As a savoury gal, dinner is easily my favourite meal of the day. I love it. It’s usually my biggest meal of the day too.
I know it can be a bit overwhelming to have to think about what to cook at the end of a long day so I’ve included both easy and more complex options in my list below. So many supermarkets now offer ready-made options or quick and easy options and there are a tonne of free, easy vegan recipes online now for those days when you just want something simple and straightforward.
Let me know what your faves are. Obviously this list is far from extensive and it won’t be inclusive of every single dinner option as there are *so* many amazing options out there but hopefully it’ll be a good starting place for you when you’re feeling stuck for inspiration.
Ackee & “Saltfish”
The legends from Original Flava have got you covered when it comes to veganising Jamaica’s national dish!
Adobo with soy “chicken”
Looking for a vegan version of this Filipino classic? Look no further!
Arepas
Learn how to make this Venezuelan classic here
Banh Mi
If you have ever had the pleasure of experiencing Eat Chay’s food, you’ll be pleased to know that they have a recipe for their Banh Mi online!
Bao Buns / Gua Buns
This can be as simple as picking up some of the ready-made vegan bao buns from Marks & Spencer or, if you’re feeling hands on, making your own from scratch! I believe Linda McCartney also has a ready-made kit. Here’s a recipe from one of my faves if you’re ready to make from scratch!
Bento Box
The best thing about a bento box is that you can make it the way you like it! Here are some ideas to get you started.
Bibimbap
Such a versatile and delicious dish! Take a look at this recipe to get you started
Biryani
Aromatic, flavoursome biryani is such a beautiful way to enjoy dinner. Here’s a vegetable biryani recipe to try
Burgers
The love of my life! My personal fave patty is Beyond Meat and I love to top mine with Rubies in the Ruble mayo and vegan cheese but the world is your oyster!
Burritos
Load yours up with guac, beans, mushrooms, vegan creme fraiche (I use Oatly), vegan chicken (I love THIS Isn’t), veggies, rice – whatever takes your fancy!
Cacio e Pepe
Rest assured, it’s possible to enjoy this sexy little number as a vegan. Check out this recipe from Italia Plant Based!
Carbonara
Italia Plant Based is back with a vegan carbonara recipe. This creamy dish used to be my go-to order at an Italian restaurant so I can’t wait to try this recipe out.
Casserole
There are many different kinds of casserole you can put together to warm yourself up on a winter’s night. Here’s a collection of recipes for you to choose from!
Cauliflower steak
Are these anything like a meat steak? Absolutely not but they can be delicious in their own right! This recipe received rave reviews.
Chilli
Served with rice or tortilla chips, this hearty winter warmer is perfect for a quick, easy dinner!
Chips, peas and a main of your choice
Vegan breaded fish, M&S chicken Kievs, pies, “fish” fingers etc.
Corn chowder
Chunky, creamy goodness which is so easy to make! Check out Minimalist Baker’s recipe
Creamy tomato pasta
There are so many variations on this, you can make it however you like but here’s a simple recipe to follow
Crispy tofu
With maple-soy glaze. Here’s The Foodie Takes Flight’s recipe for maple hoisin tofu
Curry
This covers such a wide range of recipes and I can’t go into them all but there are SO many options – Jamaican, Indian, Thai, Sri Lankan, Ghanaian, Mauritian – the list is endless! You’ll find so many recipes online to get you started.
Dal
Dal is such a perfect lunch option, whether it’s masoor dal tadka, yellow daal tadka, dal makhani etc. They’re light but filling and packed with flavour. You could pair yours with some naan or chapati if you’re feeling hungry! Here’s a great recipe to try out.
Dan Dan Noodles
Let Chez Jorge take care of you
Delivery Service
There are lots of companies around now like All Plants, Mindful Chef, Gousto and Hello Fresh which provide vegan meal deliveries which you can either refrigerate or freeze at home ready to cook
Dumplings
You can make your own if you’ve got some spare time or pick up some veggie dumplings from the supermarket!
Dolma
The Greek Vegan can show you how it’s done
Enchiladas
There’s a whole range of vegan enchilada recipes on this site from Mexican chef Dora, including spicy peanut enchiladas and potato enchilada
Ethiopian Spiced Red Lentils
This one looks particularly delicious
Ethiopian Injera
This sour, almost pancakey bread is an Ethiopian staple which pairs really well with Ethiopian. Try this recipe out for size
Fajitas
You can make these with veggies only or with vegan chicken. I like to add peppers, vegan cheese, guacamole and vegan creme fraiche
Fettucine Alfredo
This 30 minute recipe will have you tucking into this creamy number in no time
“Fish” and chips
The Bosh boys are ready to bring you your favourite British supper once again
“Fish” pie
Yes, there is absolutely something fishy about this recipe from Bosh
Flatbreads (Loaded)
With roasted veggies, vegan cheese, chickpeas, tahini – the choices are endless
French onion soup
Not the kind of dish you’d normally imagine eating as a vegan but this recipe looks pretty damn satisfying
Fried Chicken
You can make this with whichever ingredients you like but my favourite way is to use oyster mushrooms. I love the juicy texture they create. This recipe looks great!
Fried Rice
A quick, simple, delicious dinner. If you’re feeling creative, why not try these pineapple fried rice bowls from Woon Heng? You can also add tofu / tempeh to bulk it out a little
Fritters
Black-eyed pea fritters, Sweetcorn fritters, whatever fritters tickle your fancy
Gado-gado
Here’s a recipe for this classic (and delicious) Indonesian dish
Garlic “Chicken” Penne
Just give me a creamy dish and I’m happy. This recipe looks great and you could also add some This Isn’t chicken if you want to bulk it out a bit
Gnocchi
So many options but a pesto gnocchi dish is super quick and easy to make
Goulash
Hearty and warming, this recipe is similar to the traditional Hungarian dish but obviously with a vegan twist
Hash
With potatoes and veggies. Whoever told you this dish was only for breakfast was wrong!
Hotdogs
There are so many vegan sausage options out there now – you can go for a more natural veggie loaded option or a meat substitute like Moving Mountains or Beyond Meat.
Jacket potato
This can be as simple as beans and cheese or could be topped with chilli, chickpea tuna or bolognese. Whatever floats your boat!
Jamaican ackee patties
I’ve never made these before but I’m dying to. They sound incredible! Here’s the recipe I’m planning to use
Jerk “chicken” or tofu
with rice and peas. Here’s one to get you started
Jerk Plantain
These look SO GOOD.
Jollof Rice
Easy and flavoursome, this is such a good lunch option. This recipe isn’t vegan but just swap the chicken broth for veggie
Kale Pesto Chicken Pasta
This dish isn’t vegan but you could easily swap out the chicken and parmesan for vegan versions
Katsu Curry
Woon Heng’s crunchy tofu Katsu noodle bowl looks all kinds of unreal
Kung Pao
You can make this with cauliflower, vegan chicken or tofu. Here’s Woon Heng’s recipe for Kung Pau Cauli
Lasagna
The ultimate comfort food. Layer me up! Here’s a recipe I tried recently and enjoyed
Linguine
Who doesn’t love linguine?! This Italia Plant Based recipe with chanterelle mushrooms looks unreal!
Loaded Potato Skins
I feel that these don’t get enough air time in society. They’re so great. Check out these amazing vegan ones from Vegan Brown Ting
Macaroni “cheese”
One of my favourite dishes in the world! Here’s the recipe I’ve used for a couple of years now
Meatball sub
You could make these with vegan mince, mushrooms, lentils and your own marinara sauce for an easy, delicious dinner
Mexican-style bowls
Beans, guac, salsa, avocado, rice – Load up your bowl with all of your favourite Mexican flavours and enjoy!
Miso aubergine
This recipe isn’t entirely vegan but you could easily swap out the honey for maple syrup or another vegan sweetner. It sounds unreal!
Mix and Match Bowl
Honestly, this is probably the lunch I have more often than any other. Kind of like the pick ‘n’ mix of the food world, I just chuck a load of ingredients I like in a bowl and go to town on it. Some of my favourites include vine leaves, avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, asparagus, broccoli, spinach, hummus, olives, beetroot, vegan cheese, vegan meat, edamame, tempeh, tofu and whatever else my belly desires!
Moussaka
I’m so keen to try this lentil based recipe out for size
Mujadara
A signature Middle Eastern dish of lentils and rice with crispy onions. Here’s a recipe to get you started
Mushroom Bourguignon
Juicy mushrooms in a rich red wine gravy. Say no more! Try this recipe out for size
Nachos
Load. Those. Bad Boys. Up. I recommend Applewood cheese purely for meltability but also smokiness here
Nasi Goreng
So easy to make yet packed with so much flavour. This is a really simple dinner recipe!
Noodle Bowl
Noodles topped with a peanut sesame dressing, tofu and veggies. Quick, simple, delicious. Here’s a great recipe
Noodle Soup
There are so many variations of this you could make but this kimchi noodle soup with dumplings looks pretty epic
Oaxacan Bowl
Spicy and hearty. I can’t wait to try this recipe
Okonomiyaki
A savoury pancake? That’s my kind of dinner! Check out this recipe
Orange Cauliflower
You can either make this as a main dish or make some of Woon Heng’s orange cauliflower bites which look dreamy
Orecchiette
There are so many variations but I couldn’t not share this creamy carrot miso recipe because it sounds unreal
Orzo
With roasted tomatoes
Pad Thai
Woon Heng saves the day once again! This recipe looks incredible
Paella
I love a good vegetable paella! This recipe in particular sounds so good
Parmigiana
Aubergine parmigiana just sounds *too* good. Check out this recipe
Pasta bake
I cannot wait to faceplant into this dish
Pasta Salad
So versatile! You can add anything your heart desires to a pasta dish and it’ll probably work (don’t quote me on that). Peppers, tomatoes, onion, spinach, olives etc. Here are 15 vegan pasta salad recipes for you to choose from
Patatas Bravas
Garlic, tomatoes and potatoes. What’s not to love? Give this recipe a go
Penne arrabbiata
I live on this when I visit Italy and never get sick of it! Try this recipe out
Pesto pasta
You can make your own pesto quite easily or pick up a jar at the supermarket (just check the ingredients as some contain parmesan)
Philly Cheesesteak
Not a dish you’d expect to be eating as a vegan but this one looks legit
Pho
Comfort food in a bowl. Check out Woon Heng’s recipe here
Pie and mash
The range of vegan pies available now is phenomenal. The best independent brand I know of is Young Vegans but even Pukka Pies has their own vegan range now. It’s also quite easy to make your own. I personally love a good creamy mushroom option.
Pizza
Make your own, order in, buy from the supermarket – vegan pizza options are everywhere!
Poke Bowl
This is one of my favourite lunch options because it’s a bit heartier than a salad but you get to add all of your fave items in! I love adding tofu, avocado, seaweed, edamame beans, sesame seeds and cucumber. Give this one from Okonomi Kitchen a whirl.
Potato Salad
I just wing it when I’m throwing a potato salad together but I usually use either Hellmann’s or Vegenaise, chuck in some red onions, gherkins, vegan bacon, dijon mustard, salt, pepper & paprika. Here’smy recipe and Here’s a more official recipe for you if you prefer!
Puttanesca
Tomatoes, olives, capers – you can’t go wrong. This recipe looks delightful
Quesadillas
Cheesy, carby pockets of goodness. I’d recommend using Applewood for these as I think the flavour would work well and they’d melt nicely. Here’s a recipe for you to try
Queso
With nacho crisps
Quiche / Frittata / Tart
Pair it with some salad and you’ve got yourself a tasty lunch. Try thisrecipe on for size
Quinoa Bowl
With veggies and tahini. Here’s a delicious looking recipe
Ragu
This mushroom and lentil rags looks divine
Ravioli
There are some ready-made ravioli products in M&S and Waitrose now or you can make your own! This spinach ravioli recipe looks good
Ramen
Woon Heng strikes again! Here’s the recipe for her delicious vegan miso ramen
Ratatouille
Tomato based stew with tonnes of veggies. Serve with bread or rice for a more hearty meal. Try this recipe.
Rice & Tofu
Add some veggies and a simple dressing or sauce and away you go! This one from Woon Heng looks divine
Rice Bowl
Rice, beans, tahini, kale – This can be a simple of complex as you like
Rice Paper Rolls (aka summer rolls)
These are such an easy summer go-to lunch. There really easy to make and you can stuff them full of your fave veggies and noodles. I like to eat mine with a peanut sauce. Check The Viet Vegan’s recipe for details
Risotto
There are endless risotto recipes but this creamy mushroom number caught my eye
Roast dinner
A British classic! You can either buy or make your own ingredients. I love a nut roast, a wellington, pulled oyster mushrooms in place of meat or even just a pie or sausages as the main if you’d prefer. There are so many options now!
Roasted vegetables
Pop them on a tray, add some seasoning, roast them and you’re done! You can also add tofu or tempeh if you so desire.
Salad
I mean, how long you got? We could be here all day listing ideas for salads. Here are some ideas for you:
– Chickpea “tuna’ salad
– Caesar salad with THIS Isn’t Chicken
– Falafel salad
– Greek salad with vegan feta
– Veg and quinoa salad
– Lime, corn and bean salad
– White bean and kale soup
– Cobb salad
– Mango and avocado black rice salad with cilantro-lime vinaigrette
– Lentil and roasted vegetable salad
– Chickpea quinoa salad with orange soy and sesame dressing
– Cous Cous salad
– Marrinated, fried tofu salad bowl
Salt and pepper tofu
The Foodie Takes Flight’s recipe looks so delicious
Satay
Just give me all the peanut butter. Satay sauces are so easy to make and you can use them on so many things – in a stir fry, on top of a veggie bowl, whatever your heart desires! This vegan satay and yellow curry recipe from Woon Heng sound delightful
Sausage and mash
Easy peasy. Check my ‘vegan meat substitutes’ post to see my face vegan sausages available now!
Schnitzel
You can buy these ready made now but they’re also super easy to make yourself
Scramble – Tofu or ackee
Pair that bad boy with some veggies and you’re onto a winner
Shepherds Pie
A winter staple. Here’s a 1 hour recipe!
Singapore Noodles
I could live on noodles and this recipe looks beautiful!
Sloppy Joes
This recipe uses lentils to recreate this popular dish and they look amazing!
Soup
There are so many varieties of soup! Here are some popular ones:
– Carrot and coriander
– Cauliflower and lentils
– Chickpea and vegetable
– Miso
– Mushroom
– Parsnip
– Pea and mint
– Pea and potato
– Pumpkin
– Squash lentil and coconut
– Tomato
Spaghetti and meatballs
These meatballs look so bloody good
Spaghetti Bolognese
This is such a classic. So simple, so easy, so hearty, so delicious. There are so many recipes out there now which you could follow. Whichever one you choose to follow, my little tips are to add marmite (for umami flavour), nooch for cheesiness and also a little dash of mushroom ketchup (thank me later).
Spanish tortilla
Squeaky Bean now do a pre-made one but here’s a recipe for one you can make at home
Stew
There are so many stew recipes – here’s a collection for you to choose from
Stir fry
This is a really simple dinner to throw together. Lots of supermarkets offer ‘stir fry’ deals right now where you can pick up noodles, veggies, a protein and a sauce as part of a deal but it’s also very simple to make at home if you’ve got a bit more time on your hands. Check out thisspicy upon stir-fry recipe
Stuffed Pasta Shells
Cheese stuffed pasta shells is my idea of heaven! Here’s a vegan recipe for you to follow
Stuffed Plantains with Black Beans
These. Look. Unreal.
Stuffed pumpkin / mushrooms / peppers
Stuff them full with your favourite ingredients and you’re good to go. So simple!
Sushi
Such an easy dish to make at home. I like to use smoked carrot and avocado (or Odontella “salmon” when I can afford to) or THIS Isn’t Chicken mayo and avocado. Otherwise, there are lots of places offering vegan sushi now – Itsu, Wasabi, Yo Sushi and lots of supermarkets have their own brand now too. What a time to be alive!
Tacos
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Tacos are an all day food. They’re the best. Chuck whatever you want in them, I’ve never met a taco I didn’t like. This page has some traditional vegan taco recipes but a really easy go-to is BBQ jackfruit, banana blossom “fish” or cauliflower
Tagine
An easy one pot lunch with beautiful Moroccan flavours throughout. Try this recipe!
Toad in the hole
Let Gaz take care of you with this epic recipe
Veggie bowl
With a grain (e.g. rice), a protein (e.g. tempeh) and a sauce to tie it all together (e.g. tahini)
Vegetable Kebabs
Roasted veggies with vegan greek cheese on a skewer. Dreamy.
Vodka Rigatoni
One of my favourite pasta dishes and it’s so simple! The vodka just helps to bring out the flavours of the tomatoes. Try this recipe!
Wedges
Either potato or sweet potato, whatever floats your carby boat
Wrap / Pittas
A quick, easy dinner option with a wide array of options including:
– Breakfast wrap with scrambled ackee or tofu, vegan sausage, spinach, vegan bacon etc.
– Falafel wrap – It would also be very un-vegan of me to not mention the OG. The original and still one of the best IMO.
“Chicken” caesar wraps using THIS Isn’t Chicken
– Hoisin mushroom wrap
– Pesto salad wrap
– Spicy buffalo chickpea wrap
– Jamaican jerk jackfruit Caribbean black bean mango wraps
Wellington
You could make this using tempeh, mushrooms or lentils!