26 Delicious Plant-Based Dinner Recipes

Written by Manja from almostplantbased on May 3, 2020

Last updated on March 26, 2021 at 03:23 am

Plant-based Dinner: For those wanting to eat more of these, it can often be hard to come up with new, tasty recipe ideas.

Plant-based eating isn’t just for vegans. Switching in a few plant-based recipes into your diet can be a great way to consume more healthy whole-foods, such as vegetables and grains. 

These 26 plant-based dinner recipes are great options for your evening meal and are packed with flavor. Plus, you’ll be surprised how easy it is to whip up these recipes. 

1. Garlic Sweet Potato Fries

We all have days when we just want french fries for dinner, and this recipe is for those times.

By using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes, these fries are higher in protein and vitamins. To keep these plant-based, garnish them with dairy-free parmesan and use a plant-based dip. 

Get the full recipe here.

2. Stuffed Potatoes with Salsa and Beans

These stuffed potatoes are an easy plant-based dinner that your kids will love too.

Either bake or microwave your potato, and then, top it with Mexican-inspired flavors using salsa, avocado, pinto beans, and pickled jalapenos.

This tasty meal only takes ten minutes of prep time and makes a great easy dinner option. 

Get the full recipe here.

3. Sweet Potato Black Bean Burgers 

There’s nothing like burger night and, luckily, there are plenty of options for burger lovers who want to eat more plant-based dinners.

This recipe is great for its sweet potato and black bean patty and delicious spices. Don’t worry about not being full because it’s packed with beans, sweet potato, and brown rice to keep you satisfied long after dinner.

Add avocado to these burgers for a creamy touch. 

Get the full recipe here.

4. Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry

This curry is easy to make. It is so full of Indian flavors that you won’t even notice it doesn’t contain meat. Curries don’t have to take hours of preparation when they’re plant-based, and this one is no exception.

You can make this lentil curry in under an hour.

The combination of coconut, turmeric, and cumin will make this a family favorite. This can also make a great meal for lunch the next day if there are any leftovers.

Get the full recipe here. 

5. Pesto Pasta

Pasta is a dinner staple for a reason. It’s tasty, quick, and easy to make.

If you’re looking for more plant-based dinner inspiration, this is a great one. Full of classic Italian flavors like basil, garlic, olive oil, and pine nuts, this pesto pasta will hit the spot.

By adding nutritional yeast to the pasta, you’re able to get a cheesy taste while still keeping the meal plant-based. This pasta is kid-friendly and perfect for the whole family. 

Get the full recipe here.

6. Coconut Red Curry with Tofu

Curry is a great dinner option for anyone looking to eat more plant-based meals as most meat and dairy products can easily be substituted.

This red curry is a tasty plant-based dinner idea as it uses a base of coconut milk to give you that creamy curry texture.

Add your favorite vegetables to the recipe, and you can make a hearty mid-week meal. To keep this fully plant-based just leave out the fish sauce. 

Get the full recipe here.

7. Vegetable Lentil Loaf

Forget the dry meatloaf your mum used to make; this lentil loaf is a great way to brighten up your dinner table.

By using lentils and flaxseed meal as the base, this recipe gives you the bite and texture of meatloaf, while still being plant-based.

But just because it’s lacking meat doesn’t mean it’s lacking flavor. This recipe is full of herbs and spices that will keep you coming back for more.

Get the full recipe here.

8. Classic Minestrone Soup

Soup on a cold winter’s night hits just the spot. and this plant-based minestrone soup has so many good Italian flavors and hearty vegetables.

While it takes about 45 minutes to cook, it couldn’t be easier.

Serve it with hot, crusty bread, and leave out the cheese topping to keep this recipe fully plant-based. 

Get the full recipe here.

9. Cauliflower Fried Rice

Cauliflower rice is a great alternative to regular fried rice as it reduces your carb intake while increasing your vegetable intake. Plus, it tastes delicious.

By leaving out the egg, this recipe is an easy plant-based alternative.

Just one serving of this “rice” delivers 10g of protein, but you can easily increase this by adding tofu, chickpeas, or tempeh to the dish. 

Get the full recipe here. 

10. Teriyaki Glazed Tofu Steaks 

Just because you’re cooking a plant-based meal doesn’t mean you can’t have a star protein on your plate.

These teriyaki tofu steaks are a showstopper that will go with most of your favorite sides.

This recipe is quick to make, and the homemade teriyaki sauce is a great staple to have up your sleeve for other meals as well. 

Get the full recipe here. 

11. Ratatouille 

Ratatouille is a classic for a reason. It’s packed with veggies and delivers on delicious Mediterranean flavors.

This recipe is impressive but not hard.

Simply chop up the vegetables, fry them, and let all the ingredients simmer until they are sticky and sweet. S

erve this plant-based dinner alongside crusty bread or rice, and it’s sure to be a family favorite. 

Get the full recipe here.

12. Whole Roasted Cauliflower 

Incorporating more plant-based dinners into your routine doesn’t mean that you have to give up on your Sunday roast.

This whole roasted cauliflower delivers on flavor with harissa paste and spices that add a punchy kick as well as a vibrant color.

Impressively, it only uses five ingredients. Serve this alongside roasted squash or a kale salad for a truly impressive spread.

Get the full recipe here. 

13. Mumbai Burritos

These Indian-style wraps are bursting with flavor and are completely plant-based. The Indian-style flavors will make it hard to stop at just one.

Filled with curried potatoes, roast cauliflower, and mint chutney, these burritos are high in protein and will satisfy. Wrap the ingredients in a tortilla, serve warm, and enjoy. 

Get the full recipe here.  

14. Crispy Quinoa Cakes

Incorporating more plant-based recipes into your diet is a great way to eat more grains, and these crispy quinoa cakes are no exception.

Filled with sundried tomatoes, sweet potato, and kale, these quinoa cakes go well with avocado and salads in the summer.

In the winter, serve them with roasted squash and broccoli. Whatever the season, these cakes are crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and plant-based. 

Get the full recipe here.

15. Portobello Mushroom Tacos with Jalapeno Sauce

Taco night is always the best night of the week, and with these portobello mushroom tacos, you don’t have to miss out.

Full of tangy and spicy flavors, this plant-based dinner recipe for two is so delicious, we doubt you’ll have any leftovers.

Don’t be intimidated by the jalapeno sauce, you simply blend and serve. 

Get the full recipe here. 

16. Creamy Polenta and Red Wine Mushrooms

This comforting meal will hit the spot at dinner time, yet it is surprisingly easy to make.

Polenta and almond milk make for a creamy base while the mushrooms, nutritional yeast, and garlic deliver the flavor.

This dinner will rival your favorite casserole and since it takes only 30 minutes to make, it is a great plant-based dinner recipe for beginners. 

Get the full recipe here.

17. Sesame Tempeh

As you can probably tell, tempeh is a great option for making plant-based meals. It’s full of protein, brings a satisfying texture, and is a great alternative to chicken.

This tempeh bowl recipe makes the most of tempeh by cooking it in a sticky sesame sauce.

Serve alongside rice and broccoli, and this will be an easy plant-based dinner you make again and again. 

Get the full recipe here.

18. Mushroom Wellington

This is a recipe to make when you want to impress your dinner guests.

This Wellington recipe uses a mushroom filling wrapped in vegan pastry, and it comes out flakey and full of flavor.

Don’t let the vegan pastry intimidate you; most of the frozen puff pastry that you can buy in the supermarket is vegan. Just look for brands that use oil instead of butter. 

Get the full recipe here.

19. Tofu Stir-fry

Tofu stir-fry is a great plant-based recipe for beginners, and this one delivers great flavors.

With a simple sauce, crispy tofu, and fresh vegetables, this dinner is high in protein and guaranteed to satisfy.

Don’t let the tofu intimidate you, this recipe gives you all the help you need to get crispy, delicious tofu. You can also customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables. Plus, it only takes 25 minutes to make. 

Get the full recipe here.

20. Pasta in Artichoke Sauce with Mushrooms

Eating a plant-based dinner doesn’t mean you have to forget about creamy pasta recipes.

This recipe delivers a great creamy texture, lots of flavors, and is made from plant-based ingredients.

The sauce is made from blended artichoke hearts, olive oil, and garlic.

It is decadent yet healthy, while also being high in protein and fiber.

Roasted sunchokes and sauteed mushrooms elevate the dish, but you could add any of your favorite vegetables. 

Get the full recipe here. 

21. Baked Aubergine

Baked aubergine is a filling yet healthy option for a plant-based dinner, and this recipe combines the flavors of aubergine with a tomato and a cheese-like cashew sauce.

If the cashew cheese pesto isn’t for you, then hummus is an easy alternative. You can’t go wrong with this dish.

Serve alongside a salad, and enjoy an impressive summer dinner. 

Get the full recipe here.

22. Baked Dairy-free Mac ‘n’ Cheese

If you want to eat more plant-based meals but are craving something that tastes a bit more indulgent, this could be the perfect recipe for you.

This mac and cheese recipe replaces dairy with soy milk, and the nutritional yeast and vegan cheese give you that cheesy taste and creamy texture.

High in protein and fully plant-based, this is a mac and cheese you can feel a little bit less guilty about. 

Get the full recipe here.

23. Kale and Pumpkin Salads

For a lighter meal that is still filling, this roasted pumpkin salad delivers. Simply roast the pumpkin and add salad ingredients and dressing.

This salad works well as a summer meal or as an impressive side dish for a big dinner party.

You can also mix it up and add other salad ingredients like the pomegranate, tahini, and hazelnut used here. 

Get the full recipe here.  

24. Rainbow Skewers

If you’re struggling for something plant-based to bring to a barbeque, these skewers could be just the thing.

This recipe simply uses vegetables like carrots, squash, and zucchini to create a colorful and easy plant-based dinner that is high in vitamins A and C.

You can customize these skewers by adding protein-rich tempeh or your favorite plant-based dipping sauce. 

Get the full recipe here. 

25. Creamy Tomato Risotto

This risotto is creamy, easy-to-make, and full of tomato flavor. You have to keep an eye on this dish while you cook it, but it’s simple, only taking 20 minutes to cook.

Tomatoes, vegetable broth, and coconut milk keep this recipe plant-based yet tasty. For real Italian but plant-based flavor, top the dish with fresh basil and nutritional yeast flakes. 

Get the full recipe here. 

26. Tofu and Spinach Cannelloni

Italian is a great cuisine to make plant-based.

This cannelloni recipe is no exception, and the tofu and spinach in this recipe provide an impressive amount of protein and iron to your daily intake.

To make this recipe even better, top with nutritional yeast to add a cheese-like flavor.

You can even make this recipe ahead of time and freeze it to keep for those nights when you need a quick yet delicious plant-based dinner.

Get the full recipe here.

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