By Megan Edwards,
We’ve rounded up our most popular vegan dinner recipes for your personal noshing pleasure. These comforting soups, satisfying oil-free stir-fries, hearty sandwiches, and dreamy pasta dishes are all highly rated by the whole-food, plant-based community here at Forks Over Knives. Try one of these nourishing vegan dinner ideas when you’re in the mood to get creative in the kitchen, and trust us when we say these meals will make you want to lick the plate!
Vegan Spaghetti Marinara with Lentil Balls
Who can resist a warm, saucy bowl of hearty pasta? The classic dish gets a healthy plant-based upgrade with homemade lentil and mushroom balls that are perfectly seasoned with Italian spices. Purchase your favorite oil-free marinara sauce beforehand to save on time and make for an easier cleanup, or go all out and make your own batch of marinara from scratch.
Best-Ever Beefless Stew
Meaty portobello mushrooms add rich umami flavor and chunky texture to this soul-warming soup. Potatoes and carrots soak up the savory broth, which is infused with fresh rosemary, parsley, and paprika, while a sprinkling of peas bring bursts of earthy sweetness to each bite. This stew is ideal for a cold winter night when you want to nourish your belly and your spirit.
Air-Fryer Portobello Burgers with Thousand Island Aïoli
This satisfying vegan dinner recipe replaces bland store-bought veggie burgers with delectable portobello patties. The meaty mushrooms are coated in a savory breadcrumb mixture and air-fried to crunchy perfection before being sandwiched between soft whole wheat buns. Layer on your favorite veggies and a spoonful of creamy vegan Thousand Island aioli, and you have the perfect plant-based burger.
Polenta Lasagna with Kale and Lentils
Lasagna without the noodles? You bet! Whip up this tasty plant-based twist on the classic Italian dish to discover just how delicious layers of fluffy polenta, tangy marinara, and tender veggies can be. Brown lentils provide heft, while kale and bell pepper add lots of satisfying texture that you’ll want to dig your fork into. This comforting casserole dish is definitely one to have in your regular dinner rotation.
Creamy One-Pot Pasta with Broccolini
This vegan dinner recipe is perfect for clearing out your pantry of leftover produce. A delightful medley of whole grain pasta and fresh veggies are tossed in a creamy sauce infused with the tangy flavors of lemon and Dijon mustard. Feel free to mix-and-match which vegetables you use based on whatever you have on hand. The best part? Cleanup is super minimal for this one-pot meal!
Crispy Tofu and Veggie Stir-Fry
Tender cubes of tofu are coated in a crispy sesame seed crust and tossed with fresh veggies for an easy and delicious oil-free stir-fry. Orange juice, soy sauce, and rice vinegar create a citrusy glaze that coats the mixture in finger-licking-good flavor. Spoon everything over a bed of warm brown rice, top with scallions, and you have a scrumptious veggie-packed feast on your hands.
Vegan Minestrone Soup with Potatoes and Kale
Sip on the luscious broth of this simple minestrone to instantly warm up your insides. A mellow veggie stock is laden with fresh kale, hearty potatoes, and white beans that melt in your mouth with every spoonful. Crack some fresh black pepper over the top, and voilà! You have a delightful chunky soup that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Broccoli-Crust Veggie Pizza
You’ve heard of cauliflower pizza crusts, but its green cousin is an even tastier base for all your favorite toppings. The homemade dough, which gets a savory kick from Italian seasoning and minced garlic, is so yummy it doesn’t require a sauce. Assorted veggies are roasted directly on the crust as it bakes, and you can get creative with the toppings depending on your personal preferences. One reader raves, “It tastes like heaven on a plate!”
Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce
Running out of vegan ideas for dinner? This delectable dish will pull you out of your recipe slump. Crisp snow peas, sweet bell pepper, and tender cabbage are sautéed together for an irresistible stir-fry. A slightly spicy peanut sauce coats the veggies and seeps into the warm rice to create a meal that really hits the spot. Ready to eat in under 30 minutes, this is a great vegan dinner recipe to prepare ahead of time so you can warm it up on busy nights.
New Year’s Day Soup with Black-Eyed Peas
The tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s day is believed to have originated in the South around the time of the Civil War, and the custom is still hungrily observed by thousands of people today. This plant-based version of the dish trades in ham hock for fresh produce and simmers collard greens, carrots, and zucchini in a tasty veggie broth. Add a splash of red wine vinegar for an acidic kick, and enjoy this vegan recipe for dinner at any time of the year!
Air-Fryer Eggplant Parmezzan with Pasta
This oil-free vegan eggplant parmesan is crisped up in an air fryer to get that delicious crunch you crave from this classic dish. The breaded eggplant discs are laid over a bed of hearty linguine that has been tossed with a veggie-studded marinara sauce for extra flavor and plant-based goodness. A pinch of nutritional yeast adds a cheesy finishing touch. One reader says, “My family agreed that this dish is restaurant quality!”
Summer Harvest Soup
Celebrate summer produce with this quick and easy vegan dinner recipe that comes together in a flash. Sweet corn, earthy asparagus, juicy tomatoes, and crisp green beans are simmered in a delicate broth that allows the veggies to shine. Quinoa or bulgar add extra heft to the soup while a squeeze of lemon juice offers a bright kick of citrus that tastes like sunshine. Bon appétit!
Zucchini Fritters
Make sure to whip up a double batch of this recipe from chef Dreena Burton if you don’t want them to be immediately gobbled up! A 2021 reader favorite, these tasty fritters turn zucchini into savory patties that feature tangy Dijon mustard, bright dill, and zesty chives. Perfect for a light dinner, enjoy these latke-like snacks with a dollop of vegan sour cream, ketchup, or a balsamic reduction.
Sun-Dried Tomato and Chickpea Sliders
Craving unique vegan ideas for dinner? This recipe should do the trick. Succulent veggie patties made from mushrooms, chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, and plenty of savory spices are the star of these produce-packed sliders. Grilled zucchini planks replace the buns, and a drizzle of sweet balsamic vinegar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor that ketchup could never bring to the plate. Serve with a side of baked french fries for the ultimate evening meal.
Creamy Vegan Ramen
Imagine slurping up a bowl of this warm ramen on a cold night: It doesn’t get cozier than that! Trumpet and shiitake mushrooms add rich umami flavor and meaty texture to the soup, while ginger, garlic, and miso paste liven up the veggie broth. Cubes of tofu mingle with potatoes, carrots, and chewy noodles to create a ramen bursting with good-for-you ingredients. Garnish this delightful vegan dinner recipe with spicy togarashi to add some extra heat!
Vegan Vegetable Korma
Take your tastebuds on a trip with this divine plant-based korma. The savory curry sauce is packed full of warming spices and gets its creamy texture from soaked cashews. Green beans, carrots, and bell pepper are simmered in the aromatic sauce and then topped with cilantro and lime juice. Add steamed brown rice or whole wheat naan to help soak up the extra curry so you can savor every last drop.
Butternut Squash and Red Bean Stew
Smoky and sweet with a touch of heat, this veggie-forward stew is sure to satisfy all your dinnertime cravings. Tender butternut squash, earthy carrots, and sweet bell peppers are cooked in a richly seasoned broth until they’re perfectly soft. Kidney beans add a hearty, chili-like component, and an acidic kick of red wine vinegar ties all the flavors together. Enjoy on its own or add a dollop of vegan sour cream for a creamier texture.
Farro and Spinach Salad with Air-Fried Beets
When you’re in need of a light and refreshing vegan dinner, this colorful salad will do the trick. Sliced beets are air-fried into crispy chips and tossed with fresh spinach, chewy farro, sweet pears, and tangy red onion. The tangy dressing has subtle nutty undertones thanks to the blended walnuts, and you can adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less maple syrup. Hearty enough to keep you full until morning, give this beautiful bowl of veggies a try!
Szechwan Stir-Fry
Dig into this unbelievably delicious stir-fry when you’re craving the flavors of Chinese takeout but don’t want the added oil. Tender eggplant, crunchy water chestnuts, and tasty broccoli rabe soak up the rich Szechwan sauce, which comes together with just a few pantry staples. Jalapeño pepper adds heat, while sliced leeks bring a delicate sweetness to the veggies. Serve over a bed of wheat berries or another cooked grain, and prepare to enjoy your new favorite recipe.
Jackfruit Jambalaya
A quick and flavorful vegan dinner for when you’re in a time crunch, one reader says, “This is the best jambalaya I’ve ever had!” Meaty jackfruit provides delicious texture while a hefty scoop of Creole seasoning brings this classic Louisiana dish to life. Veggies, kidney beans, and brown rice all add heft to this comforting soup, which will clear your sinuses and leave your stomach satisfied.
Quick and Easy Noodle Soup
Slurp up the comforting flavors of a scrumptious soup that’s easy to put together with a few simple pantry staples. The broth is infused with the aromas of sage, thyme, and marjoram to create a rich and savory base for tender veggies and hearty noodles. Reminiscent of the chicken noodle soup you enjoyed as a kid, this vegan dinner recipe is bursting with delicious flavors and an extra dose of nostalgia.
Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas with Cilantro-Orange Crema
These eye-catching enchiladas are stuffed with hearty beans and sweet potatoes that feature a tantalizing burst of orange zest. The tasty filling is rolled in tender corn tortillas, topped with a smoky red sauce, and finished with a cilantro crema. Add a nourishing side salad for extra veggie power and you’ll love this Mexican-inspired meal from the first bite to the last.
Sweet Potato Shawarma
Get lost in the fragrant flavors of this vegan shawarma recipe, which is loaded with good-for-you ingredients. Sweet potatoes and cauliflower are roasted to crispy perfection in an array of Middle Eastern spices and piled onto a base of quinoa, lettuce, and cucumber. A simple tahini dressing tops everything off for a mouthwatering bowl that you’ll definitely want to add to your regular recipe rotation.
Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Creamed Spinach
When you want to pull out all the stops, this vegan dinner recipe will impress any guest. Thick slices of cauliflower get deliciously tender in the oven and are served like steak over a bed of hearty farro. The creamed spinach topping gets a cheesy boost from nutritional yeast and is spooned over the veggie steaks, while caramelized onions bring a burst of sweetness to the dish. Get out your knife and fork, and enjoy!
Kale Arrabbiata-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash makes for a great pasta replacement in this satisfying self-contained meal. The squash threads get tender in the oven, chickpeas and kale add heft, and a jazzed-up jar of marinara sauce brings classic Italian trattoria appeal to this delectable dish. One happy reader raves, “YUM! This was delicious!”
Chickpea and Potato–Stuffed Poblano Peppers
This unique vegan recipe for dinner is a fan favorite because of the fragrant blend of Indian spices that flavor the mushroom, chickpea, and potato filling. Mild poblano peppers are stuffed with the veggie medley and steamed until soft so the whole dish melts in your mouth. A squeeze of lime juice adds a citrusy tang before serving, while fresh cilantro pairs perfectly with the warming spices.
Grilled Mushroom Burgers with Tarragon Crema
Sink your teeth into these juicy portobello burgers that are infused with a smoky, charred flavor from the grill. A creamy cashew-based tarragon sauce adds a tangy, herbal component to the recipe while fresh veggies balance out the meaty plant-based patties with a crisp crunch. Serve alongside Baked French Fries and you’re good to go!
Mushroom Chorizo Tacos con Papas
Make these colorful tacos when you’re in the mood for a Mexican feast. A satisfying mix of mushrooms, chickpeas, and walnuts form a chorizo-like texture and are seasoned with a delicious blend of Southwestern spices. Feel free to get creative with the toppings: Cilantro, tomatoes, cabbage, radishes, and salsa can all take this hand-held meal to the next level.
Mango Rice Salad Bowls
Sweet mangoes are the star of this easy, fresh produce-packed recipe. The simple base of brown rice and black beans is topped with crunchy bell pepper, tangy onion, and a cilantro-lime dressing that makes this dish tasty whether it’s served hot or cold. When it comes to this vegan recipe for dinner, one thrilled reader writes: “This was one of the best meals that I have had in a long time!”
Lots-of-Vegetables Risotto
The ultimate comfort food, this dreamy risotto is unbelievably creamy and studded with tender veggies to create a restaurant-quality dish. Brown rice is used in place of Arborio rice to deliver a tender, chewy result while mushrooms add rich umami flavor to every bite. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the produce you use in this recipe; it will be delicious with any other spare veggies you have on hand.
Spicy Tomato Sushi Rolls
Trust us when we say this recipe is worth a little extra work. Brown rice is soaked in a savory broth and mixed with riced butternut squash to create a creamy, flavor-packed base for each sushi roll. The succulent filling of spicy tomatoes, buttery avocado, and crisp cucumber perfectly complement the salty nori wrapping. One pleased FOK reader writes, “These are delicious and the tomatoes make for a wonderful mouth feel instead of meat or fish.”
Vegan Pimiento Cheesy Mac
This classic Southern dish gets a plant-based makeover that makes it even more delicious than its dairy-laden counterpart. Chickpeas are the secret ingredient in a luscious “cheese” sauce that gets a burst of earthy sweetness from pimiento peppers. Topped with fresh parsley and crack of black pepper, this is the vegan mac and cheese you’ve been searching for.
Vegan Soba Noodle Salad
This tasty recipe proves the old adage “less is more” to be correct. Buckwheat soba noodles have a subtle nutty flavor that’s enhanced with a simple sauce made from yuzu ponzu, fresh ginger, and brown rice vinegar. The addition of carrots, bell pepper, and Japanese chives keeps the preparation simple but the flavors complex. The best part? This vegan dinner recipe is ready in just 30 minutes!
Stone Fruit Pasta Salad with Fennel
Not a salad person? This recipe might just change your mind. Peppery arugula is paired with licorice-like fennel slices and a zesty lemon dressing to create a bowl of greens that tastes like sunshine. Hearty noodles, sweet peaches, and tart cherries add to the summery flavors, enticing you to come back for a second serving.
Hearty Vegan Red Bean Chili
Cozy up to a bowl of flavorful chili that will warm you up from the inside out. Red kidney beans are simmered with bell peppers, tomatoes, millet, and poblano peppers in a medley of tantalizing spices then served alongside corn tortillas to sop up the extra stew. If you like extra heat, feel free to add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Hearty Purple Cabbage Soup
Marvel at the purple hue of this delicious stew, which is ideal for enjoying on cold nights. Hearty potatoes, tender cabbage, and sweet peas join forces in an herb-infused broth to bring you a dish that you’ll want to add to your regular recipe rotation. White wine vinegar adds a splash of acidity to make all the flavors pop, and a garnish of fresh parsley brings it all together. A happy reader writes: “A delicious and nutritious dinner that froze really well for leftovers.”
Thai Basil Eggplant
The next time you consider ordering takeout, make this delightful recipe instead! Succulent eggplant soaks up an irresistible hoisin-based sauce that’s infused with fresh ginger. Bell peppers and mushrooms add substance, while brown rice soaks up the extra sauce. Sprinkle chopped Thai basil on top for an aromatic experience that will leave you licking your plate.
Napa Cabbage Salad
Ideal for lunchtime meal prep, this yummy recipe hits the salad jackpot with crunchy cabbage, tender green beans, and earthy carrots. A finger-licking-good dressing mixes salty soy sauce with ginger and maple syrup for an Asian-inspired vinaigrette that’s light and refreshing. Sprinkle some peanuts on top (or sunflower seeds, if you’re nut-free) and enjoy as a light meal or alongside a tasty sandwich!
Potato Burrito Bowls with Salsa Fresca
If you want to eat well on a budget, this wallet-friendly recipe will satisfy your taste buds and your bank account. Potato wedges are coated in taco seasoning and crisped to golden perfection before being arranged in a bowl with beans, rice, corn, and salsa fresca. Add shredded romaine lettuce to make it more of a taco salad, or enjoy as a grain bowl. One reader writes, “Yummy, filling, and easy!”
Green Goddess Grain Bowls
Get in your daily dose of greens with delicious grain bowls that are bursting with fresh ingredients. Cucumber, arugula, asparagus, and white beans are drizzled in a scrumptious herbal dressing that’s also great as a sandwich spread or crudités dip. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and watch how quickly you gobble up this meal. Pro tip: If you can’t find sorghum at the grocery store, feel free to substitute any other whole grain you enjoy!
Lemon Hummus Pasta
Craving a creamy pasta sauce without the cream? You’ve come to the right place. Oil-free hummus transforms into a decadently smooth sauce that’s enhanced with lemon zest, fresh oregano, and starchy pasta water. Chock-full of fresh veggies and hearty whole grain pasta, one satisfied reader says simply, “This is delicious.”
Ready to get started? Check out Forks Meal Planner, FOK’s easy weekly meal-planning tool to keep you on a healthy plant-based path. To learn more about a whole-food, plant-based diet, visit our Plant-Based Primer.
About the Author
About the Author
Megan Edwards
Megan Edwards is a staff writer and content producer for Forks Over Knives. She is also a certified RYT-500 yoga teacher who is passionate about cultivating holistic wellness through plant-based eating, mindful movement, and meditation. With a background in journalism and marketing, she supports both the online presence and quarterly print magazine for Forks Over Knives.
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