Whether you’re fully plant-based or just trying to eat more vegan meals during the week, it doesn’t have to be complicated—or boring. These three easy vegan recipes are satisfying, nutritious, and simple enough to make even on a busy weeknight.Who doesn’t like easy vegan recipes? And the additional benefit of being affordable?

Let’s dig in!

🍋 1. Lemon Garlic Pasta with Spinach

This dish is simple, fresh, and tangy—perfect for a light but satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti or linguine (gluten-free if needed)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

• 2 cups fresh baby spinach

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes.

3. Stir in lemon zest and juice, then add spinach. Cook until just wilted.

4. Add the drained pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss everything together.

5. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle with nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan, if using.

🌮 2. Quick Black Bean Tacos

These tacos are a weeknight savior—fresh, filling, and fun to assemble.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1/2 red onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1/2 tsp cumin

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• Juice of 1/2 lime

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Corn tortillas

• Optional toppings: avocado, salsa, chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.

3. Add black beans, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 5 minutes, then mash some of the beans for texture.

4. Add lime juice, salt, and pepper.

5. Warm tortillas and fill with bean mixture and toppings.

🍝 3. One-Pot Lentil Tomato Pasta

Hearty and satisfying, this dish gives serious “comfort food” energy—with zero animal products.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini work well)

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute.

3. Stir in lentils, crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, and pasta.

4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta and lentils are tender.

5. Season with salt and pepper. Top with basil if desired.

Eating vegan doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. With a few pantry staples and a little love, these easy vegan recipes make plant-based eating easy—and enjoyable. Try one this week and see how delicious simplicity can be!