85 Best Vegan Recipes for Lunch, Dinner and Beyond
The ultimate menu of plant-based meals, ahead.
Whether you're a full-time vegan or just trying to incorporate more healthy vegetables into your diet, there are so many easy, delicious vegan recipes you can try for breakfast, lunch and perhaps most importantly, dinner. We rounded up dozens of our favorites, some of which offer meat- or dairy-free takes on classic comfort foods — lasagna, Caesar salad and chocolate chip cookies, to name a few — or produce-packed mains and tons of tofu recipes that just so happen to be plant-based. From your Super Bowl spread to Christmas dinner (year-round!), there's a lip-smacking, satisfying vegan option for you.
Still skeptical about the taste? Vegan meals can be colorful and vibrant or cozy and rich (and everything in-between) thanks to ingredients that pack a serious punch, like fragrant spices, delicious sauces and all kinds of meatless substitutes. Even without animal products, there are so many ingredients to choose from when building vegan meals: healthy whole grains, protein-rich beans and nuts and unlimited fresh fruits and veggies.
With just a little creativity and these recipes as your guide, you can pull together tasty plant-based soups, healthy salads, mains and more (even delicious vegan desserts). We’ve got a mix of wholesome recipes to feel good about, as well as indulgent picks (vegan chocolate and cake!) that'll really make you fall in love with plant-based eating. Even your meat-loving friends will be impressed — and asking for seconds.
Sesame Noodles
Smooth peanut butter creates a swoon-worthy, creamy sauce. Pass the chili crisp at the table if you like a little extra spice.
Get the Sesame Noodles recipe.
Gingery Spring Soup
Get double the plant-based protein with shelled edamame and silken tofu (the best kind for soaking up all that savory broth).
Get the Gingery Spring Soup recipe.
Tomato and Charred Pepper Farro Salad
Grilling season doesn't have to be all burgers and dogs. Throw some peppers and scallions on the fire to add smoky flavor to this potluck-ready salad.
Vegan Pumpkin Risotto with Crispy Sage
The starches released from cooking arborio rice provide plenty of creaminess — zero cream needed!
Grilled Lemon-Lime Corn Salad
Employ the power of not one, but two citruses for a seriously flavor-loaded (and dairy-free) side.
Get the Grilled Lemon-Lime Corn Salad recipe.
Green Tahini Dip
Full of bright, punchy herbs like basil and parsley, this makes a mean dip for veggies or sliced baguette.
Get the Green Tahini Dip recipe.
RELATED: 80 Best Party Dip Recipes That Are Easy to Serve a Crowd
Butter Bean Salad with Herby Vinaigrette
This bright, herb-infused upgrade to the three bean salad is meant to be a side, but certainly has enough protein (about 9 grams per serving!) to become your main.
Peanut Sauce Soba with Crispy Tofu
The secret to extra-crunchy tofu? Drain it, dry it and dredge in cornstarch, which ensures a crisp coating.
Smoky Black Bean and Quinoa Soup
Bacon isn't the only way to infuse a soup or stew with smoky, delicious flavor: Spicy canned chipotle in adobo comes to the rescue.
Green Soup with Crispy Tofu
And we mean green: This creamy soup owes its striking hue to broccoli (both stems and florets), spinach and cilantro.
Get the Green Soup with Crispy Tofu recipe.
Air Fryer Tostones with Cilantro Dip
Whip up a tray of vegan apps — like these smashed, air-fried plantains — so everyone at your bash has something to nosh on.
Get the Air Fryer Tostones with Cilantro Dip recipe.
RELATED: 72 Easy Air Fryer Recipes for a Quick Weeknight Dinner
Focaccia Bread
You wouldn't think this rich, fluffy Italian flatbread is vegan — but it's about 50% olive oil and 100% plant-based.
Get the Focaccia Bread recipe.
Craving more carbs? Try savory Tomato, Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia or sweet Pear Focaccia.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
This simple sweet and spicy recipe might become your new go-to way to prep sprouts.
Get the Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe.
RELATED: 38 Brussels Sprouts Recipes That Will Have You Asking for Seconds
Roasted Carrots and Red Onions
Serve these coriander and cumin-spiced veggies with your favorite grain and call it dinner.
Herbed Bulgur Salad
Blended with cumin and roasted almonds in addition to herbs and oil, the green sauce is a fragrant take on a classic pesto.
Get the Herbed Bulgur Salad recipe.
Sticky Tofu Bowl
Soy sauce, sugar and chili garlic sauce combine to make a sweet and spicy coating for roasted tofu.
Get the Sticky Tofu Bowl recipe.
One-Pot Spaghetti
How, you ask? Boil spaghetti, veggies and seasonings until the liquid has fully absorbed — no strainer required!
Get the One-Pot Spaghetti recipe.
RELATED: 50 One-Pot Meals for an Easy Dinner and Even Easier Clean Up
Vegan Bolognese
Protein-rich lentils plus meaty mushrooms sub in for beef in this cozy sauce. Who says comfort food can't be plant-based?
Get the Vegan Bolognese recipe.
Spice-Roasted Cauliflower with Green Beans
Power-up a plate o' veggies with a sweet, spicy and fragrant paste that'll have everyone digging in for seconds.
Vegan Lasagna
Blend cashews with seasonings for a creamy, convincing "cheese" spread that takes this lasagna over the top.
Get the Vegan Lasagna recipe.
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