Looking for fresh, delicious, and satisfying vegan dinner recipes for two? Whether you’re celebrating a special night, planning a cozy meal, or simply want to add more plant-based goodness to your weeknight routine, you’re in the right place!
Vegan dinners can be hearty, nutrient-packed, and bursting with flavor, all while being simple enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for an at-home date night. In this post, I’ll share three of my favorite vegan dinner recipes for two: Chickpea & Spinach Coconut Curry, Grilled Vegetable & Pesto Pasta, and Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Black Beans & Avocado.
Each dish is easy to prepare, customizable, and guaranteed to leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.
Let’s dive in and make vegan meals at home exciting, accessible, and oh-so-tasty. If you’re craving even more inspiration, don’t miss my Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or these Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Portioned: Each recipe yields just enough for two, making it ideal for couples or roommates.
- Balanced & Hearty: Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and fresh veggies to keep you full and satisfied.
- Easy to Personalize: Swap out ingredients based on your pantry staples or seasonal veggies.
- Great for Beginners: Straightforward steps mean no complicated methods or rare ingredients.
- Impressively Flavorful: Each dish features a unique flavor profile—spicy, creamy, zesty, or savory.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers (if any!) are perfect for lunch the next day.
Recipe 1: Chickpea & Spinach Coconut Curry
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
Canned chickpeas, drained & rinsed | 1 can (15 oz) |
Fresh baby spinach | 3 cups |
Coconut milk (full-fat or light) | 1 can (13.5 oz) |
Onion, finely chopped | 1 small |
Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
Ginger, grated | 1 tbsp |
Curry powder | 2 tsp |
Ground cumin | 1/2 tsp |
Tomato paste | 1 tbsp |
Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
Salt & pepper | To taste |
Fresh cilantro (optional) | For garnish |
Cooked rice or quinoa | For serving |
Equipment
- Large sauté pan or deep skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Chef’s knife & cutting board
- Can opener
- Measuring spoons
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add spices: Sprinkle in the curry powder and cumin. Stir constantly for 1 minute to bloom the spices and deepen their flavor.
- Simmer with coconut milk: Add the tomato paste and stir to combine. Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
- Chickpeas and spinach: Stir in the drained chickpeas and simmer for 5 minutes. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot over rice or quinoa, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Switch up the greens: Try kale or collard greens instead of spinach for a heartier curry.
- Boost the veggies: Add diced sweet potato, bell peppers, or zucchini to make it even more filling.
- Spicier kick: Stir in a pinch of chili flakes or a diced fresh chili with the onions.
“For extra flavor, squeeze a bit of fresh lime over each serving just before eating!”
Nutrition Facts
Calories | ~410 per serving (without rice) |
Protein | 13 g |
Fiber | 10 g |
Fat | 18 g |
Sugar | 5 g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fluffy basmati rice, warm naan, or quinoa for extra protein.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for added crunch.
- Try with homemade Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.
Recipe 2: Grilled Vegetable & Pesto Pasta
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
Penne or fusilli pasta (dry) | 5 oz (about 1/3 box) |
Red bell pepper | 1, sliced |
Zucchini | 1 small, sliced |
Eggplant | 1/2 small, cubed |
Cherry tomatoes | 1 cup, halved |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Salt & pepper | To taste |
Store-bought or homemade vegan pesto | 1/4 cup |
Fresh basil (optional) | For garnish |
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Grill pan or outdoor grill (or oven for roasting)
- Mixing bowl
- Chef’s knife & cutting board
Instructions
- Prep veggies: Toss sliced red pepper, zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes in 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill or roast: Grill veggies on a hot grill pan or outdoor grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes, until tender and slightly charred.
- Cook pasta: Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and return to the pot.
- Toss together: Add grilled veggies and vegan pesto to the pasta. Toss gently to coat.
- Garnish and serve: Drizzle with remaining olive oil and top with fresh basil if using. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Veggie swaps: Use mushrooms, asparagus, or onions—whatever you have on hand!
- Make it gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free or legume-based pasta.
- Homemade pesto: Blend basil, garlic, pine nuts (or walnuts), olive oil, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast for a quick vegan pesto.
“Roasted or grilled veggies add a smoky depth to any pasta dish—don’t skip this step!”
Nutrition Facts
Calories | ~480 per serving |
Protein | 11 g |
Fiber | 7 g |
Fat | 14 g |
Sugar | 9 g |
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a glass of chilled white wine for a romantic evening.
- Add a side of homemade vegetable crackers and hummus for a complete meal.
- Serve with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
Recipe 3: Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Black Beans & Avocado
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
Large sweet potatoes | 2 |
Canned black beans, drained & rinsed | 1 cup |
Avocado | 1, diced |
Red onion, finely chopped | 1/4 cup |
Cherry tomatoes, quartered | 1/2 cup |
Lime juice | 2 tbsp |
Ground cumin | 1/2 tsp |
Chili powder | 1/2 tsp |
Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
Salt & pepper | To taste |
Fresh cilantro (optional) | For garnish |
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Fork
- Mixing bowl
- Chef’s knife & cutting board
Instructions
- Roast sweet potatoes: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub sweet potatoes, poke a few holes with a fork, and place on a baking sheet. Roast for 40-50 minutes, until fork-tender.
- Prepare filling: While potatoes bake, combine black beans, red onion, tomatoes, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss gently.
- Stuff and top: Once sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice open and fluff the inside with a fork. Pile the bean mixture inside and top with diced avocado and fresh cilantro.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately while warm.
Tips & Variations
- Quick microwave option: Microwave sweet potatoes for 8-10 minutes if you’re short on time.
- Add crunch: Top with toasted pumpkin seeds or crushed tortilla chips.
- Change the beans: Pinto beans or lentils work beautifully here too.
“A drizzle of vegan sour cream or a splash of hot sauce takes this dish to the next level!”
Nutrition Facts
Calories | ~420 per serving |
Protein | 9 g |
Fiber | 13 g |
Fat | 11 g |
Sugar | 10 g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside a crisp slaw or simple salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with a bowl of Low Calorie Vegetable Soup for extra warmth and comfort.
- Add a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or sauteed greens.
Conclusion
Cooking vegan dinners for two doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With the right ingredients and a dash of creativity, you can enjoy meals that are both nourishing and bursting with flavor.
These three recipes—Chickpea & Spinach Coconut Curry, Grilled Vegetable & Pesto Pasta, and Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Black Beans & Avocado—are just the beginning. Don’t be afraid to make them your own by swapping in your favorite veggies, adding more spice, or pairing them with a delicious homemade bread or side salad.
If you enjoyed these recipes, explore more plant-based inspiration on GluttonLV like our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for dessert, or try these Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.
Happy cooking, and here’s to many more delicious vegan dinners for two!
📖 Recipe Card: Chickpea and Spinach Coconut Curry
Description: A creamy, flavorful vegan curry packed with protein and vibrant greens. Perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner for two.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooked rice, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute.
- Add curry powder and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in chickpeas, coconut milk, tomato, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Serve hot over cooked rice if desired.
Nutrition: Calories: 430 | Protein: 13g | Fat: 22g | Carbs: 46g
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