I Made 29 Vegan Meals During Burnout And Didn’t Hate A Single One

Surviving burnout is one thing, but somehow making 29 vegan meals without resenting the effort is another level of unexpected peace. It was a rare stretch of routine that didn’t backfire, and each meal turned out better than the mood that made it. The simplicity helped, but the consistency is what made it work. Somehow, plant-based food was the one area that didn’t fall apart when everything else felt like it might.

Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

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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.

Packed with bold flavor, Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad brings together textures that feel balanced and hearty. The combination of charred vegetables pairs perfectly with the pasta, making it feel like a full meal instead of just a side. Eating this feels fresh yet filling at the same time. It’s great if you need something easy to prep ahead.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

Vegetable Casserole

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

Layers in Vegetable Casserole create a mix of comforting flavors that stick with you. It’s not too heavy, but it manages to feel homey without requiring fancy prep. Every bite has a nice combination that makes the dish worth repeating. Perfect for something warm on a slower day.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole

Easy Vegan Veggie Wrap

Wrapped in something simple and handheld, Easy Vegan Veggie Wrap feels portable and versatile for any meal. The textures inside switch things up without overcomplicating it, which makes it a go-to option on a busy day. It has enough variety packed inside to keep you interested while still being effortless to put together. Great for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Veggie Wrap

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.

Heartiness comes forward in Lentil Bolognese without leaning on heaviness. It’s a bowl of something warm and filling that works well when burnout has you low-energy. The lentils give it a sturdy consistency that feels familiar and comforting. Ideal for days when you don’t want to overthink dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Bolognese

Indian Onion Salad

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

Crisp and quick, Indian Onion Salad lets you have something light that doesn’t feel bland. The mix of simple ingredients creates a refreshing side that works well with bigger meals. Preparing it feels minimal but adds an appreciated burst to any plate. A nice change of pace if you want something small.
Get the Recipe: Indian Onion Salad

Mango Banana Smoothie Bowl

Mango Banana Smoothie Bowl offers a simple fix for when eating feels like too much effort. The texture comes out smooth and light yet filling enough to hold you over for a while. It’s a great way to put fruit first without needing anything complicated. Perfect for a quick reset meal.
Get the Recipe: Mango Banana Smoothie Bowl

Vegan Minestrone Soup

Two bowls of soup with pasta and vegetables. — Vegan Minestrone Soup. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Comfort in a bowl sums up Vegan Minestrone Soup, delivering something warm with a mix of textures. Everything blends well, with no ingredient overshadowing the others. It’s easy to spoon up when exhaustion hits, but it still feels good on a deeper level. Great for reheating and keeping things simple.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Minestrone Soup

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

A plate of sweet potato fries with a wooden spoon. — Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Crispy outside, soft inside, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries give that pleasant mix of textures with no hassle. They’re easy to snack on or throw alongside a main dish without fuss. Perfect for something fast that doesn’t feel too heavy or oily. You’ll find them dependable when you need something low effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Moussaka

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

Layers in Moussaka are surprisingly filling while remaining easy to pair with other things. It’s hearty enough to stand alone if you want something warm and comforting. Nothing about making or eating this feels hard, which is good during those days when energy is low. A nice one to make in batches.
Get the Recipe: Moussaka

Best Vegan Chili

Close-up of a bowl of chili, topped with chopped cilantro, sliced red onions, and a dollop of sour cream. The chili contains beans, tomatoes, and other visible vegetables. — Best Vegan Chili. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Stews like Best Vegan Chili prove that one pot can be enough to feel complete. The flavors come together smoothly without feeling overcomplicated or heavy. Perfect for those lazy days when assembling smaller plates feels like too much hassle. One bowl of this does all the work for a solid meal.
Get the Recipe: Best Vegan Chili

Grilled Zucchini

Charred edges give Grilled Zucchini a texture that hits differently than a typical veggie side dish. It’s quick, simple, and works with pretty much anything else you’re eating. While it’s basic on its own, the grill brings out enough flavor to keep it interesting. A great pick when you’re low on energy.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini

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.

Packed but light, Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls make a quick handheld option that’s fresh. Rolling them takes minimal work, but they deliver variety in texture without overthinking anything. Fun to grab and eat as an alternative to heavier dishes. They’re a good change of pace if you want something easy.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls

Vegan Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with chopped chives and black pepper. — Vegan Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Creamy yet sturdy, Vegan Mashed Potatoes offer everything you want in a comfort food with no unnecessary heaviness. They’re easy to whip up on low-energy days but still feel like a meal that hits the spot. Perfect for pairing with whatever you’re eating or as a standalone warm dish. A reliable go-to option.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff

Pasta meets sauce with Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff, turning simple staples into something filling. The creamy sauce ties it all together without making the dish feel too heavy. It’s warm, smooth, and comforting while remaining straightforward. Good for when all you want is something cozy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff

Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe

Fun with dessert ideas takes shape in Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe, offering sweets without baking stress. The look is unique, but it’s easy to break up and snack on whenever. Simple and straightforward, it’s a dessert you actually feel like making during hard moments. A treat but not over-the-top.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chocolate Salami Recipe

Overnight Vanilla Oats

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

Prep ahead helps most with Overnight Vanilla Oats because it’s done before you even start your day. Opening the fridge to grab breakfast when energy’s low makes this idea work well. Though simple, it’s filling enough to keep you going without fussing over mornings. A meal that feels ready when you’re not.
Get the Recipe: Overnight Vanilla Oats

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Combining flavors and crunch, Vegan Green Bean Casserole delivers comfort in the form of something baked. It’s the type of dish you prep when you’re too tired to keep tweaking ingredients. Simple layering makes it convenient, while the result feels warm and nourishing. This works when you want baked ease.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Green Bean Casserole

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.

Something cold but not just ice, Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles give a refreshing fix during slower moments. They’re easy to grab from the freezer, making snacks stress-free. No need to overthink portion size, eating this feels like a reset. A frozen treat for quick comfort when needed.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles

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.

Warm, flaky options like Mushroom Pie feel filling while bringing together the idea of a handheld treat. Though it looks fancy, it’s actually not complicated, which helps when burnout limits energy. It tastes good and works great for reheating. A bakery-style dish made easy at home.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pie

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Smooth combinations come alive in Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta, where pairing nuts with pasta creates something unique. It feels rich but not overwhelming while staying quick to prepare. The sauce takes the spotlight without making the dish feel like it pushes limits. A simple meal for someone who’s tired.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

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.

Quick stove-top simplicity defines Tofu Fried Rice as something that’s easy but versatile. It feels hearty without being heavy and uses basic staples to make a complete dish. The tofu adds substance so it doesn’t feel plain, which makes it useful as a lunch or lazy dinner base. Great for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Fried Rice

Vegan Chocolate Rice Crispy Treats

Treat yourself with Vegan Chocolate Rice Crispy Treats, easy and quick when burnout makes cooking frustrating. They’re no-bake snacks that don’t over-complicate anything. The crispy texture paired with chocolate feels rewarding without loads of effort. A dessert option that stays fun yet simple.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chocolate Rice Crispy Treats

Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

Smooth texture meets bold simplicity with Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta, showcasing a sauce that pairs well with a quick stovetop meal. It’s filling and warm without needing a lot of prep work. Great for those moments where comfort food is all you’re looking for. Keeps things uncomplicated but tasty.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Red Pepper Pasta

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.

A side that feels substantial, Vegan Copycat Chipotle Black Beans turn basic into something you’ll want to make over and over. They’re versatile enough to pair or eat solo, making them fit into any meal. You won’t need too much effort, but they still feel like they’re worth making. Simple but effective.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Easy Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip

Scooping into Easy Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip provides a quick and creamy snack when energy is low. It has enough flavor to keep it interesting without making prep work difficult. Great for sharing or working into other meals without added complexity. A casual dish for those slower-paced moments.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip

Vegan Ham Recipe

A glazed meatloaf with a crosshatch pattern sits on a white platter, garnished with parsley. Two slices are cut from one end. — Vegan Ham Recipe. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Texture takes focus in Vegan Ham Recipe, giving you something firm and sliceable that feels hearty for sandwiches or plates. Prepping doesn’t overcomplicate your efforts, which makes it feel approachable for hard days. A meatless option with versatility built in. Good for storage and snacking alike.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ham Recipe

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.

Stirring up something fulfilling with Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto feels smooth and grounding for slow meals. Though risotto requires attention, this option isn’t overwhelming even on burnout days. The texture comes together well without feeling monotonous. Nice for evenings when you want warm comfort.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto

Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets with Vegan Ranch Sauce

Bite-sized and crispy, Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets with Vegan Ranch Sauce keep things interesting without taking too much effort. The air fryer simplifies things, and the ranch sauce makes sure they don’t feel plain. Easy to batch for snacking or as part of something bigger. Works well when fuss-free meals are needed.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets with Vegan Ranch Sauce

Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew

Warm, hearty bowls like Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew make eating easy without being boring. It has enough substance for a full meal and doesn’t require much effort. Just spoon into a big bowl and let it warm you up. Reliable for when cooking feels hard.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mushroom Lentil Stew