Add more color, nutrition, and flavor to your dinner table with this collection of 35 vegan dinner recipes! Whether you’re looking for meatless meal ideas or want to add more vegetables to your diet, these easy vegan recipes are for you!
Vegan dinner recipes don’t have to mean missing out on bold flavors and satisfying meals! My family eats the Mediterranean way, which includes a little bit of everything—fish, dairy, and plenty of vegetables and grains. But we also make it a point to eat vegetarian or vegan two to three times a week. (I shared more about this earlier in my Mediterranean diet meal plan.)
Some of our favorite meals come from those meatless nights! That’s because each one of these vegan dinner recipes is loaded with nutrition, big Mediterranean flavors, and plenty of heft to keep even the meat lovers satisfied.
Scroll below to find vegan main dishes, comforting vegan pastas, vegan soup recipes, vegan salad recipes, and more. Plus, a few tips for how to stock your pantry to make plant-based cooking easier and more accessible.
And while my goal was to share dinner recipes, what is dinner without dessert? Once you’ve selected your favorite vegan dinner ideas don’t forget to wrap things up with a vegan dessert like Vegan Chocolate Pudding with Tahini or 4-ingredient Vegan Chocolate Mousse. I know not everyone loves chocolate, so if you prefer fruit desserts try this simple Strawberry Granita or Lemon Sorbet.
3 Easy Vegan Dinner Recipes
Making vegan dinners doesn’t have to be complicated. These are my 3 go-to recipes when I’m short on time but craving something wholesome and delicious.
“Detox” Cabbage Soup with Turmeric and Ginger
Naturally vegan and gluten-free, this nourishing soup strikes the perfect balance between light and comforting. Keep this one in your rotation for a satisfying, feel-good meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor! Serve on its own or with fresh pita bread for dipping.
Butter Beans with Garlic, Lemon and Herbs
This easy vegan recipe is on your table in 15 minutes or less! I love to spoon the protein-rich beans and lemony, garlicky sauce over brown rice for a healthy low-fuss dinner.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
There are so many big flavors, textures, and colors in this easy 10 minute meal! Fresh herbs, juicy grape tomatoes, velvety roasted red peppers, crisp cucumber, protein-packed chickpeas, and creamy avocado will make you excited to dig in.
Show-Stopping Vegan Dinner Recipes
These are my go-to vegan dinners for a reason: they’re delicious, nutritious, and not terribly time-consuming. You’ll love these flavorful plant-based recipes with heaps of good-for-you vegetables. Check them out:
Harissa-Spiced Lentil and Carrot Stuffed Flatbread
These golden, toasty flatbreads are stuffed with a flavorful lentil filling infused with harissa, then pan-cooked to crispy perfection. Serve with a dollop of hummus for dipping, and a zesty tabouli salad on the side.
Vegan Spanakopita
This comforting skillet dinner has all the cozy flavors of the classic Greek Spanakopita. Here, white beans and hummus make a luxurious filling without the cheese! A refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad balances the savory vegan pie.
Spicy Cauliflower Shawarma
Simple to make, packed with nutrients, and perfect for meal prep! I roast cauliflower and onions with the same bold Mediterranean spices used in my beef and chicken shawarma. You’ll be amazed at how delicious this humble vegetable can be! And if you love it, switch things up with my Vegan Mushroom Shawarma.
Cabbage Steaks with Green Chermoula and Toasted Walnuts
This cabbage steak recipe packs a punch with its bright, lemony flavor and a touch of heat. It’s hearty enough to serve as a vegetarian or vegan main dish, particularly with a protein-packed salad like Piyaz: Turkish White Bean Salad on the side.
Carrot Top Pesto
Don’t throw away your carrot tops! Use them to make a sweet and nutty vegan pesto, perfect for tossing with cooked pasta or braised chickpeas for a gluten-free option (simply swap the milk for your favorite plant-based alternative).
Dopiazeh Aloo (Persian Potato Curry)
This fragrant potato curry, a cherished dish from Shiraz in southern Iran, gets its deep flavor from slow-cooked onions, fresh aromatics, and warm spices. Though it’s often served as a side dish to simple meats, I love to give it the spotlight it deserves on a big platter in the center of the table with simple basmati rice or barbari bread (Persian flatbread).
Easy Authentic Falafel
This iconic dish is easier to make than you might imagine! My family’s secret recipe comes with a step-by-step tutorial and a trusty bag of dried chickpeas (the canned variety will be too soggy here). And by the way, you can prepare the falafel patties in advance and freeze for falafel bowls. Simply omit the feta for a vegan option.
Greek Green Beans (Fasolakia)
This gluten-free vegan recipe of velvety, tender green beans, and potatoes, braised in a tomato and extra virgin olive oil sauce makes a satisfying vegan entree. Add crusty bread or nutrient-rich barley and dinner is served!
Vegetarian Stuffed Eggplant
This easy stuffed eggplant recipe is satisfying and packed with bright flavors from allspice, coriander, paprika, and more. The hearty Mediterranean stuffing of couscous, chickpeas, tomatoes, and herbs make for a delicious, wholesome dinner.
Roasted Stuffed Delicata Squash
Tender roasted delicata squash filled with a delicious Mediterranean farro mixture of nuts and dried fruit. Serve with your favorite salad for an impressive, satisfying plant-based dinner.
Briam: Traditional Greek Roasted Vegetables
Greek briam takes roasted vegetables to a whole new level of delicious–and beautiful! Serve with your favorite bread, a bed of rice or your favorite grain to sop up all the goodness. A small side of olives and roasted carrot hummus to start wouldn’t hurt!
Ful Mudammas (Egyptian Fava Beans)
You will fall in love with this creamy–but completely vegan–Egyptian fava bean dish! The zippy lemon-garlic sauce rounds out all the earthy flavors and adds just the right kick. Find canned fava beans (also known as broad beans) at your grocery store in the international section. You can use pinto beans as a substitute.
Easy Moroccan Vegetable Tagine
Fragrant simmered stew packed with potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, and spices all in one pot! You can cook it in a traditional tagine if you’d like an extra wow-factor, but any standard pot you have works great!
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
This vegan recipe comes straight from my mother’s kitchen! It’s a one-pot meal that is delicious and comforting. For an easy make-ahead vegan dinner, you can stuff and assemble the rolls in the pot you intend to cook them in (minus the sauce or water). Cover tightly and refrigerate until you are ready to cook, then add the sauce or water and follow the recipe instructions.
Chickpea Salad Sandwich with Fresh Veggies and Herbs
Loads of crunchy veggies and fresh herbs give the humble can of chickpeas a vibrant flavor and texture, turning this sandwich into a crave-worthy dinner. Serve on its own or with cups of Tomato Basil Soup on the side.
Vegan Soup Recipes
Few meals are more comforting than a warm bowl of steaming stew filled with vegetables, hearty legumes, and fragrant spices. They’re my go-to when I’m coming up with vegan meal ideas! Here are some of my favorite vegan stew recipes:
Greek Chickpea Soup (Revithosoupa)
Tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, is the secret to creamy and luxurious soup without the dairy! You can make this recipe the traditional way by soaking dried chickpeas overnight. Or, if you’re short on time, feel free to use 3 (15-ounce) cans of chickpeas instead.
Mediterranean White Bean Stew
This hearty one-pot vegan main has creamy cannellini beans, tender carrots, fragrant spices, and bright tomatoes. It’s a warm-your-belly meal packed with rich, vibrant flavors that’s ready in just 45 minutes!
Lentil Potato Soup with Homemade Croutons
If you have a carnivore in the family with a big appetite, make them this lentil potato soup! The savory flavors, rich lentils, hearty potatoes, and crispy croutons are sure to satisfy. For a gluten-free option, simply leave off the croutons or use gluten-free bread.
Easy Ratatouille (One Pot Vegetable Stew)
Ratatouille is a classic vegetable stew with tomatoes, eggplant, summer squash, bell peppers, onions, and garlic. It tastes even better the next day and freezes really well, so you can make a big batch and freeze for later. It’s often served with a poached egg, but I love to keep it vegan and let the vegetables shine. It’s a great recipe for using up all those fresh garden veggies!
Turkish Red Lentil Soup (Kırmızı Mercimek Çorbası)
Quick-cooking red lentils fill this simple pantry soup with vegan protein. And it could not be easier! Keep it simple and use low-sodium store-bought vegetable stock. Or you can go the extra mile with your own vegetable broth made from leftover scraps! You don’t need anything more, but Spicy Turkish Ezme goes well alongside.
Acorn Squash Soup with Turmeric and Ginger
This decadent soup is both vegan and creamy, gluten-free yet deeply satisfying. Infused with the cozy warmth of spicy fresh ginger and the fragrant North African spice blend ras el hanout, it’s pure comfort in a bowl. To add even more color to your table, start with a Roasted Beet Salad with Crispy Kale and Almonds.
Pappa al Pomodoro (Italian Bread and Tomato Soup)
Besides being delicious, this simple Italian soup is a great way to use up stale bread! Whip up an Italian Chopped Salad while it simmers and you’ll have a delicious weeknight dinner ready in around 30 minutes.
Vegetable Stew with Peas, Potatoes, and Bell Pepper
This hearty veggie stew is a plant-based powerhouse, packed with nourishing ingredients and ready in under an hour. Serve it with warm crusty bread for dipping, a scoop of fluffy quinoa or smoky freekeh to make it extra filling, or a crisp side salad for a refreshing contrast.
Simple Mushroom Barley Soup
This nutritious mushroom barley soup skips the beef in favor of a vegan meal with an equally satisfying body, texture, and depth of flavor. This is another vegan soup recipe that freezes well, so once it has cooled completely, transfer it to freezer-safe containers (leaving enough room at the top for it to expand).
Tomato and Chickpea Chili
Whether you make it on the stovetop or in the slow cooker for a hands-off meat-free dinner, this vegan chili is warming, hearty, and flavorful. And don’t be afraid to get creative with toppings: chopped avocado, sliced jalapeño, or toasted slivered almonds are a few ideas.
Harira (Moroccan Lentil and Chickpea Soup)
This lentil and chickpea soup with fresh herbs and loads of warm Moroccan spices tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal make-ahead meal. It will thicken a bit overnight, so just add a little liquid when you’re heating it up on the stovetop! Serve it with lemon slices and warm Mlewi (Tunisian Flatbread).
Hearty Vegan Salad Recipes
My goal with these vegan meal ideas was that they would feel like a full meal–not an appetizer or side. So for these vegan salad recipes, I wanted to include hearty options that are filling enough to be meals on their own. The key is incorporating grains, pasta, and legumes, which bulk them up and help to keep you full for longer. (To learn more about incorporating whole grains into your diet, read our article written by a registered dietitian, “Why You Should Eat Whole Grains.” Check out this list of some of my favorite vegan salad recipes:
Kisir (Turkish Bulgur Salad)
Kisir is a flavorful grain salad made with fresh parsley, tangy pomegranate molasses, and rich red pepper paste–you can make your own or substitute with tomato paste if you’d like. Bulgur is a fiber-rich whole grain that will keep you full longer, and it tastes even better the next day.
French Lentil Salad with Cucumber, Bell Pepper, and Fresh Herbs
Lentils are a Mediterranean pantry staple, loved not just for their incredible health benefits—like being packed with plant-based protein and fiber—but also for their rich, earthy flavor. In this vibrant dish, they’re tossed with fresh herbs, crisp bell peppers, and cooling cucumbers, then finished with a zesty lemon-garlic dressing. Be sure to use green or black lentils, which hold their shape nicely (unlike red lentils, which are best saved for soup).
Herby Freekeh Salad with Fresh Veggies and Pomegranate Dressing
Freekeh is a powerhouse grain—nutty, smoky, and packed with fiber and nutrients—making it as nourishing as it is flavorful. The best part? It doesn’t take much to turn it into a standout dish. In this easy freekeh salad, I let the grain shine, enhancing its deep, savory notes with fresh greens, fragrant herbs, and a tangy pomegranate molasses dressing. It’s a simple, wholesome, and delicious way to enjoy this nutrient-dense superfood!
Mediterranean Three-Bean Salad
This bean salad is so bright and packs tons of flavor from crunchy veggies, fresh herbs, capers, and a zesty garlic Dijon vinaigrette. I used three kinds of canned beans: cannellini, kidney, and garbanzo (also known as chickpeas).
Spicy Harissa White Bean and Lentil Salad
In this salad white beans and brown lentils come together to create a filling, flavorful salad with a kick from harissa paste! I love using homemade harissa paste here, but you can use your favorite store-bought version as well–I love our extra bold Tunisian harissa.
Italian Potato Salad
Swap the mayo for flavor with this bright and zesty vegan potato salad! If you’d like to up the protein, simply toss in drained cannellini beans or even crispy roasted chickpeas.
5 Pantry Essentials for Easy Vegan Recipes
I make a lot of vegan and vegetarian meals, and whenever I go shopping I look for these 5 essentials:
- 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.
- Legumes. Legumes like beans, chickpeas, and lentils are an essential–and loved!–part of the Mediterranean diet. They’re hearty, protein-packed, and rich in fiber, B vitamins and more. Plus, they’re shelf-stable and affordable.
- TRY IT: Shop Legumes
- Grains and pasta. Whole grains like barley, farro, and freekeh are packed with nutrition and will leave you satisfied! I also love to use couscous and pasta as the base for hearty vegan dinners.
- TRY IT: Shop Grains and Couscous
- Fresh herbs and flavor-makers. Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, cilantro, dill, thyme, and oregano add a ton of flavor and color to your vegan dinners! I also use fresh garlic, onions, shallots and a number of Mediterranean spices to amp up the flavor.
- TRY IT: Shop Spices
- Extra virgin olive oil. I use EVOO daily. Look for cold-pressed single region or single estate varieties, which tend to be the highest quality and most nutritious. For more tips on finding good EVOO, check out my Guide to Cooking with Olive Oil.
- TRY IT: Shop Mediterranean Olive Oils
More Recipe Roundups
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Simply brilliant at all levels. Ingredients most in my pantry. Ease of prep & cooking. Very healthy but exciting. But above all else so economical. My husband loves it every time I say “It’s a Suzy recipe tonight” Thanks for continually making us healthy, a little wealthier and wise enough to follow you.
You are very welcome, Heather! Thank YOU for your support!
Just you’re great…waow!!!! I’m very hungry now ❤️
Thank you Suzy! I love your food and this week’s recipe’s are the BEST!
Awww! Thanks, Lucrecia!
I have already tried a handful of these! I see a few new ones that I need to add to my list! YUM!
Thanks, Natalie!
Thank you so much Suzy for going to all the trouble to get this list together for us. It is very much appreciated.
From allll of us who are becoming more plant-based, “THANK YOU, thank you, thank you, for this awesome round-up of recipes!!!”. My 2 daughters and I love making your recipes!! Bless you, Suzy!!
My pleasure, Stacey! Hope you find some great new recipes on here!
This is so helpful! I’ve wanted to start eating more plant-heavy meals, but haven’t known where to start. I’ll definitely be trying some of these recipes! What a great variety, too!
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!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Kahra! They put a smile on my face and keep me motived :).
I don’t commonly comment but I gotta state thankyou for the post on this special one : D.
My pleasure, Johnny! Hope you find some fun new recipes to try :).