Whether you’re looking for meatless meal ideas, trying to include more vibrant veggies in your diet, or maybe you're a full-fledged vegan, this list of easy vegan dinner recipes is for you.
They're simple, affordable, and delicious. And just because you’re skipping the meat and dairy doesn’t mean you should skip the flavor! Keep reading for all my tips + a roundup of vegan recipes!
For many who don't already subscribe to the vegan lifestyle, the idea of preparing an entirely vegan dinner can be daunting.
Without meat, dairy, or even fish, it's hard to imagine a meal that's not simply a salad or a plate of plants.
And you might wonder if you can make a vegan meal that is satisfying and also flavorful. The answer is yes!
And I'm excited to share with you some mouthwatering, nutritious, and satisfying vegan recipes that are easy enough to make any night of the week!
Because my family eats the Mediterranean way, we do eat fish and some meat and dairy. But our diet focuses heavily on seasonal produce combined with grains, nuts, and legumes (like beans and lentils), which make for some very hearty and satisfying vegan meals. And on a budget! (Print my Mediterranean diet shopping list for free).
Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for cooking, which makes it easy to keep things vegan while adding good fat.
If you're just trying to add more vegetarian options to your diet, it begins with having the right ingredients on hand.
5 Pantry Essentials for Vegetarian and Vegan Cooking
I make a lot of vegan and vegetarian meals, and whenever I go shopping I look for these 5 essentials:
1. Vegetables (fresh and frozen). Browse the produce aisle for seasonal vegetables, and remember that things like sweet potatoes and root vegetables are more filling and hearty. Don't ignore the frozen section! Frozen veggies like peas, spinach, and broccoli are great to have on hand especially if you're trying to save prep time.
2. Legumes. Legumes are things like beans, chickpeas, and lentils. They're hearty, protein-packed, and rich in fiber, B vitamins and more. Stock up on canned chickpeas and beans for those nights you need a big bean salad, a cozy vegan chili or a one-pot that you can quickly throw together. Dry lentils are quick to cook and don't require soaking, I often use them to make big pots of soup.
3. Grains and pasta. Barley, farro, freekeh, quinoa, rice, couscous, and whole wheat pasta can make a great base for a vegetarian or vegan meal. This big couscous salad and this simple olive oil pasta are two of my family's favorites (hold the cheese for a vegan option).
4. Herbs and flavor makers. Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, cilantro, dill, thyme, and oregano can add a ton of flavor to your vegetarian dinner! I also use fresh garlic, onions, shallots and a number of Mediterranean spices to amp up the flavor.
5. Extra virgin olive oil. My two go-to oils that I use on a daily basis are Early Harvest and Private Reserve Greek extra virgin olive oils. They're both quality single estate extra virgin olive oils, from hand-picked and cold-pressed olives. (You can find them both here)
And if you're looking for just a few vegan recipes to get you started, here's a list of my very favorite dinners:
13 Vegan Dinner Recipes
(tap recipe names in red to see the full recipe)
You'll love this satisfying and colorful barley meal full of vegetables (hold the feta for vegan). Chockful of flavor and you can make it ahead as part of your meal-prep!
Simmered, succulent stew packed with potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic and spices all in one pot! No special tagine pot needed, unless you already have one.
This simple dish of lentils and rice with crispy onions is addicting. I use these all-natural black lentils for mujadara. These petite lentils cook fairly quickly. They have a wonderful, creamy consistency; full-bodied and earthy flavor.
Fried Eggplant with Tomatoes and Bell peppers
Delicate, flavor-packed fried eggplant with green peppers and tomatoes. This humble Mediterranean dish makes a great vegetarian main with your favorite grain or warm pita bread.
This iconic dish is easier to make than you might imagine. All you need to start are chickpeas, fresh herbs and the right spices. My family's secret recipe comes with a step-by-step tutorial. And by the way, you can prepare the falafel patties in advance and freeze for when you need them.
Velvety, tender green beans and potatoes, braised in a tomato and extra virgin olive oil sauce. A simple, flavor-packed, and satisfying entree
Melt-in-your mouth sweet potatoes, tender carrots, tomatoes, and wilted baby spinach. It gets a little Eastern Mediterranean flare with a few warm spices like cumin and turmeric. The best way to serve this hearty vegan stew is over quick-cooked couscous or with a piece of crusty whole wheat bread.
Braised Eggplant and Chickpea Stew
Eggplants cooked to velvety tender perfection with chickpeas and tomato. This is even better the next day!
This is my go-to for a power lunch. I recommend using our green lentils with fresh cucumber, red onion, baby spinach, parsley and pomegranate seeds. The dressing: lime juice, EVOO, honey, cumin, allspice and salt and pepper will bring all the flavors together.
Orzo with Zucchini and Chickpeas
Zucchini and protein-rich chickpeas, paired with tiny orzo pasta and finished with crunchy, toasted pine nuts. So much flavor in this simple pasta dish!
This Egyptian fava bean dish is creamy with a spicy lemon-garlic and is perfect for any meal of the day. The flavors will surprise you in the best way possible. Find canned fava beans at your grocery store in the international section or here on Amazon (affiliate link). You can also use pinto beans as a substitute.
This creamy red lentil soup gets a little Greek flare with the addition of cumin and rosemary, and a big drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to finish. Grab all-natural red lentils here.
This humble bowl of Italian soup is such a comforting dish that you can make easily with your pantry staples. This calls for two types of beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, the trinity (onion, celery and carrot) plus herbs over pasta.
And please let me know which of these recipes you've tried!
Browse our entire vegan recipes collection. And be sure to view our collection of Mediterranean diet recipes. For all recipes, visit us here.
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Kahra says
Thank you so much for these thoughtful and delicious-looking recipes! I am trying all of them! I have been following you on Facebook, and I truly appreciate all the effort you put into helping others make delicious and healthy meals! I am still learning to cook Mediterranean after having grown up in the Deep South of the US, and you make it fun and easy to try new foods!
Suzy says
Thank you so much for your kind words, Kahra! They put a smile on my face and keep me motived :).
Johnny Klawinski says
I don't commonly comment but I gotta state thankyou for the post on this special one : D.
Suzy says
My pleasure, Johnny! Hope you find some fun new recipes to try :).
Sara Welch says
What a great recipe round up! Looks like I have my dinners planned for the next two weeks!
Suzy says
Awesome!! Thanks, Sara!
Deseree says
These are perfect for anyone that is living the vegan lifestyle! i might have a try a few of these myself they all look delicious.
Suzy says
Thanks, Deseree!
Jacque Hastert says
I will have to give a few of these a try. They all sound fantastic and will work well when I don't want to run to the store for meat.
Suzy says
For sure!! Hope you enjoy! Thanks, Jacque!
katerina @ diethood.com says
All of these recipes sound amazing!! Can't wait to try them!
Vikki says
These all sound so delicious, but my favorite HAS to be that falafel recipe. Love it!
Suzy says
Oooo! That's a great one! Thanks, Vikki!
Dorothy Reinhold says
I've decided this extra time at home gives us the perfect opportunity to try new dishes. I love the idea of incorporating more Vegan options. Can't wait to give them a try!
Suzy says
Please do, and let me know what you think!! 🙂
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
These list of easy vegan dinner recipes are on my must-make list!
Suzy says
That's great! Thanks so much, Erin!
Amanda says
These vegan recipes look so tasty!
Suzy says
They are!!! Hope you give some a try!
Carrie Robinson says
I am not vegan or vegetarian, but I eat vegan/vegetarian often. I want to try all of these recipes. 🙂
Suzy says
Awesome!! Hope you find some things you really love!
Lisalia says
Yummy! I'm looking to increase my family's veggie intake and there are so many hearty and healthy options here. Thanks for these suggestions. So tomorrow I'm making Fried Eggplant with Tomatoes and Bell peppers and Power Lentil Salad. Thanks for your always-excellent recipes.
Suzy says
That's great, Lisalia! Hope you guys love the Fried Eggplant!
Denay DeGuzman says
What a fabulous collection of vegan dinner recipes! This comes at the perfect time. I'm in the middle of planning a party menu. A few of my guests are now vegan. So this is very helpful!
Suzy says
Yay! Glad we could help :). Thanks, Denay!
stephanie says
This was the perfect vegan dinner!!!!
Suzy says
So glad you found something you loved :). Thanks, Stephanie!
Katie says
These all look so tasty! I can't wait to start trying them!
Suzy says
Enjoy!!
Carrie Robinson says
They all look delicious! I want to try them all. 🙂
Suzy says
Go for it!! 🙂
Lynney says
I make your recipes regularly , at least one per week and we love them all. Thank you for posting!
Suzy says
So glad! Thank you for sharing.
Sylvia Carlson says
Hi! I printed out your Mediterranean power lentil salad, but the recipe doesn't show any pomegranate seeds. The picture clearly shows them. What happened?
Suzy says
Sorry about that. The pomegranate seeds were mentioned in the blog post as something that are an optional add-in when they are in season. The recipe is great both with and without them :).