30 Recipes for Beginner Vegans (2024)

Last modified: . Originally posted: By Sophia DeSantis

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These recipes are for beginner vegans who need some help getting started. Make meals easy and stress free with these amazing options!

Eating vegan food does not have to be boring or tasteless. These 10 recipes are healthy homemade options that will leave you satisfied and happy!

30 Recipes for Beginner Vegans (1)
30 Recipes for Beginner Vegans (2)

This post was originally published on January 2, 2017.

Whether you are new to transitioning to a plant-based diet, trying out this whole Veganuary thing, have a New Years resolution to add more plants into your diet, or simply need life to be easy, these are for you!

While these 10 recipes are great for beginner vegans, they can be used by anyone needing to make things easy and simple.

If you are new here and looking for some support, have a ton of helpful information for starting a vegan diet, meal prepping veggies and so many amazing simple meals you'll wonder why you didn't start sooner!

Easy Vegan Recipes

  • Vegan Soup Recipes
  • Vegan Mexican Recipes
  • Vegan Burgers and Sandwiches
  • Vegan Recipes in Bowls
  • Vegan Pasta Recipes
  • Basics for Vegan Dinners
    • Staples to have on hand
    • Common Questions
  • More Vegan Guides

This is a list of my favorite vegan recipes that are perfect for beginners because they are fairly simple yet are loaded with flavor! They also represent mainstream meals that show how plant-based foods are not boring!

Vegan Soup Recipes

Soups are probably the easiest recipes to make, and can be served as a complete meal, or along with other yummy dishes for a full dinner spread. Plus, you can make extra to store in the freezer for future easy dinners! All of these vegan soup recipes are sure to keep you warm, cozy, and full!

Greek Lentil Soup (Fakes Recipe)

Greek lentil soup, also called Fakes soup, is a simple easy to make nutritious recipe made with lentils, vegetables and herbs.

see recipe

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Vegetarian Pasta fa*gioli Recipe

This vegetarian pasta fa*gioli recipe is a hearty Italian soup filled with flavor! A mix of vegetables, beans and herbs make for an incredible meal done in 30 minutes.

see recipe

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Thai Vegetable Coconut Curry Soup

This vegetable coconut curry soup is a Thai themed soup made with simple fresh ingredients in only 20 minutes! It's bursting with flavor and a perfect easy meal.

see recipe

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Vegan Noodle Miso Soup with Vegetables

This vegan noodle miso soup is loaded with vegetables. It's easy to make in under 30 minutes and uses simple fresh ingredients!

see recipe

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Creamy Vegan Corn Chowder with Potatoes

This vegan corn chowder is so creamy, delicious and the perfect comfort food! Made with whole foods and plenty of veggies.

see recipe

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Easy Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Vegan broccoli cheddar soup so rich creamy cheesy and delicious without any dairy! Made with 9 simple ingredients in only 30 minutes!

see recipe

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Vegan Mexican Recipes

Living in Southern California we eat a LOT of Mexican food. It's just so delicious and there's so much variety you can eat it every day without getting bored. Another great bonus is that it's so easy to make vegan Mexican food! Check out these recipes for the best vegan tacos, burritos, and more!

Vegan Rice and Black Bean Burrito Recipe

This rice and bean burrito has the perfect combination of amazing texture and flavor. It's easy to make and you'd never know it was vegan!

see recipe

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Easy Jackfruit Tacos

These jackfruit tacos are filled with jackfruit sauteed with onion, salsa and taco seasoning for an easy recipe made in under 30 minutes!

see recipe

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Vegan Enchiladas with Black Beans

Vegan enchiladas packed with protein rich black beans and veggies with incredible flavor. Easy to make and family friendly!

see recipe

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Vegan Taco Meat with Lentils and Walnuts

This vegan taco meat is made with lentils, walnuts and seasonings for the tastiest result that has a perfect "meaty" texture! Healthy and easy to make.

see recipe

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Black Bean Soup Recipe

This black bean soup uses fresh ingredients and spices along with beans to get a delicious meal in just 30 minutes! Add all of your favorite toppings to customize it to perfection.

see recipe

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Healthy Black Bean Sweet Potato Tacos Recipe

These black bean sweet potato tacos are the perfect healthy meal for any night of the week. Easy to make and the flavor combo is unreal!

see recipe

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Vegan Burgers and Sandwiches

There is so much more in this world to sandwich between two pieces of bread than meat! Vegan sandwiches are excellent to take along for lunch, or to enjoy for a family friendly meal. And, vegan burger patties can be prepped ahead of time to keep on hand for quick and easy meals.

Low-Fat Easy Vegan Gluten Free Black Bean Burgers

Looking for the perfect easy recipe for a quick dinner? These gluten-free vegan black bean burgers are low fat, full of protein and take 10 minutes to prep!

see recipe

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Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

This vegan Philly cheesesteak is made in only 20 minutes! Made with thinly sliced mushrooms, onions, peppers and gooey cheese served in a toasted bun.

see recipe

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Vegan Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers

Weather you grill, bake or pan fry, these vegan portobello mushroom burgers are loaded with flavor and a perfect burger alternative! Easy and customizable!

see recipe

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Amazing and Easy Tofu Sandwich Recipe

This tofu sandwich recipe is mouthwatering kind of delicious! It's so easy to put together, perfect to prep ahead and perfect for the entire family!

see recipe

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Vegan Pulled Pork Sandwich

Amazing vegan pulled pork with 8 ingredients made in 30 minutes! Use jackfruit or mushrooms to get the perfect texture and smoky sweet flavor.

see recipe

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BBQ Chickpea Sliders with Pineapple Slaw

Easy, fun and kid friendly, these BBQ sliders are the perfect dinner for a crazy day. They are filled with protein, flavorful and have amazing texture.

see recipe

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Vegan Recipes in Bowls

Some of the easiest recipes to make are ones where you throw a bunch of food in a bowl and call it a meal. OK, maybe that's over-simplified but you get the idea! All of the vegan bowl recipes can be prepped in advance if not completely, at least partially to keep dinner time super easy!

Chipotle Veggie Burrito Bowl

Get the taste of Chipotle in a homemade healthy and delicious veggie burrito bowl! This easy meal is packed with protein, fiber, and fresh veggies.

see recipe

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Teriyaki Vegetables Stir Fry

This teriyaki vegetables recipe is packed with colorful veggies and coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. It's easy to make and ready in minutes!

see recipe

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Easy Vegan Fried Rice Recipe

This vegan fried rice recipe is perfect if you're looking for the quickest easiest meal the whole family will love! Easy to customize and so simple to make.

see recipe

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Easy BBQ Cauliflower Bites Bowl with Tangy Avocado Slaw

30 minutes to a fully cooked dinner that is satisfying enough to satisfy the whole family. These BBQ cauliflower bites are paired with tangy avocado slaw and cilantro lime quinoa for the perfect flavor bomb explosion you can't get enough of!

see recipe

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Healthy Buddha Bowl Recipe Ideas

So many options when making a healthy Buddha bowl. Fill it with greens, roasted sweet potatoes, crispy chickpeas then drizzle on sauce for meal perfection!

see recipe

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Healthy Vegan Taco Salad Recipe

This vegan taco salad is loaded with delicious ingredients! It's nutritious, super versatile and easy to prep ahead. The perfect family meal!

see recipe

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Vegan Pasta Recipes

Who doesn't love a heaping serving of pasta? It's comforting, delicious, family friendly, and makes great leftovers! If you're a beginner vegan, these pasta recipes are definitely a good place to start.

The Best Vegetable Bolognese Sauce

This vegetable bolognese is hands down the best recipe ever. It's so flavorful, made with whole food ingredients and comfort food perfection!

see recipe

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Easy Vegan Broccoli Pesto Pasta

This vegan broccoli pesto is a perfect way to get more veggies into your family. Easy to make and pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta!

see recipe

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Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff

This vegan mushroom stroganoff recipe is so creamy and packed with flavor you won't believe it's dairy free and vegan! It's made in only 30 minutes and gluten free.

see recipe

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Vegan Alfredo Pasta

This vegan Alfredo sauce recipe is easy to make, filled with healthy ingredients and tastes incredible! It's the perfect addition to dinner.

see recipe

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Vegan Alfredo Pasta

This roasted red pepper pasta is absolutely incredible. The sauce is simple, yet so flavorful. Prep it ahead of time for an easy meal any day of the week!

see recipe

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3 Ingredient Spinach Tomato Pasta Sauce

3 ingredients and low effort makes for the best dinner! This spinach tomato pasta sauce will blow you away at how easy and flavorful it is.

see recipe

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Basics for Vegan Dinners

When you're creating a plant-based dinner you want to make sure you're covering all your bases. Try to include a mix of the following:

  • Greens
  • Protein
  • Carbohydrates
  • Healthy Fats

Staples to have on hand

Keeping these ingredients in your kitchen as often as possible makes it easy to throw together last minute meals. Many of these foods are used commonly in plant-based recipes:

Pasta, beans, grains:

  • Dried pasta of choice, gluten-free if needed
  • Black beans
  • Pinto Beans
  • Chickpeas
  • Brown Rice
  • Quinoa
  • Oats

Nutsand seeds:

  • Cashews
  • Almonds
  • Walnuts
  • Flax seeds
  • Hemp seeds
  • Chia seeds

(Non) Dairy:

  • Non-dairy milk-Silk Cashew Milk, almond milk, coconut milk, etc.
  • Plain dairy-free yogurt
  • Coconut cream

Spices and baking essentials:

  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Basil
  • Oregano
  • Ginger
  • Cinnamon
  • Salt & pepper
  • Vanilla extract
  • Vegetable broth
  • Brown rice flour
  • Almond Flour
  • Oat Flour
  • Maple strup

Produce:

  • Potatoes
  • Onions
  • Greens
  • Garlic
  • Peppers
  • Mushrooms
  • Zucchini
  • Bananas
  • Apples
  • Berries

Common Questions

How do I start going vegan?

Start off by incorporating more plant-based recipes to your menu. They key is not not jump in too fast and overwhelm yourself. Ease into it as you feel more comfortable. Find vegan options you enjoy and work them into recipes. Make small, achievable habits, and overtime it will get easier and easier!

What are good meals for vegans?

There are so many amazing options out there! From tacos, soups, salads, burgers and sandwiches, and more, you'll find that eating plant-based doesn't limit flavor. Create a meal that includes greens, protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

Is vegan food healthy for you?

It certainly can be, but there are plenty of unhealthy vegan foods as well. Making your own homemade whole food plant based recipes is generally very healthy, especially when you make sure to work in all of the necessary nutrients. Some store-bought vegan options can be loaded with not-so-healthy ingredients so make sure to read the label.

More Vegan Guides

Looking for more help on starting your vegan lifestyle? Check out these helpful articles:

  • Vegan Cheese Alternatives
  • The Best Tasting Milk Alternatives
  • Surprising Non Vegan Foods
  • How to Meal Prep Vegetables
  • Weekly Vegan Dinner Menu with Grocery List
  • Easy Vegan Weekly Meal Plan
30 Recipes for Beginner Vegans (33)
30 Recipes for Beginner Vegans (34)
30 Recipes for Beginner Vegans (2024)

FAQs

What is the 28 day vegan challenge? ›

“Hansen's 28-day plan is a thoughtfully crafted diet and exercise regimen for those starting a plant-based diet. Hansen explains the logistics behind weight loss or weight gain, and what to expect from one's body when it transitions to performing on plant-based fuel.

How to do the 7 day vegan challenge? ›

How does it work? No meat, poultry, seafood, dairy or eggs for 7 days (any 7 straight days). Announce to your friends, family, followers that you're doing the challenge. Add your name to the list of Challengers.

How much weight can you lose going vegan for a month? ›

Eating a vegan diet is associated with a decreased risk of diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer. This vegan weight loss meal plan also sets you up to lose a healthy 1 to 2 pounds per week. Victoria Seaver is a registered dietitian and Editorial Director for EatingWell.com.

How many pounds do vegans lose a week? ›

Vegan diet to lose weight

Studies have shown that a vegan diet can reduce your weight by an average of 5.6 pounds in 18 weeks, or less or more than a third of a pound per week!

What happens if you go vegan for a month? ›

If you stick with healthy food choices, you'll likely lose weight and snack less. You may also see improvements in your skin and energy levels. Just make sure to get enough of all the vitamins and minerals you need, especially B12 and omega-3 fatty acids, which can be lacking in vegan diets.

What is vegan face? ›

Simply, vegan face is a name for a slack, wasted look that is caused by an absence of protein in your diet. The skin is dry, sallow and flaky. Protein literally props up the face: it makes it look plump (in a good way) and fresh-faced and wakeful.

How to be vegan when you're broke? ›

Staple vegan foods such as oats, lentils, pasta, rice and chickpeas are among the cheapest foods and are in *a lot* of vegan recipes, so should definitely make an appearance on your list. Oh, and avoid shopping whilst hungry.

What is the 22 day vegan diet? ›

The creator of this particular vegan diet, Marco Borges, is an exercise physiologist who believes veganism is the perfect way to achieve optimum wellness. His theory is that it takes 21 days to make or break a habit, and so he developed the 22 Days Challenge in order to achieve his so-called "major breakthrough."

What foods should vegans eat to lose weight? ›

Fruits: berries, oranges, apples, bananas, grapes, citrus, kiwi, and mango. Whole grains: quinoa, brown rice, farro, millet, barley, and bulgur wheat. Beans and legumes: lentils, black beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans. Nuts and seeds: almonds, walnuts, pistachios, cashews, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, and nut ...

What happens first week of vegan diet? ›

At the start of a change to a vegan diet, you could experience a variety of differences to your body. These may include being hungrier, getting gassier, a change in your skin or body odor, weight loss or gain, better or worse sleep, headaches, tiredness, or having more energy. As you can see, it can go many ways!

What food is surprisingly vegan? ›

18 Snacks and Foods You Didn't Know Were Vegan
  • Sriracha Mayo. I'm just as surprised as you are that Flying Goose's brilliant sriracha mayo is completely plant-based. ...
  • Hackney Gelato Dark Chocolate Sorbetto. ...
  • Lotus Biscoff Spread. ...
  • Lindt Excellence 70% Dark Chocolate. ...
  • Ritz Crackers. ...
  • Jacob's Cream Crackers. ...
  • Oreos. ...
  • Twiglets.
Jan 11, 2023

What is surprisingly not vegan? ›

Honey. Honey is a controversial food for many vegans. Bees do produce it, and it is also a food source in the hive. Because bees produce it, and bees have died to make it, honey is not considered vegan.

Can vegans get B12 naturally? ›

The only reliable vegan sources of B12 are foods fortified with B12 (including some plant milks, some soy products and some breakfast cereals) and B12 supplements, such as our very own VEG 1. Vitamin B12, whether in supplements, fortified foods, or animal products, comes from micro-organisms.

What is the 30-day vegan pledge? ›

Sign our pledge to go vegan for the next 30 days. You'll be helping to save animals, protect the environment, and boost your health. PETA is here to help you every step of the way!

How can a vegan lose 20 pounds? ›

Losing Weight on a Plant-Based, Vegan Diet: Tips for Success
  1. Master the Concept of Calorie Density.
  2. Cut Out Added Oil.
  3. Load Half Your Plate With Nonstarchy Veggies.
  4. Avoid Liquid Calories.
  5. Eat Lots of Fiber-Rich Foods.
  6. Watch Out for Vegan Junk Foods.
  7. Get Moving.
Nov 7, 2019

What is the dirty vegan trend? ›

In essence, dirty vegans are vegans looking for comfort food with a vegan twist: things like cauliflower fried chicken, dairy-free ice cream, and plant-based hamburgers. They are trying to make ribs out of seitan and buffalo wings out of eggplant or zucchini.

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