Posted by Djanaphine Lavoir
on January 20, 2024
Plant-based eating should never be boring! We’ve rounded up our best vegan recipes that will impress even the pickiest eaters.
Plant-based eating should never be boring! We’ve rounded up our best vegan recipes that will impress even the pickiest eaters. Learn to create healthy, oil-free versions of comforting classics like potato skins, quesadillas, tacos, mac and cheese, brownies, ice cream, and more. From hearty vegan dinner recipes to tantalizing sweet treats, all these dishes use easy vegan cooking techniques and familiar ingredients so you can avoid overly complicated dishes without skimping on flavor. Get ready to dig into these vegan meal ideas that will delight the whole family!
VEGAN SNACKS & APPETIZERS
Break out these mouth-watering vegan recipes when you’re in the mood for finger food that tastes like classic pub grub minus all the unhealthy ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a party for game day or cooking for your kid’s birthday party, these tasty snacks are sure to satisfy everyone on your guest list.
CRISPY BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER BITES
Having friends over to watch the game? Skip the greasy wings and make these spicy-crunchy cauliflower bites instead. Thanks to a clever combination of hot sauce, savory spices, and tomato paste, these crispy nibbles are packed with flavor—and are completely oil-free.
LOADED POTATO SKINS
Twice-baked potatoes create delicious hand-held containers for a savory mixture of chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and scallions. Drizzled with tahini sauce and browned to perfection, this scrumptious vegan recipe is perfect as a snack or paired with a leafy green salad.
AIR-FRYER TAQUITOS WITH CAULIFLOWER AND BLACK BEANS
Air fryers work magic when it comes to cooking up crispy food without adding unhealthy fat. These crunchy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside taquitos are stuffed with hearty black beans, meaty mushrooms, and Southwest taco seasoning to satisfy all your Mexican food cravings.
ONION RINGS
Get ready for a full-on snack attack with this undeniably delicious recipe. Tender, sweet onion rounds are rolled in a crunchy breadcrumb coating and baked to crispy perfection for the perfect plant-based appetizer. Serve with homemade ketchup or vegan ranch, and indulge in some classic pub grub without all the grease!
SICILIAN RICE BALLS WITH MUSHROOMS AND PEAS
Creamy cooked rice is stuffed with meaty mushrooms, sweet peas, and Italian herbs: What could be tastier? Known as arancini in Italy, this satisfying vegan recipe makes for a special appetizer. Dip each crispy rice ball in warm marinara sauce, and enjoy the bite-size flavor bomb!
LOADED LENTIL NACHOS
Smoky lentils take the place of meat and a savory potato-based “cheese” sauce elevates home-baked corn chips to a whole new level. Piled high with fresh pico de gallo salsa, these vegan nachos are a great shareable appetizer—or if you’re extra hungry, enjoy them all by yourself!
SWEET POTATO JALAPEÑO POPPERS
Searching for vegan food recipes that will please a large crowd? These succulent poppers will do the trick. Creamy sweet potato is enhanced with cheesy nutritional yeast and baked inside of spicy jalapeño peppers to create a perfect hand-held appetizer. Garnish with a few leaves of fresh cilantro for extra pizzazz.
ULTIMATE VEGAN GRAVY
Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of mashed potatoes and gravy? This plant-based version of a Thanksgiving favorite gets its rich flavor from mushrooms, dried spices, and brown rice. Plus, this healthy vegan recipe is ready to enjoy in just 30 minutes.
FANCY VEGAN MEATBALLS
The perfect appetizer for a cocktail party, these mouthwatering meatballs are made from savory mushrooms, hearty beans, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a handful of spices that expertly mimic the real deal. Plated on a lettuce leaf, topped with warm marinara sauce, and garnished with crispy cashew crumble, this recipe is just as beautiful as it is delicious.
ZUCCHINI FRITTERS
This easy vegan recipe is such a tasty snack that you’ll want to make a double batch! Grated zucchini is enhanced with fresh herbs and turned into savory oil-free fritters that are perfect to munch on throughout the day. Dip these yummy patties into vegan sour cream, ketchup, or applesauce when you’re in need of wholesome finger food.
VEGAN QUESO SAUCE
One of the most popular Forks Over Knives recipes of all time, this clever vegan queso sauce uses a surprising base: rolled oats. With nutritional yeast, jarred roasted red peppers, a handful of pantry staples, and 5 minutes in the blender, the wholesome base transforms into a creamy, cheesy sauce that even omnivores will love. Enjoy it as a dip with baked chips, poured over potatoes, stirred into Southwest-inspired bowls, or any other way you can think of. Best of all, it's super healthy!
BLACK BEAN AND SWEET POTATO QUESADILLAS
You won’t miss the queso in these vegan quesadillas that are stuffed with a succulent mixture of mashed sweet potato, salsa, rice, and refried beans. Add some fresh guacamole and salsa on top, and voilá—you have a satisfying feast packed full of Southwest flavors.
CLASSIC VEGAN CORNBREAD
Enjoy a big slice of this fluffy cornbread recipe on its own or serve alongside a steaming bowl of vegan chili. This tasty plant-based take on the classic Southern dish incorporates chopped red bell pepper for extra flavor and texture. The ingredient you might not guess? Applesauce! It adds moisture and subtle sweetness that will leave you reaching for a second serving.
SWEET POTATO AND SHIITAKE MUSHROOM DUMPLINGS
These dumplings are worthy of special occasions but so scrumptious you'll want to eat them on the daily. Handily, you can assemble these dumplings ahead of time and store them in the freezer for up to a month, so you always have some ready to enjoy. Simply add them to a pot of boiling water and let cook until they float to the pop.
VEGAN LUNCH RECIPES
Keep your fuel tank filled up with one of these drool-worthy vegan lunch recipes that will power you through the afternoon. Whether you need a quick grab-and-go sandwich or have more time on your lunch break to whip up something hot and tasty, all these scrumptious ideas will keep you energized through dinnertime.
VEGAN BLTA WITH CARROT BACON
Thinly sliced carrots get infused with an umami-rich marinade before being baked to crispy perfection for this deluxe sandwich, which features a palate-pleasing mix of flavors and textures. The zesty homemade sandwich spread—a blend of nutritional yeast, tahini, lemon juice, and herbs and spices—takes it to the next level, making for a meal that is totally healthy and totally crave-worthy.
BBQ CAULIFLOWER AND PINEAPPLE PIZZA
You’ll swoon with delight during every bite of this flavor-packed, plant-based pizza. Smoky cauliflower florets pair perfectly with sweet pineapple chunks and an extra drizzle of savory BBQ sauce. Prepare this healthy vegan recipe when you’re craving something that tastes like junk food but is actually bursting with nourishing ingredients.
“NO-TUNA” SALAD SANDWICH
Roughly mashed chickpeas and a tangy-creamy sauce made with tahini, mustard, pickles, and capers make a seriously delicious filling in this FOK fan-favorite recipe. Top this “tuna” salad with fresh tomatoes, red onion, and lettuce for a scrumptious vegan version of the classic deli sandwich.
NO-FRY FRIED RICE
While most restaurants wouldn’t dream of doing fried rice without egg and plenty of oil, we use a water-frying technique and a cornstarch-thickened teriyaki sauce to deliver flavorful, browned goodness without the grease. Loaded with fresh veggies, sweet pineapple chunks, and spicy red chile, this better-than-takeout dish will quickly become a weeknight favorite.
POTATO WAFFLE SANDWICHES WITH HERBED TOFU CREAM
Seasoned potatoes are transformed into crispy waffles and used as the base for veggie-packed sandwiches that take “breakfast for dinner” to a whole new level. A savory herbed cream sauce adds a tangy element to the dish and a dash of hot sauce turns up the heat. Enjoy these veg-forward sandwiches at any time of the day or night!
ALMOST EGG SALAD
Tofu is the secret ingredient in this eggy salad that one reader calls “the motherload of goodness.” A creamy cashew sauce binds together the melt-in-you-mouth cubes of tofu and cooked potatoes, while chopped onion and celery add a traditional deli quality to this delightful vegan recipe.
SWEET POTATO SHAWARMA
This delectable dish is all about the spices. Cumin, paprika, ginger, oregano, turmeric, and cinnamon work their magic on cauliflower and sweet potatoes to give the roasted veggies a distinct shawarma flavor. A bed of warm quinoa, crisp lettuce, and refreshing cucumbers is topped with a hefty serving of the plant-based shawarma for a Middle Eastern meal you won’t soon forget
BUTTERNUT SQUASH MAC AND CHEESE WITH BROCCOLI
No collection of comforting vegan recipes would be complete without a good plant-based take on mac and cheese. The satisfying and good-for-you butternut squash sauce will make you forget all about boxed mac and cheese and its powder packets. Blended with savory nutritional yeast, fragrant garlic, and tangy white wine vinegar, this sauce is exceptionally creamy and pairs perfectly with the tender bite of steamed broccoli.
VEGAN DINNER RECIPES
When you want to sink your teeth into a substantial meal, these vegan dinner recipes are packed with good-for-you ingredients, exciting spices, and plenty of comforting flavors that will keep you satisfied. Add one of these healthy vegan meal ideas to your weekly rotation and savor all the delicious benefits of a plant-based plate.
TAMALES-INSPIRED WAFFLES WITH BLACK BEAN HASH
These reader-favorite waffles are guaranteed to be a hit any time of day, but we especially love them for dinner. Masa harina and cornmeal are the base of the five-ingredient batter, lending a mildly sweet corn flavor that plays well with the savory hash topping—a simple-yet-so-tasty medley of onion, bell pepper, corn, garlic, and black beans. One reviewer writes, “Holy cow.. currently eating and couldn’t wait to comment. These are sooooo very good!”
THAI VEGETABLE NOODLE SOUP
A reader favorite, this nourishing noodle soup requires just one pot and 25 minutes. Perfect for cold nights, this is the best vegan recipe to enjoy when you need to be warmed up from the inside out. One reviewer writes, "This was absolutely delicious. I had to go for seconds!"
MINI VEGAN TAMALE PIE
These adorable individual pies are the perfect portion of comfort food when you need a little pick-me-up. Each mini pie features a succulent filing of veggies and beans infused with smoky taco seasoning. A crispy crust of savory masa harina completes the tamale-inspired flavor profile, making this freezer-friendly vegan dinner recipe a perfect addition to your regular rotation.
LENTIL, CHARD & SWEET POTATO CURRY
You don’t need ghee or oil to create a rich Indian curry dish. Let the heady aromas of Indian spices fill your whole house as it simmers, then thicken it up with vegan yogurt for a savory, creamy end result. Overflowing with nutrient-rich veggies and lentils, this is an excellent meal to add to your regular recipe rotation.
ZUCCHINI ROLLATINI WITH QUINOA AND CHICKPEAS
In this comforting casserole, thin zucchini slices get slathered with a creamy mixture of mashed chickpeas, spinach, and homemade cashew cream then rolled into pinwheels, topped with marinara and breadcrumbs, and baked until golden brown at the edges. Italian comfort food at its best (and healthiest).
CURRIED MILLET CAKES WITH CREAMY RED PEPPER CORIANDER SAUCE
Searching for a vegan dinner recipe that has the "wow" factor but doesn’t take hours to make? Look no further. These little croquettes are spiced with Indian flavors and baked to crunchy perfection. The red pepper coriander sauce adds a delicious creamy element to the dish and looks worthy of a Michelin Star restaurant.
VEGAN SPAGHETTI MARINARA WITH LENTIL BALLS
This veganized version of spaghetti and meatballs is such a hit with our readers that you would think it’s nonna’s secret recipe! Juicy mushrooms are mixed with hearty lentils and plenty of Italian spices to form succulent “meatballs” that are then nestled into spaghetti and marinara sauce. Add some chopped basil on top and get ready to dig into the world’s coziest bowl of pasta.
SPICY TOMATO SUSHI ROLLS
Transport your tastebuds with this delicious Japanese-inspired vegan sushi recipe that’s as flavorful as it is beautiful. Butternut squash is simmered with brown rice to give it a creamy texture and warm flavor, while fresh tomatoes are tossed in a spicy sriracha sauce. Break out your nori and sushi mat to roll up these bite-sized slices of veggie goodness and serve with soy sauce.
MUSHROOM CHORIZO TACOS CON PAPAS
Seasoned potatoes add substance to the meaty filling of these irresistible mushroom “chorizo” tacos, and a smoky blend of Southwest spices turn up the heat for a vegan twist on your favorite taco stand flavors. Garnish them with crunchy cabbage, fresh tomatoes, and salsa for a meal that will leave you satisfied instead of overly stuffed.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH RISOTTO
The secret ingredient for a perfect risotto? A bit of elbow grease! While this dish requires constant stirring it’s well worth a little extra effort in the kitchen. The warm flavors of butternut squash and sage melt into the creamy rice that soaks up the flavors of sauteed garlic and shallot. Drizzle it with a balsamic vinegar reduction to add extra depth and a hint of sweetness.
VEGAN POTATO GNOCCHI WITH MUSHROOMS AND GREENS
While it might sound intimidating to make gnocchi from scratch, this easy vegan dinner recipe is worth flexing your home chef muscles. Pillowy nuggets of potato pasta are sautéed with umami-rich mushrooms and fresh greens, then drizzled with a zesty parsley sauce that adds a bright pop of herbal freshness to balance out all the savory flavors. Top everything with red pepper flakes if you like a little extra heat.
THAI GREEN CURRY CHICKPEAS WITH SPINACH
This simple chickpea curry is the ultimate vegan recipe for when you’re craving something quick, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying. Thai green curry paste is enhanced with creamy coconut milk and fresh cilantro for a saucy base that coats any fresh veggies you have lying around in the fridge. Serve over a bed of brown rice for a meal that will stick to your stomach.
CREAMY VEGAN RAMEN
In this delectable plant-based take on the Japanese noodle soup, miso paste and trumpet and shiitake mushrooms infuse the broth with rich umami flavor, while plant milk adds creaminess.
POTATO-SPINACH CASSEROLE WITH TRUMPET MUSHROOMS
Perfect for either brunch or dinner, this potato casserole is packed full of delicious ingredients that create a satisfying quiche-like flavor. Layers of sliced potato soak up a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s studded with umami-rich mushrooms and spinach. Blended tofu is the secret ingredient for a velvety texture that gives this restaurant-quality meal its star power.
AIR-FRYER PORTOBELLO BURGERS WITH THOUSAND ISLAND AÏOLI
Crispy, crunchy portobello patties, tangy plant-based Thousand Island aioli, and a stack of juicy veggies? It doesn’t get better than this. Whip up this divine vegan recipe for your next summer BBQ or whenever you’re craving a meal that tastes like fast food without all the unhealthy ingredients.
KALE AND SWEET POTATO–STUFFED VEGAN RAVIOLI
These pillowy parcels of whole wheat dough are filled with creamy sweet potato and tender kale, which ensures each bite is packed full of unforgettable flavor. Nutritional yeast gives them a cheesy umami flavor while rosemary adds to the earthy complexity of the filling. Top with marinara sauce, and indulge in a comforting bowl of fresh pasta.
TAMALES-INSPIRED WAFFLES WITH BLACK BEAN HASH
These reader-favorite waffles are guaranteed to be a hit any time of day, but we especially love them for dinner. Masa harina and cornmeal are the base of the five-ingredient batter, lending a mildly sweet corn flavor that plays well with the savory hash topping—a simple-yet-so-tasty medley of onion, bell pepper, corn, garlic, and black beans. One reviewer writes, "Holy cow.. currently eating and couldn't wait to comment. These are sooooo very good!"
INSTANT POT MUSHROOM-BARLEY STEW
It’s impossible to pinpoint our favorite part of this cozy stew: Is it the rich, comforting flavors, the variety of tantalizing textures, or the nourishing ingredients? Probably all of the above! Savory mushrooms and fragrant herbs add depth to the broth while chewy barley, tender sweet potatoes, and sweet pearl onions add substance. One happy reader raves, “Great, flavorful recipe!”
30-MINUTE ONE-POT PESTO PASTA
This efficient recipe takes only half an hour to whip up and is bursting with so much flavor you’d never know it was this easy. Simply cook your pasta of choice with some chopped red onion, carrot, and a hefty dollop of oil-free pesto before stirring in nutrient-dense red beans and juicy tomatoes. Using one pot means all the flavors meld together during the cooking process, and it also creates hassle-free cleanup when you’re finished!
TEMPEH BBQ SANDWICHES WITH PINEAPPLE SLAW
Sink your teeth into these saucy sandwiches when you’re craving the smoky-sweet flavors of a classic cookout. Each whole wheat bun is piled high with a tasty mushroom and tempeh filling, crunchy red cabbage, sweet pineapple, and zesty scallions. These sloppy Joe-inspired sammies are perfect for your next plant-based BBQ, and even the most ardent carnivore will admit they’re over-the-top delicious!
VEGAN DESSERTS
Looking for something sweet to round out your meal? These desserts taste incredibly indulgent without using processed sugar, oil, or animal products. Whip up one of these popular recipes when your sweet tooth is calling or you’re hosting a plant-based dinner party. Whip up one of these popular vegan recipes when your sweet tooth is calling or you’re hosting a plant-based dinner party. It’s time to treat yourself!
JEWELED AVOCADO-CHOCOLATE PUDDING
This rich chocolate pudding gets its creamy texture from an unlikely ingredient—avocados! Blended with sweet ripe bananas and plant milk, you’d never know that this treat is vegan. Top it all off with a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds and orange slices for a quick dessert that really hits the spot.
CRANBERRY-ORANGE BREAD PUDDING
Transform that old loaf of bread into a scrumptious dessert that’s packed full of zesty flavors. Tangy orange juice and tart cranberries are swirled throughout this plant-based pudding, with a simple vanilla cream sauce to top things off. You’ll be surprised by how easily a few healthy ingredients turn into an indulgent treat after a quick bake in the oven!
CHOCOLATE CHERRY VEGAN COBBLER
Cherries and chocolate are a pairing made in heaven, and this vegan cobbler recipe showcases that divine flavor combo at its finest. Fluffy chocolate dumplings are nestled in a warm, gooey mixture of sweet cherries, dates, and almond flavoring. Plant-based whipped cream is the perfect finishing touch for this decadent fruit-forward cobbler.
OUTRAGEOUSLY HEALTHY BROWNIES
A little plant-based magic can go a long way, and these vegan brownies are no exception. Black beans are transformed into a scrumptious dessert that is rich, chewy, and chocolatey. Sprinkled with chopped nuts and dark chocolate chunks, both kids and adults will devour these unbelievably delicious treats.
PLUM ROSETTE TARTS
Impress the guests at your next dinner party with a healthy vegan recipe that also doubles as a showstopping dessert! Succulent plums are fanned out in the shape of a flower over a homemade oat and almond butter crust. Ginger, cinnamon, and fresh lemon zest add a delicious depth of flavor that will surely make this treat the talk of the town.
INCREDIBLE CHOCOLATE SWEET POTATO CAKE
The secret to this supremely moist chocolate cake is sweet potato, which is present both in the batter and the frosting! The tasty tubers add a velvety texture and their subtle sweetness enhances the rich cocoa flavors so each bite leaves you licking your lips for every last crumb. End dinner on a sweet note with a slice of this crave-worthy cake.
CHEWY APPLE-RAISIN OATMEAL COOKIES
Halfway between a decadent dessert and a hearty granola bar, these chewy apple-raisin cookies are one of the most popular Forks Over Knives treats of all time. Each cookie is naturally sweetened with mashed banana, maple syrup, and juicy raisins. The mouthwatering combination of cinnamon and peanut butter make these snacks extra scrumptious (and great for keeping your energy up on a long hike!).
MEXICAN CHOCOLATE NICE CREAM
Elevate your average nice cream recipe with this creamy, sweet, and subtly spicy version of a Mexican hot chocolate. This easy dessert uses just five ingredients and can be served immediately or stored in the freezer for days when your sweet tooth comes calling.
SOUTHERN-STYLE BANANA PUDDING PARFAITS
Enjoy these naturally sweetened parfaits for breakfast or dessert! An easy stove-top vanilla pudding is drizzled between layers of ripe banana and crunchy homemade granola that’s scented with cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg. Add a dollop of cashew cream on top, and bon appétit.
CHOCOLATE-ORANGE DESSERT DONUTS
Indulge in these rich treats, which combine two of the world’s best flavors—chocolate and citrus. The sweet rounds are enhanced with orange zest, juice, and segments to really make the tangy element pop. A few tablespoons of tahini add extra moisture and a slight nutty flavor to offset the sweetness, making this vegan dessert recipe one you’ll want to bake again and again.
THE BEST VEGAN STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM
Simple and sweet, this berry-tastic dessert is the perfect treat to celebrate summer fruit. The classic flavors receive a healthy twist by using silken tofu and sweet dates to create the rich cream that's scented with vanilla and cardamom. Be sure to layer the elements in a clear glass so you can admire your handiwork before chowing down. One pleased reader raves, "I could bather in this stuff it is so yummy!"
HUNGRY FOR MORE HEALTHY VEGAN RECIPES?
We have a huge variety of wholesome, nourishing vegan recipes to get you through every day from start to finish.
Ready to get started? Check out Forks Meal Planner, FOK’s easy weekly vegan meal planner to keep you on a healthy plant-based path. To learn more about a whole-food, plant-based diet, visit our Plant-Based Primer.
This article was originally published on 10/5/2023 and has been updated.