I Made These 29 Vegan Meals When I Was Trying To Spend Less

Every dinner started with a mental calculator and the quiet panic of stretching ingredients. With 29 budget-friendly vegan meals in the mix, things finally felt doable without repeating the same three things. They were simple enough to pull off and flexible enough to use what was already lurking in the fridge. Turns out, cutting back didn’t have to feel like a punishment.

Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

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3-Ingredient Vegan Mango Sorbet

A bowl of mango sorbet on a wooden table. — 3-Ingredient Vegan Mango Sorbet. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

This dessert is all about simplicity and bold flavors. Using just three elements, you get a refreshing treat that’s smooth and sweet, perfect for warm days or when you need something quick. 3-Ingredient Vegan Mango Sorbet skips complicated steps yet delivers big on taste. You’ll love how straightforward it is while still feeling special.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Vegan Mango Sorbet

Harvest Salad

Crunch and variety define this meal, bringing together different textures in every bite. Harvest Salad offers a mix of fresh and nourishing components that complement each other well. It’s an easy go-to when looking for a balanced meal. You’ll appreciate how well this works as a light main or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad

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.

The recipe packs incredible flavor into a plant-based burger that holds up well to sandwich toppings and sauces. Ultimate Vegan Burger doesn’t skimp on heartiness, making it feel substantial without the usual ingredients. Perfect for a quick dinner or cookout alternative. You can trust it to win over even non-vegan friends.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Vegan Burger

Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes

Crispy potato wedges served on a plate with a cup of coffee. — Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

These are fun and crispy bites with an interesting twist. Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes turn an everyday ingredient into something you’ll want to share at gatherings or enjoy as an easy snack. They’re visually appealing and easy to make in batches. There’s something fulfilling about the way they crunch with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes

Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

This dish combines fresh and subtly sweet flavors with some bold undertones. Blood Orange and Fennel Salad looks great and feels refreshing, offering a nice tangy touch that’s hard to ignore. It’s ideal for anyone wanting something light but not plain. It can also complement a larger meal nicely.
Get the Recipe: Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

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.

These rolls are visually vibrant and packed with a fresh mix in every bite. Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls bring together a medley of crisp ingredients wrapped up neatly. They’re easy to grab for lunches or casual dining moments. You’ll enjoy how versatile they are, whether as snacks or appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls

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.

A cooling treat that brings the right balance of tanginess and sweetness. Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles are perfect for days when you need a quick pick-me-up or just want to enjoy something refreshing. They offer simplicity without feeling boring. With only a few steps, you’ll have a snack that’s fun and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles

Caramelized Onion Hummus

This dip combines creamy texture with a rich, savory element that keeps things interesting. Caramelized Onion Hummus adds depth to the usual spread, giving it more versatility for snacks or meals. It pairs well with bread, veggies, and more. You’ll find yourself reaching for it at every opportunity.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Onion Hummus

Dairy Free Ice Cream

A gold spoon scoops a portion of creamy, pale vanilla ice cream from a glass bowl. — Dairy Free Ice Cream. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A sweet treat that doesn’t rely on typical ingredients, making it lighter while still enjoyable. Dairy Free Ice Cream surprises you with its creamy texture despite being completely plant-based. It’s a quick dessert option for any time of year. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to make and customize.
Get the Recipe: Dairy Free Ice Cream

Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans

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.

A hearty and flavorful combination that feels fulfilling yet simple. Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans bring together wholesome staples for a meal that’s easy to prepare without sacrificing taste. The blend works well for both lunch or dinner settings. You’ll love how this dish feels like comfort food but with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans

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.

This mix combines freshness with a smoky edge for a solid plant-based meal. Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad is perfect for those looking to include pasta in their menu without heavy extras. It’s quick enough for busy days and still works well for sharing. You’ll enjoy the added texture and lightness in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

Moussaka

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

A layered dish that feels grounding, bringing together various flavors under a baked topping. Moussaka skips traditional ingredients yet captures the essence of the original. It’s ideal for dinner when you want something a little more hearty. You’ll appreciate how filling and comforting this vegan alternative is.
Get the Recipe: Moussaka

Lebanese Baba Ganoush

Smooth, smoky, and paired well with bread or veggies, this dip offers variety in a simple way. Lebanese Baba Ganoush is a flavorful alternative to standard spreads, with a texture that stands out. It works well as an appetizer or addition to a main meal. You’ll love how easy it is to incorporate into regular meals or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Lebanese Baba Ganoush

Indian Onion Salad

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

A refreshing accompaniment that adds crunch and sharpness to your meal. Indian Onion Salad keeps things simple while enhancing the flavor of whatever it’s served with. It works especially well alongside spicy or bold dishes. You’ll find it adds depth without being overwhelming.
Get the Recipe: Indian Onion Salad

Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps

These wraps feel light yet pack bold plant-based fillings that are full of flavor. Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps are the go-to option when you’d rather skip bread altogether. They offer a customizable and quick way to put together a meal. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to experiment with the contents based on your mood.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps

Grilled Zucchini

A straightforward recipe that brings out a subtle smoky flavor with a soft texture. Grilled Zucchini works well as a side or even a main addition to a meal. It’s quick to prep and great for adding some variety to plant-based choices. You’ll love how this dish complements so many settings effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini

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.

Flavored rice options like Easy Cilantro Lime Rice bring a nice twist to simple meals. This side dish balances freshness with a boost of flavor that’s both subtle and noticeable. It pairs well with veggies or plant-based proteins. You’ll enjoy how quick and consistent it is to whip up whenever needed.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

This pasta recipe features a smooth, nutty finish for a plant-based sauce that feels rich without meat or dairy. Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta switches up ordinary pasta recipes, offering something unique on your plate. It’s great for lunch or dinner when you’re looking for something different. You’ll appreciate how the sauce ties everything together effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Lemon Blueberry Granola

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

Ideal for breakfast or snacks, Lemon Blueberry Granola combines fruity bursts with a satisfying crunch. It’s a lighter meal or topping choice that keeps you going throughout the day. The recipe makes it easy to include this regularly in your routine. You’ll like how simple and customizable this dish is for various occasions.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Blueberry Granola

Copycat Impossible Burger

Close-up of a burger with a plant-based patty, lettuce, and sauce in a bun. — Copycat Impossible Burger. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This burger works hard to mimic the taste and texture of its namesake without relying on meat. Copycat Impossible Burger feels hearty while bringing everything you’d expect from a sandwich filling. It balances quick cooking with a familiar and fulfilling experience. You’ll find it works great for easy meals or serving to guests.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Impossible Burger

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.

A layered pastry dish that combines savory warmth with plant-based ingredients. Mushroom Pie enchants with a hearty filling perfect for big meals. It’s well-suited for making ahead or sharing during gatherings. You’ll love how well this dish packs everything together into a comforting slice.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pie

Overnight Vanilla Oats

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

This breakfast recipe provides a creamy and chilled option without requiring much effort. Overnight Vanilla Oats come together while you sleep, giving you something ready to enjoy first thing in the morning. It’s easily customizable to your taste preferences. You’ll find this to be one of the easiest ways to start the day smoothly.
Get the Recipe: Overnight Vanilla Oats

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.

A quick and simple dish that’s adaptable to what you have at home. Tofu Fried Rice adds a nice protein element without any animal products. It’s perfect for using up leftovers and creating something new. You’ll appreciate how flexible and easy this meal is for anytime dining.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

Breakfast Casserole

Layers of plant-based ingredients make this meal versatile for mornings or even as leftovers. Breakfast Casserole gives you a filling start to your day without too much fuss. It’s structured enough to cut into portions yet easy to prep quickly. You’ll enjoy how practical this dish is for meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Casserole

Raw Lemon Slice

A no-bake dessert option that brings a tangy refreshment with every bite. Raw Lemon Slice switches up traditional sweets by keeping things light yet flavorful. It’s easy to put together for gatherings or personal treats. You’ll love how energizing and different this dessert feels.
Get the Recipe: Raw Lemon Slice

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.

Creamy without any dairy, this risotto focuses on blending soft textures with an earthy sweetness. Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto is perfect when you want something comforting but still plant-based. It works well as a main dish or filler alongside lighter sides. You’ll appreciate how balanced it feels for whatever the occasion.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto

Tofu Vegan Stir Fry

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

This stir-fry includes simple plant-based ingredients alongside protein-rich tofu for a filling meal. Tofu Vegan Stir Fry is quick to put together and works well over rice or by itself. It’s perfect for busy days when you still want something tasty and balanced. You’ll find this recipe great for experimenting or sticking to basics.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Vegan Stir Fry

Air Fryer Carrot Fries

These are a crunchy alternative to regular fries but with more plant-based appeal. Air Fryer Carrot Fries are quick to make and pair well with dips, including simple ones or creative options you whip up. They’re great for snacking or pairing with meals. You’ll enjoy how light and crispy they feel without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carrot Fries

Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

A pasta sauce based on plant-based ingredients keeps this dish creamy and bold. Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta gives you an alternative to heavy cream recipes without losing richness. It’s a filling lunch or dinner option that doesn’t need too much prep. You’ll love how the sauce becomes a star with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta