Living plant based doesn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen or intricate recipes. Sometimes, the most satisfying meals are the simplest, combining readily available ingredients to create quick and delicious dishes. That’s the beauty of our easy plant based meals we like to call “Simple Combination Dinners” – no fancy tricks, just wholesome, plant-powered goodness in a flash!
While these easy plant based meals are perfect for hectic weekdays, a little planning can go a long way! Stocking your pantry with our PLANT BASED STAPLES & ESSENTIALS ensures you always have the building blocks for quick and easy meals. Keep your GROCERY LIST PRINTABLES updated throughout the week, adding ingredients for the combos you crave, and utilize our MEAL PLANNING PRINTABLES to map out your weekly dinners and avoid last-minute scrambles. With these tools by your side, even the busiest days can bloom with delicious and easy plant based meals!
Ready to ditch the takeout menus and whip up something tasty? Let’s explore a few inspiring combos with these easy plant based meals:
Pizza Night: Skip the delivery and craft your own plant based masterpiece. Grab a premade crust, slather on some pizza sauce or vegan pesto, and then unleash your creativity! Sautéed veggies like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms add color and texture, while olives, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs like oregano make for a vibrant topping.
Hearty Chowder: Craving comfort food? This simple chowder is pure magic. Start with a box of your favorite vegan soup base (like this PACIFIC FOODS BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP), add drained cannellini beans and corn, and simmer until warm and fragrant. Boom! Instant nourishment in a bowl.
Miso Marvel: Elevate your miso soup with the addition of cooked and seasoned tofu, a bag of frozen riced cauliflower for a satisfying base, and a stir-fry mix for an explosion of vegetables. It’s a light yet filling meal that’s perfect for any night.
Gyro Goodness: Warm up those pita pockets and get ready for a flavor fiesta! Fill them with prepared vegan gyro meat (found at many Whole Foods), sliced red onion and tomato, and a dollop of creamy vegan tzatziki (our favorite pre-prepared is at Trader Joe’s). It’s like a Greek street food party in your own kitchen!
Mashed-Up Deliciousness: Don’t underestimate the power of a comforting mashed potato bowl. Combine vegan boxed instant potatoes (or use some leftovers you have on hand) with drained corn and crispy vegan chicken nuggets, then drizzle with homemade or purchased vegan gravy. We were inspired to try this classic comfort recipe based on a KFC Bowl hack. This classic combo never disappoints. Check out our 60-SECOND YOUTUBE VIDEO to see how simple it is.
Chili Chills: Spice up your life with a simple veg chili and rice combo. Heat up a simple can of vegan chili (like AMY’S brand), cook some white or brown rice according to package instructions, and get creative with toppings like diced onions, pickled jalapeños, crackers, and a dollop of vegan sour cream.
Sushi & Dumpling Delight: Take a trip to Asia and your senses with thank you! Grab some vegan avocado or cucumber rolls from your local market (read the label to make sure you choose a vegan option), and whip up some quick vegetable gyoza with store-bought dumplings and gyoza sauce. Easy, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious.
Dinner Omelette Done Right: Craving eggs but going plant based? JUST Egg has you covered! Scramble a container of JUST egg in a skillet with your favorite sautéed veggies, top with vegan cheese (if desired), and serve with a side of hash browns for a protein-packed breakfast-for-dinner treat. This brand is a big Yay in our “Yay or Nay” social media series because it really tastes like a traditional scrambled egg.
Buddha Bowl Bliss: Roasted veggies, chickpeas, and fluffy hummus – what’s not to love? Prepare riced cauliflower, roast chickpeas with sweet potatoes, onion, and your favorite spices (think shawarma!), and combine everything in a bowl with generous dollops of hummus. Drizzle with tahini or a fresh herb sauce for an extra punch of flavor.
Hearty Ramen Revolution: Choose any package of instant ramen and ditch the seasoning packets to make your own plant-powered version! Choose a flavorful veggie bouillon, sauté some zucchini and some pre-shredded carrots, add cooked and seasoned tofu, and pour over a bed of cooked ramen noodles. It’s warm, comforting, and totally customizable.
Remember, these 10 ideas are just a starting point! The beauty of simple combos is their flexibility. Get creative with your ingredients, explore different flavors, and don’t be afraid to experiment with these easy plant based meals. Before you know it, you’ll be a plant based dinner master, whipping up delicious meals in record time. So ditch the takeout menus, open your fridge, and get ready to cook up some simple joy!
Ready to explore more plant based inspiration? Check out all of our PRINTABLE MEAL GUIDES and these Simple Combination Dinners for a treasure trove of easy meal ideas and shopping lists!
Happy cooking!
