a tangy, smoky blend of cauliflower, potatoes, and chipotles in adobo sauce. Add lots of tortilla chips, pineapple salsa, pico de gallo, and black beans into the mix, and you have absolute nacho heaven. We also love this vegan cheese recipe that’s super easy to make.

13. Portobello Steak Burrito Bowls
14. Stuffed Poblano Peppers
15. Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl
16. Vegetarian Tacos with Avocado Tomatillo Sauce
17. Portobello Mushroom Tacos with Jalapeño Ranch

Vegan Burger & Sandwich Recipes

18. Best Veggie Burger

When I say that this isthe bestveggie burger, I mean it. Made with wholesome plant-based ingredients like mushrooms and walnuts and seasoned with tamari and smoked paprika, these patties are hearty, satisfying, and packed with smoky umami flavor.

19. Easy Homemade Falafel

Falafel was the first food that showed me how flavorful vegan dinner recipes could be, and this crispy baked version is sure to do the same for you. Serve it with hummus, pickled red onions, and fresh veggies to really take it over the top.

20. BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

This plant-based version of a classic BBQ sandwich is every bit as delicious as a traditional one! I simmer jackfruit with sautéed onions and a smoky chipotle BBQ sauce before piling it onto buns with a quick slaw and crunchy pickles.

21. Vegan Meatballs

Whether you stuff them into subs or pile them onto pasta, these savory, smoky vegan meatballs are guaranteed to be a hit.

22. Tempeh BLT

If you’re thinking about switching to a plant-based diet, you don’t have to bid farewell to BLTs forever. Swap crispy marinated tempeh for the traditional “B,” and keep things simple by pairing it with the classic “L” and “T.” Otherwise, take your sandwich one step further and finish it with two creamy spreads, avocado, and (of course) extra veggies!

23. Egg Salad Sandwiches
24. Chickpea Salad Picnic Sandwiches
25. Black Bean Veggie Burger
26. Portobello Mushroom Burgers

Sushi & Noodle Vegan Recipes

27. Shiitake Maki Sushi

Who needs takeout when you can make delicious sushi at home? Savory roasted shiitake mushrooms and a vibrant carrot-ginger dipping sauce make this vegan sushi just as good as any you’d get at a restaurant.

28. Sesame Soba Noodles

These super fresh soba noodles are the perfect make-ahead lunch. I love this version with watermelon radishes and snap peas, but the light, tangy sesame dressing pairs well all sorts of veggies. Feel free to swap in your seasonal favorites!

29. Easy Vegetarian Pho

Mushrooms, bok choy, and a richly spiced homemade broth round out this vegan version of traditional Vietnamese pho.

30. Avocado Cucumber Sushi
31. Sesame Orange Noodle Bowls
32. Spiralized Daikon Noodle Bowls
33. Bok Choy Stir Fry

Creamy Vegan Soups and Hearty Stews

34. Creamy Tomato Soup with Vegan Grilled Cheese Croutons

There’s no reason that tomato soup shouldn’t be vegan-friendly! Instead of using dairy in this soup recipe, I blend in chickpeas to make it thick and creamy. It’s great on its own, but a big handful of toasty vegan grilled cheese croutons makes it completely irresistible.

35. Butternut Squash Soup

I have this butternut squash soup recipe on repeat from the first day of fall until the last day of winter. It’s light, comforting, and easy to make, and fresh rosemary, sage, and ginger fill it with robust, cozy flavor.

36. Cream of Mushroom Soup

This homemade cream of mushroom soup is too good to hide inside any casserole! Instead of nuts or dairy, its super creamy texture comes from blended cauliflower.

37. Best Lentil Soup

You likely have all the ingredients to this creamy curried lentil soup in your pantry already. That’s good news for you, because it’s so warming, nourishing, and flavorful that you’ll want to try it ASAP.

38. Easy Coconut Curry

This curry is one of my go-to easy vegan recipes for busy weeknights. Chock full of fresh veggies and warming spices, it’s bright, nourishing, and comforting.

39. Many Veggie Soup
40. Vegetarian Chili
41. Creamy Asparagus Soup
42. Golden Turmeric Noodle Miso Soup
43. Roasted Red Pepper Soup
44. Wild Rice Soup
45. Oyster Mushroom Soup
46. Split Pea Corn Chowder
47. Broccoli Cheese Soup
48. Creamy Cauliflower Soup
49. Corn Chowder
50. Miso Soup

Substantial Salad Vegan Recipes

51. Roasted Cauliflower Salad

This salad has everything: something briny, something bright, something nutty, something fresh. Whether you pack it for lunch or serve it as a dinner side dish, it’s a recipe you’re sure to love.

52. Best Broccoli Salad

Smoky roasted nuts take the place of bacon in this vegan riff on classic broccoli salad. It’s also naturally sweetened, as the lightly creamy, tangy dressing gets a pop of sweetness from maple syrup instead of sugar.

53. Kale Salad with Carrot Ginger Dressing

This recipe will shatter any pre-conceived notion that kale salads are boring and bland. Loaded up with crunchy veggies, toasted pumpkin seeds, crispy chickpeas, avocado, and a vibrant carrot ginger dressing, it’s one of my favorite vegan dishes to make for lunch. It never fails to keep me full till dinnertime, and with all its colors, textures, and tastes, it’s fun to eat, too!

54. Healthy Taco Salad
55. Broccoli Pesto Quinoa Salad

Sharable Vegan Side Dish Recipes

56. Mashed Potatoes

Even mashed potato purists will fall for these fluffy, light vegan mashed potatoes! Roasted garlic infuses them with rich, nutty flavor, and a generous glug of olive oil gives them their crave-worthy creamy texture.

57. Creamed Spinach

Coconut milk takes the place of heavy cream in this fresh, delicious 15-minute side dish.

58. Roasted Potatoes
59. Rosemary Focaccia
60. Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Broccoli

Sauce & Dip Vegan Recipes

61. Tahini Sauces

If you’ve never tried tahini sauce, get ready to fall in love. Creamy, nutty, and lemony, there’s no limit on the ways to use it, especially when these 4 bold variations come into play!

62. Best Guacamole

Yep, it’s vegan. 🙂

63. Cashew Cream
64. Homemade Hummus
65. Vegan Seven Layer Dip
66. Vegan Pimento Cheese
67. Tomatillo Salsa Verde

Vegetable Basics

68. How to Make Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini noodles are such a fun way to add extra veggies to vegan pasta recipes! Try skipping regular noodles entirely, or use a 50/50 mix of zucchini noodles and pasta.

69. How to Cook Spaghetti Squash

Skip the spaghetti, and make spaghetti squash instead! Serve it on its own as a healthy vegan side dish, toss it with pesto and roasted veggies, or go the classic spaghetti route and top it with a big scoop of marinara sauce.

70. How to Make Cauliflower Rice

Swapping cauliflower rice for regular rice is a great way to pack extra veggies into any stir fry, bowl, or curry dish. Fresh, light, and SUPER easy to make, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen!

71. Pickled Red Onions

Keep these quick and easy pickled onions on hand to add a bright pop of flavor to your favorite vegan recipes! They’re the perfect finishing touch for salads, bowls, tacos, and more.

72. Sweet Potato Fries

Whether you serve them as a snack, an appetizer, or a side dish with your favorite sandwich, you’re guaranteed to love these crispy baked sweet potato fries. Chipotle sauce for dipping is optional, but highly recommended.

73. Roasted Butternut Squash
74. Roasted Red Peppers
75. Pickled Jalapeños
76. Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon Zest
77. Simple Roasted Beets
78. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Grain & Legume Basics

79. How to Cook Quinoa

Not only is quinoa loaded with protein and other nutrients, but it’s delicious, too! Its yummy nutty flavor works well in everything from cookies to grain bowls, and it cooks in just 15 minutes!

80. Crispy Roasted Chickpeas

Warning: it’s hard to resist eating these crunchy, salty little guys straight out of the oven! If you can, enjoy them as a snack or top them onto vegan dinner recipes for extra protein.

81. How to Cook Farro
82. Cilantro Lime Rice
83. How to Cook Couscous
84. How to Cook Lentils
85. Baked Crispy Tofu

Looking for more vegan recipes?

Check out my healthy breakfast ideas, healthy lunch ideas best salad recipes, healthy meal prep ideas, easy dinner recipes, or favorite soups!

85 Best Vegan Recipes - Love and Lemons (38)

Vegan Recipes: Creamy Vegan Pasta

rate this recipe:

5 from 56 votes

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 20 minutes mins

Total Time: 18 minutes mins

Serves 4

Save RecipePrint Recipe

This creamy vegan pasta is the perfect weeknight meal and one of our favorite vegan recipes!

Ingredients

  • Creamy vegan pasta sauce
  • cups small shell pasta
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 5 cups broccoli florets, chopped stems, and leaves
  • ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
  • lemon wedges, for serving
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Make the sauce.

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare the pasta according to the instructions on the package, cooking until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.

  • Stir in the chopped broccoli stems and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes or until tender. Add the broccoli florets and leaves and a splash of water or vegetable broth. Cover and turn off the heat. Allow the broccoli to steam for 2 to 3 minutes or until tender but still bright green. Add the pasta, then stir in ¾ of the sauce, adding more broth if the sauce is too dry.

  • Season to taste with more salt, pepper and lemon juice, as desired, and portion into bowls. Divide the remaining sauce onto each bowl. Top with the pine nuts and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

85 Best Vegan Recipes - Love and Lemons (2024)

FAQs

What are filling foods for vegans? ›

Healthful foods that are high in protein, fiber, or both tend to be filling. Rich sources of protein for vegans include foods such as soybeans, pulses, and some nuts and seeds. Oats, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and fruit are all good sources of fiber.

What to serve a vegan? ›

Your houseguest would most likely be happy with oatmeal or granola with almond milk and fruit for breakfast, nut butters, hummus, salads with beans, fruits and vegetables, and nuts for lunch, and grilled or sautéed veggies with a whole grain like quinoa are for dinner.

How to eat super cheap vegan? ›

Vegan on a budget
  1. tinned beans and dried pulses of various kinds.
  2. vegetables (particularly seasonal ones)
  3. potatoes.
  4. egg-free pasta and noodles.
  5. rice.
  6. bread (wholemeal is ideal from a health point of view)
  7. dried herbs and spices.
  8. seasonal fruit.

What foods are considered vegan? ›

A vegan diet is based on plants (such as vegetables, grains, nuts and fruits) and foods made from plants. Vegans do not eat foods that come from animals, including dairy products and eggs.

What is the most eaten vegan food? ›

10 of the most popular vegan recipes
  • Mexican guacamole. Everyone's favourite Mexican dip is 100% vegan. ...
  • Stuffed green bell peppers. Stuffed peppers are prepared in a variety of ways. ...
  • Tabbouleh. ...
  • Spring rolls with soy sauce. ...
  • Caponata. ...
  • Gazpacho. ...
  • Biryani. ...
  • Panzanella.
Mar 24, 2023

What are vegans most deficient in? ›

Vegans had the lowest vitamin B12, calcium and iodine intake, and also lower iodine status and lower bone mineral density.

Is peanut butter vegan? ›

The bottom line. Most types of peanut butter are free of animal products and can be enjoyed as part of a vegan diet. However, some varieties are made in facilities that also process animal products or contain refined sugar that was produced using bone char or non-vegan ingredients like honey or fish oil.

Which foods are surprisingly vegan? ›

Top 10 surprising vegan foods
  • Crumpets. This might be an obvious one to some, but a quick poll with our vegan and dairy-free friends shows many mistakenly believe crumpets contained dairy. ...
  • Dark chocolate. Chocoholics assemble! ...
  • Cream crackers. ...
  • (Some) biscuits. ...
  • (Some) crisps. ...
  • Ice Cream. ...
  • Pasta. ...
  • Peanut butter.

How to be vegan when you're broke? ›

Staple vegan foods such as oats, lentils, pasta, rice and chickpeas are among the cheapest foods and are in *a lot* of vegan recipes, so should definitely make an appearance on your list. Oh, and avoid shopping whilst hungry.

How to be vegan while poor? ›

You can make a lot of delicious vegan food on a budget! Vegetable curries with rice and tofu, creamy or broth-based soups, vegetable stir-fries, sandwiches, veggie & bean chilies, pasta dishes, and salads are all examples of tasty and affordable vegan meals.

How to eat vegan for beginners? ›

  1. Make Vegetables the Stars of Your Meals. ...
  2. Eat a Variety of Foods. ...
  3. Choose Whole Grains. ...
  4. Discover New Plant-Based Proteins. ...
  5. Don't Assume Vegan Food Products Are Healthier. ...
  6. Focus On Fish-Free Omega-3s. ...
  7. Don't Forget About Vitamin D. ...
  8. Pump Up Your Iron.
Sep 30, 2022

What are the most filling vegan foods? ›

Plant-based foods you can add to your meals to help improve satiety
  • Oats. ...
  • Chickpeas. ...
  • Walnuts or Almonds. ...
  • Sweet Potatoes. ...
  • Brussels Sprouts. ...
  • Avocado. ...
  • Brown rice or quinoa. ...
  • Dark Chocolate.

What not to eat as a vegan? ›

Vegans don't eat any foods made from animals, including:
  • Beef, pork, lamb, and other red meat.
  • Chicken, duck, and other poultry.
  • Fish or shellfish such as crabs, clams, and mussels.
  • Eggs.
  • Cheese.
  • Butter.
  • Milk, cream, ice cream, and other dairy products.
  • Mayonnaise (because it includes egg yolks)
Nov 3, 2023

What vegan food makes you feel full? ›

Preferably red, black or brown quinoa - or brown rice - are great ingredients to add to a meal to help you feel satisfied, and full longer. Both are very versatile ingredients that make a great accompaniment to soup, salad, stew or baked veggies.

How do vegans fill up? ›

Fiber keeps you feeling full, so be sure to eat fiber-rich food at all meals and snacks. For example – a bag of chips is not nearly as filling as eating a baked potato. The baked potato is much more filling because it contains more fiber and protein. Eat a protein serving with each meal to keep you feeling full.

How do vegans get full? ›

As discussed in the last three tips, fats, protein and fiber are all important for satiety. To get the most out of these, try to create meals that combine all three. Add a source of healthy fats, plant-based protein and fiber-rich foods to most of your meals to help with satiety.

Does vegan food fill you up? ›

A plant-based (i.e., vegan or vegetarian) meal will lead to better mood, higher satiety, and less stress compared to an omnivorous meal. Higher fiber content in the meals will mediate higher mood and satiety and lower stress, whereas higher unrefined sugar and fat content will mediate the opposite.

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