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24 Simple Vegan Recipes for Beginners

by Marly

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Thinking about a vegan diet? These easy vegan recipes for beginners make eating vegan and plant-based healthy, delicious, and of course, easy. All of these recipes are made with fewer than 10 ingredients or they’re less than 30 minutes in the making. Perfect!

A closeup of three vegan tacos on a cutting board with cherry tomatoes and bowls of guacamole and salsa around it.

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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

  • 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.

  • Miso Tofu

    This miso tofu recipe makes savory, crispy tofu for tasty tofu rice bowls. It’s a gluten-free, low carb (keto-friendly), high-protein, nutritious dish.

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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!

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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!

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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!

Looking down on 3 soft tacos with cherry tomatoes around it. There's also a bowl of salsa and a bowl of guacamole by it.

Vegan Recipes for Beginners + Vegan Tacos

New to a vegan diet? These vegan recipes for beginners are right up your alley! Here you'll find recipes with fewer than 10 ingredients or can be ready within 30 minutes, two important criteria for keeping your recipes easy. There's an assortment of appetizers, desserts, dinners, and more. Plus, you'll love this tasty vegan tacos recipe with delicious plant0based taco meat and all the best toppings.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate Save
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 304kcal
Author: Marly McMillen

Ingredients

  • 1 batch vegan taco meat
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • ¼ cup finely chopped onions
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 small avocado
  • 1 batch cashew cream (optional)
  • 6 corn tortillas (soft or crispy)

Instructions

  • Prepare the taco meat according to the instructions. It's a fairly easy recipe and should take around 15 minutes. You can always make it a day ahead too.
  • Prepare any ingredients, like shredding the lettuce, peeling and chopping the avocados, making the cashew cream, etc.
  • To prepare tacos, simply add some taco meat to the bottom of each taco, followed by shredded lettuce, chopped onions, salsa, and avocado slices. Drizzle with cashew cream (and hot sauce if that's your jam). You can serve it as a taco bar by having ingredients in bowls.

(The products above contain sponsored links to products we use and recommend)

Notes

If you want to add vegan cheese to your tacos, Daiya has a Mexican blend, or you can top with vegan cheddar shreds.
Note: The nutritional information does not include the optional cashew cream.
Calories: 304kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 518mg | Potassium: 717mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 523IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 1mg

The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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!

3 Responses to 24 Simple Vegan Recipes for Beginners

  1. Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyRuth Grindeland November 9, 2022 at 2:41 pm Reply

    5 stars
    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.

    • Avatar thumbnail image for MarlyMarly November 10, 2022 at 5:58 pm

      Thanks so much, Ruth! I’m so glad you found this helpful. Feel free to email me anytime you’re looking for ideas!

  2. Avatar thumbnail image for Marlyvalerie baryo March 3, 2018 at 4:52 pm Reply

    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

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