Being new to a plant-based or vegan diet can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to cooking. A new goal is so exciting, but there are so many recipes out there with a LOT of ingredients and long preparation times!
When I started a plant-based diet, I was overwhelmed by how long some of the recipes took to make. I love to cook, but I wanted easy meals that were simple to put together during the week. And, I wanted them to be very healthy!
Learning easy vegan recipes that take under 30 minutes to make will help you maintain a healthy diet AND save you time! Less time spent in the kitchen.
When the recipes are easier, it will give you some time back to do the other things you want to accomplish in your day. These recipes are my top vegan picks and favorites. I hope you love them as much as I do!
This post is all about easy vegan recipes that take under 30 minutes.
Easy Vegan Alfredo Pasta
Creamy pasta sauces are not out of the question while eating a vegan diet! As a matter of fact, I eat them more now and still maintain a healthy weight. This vegan alfredo pasta sauce is a super easy vegan recipe to create in just 25 minutes. The cream is made by combining cashews, nut milk, onions, garlic, nutritional yeast, and some lemon juice. You’ll prepare this simple vegan sauce while your pasta is cooking. It’s the perfect easy vegan recipe for dinner.
Vegan Burrito Bowl
Photo by: Julie / The Simple Veganista
This is the BEST vegan burrito bowl! I make this at least once a week. It’s insanely easy and is loaded with freshness and flavor. If you’re a fan of Chipotle restaurants then you’ll absolutely love this burrito bowl. The Simple Veganista creates this vegan burrito bowl by combining beans, rice, veggies, fresh cilantro, salsa, and lime juice. It’s very easy for meal prep as you can store the ingredients in separate air-tight containers in the fridge. Then, simply combine them into your bowl when you’re ready to eat! If you are a plant-based beginner this simple recipe is PERFECT!
Easy One-Pot Spicy Vegan Chili
Photo by: Kristina and Mitja / Vibrant Plate
This spicy vegan chili is delicious and a super easy recipe! It’s a perfect recipe to make ahead of time and enjoy as a few meals throughout the week! Now, that’s my kind of recipe! It’s easy to freeze, or simply store in the fridge for a quick lunch or dinner later. The most time you’ll spend is chopping your onion, celery, bell pepper, and carrots. Feel free to leave out the chili if you don’t want it to be spicy. Vibrant Plate really created a special recipe here! This one is also a perfect plant-based beginner recipe, if you’re new!
Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos
Photo by: Rene / This Savory Vegan
Who doesn’t love tacos? Especially when they’re this easy and healthy! Buffalo sauce makes these vegan tacos have a delicious tangy kick! They’re seriously the simplest dinner that you’re going to love. This Savory Vegan made this recipe as easy as can be, and I sure do appreciate it! They make for a great plant-based lunch or dinner.
Asparagus Pasta Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing
Photo by: Claire / Eat With Clarity
Pasta salad is one of my favorite recipes because you can make it as a side dish for a BBQ, or make a big batch to keep in the fridge. And then grab a quick bowl for lunch or when you need a snack! Eat With Clarity’s super easy recipe includes pasta, veggies, beans, and a deliciously creamy vegan dressing. That’s it! It’s very customizable, so you can add your favorite veggies such as tomatoes, edamame, or anything you’d like.
This post is all about easy vegan recipes that take under 30 minutes.
Easy Vegan Vodka Sauce
Photo by: Jill / It’s A Zesty Life
This recipe is shockingly easy, and the most delicious vegan version of a cream sauce ever! If you’re like me and thought you had to give up creamy pasta when starting a plant-based diet, you’ll be happy to know that you do not! This healthy vegan vodka pasta sauce is made with coconut milk, tomato paste, vodka (of course), onions, and garlic. It is a great leftover dish to dip into for a quick lunch or dinner, too!
KUNG PAO TOFU
Photo by: Nora / Nora Cooks
This Kung Pao tofu recipe is sweet, sour, and spicy. It’s so much healthier for you than going with take-out food. And, it’s absolutely better tasting! It’s so fast to prepare that I know you’ll be adding it to your routine. Nora Cooks makes this recipe with a super simple tangy sauce made of soy sauce, rice wine, rice vinegar, a bit of Sriracha hot sauce, and just a few other ingredients. One of my favorite things about making my own “take-out” recipes is being able to control the amount of oil that goes into the recipe. I’m excited for you to try this one!
VEGAN RED CURRY NOODLE BOWLS
Photo by: Alyssa / Simply Quinoa
Does everyone love noodle bowls as much as I do? I especially love them when they’re super easy to make. This vegan Thai red curry noodle bowl recipe takes 30 minutes tops, and that time is mostly for the tofu to bake in the oven. The additional steps in making this recipe are super simple and can be done while your tofu is baking. Simply Quinoa’s Vegan Red Curry Noodle Bowl recipe is one of my top favorite vegan recipes for a quick, easy, healthy noodle meal! This dish is wonderful for leftovers the next day, too.
Thai Green Curry
Photo by: Sarah / My Darling Vegan
Here’s another curry that’s a perfect option for a quick and super flavorful plant-based meal! It’s one of my go-to favorites of all time. This easy Thai Green Curry recipe by My Darling Vegan is made with peppers, onions, garlic, green curry paste, and lots of other goodness! Once you’ve pressed your tofu, the healthy recipe is very quick to put together. And, it sure will smell yummy while it’s cooking! Serve it over rice, rice noodles, or cauliflower rice. I typically have some yummy leftovers for lunch when I make this one.
VEGAN QUESO
Photo by: Julie / The Simple Veganista
This Vegan Queso isn’t a meal necessarily, it’s more of an appetizer, side dish, or topping. I’ve added it to salads, tacos, burgers, and burrito bowls! I had to include it here because it’s such a “go-to” and one that I hope you will love as much as I do! It’s one of my favorite recipes and I make it all the time! The Simple Veganista brings together this easy vegan queso with just raw cashews, green chilies, nutritional yeast, and yummy Mexican spices! Give it a try and I guarantee you’ll be making it all the time too. If you’re feeling lazy, this is a great, quick vegan recipe for you.
Vegan Goddess Bowl
Photo by: Brittany & William / I Love Vegan
Avocado slices, chickpeas, carrots, dried cranberries, and a super delicious vegan creamy dressing are just a shortlist of the amazingness of this bowl. I Love Vegan puts this dressing together with tahini, lemon, and lots of zesty herbs for a fresh delightful topping! The recipe for the Goddess dressing can be found here. It’s also a good idea to have some tofu already prepared, or get it started at the beginning as it needs to bake for about 20 – 30 minutes. You can also pick up some cubed, flavored tofu at your favorite grocery store to toss in, making it even quicker.
I hope you try these easy vegan recipes and find a few new favorites!
If you’re looking for some easy plant-based recipes made with tofu you’ll definitely want to check out this article.
And for easy vegan breakfasts, these recipes and ideas are insanely easy and healthy!
Follow It’s A Zesty Life on Instagram and Pinterest to learn more fun and simple plant-based recipes.
