Dinner is a time to unwind and enjoy a satisfying meal that nourishes your body and delights your taste buds.
Plant-based dinners can be incredibly varied, from hearty stews and casseroles to light and fresh salads.
Here are 35 delicious plant-based dinner recipes to inspire your evening meals.
These recipes will keep you feeling full and happy, whether you’re looking for something quick and easy or a dish to impress your guests.
1. Eggplant & Lentil Stew
Sauté diced eggplant, onions, garlic, and bell peppers until softened.
Add cooked lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
Season with cumin, coriander, and paprika, then until the flavors meld together.
Serve with crusty bread for a hearty and comforting dinner.
2. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
Layer cooked lentils and mixed vegetables in a baking dish and top with mashed potatoes.
Bake until the top is golden brown.
This classic dish is comforting, filling, and perfect for a cozy evening meal.
3. Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Fill large Portobello mushroom caps with a mixture of quinoa, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nuts.
Bake until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is heated through.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze for an elegant and flavorful dinner.
4. Thai Green Curry
Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in a large pot.
Add Thai green curry paste, coconut milk, and mixed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and snap peas.
Simmer until the vegetables are tender, then serve over jasmine rice for a spicy and aromatic meal.
5. Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce
Roast spaghetti squash until tender, then scrape out the strands with a fork.
Top with a rich marinara sauce made from sautéed onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, and fresh basil.
Serve with a side of garlic bread for a low-carb yet satisfying dinner.
6. Vegan Lasagna
Layer lasagna noodles with a mixture of tofu ricotta, spinach, and marinara sauce.
Top with a cashew-based cheese sauce and bake until bubbly and golden.
This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd and will satisfy even the most ardent cheese lovers.
7. Chickpea & Spinach Stuffed Peppers
Halve bell peppers and fill with a mixture of chickpeas, spinach, brown rice, and marinara sauce.
Bake until the peppers are tender.
Top with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
8. Vegan Paella
Sauté onions, garlic, bell peppers, and tomatoes in a large pan.
Add saffron, smoked paprika, and vegetable broth.
Stir in Arborio rice and simmer until the rice is tender.
Add peas and artichoke hearts towards the end of cooking, then garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.
9. Mushroom Stroganoff
Sauté sliced mushrooms, onions, and garlic in a pan.
Add vegetable broth, coconut milk, and Dijon mustard.
Simmer until thickened, then serve over egg-free noodles or mashed potatoes for a creamy and comforting dinner.
10. Vegan Enchiladas
Fill corn tortillas with a mixture of black beans, sweet potatoes, and spinach.
Roll up and place in a baking dish, then top with enchilada sauce and bake until heated through.
Serve with avocado slices and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
11. Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash
Roast halved acorn squash until tender, then fill with a mixture of cooked quinoa, cranberries, pecans, and kale.
Drizzle with a maple vinaigrette for a sweet and savory dinner that’s perfect for autumn.
12. Tofu Stir-Fry
Sauté cubes of tofu with mixed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas.
Add a sauce made from soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of maple syrup.
Serve over brown rice or quinoa for a quick and healthy dinner.
13. Vegan Moussaka
Layer eggplant slices with a mixture of lentils, tomatoes, and spices in a baking dish.
Top with a creamy cashew-based béchamel sauce and bake until golden and bubbly.
This Greek-inspired dish is hearty and full of flavor.
14. Black Bean & Sweet Potato Chili
Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers, then add diced sweet potatoes, black beans, tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
Season with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
Simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender, then serve with cornbread for a satisfying meal.
15. Vegan Pad Thai
Sauté tofu, bell peppers, and carrots in a pan.
Add cooked rice noodles and a sauce made from peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and a touch of maple syrup.
Toss to coat and serve with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro.
16. Ratatouille
Sauté eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes in a pan with garlic and olive oil.
Simmer until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
Serve over polenta or with crusty bread for a rustic and comforting dinner.
17. Vegan Pizza
Top a whole-grain pizza crust with marinara sauce, sliced tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach.
Sprinkle with nutritional yeast and bake until the crust is crispy and the vegetables are tender.
Serve with a side salad for a fun and easy dinner.
18. Cauliflower Tacos
Roast cauliflower florets with taco seasoning until crispy.
Serve in corn tortillas with shredded cabbage, avocado, and a drizzle of lime crema made from cashews, lime juice, and a touch of water.
Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
19. Vegan Gumbo
Sauté onions, bell peppers, and celery in a large pot.
Add okra, tomatoes, vegetable broth, and a blend of Cajun spices.
Stir in cooked rice and simmer until the flavors meld together, then serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
20. Vegan Poke Bowl
Fill a bowl with a base of sushi rice or quinoa.
Top with marinated tofu, edamame, avocado, cucumber, and shredded carrots.
Drizzle with a sesame-ginger dressing and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a fresh and vibrant meal.
21. Moroccan Chickpea Stew
Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in a pot.
Add chickpeas, diced tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and vegetable broth.
Season with cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and a touch of harissa, then simmer until the vegetables are tender.
Serve with couscous and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
22. Vegan Sushi Rolls
Fill sushi nori with cooked brown rice, avocado, cucumber, and shredded carrots.
Roll tightly and slice into pieces.
Serve with soy sauce and pickled ginger for a fun and healthy dinner.
23. Roasted Vegetable & Quinoa Bowls
Roast a variety of vegetables like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and bell peppers until tender.
Serve over a bed of quinoa and drizzle with a tahini dressing.
Top with pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.
24. Vegan Jambalaya
Sauté onions, bell peppers, and celery in a large pot.
Add tomatoes, vegetable broth, brown rice, and a blend of Cajun spices.
Stir in kidney beans and simmer until the rice is tender and the flavors meld together.
25. Vegan Lentil Loaf
Mix cooked lentils with sautéed onions, garlic, carrots, and celery.
Add breadcrumbs and tomato paste to bind, then shape into a loaf and bake until firm.
Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy for a comforting dinner.
26. Vegan Fajitas
Sauté strips of bell peppers, onions, and portobello mushrooms with fajita seasoning.
Serve in warm tortillas with guacamole, salsa, and a squeeze of lime juice for a fun and flavorful dinner.
27. Vegan Paella
Sauté onions, garlic, bell peppers, and tomatoes in a large pan.
Add saffron, smoked paprika, and vegetable broth.
Stir in Arborio rice and simmer until the rice is tender.
Add peas and artichoke hearts towards the end of cooking.
Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.
28. Sloppy Joes
Sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic in a pan.
Add cooked lentils, tomato sauce, and a blend of spices.
Simmer until thickened and serve on whole-grain buns with pickles for a fun and nostalgic dinner.
29. Vegan Meatballs with Spaghetti
Blend cooked lentils with breadcrumbs, garlic, and herbs to form meatballs.
Bake until firm and serve with marinara sauce over spaghetti.
Top with fresh basil and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.
30. Vegan Cabbage Rolls
Fill blanched cabbage leaves with a mixture of cooked rice, lentils, and sautéed vegetables.
Roll up and place in a baking dish.
Top with tomato sauce and bake until heated through, you can serve with a side of steamed vegetables.
31. Vegan Miso Soup
Simmer vegetable broth with miso paste, tofu, and seaweed.
Add sliced mushrooms and chopped green onions for extra flavor.
Serve with a side of steamed rice for a light and comforting dinner.
32. Vegan Stroganoff
Sauté sliced mushrooms, onions, and garlic in a pan.
Add vegetable broth, coconut milk, and Dijon mustard.
Simmer until thickened, then serve over egg-free noodles or mashed potatoes for a creamy and comforting dinner.
33. Butternut Squash Risotto
Sauté onions and garlic in a large pot.
Add Arborio rice and toast until fragrant.
Gradually add vegetable broth, stirring constantly, until the rice is tender and creamy.
Stir in roasted butternut squash and a touch of nutritional yeast.
34. Vegan Pho
Simmer vegetable broth with star anise, cinnamon, and cloves.
Add rice noodles, tofu, and a variety of vegetables like bok choy and mushrooms.
Serve with fresh herbs, lime wedges, and bean sprouts for a fragrant and flavorful meal.
35. Pesto Pasta
Blend fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil to make pesto.
Toss with cooked pasta and cherry tomatoes.
Serve with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast and a side salad for a simple yet delicious dinner.
Conclusion
These 35 plant-based dinner recipes offer a variety of flavors and textures to make your evening meal satisfying and enjoyable.
From hearty stews and casseroles to light and fresh salads, there’s something here for everyone.
Enjoy these delicious recipes and feel good about nourishing your body with wholesome, plant-based ingredients.
