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45 Quick Vegan Meals in 20 Mins!

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For me, a quick vegan meal means it takes less than 20 minutes from prep to plate. You don’t need hours to make something delicious. Some of my favorite go-to meals are pastas, stir-fries, salads, and simple soups. They all come together in no time and taste amazing.

Four different types of dishes shot from top.

How to make any recipe quicker?

I share with you some tips and tricks I learned over the years to make short-cuts and reduce the preparation or cooking time:

Canned products: If you want to save time, pick canned goods especially when it comes to legumes. Cooking beans and lentils could take a long time if you want to start from scratch.

Frozen products: Frozen spinach is already pureed, so you can skip blanching and blending. Most frozen vegetables are also pre-cooked. If you want to save time, consider browsing at the freezer section.

A heart shape puzzle of vegetables with a text overlay saying 7-day meal plan
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Powders for seasoning and spices: Some recipes just aren’t the same without sautéed onion. However, when I’m making creamy soups, I often swap in onion or garlic powder instead. It’s a total time-saver and still gives that cozy, homemade flavor.

Rice noodles instead of pasta could be a game-changer if you are in a hurry. In most cases, you only need to soak rice noodles in hot water for 5 minutes and they are ready to be served.

Use a food processor. While I understand that your kitchen may have a limited counter space, you should still consider buying a food processor. You can save a LOT of time with it. I even make pie dough and pizza dough with it.

Chopping veggies as small as you can to reduce cooking time. If you are making creamy soups, you will blend them at the end, so it doesn’t matter how they look at the beginning. 

You can find even more tips and tricks in my cookbook below.

A salad on a white plate with green beans, cherry tomatoes, olives, buckwheat and feta crumbles with a text overlay saying express vegan super easy 5 ingredients 15 minutes

⇒ Express Vegan Cookbook – EXCLUSIVE recipes you can make with 5 main ingredients within 15 minutes!

My favorite quick meals under 20 minutes

Vegan Cashew Alfredo Sauce

Black frying pan with spaghetti in white sauce with wilted spinach leaves and charred cherry tomatoes.
Are you looking for a creamy, dreamy, and quick-to-make vegan alfredo sauce? Look no further than this, since it is one of the most popular recipes on our blog. Made with just five simple ingredients, this sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in various delicious dishes, from pasta to pizza and beyond.
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Creamy Spinach Pasta Sauce

White bowl with fettuccine pasta covered in green sauces sprinkled with yellow flakes and a pair of basil leaves. A fork is next to the bowl.
Just picture a luscious, garlicky green pasta sauce. With just five simple ingredients and 15 minutes, you can whip up this delightful spinach sauce in a snap! And why not add a generous sprinkle of vegan Parmesan cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor? Serve it hot, and savor every creamy, comforting bite. It is one of those perfect, quick vegan meals to satisfy your hunger and taste buds!
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Vegan Pesto Pasta

White bowl with tortiglioni pasta covered in green pesto topped with cherry tomato halves and sprinkled with yellow flakes. A small white dish is int the corner with the remaining pesto
Try this recipe for vegan pesto pasta, made with homemade basil pesto. It can be ready in just 15 minutes, even if you prepare all the ingredients from scratch. Serve it with cherry tomatoes and garnish it with vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
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Creamy Harissa Tahini Pasta

Black cast iron skillet with spaghetti in creamy light brown sauce with asparagus, spinach and red pepper slices
This harissa tahini pasta takes only 20 minutes to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is packed with flavors. The tahini creates a rich and creamy sauce, while the harissa adds a spicy kick. Serve it with some roasted asparagus and sauté spinach for a quick and delicious meal.
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Lemon Pepper Pasta in 15 Minutes!

A frying pan with penne pasta, asparagus pieces and two lemon slices
Are you looking for a bright and flavorful dish perfect for springtime? Look no further than this zesty lemon pepper pasta with asparagus! With its vibrant blend of fresh lemon juice, zesty black pepper, and tender, roasted asparagus, this dish is a true feast for the senses. Whether you are enjoying it as a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, this quick vegan meal will surely put a smile on your face and a zing in your step!
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Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

Red pasta sauce on spaghetti. A fork is lifting some up in the air.
If you are in the mood for something creamy, smoky, and utterly delicious, look no further than this amazing vegan roasted red pepper sauce. Bursting with rich, roasted red pepper flavor, this sauce is incredibly quick to make. Only 10 minutes.
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Coconut Curry Noodle Bowl

White bowl with red soup, noodles, and chopped green herbs.
Get ready to transport your taste buds to a world of exotic flavors and mouth-watering aromas with this amazing coconut curry noodle bowl! With its blend of tender rice noodles, crisp veggies, and fragrant spices, this dish is an absolute feast for the senses, a perfect choice if you are looking for a quick vegan meal.
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Red Thai Curry Gnocchi

Cast iron skillet with a yellow brown sauce and lots of gnocchi, wilted spinach and cherry tomatoes.
This red Thai curry recipe is a bold and exciting twist on classic gnocchi. Perfect blend of pillowy gnocchi, tender veggies, and fragrant red curry sauce will make for a quick and satisfying meal. Its vibrant color is also a feast for the eyes.
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Vegan Pad Thai

2 white bowls with brown noodles, chopped scallion, peanuts and julienned veggies
Take a trip to Southeast Asia through this amazing vegan Pad Thai recipe. Made with tender rice noodles, crisp veggies, and a mouth-watering blend of tangy tamarind and savory spices, this dish is an absolute explosion of flavor.
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Tahini Chickpea Pasta

Gemelli noodles in an orange-brown sauce with broccoli florets and chickpeas.
This tahini chickpea pasta is a protein-packed quick vegan meal for sure. With hearty chickpeas in tahini, vibrant broccoli, and fragrant tomato sauce, this dish is a true powerhouse of flavor and nutrition.
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Vegan Pad See Eew

White bowl with brown noodles, bok choy, tofu cubes, carrot slices and purple onion slices. Chopsticks are placed on the side.
This vegan Pad See Eew recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for anyone looking for a hearty and delicious meal. Made with tender rice noodles, tofu, carrots, Chinese broccoli, and a savory soy sauce, this recipe is quick to prepare and makes for a great vegan meal any time of day.
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Red Lentil Pasta With Spinach

Red-ish sedanini pasta with wilted spinach and artichoke hearts
This is an amazing pesto red lentil sedanini with spinach and artichoke hearts. It is the perfect choice for anyone looking to indulge in a protein-packed and delicious meal that is quick to prepare and a delight to eat!
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Cauliflower Steaks in 20 Mins!

2 crispy brown yellow cauliflower slices in a cast-iron skillet surrounded by roasted garlic cloves and wilted rosemary twigs. A small black bowl of green peppercorn sauce is next to it.
Let’s make delicious vegan cauliflower steaks that are tender inside and crispy outside. Slice a whole head into thick pieces, pre-cook them for 5 minutes, add ample seasoning, then pan-fry them for 10 minutes! You will love them with vegan mashed potatoes and vegan green peppercorn sauce. And no need to turn on your oven!
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Vegan Sweet Potato Quesadillas

Stuffed tortilla triangles are placed on a white plate. Sweet potato and black bean filling is visible
This vegan sweet potato quesadilla recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the satisfying crunch of a quesadilla and the comforting sweetness of a baked sweet potato. Packed with savory flavors like red peppers and black beans, this recipe is quick to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family.
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Crispy Oyster Mushroom Tacos

3 small tortillas folded in half on parchment paper filled with mushroom shreds, corn, avocado slices, black beans drizzled with red and white sauce.
These oyster mushroom tacos are the best vegan alternative to meat strips. They are easy, meatless, and packed with flavor, making them the perfect choice for a meatless Taco Tuesday.
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Teriyaki Oyster Mushroom Steak

Black grill pan from above with crispy dark brown juicy flattened oyster mushroom clusters
Take a cluster of oyster mushrooms and marinate it in teriyaki sauce. Next, pan-fry it between two cast iron skillets to make them flat and crispy. In 20 minutes you will have yourself a flavorful oyster mushroom steak.
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Black Bean Burger

A burger on a black board with lettuce, tomato, orange sauce and a dark brown burger patty.
This delicious black bean burger from our cookbook is perfect for a quick vegan meal that does not skimp on flavor. With a hearty 5-ingredient black bean patty, fresh lettuce and tomato, and a spicy mayo sauce, this burger will satisfy even the most discerning taste buds. Perfect for those who crave veggie burgers, even on busy weeknights.
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Jamaican Jerk Tofu Skewers

Two skewers with tofu cubes, mushroom, purple onion, zucchini, and red pepper are placed on w white plate with rice on the side.
These jerk Tofu skewers are made with savory, spiced tofu and fresh vegetables. These skewers are a perfect option for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal packed with bold and complex flavors.
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Quick Broccoli Lentil Stir Fry

Black plate with vibrant yellow rice and a broccoli lentil stir fry with red onion slices and sweet corn.
This lentil stir-fry is a perfect option for anyone looking to enjoy a quick vegan meal that is full of flavor. Made with tender lentils, crunchy broccoli, and sweet corn, this stir-fry is a great way to get in your daily dose of veggies. And with its bright and colorful presentation, this dish will surely be a hit for kids and adults alike!
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Vegan Curry Superfood Bowl

White bowl with quinoa, black beans, and a vibrant yellow mixed veggie curry.
This quick vegan bowl is featuring a vibrant blend of black bean and quinoa, fresh veggies in creamy curry, and crunchy seeds. And with its quick prep time and versatile ingredients list, it is a great choice for anyone looking to whip up a delicious meal in no time!
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Asian Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry

White bowl with rice, purple onion, carrots, chickpeas, and green peas with chopped green herbs.
Are you looking for a quick vegan Thai dish that is also nutrient dense and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this recipe for Asian cauliflower rice with Thai flavors, a rainbow of vegetables like chickpeas, snap peas, red pepper, carrots, and red onion all topped with a creamy peanut sauce. And with the cauliflower rice swap, you can enjoy all the comfort of a delicious Thai dish without the added calories.
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Mushroom Fried Rice

Brown bowl with rice, cashew nuts, chopped red pepper, scallion and mushroom slices.
This mushroom fried rice recipe is a budget-friendly way of using leftover cooked rice to have a perfect midweek vegan dinner meal. It takes only 15 minutes and uses ingredients such as toasted cashew nuts, green onions, celery, bell peppers, mushrooms, tamari or soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil for added flavor.
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Chickpea Spinach Curry

Blue bowl with rice sprinkled with green herbs and chickpeas and wilted spinach in a red-brown curry sauce
This chickpea spinach curry could be your next quick vegan dinner. It is packed with protein and iron-rich spinach, not to mention super quick. You can be ready in 10 minutes. This dish also freezes well, so yeah, for meal-prepping.
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Quinoa Chipotle Bowl

White bowl with roasted corn, avocado mash, black beans, lettuce strips, chopped purple onion, quinoa and red and orange sauces.
This quinoa chipotle bowl with Southwest tahini sauce is a hearty, and savory dish that can satisfy both vegans and non-vegans. This recipe uses a combination of roasted corn, guacamole, salsa, and tahini dressing to add flavor and nutrition to quinoa, making it a great quick vegan meal option. Even the greens and red Napa cabbage included in this recipe add a crisp freshness.
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Teriyaki Bowl with Tofu

White bowl with cucumber slices, matchstick carrots, scallion, broccoli, crispy tofu cubes, edamame beans, and sesame seeds.
This recipe for teriyaki bowl features a foundation of brown rice topped with natural and simple ingredients such as fried tofu cubes, edamame beans, carrots, green onions, and sesame seeds. Then the homemade teriyaki sauce adds a rich, salty-sweet flavor to take this dish to the next level.
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Vegan Power Bowl

White bowl with peanuts, matchstick carrots, cilantro, purple cabbage, tangerine, and peanut sauce
Take your plant-based meals to the next level with this nutrient-dense power bowl. It features a peanut sauce made with creamy peanut butter, coconut milk, and lime juice. The bowl includes cooked farro or quinoa, cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced avocado, spiralized zucchini or butternut squash, pomegranate, mandarin pieces, roasted peanuts, and fresh herbs for garnish.
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Yum Woon Sen (Thai Glass Noodle Salad)

Black plate on a red mate with thin glass noodles, sliced tomatoes, roasted peanuts, sliced onion, sliced chili peppers, chopped green herbs.
This vegan yum woon sen is a meatless version of the classic Thai salad. It features thin glass noodles, a variety of vegetables, and a fresh salad dressing. The dish is sweet, spicy, and savory, and best of all, it can be prepared in just 15 minutes.
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Tempeh Teriyaki Bowl

White bowl with brown rice, sticky brown tempeh cubes, carrots slices, broccoli florets and bok choy.
This teriyaki tempeh dish is a simple and quick vegan meal that can be enjoyed in various ways, such as in bowls with steamed veggies and brown rice, wrapped in tortillas, or as a snack. While tempeh has a unique, nutty taste that may take some getting used to, this recipe can help convert tempeh skeptics into fans.
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Hummus Pasta Salad

Black plate with shell pasta, sun-dried tomato pieces, and basil.
Hummus pasta salad from our cookbook is a quick and flavorful vegan pasta dish that can be prepared in just 15 minutes. The combination of creamy hummus with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and olives creates a unique taste. Different flavored hummus, such as roasted red pepper or spinach, allow for endless variations.
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Chickpea Avocado Salad

Blue bowl with avocado cubes, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas and chopped green ehrbs
This vegan chickpea salad is a healthy and tasty dish packed with plant-based ingredients, perfect for a lunch or a light vegan dinner. The combination of fresh veggies, protein-rich chickpeas, onion, and healthy fats make this salad a complete vegan meal.
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Zucchini Chickpea Quinoa Salad

White bowl with quinoa, zucchini, chickpeas in a colored yellow-brown by some spices. Sprinkled with freshly chopped herbs.
This Zucchini Chickpea Quinoa Salad recipe combines spices like cumin, turmeric, and paprika powder with fresh zucchini, chickpeas, quinoa, parsley, and green onions, all tossed in an olive oil dressing. It makes a healthy, filling vegan lunch full of rich, warm flavors.
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Vegan Egg Salad (No Mayo!)

A stack of two sandwiches. Both with brown sliced bread, arugula, and tofu cubes in thick yellow sauce to mimic egg salad.
This 15-minute vegan egg salad is a delicious twist on the classic egg salad. It is a plant-based version that is just as creamy and flavorful but without any eggs and is instead made with firm tofu and a homemade creamy cashew-based dressing.
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Cream Cheese Veggie Pinwheels

Colorful pinwheels of orange, red, yellow and green filling is placed closely on a black plate. A hand is grabbing one.
These vegan cream cheese pinwheels are the perfect addition to any back to school lunch box or breakfast table. The cream cheese gives it a creamy, rich texture that perfectly complements the crunchy vegetables.
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Smoky Chickpea Tuna Salad Sandwich

Black plate with 3 slices of bread topped with a yellow crumbly spread and avocado slices
This vegan chickpea tuna salad is a delicious substitute for traditional tuna salad, with a texture and flavor closely resembling the original. The salad includes smoky flavors from cumin and paprika, which perfectly complement the chickpeas’ creaminess. Serve it with rye bread, avocado, and spinach for a healthy vegan lunch option any day of the week.
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Green Veggie Sandwich

A white plate with a sandwich filled with lettuce, avocado slices, sprouts and a creamy white sauce
If you need an energy boost, try this mega green veggie sandwich with cucumber, sprouts, and avocado. Served on toasted buckwheat bread and spicy roasted chickpeas that add a fun bite to munch on.
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Taco Lettuce Wraps

White plate with two lettuce leaves filled with brown crumbles, avocado slices, topped with a white cream and chopped green herbs.
Ditch tortilla wrap and use large romaine lettuce leaves as taco shells. Fill them with a quick pinto bean taco filling and add your favorite Tex-Mex ingredients. This is one of those perfect light vegan dinner recipes that will sneak into your weekly rotation without knowing.
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Vegan Taco Soup

A black bowl with orange liquid, beans, corn, chopped tomaotes, mince, avocado slices, chopped spring onion, lime slices, and tortilla chips.
This is a super quick vegan taco soup with the meatiest vegan taco meat ever. If you are craving a simple, delicious taco-flavored soup, make this one in 20 minutes! Serve it hot with tortilla chips, avocado slices, and sour cream.
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Cold Watermelon Soup in Gazpacho Style

Red soup in two white and black bowls topped with basil leaves and diced red and green vegetables.
This watermelon soup recipe is not your average soup; it is a cold, refreshing, sweet-savory summer soup. It is gazpacho-style, raw, unstrained, and chilled, making it great to cool down on a hot summer day.
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Indian Tomato Soup

Grey bowl with a red soup. Two naan bread pieces are dipped on the side.
It is a spicy tomato soup inspired by tamatar ka shorba. This ripe tomato-based broth comes together in 15 minutes. I am sure it will be a lifesaver from time to time.
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Thai Curry Pumpkin Soup

A white bowl with orange soup. A spoon is taking some.
This vegan Thai curry soup is a quick vegan meal that requires just five ingredients, including creamy coconut milk and fragrant Thai red curry paste. The soup comes together in just 10 minutes and features a mild, slightly sweet flavor that can be customized with additional spices for those who like it spicy.
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Vegan Miso Soup

Two small white bowls with a dark brown soup, seaweed pieces, tofu cubes, noodles and chopped scallion.
This simple vegan miso soup will be your next favorite vegan dinner recipe, taking only 15 minutes to prepare and including affordable ingredients. It includes tofu, seaweed, leek, and of course miso paste is the essential ingredient.
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Spicy Chickpea Chili

White bowl with a green-yellow stew. Chickpeas, corn and chopped onion is visible.
This 10-minute spicy chickpea chili is a quick and flavorful option for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. The recipe calls for simple ingredients, such as shallots, garlic, salsa verde, vegetable broth, sweet corn, and chickpeas, to create a balance of spice and sweetness.
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Black Bean Soup

Green bowl with dark brown soup and black bean pieces. Topped with a white cream and chopped green herbs.
This quick black bean soup recipe can be ready to eat in under 20 minutes. Just blend the ingredients and heat them to serve. It is a low-calorie and heart-healthy soup made with black beans, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, jalapeno, and a blend of spices.
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Nachos Supreme

Purple tortilla chips topped with black beans, lettuce, mashed avocado and chili pepper slices and chopped cilantro.
Skip burrito and make this nacho supreme. It is a perfect quick weeknight vegan dinner with a wide variety of toppings to choose from, making it perfect for families to customize. The toppings typically include guacamole, tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, salsa, lettuce, black olives, and sour cream.
Get the recipe

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  1. All these recipes (pictures) looks so delicious, inexpensive and healthy. I am incorporating more veggies/healthy eating in my daily cooking and sometimes I am out of ideas. Thank you !!! ?

    Reply

    • You’re welcome. This is also the list I am going through one by one these days.

      Reply

  2. 5 stars
    So much great choice here. I can’t wait to try it all!

    Reply

  3. 5 stars
    What a great roundup! Very inspired to try some of the recipes 🙂

    Reply

  4. These look AMAZING, my new go-to for weeknight cooking, thanks!

    Reply

  5. Easy meals are the best!! I love this round up for busy nights!

    Reply