38 Easy Vegan Recipes for Monday Night Dinners

Updated On: October 4, 2025

38 Easy Vegan Recipes for Monday Night

Monday nights can often feel like the toughest part of the week to cook something both delicious and hassle-free. If you’re looking for a way to kickstart your week with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, you’re in the right place!

These 38 easy vegan recipes are designed to simplify your Monday dinner without compromising on taste or nutrition. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just trying to add more plant-based meals to your routine, these recipes cover everything from quick stir-fries to hearty soups and comforting pastas.

Say goodbye to boring dinners and hello to colorful, nourishing dishes that will help you breeze through the start of the week with ease and satisfaction.

Ready to discover your new favorite plant-based meals? Let’s dive into a collection that’s sure to inspire your Monday night cooking!

Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights because they are quick to prepare, require minimal ingredients, and deliver maximum flavor. Each dish is packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, helping you feel energized and satisfied without feeling weighed down.

From comforting bowls of vegan chili to fresh and vibrant salads, this selection has something for every craving. Plus, they are budget-friendly and easily adaptable to what you have on hand.

Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the whole family, these recipes will make Monday night a meal to look forward to.

Ingredients

  • Chickpeas – canned or cooked (protein-packed and versatile)
  • Lentils – red, green, or brown for soups and stews
  • Tofu – firm or extra firm for stir-fries and scrambles
  • Quinoa – a complete protein and excellent grain alternative
  • Sweet potatoes – roasted or mashed for hearty side dishes
  • Fresh vegetables – bell peppers, spinach, kale, tomatoes, zucchini
  • Garlic and onions – flavor bases for most dishes
  • Olive oil – for sautéing and roasting
  • Vegetable broth – for soups and cooking grains
  • Canned tomatoes – for sauces and stews
  • Spices – cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, black pepper
  • Fresh herbs – cilantro, parsley, basil to brighten dishes
  • Nutritional yeast – adds cheesy flavor to vegan dishes
  • Plant-based milk – almond, soy, or oat for creamy sauces
  • Nuts and seeds – almonds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds for crunch and nutrition

Equipment

  • Large sauté pan or skillet
  • Medium-sized pot for boiling or simmering
  • Baking sheet for roasting vegetables
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Blender or food processor (optional, for sauces and dips)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing bowls
  • Stirring spoons and spatulas
  • Colander for draining beans and pasta

Instructions

  1. Choose your recipe from the list below based on your time and ingredient availability.
  2. Prep all ingredients by washing, chopping, and measuring them before cooking.
  3. Heat your cooking oil in the pan or oven, depending on the recipe.
  4. Cook aromatics such as onions and garlic first to build flavor.
  5. Add main vegetables or proteins like tofu, lentils, or chickpeas.
  6. Incorporate spices and liquids like vegetable broth or canned tomatoes to create depth.
  7. Simmer or roast until the ingredients are tender and flavors meld perfectly.
  8. Adjust seasonings to taste with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
  9. Serve immediately or store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

Tips & Variations

“Batch cooking can save you loads of time. Prepare grains and legumes ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for quick assembly during the week.”

  • Swap grains: Use brown rice, bulgur, or couscous instead of quinoa if preferred.
  • Make it spicy: Add chili flakes or fresh jalapeños for a kick.
  • Add creamy texture: Stir in mashed avocado, tahini, or coconut milk for richness.
  • Boost protein: Add tempeh, edamame, or seitan to any recipe.
  • Use seasonal vegetables: To keep meals fresh and budget-friendly, vary your produce based on what’s in season.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size Calories Protein Carbohydrates Fiber Fat Sodium
1 cup (approx.) 350 kcal 15 g 50 g 10 g 8 g 400 mg

Note: Nutritional values vary depending on the recipe and specific ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a fresh green salad topped with lemon-tahini dressing for a bright contrast.
  • Serve alongside warm crusty bread or vegan garlic naan for soaking up sauces.
  • Top with toasted nuts or seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
  • Complement with a light soup or vegetable broth for a complete meal.
  • Enjoy with a chilled herbal iced tea or sparkling water with fresh fruit slices.

38 Easy Vegan Recipes for Monday Night

Chickpea and Spinach Coconut Curry

  • Ingredients: 1 can chickpeas, 2 cups fresh spinach, 1 can coconut milk, 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tbsp curry powder, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt to taste.
  • Instructions: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add curry powder and cook 1 min. Stir in chickpeas and coconut milk, simmer 10 min. Add spinach last and cook until wilted. Season with salt.

Lentil and Vegetable Stir-Fry

  • Ingredients: 1 cup cooked lentils, 1 bell pepper, 1 zucchini, 1 carrot, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp grated ginger, 2 garlic cloves.
  • Instructions: Heat sesame oil, sauté garlic and ginger. Add chopped vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes. Toss in lentils and soy sauce, cook 3 more minutes. Serve hot.

Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad

  • Ingredients: 1 cup cooked quinoa, 1 cucumber diced, 2 tomatoes diced, 1/2 cup parsley chopped, 1/4 cup mint chopped, juice of 1 lemon, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper.
  • Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Chill for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

  • Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes diced, 1 can black beans drained, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, corn tortillas, avocado, salsa.
  • Instructions: Roast sweet potatoes at 400°F for 20 min with spices. Warm beans. Assemble tacos with sweet potatoes, beans, avocado slices, and salsa.

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

  • Ingredients: 8 oz pasta, 1 can crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup plant-based cream, 1/4 cup fresh basil, 2 garlic cloves, salt and pepper.
  • Instructions: Cook pasta. Sauté garlic, add tomatoes and simmer 10 min. Stir in cream and basil. Toss with pasta and serve.

Tofu Scramble with Vegetables

  • Ingredients: 1 block firm tofu crumbled, 1/2 onion, 1 bell pepper, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tbsp nutritional yeast, salt and pepper, olive oil.
  • Instructions: Sauté onion and pepper. Add tofu and turmeric, cook 5 min. Stir in nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Serve warm.

Vegan Chili with Kidney Beans

  • Ingredients: 1 can kidney beans, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, salt, olive oil.
  • Instructions: Sauté onion and garlic. Add spices, beans, and tomatoes. Simmer for 20 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Roasted Vegetable Buddha Bowl

  • Ingredients: Roasted carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, 1 cup cooked quinoa, tahini dressing.
  • Instructions: Roast veggies at 425°F for 25 min. Assemble with quinoa and drizzle tahini on top.

Vegan Pad Thai

  • Ingredients: Rice noodles, tofu, green onions, peanuts, lime, tamarind paste, soy sauce, garlic.
  • Instructions: Cook noodles. Stir-fry garlic and tofu, add noodles and sauce mixture, toss well. Garnish with peanuts and lime.

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

  • Ingredients: Spiralized zucchini, basil pesto (vegan), cherry tomatoes, pine nuts.
  • Instructions: Toss noodles with pesto and tomatoes. Top with toasted pine nuts.

Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes

A hearty lentil filling served on toasted buns, perfect for a quick dinner.

Chickpea Shawarma Wraps

Spiced chickpeas wrapped in flatbread with fresh veggies and tahini sauce.

Cauliflower Buffalo Wings

Crunchy baked cauliflower bites tossed in spicy buffalo sauce.

Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff

Creamy mushroom sauce over egg-free pasta or rice.

Sweet Potato and Kale Hash

Pan-fried sweet potatoes and kale with onions and smoky paprika.

Black Bean Quinoa Salad

Protein-packed salad with black beans, corn, and a zesty lime dressing.

Vegan Stuffed Bell Peppers

Peppers filled with rice, beans, veggies, and baked to perfection.

Thai Coconut Soup (Tom Kha)

Aromatic coconut milk-based soup with mushrooms and tofu.

Vegan Mac and Cheese

Cashew-based creamy cheese sauce with pasta.

Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

Lentil and vegetable filling topped with mashed potatoes and baked.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and herbs tossed in lemon dressing.

Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

Shredded jackfruit in tangy BBQ sauce on buns with coleslaw.

Vegan Bolognese

Rich tomato sauce with lentils served over spaghetti.

Vegan Falafel Bowls

Crispy falafel served over greens with tahini dressing.

Vegan Chili Mac

Spicy chili mixed with pasta and topped with vegan cheese.

Roasted Beet and Walnut Salad

Earthy beets with crunchy walnuts and a balsamic glaze.

Vegan Pad Kra Pao

Spicy basil tofu stir-fry served with rice.

Vegan Mushroom Tacos

Sauteed mushrooms with smoky spices wrapped in tortillas.

Vegan Lentil Meatballs

Hearty lentil balls in marinara sauce served with pasta.

Vegan Sushi Rolls

Rice rolls filled with avocado, cucumber, and pickled veggies.

Vegan Potato Leek Soup

Creamy, comforting soup made with potatoes, leeks, and plant milk.

Vegan Veggie Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce

Mixed vegetables sautéed and tossed in a creamy peanut sauce.

Vegan Chickpea Pancakes (Socca)

Gluten-free chickpea flour pancakes served with fresh herbs.

Vegan Ratatouille

Slow-cooked vegetable medley with herbs and tomato sauce.

Vegan Caesar Salad

Romaine with creamy, tangy vegan Caesar dressing and crunchy croutons.

Vegan Lentil Tacos

Seasoned lentils wrapped in tortillas with fresh toppings.

Vegan Sweet Potato Chili

Hearty chili with sweet potatoes, beans, and warming spices.

Vegan Pesto Flatbread Pizza

Crispy flatbread topped with vegan pesto, cherry tomatoes, and arugula.

Explore More Vegan Recipes

For more plant-based inspiration, check out our Blackstone Lo Mein Recipes for quick noodle dishes, or try the delightful Bobo’S Lemon Poppyseed Oat Bar Recipe for a sweet snack. To round out your day, don’t miss the refreshing Blueberry Smoothie Recipe Without Yogurt, perfect for breakfast or a light dessert.

Conclusion

With these 38 easy vegan recipes for Monday night, you’ll never have to stress about what to cook again. Each recipe is thoughtfully designed to be approachable, flavorful, and nourishing, helping you start your week on a healthy and satisfying note.

Embracing plant-based meals doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or convenience — these dishes prove just how delicious and simple vegan cooking can be.

Remember, cooking is a journey, so be creative and adjust these recipes to suit your tastes and pantry. Whether you’re looking for comfort food, quick meals, or something exotic, this collection has you covered.

Here’s to making Monday nights your favorite meal times!

📖 Recipe Card: 38 Easy Vegan Recipes for Monday Night

Description: A collection of quick and delicious vegan meals perfect for busy Monday nights. Each recipe is simple to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Juice of 1 lime

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 until quinoa is cooked.
  4. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  5. Add garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini; sauté for 5 minutes.
  6. Add cherry tomatoes, black beans, cumin, salt, and pepper; cook for another 5 minutes.
  7. Stir in cooked quinoa and lime juice.
  8. 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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