These 29 Vegan Meals Helped Me Feel Better After A Rough Few Days

It’s funny how food doesn’t judge the chaos of your week, especially when it comes in a batch of 29 solid vegan options. They sat there in the fridge, almost daring stress to stick around. And between bites, something shifted—the bad days didn’t feel quite as loud. Turns out, letting the meals do the heavy lifting works surprisingly well.

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

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Homemade Ratatouille

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

When I needed nourishment, this classic came through with its layered, hearty appeal. Homemade Ratatouille is all about combining simple, healthy ingredients into something filling. It balances flavors perfectly, making it a reliable option for feeling grounded. It’s a comforting dish that doesn’t feel heavy but keeps you feeling energized.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ratatouille

Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

These crispy bites were great for snacking on during a tough day, offering just the right crunch and flavor. Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip felt both fun and easy to eat while being lighter than traditional fries. The pairing of the carrot fries with the dip added an extra layer of enjoyment. It made a simple vegetable feel like something special.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carrot Fries with Aioli Dip

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.

A fresh option that stood out because of its unexpected kick, Spicy Cucumber Salad offered a refreshing break in my week. It’s light but still packs enough flavor to feel exciting. Eating it felt like hitting a reset button when things had been off for a few days. This salad proved that simple ingredients can keep things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cucumber Salad

Maple Pecan Granola Recipe

For mornings when I needed a slower start, Maple Pecan Granola Recipe was there to bring a soft sweetness and crunch. It felt comforting without being boring and paired well with other breakfast staples. The mix of textures helped me feel more grounded at the start of the day. It’s one of those recipes that can make mornings feel manageable again.
Get the Recipe: Maple Pecan Granola Recipe

Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks

A plate of roasted cauliflower steaks garnished with chopped pistachios, pomegranate seeds, and fresh parsley. — Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Something that surprised me with how hearty it felt was Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks. It’s a simple meal that feels fulfilling without being complicated. The roasting process gives them depth while keeping everything straightforward to plate. Pairing with small sides was all I needed to feel ready to tackle the rest of my day.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks

Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

Something about the freshness and unexpected combination in Blood Orange and Fennel Salad made me pause and appreciate the moment. It’s light and interesting without feeling fussy. The natural contrasts in this dish somehow all work together in a way that’s energizing. It’s something I’d turn to again when meals need to feel simple but not boring.
Get the Recipe: Blood Orange and Fennel Salad

Homemade Vegan Pot Pie

Close-up of a vegan pot pie with a flaky crust, featuring visible corn, peas, carrots, and a creamy filling. A sprig of fresh herb and a sprinkle of black pepper garnish the pie. — Homemade Vegan Pot Pie. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

On rough days when comfort food was a must, Homemade Vegan Pot Pie delivered. It feels hearty without being too rich or overcomplicated. The warm layers and textures made it the kind of meal that feels like a small celebration. It’s one of those recipes that has the ability to bring people together too.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Vegan Pot Pie

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.

This was a straightforward dish I leaned on because it’s quick but rewarding. Cucumber Tomato Salad combines fresh, light elements into something you can eat without overthinking. It’s a reminder that meals don’t have to be ambitious to be memorable. Simple elements come together in a way that just works well.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

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.

When a craving for something crispy hit, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries became the go-to. They’re lighter than traditional fries but still feel snack-worthy and comforting. The air fryer keeps them crispy without added heaviness. Pairing them with dips made them feel even more versatile throughout the day.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Homemade Vegan Nutella Spread

On tough mornings, turning to Homemade Vegan Nutella Spread felt indulgent but still healthy enough to embrace. It’s rich but not overwhelming, more of a subtle treat than something overly sweet. Spreading it on toast or dipping fruit into it was a nice way to feel like I was enjoying something special. The homemade touch gave it an extra sense of care.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Vegan Nutella Spread

Breakfast Casserole

This option kept things simple while still feeling hearty enough to hold me over until lunch. Breakfast Casserole works as a reliable dish for its balance and easy adaptability. It’s filling and comforting but doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down. A practical recipe when you need something no-fuss and ready quickly.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Casserole

Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

Craving something crunchy led me to try Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe, which hit the mark. They’re the kind of snack that feels like a guilty pleasure. Using the air fryer kept them lighter without losing the crispy factor. Great for those moments when you need a snack that keeps things less oily.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Vegan Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe

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.

Rough days call for dependable, hearty meals, and Ultimate Vegan Burger absolutely hit the spot. It’s filling without trying to be fancy, giving you everything you need in a bite. There’s something about creating your own burger stack that feels rewarding too. Perfect for dinner when you want familiarity without compromise.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Vegan Burger

Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes

Crispy potato wedges served on a plate with a cup of coffee. — Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

These were an easy option when I wanted something snackable but fun. Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes stand out because their texture and look make them feel unique to eat. They’re crispy and comforting in the way that potatoes often are but with a twist. Perfect for when a little creativity is needed at mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes

Easy Vegan Falafel Bowl

Getting back on track after tough days meant finding meals that felt balanced like Easy Vegan Falafel Bowl. It’s wholesome, filling, and versatile enough to hit multiple cravings in one go. The falafel adds enough texture to keep it interesting without being too heavy. It’s one of those bowls you’ll probably want to eat on repeat later.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Falafel Bowl

Homemade Ketchup With Fresh Tomatoes

Switching to something homemade felt especially meaningful with this recipe. Homemade Ketchup With Fresh Tomatoes takes a pantry staple and turns it into a much fresher, tastier version. It’s one of those upgrades that feels natural, and you wonder why you didn’t try it earlier. Using this with snacks or meals made each bite feel more intentional.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ketchup With Fresh Tomatoes

Crispy Smashed Red Skin Potatoes

The texture made all the difference with Crispy Smashed Red Skin Potatoes, giving an extra layer of crunch without too much effort. They’re easy to throw together but feel fun to eat. It’s one of those small dishes that can complement whatever you’re pairing it with well. These potatoes are great for keeping meals feeling adaptable.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Red Skin Potatoes

Mango Banana Smoothie Bowl

Feeling drained meant turning to lighter meals like Mango Banana Smoothie Bowl to breathe life back into my day. This feels like an easy meal that doesn’t overcomplicate things but still offers enough to feel fulfilling. The blend works well to get you going without relying on anything too heavy. Perfect for mornings when you need something simple but energizing.
Get the Recipe: Mango Banana Smoothie Bowl

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.

Mornings felt a bit brighter after trying Lemon Blueberry Granola with Almonds. It’s simple but still feels refreshing enough to shake things up. Pairing this with other breakfast staples made it versatile for quicker starts. The added crunch worked well to keep meals light but still filling enough to keep moving through the morning.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Blueberry Granola with Almonds

Vegan Alfredo Pasta

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

A heavier meal option that still felt balanced on rough days was Vegan Alfredo Pasta. It’s creamy and filling but doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down. Perfect for dinner when you need something warm without relying on traditional heavy dishes. Plates like this remind you of the comfort food that is meant to bring.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Alfredo Pasta

Easy Vegan Gluten-Free Crackers

Snacking felt easier when I had Easy Vegan Gluten-Free Crackers prepped. They’re crunchy, light, and great for pairing with spreads or dips. Perfect for moments when you need something small but engaging to munch on. These crackers offer flexibility without adding unnecessary weight to meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Gluten-Free Crackers

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Two bowls of tomato soup with basil and tomatoes. — Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

This simple option offered just the right amount of warmth whenever days felt off. Roasted Tomato Basil Soup works because it’s filling without feeling rich. The smooth blend paired well with various sides, making it adaptable for most meals. It’s easily one of those recipes that work across different moods.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

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.

When I was more drained than usual, Sesame Soba Noodles felt like the right fix. Their simplicity and balanced texture gave enough to recharge without being overwhelming. They’re great for when you need a filling meal but don’t have the mental energy to overthink it. The combination works well for a quick recovery meal.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Soba Noodles

Breakfast Parfait with Yogurt & Granola

A bowl of granola with blueberries and pecans. — Breakfast Parfait with Yogurt & Granola. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Mornings needed an easy way to kick off, and Breakfast Parfait with Yogurt & Granola worked perfectly. The layering makes breakfast feel more fun without adding extra work. It’s light, adaptable, and can be whipped together quickly when mornings start slow. Something about this recipe just makes it seem approachable and no-fuss.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Parfait with Yogurt & Granola

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.

Feeling worn out meant finding something hearty that still felt manageable, which led me to Lentil Bolognese. It’s filling and warm without leaning into anything overly rich. A good option when you need solid meals that don’t rely on traditional heavy recipes. Plates like this are something to come back to again and again.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Bolognese

Marry Me Chickpeas

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

This recipe came through when I wanted a dish that felt comforting but different. Marry Me Chickpeas has enough balance to be a soft, nourishing addition to any rotation. The texture works really well when things need to feel fulfilling without leaning into a heavy meal. It’s a surprisingly easy option to revisit.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chickpeas

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.

The mix of ingredients in Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad made it a nice middle point between lightness and feeling full. Adding roasted elements gave texture that felt cozy without being heavy. It’s a versatile dish that works across different occasions. Meals like this make eating well simple when days don’t go as planned.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad

Easy Vegan French Toast

Starting mornings this way felt warm and grounding after weird days. Easy Vegan French Toast brings enough indulgence without overly complicating things. Using straightforward methods keeps breakfast worth preparing even when you’re tired. It’s a recipe that’s easy to lean on for something classic but simple.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan French Toast

Roasted Cauliflower Tacos

Tacos are perfect for regaining momentum, and Roasted Cauliflower Tacos add a fresh twist to the classic idea. The filling ingredients keep things lighter than other options while still being interesting. Wrapping everything together into small bites keeps it fun and easy. It’s a meal idea that feels approachable and quick but enjoyable for any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Tacos