20 of the Most Delicious Vegan Recipes We Know

updated May 1, 2019
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(Image credit: Maria Siriano)

If you’ve been a lifelong omnivore, going vegan probably seems really intimidating. And don’t get us wrong: it’s a real change, to be sure. But it’s also a do-able one, as long as you have solid recipes to rely on. If you find yourself deciding that a vegan way of eating is for you, these 20 meat-free and dairy-free recipes are an excellent place to start. With them, we think you’ll find that going vegan is actually a lot easier than you think.

Forget green pesto — we’re all about pink pasta, thanks to this rich pesto made with roasted beets. With olive oil, almonds, and red wine vinegar, there’s no dairy required.

(Image credit: Maria Siriano)

This recipe is a fresh and filling all-veggie meal with a base of sushi rice. The best part? That avocado flower, hands-down.

(Image credit: Samantha Bolton)

With only four ingredients and four steps, these cookies are not only vegan, but also Paleo and gluten-free. Finally a cookie that almost anyone can enjoy. (Although those with nut allergies unfortunately have to skip this recipe.)

(Image credit: Sarah E Crowder)

Falafel is one of those amazing vegan main dishes that doesn’t feel like you’re missing out on anything.

(Image credit: Maria Siriano)

If you’re going to go vegan, it’s important to master the art of the stir-fry. This version makes great use of Asian eggplant. Just be sure you’re using vegan oyster sauce in the recipe.

(Image credit: Gina Eykemans)

Vegan queso sounds like an oxymoron, right? But this creamy dip is as close to the real deal as you can get without having any dairy. We dare you to serve it at your next party without telling anyone it’s vegan.

(Image credit: Melissa Ryan)

The creamy texture of this soup comes from coconut milk and puréed cauliflower, which has been cooked with onions, garlic, and plenty of spices. The only thing left to decide is which toppings you want to use.

(Image credit: Sarah E Crowder)

Yes, it’s incredibly easy to make a grain bowl vegan, but that doesn’t mean they are always exciting. It takes a little extra effort to play around with flavor combinations, but the results — like this garam masala squash version — are totally worth it.

(Image credit: Katie Webster)

Rutabagas are experiencing a bit of a resurgence, and this salad is a perfect example of why they are finally getting their due. It’s simple, fresh, and guaranteed to please vegans and non-vegans alike.

(Image credit: Leela Cyd)

We’re big fans of chia seeds here at The Kitchn — especially for vegan recipes. They add a nice variety of textures to smoothies and puddings like this cashew-cardamom version. Just remember that you’ll want to make this in advance, as the chia seeds need a solid eight hours in the fridge to plump up to their full potential.

(Image credit: Melissa Ryan)

This dish is packed with protein, thanks to the butter beans and the millet — no small feat for a vegan main! Give this recipe a try when you’re tired of quinoa.

(Image credit: Kelli Foster)

Skip the regular baked potato in favor of this baked sweet potato. Top it with sautéed rainbow chard, coconut chips, and pomegranate arils for an incredibly colorful and delicious dish.

(Image credit: Kathy Patalsky)

Vegan snacks can sometimes be harder to come up with than you might think. This riff on the quesadilla is made with avocado slices, lavash, and maple syrup for a perfectly sweet-salty combination.

(Image credit: Andrea Bemis)

Tahini is a great ingredient in the vegan repertoire. It’s the perfect stand-in when you want something creamy without the cream. Add in the fact that this slaw-like salad is topped with spiced chickpeas, and you have a total winner.

(Image credit: Karen Biton-Cohen)

How do you make a quinoa bowl less mundane? By adding a little bit of Asian-inspired flavor. The kimchi and miso sautéed mushrooms add that fermented umami taste that we’re always craving.

(Image credit: Maria Siriano)

We couldn’t resist including one more chia pudding recipe on the list — and this chocolate one does not disappoint. If you’re a bit weirded out by chia seeds, this recipe blends them so the texture is closer to regular chocolate pudding.

(Image credit: Kimberley Hasselbrink)

Barley isn’t just for winter soups and pilafs. It gets a fresh makeover here, thanks to crisp chunks of apple and celery. The herbed citrus dressing helps quite a bit, too.

(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

Made with red lentils and a duo of beans, you just might forget this plant-based chili doesn’t contain meat.

(Image credit: Christine Han)

This hearty veggie chowder is laced with warm spices and even better on the second day.

(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

Not only is this dairy-free sauce smooth, creamy, and cheesy, but it contains a wholesome dose of veggies and is easy to make any night of the week.