The 29 Fast Vegan Recipes That Actually Made Me Like Cooking Again

The spark came back after trying 29 fast vegan recipes that made the whole process less of a headache. Instead of rushing through dinner, there was suddenly time to enjoy it. Friends noticed the change too, pointing out how much more energy went into hosting. It’s hard not to laugh at how quickly burnout disappeared once the meals got simpler.

A bowl of asparagus and white bean risotto. — Asparagus and White Bean Risotto. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

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Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad

A plate of watermelon salad with cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and mint leaves, served with a lime wedge. — Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

There’s something fresh and different about adding sweet flavors to a quick recipe. Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad mixes ingredients in a way that feels surprising and easy to put together. It has balance while still being bold enough to grab attention. This dish is a quick way to bring something new to your table.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Vegan Feta Salad

Marry Me Chickpeas

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

You don’t expect chickpeas to feel this hearty in a recipe until you try Marry Me Chickpeas. This dish has richness that makes it flexible for any occasion. It’s an easy one to add to your menu without much effort. It keeps the process simple while delivering a unique recipe.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chickpeas

Vegan Pizza

Close-up of vegetable pizza with artichokes, mushrooms, zucchini, and red peppers on a baked crust, garnished with fresh herbs. — Vegan Pizza. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Vegan cooking doesn’t mean skipping comfort food, and Vegan Pizza proves that. It’s every bit customizable yet perfect straight out of a simple preparation. You can rethink pizza nights with this recipe without losing the spirit of a classic favorite. It’s quick and ready to enjoy at a moment’s notice.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pizza

Guacamole

A recipe like Guacamole is always a no-brainer for sharing with others or keeping on hand. Its creamy texture makes it a great choice for snacks or meals. You can whip this up in no time and still feel satisfied with the result. It’s simple, quick, and useful for different situations.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

Vegan Chocolate Donuts

Chocolate deserves a spot in more recipes, and Vegan Chocolate Donuts make that happen. There’s something fun about making donuts from scratch. You don’t have to get fancy to enjoy this as a treat or snack. It’s straightforward but still stands out in a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chocolate Donuts

Sesame Soba Noodles

Two bowls of soba noodle salad with carrots, edamame, and radish slices, placed on a patterned cloth with wooden chopsticks beside them. — Sesame Soba Noodles. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Recipes like Sesame Soba Noodles bring a little inspiration from quick meals into your home. The blend of flavors makes it feel comforting but fast. It’s less overwhelming than most noodle dishes yet still gives you something special. You can make this work any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Soba Noodles

White Bean Chocolate Chip Cookies – Vegan & Gluten-Free

If you think cookies and beans don’t mix, White Bean Chocolate Chip Cookies – Vegan & Gluten-Free will prove otherwise. It’s lighter than you’d think and still holds up as a dessert favorite. This recipe is great if you’re after something simple but still fun for snacking. You might not even guess how it’s made.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Chocolate Chip Cookies – Vegan & Gluten-Free

Vegan Rasta Pasta

A close-up of penne pasta mixed with red and green bell peppers, onions, grated cheese, and sprinkled with chili flakes. — Vegan Rasta Pasta. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Rasta flavors bring boldness to quick recipes, and Vegan Rasta Pasta is no exception. Things stay simple here while still feeling a little different from your usual pasta night. You won’t spend all day cooking but end up with something that feels made from scratch. It’s fun to try on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Rasta Pasta

Sugar-Free Sweet Potato Brownies

Brownies can feel heavy, but Sugar-Free Sweet Potato Brownies flips the idea. This recipe keeps things balanced but still fun as a dessert or snack. It’s a reminder that homemade treats don’t mean complicated techniques. The flavor feels light but hits the right spots at just the right time.
Get the Recipe: Sugar-Free Sweet Potato Brownies

Marry Me Tofu

A bowl of creamy pasta salad with cubed noodles and sun-dried tomatoes, garnished with fresh basil leaves and black pepper, served in a rustic dish on a brown cloth. — Marry Me Tofu. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Recipes don’t get much simpler than preparing Marry Me Tofu for busy days. Its name says it all since it brings a feeling of comfort without being overwhelming to make. You can prep this and enjoy it for any meal. The tofu centers the dish, making it easy to pair with other sides if needed.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Tofu

Vegan Cashew Cheese Spread

Spreads make meals easier, and Vegan Cashew Cheese Spread is the perfect choice. You won’t need much to enjoy its creamy texture with quick meals or snacks. It’s easy to pair up with bread, veggies, or whatever you prefer. This is perfect for layering flavors without going overboard.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cashew Cheese Spread

Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

A salad with arugula, roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and a drizzle of creamy dressing on a white plate. — Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad wins for mix-and-match options that never feel bland. Bringing roasted choices into salads takes less effort than expected here. It’s got hearty pieces but keeps things light enough for easy prep. This type of dish works even with a simple set of ingredients around.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

Vegan Tater Tot Casserole

Close-up of a dish with crispy tater tots, green bell peppers, and a creamy sauce, topped with fried onions. — Vegan Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

You don’t lose anything preparing Vegan Tater Tot Casserole when craving comfort food. It’s got layers of everything you’d expect from a casserole but stays on the easier side. A dish like this shows you can enjoy classic flavors without the extra fuss. The tater tots bring the hearty edge to this recipe.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tater Tot Casserole

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.

Fried rice always feels like a quick fix, and Tofu Fried Rice keeps things simple. You don’t have to overdo the seasoning or time to make this work. Tofu holds the spot that covers the hearty angle for this dish while feeling light enough for any meal. It’s the faster option when you’ve got less time to make dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

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.

Easy risotto like Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto shows vegan recipes can feel like restaurant-style meals without complicating the process. It’s got simple layers of flavor that make it perfect for regular meals. Risottos sound like a lot to manage, but this recipe skips the stress. A quick rotation meal for lighter cooking.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto

Vegan Tortilla Chips

Close-up of crispy tortilla chips with a dollop of guacamole on top. — Vegan Tortilla Chips. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Chips don’t need buying, and Vegan Tortilla Chips prove that point easily. This recipe gives you full control without the tricky steps. It’s got crunch that works for dips, snacks, or toppings. Simple steps make this one hard to ignore for everyday meals or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tortilla Chips

Mixed Bean Chili

Chili recipes don’t need meat, and Mixed Bean Chili showcases this concept perfectly. It keeps things straightforward while not skimping on strong flavors. You’ve got something to warm you up without hours of slow cooking. Beans make it hearty but still quick enough when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Mixed Bean Chili

Pico de Gallo

Quick dishes like Pico de Gallo make cooking less stressful on busy days. It’s something that fits near everything; tacos, wraps, or chips without question. This recipe is an example of how simple steps can lead to a versatile flavor boost. Easy to make and ready before you expect.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Vegan Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

A close-up of a dish featuring black beans mixed with chopped onions and garnished with fresh green herbs. — Vegan Copycat Chipotle Black Beans. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

If beans are your go-to side, Vegan Copycat Chipotle Black Beans will refresh your menu in no time. It’s made to feel like your favorite spots while staying manageable to prepare at home. You’ll end up using it for more meals than you’d expect once you try it. It saves time without cutting corners.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Oat Milk

A glass mason jar filled with a creamy beverage sits on a blue cloth with scattered oats on a white wooden surface. — Oat Milk. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Homemade basics like Oat Milk bring convenience back into your cooking routine. You don’t need store-bought alternatives when this recipe is faster than most think. It’s a staple for vegan cooking and simple enough to use widely for drinks or baking. A perfect base when experimenting with light recipes.
Get the Recipe: Oat Milk

Vegan Crispy Breakfast Potatoes

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

Potatoes never go wrong in a recipe, and Vegan Crispy Breakfast Potatoes show that with ease. Crispy edges bring the dish together but keep it from feeling heavy in preparation. It’s a useful addition for meals outside breakfast too. Simple prep and familiar flavors make sure this recipe works smoothly.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Crispy Breakfast Potatoes

Best Tropical Smoothie

Two glasses with tropical smoothie and limes. — Best Tropical Smoothie. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Smoothies like Best Tropical Smoothie make breakfasts easier without too many steps. It’s a mix that feels refreshingly balanced without leaning too heavily on one flavor. You’ll feel ready for your day without spending extra time overthinking the ingredients. This recipe works for quick mornings or snack breaks.
Get the Recipe: Best Tropical Smoothie

Grilled Zucchini

Cooking doesn’t always need bells and whistles, and Grilled Zucchini proves that nicely. You get the smoky finish from the grill without worrying about complicated prep. Zucchini works well for quick meals, snacks, or sides. An example of taking simple veggies and making them useful for lighter cooking.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini

Breaded Mushrooms

Breaded recipes like Breaded Mushrooms feel familiar but make vegan eating more interesting. Crunchy finishes give you a dish that’s good for snacks, small meals, or sharing. It doesn’t depend on fancy steps to bring everything together. Mushrooms stand out in an easy rotation meal with this one.
Get the Recipe: Breaded Mushrooms

Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu

Tofu doesn’t always steal the show in vegan recipes, but Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu makes it central nicely. It mixes two quick favorites in a way that’s easy for lazy cooking days. The flavors never clash while keeping prep shorter. You can make this work for different meals without a headache.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu

Breakfast Casserole

Casseroles bring comfort without complicating cooking, and Breakfast Casserole matches that style. A mix like this fits mornings or lazy, easy cooking nights well. You’re not stuck planning when you’ve got a recipe like this in the lineup. No extra steps keep it ready in less time than imagined.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Casserole

Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

A recipe that fits when you want something warm but light to make. Pasta feels like an easy go-to for meals, and Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta makes it special. You get the richness without too lengthy of a process. It’s quick, with boldness suited for simple weeknight cooking without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

Easy Vegan Chili Pizza

Pizza makes recipes fun, and Easy Vegan Chili Pizza adds a twist you’ll appreciate. Combining chili with pizza might feel unusual, but this recipe manages it. It’s got simplicity for quick meals while still keeping the cooking process approachable. You’ll find yourself looking for excuses to make it again.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Chili Pizza

Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

Risotto blends simpler ingredients well, and Asparagus and White Bean Risotto makes that clear. There’s not much prep involved for flavors that feel balanced and hearty. It’s great for a meal that doesn’t need much brainstorming beforehand. Risotto here feels quicker without losing its charm.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus and White Bean Risotto