Best Vegan Recipes for Nonvegans Reddit Loves to Share

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Transitioning from a meat-centric diet to a plant-based lifestyle can seem daunting—especially for those who aren’t quite ready to give up the flavors and textures they love. Luckily, the Reddit community has shared some of the best vegan recipes tailored specifically for nonvegans, blending familiar comfort foods with wholesome, cruelty-free ingredients.

These recipes don’t just cater to vegans; they win over skeptics with satisfying, hearty dishes that everyone can enjoy. From smoky BBQ jackfruit tacos to creamy avocado pasta, these meals prove that vegan cooking can be indulgent, flavorful, and downright delicious.

Whether you’re a curious omnivore or someone looking to introduce more plant-based meals into your routine, these handpicked vegan recipes from Reddit are designed to delight your taste buds and nourish your body.

Get ready to explore dishes that are simple to make, packed with nutrients, and rich in taste—no compromise required!

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

These vegan recipes are crafted with the nonvegan palate in mind, meaning they focus on bold flavors, familiar textures, and comforting satisfaction. By using ingredients like jackfruit, mushrooms, lentils, and cashew cream, these dishes mimic the mouthfeel and heartiness of meat-based meals without sacrificing taste.

You’ll love how these recipes:

  • Use accessible, affordable ingredients available in most grocery stores.
  • Offer simple preparation steps suitable for cooks of all skill levels.
  • Blend innovative techniques with classic flavors to create crave-worthy dishes.
  • Are perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing friends who usually prefer meat.

Ready to dive into some of the best vegan recipes for nonvegans? Let’s explore three crowd favorites from Reddit that will have you reconsidering what vegan food can be!

Ingredients

Smoky BBQ Jackfruit Tacos

  • 2 cans young green jackfruit in brine, drained and shredded
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Creamy Avocado Pasta

  • 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
  • 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Lentil “Meat” Loaf

  • 1 cup dried brown lentils
  • 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water (flax egg)
  • 1/2 cup grated carrot
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup ketchup, plus extra for topping
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Medium saucepan
  • Food processor or blender (for avocado sauce)
  • Baking dish or loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Colander (for draining pasta and lentils)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Spatula or wooden spoon

Instructions

Smoky BBQ Jackfruit Tacos

  1. Prepare the jackfruit: Drain and rinse the jackfruit. Use your hands or forks to shred the pieces, removing any seeds.
  2. Sauté: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shredded jackfruit, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add BBQ sauce: Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir to coat the jackfruit evenly. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the jackfruit absorbs the sauce and becomes tender.
  4. Warm tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry pan or microwave until pliable.
  5. Assemble tacos: Fill each tortilla with BBQ jackfruit, top with shredded cabbage and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing.

Creamy Avocado Pasta

  1. Cook pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Make avocado sauce: In a food processor, combine avocados, garlic, basil, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. Toss pasta: Return pasta to pot. Pour avocado sauce over pasta and toss to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
  4. Serve: Garnish with cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately.

Lentil “Meat” Loaf

  1. Preheat oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan.
  2. Cook lentils: Rinse lentils and combine with vegetable broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until lentils are soft, about 20-25 minutes. Drain excess liquid.
  3. Prepare flax egg: Mix ground flaxseed with water and let sit for 5 minutes until gel-like.
  4. Sauté veggies: In a skillet, cook onions and garlic until translucent.
  5. Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine lentils, sautéed onions and garlic, oats, grated carrot, walnuts, ketchup, soy sauce, smoked paprika, flax egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
  6. Shape loaf: Transfer mixture to the loaf pan and press down firmly. Spread additional ketchup on top for glaze.
  7. Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes until firm and slightly crusted on top. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor in the jackfruit tacos, add a dash of liquid smoke or chipotle powder.

If you prefer a nuttier avocado sauce, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top before serving.

The lentil loaf can be customized with your favorite herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage for a savory twist.

Don’t hesitate to swap out ingredients based on availability—these recipes are flexible and forgiving!

Nutrition Facts

Recipe Calories (per serving) Protein (g) Fat (g) Carbohydrates (g) Fiber (g)
Smoky BBQ Jackfruit Tacos (2 tacos) 280 5 6 45 6
Creamy Avocado Pasta (1 cup) 390 8 20 45 8
Lentil “Meat” Loaf (1 slice) 250 12 7 35 9

Serving Suggestions

These vegan dishes pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and beverages. For the smoky BBQ jackfruit tacos, consider serving with a side of Chipotle Black Beans and Rice to keep the smoky theme going strong.

The creamy avocado pasta shines when paired with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables, and a refreshing glass of iced herbal tea. For dessert, treat yourself to the luscious Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream for a sweet vegan-friendly finale.

The hearty lentil loaf is perfect alongside mashed potatoes or steamed greens. For an extra indulgent meal, drizzle with a vegan version of the Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce.

You’ll enjoy a comforting, well-rounded meal that even meat-eaters will appreciate.

Conclusion

These vegan recipes from Reddit prove that plant-based meals can be just as satisfying and flavorful as their non-vegan counterparts. By focusing on robust spices, creative ingredient swaps, and hearty textures, these dishes appeal to everyone—whether you’re a dedicated vegan or simply exploring new tastes.

Incorporating more vegan meals into your diet is not only great for your health but also for the environment and animal welfare. Give these recipes a try and discover how enjoyable vegan cooking can be.

If you’re inspired by these dishes, don’t forget to explore other exciting recipes on the blog like the indulgent Chocolate Heaven Cake or the classic Cheese Penny Recipe. Cooking plant-based doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor—it means unlocking a whole new world of delicious possibilities!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Recipes for Nonvegans Reddit

Description: A collection of flavorful and satisfying vegan recipes designed to appeal to nonvegans. These dishes are easy to prepare and packed with nutrients.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT50M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cooked black beans
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
  2. In a pot, bring vegetable broth to a boil and add quinoa.
  3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
  5. Add bell pepper and cook for 5 minutes.
  6. Stir in cherry tomatoes, black beans, paprika, and cumin.
  7. Cook for another 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  8. Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork and combine with vegetable mixture.
  9. Season with salt and pepper.
  10. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 55 g

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Marta K

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