When it comes to nourishing both our bodies and the planet, plant-based meals are a winning combination. However, finding delicious, family-friendly meal ideas that cater to diverse tastes can be a daunting task. Fear not, as we’ve got a treasure trove of inspiration for you! We’re sharing 35 mouth-watering meat-free dinner options that will transport your taste buds to new heights and make you wonder how you ever managed without them.
35 Easy No Chicken Dinners
Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff
In this recipe, the richness of coconut milk replaces traditional sour cream as the creamy foundation. To begin, cook down mushrooms with aromatics like garlic and onion, accompanied by a pat of vegan butter. Once tender, add cooked pasta to create a harmonious blend.
Falafel Wrap
A staple of Middle Eastern cuisine, falafel offers unparalleled versatility when it comes to preparation and presentation. This particular recipe showcases the delightfully crunchy chickpea patties encased within a soft tortilla, accompanied by creamy hummus, fresh lettuce, and an assortment of vibrant vegetables.
Easy Vegan Baked Ziti
Transforming a beloved Italian classic into a vegan masterpiece requires minimal tweaks to the original recipe. By substituting traditional cheese with soy-based alternatives and incorporating plant-based meat crumbles, you can create a mouth-watering dish that’s as satisfying as its non-vegan counterpart. The combination of cooked pasta, marinara sauce, melted vegan cheese, and savory crumbles baked together in perfect harmony is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Grilled Veggie Burgers
Transform the humble plant-based burger by wrapping slices of portobello mushrooms, tender zucchinis, smoky eggplant, and sweet roasted red bell peppers within a bun, accompanied by crisp lettuce leaves, creamy veganaise, and any additional toppings that strike your fancy.
Veggie Fajitas
To add a burst of flavor to your meal, sauté sliced bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms in a pan until they’re tender and slightly caramelized. This savory medley pairs perfectly with warm flour or corn tortillas, creamy guacamole, and a dash of hot sauce for added depth.
Vegan Walnut Meatballs
Elevate your dish by replacing traditional meat with an abundance of walnuts, infusing it with a deep, nutty essence. Then, coat the walnut-based ‘meatballs’ in a rich tomato sauce and pair them with al dente spaghetti for a harmonious fusion of flavors.
Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
Transforming a beloved comfort food into a plant-based masterpiece, this recipe seamlessly blends the warmth of mashed potatoes, the earthiness of lentils, and the vibrant colors of mixed vegetables. By layering these ingredients and baking them to a golden perfection, you’ll be treated to a satisfyingly comforting dish that’s as satisfying for your taste buds as it is nutritious for your body.
Butternut Squash Couscous
Transform the flavors of roasted butternut squash by combining it with a medley of textures and tastes. Simply toss the roasted squash with fluffy couscous, crunchy chopped almonds, vibrant green onions, and a zesty dressing crafted from olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Creamy Avocado Pasta
Combining the natural flavors of fresh basil, creamy avocado, pungent garlic, and zesty lime juice with the crunch of green onions, Whizz transforms these ingredients into a silky-smooth sauce. Simply process them together in a food processor until well combined, then serve over your favorite cooked pasta for a dish that’s as vibrant as it is delicious.
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Transform earthy portobello mushrooms into a savory delight by filling them with a medley of flavors. Mix together toasted breadcrumbs, pungent garlic, and nutty parmesan cheese to create a mouthwatering filling. Place the stuffed mushrooms in the oven and allow the heat to tenderize their natural texture, while the cheese melts into a golden, gooey pool.
Chickpea Salad Wraps
Combine the nutritional benefits of chickpeas and avocado by mashing them together. This protein-rich filling can be wrapped up in a crispy lettuce leaf, accompanied by fresh slices of tomato and cucumber for a light and refreshing meal.
Vegan Taco Salad
Transform your salad into a flavorful fiesta by piling high a crisp bed of lettuce, then topping it off with juicy tomatoes, a dollop of creamy vegan sour cream, and a generous helping of rich guacamole. Add some excitement to the mix by incorporating taco-inspired filling options like tender lentils, hearty black beans, or crumbled tofu – your taste buds will do the salsa!
Veggie Pad Thai
To elevate the humble stir-fry, combine rice noodles with a medley of colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli. Next, scramble in some firm tofu, adding protein-packed punch to each bite. A sprinkle of peanuts adds satisfying crunch. But the true pièce de résistance is the spicy peanut sauce, which brings all the flavors together in perfect harmony.
Roasted Sweet Potato Stuffed With Quinoa
Transform a humble sweet potato into a nutritious and satisfying meal by baking it to perfection and filling it with a flavorful medley of quinoa, beans, corn, and the freshness of cilantro. This wholesome dish is sure to become a new favorite!
Slow Cooker Black Bean and Butternut Chili
Transform the essence of autumn by combining black beans, butternut squash, peppers, onions, and tomatoes with an aromatic blend of spices. This hearty mixture yields a comforting and warming chili that’s simplicity itself to prepare, making it perfect for a cozy evening in.
Vegan Margherita Pizza
Transforming a simple pizza night into an unforgettable experience starts with crafting the perfect pie. Begin by spreading a generous amount of tangy tomato sauce over a foundation of pizza dough, leaving just enough room for the toppings to shine. Next, sprinkle shredded vegan mozzarella cheese evenly across the surface, allowing its creamy texture to mingle with the sweet aroma of fresh basil leaves. Finally, pop your masterpiece into the oven and let the magic unfold as the crust transforms into a crispy golden brown and the cheese melts into a velvety delight.
Vegan Lemon Risotto
To create this delectable dish, start by combining sautéed onion, garlic, and a hint of lemon zest with Arborio rice and a flavorful broth. As you stir the mixture, allow the rice to cook until it reaches a creamy consistency. The result is a fresh and zesty culinary experience that’s sure to please even the most discerning palate.
Veggie Stir Fry
To prepare a flavorful stir-fry, combine broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms in a pan and cook at high heat for a few minutes. Add a dash of soy sauce or teriyaki sauce to enhance the dish’s umami flavor, then serve the mixture over a bed of fluffy rice.
Tuscan Vegan Gnocchi
Indulge in the comforting delight of these fluffy potato dumplings, perfectly paired with a rich tomato sauce or the vibrant flavors of pesto, elevating this humble dish into a satisfying meal.
Lentil and Sweet Potato Curry
In a harmonious blend of flavors, combine cooked red lentils with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes and the richness of canned tomatoes, all infused with the aromatic spices of a curry paste. This satisfying and wholesome dish is best served over a bed of fluffy rice, making for a filling and nourishing meal.
Vegan Spaghetti and Meatballs
Crafting a mouthwatering vegetarian alternative to traditional meatballs, this recipe employs texturized vegetable protein and breadcrumbs as the foundation. A medley of Italian herbs and spices adds depth to the dish, which is best served atop a bed of spaghetti smothered in marinara sauce and finished with a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan.
Teriyaki Tofu Stir-Fry
Transform the flavors of East Asia by pan-frying firm tofu alongside an assortment of vibrant vegetables in a savory teriyaki sauce crafted from a harmonious blend of soy sauce, fresh ginger, pungent garlic, and a sweetener of your preference. Serve this delectable combination atop a bed of fluffy rice or noodles for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Spicy Black Bean Burritos
Craft the ultimate burrito by stuffing tortillas with an array of savory ingredients, including well-seasoned black beans, fluffy rice, tangy salsa, creamy guacamole, and a medley of your preferred toppings. The resulting dish is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will leave you feeling fulfilled and craving another bite.
Vegan Cauliflower Alfredo
Transform the flavors of traditional Alfredo sauce by combining roasted cauliflower, aromatic garlic, and a blend of plant-based milk with the nutty depth of nutritional yeast. This innovative twist yields a rich, creamy, and dairy-free alternative that pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta, offering a comforting and satisfying meal.
Lentil and Vegetable Soup
Indulge in a comforting and nutritious meal with this delectable lentil-based soup, infused with an array of colorful vegetables and a medley of aromatic spices. The perfect remedy for a chilly evening or a pick-me-up on a gloomy day.
Vegan BBQ Pulled “Pork” Sandwiches
Transform pulled pork into a plant-based delight by substituting jackfruit or mushrooms as the base ingredient. Take it to the next level by slathering it in tangy BBQ sauce, then pile it high onto soft buns and top it off with a refreshing dollop of coleslaw for a sandwich that’s sure to hit the spot.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Transform your evening meal into a delightful culinary experience by merging the nutty flavor of cooked quinoa with the crispness of cucumber, the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, the brininess of olives, and the freshness of herbs. To take it to the next level, drizzle this medley with olive oil and squeeze in some lemon juice for a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave you feeling satisfied and rejuvenated.
Vegan Jambalaya
Imagining a pot bursting with the vibrant flavors of Louisiana, a harmonious blend of sautéed veggies, fluffy rice, and satisfying plant-based sausage or alternative proteins comes together in a mouth-watering jambalaya. This hearty dish is a masterclass in fusion cuisine, marrying the rich traditions of Creole cooking with the modern appeal of vegan-friendly ingredients.
Roasted Veggie and Hummus Wrap
Transform a medley of vegetables into a flavorful delight by roasting them to perfection. Then, take a tortilla and smother it with a creamy dollop of hummus. Next, fold the tortilla around the roasted vegetables, creating a nutritious and satisfying dinner that’s ready in no time.
Vegan Sweet and Sour Tofu
Transform the humble block of tofu into a culinary masterpiece by coating it in a delectable sweet and tangy sauce, crafted from the harmonious union of vinegar, sugar, and pineapple juice. This flavorful fusion is sure to elevate the dish to new heights when served alongside fluffy rice and a medley of vibrant vegetables, resulting in a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Portobello and Asparagus Risotto
Craft a rich and satisfying risotto by combining the earthy flavors of portobello mushrooms and asparagus with the nutty taste of Arborio rice, all bound together by the subtle tang of vegetable broth and the crisp acidity of white wine. This harmonious blend will create a creamy and savory dish that is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Vegan Lentil Tacos
Transform the humble lentil into a mouth-watering taco filling by combining it with an array of savory seasonings and aromatic spices. Then, indulge in this flavorful delight served within crispy taco shells and topped with your preferred garnishes.
Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Indulge in a nutritious meal by roasting spaghetti squash to perfection, then filling it with a vibrant mix of sautéed spinach and artichokes. The resulting dish is not only delicious but also packed with essential vitamins and nutrients.
Vegan Eggplant Parmesan
Transform the flavors of Italy into a plant-based masterpiece by creating layers of breaded and baked eggplant slices, rich tomato sauce, and creamy vegan mozzarella cheese. This innovative take on a beloved classic combines the best of both worlds.
Vegan Teriyaki Bowl
Indulge in a nutritious dinner by marrying tofu or tempeh with an assortment of colorful vegetables like broccoli and carrots, all tied together with the savory flavors of teriyaki sauce. Serve this harmonious medley over a bed of nutty brown rice for a filling and protein-packed meal that’s sure to please.When it comes to plant-based meals, there’s no need to sacrifice flavor or complexity. Our collection of 35 easy and chicken-free dinner ideas has demonstrated the incredible diversity and mouthwatering appeal that can be achieved without meat. Whether you’re a committed vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking for a healthier alternative, these recipes are designed to delight. So why not get cooking and discover the joy of plant-based cuisine?