Nothing Sounded Good Until I Made These 29 Vegan Recipes

Meals kept getting vetoed, snacks weren’t cutting it, and the idea of cooking felt like a fight with your own appetite. That’s when 29 vegan staples came through like a quiet fix that didn’t ask for attention but still got it. They’re low-stress, dependable, and weirdly comforting when everything else feels like a “meh.” Sometimes, not knowing what you want leads straight to exactly what works.

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

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3-Ingredient Vegan Mango Sorbet Recipe (No Churn!)

A bowl of mango sorbet on a wooden table. — 3-Ingredient Vegan Mango Sorbet Recipe (No Churn!). Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Sometimes, you need something easy that doesn’t overcomplicate. With 3-Ingredient Vegan Mango Sorbet Recipe (No Churn!), you’re working with minimal effort for something refreshing. It’s one of those options that’s perfect when you want something uncomplicated and cold. Great for when you’re low on time but still want something homemade.
Get the Recipe: 3-Ingredient Vegan Mango Sorbet Recipe (No Churn!)

Vegetable Casserole

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

Some dishes bring everything into one place, and that’s what’s great about Vegetable Casserole. It pulls different textures together for an easy-to-prepare option that works for groups or solo meals. It’s versatile enough to match what’s already in your fridge. You can enjoy it for dinner, and there’s usually enough to save for later.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Smashed Red Skin Potatoes in a white bowl. — Crispy Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

There’s something about potatoes made crunchy on the outside but soft inside that feels comforting. Crispy Smashed Potatoes gives you that perfect balance between texture and simplicity. They make a good option for sharing or adding as a side to anything you’re serving. This one’s perfect if you just need something fun and hands-on for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potatoes

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.

When you want some bold flavors in one bowl, this gets everything you’re looking for. Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans snap together nicely for a filling option that’s good for lunches or dinners. It’s simple but has enough going on to feel balanced and not plain. Pairing it with something light can really round it out.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caribbean Rice and Beans

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.

Sometimes skipping dairy doesn’t mean skipping out, and this proves it. Dairy Free Ice Cream gives that creamy texture we all want, just without needing the usual ingredients. Great for making ahead for chilled snacks, it works as an easy dessert option for everyday eating or small celebrations at home. No fancy gear required either.
Get the Recipe: Dairy Free Ice Cream

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.

Risotto works well when you’re aiming for something warm and comforting that’s easy for everyone. With Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto, it’s good for when you want a dish that can fill without being too heavy. Each bite feels balanced, and while easy to make, it’s something that works for any kind of dinner setup. It doesn’t need much fuss, but it feels upgraded enough for occasions.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto

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.

This is great when you need something filling that isn’t too complicated to put together. Lentil Bolognese swaps out meat but keeps everything hearty and rich, which is perfect for pasta nights. It’s one of those dishes you can make and set aside because it holds up well the next day, too. Easy both for family dinners or solo weekday meals when you’re not overthinking it.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Bolognese

Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

A gochujang cabbage steak on a bed of white rice. — Gochujang Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Adding bold flavors to cabbage turns it into something much more interesting. Gochujang Cabbage Steaks steps out from plain and makes cabbage the center of attention. There’s a great mix of flavors and textures in this dish that’s nice when you want variety without sourcing complicated ingredients. Pair it with something neutral to keep it balanced.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

Almond Pancakes

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

Breakfast gets better when it’s quick but not boring. Almond Pancakes are soft and good for mornings when you just need something reliable and easy. They’re also versatile enough to tweak depending on what you want or have at hand. These work well when you’re making them for yourself or sharing a plate with others.
Get the Recipe: Almond Pancakes

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.

Chili doesn’t need to rely on meat to stay bold, and this is proof. Best Vegan Chili combines plant-based alternatives for something filling yet easy to manage. It works for dinner or events when you need something hearty but not heavy. It’s also nice to save in the fridge when you’re looking for leftovers that are still good the next day.
Get the Recipe: Best Vegan Chili

Grilled Zucchini

This is straightforward—something light with the slight char that makes vegetables feel more exciting. Grilled Zucchini is nice for lunches or dinners when you don’t want anything heavy but still need some flavor. It’s quick to put together and works well as a complement or side. Perfect for days when fresh and easy is all you’re looking for.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini

Overnight Vanilla Oats

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

Eating in the morning shouldn’t take extra hours of planning, which is why this option works. Overnight Vanilla Oats are a make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings. It’s soft but balanced and nice if you want an option that takes less effort but feels prepared. Add small extras when you’re ready to eat for even more variety.
Get the Recipe: Overnight Vanilla Oats

Homemade Ratatouille

A close up of food. — Homemade Ratatouille. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Bringing together vegetables into one dish makes for something great when you can’t decide. Using Homemade Ratatouille, you get texture and variety in one option that works for dinner or even as leftovers. It’s also versatile, so it pairs with most other dishes easily. It’s filling but not overwhelming, and an easy addition to mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ratatouille

Indian Onion Salad

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

This side option turns onions into something refreshing instead of overpowering. Indian Onion Salad brings balance to other dishes on the table when you need variety. It’s quick and simple, which is nice for days when you want lighter extras alongside any meal. A great complement without too much time spent making it.
Get the Recipe: Indian Onion Salad

Moussaka

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

Looking for something layered and hearty? Moussaka steps up with textures and flavors that come together nicely. It’s one of those options good for larger meals without being overly complicated. Perfect for sharing because it holds its shape and tastes great even when cut into portions. It’s a straightforward addition to family-style dinners.
Get the Recipe: Moussaka

Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe

This takes eggplant and turns it into something good for dipping or pairing. Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe makes a creamy option for snacks or placing alongside meals when you want something lighter. It’s nice for when you need something smooth, easy, and versatile. Great with simple sides to keep things balanced.
Get the Recipe: Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe

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.

Rice paper rolls are perfect when you want vegetables in a handheld option. Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls get the balance of fresh textures in one bite, ideal for quick meals or sharing at home. They’re easy to adjust based on what’s already in your kitchen. Works great when you want something light but more interactive for eating.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls

Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Pasta never feels boring with built-in texture and flavor. Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta uses walnuts in a sauce that makes everything feel richer with no extra effort. It’s good if you want something creamy with a bit of crunch. Perfect for dinners that feel filling but still simple to put together quickly.
Get the Recipe: Italian Walnut Sauce Pasta

Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Flavors packed onto cauliflower can transform it into something nice for snacking or meals. Buffalo Cauliflower Wings are pieces with bold flavors that work nicely as a starter or snack. It’s great when looking for something plant-based but still satisfying to share with others. These come out crispy and keep their shape well while eating.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

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.

Mixing mushrooms together for warm dishes just makes sense sometimes. Mushroom Pie creates something hearty and baked into something sliceable, perfect for meals with others. It’s easy enough and good when you need something filling but straightforward. It slices up nicely and pairs well with basic sides too.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pie

Raw Lemon Slice

Sometimes desserts without baking are the quickest option for sweet cravings. Raw Lemon Slice turns lemons into bite-size treats good for snacks. It’s easy to portion out and keep fresh for moments when you need to grab something small and sweet. A nice option for anyone avoiding ovens while still keeping desserts upfront.
Get the Recipe: Raw Lemon Slice

Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

Combining asparagus and beans into risotto makes for a balance of creamy and textured bites. Asparagus and White Bean Risotto builds something warm and filling without being too heavy in one serving. It’s good for dinners that you want to keep simple but still thoughtful. Preparing this takes minimal planning since everything comes together easily.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

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.

Soba noodles are quick and smooth, making them great for meals when time matters. Sesame Soba Noodles add a basic, nutty twist to an already simple dish that’s easy to serve. It’s filling enough to work alone or as something to pair with small sides. Ideal when you just need something straightforward for quick lunches or dinners.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Soba Noodles

Tuscan White Bean Skillet with Kale

One-pan meals always make cleanup easier, and that’s why this stands out. Tuscan White Bean Skillet with Kale pulls together beans and greens for an option that works well for simple dinners. It’s all together in one skillet, making portions easy and lowering the overall hassle. Whether for groups or solo meals, it just simplifies the process.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan White Bean Skillet with Kale

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.

This keeps burgers exciting for plant-based meals without the need for complicated ingredients. Ultimate Vegan Burger holds its shape well and works with any basic add-ons to make it more personal. A great choice for when burger night needs something different but still familiar. Once stacked with extras, it matches anything already on the table.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Vegan Burger

Egg Rolls

Crunchy rolls filled with vegetables are always great options for handheld snacks or additions to meals. Egg Rolls package everything into a crispy wrap that’s easy to dip or pair. They make a reliable choice for parties or even just casual lunches without feeling repetitive. When made fresh, the texture and flavor stand out nicely.
Get the Recipe: Egg Rolls

White Bean Chocolate Chip Cookies – Vegan & Gluten-Free

A sweet snack doesn’t have to skip being creative, and this combines both. White Bean Chocolate Chip Cookies – Vegan & Gluten-Free take a spin on cookies while keeping them plant-based. Good for moments when you want textured cookies without too much sugar or heaviness. They store easily for anyone who needs a grab-and-go option.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Chocolate Chip Cookies – Vegan & Gluten-Free

Cabbage Soup

Soup doesn’t have to feel plain or boring when made right. Cabbage Soup uses cabbage in a way that makes it filling without being heavy. It works as a lunch or dinner option that feels straightforward and easy to portion. Great choice for weeks where you want something simple to plan ahead.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Soup

Tofu Vegan Stir Fry

Stir fry meals are great when you need something fast but packed with variety. Tofu Vegan Stir Fry mixes tofu into quick bites, making it good for dinner or casual meals. Each ingredient is easy to adjust depending on what’s available in your kitchen. It’s an option that gives flexibility without overcomplicating things.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Vegan Stir Fry