Simple Vegan Recipes for Beginners
Vegan recipes for beginners make eating plant-based healthy, delicious, and easy. Thinking about a vegan diet? These recipes are perfect when you’re first taking on a plant-based diet!
I remember when I went vegan around 15 years ago. I had been vegetarian for years at that point and Shawn had already been vegan for quite some time, so in some ways, I was really prepared. But in other ways, it felt a little overwhelming.
What I learned quickly is that it wasn’t all that hard. Some vegan dishes have quite the reputation for being difficult to make, but I discovered some ways to work around those to make them easier and delicious.
That’s why I wanted to share with you some of my favorite simple vegan recipes for beginners — to let you know that vegan can be easy, affordable, and delicious.
These are my favorite Vegan Essentials to add to your new vegan pantry. For example, Nutritional Yeast Recipes are very popular in the vegan community. You can find nutritional yeast flakes in the health food section of most grocery stores.
The Secular Vegan
If you’ve committed to a vegan or vegan-leaning diet, then I say, kudos to you! Welcome to the club! I call myself a Secular Vegan because I’m not a dogmatic vegan. We’ve all met a few of those, right?
Besides, there are a number of reasons to go vegan besides just animal rights issues. You could have allergies, want to improve your health, or want to be kinder to our planet.
I’m passionate about my diet and lifestyle, but I just don’t have it in me to be a zealot about it. I’m not a “my way or the high way” kind of person.
I think being a Secular Vegan gives you permission to make incremental changes in your diet. That’s how I did it! First I went vegetarian, then over a period of years, I gave up eggs, and then milk and butter, and then finally mozzarella. The was a tough one! Oh, and M&Ms.
Check out my 10 Ways to Be Vegan post for ideas.
But my taste buds have guided me along the way, because as I gave up certain foods (like milk), eventually I lost my taste buds for it. Now the taste of milk from a cow is really disgusting, but I love almond milk. Go figure!
Quick Vegan Recipes for Beginners
When you first start making vegan recipes, it’s good to keep things simple. That’s why I created this guide of simple vegan recipes for beginners, including quick vegan dinner ideas. I’m sharing some of my favorite, easiest, and tastiest vegan meal ideas!
Below, you’ll find vegan easy recipes covering everything from appetizers to main dishes, to desserts. It’s all covered.
My criteria for “easy” was that the recipe had to fit one of these two criteria:
- 10 Ingredients or less
- Ready in 30 minutes or less
Preferably both!
OK, so if you’re on that journey with me, then here are some of the best vegan recipes for beginners.
Easy Vegan Appetizers
Appetizers are the ultimate in making vegetarian recipes easy. These tasty vegan appetizers will show you how.
You’ll find everything from stuffed cherry tomatoes, vegan queso dip made with just five ingredients, and cheesy pull-apart bread.
My vegan ranch dip is perfect with chopped veggies, but you can also serve it with potato chips and crackers. You’ll need some plain vegan yogurt (as in unsweetened) and I find that at our local health food store and Sprouts.
Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
These stuffed cherry tomatoes make a perfect snack, and they’re also great appetizers for parties. They’re easy to make and delicious!
Vegan Queso Blanco
Make this creamy vegan queso blanco dip with 5 ingredients in 5 minutes and serve it with chips or pour it over nachos or vegan burritos.
Vegan Ranch Dip
This easy vegan ranch dip is a creamy dip that’s perfect to serve with chopped veggies, chips, cauliflower wings, and even baked potatoes.
Vegan Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread
This easy Vegan Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread is made with only 6 tasty ingredients. Take it to your next party and wait for the oohs and ahhhs!
Easy Vegan Breakfast Ideas
There’s nothing like getting your day started easy and delicious. You’ll find everything here from whole wheat pancakes to tofu scramble, and more! All of these recipes can be made in 30 minutes or less or have fewer than 10 ingredients.
When it comes to pancakes, I love making a double batch and freezing them for quick weekday breakfasts!
Raspberry Overnight Oats
These raspberry overnight oats features a creamy oatmeal base with a fruity layer of raspberry chia jam. It’s a delicious way to start your day!
Whole Wheat Pancakes
These vegan whole wheat pancakes are perfectly light and fluffy. Because they’re made with whole wheat, they’re a healthy start to your day!
Vegan French Toast
Imagine waking up to the best weekend breakfast that’s easy to make and everyone loves! That’s what this vegan French toast is all about.
Vegan Shakshuka
This vegan Shakshuka features scrambled tofu in a savory mix of spiced tomatoes, peppers, olives, and onions. It’s a perfect brunch recipe.
Blueberry Overnight Oats
These easy vegan blueberry overnight oats are a healthy option for breakfast. Mix the ingredients the night before, and wake up to breakfast!
Easy Vegan Donuts & Muffins
When it’s time to indulge, there’s nothing like a tasty vegan donut or muffin. These recipes are all scrumptious and perfectly vegan.
Vegan Raspberry Muffins
Add a vegan twist to your sweet breakfast treats with this delicious, vegan raspberry muffins. Make these moist and fluffy muffins today!
Vegan Blackberry Muffins
These vegan blackberry muffins are packed with blackberries and topped with a simple vanilla glaze. They are the best berry muffins ever!
Raspberry Donuts
These easy baked raspberry donuts are delicious! These tasty donuts are infused with raspberries and topped with a colorful raspberry glaze.
Vegan Chocolate Donuts
Take a bite out of these Vegan Chocolate Donuts with chocolate fudge frosting. It’s the best way to get your fun weekend mornings started!
Vegan Bran Muffins
Make these vegan bran muffins full of flavor and healthy ingredients. These muffins are a tasty way of adding more fiber to your diet!
Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
Moist vegan pumpkin chocolate chip muffins are so soft and delicious because they’re full of tasty spices and lots of melted chocolate chips.
Vegan Chocolate Croissants
Enjoy the flaky crust of these indulgent, easy vegan chocolate croissants made in less than 30 minutes and with only FIVE ingredients!
Blackberry Donuts
Make this batch of Vegan Blackberry Donuts in your oven and enjoy a dairy-free, egg-free breakfast treat in less than 30 minutes.
Easy Tofu Recipes
Tofu is kind of the quintessential vegan ingredient. If you’ve never cooked with it before, it can seem a little intimidating. These easy tofu recipes are the best way to get started with it. And when it comes to buying your first tub, this Tofu Guide will help you find what you’re looking for.
Miso Tofu
This miso tofu recipe is an easy, flavorful, and protein-packed meal! This versatile dish is ready in minutes with a few simple ingredients.
Tofu Scramble
You can make this 10-minute Tofu Scramble and enjoy it with toast and vegan cheese, on a sandwich, and more. It’s a vegan protein powerhouse!
Kung Pao Tofu
Take-out style vegan Kung Pao Tofu is infused with sweet-sour-salty vegan Kung Pao sauce with just a hint of heat and lots of big flavors!
Vegan Miso Soup
This easy vegan miso soup recipe is a healthy simple miso soup that can be served for lunch, as a snack, or a pre-dinner appetizer.
Easy Vegan Mexican Favorites
Mexican food is a go-to favorite in our household. I love making some easy guacamole with a side of tortilla chips for a snack or serving vegan tacos with salsa. These easy plant-based Mexican recipes can be staple dishes in your kitchen, too!
Jicama Tacos
Make these low-carb Jicama Tacos and you’ll be so surprised at how easy it is to have a healthy, crunchy, grain-free taco experience!
Jackfruit Carnitas
This jackfruit carnitas recipe features jackfruit cooked with spices until tender then cooked in a skillet until crispy and golden brown.
Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
Making your own Air Fryer Tortilla Chips takes only minutes! These thin and crispy tortilla chips are perfect served with salsa or guacamole.
Vegan Tacos
Vegan tacos are packed with veggie taco meat, cheese, guacamole, and a tangy cashew cream sauce. Make a fun, tasty taco night dinner any day!
Vegan Guacamole
This chunky, flavorful Best Vegan Guacamole, is easily prepared and served with a salad, over bean burritos, with tortilla chips, nachos, you name it!
Quick and Easy Vegan Meals
Looking for easy vegan meals to serve in less than 30 minutes? These delicious vegan dinner recipes are made super simple… but with all the flavors!
Vegan Enchilada Casserole
Enjoy this easy Vegan Enchilada Casserole. It’s so scrumptious and can be made in less than 30 minutes. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner!
Vegan Taquitos
Make these easy Vegan Taquitos for your next meat-free meal. A crispy shell has a creamy filling and is served with a tasty avocado sauce.
Vegan Taco Salad
This vegan taco salad feature veggie taco meat served with all the toppings on a bed of crispy lettuce. Don’t forget the chips and salsa!
Vegan Black Bean Burrito
This vegan black bean burrito recipe makes the best burrito in town! You’ll love the simple ingredients, from black beans, brown rice, potatoes, corn, and seasonings to make it just right.
Vegan Taco Casserole
This easy vegan Taco Casserole recipe is loaded with your favorite Mexican flavors. Casseroles make for a fun change of pace for taco night.
Vegan Pasta Bake
This easy vegan pasta bake is a creamy, garlic-infused pasta casserole, covered in red sauce, veggie crumbles, and melted vegan mozzarella.
Vegan Lettuce Wraps
You’re going to love these veggie lettuce wraps with dipping sauce. This is a low-carb, keto-friendly recipe that’s ready in 30 minutes!
Vegan Penne Pasta
Enjoy this delicious vegan penne pasta dish infused with veggie sausage, red peppers, and a delicious tomato sauce. It’s ready in 30 minutes!
Wild Rice and Sweet Potato Skillet Dinner
For weeknight, on-the-go, dinners, this Wild Rice and Sweet Potato Skillet Dinner is easy, affordable, delicious, and a family favorite.
Easy Vegan Sandwiches
Sandwiches make a perfect easy meal, but what do you put inside? Here are some delicious vegan sandwich ideas that are ready in minutes:
Vegan Tuna Salad
This vegan tuna salad is perfect on sandwiches, salads, and even soft tacos! It uses the best flavors, making a perfect plant-based spread.
Vegan Egg Salad
You’re gonna love this Best Ever Simple Vegan Egg Salad recipe that’s low carb, healthy, and delicious. Use it to make sandwiches, add to salads, and more!
Vegan Chicken Salad
This easy vegan chicken salad features tempeh cubes smothered in a flavorful, creamy mayo sauce. Serve it on sandwiches and over salads.
Vegan Chopped Cheese Sandwich
This easy, cheesy vegan sandwich, the Vegan Chopped Cheese Sandwich, is a vegan version of the famous NYC sandwich. It’s ready in 10 minutes!
Easy Vegan Lunch Ideas
Lunch can be tricky, especially if you’re packing for yourself or others. These light meals are perfect because they’re ready in minutes, made with minimal ingredients, and pack perfectly for lunch on the go:
Vegan Taco Salad
This vegan taco salad feature veggie taco meat served with all the toppings on a bed of crispy lettuce. Don’t forget the chips and salsa!
Vegan Cottage Cheese
This vegan cottage cheese is comfort food at its finest. Ready in less than 15 minutes, you can serve this over salads, in wraps, and more!
Vegan Spring Rolls
Eat the Rainbow with these Vegan Spring Rolls made healthy with your favorite veggies. Serve it with a tasty vegan peanut sauce.
Vegan Broccoli Soup
This easy Vegan Broccoli Soup is creamy comfort food in every bite. Serve this healthy soup with vegan grilled cheese sandwiches.
Pad Thai Zucchini Noodles
Spicy Pad Thai Zucchini Noodles are drizzled in a spicy, tangy sauce and topped with chopped peanuts. Zoodles are healthy and easy to make.
Spicy Sesame Zoodles
These Spicy Sesame Zoodles are drizzled in a creamy sesame sauce. Forget the calorie loaded noodles and opt for zucchini noodles instead!
Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup
This easy vegan chicken noodle soup is made with minimal ingredients and tastes just like the real thing. Make it your go-to lunch or dinner!
Easy Vegan Sides
You can look at these as a side dish, but they can be a main dish a well. It’s entirely up to you!
I personally find the side dishes to be some of my favorite foods. Here are a variety to choose from, including coleslaw, cheesy, corn casserole, green beans, and more:
Vegan Coleslaw
You’ll love this vegan coleslaw made with the best coleslaw dressing! You’ll need only a few ingredients to make this perfectly creamy dish.
Vegan Roasted Vegetables
Make some vegan roasted vegetables a part of your regular meal, adding the perfect roasted veggie flavor and nutrition.
Balsamic Green Beans
Balsamic Green Beans is an easy side dish with only a few ingredients. It features tender green beans smothered in a balsamic glaze.
Vegan Caesar Salad
You’ll love that this crowd-pleasing Vegan Caesar Salad recipe has an authentic taste and creamy texture, but is made without raw eggs or sardines! It’s a delicious side or main meal salad, served with croutons and your favorite toppings.
Air Fryer Potatoes
You’ll love these herbed air fryer roasted potatoes for a super simple side dish. Serve them with your favorite plant-based dishes!
Vegan Garlic Bread
Vegan Garlic Bread features baguette slices drenched in vegan butter, garlic, and vegan parm to make buttery, toasted bread that’s addictive!
Easy Vegan Corn Casserole
This easy vegan corn casserole recipe is a cheesy cornbread dish sure to please any crowd. It’s a savory side that goes perfectly with any meal.
Vegan Stuffing
This easy vegan stuffing is quick and delicious. Prepare it the day of your big dinner or make it ahead. It tastes so good, and it’s vegan!
Easy Vegan Desserts
There are a lot of desserts in this world, and not all of them are vegan or easy. The recipes that follow are both.
You’ll enjoy everything from nice cream (banana ice cream), energy bites, and simple but indulgent vegan creme brulee. Yes, interestingly enough, some vegan desserts are actually easier, which makes me so happy!
Say goodbye to eggs and dairy and say hello to delicious:
Nice Cream
The easiest dessert, this 2-ingredient banana nice cream is so good! Forget the ice cream maker, all you need is a freezer and a blender.
Peanut Butter Energy Balls with Dates
These delicious chocolate peanut butter Energy Balls are made with only 10 ingredients and 10 minutes and they’re tasty and healthy treats!
Coconut Whipped Cream
Make some creamy Coconut Whipped Cream and serve it with fresh fruit, on chocolate pudding, and more! It’s a vegan, paleo, and keto dessert!
Vegan Chocolate Milkshake
It takes only minutes to enjoy this thick vegan chocolate Milkshake made with cocoa powder and vegan ice cream. Add your favorite toppings!
Wacky Cake
This moist chocolate wacky cake recipe is so good! It’s basically a simple vegan cake that’s been around for nearly a hundred years. If you’re into chocolate, you’ll love this light and fluffy goofy cake that’s topped with a rich, indulgent, wacky cake frosting.
Vegan Crème Brûlée
Indulge in this creamy vegan crème brûlée with 7 easy ingredients! Egg-free, elegant, and perfect for healthy but decadent dessert lovers.
Vegan Peanut Butter Cups
Making your own vegan peanut butter cups at home is easy and delicious. A creamy peanut butter filling is surrounded by rich dark chocolate.
Vegan Cheesecake-Stuffed Strawberries
Stuffed Strawberries are a creamy, healthy party dessert. Dairy-free, vegan stuffed strawberries are also a great low-carb keto option, too.
For more resources on changing your diet, be sure to check out my Vegan Baking Guide. If you’re looking to transition slowly to a vegan diet, here’s information on How to Become a Vegetarian.
Frequently-Asked Questions
Is Vegan Food Tasty?
Vegan food can be incredibly tasty when you’re following good recipes with the right ingredients. There’s no reason a vegan diet has to be full of bland food! With some simple adjustments to your pantry, you’ll be cooking delicious, flavorful vegan food in no time!
What Can Vegans Eat for Dinner?
There are a number of tasty vegan dishes that you can serve for dinner, such as vegan mac and cheese, vegan meatloaf, vegan pasta dishes, black bean burgers, burritos, and so much more!
In Closing
I could go on all day with my favorite Simple Vegan Recipes for Beginners. However, let’s use this post as a starting point. If you have questions about how to go forward with vegan diet recipes, be sure to join my Namely Marly Facebook Group!
About the Author
Hi! I’m Marly McMillen. I’m the founding editor, author, recipe developer, vegan home chef, and food stylist behind Namely Marly. I’m so grateful to you and every member of my audience for your support and dedication. More about Namely Marly ›
3 Responses to Simple Vegan Recipes for Beginners
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Thank you for this list. I have been transitioning into veganism from being a vegetarian. It gest hard sometimes to figure out what to make. I have saved this list to help me when I get stuck. Just wanted you to know.
Thanks so much, Ruth! I’m so glad you found this helpful. Feel free to email me anytime you’re looking for ideas!
yes I am loving turning Vegan. I wish I had done it years ago. This takes away the fear when I find easy recipes to follow. I honestly don’t know brands, or tastes of vegan variety foods..so its a challenge