These 29 Vegan Meals Helped Me Enjoy The Process—not Just The Food

The kitchen felt calm, not rushed or loud. These 29 vegan meals brought simple steps and peaceful time. Each stir, each chop, felt like part of something good. The smell filled the air, and the table looked warm and full. It wasn’t just about eating it was about enjoying every part of making it.

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

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Marry Me Chickpeas

Skillet with creamy chickpeas, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, garnished with herbs. — Marry Me Chickpeas. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Start by making something hearty and comforting to enjoy. Marry Me Chickpeas bring together simple ingredients in a way that’s both rich and smooth. It’s the kind of recipe that feels rewarding to cook and even better to eat. Perfect for those moments when you want something special without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chickpeas

Vegan Alfredo Pasta

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

Whipping up a creamy dish can feel a little like magic, and Vegan Alfredo Pasta is no exception. The recipe turns basic pantry staples into a rich, velvety meal. It’s an easy and fun way to experiment with plant-based cooking. You’ll find it perfect whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing it with loved ones. Every step feels fulfilling and worth it.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Alfredo Pasta

Mango Banana Smoothie Bowl

Setting up a beautiful bowl is always a fun and creative experience. The Mango Banana Smoothie Bowl combines refreshing flavors and simple preparation. Blending the ingredients is quick, giving you more time to artfully arrange toppings however you’d like. This one’s perfect for mornings or a mid-day break. It’s a relaxing recipe to make before enjoying it spoon by spoon.
Get the Recipe: Mango Banana Smoothie Bowl

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.

Cooking something flavorful and effortless can brighten your day. Easy Cilantro Lime Rice is a dish that requires little effort but brings a lot to the table. Mixing together its flavors feels both simple and rewarding. You can enjoy it as part of a bigger meal or just on its own. It’s the kind of recipe that makes cooking stress-free and enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

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.

Combining veggies with pasta is always a process. Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad is perfect for trying out new flavors while keeping things simple. Watching the veggies char and bring out their natural sweetness is as rewarding as the dish itself. This recipe lets you enjoy both the cooking experience and end result equally. It’s as fun to prepare as it is wholesome to share.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

Baked Mushroom Rice

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

Putting together a comforting dish can be incredibly relaxing. Baked Mushroom Rice creates a fragrant and hearty meal straight from the oven. Watching everything come together is half the joy of this recipe. Whether it’s for dinner or meal prep, the baking process makes the flavors blend wonderfully. It’s a recipe that’s both enjoyable and practical to make.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mushroom Rice

Quinoa Salad

Making a bowl of goodness can be full of fun and simplicity. Quinoa Salad is all about tossing together fresh flavors with a protein-packed base. Prepping each ingredient feels fresh and easy, and mixing it together is even better. It’s versatile and works great for quick lunches or larger meals. You’ll appreciate how refreshing and balanced it feels every time you make it.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa 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.

Cutting and seasoning sweet potatoes feels calming and simple. Then comes Baked Sweet Potato Wedges, which turn into crispy, comforting bites full of flavor. Watching them roast in the oven feels like a little moment of anticipation in the kitchen. They’re perfect for dipping or as a side to any meal. Cooking them feels rewarding and tasty as they come out golden and tender.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF)

Wrapping up a meal has never been more fun. Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps are easy to assemble and bring vibrant, fresh ingredients together. It’s a hands-on recipe that feels interactive and keeps things simple. You’ll enjoy layering everything for a perfect bite every time. Making it is just as fulfilling as sitting down to enjoy them.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Mexican Lettuce Wraps (GF)

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Blending nuts into a pasta sauce is a unique twist worth trying. Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta brings rich textures and a creamy finish without the usual ingredients. Preparing it feels creative and keeps things interesting in the kitchen. Once it all comes together, it’s perfect to sit back and enjoy quietly. Cooking something like this can feel like its own reward.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

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.

Rolling fresh, colorful veggies is both calming and creative. Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls turn preparation into a fun, hands-on process. Each roll you make feels like a tiny burst of art, combining vibrant ingredients in one bite. The recipe is as enjoyable to prepare as it is to eat. It’s great for experimenting with fillings and flavors, making it a wholesome cooking journey.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls

Harvest Salad

Tossing together greens and seasonal elements feels grounding and fresh. Harvest Salad makes a meal that’s light yet full of texture and flavor. The process of mixing ingredients is as rewarding as enjoying the meal itself. It’s a recipe that feels balanced and approachable every step of the way. Whether it’s for lunch or dinner, it adds a touch of simple goodness to any day.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad

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.

Baking granola at home lets you combine flavors just the way you like. Lemon Blueberry Granola with Almonds gives you crunchy goodness with a hint of fruity brightness. Watching it crisp up in the oven feels like a small kitchen victory. It’s a wholesome snack ready to go whenever you need it. Making it can bring a calming sense of routine to your kitchen moments.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Blueberry Granola with Almonds

Spicy Cucumber Salad

Close-up of sliced cucumbers garnished with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, and red chili flakes. — Spicy Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Slicing up cucumbers and mixing them with bold flavors offers a fun and quick recipe. Spicy Cucumber Salad balances crisp textures with a touch of heat. Throwing it together feels fresh and energizing during prep. The process stays simple yet fulfilling, giving you time to enjoy the little tasks of chopping and blending. It’s an easy recipe perfect for sharing or saving for yourself.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

Coating ingredients and watching them crisp up is a treat all its own. Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe turns simple onions into golden, crunchy bites in no time. Making them is straightforward and feels fun as each ring transforms. The recipe is great for snacks or adding a twist to any meal. You’ll enjoy both the cooking rhythm and the reward that comes out of the fryer.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

Lentil Bolognese

A pot of pasta with a tomato-based sauce, lentils, mushrooms, and vegetables on a light surface beside a bowl of grated cheese. — Lentil Bolognese. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Cooking can be such a creative process, and there’s something delicious about transforming lentils into a hearty dish like Lentil Bolognese. Stirring together flavors while watching it come to life feels rewarding. The rich combination makes it a meal worth sharing with friends or family. Taking the time to enjoy each step makes the experience all the more meaningful.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Bolognese

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.

Throwing together something simple can be just what the soul needs, and that’s exactly what Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans is about. It’s comforting to bring bold spices and smooth textures together in just one pot. You’ll appreciate how quick it is to make without sacrificing flavor. It’s a recipe that feels like a breeze to manage. Whipping it up is enjoyable and leaves you excited to dig in.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans

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.

Handcrafting your own veggie patties can be surprisingly fun, especially when making the Ultimate Vegan Burger. Shaping it feels like building a new creation, step by step. Grilling or cooking it brings out flavors that make the effort feel worthwhile. Pairing it with a light spread or crunchy toppings completes the experience. It’s a recipe that brings joy from start to finish.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Vegan Burger

Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

There’s something calming about slow-cooking a meal like Asparagus and White Bean Risotto. With each stir, you’ll feel engaged and connected to the dish you’re creating. The textures and creamy finish make it both tasty to cook and enjoy. Appreciating the process of building layers of flavor is half the fun. You’ll feel proud presenting something this comforting on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets

Cooking vegan nuggets brings out your playful side, and with Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets, the creativity shines. Coating and prepping each piece becomes a relaxing task. After cooking, the crispy exterior is incredibly rewarding to create. It’s fun to experiment with dips alongside them. Sharing the experience with friends or family makes them even more enjoyable to make.
Get the Recipe: Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets

Overnight Vanilla Oats

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

Prepping meals ahead of time can be both convenient and relaxing, especially with Overnight Vanilla Oats. Letting the ingredients sit overnight feels like magic happening while you sleep. The simplicity of stirring it together transforms into something wonderful by morning. It’s quick, easy, and makes waking up feel less rushed. Enjoying the results brings a sense of calm to your routine.
Get the Recipe: Overnight Vanilla Oats

Pico de Gallo

Chopping vegetables can be oddly meditative, especially when preparing something fresh like Pico de Gallo. You’ll enjoy seeing the colors come together in one vibrant bowl. Mixing it up is quick and easy, making the process surprisingly relaxing. The freshness stands out, and it feels good knowing you made it yourself. Getting creative with pairings adds to the pure enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Almond Pancakes

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

Preparing breakfast feels rewarding when you’re creating something like Almond Pancakes from scratch. Pouring the batter and watching it cook makes the process exciting. Flipping each pancake is a little victory that adds joy to the experience. Adding toppings or syrups gives you room for fun and creativity. Every step feels like a moment worth enjoying in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Almond Pancakes

Roasted Cauliflower Tacos

A plate of tacos with red cabbage and cauliflower slaw. — Roasted Cauliflower Tacos. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Roasting vegetables makes cooking feel effortless yet tasty, especially when prepping Roasted Cauliflower Tacos. Seeing the cauliflower turn golden with a crispy edge is gratifying. Putting together tacos lets you get hands-on in the process and enjoy a custom creation. Playing with spices and garnishes becomes part of the fun. Eating them feels cozy and fulfilling after the effort you put in.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Tacos

Vegan Crispy Breakfast Potatoes

Golden brown roasted potato cubes garnished with chopped parsley. — Vegan Crispy Breakfast Potatoes. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Crispy food in the morning feels energizing when making Vegan Crispy Breakfast Potatoes. Cutting each potato into bite-sized pieces becomes almost therapeutic. Watching them brown in the pan is as enjoyable as eating them fresh and hot. Balancing crunch and softness makes the process even more worth it. Starting your day with something homemade feels great every time.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Crispy Breakfast Potatoes

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.

Cooking up a quick, one-pan dish feels doable yet exciting, especially with Tofu Fried Rice. It’s a recipe where you enjoy tossing together flavors and textures in each step. Mixing in tofu gives the meal a hearty feel without much effort. It’s fun to adjust seasonings to make it completely personal. You’ll feel energized and proud once it’s ready to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

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.

Combining fresh ingredients feels refreshing when prepping Cucumber Tomato Salad. Slicing each piece feels like a mindful and easy task to enjoy. Watching the simple ingredients transform into something vibrant is rewarding. Adding a quick dressing or seasoning keeps the process light and fun. Serving it can make you feel good with something so simple yet flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

Grilled Zucchini

Grilling can be a fun way to cook without overthinking, and Grilled Zucchini is no exception. Slicing and prepping zucchini feels simple but meaningful in the moment. Watching it cook brings a sense of patience to the process. Enjoying the warm and slightly charred edges feels rewarding after minimal work. It’s a recipe that makes the act of cooking more enjoyable overall.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini

Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto

Stirring risotto is a comforting process that brings a calming rhythm, especially when making Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto. Watching the ingredients combine into creamy goodness feels perfect. Every stir adds more depth to the experience, making mealtime special. Incorporating corn and leeks turns it into something unique and fun to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto