Apple Vegan Dinner Recipes for Delicious Plant-Based Meals

Apples are not just for sweet treats—they can be a surprisingly delicious and versatile ingredient in vegan dinner recipes. Their natural sweetness and crisp texture add a refreshing twist to savory dishes, making them perfect for fall and winter meals.

Whether you want to create a hearty apple-stuffed dish, a tangy apple-based sauce, or a vibrant salad, incorporating apples into your vegan dinner can elevate your menu with layers of flavor and nutrition.

In this blog post, we’ll explore three delightful apple vegan dinner recipes that are easy to make, full of wholesome ingredients, and guaranteed to impress your family or guests. From an apple and walnut stuffed acorn squash to a spiced apple lentil stew and a fresh apple kale salad, these recipes celebrate apples in all their glory while keeping your meals plant-based and nutritious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These apple vegan dinner recipes are perfect for anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet without sacrificing flavor or comfort. Apples bring a natural sweetness that balances savory and spicy elements beautifully.

Each recipe is packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, helping you feel satisfied and nourished. Plus, these dishes are versatile and can easily be customized with your favorite seasonal vegetables or spices.

Best of all, they are easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners or special occasions both exciting and stress-free. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just experimenting with plant-based eating, these recipes will quickly become favorites in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Apple and Walnut Stuffed Acorn Squash

• 2 medium acorn squashes, halved and seeded
• 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and chopped
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Spiced Apple Lentil Stew

• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 2 medium apples, chopped
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh Apple Kale Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing

• 4 cups kale, chopped and de-stemmed
• 1 large apple, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Baking sheet or roasting pan
• Large saucepan or pot
• Mixing bowls
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Salad tongs or large spoon for tossing

Instructions

Apple and Walnut Stuffed Acorn Squash

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush the cut sides of the acorn squash halves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
2. Place the squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for about 30-35 minutes until tender.
3. While the squash roasts, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until translucent and fragrant (about 5 minutes).
4. Add the chopped apples and walnuts to the skillet, stirring occasionally for 4-5 minutes until apples soften slightly.
5. Stir in cooked quinoa and fresh thyme, then season with salt and pepper.
6. Remove the squash from the oven and flip cut side up. Spoon the apple-walnut-quinoa mixture evenly into each squash half.
7. Return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes to meld flavors and warm through.

Spiced Apple Lentil Stew

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery, sauté until softened (7-8 minutes).
2. Add minced garlic, cumin, cinnamon, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add rinsed lentils, chopped apples, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If needed, add more broth or water for desired consistency.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Fresh Apple Kale Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing

1. Massage the kale with a pinch of salt for 2-3 minutes until softened and bright green.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the kale with sliced apples, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine evenly.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

For the stuffed acorn squash, try swapping quinoa for cooked farro or wild rice for a nuttier texture.

If you prefer a sweeter stew, add a splash of maple syrup or a pinch of brown sugar.

In the salad, walnuts or pecans make a great alternative to pumpkin seeds, adding crunch and healthy fats.

Feel free to add a splash of lemon juice to the salad dressing for extra brightness.

For a heartier stew, include chopped potatoes or sweet potatoes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

The Apple and Walnut Stuffed Acorn Squash pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a light green salad. For a cozy meal, serve it alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans.

The Spiced Apple Lentil Stew is perfect on its own or accompanied by warm flatbreads or steamed rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for added freshness.

The Apple Kale Salad makes a great starter or side dish. It also pairs well with vegan grain bowls or as a topping for baked potatoes.

For more vegan inspiration, check out our Half Runner Beans Recipe and elevate your plant-based dinners. If you want to try a delicious vegan baked good with your meal, our Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe is a perfect choice.

Conclusion

Incorporating apples into your vegan dinner recipes is a fantastic way to add both nutrition and flavor to your meals. These three recipes showcase apples’ versatility—from hearty stuffed squash and warming lentil stew to a crisp, refreshing salad.

Each dish is easy to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and full of vibrant seasonal flavors.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, these apple vegan dinner recipes provide a perfect balance of sweet and savory that will satisfy everyone at the table. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these ideas and personalize them to your tastes.

Plus, exploring more vegan recipes like the Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe can expand your culinary repertoire and keep your dinners exciting and healthy.

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