Busy weeknights? Lazy days? No worries! Check out this list of lazy vegan recipes for when you don’t really feel like cooking.
If you’re trying to least less meat, consider this your one stop for lazy vegan meals and simple recipes the whole family will love!
Whether you’re looking for dump and go crockpot recipes, quick instant recipes, or easy dinners you can have on the table in less than 30 minutes, you’ll find it here.
I’m sure the last thing you want to do on busy weeknights is open up a can of black beans again, so pick a few of these lazy vegan recipes to add to your menu rotation without adding cooking time to your already busy schedule.
What is a lazy vegan recipe?
I’m sure this could mean many different things depending on who you asked, but here is my criteria:
- Minimal ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand. No strange ingredients here!
- Fast & easy prep so you can get out of the kitchen and relax. I’m talking 10-15 minutes tops. Perfect for lazy days 🙂
- Quick cook time. Most of the vegan recipes in this list are done in 15-30 minutes, and there are quite a few 10-minute recipes too.
Meal prep to save time
One great way to save time in the kitchen is utilizing a batch system when prepping food.
The best part of scheduling a few hours to meal prep means you only have to wash dishes like knives and cutting boards once per week instead of every day, in addition to reducing the amount of time you spend cooking food and washing counters.
Here are a few things you can do during your scheduled meal prep time:
- Planning and writing down meals and snacks for the week. Keep a running list of easy recipes that your family loves so that you can reuse them week-by-week.
- Washing and chopping fresh vegetables and fresh fruit you’ll be using for recipes and snacking. Most produce including red onion or green onions, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, butternut squash, kale, carrots, brussels sprouts, citrus fruits, grapes, melons, and even apples (if you toss with a little lemon juice) will keep well in the fridge for 4-7 days after being prepped.
- Batch cooking grains you’ll be using throughout the week. White or brown rice, quinoa, pasta, oatmeal, etc.
I like to do the above and put all the main ingredients into large containers to pull out as needed throughout the week, while others like to prepare easy vegan recipes and store them in individual containers.
I love these individual containers or these 2-compartment containers because they are affordable, freezer and dishwasher save, and also BPA-free.
Batch cooking easy vegan meals and storing them in individual servings works well for busy weeknights when everyone is heading different directions, or for those who often pack lunches for work or school.
Meal prepping doesn’t have to take a lot of time. Here are a few ideas for easy meals you can put together with minimal effort and without a recipe:
- Pasta with homemade or store-bought tomato sauce, or olive oil and seasonings. PRO TIP: Use a lentil or bean-based pasta for extra protein and nutrients.
- Rice, quinoa, or barley with a vegan curry
- Vegan burrito bowl with black beans, sweet potatoes, rice, and salsa
- Quick salad with your favorite veggies
- Whole grain bowls with roasted vegetables
- Black bean tacos
lazy vegan recipes for breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!
To stay full and focused until lunch time, shoot for meals that are high protein and include some complex carbs in the form of whole grains such as oatmeal, whole wheat, or quinoa.
Here are some easy meals you can enjoy with very little effort and time:
- Overnight oats
- Avocado toast
- Vegan yogurt (I like ones with oat or coconut milk base) + granola
- Tofu scramble (see the recipes below!)
- Chia pudding
easy vegan sides
If you’re trying to up your intake of plant-based food, adding some simple vegan sides to meal time is an easy way to do it!
Below you’ll find a lot of easy vegan recipes for sides, or you can just be basic and make a side salad, toss root veggies in olive oil and bake on a sheet pan, bake potatoes or sweet potatoes, or serve the produce you sliced during your weekly meal prep!
THE ULTIMATE LIST OF LAZY VEGAN RECIPES
Below, you’ll find over FIFTY recipes for busy weeknights, on-the-go breakfasts, and everything in between.
Because there are so many, I wanted to make it easier for you to search for the specific recipe you’re trying to find, so here is the order of appearance:
- Easy dinners (many are done in 10-20 minutes)
- Quick breakfasts, including some great on-the-go options
- Favorite veggies and sides from flatbread to brussels sprouts, find the perfect side dish for your table.
- Snacks perfect for after school, lunch boxes, sports practices, or any other time you need something quick and satisfying.
- Desserts to satisfy that sweet tooth with simple ingredients and a few minutes of your time.
Lazy Vegan Recipes
Looking for a list of lazy vegan recipes? Try one of these easy dinners, or fix a bowl of high protein grains like quinoa and serve alongside one of the easy sides found below!
Be sure to scroll to the bottom for quick and easy snack ideas and decadent (but surprisingly easy!) desserts.
This entire collection of lazy vegan recipes can be made with few ingredients and minimal effort.
Instant Pot Vegetarian Tortilla Soup
Instant Pot vegetarian tortilla soup takes a few pantry staple ingredients and turns them into a hearty vegan meal. This recipe takes just minutes of prep and makes a tasty lunch or dinner.
5-minute Easy Vegan Tacos
Healthy and delicious 5-minute easy vegan black bean tacos recipe. Satisfying, delicious, quick tacos loaded with healthy fillings that you can easily customize.
Vegan Pasta Salad
Vegan Mushroom Spinach Pasta Salad
This drool-worthy vegan pasta salad recipe is made with spinach, mushrooms, and edamame. Bookmark this quick, easy, and no-sauce pasta recipe now!
Easy Vegan Slow Cooker White Bean Chili
This easy white bean chili takes just five minutes to throw together but tastes like a labor of love!
Vegan Italian Pasta Soup
You will want to make this super easy vegan Italian Pasta soup anytime you are pressed for time and still want to put a delicious, nutritious, homemade soup on the table. Made with small shaped pasta, canned tomatoes, vegetables, and beans, along with vegetable broth, and prepared pasta sauce for a simple nourishing tasty soup the whole family will love!
10 Minute Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles
30 Minute Crispy Peanut Tofu
Easy vegan crispy peanut tofu. Sweet, spicy and tangy! Satisfies that takeout itch but is so much better in every way.
Chickpeas in Tomato Sauce
This chickpea in tomato sauce is rich, hearty, and bold in flavors! You can serve it on toast, with roasted potatoes, or simply have it as it is.
Bean Pozole (Pozole de Frijol)
This super easy Bean Pozole requires only a handful of ingredients and so delicious. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy.
Sweet and Spicy Tofu
This sweet and spicy tofu combines soy sauce, Korean Gochujang, and honey for a deliciously easy main dish. Serve over rice or potatoes.
Four Bean Salad
This quick and easy four bean salad is simple and delicious. With a tangy vinaigrette it's packed with protein and simple to make.
3-Ingredient One Pot Vegan Pesto Pasta ⋆ Earth to Veg
Only 3 ingredients are needed for this one-pot pesto pasta. Doubles and triples easily! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or quick meal prep.
Best Air Fryer Quesadillas
Try air fryer quesadillas for a quick and easy weeknight dinner recipe. Refried beans and melty plant-based cheese are stuffed into flour tortillas and crisped to perfection. Serve them as-is or with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream!
Vegan Creamy Mushroom & Broccoli Pasta
This quick mid week creamy, vegan mushroom and broccoli pasta dish is on the table in 15 minutes! Being vegan it is also dairy and egg free. Perfect with a big slice of garlic bread.
Vegan Sweet Potato Soup with Coconut
This silky vegan Sweet Potato and Carrot Soup with coconut milk is comforting and nutritious. Easy to prepare, it's finished with a dash of rice wine vinegar for a subtle hint of sweet and sour
Easy Lentils and Pasta Soup (Rishta)
Simple, super tasty and satiating, this pasta with lentils soup is a family favorite. Made with a few ingredients.
Easy Quinoa Veggie Wrap With Sweet Italian Dressing
Enjoy a flavorful lunch with this homemade veggie wrap! Loaded with protein-packed quinoa and colorful veggies all dressed in a homemade Italian dressing. Perfect easy meal for a long day!
Vegan Afghan Kidney Bean Curry (Lubya)
Lubya is a delicious Afghan red kidney bean curry in warm tomato sauce. This curry is mild, soft, and hearty. Serve on basmati rice and top with the garnishes of your choice; this is an easy go-to meal!
Vegan Mushrooms And Polenta
A vegan mushroom, polenta and vegan cheese dish can not get any better than this. It is easy to make, gluten free and super delicious.
Vegan Whole Wheat Pancakes
Fluffy vegan whole wheat pancakes that are easy to make and come together in one bowl. You'll need only a few pantry ingredients to prepare this quick breakfast!
Silken Tofu Scramble
Creamy and eggy, this silken tofu scramble perfectly resembles soft scrambled eggs. A super easy recipe that is ready in 15 minutes!
Easy Kiwi Chia Pudding
These pretty kiwi chia pudding glasses are made with dairy-free milk, kiwi fruit, blueberries and crunchy coconut flakes! The perfect breakfast or snack.
Mexican Tofu and Black Bean Scramble
This easy, no-fuss Mexican Tofu and Black Bean Scramble is delicious for a quick breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Overnight Oats With Frozen Fruit (3 Flavours)
Enjoy 3 different flavours of overnight oats with frozen fruit. It's a healthy quick and easy breakfast made in just 5 minutes, with a delicious thick and creamy texture.
Oat Milk Chia Pudding
Oat milk chia pudding is nutritious and naturally vegan. With four simple ingredients, it doesn’t get any easier than this, especially when it’s meal-prep friendly!
No Yeast Flatbread
The easiest, super fluffy flatbreads made with just a handful of ingredients on a griddle, skillet or frying pan. No yeast is involved and they are ready start to finish in about 15 minutes!
Easy Pea Fritters
You can whip these up in no time using frozen peas, a touch of mint, garlic, spring onions and a couple of basic binding agents. They make a great snack or appetiser and work well in lunch boxes. Babies and toddlers love these nutritious pea fritters!
Easy Skillet Green Beans - A Go-To Side Dish
This quick and easy side dish made with fresh green beans is perfect for a weeknight and also pairs well as a delicious healthy side for holiday meals.
Roasted Mini Peppers
Easy Roasted Mini Peppers require no cutting, stemming or seeding!
Japanese Broccoli Gomaae
This Japanese broccoli is quick and easy to make - all you need to do is chop and cook the broccoli and then toss it in a simple sesame dressing.
Jeera Aloo Recipe ( Cumin Potatoes + Video)
Jeera Aloo Recipe is a delicious and flavourful Indian side dish made with potatoes, Cumin seeds and spices. This quick and easy dish comes together in minutes and pairs perfectly with rice and roti.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Crisp golden baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic and hints of rosemary. The perfect easy side for any vegan entrée. Also works as a healthy snack for hungry times!
10 Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe
Crisp, fresh, and bursting with loads of unexpected flavor, this Garlic Bok Choy Recipe is guaranteed to be your new favorite side dish. Ready in just 10 minutes.
Chocolate Brownie Protein Balls -Lazy Vegan Recipes
Easy and simple recipe that is high protein and tastes like an indulgent treat!
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls (Vegan) | Savor The Spoonful
Easy 10 Minute Vegan Bean Dip
This bean dip recipe is ready in only 10 minutes, with no cooking needed! And this delicious black bean dip is super flavorful, thanks to lots of cumin, lime, cilantro and onion.
Vegan Buffalo "Chicken" Dip
This Vegan Buffalo “Chicken” Dip is creamy, spicy, and delicious! Whip it up with just a few ingredients!
Garlic Peanuts - Lazy Vegan Recipes
Garlic Peanuts are a delicious snack, salad mix-in or stir-fry addition. The peanuts are toasted in olive oil, salted, and mixed with garlic, chile de Arbol and rosemary.
2-Ingredient Cherry Turnovers
Vegan Chocolate Mousse with Silken Tofu
This vegan chocolate mousse is so easy to make with just 5 simple ingredients. Silky, rich and oh so delicious!
3-Ingredient Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies
Mango Popsicles
These sweet and refreshing vegan mango popsicles are easy to make using just four simple ingredients.
Vegan Chocolate Sauce and Dessert Nachos
These vegan nachos are delicious and so easy!
No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies
No-bake peanut butter cookies made with 3 core ingredients. Vegan and so easy to make.
Easy Vegan Apple Crumble
This easy vegan apple crumble comes together in a few easy steps and uses pantry staple ingredients. So delicious and perfect any time of year!
Almond Flour Shortbread Cookies (3 ingredients)
Easy almond flour shortbread cookies that are delightfully crispy and made with only 3 ingredients! They are healthy, vegan, gluten-free, paleo, keto and can be made oil-free.
Vegan Truffles
Vegan Truffles dusted with cocoa powder are chocolatey, smooth, creamy, and delicious! Easy to make and easy to eat.
Easy Pear Crisp [Vegan Pear Crumble]
This easy pear crisp/crumble combines a sweet pear filling with a warmly spiced, 'buttery' oat streusel topping for a fantastic fall dessert perfect for a low-effort mid-week treat and the holidays! So delicious!
Vegan Chocolate Covered Strawberries
These chocolate-covered strawberries are possibly the easiest vegan recipe, but they are also stunning! Enjoy with your favorite toppings.
Join the Discussion