No One Offered to Help, so I Kept It Simple With 29 Vegan Labor Day Meals

Sometimes the best way to handle a solo holiday prep is to make it easy on yourself. Having 29 vegan options ready meant there was no panic, no chaos, and no mystery takeout bags showing up. Guests could pick and choose without any long explanations about what was in each dish. By the time everyone left, it felt less like work and more like a clever shortcut.

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

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Vegan Breaded Mushrooms with Garlic Aioli

A white bowl filled with breaded and fried mushroom pieces, with a fork holding one piece above the bowl. — Vegan Breaded Mushrooms with Garlic Aioli. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Crispy bites of goodness meet rich and creamy dipping sauce in Vegan Breaded Mushrooms with Garlic Aioli. These mushrooms bring texture to every bite while keeping things fun to eat. You’ll want to keep the dipping sauce within reach because it pairs perfectly with every crunchy mouthful. This option feels like a snack but works just as well as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Breaded Mushrooms with Garlic Aioli

Baked Tofu

Crispy tofu cubes piled on a plate with a dish of green dipping sauce in the background. — Baked Tofu. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Whether you’re eating it on its own or adding it to your plate, Baked Tofu delivers a versatile flavor and firm texture. It has a way of fitting in with just about any dish you pair it with. The recipe works especially well for anyone trying to keep things simple but tasty. This is one of those go-to options when you’re looking for something reliable and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tofu

Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Easy Vegan Coleslaw adds crunch and a balanced flavor to any meal. It’s not overly complicated, making it a great addition to your table when you’re short on time. Even on its own, it brings enough variety to keep things interesting. This is the kind of dish that complements almost everything without overpowering the rest of your menu.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Coleslaw

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.

Cool off with fruit-filled goodness in Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles, a fun treat that’s sweet, tart, and perfect for all ages. These popsicles work whether you’re serving guests or just enjoying them yourself. They bring a nice balance of flavors that are both refreshing and satisfying. Great for all occasions, they’re sure to be a popular choice every time you offer them up.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles

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 with colorful veggies wrapped into neat rolls, Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls make eating fresh and light snacks simple. They’re as easy to grab-and-go as they are to enjoy slowly with friends. Perfectly paired with dipping sauces, they bring big flavor to a bite-sized option. They’re fun to make and even better to eat with a crowd or just a few.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls

Baked Vanilla Donuts

Baked Vanilla Donuts are a baking option you can feel good about sharing. The vanilla flavor shines through, making every bite feel like a homemade treat. They’re baked instead of fried, offering a lighter but still indulgent twist on a classic. Whether for dessert or a treat with coffee, these donuts fit right in.
Get the Recipe: Baked Vanilla Donuts

Easy Vegan Veggie Wrap

Perfect for when you need something quick, Easy Vegan Veggie Wrap makes lunch or dinner simple without being boring. It combines texture and layers of flavor in every folded bite. You don’t need much prep time, yet it feels like a complete meal on its own. Great for packing and taking anywhere, it’s a flexible option for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Veggie Wrap

Chocolate Hummus

Chocolate Hummus combines creamy texture with a sweet, rich flavor that feels unique. This is not your typical spread but works surprisingly well as a dip for fruits or snacks. It’s a way to shake things up and add something unexpected to your table. Simple to share or enjoy solo, it’s a fun twist worth trying.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Hummus

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 the smokiness of charred veggies with hearty pasta, Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad brings variety to your meal. This dish balances hearty and fresh elements in one bowl. It’s filling enough on its own but works well next to other dishes, too. Flexibility makes this one a repeat favorite for any mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies Pasta Salad

Egg Rolls

Egg Rolls make an excellent appetizer or snack. They’re hand-held, easy to serve, and full of flavor in every bite. These rolls are versatile enough to pair with all kinds of dipping sauces. Whether you’re eating one or several, they’re sure to hit the spot every time.
Get the Recipe: Egg Rolls

Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe

A wooden bowl of nacho cheese dip topped with sliced jalapeños, surrounded by tortilla chips on a plate. A checked cloth and a glass in the background. — Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Rich and creamy, Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe feels like a crowd-favorite waiting to happen. This queso manages to create a texture and flavor that feels indulgent but approachable. Warm it up and pair it with chips or drizzle it over your favorite entrees. It’s that kind of recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
Get the Recipe: Best Vegan Cashew Queso Recipe

Grilled Zucchini

Grilled Zucchini is a versatile addition to any meal. It keeps its shape while soaking up flavors, making it perfect for grilling. This dish works well as a side but holds its own if eaten as a standalone option. Preparing it is easy, but the end result is anything but boring.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini

Easy Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip

Warm and creamy, Easy Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip is a perfect pairing for chips, bread, or even veggies. The balance of hearty and smooth makes it one of those dips you can’t help but go back to. Whether served during a gathering or just for a quiet evening, it holds a lot of flavor. It’s easy to share but just as tempting to keep all to yourself.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip

Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

Blood Orange and Fennel Salad brings light but thoughtful flavors together in a unique way. The mix of bold fruit and fresh vegetables offers a combination you don’t get anywhere else. It’s a dish that feels fresh and pairs well with a variety of mains. Serve it as a starter or alongside any meal for a nice balance.
Get the Recipe: Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

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.

Loaded with all the right toppings, Vegan Pizza proves you don’t need dairy to create a flavorful slice. Every bite offers great flavor while also catering to plant-based needs. This is a classic dish reimagined for everyone to enjoy without compromise. It’s a comfort food option that always delivers without feeling too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pizza

Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets

A white bowl filled with golden-brown fritters sits on a wooden board next to a small dish of red dipping sauce and a white cloth in the background. — Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets are crispy on the outside and tender inside. Easy to dip or eat on their own, they become a fun snack or side dish for any occasion. Whether for sharing or enjoying on your own, they make a great finger-food option. Simple yet flavorful, they become a quick favorite.
Get the Recipe: Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets

Guacamole

Smooth and chunky at the same time, Guacamole remains a go-to option for dipping or topping just about everything. It’s a recipe loved for its simplicity and compatibility with so many dishes. Whether served up with chips or layered on a burger, it always fits in. You can’t go wrong including it in your spread anytime.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole

Crispy Avocado Fries

Close-up of crispy, breaded Air Fryer Avocado Fries on a white plate. — Crispy Avocado Fries. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Crispy Avocado Fries make for a fun change from the usual snack. These finger-food-friendly fries bring something different to the table while being easy to make. Paired with dipping sauces, they add variety without needing a lot of effort. It’s a unique option that even first-timers will want to try.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Avocado Fries

Roasted Cauliflower Tacos

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

Packed with flavor and great texture, Roasted Cauliflower Tacos take familiar ingredients and offer them in a new way. They’re a great handheld option when you want something filling but not too heavy. This dish feels fresh while still delivering restaurant-quality flavor at home. Whether for weeknight dinners or parties, they fit in easily.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Tacos

Harvest Salad

Harvest Salad feels complete with every bite. This is not your average simple salad, as it has a mix of flavors that work together well. Perfect as either a main or a side dish, you can serve it up for almost any occasion. Minimal effort delivers delicious results here, making it something worth trying.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Salad

Vegan Tortilla Chips

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

Crunchy and made from scratch, Vegan Tortilla Chips upgrade any dip they pair with. These chips have a way of stealing focus while staying simple enough to highlight dipping sauces. Making them at home gives them an extra fresh feel, making them hard to resist. It’s an easy choice for game day spreads or quick snacking.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tortilla Chips

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.

Spicy Cucumber Salad brings a bold twist to cucumbers’ natural crunch. Easy to prepare, it stands out by packing a little more variety into a classic salad option. It pairs well with other dishes or works on its own for something light and flavorful. A great choice for something simple but not boring.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Crispy Smashed Red Skin Potatoes

With crispy edges and a soft inside, Crispy Smashed Red Skin Potatoes offer the best of both textures in every bite. This dish makes potatoes fun and exciting, creating a versatile side for just about any main. It’s easy to prepare but consistently feels like you put more work in than you did. These potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Red Skin Potatoes

Strawberry Mochi

Strawberry ice cream with a slice cut out. — Strawberry Mochi. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Strawberry Mochi is a unique dessert that doubles as a fun snack. Each bite feels like a treat while also being light enough to want more. It’s a dish you can serve anywhere, from small parties to even just treating yourself. The texture and flavor combination make this a standout choice.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Mochi

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.

Combining hearty pieces with a fresh base, Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad feels like a full meal inside a bowl. Every ingredient adds its texture and flavor, creating variety in every bite. Simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests, this one doesn’t disappoint. It’s a balanced choice that works for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea 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.

Bring this one out for cookouts or quiet dinners, either way, it hits the mark. Packed with all the right toppings on a plant-based patty, Ultimate Vegan Burger always delivers as a main dish. It doesn’t try to be something it’s not, focusing on flavor instead of imitation. With every bun-to-bun bite, it’s designed to feel filling and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Vegan Burger

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.

Giving you a mix of chewy noodles and bold seasonings, Sesame Soba Noodles combines bold flavors with simplicity. This dish is excellent for a quick lunch or paired as a side with something more filling. It’s easy to throw together without skimping on taste or presentation. Whether hot or cold, it offers a lot of flexibility.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Soba Noodles

Vegan Buffalo Jackfruit Dip

A skillet with melted cheese dip, garnished with dill. Celery and carrot sticks are on the side, next to a bowl of dipping sauce. — Vegan Buffalo Jackfruit Dip. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Vegan Buffalo Jackfruit Dip brings something bold to your dips lineup. It’s packed with flavor and great for pairing with chips, veggies, or even spreading on bread. This option works as an appetizer or snack, depending on how you serve it. The flavor and texture make it stand out among other options.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Buffalo Jackfruit Dip

Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Soft on the inside but with lightly crisped edges, Baked Sweet Potato Wedges land somewhere between comfort food and a healthier snack. They’re easy to make but deliver on being filling without overdoing it. Pair them with your choice of dips or enjoy as-is to appreciate their flavor. These wedges work equally well for appetizers or sides.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato Wedges