12 Busy Weeknight Easy Vegan Recipes

Life can get hectic, and cooking dinner after a long day often feels like a chore. But what if you could whip up quick, easy, and delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen?

Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, these 12 easy vegan recipes are perfect for busy weeknights.

With minimal prep and fuss-free ingredients, you’ll have a satisfying meal in no time.

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Why Choose Easy Vegan Recipes?

If you’re juggling work, family, and social obligations, spending hours preparing meals isn’t always an option.

But eating healthy, plant-based meals doesn’t have to be difficult. By focusing on simple, no-fuss ingredients, you can create tasty dishes that don’t compromise on flavor or nutrition.

These recipes are designed for convenience, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or fridge.

Plus, many of these dishes are customizable, so you can add your favorite veggies, grains, and plant-based proteins without extra hassle.

1. Quick and Easy Vegan Tacos

Tacos are the perfect busy weeknight dinner. For a vegan twist, swap out meat for seasoned black beans or lentils. Serve with soft tortillas, avocado, salsa, and cilantro for a fresh, flavorful meal in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 8 soft corn tortillas
• Fresh toppings: avocado, salsa, cilantro

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan, add black beans, and season with cumin and chili powder.
2. Warm tortillas in the pan or microwave.
3. Assemble tacos with your favorite toppings.

Tip: Add a squeeze of lime for a zesty kick!

2. Vegan Stir-Fry with Tofu

A classic stir-fry is another quick and healthy option. Tofu is the perfect protein-packed base that soaks up the flavors of your favorite stir-fry sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, bell peppers)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp ginger, grated

Directions:

1. Sauté tofu in sesame oil until golden and crispy.
2. Add vegetables and stir-fry for 5 minutes.
3. Drizzle with soy sauce and ginger, stir, and serve over rice or noodles.

3. One-Pot Vegan Chili

Chili is a one-pot wonder that’s both hearty and comforting. Packed with beans, tomatoes, and spices, it’s a meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika

Directions:

1. Sauté onions in olive oil, then add spices and cook for 1 minute.
2. Add beans, tomatoes, and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Serve with avocado, cilantro, or tortilla chips.

4. Simple Vegan Pasta with Garlic and Olive Oil

Sometimes, the simplest meals are the best. This pasta dish is light yet satisfying, made with just a few ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
3. Toss pasta in garlic oil, garnish with herbs, and serve.

5. Vegan Buddha Bowls

Buddha bowls are customizable and make use of whatever grains, proteins, and vegetables you have on hand.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
• 1 cup roasted vegetables (sweet potatoes, broccoli)
• 1/2 cup chickpeas
• 1 tbsp tahini

Directions:

1. Assemble the bowl by layering quinoa, veggies, and chickpeas.
2. Drizzle with tahini and a squeeze of lemon.

6. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quesadillas

These quesadillas are quick to make and packed with flavor. The sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory black beans.

Ingredients:

• 1 sweet potato, cooked and mashed
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 4 tortillas
• 1 cup vegan cheese (optional)

Directions:

1. Mash the sweet potato and combine with black beans.
2. Spread mixture onto tortillas, add cheese if desired, and cook in a skillet until crispy.

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7. Vegan Fried Rice

Fried rice is a fantastic dish for using up leftover rice and vegetables. Add tofu or tempeh for extra protein.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup mixed veggies (peas, carrots, corn)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 block tofu, scrambled

Directions:

1. Sauté tofu in sesame oil until crispy.
2. Add veggies and rice, then drizzle with soy sauce.

8. Avocado Toast with Tomato and Basil

For a super quick meal, avocado toast never fails. Add tomato and basil for extra flavor, and you have a meal that’s ready in under 10 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices whole-grain bread
• 1 avocado, mashed
• 1 tomato, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves

Directions:

1. Toast the bread and mash the avocado on top.
2. Layer with tomato slices and garnish with basil.

9. Vegan Lentil Soup

A warm, hearty soup that’s both comforting and nourishing. This vegan lentil soup is packed with fiber and protein and can be made in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Sauté onions, carrots, and garlic in olive oil until softened.
2. Add lentils, tomatoes, broth, and spices.
3. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
4. Serve with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.

10. Chickpea Salad Sandwich

This simple chickpea salad sandwich is a vegan twist on a classic. It’s full of flavor, protein, and fiber, making it perfect for a quick and filling meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and mashed
• 2 tbsp vegan mayo
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Bread slices for serving

Directions:

1. Mash the chickpeas with a fork in a bowl.
2. Add mayo, mustard, celery, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and mix well.
3. Spread the chickpea mixture onto slices of bread and enjoy!

11. Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings

Craving a quick snack or appetizer? These vegan cauliflower buffalo wings are the perfect spicy treat, made with a simple batter and tossed in buffalo sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup plant-based milk
• 1/4 cup buffalo sauce

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and plant-based milk in a bowl to make the batter.
3. Dip cauliflower florets into the batter and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20 minutes, flip, and bake for another 10 minutes until crispy.
5. Toss the cauliflower in buffalo sauce and serve with a side of vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing.

12. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

For a light, low-carb dinner, try zucchini noodles with pesto. This dish is fresh, flavorful, and can be whipped up in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 zucchinis, spiralized
• 1/4 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• Fresh basil for garnish

Directions:

1. Garnish with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil before serving.
2. Sauté zucchini noodles in olive oil for 2-3 minutes until tender.
3. Toss the zucchini noodles with pesto until well coated.

FAQs About Easy Vegan Recipes

1. What are the best vegan proteins for busy weeknights? Tofu, tempeh, chickpeas, lentils, and black beans are all excellent protein sources that cook quickly and can be used in a variety of recipes.

2. Can I make these recipes ahead of time? Absolutely! Many of these dishes can be prepped in advance and stored for a few days, making them perfect for meal prep.

3. Are these recipes gluten-free? Some of the recipes are naturally gluten-free, such as the Vegan Stir-Fry with Tofu and the One-Pot Vegan Chili. Just be sure to check ingredient labels for gluten in packaged foods.

4. How can I make these recipes spicier? Add chili flakes, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to any of these dishes to give them a spicy kick!

📚 Looking for quick vegan meals? Don’t forget to save this post and follow me on Pinterest for more easy vegan recipes!

Also check out: 5 Last Minute Vegan Dinner