17 Vegan Dinner Recipes Where Vegetables Are The Main Event (2024)

There’s no doubt about it: vegetables can be the main event. A vegetable-heavy vegan dinner doesn’t need to be a chore. With these delicious plant-based dinners, there really is something for everyone. Even if you’re not crazy for cauliflower or all about the aubergine, these vegetable dinner recipes offer inventive ways to enjoy vegetables as part of a nutritious, balanced plant-based diet.

Why eat vegetables?

Full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, vegetables are crucial for a healthy diet. Some can even provide a healthy protein boost.

Eating a plant-based diet rich in vegetables has many health benefits. From a lower risk of Parkinson’s Disease to protection from chronic kidney disease, healthy plant-based diets are seen by health experts as a recipe for a longer, healthier life. Higher consumption of vegan protein has also been linked to “healthier aging” and a lower risk of catching Covid-19.

Top vegetable recipes

This list of 17 vegetable dinner recipes has something for everyone. From sweet potato to butternut squash, aubergine to artichoke, here are our top picks of vegan dinners where vegetables are the main event.

Coconut And Peanut Butter Curry

17 Vegan Dinner Recipes Where Vegetables Are The Main Event (1)

Need a new vegan curry to add to your dinner rotation? Try this coconut and peanut butter vegetable curry from Molly Patrick (owner ofClean Food Dirty Girl). Featuring zucchini (courgette), sweet potato, red pepper, kale, and more, this vegan curry is a great way to pack loads of vegetables into your meal times.

Find the recipe here

Sweet Potato Katsu Curry

17 Vegan Dinner Recipes Where Vegetables Are The Main Event (2)

An easy and delicious vegan vegetable dinner. This recipe from So Vegan simplifies things by removing the hassle of breadcrumbing the sweet potato cutlets. Quick to cook, this is a versatile weeknight dinner that packs a nutritious punch. Serve with rice and pickled ginger, which adds a nice tangy flavor to the dish. But the sweet potato is the star of the show.

Find the recipe here

Harissa Aubergine On Butter Bean Mash

17 Vegan Dinner Recipes Where Vegetables Are The Main Event (3)

Aubergine (also known as eggplant) is the centerpiece in this vegan dinner recipe. The vegetable’s spongey interior can make aubergine difficult to get right. But this recipe is a sure hit: just fry aubergine chunks until tender then cook with rose harissa, olive oil, onion, garlic, herbs, and spices. A spicy, floral delight.

Find the recipe here

One-Pot Vegan Mushroom Pie

Flavored with red wine and topped with thin slices of potato, this vegan mushroom pie is comfort food. Whole mushrooms give the pie a meaty chew, and using slices of potato instead of pastry mean that it is gluten free too. And it’s all in one pot so washing up doesn’t take too long.

Find the recipe here

“Leftover Veg” Vegan Hot Pot

17 Vegan Dinner Recipes Where Vegetables Are The Main Event (5)

A cupboard leftover hot pot ideal as a winter warmer and just . It comes from Matt Pritchard’s new vegan book Dirty Vegan Fast and Easyand, as that name suggests, it is a great prompt for a simple and quick vegetable dinner. With many of its ingredients already in your cupboard (onions, garlic, stock, salt, and pepper), it doesn’t involve lots of forward planning either.

Find the recipe here

Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff

17 Vegan Dinner Recipes Where Vegetables Are The Main Event (6)

This vegan stroganoff recipe comes from plant-based recipe developer Lucy Johnson (fromEdible Ethics). It uses vegan butter and cream, as well as mushroom and vegan “beef” strips to make a meat-free version of the classic Russian dish. Mustard, paprika, lemon juice, and vegetable stock ensure that flavor isn’t lacking. A creamy and indulgent way to make mushrooms the main event.

Find the recipe here

Roasted Aubergine With Harissa Yogurt

17 Vegan Dinner Recipes Where Vegetables Are The Main Event (7)

Roasted aubergine alongside dairy-free harissa yogurt? Yes please! This vegetable recipe from plant-based cook Madeleine Olivia makes aubergine the main event. Roasting aubergines brings out their creamy and earthy depth of flavor, which pairs perfectly with the sweet spice of the harissa yogurt.

Find the recipe here

Mushroom Bourguignon With White Bean Mash

17 Vegan Dinner Recipes Where Vegetables Are The Main Event (8)

Bourguignon is a hearty winter dish. Thankfully, you can easily create the famous flavors of a bourguignon with vegan ingredients.Once again, mushrooms steal the show. Their rich, umami flavor and substantial texture make them an excellent substitute for meat.This is a recipe for a medley of mushrooms and herby goodness in a rich, gravy-like red wine sauce. An indulgent treat for a vegan vegetable dinner.

Find the recipe here

Creamy Cauliflower Casserole With Olives And Red Onion

17 Vegan Dinner Recipes Where Vegetables Are The Main Event (9)

Looking for a midweek meal that’s comforting and packed full of nutrients? This vegetable dinner recipe from Ashley Madden (owner ofRise Shine Cook) might be just the thing. Jam-packed with vegetables and full of flavor, it’s hard to imagine not having vegetables as your vegan dinner centerpiece after trying this.

Find the recipe here

Wild Rice-Stuffed Squash

17 Vegan Dinner Recipes Where Vegetables Are The Main Event (10)

Squash comes in many varieties, including butternut squash and acorn squash, and you have the choice of which to use in this vegan dinner recipe. This vegan wild rice stuffed squash is healthy yet comforting, which makes it ideal on a cold evening. Designed by Rainbow Plant Life, this vegetable recipe is an inventive choice for your next dinner party.

Find the recipe here

Spicy Cauliflower Tacos

17 Vegan Dinner Recipes Where Vegetables Are The Main Event (11)

What could be better than tacos? Tacos filled with cauliflower! The versatile veg works a treat in these sheet pan tacos. Spicy, packed full of flavor, and easy to make, this is a truly new and exciting cauliflower recipe from Ashley Madden. With black beans for protein, as well as salad like avocados, tomatoes, onion, and lettuce, they’re topped off with vegan sour cream. Yum.

Find the recipe here

Brussels Sprout And Mushroom Lasagne

17 Vegan Dinner Recipes Where Vegetables Are The Main Event (12)

There’s nothing quite like a large comforting bowl of lasagne on a cold evening. Lasagne is popular for its creaminess, and this vegan dinner recipe fromRainbow Plant Life is exactly that. Made with a tofu-based ricotta, Brussels sprouts and mushrooms, this dish gives all the joy of lasagne but without any of the guilt. Delicious as a vegan vegetable dinner or as part of plant-based feast.

Find the recipe here

Easy Root Vegetable Curry

17 Vegan Dinner Recipes Where Vegetables Are The Main Event (13)

A vegan curryrecipeto use up any leftover veg you have in the fridge. Created by Mandy Mazliah, a vegan cook and food blogger, this vegetable dinner recipe uses swede, carrot, turnip, and potato. You can also swap in any other vegetables you have lying around, including beetroot, parsnips, celeriac, and sweet potato. Spices like turmeric, cumin, and garam masala make sure it’s full of flavor.

Find the recipe here

Roasted Aubergine Steak

17 Vegan Dinner Recipes Where Vegetables Are The Main Event (14)

Need even more ways to make a delicious dinner with aubergine? Roast dinners are wildly popular in the UK and this vegetable dish can help you up your vegan roast dinner game. This recipe comes from plant-based chef Romy London. Use it to create a meaty and flavorful vegan roast centerpiece that pairs perfectly with avegan peppercorn sauce,roast potatoes, andYorkshire puddings.

Find the recipe here

Vegan “Tuna” Sandwiches

17 Vegan Dinner Recipes Where Vegetables Are The Main Event (15)

Artichokes are a versatile ingredient that can mimic the shredded and meaty texture of tuna. Low in fat, rich in fiber, this vegetable-based “tuna” sandwich is a healthier alternative to fish-based seafood. Spread it on a sandwich and let artichoke be the main event in this simple vegetable meal. This plant-based recipe comes fromWorld of Vegan.

Find the recipe here

Vegan Butternut Squash Curry

17 Vegan Dinner Recipes Where Vegetables Are The Main Event (16)

Thisvegan red lentil and butternut squash curry from Vegan Richa is a winner: full of nutrients, fun to make, and simple to prepare and cook. This vegetable-powered dish combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the earthy richness of red lentils. And all ready to eat in under 30 minutes.

Find the recipe here

Roast Pumpkin And Kale Salad

17 Vegan Dinner Recipes Where Vegetables Are The Main Event (17)

Warm, nourishing, and completely vegan, this salad recipe from Plant Baes couldn’t be more different to a few boring leaves of lettuce and some soggy cucumber. With so many layers of taste and texture, this is vegetables done right. Kale, parsley, raisins, shallots, pine nuts, beans, avocado, and quinoa… it is full of bold flavors. A vegetable dinner that is sure to become one of your new favoritevegan recipes.

Find the recipe here

More like this:

  • 17 Protein-Packed Vegan Bean Recipes
  • 15 Delicious Meaty Recipes (That Are All 100% Vegan)
  • 8 Protein-Rich Vegetables To Add To Your Meals
17 Vegan Dinner Recipes Where Vegetables Are The Main Event (2024)

FAQs

What to cook for dinner when you have no meat? ›

52 Meatless Dinner Ideas To Feed Your Whole Family
  1. Ricotta Zucchini "Meatballs" Diethood / Via diethood.com. ...
  2. Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Pizza. Tasty / Via tasty.co. ...
  3. 20-Minute Lentil Bolognese. ...
  4. Peanut Noodle Pasta Salad. ...
  5. Crispy Orange Air Fryer Tofu. ...
  6. Crispy Falafel. ...
  7. Roasted Tomato Soup. ...
  8. Curry Noodle Soup.
Apr 8, 2024

Are carrots plant based? ›

Vegetables: fresh or frozen, nutrient packed vegetables are the base of the vegan diet food pyramid. Leafy greens, broccoli, carrots, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, squash, bell peppers, cucumbers…the more, the merrier!

What is the most eaten vegan food? ›

Most vegan diets include beans in at least one meal per day, including lentils, chickpeas, black beans, pinto beans and many more. Many vegans consume soy-based proteins such as tofu and tempeh; their mild flavor makes them a great substitute for meat in stir-fries, soups and stews.

What does 100% vegan eat? ›

A vegan diet is based on plants (such as vegetables, grains, nuts and fruits) and foods made from plants. Vegans do not eat foods that come from animals, including dairy products and eggs.

What to eat when you have no food and can't cook? ›

Ways to Eat Healthy Without Having to Cook
  • Precooked Whole Grains. 1/13. ...
  • Frozen Veggies. 2/13. ...
  • Precooked Chicken Strips. 3/13. ...
  • That's a Wrap. 4/13. ...
  • Deli Chicken. 5/13. ...
  • Lower-Sodium Soups. 6/13. ...
  • Canned Salmon. 7/13. ...
  • Ready-to-Eat Boiled Eggs. 8/13.
Aug 28, 2023

Can you eat fish on meatless Monday? ›

To stick to that, you wouldn't want red meat, pork, chicken, turkey and any high-fat dairy (whole milk or cheese) on your Monday menu. Limit eggs to 1 per day. This isn't a no-protein initiative though; fish and seafood high in omega-3 fats -- such as tuna and salmon -- are encouraged since they help lower cholesterol.

What does not eating meat do for your body? ›

And people who don't eat meat, called vegetarians, generally eat fewer calories and less fat. They also tend to weigh less. And they have a lower risk of heart disease than nonvegetarians do. Research shows that people who eat red meat are at a higher risk of death from heart disease, stroke or diabetes.

What is the healthiest protein? ›

Generally, poultry (chicken, turkey, duck) and a variety of seafood (fish, crustaceans, mollusks) are your best bet. Eggs can be a good choice, too.

Does not eating meat affect your body? ›

Energy Loss. You may feel tired and weak if you cut meat out of your diet. That's because you're missing an important source of protein and iron, both of which give you energy. The body absorbs more iron from meat than other foods, but it's not your only choice.

Can I eat shrimp on plant-based diet? ›

Can vegans eat seafood? The straight forward answer here is no, vegans don't eat fish or seafood. In fact, neither do vegetarians – if you're interested in cutting out or reducing your dairy and meat intake, then you might be interested to learn more about the pescatarian diet.

Did Arby's really make a meat based vegetable? ›

' You guessed it — it looks just like a real carrot. Arby's Marrot is made with Arby's tender, marinated 100 percent turkey breast and a special carrot marinade made from dried carrot juice powder.

Is tuna part of a plant-based diet? ›

A pescatarian diet is a plant-based diet that includes fish. The prefix is derived from the Italian word “pesce,” meaning fish. While someone on a pescatarian diet will consume fish-based foods, like tuna, halibut, salmon, or sushi, they'll typically avoid other meats, like beef, chicken, or pork.

What vegan meal can I eat everyday? ›

Every day eat a large spinach and mixed greens salad with black beans, blueberries, walnuts and other veggies on a bed of quinoa or brown rice. Top that off with a cashew-based salad dressing and you're done. So easy.

Can vegans eat pasta? ›

Most packaged pasta—including spaghetti, penne, and more—is vegan. It's worth checking the label to be sure, as some pasta contains eggs, but most of the pasta you see on the supermarket shelves is 100% vegan!

What do picky vegans eat? ›

  • Carrot Dogs. One of our most popular recipes, these smoky carrot dogs taste remarkably like hot dogs. ...
  • Zucchini Fritters. ...
  • Homemade Vegan Pesto. ...
  • Sneaky Chickpea Burgers. ...
  • Lentil Vegetable Soup. ...
  • Mixed Berry Jam with Chia Seeds. ...
  • 5-Minute Ketchup. ...
  • Spinach Lasagna.
Aug 18, 2023

Are Oreos vegan? ›

Many vegans refer to Oreos as “accidentally vegan,” meaning they don't contain animal products — but they weren't created to be a specifically vegan treat. Oreos do not contain milk, eggs, or any other animal-derived products, so they are technically vegan in that sense. Plant-based cookies and cream lovers rejoice!

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Greg O'Connell

Last Updated:

Views: 6020

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (42 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Greg O'Connell

Birthday: 1992-01-10

Address: Suite 517 2436 Jefferey Pass, Shanitaside, UT 27519

Phone: +2614651609714

Job: Education Developer

Hobby: Cooking, Gambling, Pottery, Shooting, Baseball, Singing, Snowboarding

Introduction: My name is Greg O'Connell, I am a delightful, colorful, talented, kind, lively, modern, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.