21 Easy Plant-Based Dinner Ideas

I remember when I first started experimenting with plant-based recipes, I had no idea where to start. How can I have a complete meal without the no-veg protein? 

That’s when I had to start to think outside the box. Or better yet, the things I can add to my dinner plate, rather eliminate. 

The good news is that there is a wide range of plant-based recipe ideas that are affordable, easy, and plant-based. Including the things you might already be eating, namely, spaghetti, vegan pizza, loaded potatoes, and vegetable stews. 

And you might already be working with everyday pantry ingredients that are vegetarian including lentils, beans, rice, quinoa, and spices.

It will take some time, creativity, and a little bit of cooking skill – but I promise it’s approachable to switch to a plant-based diet, especially for those nighttime meals.

What Are Plant-Based Foods?

Plant-based foods are those that derive from plants. Vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, and seeds are all examples of plant-based foods.

A plant-based diet consists mostly or entirely of plant-based foods, some of which may be minimally processed. It can be a balanced, wholesome, and nutritionally generous diet when done right.

Additionally, it’s a delicious and healthy way of eating that can be approachable and affordable with a little bit of planning.

Here are 21 delicious plant-based recipes for dinner that can be paired with your favorite sides. Very easy recipes, so they are perfect for plant-based beginners!

Not sure how to make your breakfast plant-based and healthy? Check out our 18 Frugal Plant-Based Breakfast Recipes.

DINNER TIP: To make habichuelas guisadas a complete meal, pair it with white rice, plantains, and sliced avocado. For the plantains, either go for salty “tostones” or sweet “maduros,” which can be fried or baked for a healthier version.

DINNER TIP: Dress up your burger with your favorite items. Just like regular burgers, we can add onions, tomatoes, pickles, our favorite sauces, and a slice of vegan, melted cheese.

DINNER TIP: Serve your black beans soup with a dollop of cool cashew cream.

DINNER TIP: Buffalo cauliflower wings go perfectly with a side of cool vegan ranch, celery, and some fries. It’s a kid-friendly meal that even that adults can get behind. Not a fan of cauliflower? Go for a flavor-packed pile of bang-bang broccoli.

DINNER TIP: This Chipotle-inspired sofritas dish is just as versatile as what you get from the restaurant. Go for a burrito, taco, salad, or rice bowl – the choice is yours. Add all of your favorite toppings and sides and you have a full meal.

DINNER TIP: Nothing beats a big bowl of cozy vegetable soup with Puerto Rican spices! My favorite way of having this soup is with a side of quick and easy flatbread.

DINNER TIP: If you’re missing Indian food, good news, you can still have it! This “butter chicken” recipe goes perfectly with a side of naan, roti, rice, or some raw onions. You won’t need anything else. Top it off with coconut or cashew cream.

DINNER TIP: This oil-free “fried” rice is the perfect opportunity to throw in your favorite vegetables that need to get used up. Feel free to make this dish a little more interesting by adding corn, edamame, or even green beans.

DINNER TIP: Finger foods for dinner is always a great idea. Pair these bad boys with a side of fries or vegan mac and cheese. Choose any dip you like, including ranch, BBQ, or dijon mustard.

DINNER TIP: Dry beans are ridiculously easy to make, they just need a little bit of time. I love pairing these beans with a side of white rice and steamed vegetables.

DINNER TIP: Chili is cozy any time of the year – whether it’s for game day, winter, or to use as a topping for summer veggie hot dogs. I like to keep things traditional and add a side of homemade cornbread.

DINNER TIP: The only thing you need to make this recipe complete is a pile of spaghetti and tomato pasta sauce.

DINNER TIP: Make this dish complete with a side of white jasmine rice or flatbread.

DINNER TIP: Puerto Rican yellow rice is typically paired with ripe avocado, plantains, and meat. But to keeps vegan, go for a side of sofritas or vegan picadillo mentioned in this list.

There you have it – 21 plant-based dinner ideas that’ll make everyone at home asking for seconds!

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Did you try any of the recipes on the list?

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