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22 Easy Vegan Dinner Recipes to Start Your Plant-Based Journey

22 Easy Vegan Dinner Recipes to Start Your Plant-Based Journey

By Betty Gold

Updated January 10, 2020

Credit: Beatriz da Costa

We're all in. Not only is plant-based eating good for the environment and for your body, it can be incredibly satisfying and tasty, especially with these hearty recipes. And who doesn't love a theme party (and an excuse to BYO reusable water bottle to the table)? Grab your best chef's knife—you'll be needing it for all these veggies.

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Cauliflower Tartine With Romesco Sauce

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

You'll get rave reviews from guests with this delicious open-faced sandwich—it looks high-maintainance but is super simple to make. Golden raisins and fresh parsley are in the mix to freshen and sweeten the delectable combo of Romesco and cauliflower, but you can try using cilantro and chopped dates for a different spin. Heads up: make sure to buy vegan sourdough bread.

Get the recipe: Roasted and Pickled Cauliflower Sandwiches With Romesco

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Eggplant-Mushroom Meatball Sub

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Eggplant meatballs mixed with umami-rich mushrooms, served on fluffy whole-wheat hoagies? These sandwiches are so flavorful, your dinner guests will forget they're made without any meat. To make them vegan, make sure to skip the Parmesan cheese. And if you want the salty, savory flavor of cheese without the dairy, use nutritional yeast.

Get the recipe: Eggplant-Mushroom Meatball Sub

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Spicy Coconut Noodles

Credit: Beatriz da Costa

This Asian-inspired dish gets its richness from coconut milk, tomato paste, and spices.

Get the recipe: Spicy Coconut Noodles

4 of 22

Cool Southwestern Salad With Corn and Avocado

Credit: Con Poulos

Serve this refreshing salad with tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.

Get the recipe: Cool Southwestern Salad With Corn and Avocado

5 of 22

Winter Lentil Soup

Credit: Kana Okada

Use kale, leeks, and sweet potatoes in this warming one-pot meal.

Get the recipe: Winter Lentil Soup

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Asian Hot Pot

Credit: John Kernick

Thinly sliced mushrooms lend an earthy flavor and richness to this brothy noodle soup.

Get the recipe: Asian Hot Pot

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Stir-Fried Rice Noodles With Tofu and Vegetables

Credit: Christopher Baker

To ensure that the tofu browns, pat it dry before cooking.

Get the recipe: Stir-Fried Rice Noodles With Tofu and Vegetables

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Three-Bean Chili With Spring Pesto

Credit: James Merrell

Three types of beans—chickpeas, cannellini, and kidney—ensures this chili is filling and full of protein.

Get the recipe: Three-Bean Chili With Spring Pesto

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Rigatoni Peperonata

Credit: Con Poulos

This recipe calls for pitted kalamata olives—you can buy them pre-pitted or remove the pits yourself. Just press down on the olives with the flat side of a chef’s knife to squeeze the pits out.

Get the recipe: Rigatoni Peperonata