50+ Plant Based Dinner Recipes

This list of 50+ plant based dinner recipes are vegan, protein packed and really great for Meatless Monday!

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Meatless Monday is a thing at my house, and whenever I’m looking for a plant-based dinner, this is the list I turn to. These 50+ plant-based dinner recipes are easy to make, and full of protein—so you’re not left wondering, but will this actually fill me up?

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Tips for Cooking Plant Based Dinner Recipes

  1. Avoid processed ingredients. I try to avoid overly processed ingredients since many plant-based and meat-free options can be packed with salt and additives. Instead, I look for whole plant foods that are as close to their natural form as possible. And don’t worry – sticking to less processed ingredients will still let you satisfy all your cravings!
  2. Go green and leafy! I love adding leafy greens to my meals! Kale, collards, Swiss chard – you name it! They’re so versatile and bring great texture and earthy flavor to any dish. You can grill, steam, braise, or stir-fry them to keep their nutrients and flavor.
  3. Makeover a family favorite. I love a good challenge, especially when it comes to giving family favorites a plant-based twist! Swapping meat for beans or lentils in chili, using chickpeas in a hearty stew, or loading up a tried-and-tested recipe with lots of veggies.
  4. Stock up on starches. I always make sure to have lots of different starches on hand – they’re the secret to making plant-based meals hearty and satisfying, after all! Whole grains like quinoa or bulgur, legumes like cooked beans and chickpeas, and starchy vegetables like potatoes and squash provide lasting energy and help to bulk up any meal.
  5. Get creative with spices. Spices are my secret to making plant based meal ideas come alive. My favorites are Cajun seasoning, taco seasoning for Mexican-inspired dishes, and a dash of 7-spice or ranch seasoning to mix things up. A good spice blend can turn any dish into something super flavorful, so I always have a few favorites on hand!

How to Include Plant-Based Dinner Recipes in Your Meal Plan

  • Go meatless on Mondays. Choose one day a week to try vegan meals, especially if you’re not fully plant-based and just testing the water. Pick something you’re familiar with that exchanges the meat for veggies, such as a shepherd’s pie with dairy free mashed potatoes and a hearty vegetable filling.
  • Prep for the week. Gather vegan recipes that catch your interest and set aside a day to prep everything when you’re feeling motivated. This will give you a head start and make dinners come together much quicker throughout the week.
  • Make a hearty salad. Start with a bed of romaine lettuce or mixed greens, then add grains, veggies, and a zesty vinaigrette. The possibilities are endless for building a plant-based dinner around a salad! Try something festive, like a hummus bowl with Mediterranean flavors like Kalamata olives, red onions, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
  • Plan for versatile ingredients. Batch cook grains, beans, and roasted vegetables and plan to include these staples in multiple meals throughout the week. And have fun mixing and matching for variety!

50+ Plant-Based Dinner Recipes

Eating more healthy plant based meals doesn’t have to be complicated or boring. From veggie-loaded dinners and vegan prepared meals with grains and pastas, these recipes are packed with flavor and zero animal products. Whether you’re looking for vegetable based dinners or meatless soups, these plant based dinner ideas prove that vegan eating can be both easy and tasty!

Easy Plant Based Dinner Recipes

These vegan meals are perfect for when I’m short on time but still want something delicious and nutritious on the table. Ready in under 30 minutes!

Red lentil curry recipe.
Entree

Red Lentil Curry

This hearty red lentil curry is made with sweet potatoes, aromatic Indian spices, and broth for an easy one-pot vegan dinner packed with flavor and protein.
 
30 minutes
5 from 10 votes
Air Fried Tofu.
Entree

Air Fryer Tofu Recipe

This Air fryer tofu is soaked in a quick marinade and super crispy coating. Cook in the air fryer for 20 minutes to get it crispy crunchy!
 
50 minutes
5 from 34 votes
Final plated dish of the hummus pasta topped with lemon slices, basil and crushed garlic
Entree

Hummus Pasta

This creamy vegan Hummus Pasta is a healthy Mediterranean inspired recipe! It’s all made in one pot and ready in 15 minutes – perfect for a weeknight meal!
 
15 minutes
5 from 546 votes
Quinoa tabbouleh salad.
Salads

Quinoa Tabbouleh Recipe

This quinoa tabbouleh recipe is made with all the classic ingredients, like mint, parsley, and tomatoes and uses white quinoa in a lemon dressing.
 
22 minutes
5 from 133 votes
Chickpea Salad.
Salad

Chickpea Salad Recipe

This chickpea salad recipe takes 10 minutes to make with canned chickpeas, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, diced red onion, feta, and a simple vinaigrette.
 
10 minutes
5 from 57 votes

Healthy Plant Based Meals

These plant based meal ideas made the cut because they’ve got that extra touch – simple and nourishing yet so good!

Cutting into one of the vegan served over spaghetti
Main Course

Vegan Meatballs

These vegan meatballs are a delicious meat-free alternative to one of your favorite comfort foods. Quick and easy to make and perfect for meal prep and freezer meals.
 
45 minutes
5 from 9 votes
Large bowl of lentil salad made with chickpeas
Salad, Side Dish

Lentil Salad

Simple to make and delicious to eat, this vegan lentil salad is made with fresh ingredients and makes for a really versatile side dish.
 
30 minutes
5 from 162 votes
Homemade fried falafel on a plate with a small dish of tahini sauce.
Entree

Falafel Recipe

Authentic falafel recipe made with dried chickpeas that have been soaked overnight and blended with fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic, onion, and Middle Eastern spices, which is then fried until extra crispy.
 
30 minutes
5 from 349 votes
Chickpea Shawarma bowl with veggies, tahini sauce and pickles
Main Course

Oven Roasted Chickpea Shawarma

Oven roasted chickpea shawarma is dairy-free and full of plant-based protein. Prepped and roasted in one pan, it's an easy weeknight dinner!
 
45 minutes
5 from 33 votes
Lentil shepherd's pie.
Dinner, Entree, Main Course, Main Dish

Lentil Shepherd’s Pie Vegan Recipe

Vegan Lentil Shepherd's Pie made with brown lentils, mixed veggies, and simmered in a tomato and veggie stock, topped with mashed potatoes and baked.
 
1 hour 20 minutes
5 from 9 votes
Quinoa edamame salad recipe.
Salad

Quinoa Edamame Salad

This make-ahead salad tastes even better the day! It's packed with veggies and has a sesame-ginger dressing that's so good.
 
35 minutes
4.7 from 3 votes
Harira soup recipe.
Soup

Harira Soup

This Harira soup is Moroccan-inspired and is loaded with chickpeas, lentils, and vermicelli in a spiced tomato broth. It's so filling and is vegetarian!
 
1 hour 19 minutes
5 from 1 vote
Cauliflower curry recipe.
Dinner, Entree, Main Course

Cauliflower Curry

This vegan Cauliflower Curry is the ultimate comfort dish bursting with robust Indian spices and sweetened with coconut milk! It’s a healthy easy dinner idea.
 
1 hour 5 minutes
5 from 710 votes

Vegetable Based Dinners

These meals are heavy on the vegetables and flavor, which are really my kind of dinner!

Cauliflower fried rice recipe.
Entree, Side

Cauliflower Fried Rice

This fried cauliflower rice is a great healthy vegetable side dish. Quick to make and loaded with flavor, it's a low carb twist on the classic!
 
45 minutes
5 from 55 votes
Plate of three pitas stuffed with roasted cauliflower served with lemon wedges.
Main Course

Vegan Cauliflower Pita Sandwiches

Vegan pita sandwich filled with roasted cauliflower generously seasoned with bright Mediterranean spices, fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and tahini!
 
45 minutes
5 from 37 votes
Roasted vegetable quinoa bowl recipe.
Entree

Quinoa Bowl Recipe with Roasted Vegetables

This Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl is loaded with roasted vegetables and quinoa and topped with a tahini sauce.
 
1 hour
5 from 99 votes
Vegetable stew recipe.
Soup

Vegetable Stew

My vegetable stew is made in one pot with classic vegetable pairings potatoes, mushrooms, carrots, onions and celery. Plus add whatever else in the fridge!
 
1 hour 20 minutes
5 from 384 votes
Wild rice mushroom soup recipe.
Soup

Wild Mushroom Rice Soup

This rice and mushroom soup blends a medley of sautéed mushrooms, wild rice, and pantry staples into a comforting one-pot meal. It's so easy and satisfying!
 
1 hour 10 minutes
5 from 29 votes
Stuffed acorn squash recipe.
Dinner, Entree, Main Dish

Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe

Stuffed acorn squash made with chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and walnut meat. With only 20 minutes of prep time, the oven does the rest.
 
1 hour
5 from 3 votes
Cauliflower salad.
Salad

Cauliflower Salad

This cauliflower salad is a vegan salad made with small florets of raw cauliflower marinated in a tangy tahini dressing and tossed with bright, crisp vegetables.
 
20 minutes
5 from 18 votes
Two bowls of lentil kale soup with a spoon inside one bowl
Soup

Lentil Kale Soup

Lentil Kale Soup is a hearty vegan recipe that is easy to throw together with green lentils, onions, celery, carrots and kale – 13 grams of protein/serving!
 
40 minutes
5 from 375 votes
Orzo Vegetable Soup.
Soup

Zucchini Orzo Soup

This Orzo soup recipe is full of veggies, including zucchini, carrots, and tomatoes. It's made with all vegetarian ingredients – perfect for meatless Monday!
 
55 minutes
5 from 104 votes

Plant Based Soups & Stews

There’s nothing like a bowl of soup to warm you up. I love how comforting and hearty they are, packed with veggies, beans, and tons of flavor! Perfect for meal prepping or a cozy night in, these plant based dinner ideas are always a hit in my kitchen!

Red Curry Noodle Soup.
Soup

Red Curry Noodle Soup Recipe

One-pot red curry noodle soup made with coconut milk, tofu, rice noodles, and fresh veggies. Homemade in just 15 minutes with minimal ingredients!
 
15 minutes
5 from 11 votes
Tomato Lentil Soup.
Soup

Tomato Lentil Soup Recipe

This tomato lentil soup is made with green lentils simmered in a tomato and vegetable broth base with carrots, onions, celery, and red bell pepper with a mix of spices.
 
42 minutes
5 from 119 votes
Chickpea Noodle Soup.
Soup

Chickpea Noodle Soup Recipe

Easy chickpea noodle soup simmered with carrots, celery, and rotini with simple seasonings in a vegetable-based broth.
 
45 minutes
5 from 349 votes
Bowl of vegetarian tortilla soup.
Soup

Vegetarian Tortilla Soup

This Vegetarian Tortilla Soup is just as hearty & flavorful as the chicken version. It’s spicy and full of plant-based protein like quinoa & black beans!
 
1 hour 15 minutes
5 from 47 votes
Two bowls of vegan corn chowder with spoons inside
Soup

Vegan Corn Chowder

Vegan Corn Chowder is an easy soup recipe made with fresh or frozen corn, potatoes and light coconut milk, then blended to create a rich and creamy texture!
 
45 minutes
5 from 20 votes
West African yabeh recipe
Main Course

Yabeh

This delicious West African yabeh is a cassava and sweet potato spiced stew that's hearty, filling and easy to make. Vegan and gluten-free.
 
45 minutes
5 from 35 votes
Pot of crushed lentil soup garnished with fresh parsley with lemon wedges nearby.
Soup

Lebanese Crushed Lentil Soup

Learn how to make this authentic healthy Lebanese Crushed Lentil Soup in 30 minutes! Made with simple pantry ingredients, it's vegan, hearty and so filling!
 
45 minutes
5 from 326 votes
Instant Pot lentil soup recipe.
Soup

Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Green lentils, carrots, onions, celery, canned tomatoes, broth and some seasonings come together in the Instant Pot to make this lentil soup!
 
50 minutes
5 from 1 vote
Lemon Rice Soup.
Soup

Lemon Rice Soup Recipe

Lemon rice soup is made with fresh lemon juice, vegetables, short-grain rice, and broth. Simple ingredients and an easy stovetop method.
 
40 minutes
5 from 398 votes
Creamy vegetable soup recipe.
Soup

Creamy Vegetable Soup Recipe

This creamy vegetable soup is a cozy, comforting vegan recipe that's gluten free, easy to make, and loaded with veggies.
 
40 minutes
4.8 from 96 votes

Plant Based Meal Ideas with Grains

Vegan prepared meals with hearty grains are my go-to when I want something filling and nourishing. Quinoa, bulgur, rice, or other grains – they are so versatile and pair perfectly with veggies and beans, or a simple dressing.

Quinoa buddha bowl made with chickpeas and sweet potatoes and topped with avocado
Entree

Quinoa Buddha Bowl

This vegan Quinoa Buddha Bowl is filled with nourishing roasted sweet potatoes, kale, crispy chickpeas, avocado and a tangy tahini dressing!
 
40 minutes
5 from 213 votes
Mujadara topped with crispy onions on a large platter.
Entree

Lebanese Mujadara

Mujadara is a Middle Eastern lentils and rice recipe with crispy caramelized onions. Just 7 ingredients make a easy vegan, protein-rich meal!
 
45 minutes
5 from 1956 votes
Close up of large full hummus bowl with cucumbers, tomatoes, quinoa, chickpeas, spinach, onions and feta cheese
Main Course

Mediterranean Hummus Bowl

Easy and quick to make, a Mediterranean hummus bowl is a great healthy and filling meal. Made with quinoa, fresh vegetables and homemade hummus.
 
15 minutes
5 from 676 votes
Southwest Quinoa Salad.
Salad

Black Bean Quinoa Salad

Black Bean Quinoa Salad is a vegan and gluten free salad with a delicious Southwestern flavor and 18 grams of protein per serving!
 
35 minutes
5 from 62 votes
Mediterranean rice salad recipe.
Salads, Side Dish

Mediterranean Rice Salad Recipe

Mediterranean Rice Salad made with basmati rice tossed with cucumbers, tomatoes, kalamata olives, and red onions in a lemon vinaigrette dressing.
 
15 minutes
5 from 49 votes
Dressing in a jar for the quinoa avocado salad
Salads

Quinoa Avocado Salad

This vegan Quinoa Avocado Salad is made with simple ingredients and a tossed in a tangy dressing. It’s a protein-packed salad that works for lunch or dinner
 
35 minutes
5 from 390 votes
Mujadara Hamra.
Main Course

Mujadara Hamra

Lebanese Mujadara Hamra – a nutritious and comforting Middle Eastern dish featuring lentils, bulgur wheat, caramelized onions, and cumin.
 
1 hour 30 minutes
5 from 10 votes
Bulgur Chickpea Salad
Salad, Side Dish

Bulgur Salad Recipe

This Bulgur salad is made with #1 fine bulgur wheat, so it doesn't need to be cooked. It soaks up all the dressing and flavors of the cucumbers, tomatoes, and fresh mint.
 
20 minutes
5 from 38 votes
Grain Bowls.
Main Course

Grain Bowls – 3 Ways

Grain bowls are a healthy and nutritious meal that are perfect for meal prep and quick and easy dinners. Simple to make and loaded with fresh ingredients.
 
30 minutes
5 from 193 votes
Tomato Rice.
Side Dish

Tomato Rice Recipe

This Tomato Rice is made with brown rice, fresh tomatoes and warm Mediterranean spices. It's the perfect side dish and I'll show you how to prepare it!
 
55 minutes
5 from 83 votes

Plant Based Dinner Ideas with Pasta

I love healthy plant based meals with pasta because they’re the ultimate comfort food – hearty, satisfying, and totally meatless! Whether I’m craving a creamy sauce (dairy-free, of course!) or a fresh veggie-loaded dish, pasta always hits the spot without any meat.

Fork taking bite of vegan creamy tomato pasta from bowl
Main Course

Creamy Vegan Cashew Tomato Pasta

This Creamy Vegan Tomato Pasta is made with a cashew cream sauce. It's the secret ingredient that adds a creamy texture and lighter color!
 
30 minutes
5 from 186 votes
Serving spoon of the avocado pasta salad
Salads

Avocado Pasta Salad

This Avocado Pasta Salad recipe is a healthy summer salad that's perfect for picnics and potlucks. It has a rich creamy avocado sauce with tomatoes and corn
 
23 minutes
5 from 41 votes
Asian noodle salad recipe.
Main Course, Salad

Asian Noodle Salad Recipe

This Asian Noodle Salad is made with rice noodles, thinly sliced vegetables, fresh cilantro, and a homemade peanut dressing.
 
25 minutes
5 from 201 votes
Vegan Macaroni Salad in two bowls
Salad

Vegan Macaroni Salad

Vegan Macaroni Salad with a creamy, tangy vegan mayo dressing tossed with crunchy veggies. Add in some beans for extra protein and you're good to go!
 
20 minutes
5 from 28 votes

Plant Based Tacos & Sandwiches

I’m all about plant based dinner ideas that work in every way. These tacos and sandwiches are just that. They are quick, flavorful, and perfect for on the go meals or a sit down weeknight dinner.

Tofu tacos recipe.
Main Course

Tofu Taco Recipe

This tofu taco recipe uses firm, pressed tofu that is seasoned and then seared to get crispy edges. Serve in a tortilla with an optional cabbage slaw and avocado topping.
 
20 minutes
5 from 43 votes
Walnut tacos served on a plate
Main Course

Walnut Tacos

This Vegan Walnut Taco Meat is a great alternative to ground beef. Quick and easy to make, these walnut tacos are a delicious and filling meatless recipe!
 
20 minutes
5 from 10 votes
Tempeh tacos on a white plate topped with avocado and cashew cream
Main Course

Tempeh Tacos

Full of flavor and quick to make, these tempeh tacos are a delicious meat-free alternative. Load them with your favorite toppings for a vegan taco that the whole family will love.
 
20 minutes
4.8 from 21 votes
One quinoa burger topped with tomatoes and onions with sweet potato fries in background
Main Course

Quinoa Burger

This vegan quinoa burger recipe is easy, healthy and packed with protein. There's no food processor required and it comes together in one bowl
 
20 minutes
5 from 449 votes
Stack of two halves of white bean avocado sandwich with toothpick holding them together
Sandwich

Avocado White Bean Sandwich

This White Bean Avocado Sandwich is a vegan sandwich recipe that is packed with protein, nutrients & flavor – perfect for lunches & meal prep.
 
10 minutes
5 from 106 votes

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make plant based dinner recipes more filling?

Focus on protein-rich ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, quinoa, and tofu. Pair them with fiber-packed foods like sweet potatoes, whole grains, and leafy greens to help keep you full longer. Adding healthy fats from avocados, nuts, and seeds also makes meals more satisfying.

What are some good meat substitutes that aren’t overly processed?

Try adding chopped mushrooms, lentils, or shredded carrots for a hearty texture. Tempeh and tofu are also great options when prepared with delicious marinades.

How can I make plant based meal ideas work for the whole family?

Start with meals everyone loves, like pasta, tacos, or grain bowls, and offer customizable toppings so each person can build their own plate as they wish. Use familiar flavors like marinara sauce, blend veggies into soups, and add texture with roasted chickpeas or sauteed mushrooms to replace meat.

Bowl of Vegetable stew with spoon dipped in, garnished with parsley, and another bowl and bread nearby.

For more similar roundup of recipes, be sure to check out: Easy Pantry Meals, Recipes with Canned Beans, Recipes that Use Vegetable Broth, and Non Boring Salad Recipes.

If you found this recipe roundup for Plant Based Dinner Recipes helpful or if you try any recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipes! It helps others who are thinking of trying out this tutorial and we would love to hear about your experience. And if you snapped some shots, share it on Instagram so we can repost on Stories!

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Comments

  1. Ramya says:

    Thanks for all the recipes as I am a vegetarian

    1. Yumna J. says:

      You’re welcome, Ramya! Hope you enjoy!