Pro Taste

10 easy plant-based dinner ideas

Tired of the same old dinner routine? Whether you’re cooking for the family, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for something new to make tonight, these delicious plant-based ideas will turn dinner from mundane to magic. These recipes aren’t just tasty and satisfying; they’re also simple to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you’re short on time. They’re sure to be a hit – even with the pickiest eaters!

  1. Mac no cheese
Baked pasta casserole topped with golden breadcrumbs, cherry tomatoes, peas, and broccoli in a white rectangular dish, set on a rustic surface.

A healthier, oven-baked take on the classic mac and cheese, this creamy and comforting dish is perfect for a party and can be made ahead of time.

Get the recipe for our plant-based mac no cheese here.

  1. Lentil shepherd’s pie
A baked casserole topped with golden, melted cheese and garnished with fresh herbs, sitting on a cooling rack with a kitchen towel and a small bowl of peppercorns nearby.
Credit: Shutterstock

This hearty lentil shepherd’s pie is the perfect plant-based twist on a classic comfort dish. Packed with tender lentils, vegetables, and a rich, savory gravy, all topped with a creamy, golden mashed-potato crust, it’s a wholesome, satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Learn how to make our lentil shepherd’s pie here.

  1. Chickpea curry
A blue plate with white rice and a serving of chickpea curry garnished with chopped herbs; a fork rests on the plate beside the food.
Credit: Dragne Marius

You’ve always got time for this simple, flavourful chickpea curry, which can be whipped up in about 30 minutes. Packed with fragrant Indian spices, this dish is also fantastic for meal prep – make a double batch to enjoy for lunch or dinner later in the week.

Check out our chickpea curry recipe here

  1. Sweet and sticky tofu
A white bowl filled with steamed white rice topped with sesame seeds, crispy glazed tofu cubes, and broccoli florets. Wooden chopsticks and small bowls of black sesame seeds and soy sauce are nearby.
Credit: Adobe Stock / Ekaterina Sidonskaya

This sweet and sticky tofu is guaranteed to win over any tofu skeptic – or anyone craving a fresh, flavor-packed meal. With its irresistible sweet and subtly spiced glaze, this dish might just become your new go-to.

Get the recipe for sweet and sticky tofu

  1. Tofu-fish and chips
A plate of battered and fried fish pieces with lemon wedges, mushy peas in a small bowl, and golden potato wedges, served on parchment paper.
Copyright: Theofano Vetouli

A vegan take on the classic dish, with perfectly marinated and beer-battered tofu taking the place of fish, these filets are delicious and pair perfectly with oven-roasted fries and, of course, mushy peas.

Create your own vegan fish and chips

  1. Vegetable and butter bean paella
A pan filled with colorful vegetable paella, topped with green peas, artichoke hearts, red bell peppers, lemon wedges, and fresh parsley on a white marble surface.

A healthy, plant-based twist on a Spanish classic, this colorful paella is packed with a mix of fresh vegetables and hearty pulses, creating a satisfying and flavourful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Check out the full paella recipe here. 

  1. Spaghetti Bolognese
A plate of spaghetti topped with meat sauce, grated cheese, and fresh basil, with a fork resting on the plate. A bowl of extra cheese and a glass of water with mint are in the background.
Credit: Vivera

A comforting family favorite, this simple spaghetti bolognese swaps traditional mince for a hearty, flavourful sauce made with either plant-based mince or lentils. It’s a nutritious, satisfying meal the whole family is sure to love.

Get the full bolognese recipe here.

  1. Rendang with oyster mushrooms
A plate with white rice topped with cashews, green beans, cucumber slices, and a serving of curry with meat or mushrooms in sauce. A fork and a small bowl of red chili sauce sit beside the plate on a gray tablecloth.
Credit: Suzanne Harlaar

Rendang is a delicious recipe from Indonesian cuisine. As most of the flavor comes from the boemboe (spice paste), you can easily replace the meat with another ingredient, such as mushrooms, jackfruit, or a meat substitute. In this recipe, we use oyster mushrooms for their meaty texture. 

Whip up your own rendang using this recipe.

  1. Sweet potato peanut stew
A white bowl filled with rice and a creamy vegetable curry, topped with peanuts and fresh cilantro. A spoon and knife are placed on the marble surface next to the bowl.

Cozy up with a bowl of this rich and creamy sweet potato peanut stew. Packed with warming spices and a hint of sweetness, this hearty and flavourful dish is the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening. 

Make your own cozy peanut stew here

  1. Black bean burger with sweet potato fries
A close-up of a veggie burger with a sesame seed bun, leafy greens, a tomato slice, purple onion, a plant-based patty, and mashed avocado, served on a wooden board.
Credit: Adobe Stock

Beans are a delicious, healthy, and satisfying alternative to meat, and make a great base for burger patties. Try this black bean and quinoa burger in a deliciously soft bun with smashed avocado, salad, and sweet potato fries on the side.

Fancy a burger? Try this recipe

No time to whip up one of these delicious plant-based dinners? No worries! You can always go for a simpler option. Grab a ready-made plant-based curry or a lentil soup from the supermarket, add a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition, and pair it with a simple side salad. And, voila! You’re all set for a quick and satisfying meal.

Are you ready to make plant-based eating a part of your daily routine? Sign up for the Veggie Challenge and discover even more creative and budget-friendly meal ideas. By taking the challenge, you’ll receive delicious recipes, expert tips, and community support to help you embrace a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Let’s make plant-based living easy and enjoyable together!

Emily Styrka

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