What Saved Me When I Didn’t Want To Cook At All—29 Vegan Dishes

There are days when even thinking about what to eat feels like a chore. What saved me when I didn’t want to cook at all was this group of 29 vegan dishes that didn’t make me try too hard. No big plans, no energy required—just stuff that made it to the plate without any drama. Honestly, if food could read the room, this would be it.

A bowl of cooked rice mixed with kidney beans, garnished with chopped herbs on top, placed on a light-colored surface with fresh greens on a wooden board in the background. — Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

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Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto

Sweet corn risotto in a skillet on a wooden cutting board. — Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

It’s one of those meals that feels homemade without draining your energy. Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto brings together creamy textures with simple, earthy flavors. Perfect for when you just want something warm and easy. It’s all about combining comfort and convenience.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto

Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe

Smoky and creamy, Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe is all about effortless dips. Just whip it up and pair with bread or veggies for a no-fuss meal. It’s an ideal fallback for when cooking feels overwhelming. You’ll love how easy it is to enjoy without a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe

Baked Mushroom Rice

A plate of mushroom baked rice served next to a cast iron skillet. — Baked Mushroom Rice. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Sometimes you just need something warm and effortless, and Baked Mushroom Rice delivers. It blends simple ingredients into a hearty dish that’s nearly impossible to mess up. Pop it in the oven, and let it take care of itself. Great for those nights when cooking feels like a chore.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mushroom Rice

Tofu Vegan Stir Fry

Tofu Vegetable Noodle Stir Fry. Photo Credits: Two City Vegans — Tofu Vegan Stir Fry. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A quick dish that’s all about throwing together easy components without stress. Tofu Vegan Stir Fry keeps it simple but delicious, combining veggies and tofu in one pan. It’s the kind of meal that comes together in minutes. Perfect for those I-don’t-want-to-cook moments.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Vegan Stir Fry

Indian Onion Salad

A bowl of red onion and cilantro salad on a table. — Indian Onion Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fresh, crunchy, and super simple, Indian Onion Salad is your go-to when energy is low. Everything comes together quickly, and it’s great alongside anything. A straightforward concept lets you focus on eating, not cooking. It’s one less thing to think about at dinner time.
Get the Recipe: Indian Onion Salad

Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Close-up of several roasted sweet potato wedges on parchment paper, garnished with chopped herbs. — Baked Sweet Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Effortlessly comforting, Baked Sweet Potato Wedges are a lifesaver when you’re uninspired. Toss them in the oven, and forget about the hassle. They’re perfect to snack on or pair with whatever else you’ve got lying around. Easy and hands-off for the laziest of nights.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Cucumber Tomato Salad

A bowl of fresh salad with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and herbs, seasoned with black pepper, with a serving spoon. — Cucumber Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Crisp and light, Cucumber Tomato Salad makes meals stress-free with minimal effort. It’s all about tossing a few ingredients together in seconds. Ideal for those nights when anything more sounds like too much. Sometimes simpler really is better.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

A gochujang cabbage steak on a bed of white rice. — Gochujang Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Bold flavors meet no-frills prep in Gochujang Cabbage Steaks. Just pop them in the oven, and let the spice do the talking. Great for when you want something distinctive but don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen. A solid choice for keeping it easy while shaking things up.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

Almond Pancakes

A stack of pancakes with strawberries on top. — Almond Pancakes. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Soft, nutty, and quick—Almond Pancakes are the ultimate shortcut meal. They can rescue you when you’re not interested in making a big effort. Stack them up, and you’ve got something delicious in minutes. Quick to make and even quicker to enjoy. Perfect when you need a snack without the work.
Get the Recipe: Almond Pancakes

Harvest Salad

Packed with textures and simple goodness, Harvest Salad is a go-to when cooking feels like too much. Grab a mix of easy-to-assemble components, and you’re done. No stove needed, no complicated prep required. Perfect when you just want to eat and chill.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Rich and simple, Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta transforms basic ingredients into something special without the fuss. It’s a dish that feels fancy but takes minimal effort. Toss everything together, and it’s ready to go. Perfect for when you’re low on energy but still want something good.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Lemon Blueberry Granola with Almonds

A glass jar of granola spills onto a surface next to a white bowl filled with blueberries. — Lemon Blueberry Granola with Almonds. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Sweet and tangy, Lemon Blueberry Granola with Almonds makes eating easy without the cook time. It’s all about mixing simple things you probably already have. Great as a snack or breakfast when you’re low on motivation. No cooking required—just assemble and eat.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Blueberry Granola with Almonds

Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

Crunchy and completely fuss-free, Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe feels effortless. Throw them in the air fryer, and let it handle everything for you. The result is something you’ll love without spending ages in the kitchen. A quick meal that’s as convenient as it gets.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

Creamy and quick with no need to overthink, Asparagus and White Bean Risotto is perfect for lazy cooking nights. Every bite feels homey despite the low effort involved. All it takes is a pot and some stirring, and dinner is solved. Simplicity for your busiest or laziest moments.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

Moussaka

A pan of cooked lasagna topped with melted cheese, black pepper, and chopped parsley. — Moussaka. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Hearty yet simple, Moussaka makes for an easy fallback meal. Layers come together without feeling overwhelming or time-consuming. It’s rich without being fussy and keeps things as low-stress as possible. A comforting option for those minimal-effort days.
Get the Recipe: Moussaka

Overnight Vanilla Oats

Three jars of oatmeal with berries and maple syrup. — Overnight Vanilla Oats. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

If you’re looking for something quick that lets you wake up to breakfast already made, this is it. Overnight Vanilla Oats are smooth and creamy with just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for a lazy morning when you want a simple vegan dish that requires no cooking. Just grab your jar and dig in—it’s ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Overnight Vanilla Oats

Mushroom Pie

Four individual pot pies with flaky crusts on a round tray, one open to reveal a mushroom filling. — Mushroom Pie. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

When you don’t feel like turning on the stove but still need something hearty, this comes to the rescue. Mushroom Pie packs richness and flavor into every bite without needing much effort. A flaky crust paired with tender mushrooms makes for an easy meal. It’s great for those times you just need a full meal without much cooking.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pie

Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

A close-up of a pasta salad with penne, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, red onions, and seasonings in a white bowl. — Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Sometimes you want a dish that’s effortless yet filling, which makes this perfect. Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad combines tender veggies and pasta into a colorful meal that’s just thrown together easily. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, this vegan meal gets the job done without fuss. Plus, it’s packed with comforting energy that keeps you going.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

Raw Lemon Slice

Need a dessert that feels light but still satisfies a craving? Raw Lemon Slice delivers bright citrus flavor in a no-bake, simple format. It’s vegan-friendly and perfect for moments when you want a sweet treat but don’t want to spend time baking. With minimal effort, you’ll get tangy and refreshing slices ready to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Raw Lemon Slice

Vegan Alfredo Pasta

A plate of creamy fettuccine alfredo garnished with chopped parsley. — Vegan Alfredo Pasta. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

For those days when cooking feels like a chore, this dish makes things easier. Vegan Alfredo Pasta is creamy and comforting, but totally plant-based. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a quick dinner without spending tons of time in the kitchen. Just a hearty bowl of flavor to keep you moving.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Alfredo Pasta

Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF)

When you’re aiming for something fresh but don’t want to cook much, this checks the box. Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF) are light, crisp, and loaded with easy-to-assemble goodness. Great for lunch or dinner when you need something quick and totally vegan. You’ll love how simple they are to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF)

Ultimate Vegan Burger

A close-up of a plant-based burger with layers of creamy sauce, sliced cucumbers, red onions, and a brioche bun. — Ultimate Vegan Burger. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Some days call for a no-fuss meal that still feels indulgent, and this delivers. Ultimate Vegan Burger makes for a perfect hand-held option without endless prep. A simple mix of plant-based ingredients comes together to create a flavorful patty. Perfect for those I don’t want to cook kind of moments.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Vegan Burger

Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles

Stack of red popsicles surrounded by sliced lemons and strawberries on a wooden surface with a basket in the background. — Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Feeling too tired to do much but still need a cooling treat, Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles are easy to whip up with zero cooking involved. Sweet and tangy, these frozen pops are ideal for keeping your energy up. No need for fancy work—just simple frozen goodness ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles

Tofu Fried Rice

A bowl of fried rice with grilled tofu, diced carrots, peas, chopped green onions, and a drizzle of dark sauce, served on a red cloth. — Tofu Fried Rice. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Some days you just want to toss things together and call it dinner, and this works. Tofu Fried Rice is quick, flavorful, and lets you make use of whatever’s in your fridge. A simple stir-up of tofu and veggies turns into a filling vegan meal fast. Perfect for nights when you don’t feel like cooking complicated dishes.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls

Colorful vegetable spring rolls with carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers, served with peanut sauce. — Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

When you want something quick and light, this recipe is a lifesaver. Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls are colorful, fresh, and easy to assemble. No stovetop or oven required—just wrap up your favorite veggies into bite-sized rolls. It’s an easy way to skip cooking while still enjoying something nutritious.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls

Vegetable Casserole

A baked casserole with a golden breadcrumb topping, garnished with fresh herbs. — Vegetable Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Some recipes make things easier while being warm and filling, and that’s this one. Vegetable Casserole is simple to put together but feels like a full, hearty dish. Just toss everything in and let the oven do all the work. Great for days when your patience for cooking is running low.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole

Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Close-up of a plate of rice garnished with chopped herbs and slices of lime. — Easy Cilantro Lime Rice. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

You don’t need much effort to whip up something tasty, and this dish proves it. Easy Cilantro Lime Rice is fresh, quick, and pairs perfectly with anything or even on its own. It’s a simple recipe that brings flavor without a lot of prep. Perfect for moments when you need quick carbs without complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

White Bean Chocolate Chip Cookies – Vegan & Gluten-Free

Some days you just need a sweet bite without big effort, and this recipe saves you. White Bean Chocolate Chip Cookies – Vegan & Gluten-Free are surprisingly easy to make and totally plant-based. A quick mix turns into tasty cookies that don’t compromise on texture or flavor.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Chocolate Chip Cookies – Vegan & Gluten-Free

Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans

When you want a simple one-pot solution, this is exactly what you need. Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans is comforting, flavorful, and totally vegan with minimal hassle. It’s a great dish that combines everything you need into one easy recipe. Just toss it together for a no fuss meal that’s ready when you are.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans