Quick Vegan Meals: 9 Easy and Delicious Recipes

Looking for some meal inspiration? We all have times when we need a quick meal and are fresh out of ideas or curious about trying some fun new vegan recipes. So if you're ready to grab an apron (and recruit the assistance of a mini sous chef or two), look no further.
We've got your back with another roundup of mouthwatering recipes. These whole food, plant-based breakfast, lunch, and dinner ideas will make creating a meal plan a breeze. You'll have a delicious selection of quick vegan meals your whole family will enjoy.
Breakfast for Every Day of the Week
Nothing sets the tone for the day like a filling and nutritious breakfast. Check out one of these options to kickstart your day.
Sweet and Savory Chicken and Waffles
This one could work for any meal, but we think sweet and savory chicken and waffles are a fantastic way to start the day. While some meal prep is involved (homemade waffles don't make themselves), this is an easy breakfast that packs a punch in the flavor department.
Pair those fresh off-the-griddle homemade waffles with Nowadays plant-based chicken nuggets. These crispy nuggets make throwing together a plate of chicken and waffles a cinch, even when you're pressed for time.
Nowadays nuggets are made with just 7 easy-to-pronounce and recognizable ingredients; these nuggets keep tummies full with 13g of protein per serving too.
Belly Filling Breakfast Burritos
Burritos for breakfast? Yes, please! The Roasted Root’s vegan breakfast burritos are filled with so much flavor they may become your new favorite breakfast. Loaded with black beans, rice, hash browns, and a quick avocado slaw, all wrapped up in a tortilla, this is the perfect breakfast to take on the go.
Another bonus is how easy they are to customize. No rice but leftover quinoa from dinner the night before? No problem. Feel free to swap the hash browns for chipotle roasted sweet potatoes to mix it up throughout the week. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro and cashew cheese shreds for the ultimate loaded burrito.
Cozy Breakfast Congee
Add this to your quick vegan meals roster! If you're searching for something to warm you from the inside out but are ready to give oatmeal a break and mix it up, check out Mikaela Reuben's cozy breakfast congee. South Asian in origin, congee is a type of rice porridge popular throughout Asia and, like breakfast burritos, is easily customizable.
Tailor-made for your crockpot (or give the slow cook option a go on your Instant Pot), this is the perfect breakfast to prepare the night before. It's ideal for a busy start to your day or simply enjoying a few extra minutes sipping your morning coffee.
Toss rice, veggie broth, freshly grated ginger with chopped carrots into the pot, and you're good to go. Top with some chopped green scallions, toasted sesame seeds, avocado, and a drizzle of sesame oil as a garnish to tie everything together. Because everything cooks the night before, all you need to do is help yourself to a bowl.
Psst: We think Nowadays nuggets would be the perfect addition to a yummy bowl of congee!
Easy Peasy Lunches

Ahhh, time for a midday delight. While veggie burgers and quinoa salad are reliable lunchtime standbys, check out one of these tasty lunches if you're in the mood for something different (yet equally delicious). These quick vegan meals are nearly effortless. Bon appetit!
Fabulous Fried Rice Bowls
Like the other recipes on our list, fried rice bowls are easy to customize so every family member can get precisely what they want. And Short Girl Tall Order's best vegan fried rice is not to be missed. Loaded with veggies like peas, carrots, and edamame, these fried rice bowls have a total cook time of under a half-hour. There's no excuse for not treating yourself to a homemade lunch every now and then.
Feel free to stick with the recipe, add some lemongrass and curry paste for a more Thai-inspired flavor, or even double the veggies and add a sauce for a nourishing stir fry. Check out our Chicken Teriyaki Comforta-bowl or Korean-Style Sweet & Sour Chicken for two more quick vegan meals.
Simple Mediterranean Orzo Salad
We love exploring a variety of cuisines, and Simple Veganista’s Mediterranean orzo salad is full of flavor! This salad has everything: chickpeas, fresh veggies like red bell peppers, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and artichoke hearts. All topped with a drizzle of olive oil and freshly chopped dill and parsley for a winning lunch.
This salad would also pair perfectly with a side of falafel or Nowadays nuggets for some extra crunch. As always, mix it up to suit your preferences. Hummus, tahini sauce, white beans, zucchini…the possibilities are endless in building the perfect salad bowl.
Hearty Lentil Dahl
Sometimes the best lunch is a comforting bowl of lentil soup. A Virtual Vegan's red lentil dahl works well standing on its own for a lunchtime meal or as a side dish for an Indian-inspired dinner spread. With a total time of 45 minutes, this is quick enough to make the night before or enjoy a more leisurely lunch hour.
Made with red lentils, tomatoes, coconut milk, and warming spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, we're sure this recipe will make it into your quick vegan meals rotation.
Soul Satisfying Suppers

When you need quick vegan meals so delicious, everyone will be asking for a second helping. Check out a few of our favorites below.
Homey Nugget Pot Pie
Plant-based chicken pot pie that's weeknight-friendly? Yes, it is possible! Check out our creamy and decadent nugget pot pie for an ultra-nourishing dinner (see ya later microwaveable pot pies). This dinner has a weeknight-friendly cook time — you’ll be serving this comfort food classic on your table in just 40 minutes from start to finish.
Fresh herbs and cashew cream make for a luscious dairy-free sauce that pairs beautifully with various vegetables like carrots, peas, corn, and green beans (parsnips and butternut squash would be a delight too). Stir in crispy chopped nuggets and top with puff pastry for a family-friendly dinner.
Mouthwatering Lentil Bolognese
Meatballs and marinara are always a crowd-pleaser, but we think you'll love this next pick just as much. Rich and hearty, this dish is brimming with flavor in every bite! Ready in just under an hour, Feasting At Home's lentil bolognese is perfect for a filling dinner any night of the week.
A rich tomato sauce flavored with Italian herbs, red wine, carrots, celery, and garlic, becomes meaty and satisfying with the addition of black caviar lentils and chopped walnuts or pecans.
Complete this main dish with a loaf of crusty bread and a sprinkle of vegan parmesan.
Quick Crispy Tacos
Everyone needs a lightning-quick and dependable recipe in their repertoire. If you're hoping to find one more dinner you can add to your list of quick vegan meals, check out our crispy tacos with fresh pico de gallo.
This easy recipe puts a fun twist on your typical Taco Tuesday. Nowadays nuggets are delicious paired with corn tortillas, cilantro, shredded cabbage, lime juice, and fresh pico. These tacos are substantial enough to be the main event, or you can include them as an appetizer for a Mexican-themed dinner complete with enchiladas and homemade sopapillas.
Quick Vegan Meals That Are Sure to Please
We feel short on time more often than we care to admit, and know it's the same for many families. And while cooking projects in the kitchen can be both fun and rewarding, sometimes you just need a selection of quick vegan meals you can rely on any time of day. Even better if they nourish your family and keep everyone's tummies full and satisfied. Don't forget to take a peek at more fun recipes you can create using Nowadays nuggets.