9 Vegan and Vegetarian Dinner Recipes That Will Wow Your Tastebuds

By
Cathy Jacobs
Cathy Jacobs
Cathy Jacobs
A freelance journalist and avid home cook, Cathy Jacobs has more than 10 years of food writing experience, with a focus on curating approachable menus and recipe collections.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 05/18/20
vegan pad Thai

 The Spruce

  • 01 of 09

    Vegan Crock Pot Barbecue Tofu

    Vegan Crock Pot Barbecue Tofu Recipe

     The Spruce

    Can you prepare tofu in a crock pot? Absolutely! This vegan crock pot barbecue tofu recipe is simply bursting with flavor, thanks to a delicious, sticky-sweet homemade sauce. Like most slow cooker recipes, this barbecue tofu recipe is super easy. Just load up your crock pot with the ingredients in the morning and you've got a satisfying, sweet, and savory dinner when you come home at night. Serve it with rice or whole grains for a full meal, with or without added greens. Or ladle it over a crusty French baguette for a bistro-inspired preparation.

  • 02 of 09

    Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili

    Black bean vegetarian chili

    The Spruce

    Vegan-friendly and gluten-free too, this black bean and sweet potato chili makes a satisfying meal to serve family and friends. Chunks of sweet potato combine with black beans, carrots, bell peppers, onion, and tomatoes in a Tex-Mex-inspired sauce that carries a spicy kick. With more than 20 grams of protein per serving, it's an excellent source of protein for grown-ups and kids alike. Try serving this feisty chili recipe on game day!

  • 03 of 09

    Vegan Chinese Kung Pao Tofu

    Vegan Chinese Kung Pao Tofu

    John E. Kelly / Getty Images

    Skip take-out and try this homemade, vegan Chinese Kung Pao Tofu recipe that's full of flavor. This recipe is a tasty take on a Szechuan-style Chinese recipe that's typically made with chicken. You can use tofu to create this dish that's sure to please everyone, using all the same healthy Chinese vegetables and seasonings, including snow peas, bok choy, cabbage, mushrooms, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and lime. Serve this vegetarian Chinese food entree over rice.

  • 04 of 09

    Vegan Shepard's Pie

    Vegan shepard's pie

    Diana Miller / Getty Images

    Ready for a big serving of comfort food? Vegans shepherd's pie is a simple vegetarian and vegan recipe that uses texturized vegetable protein (TVP) for a meaty and filling texture. Made with green peas, gravy, and corn, this main course dinner dish is a satisfying, comforting, and hearty meal that's great for vegetarian, vegan, and omnivore diets alike.

    Continue to 5 of 9 below
  • 05 of 09

    Vegan Yellow Thai Vegetable Curry

    Vegan yellow thai curry

    The Spruce

    This rich-tasting, vegan yellow Thai vegetable curry thickened with coconut milk is so delicious, you'll never believe how quick and easy it is to make. Ready in only 20 minutes, even non-vegetarians will enjoy this vegan recipe that's full of fun flavors and wonderful textures. Sweet coconut milk combines with an abundance of healthful, yummy vegetables in this yellow curry that your whole family will love.

  • 06 of 09

    Mushroom Wellington

    Vegetarian Mushroom Wellington

    The Spruce / Elaine Lemm

    No one will miss the meat in this vegetarian version of the elegant British dish. In place of the traditional beef tenderloin are butternut squash, sweet potatoes, portobello mushrooms, kale, and faro. The delicious vegetable mixture is wrapped in puff pastry, baked until golden, and served with a light tarragon cream sauce on the side.

  • 07 of 09

    Chickpea Pasta

    Chickpea Pasta

    Anita Schecter 

    Creamy pasta sauces aren't just made with dairy. This chickpea pasta is topped with a vegan sauce made from puréed chickpeas, spices, olive oil, and lemon. It's satisfying, delicious, and ready in just 30 minutes. You can swap the chickpeas for white beans if you like.

  • 08 of 09

    Vegan Lentil Soup

    Vegetarian Lentils

    The Spruce

    This vegan lentil soup recipe is so tummy-warming and comforting, it's sure to become a staple vegan dinner recipe in your household. It's also inexpensive and easy to make, ensuring that you'll come back to this recipe again and again. This soup makes the perfect, warming lunch or dinner when it's cold outside. Serve with a crusty baguette and a green salad for a full vegan meal.

    Continue to 9 of 9 below
  • 09 of 09

    Vegan-Friendly Pad Thai

    Vegetarian pa thai

     The Spruce

    Skip take-out and try making this authentic vegan-friendly pad Thai that's perfect for Thai food lovers, or anyone who wants a lighter noodle dish without the meat. This Pad Thai recipe offers plenty of protein and healthy vegetables, and features bold Thai flavors and an abundance of textures. Makes a great vegan dinner for one, or for the whole family.