Quick and Easy Plant-Based Recipes You Can Make in 20 Minutes or Less
There’s something satisfying about whipping up a delicious dish in mere minutes. And you’ll be happy to know that many plant-based ingredients actually lend themselves to quick-and-easy cooking. Canned beans, leafy greens, fruit, and many types of vegetables can all be used with little preparation. With these ingredients, you can transform any rice, noodle, or stew into a meal that’s hearty, interesting, and flavorful.
But when you’re pressed for time in the kitchen, it helps to have a few fast recipes in your repertoire. And we’ve got you covered. From artichoke Panzanella salads and Buffalo chickpea lettuce wraps to creamy vegan alfredo sauce and protein-packed nachos, this Monday check out our roundup of quick-and-easy plant-based dishes that you can make in 20 minutes or less.
Artichoke Panzanella Salad
Panzanella is a simple bread salad that’s as satisfying as it is simple. All you need for this artichoke Panzanella salad is some (mildly) stale leftover bread, tomatoes, cucumber, artichoke hearts, and a drizzle of homemade dressing. Panzanella can serve as the main dish or a refreshing accent to any meal.
For the Artichoke Panzanella recipe, click here.
Asian Noodle Bowl with Spicy Almond Sauce
A spin on the classic peanut noodle, this recipe calls for almond butter to give the dish a nuttier flavor. Add in some lime juice, chile sauce, and scallion for a well-balanced recipe that can be prepared at a moment’s notice.
For the Asian Noodle Bowl with Spicy Almond Sauce recipe, click here.
Breakfast Sweet Potato
A quick and nutritious breakfast will set you up for success. When using the microwave (a very underrated kitchen appliance), this breakfast sweet potato can be ready to go in less than 10 minutes. Top with peanut butter, chia seeds, and banana for a crunchy, sweet, and satisfying morning meal.
For the Breakfast Sweet Potato recipe from Krolls Korner, click here.
Buffalo Chickpea Lettuce Wraps
Who needs Buffalo chicken when you can have Buffalo chickpea? This plant-based version of the classic uses the same spicy flavor profile but the dish feels lighter thanks to the chickpeas and lettuce wrap.
For the Buffalo Chickpea Lettuce Wraps recipe from Running for Real with Tina Muir, click here.
Burrito Bowl in a Hurry
This burrito bowl hardly takes any cooking at all; it’s really more of an assembly process. Use any leftover grain (rice, quinoa, couscous, frozen cauliflower rice) and add your favorite toppings. We recommend thawed frozen corn, guacamole, seasoned beans or tofu, salsa, and crunchy tortilla strips.
For the Burrito Bowl recipe, click here.
Creamy Vegan Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Creaminess from cauliflower? You bet. This creamy vegan alfredo sauce recipe gets it smooth, silky texture from a combination of garlic-infused cauliflower purée and vegetable stock. Add the sauce to your favorite noodle shape and toss in some spinach, squash, or tomatoes for a satisfying plant-based pasta dish.
For the Vegan Alfredo Sauce recipe from Warrior in the Kitchen, click here.
Easy Veggie Lo Mein
Once you make this easy veggie lo mein at home, you may think twice about getting takeout. This recipe is lighter on the oil and is packed with a variety of fresh vegetables, all seasoned with a tangy, spicy sauce. You can have this recipe completed—start to finish—in under 20 minutes.
For the Easy Veggie Lo Mein recipe, click here.
Navy Bean Bruschetta
Sure, traditional bruschetta is made with diced fresh tomatoes, but this version boasts a bit more protein thanks to a base of navy beans. An uncomplicated app for any occasion.
For the Navy Bean Bruschetta recipe, click here.
Protein-Packed Chili Nachos
Perfect for gatherings or an after-school snack, these protein-packed chili nachos can be made with whatever you have on hand, but they’re best when loaded with vegetarian chili, corn kernels (thawed), meatless crumbles, and pico de gallo. You can also sprinkle some plant-based cheese or top with guacamole for an extra pop of flavor.
For the Protein-Packed Chili Nachos recipe, click here.
Quick and Easy Hummus
To make hummus requires four ingredients — chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, salt — and a food processor. Yep, that’s it. Enjoy.
For the Quick and Easy Hummus recipe, click here.
Three Bean Salad
Impress at your next cookout or luncheon with this super simple three bean salad. Use any of your favorite varieties of beans, add diced cucumbers, bell peppers, and cilantro, and toss in a quick vinaigrette. Since it’s all raw, total prep time is around 15 minutes, depending on your skills with a can opener.
For the Three Bean Salad recipe from Goya, click here.
Click here for more Meatless Monday recipes. When posting pictures of recipes to your social media network, tag @MeatlessMonday use #MeatlessMonday to show the plant-based community your creation.