Cheap Vegan Recipes PDF: Delicious Meals on a Budget

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Looking to eat well without breaking the bank? You’re not alone!

Whether you’re a college student, a family on a budget, or simply hoping to save a little extra each month, cheap vegan recipes can be a lifesaver. The good news is that vegan cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

In fact, with a bit of creativity and some pantry staples, you can whip up delicious, hearty meals that cost just a few dollars per serving. That’s where our Cheap Vegan Recipes PDF comes in, offering you a curated collection of tried-and-true favorites designed to stretch your dollars while satisfying your taste buds.

This post features a selection of our most-loved budget-friendly vegan recipes, all of which are included in our free PDF download. We’ll walk you through the ingredients, equipment, and easy-to-follow instructions so you can start cooking right away.

Plus, you’ll find tips for saving even more, nutrition facts, and serving suggestions to keep your meals exciting and varied. Let’s dive into these wallet-friendly vegan delights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Affordable Ingredients: Each recipe focuses on pantry staples and fresh produce that won’t strain your wallet.
  • Quick & Easy: Most dishes come together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Double or triple the recipes to have leftovers for lunch or dinner all week.
  • Delicious & Satisfying: Just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean it lacks flavor or nutrition!
  • Kid-Approved: Many of these recipes have been tested on picky eaters and passed with flying colors.
  • Downloadable PDF: Get all the recipes in a handy PDF format for offline use and easy reference.

Ingredients

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need for three of our favorite cheap vegan recipes from the PDF: Lentil & Veggie Stew, Chickpea Tuna Salad, and Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars.

Lentil & Veggie Stew

  • 1 cup dry brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 potatoes, cubed
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Chickpea Tuna Salad

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained & rinsed
  • 2 tbsp vegan mayo
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
  • 1/4 red onion, finely diced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp capers (optional)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars

  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter)
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven (for stews and soups)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking dish (8×8 for oat bars)
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Can opener
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Oven (for baked recipes)

Instructions

Lentil & Veggie Stew

  1. Sauté the veggies. In a large pot, heat a splash of oil or water. Add onion, carrots, and potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
  2. Add garlic & spices. Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, and cumin. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add lentils & liquids. Pour in rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
  4. Simmer. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until lentils and veggies are tender.
  5. Season & serve. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice.

Chickpea Tuna Salad

  1. Mash chickpeas. In a bowl, mash chickpeas with a fork until flaky (leave some texture).
  2. Add veggies & flavorings. Mix in celery, onion, lemon juice, vegan mayo, mustard, and capers.
  3. Season. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  4. Serve. Enjoy as a sandwich filling, salad topper, or with crackers.

Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars

  1. Preheat oven. Set oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Mix wet ingredients. In a bowl, mash bananas and stir in peanut butter and maple syrup.
  3. Add dry ingredients. Stir in oats, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
  4. Spread & bake. Press mixture firmly into the dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until set and golden.
  5. Cool & slice. Let cool completely before slicing into bars.

Tips & Variations

  • Swap lentils for split peas, or use whatever canned beans you have on hand.
  • Bulk up the stew with frozen veggies, chopped greens, or leftover rice.
  • Use sunflower seed butter for nut-free oat bars, or toss in a handful of raisins or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
  • Chickpea salad is delicious in lettuce wraps or as a filling for vegan sushi rolls.
  • Double the recipes and freeze leftovers for busy days.

“Cooking on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or nutrition—these recipes are proof that cheap can be both delicious and nourishing!”

Nutrition Facts

The following nutrition facts are approximate and based on per-serving calculations from the three highlighted recipes. Use these as a general guide and adjust for your specific serving sizes and ingredients.

Recipe Calories Protein Fiber Fat Carbs
Lentil & Veggie Stew (1/4 recipe) 260 14g 12g 1g 48g
Chickpea Tuna Salad (1/2 recipe) 210 8g 5g 7g 28g
Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars (per bar/8 bars) 160 4g 3g 6g 22g

“For even more high-protein ideas, check out our Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes or try the zesty flavors in Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food!”

Serving Suggestions

  • Lentil & Veggie Stew: Serve with a slice of whole grain bread or over a scoop of brown rice for a heartier meal.
  • Chickpea Tuna Salad: Pile high on toasted bread, stuff into pita pockets, or serve atop a fresh salad. It’s also great as a dip for veggie sticks.
  • Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars: Enjoy as a breakfast on-the-go, a lunchbox treat, or a post-workout snack.
  • Pair with a refreshing drink like the Huckleberry Margarita Recipe for a fun twist.
  • Mix and match these dishes for a full meal that covers all your nutritional bases.

Conclusion

Cooking vegan on a budget is not only possible, it’s genuinely enjoyable with the right recipes in your toolkit. The Cheap Vegan Recipes PDF is designed to empower you with affordable, easy, and delicious meal ideas that make vegan living accessible for everyone—even on the tightest budget.

With hearty stews, creative salads, and wholesome snacks, there’s something for every craving and every occasion.

Don’t forget to download the full PDF for more recipes, meal plans, and grocery tips. If you’re hungry for even more inspiration, explore our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe for a creamy, zesty dinner or our collection of Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes for your next get-together.

Happy cooking, and remember: a great meal is always within reach—no matter your budget!

Cheap Vegan Recipes PDF: The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Listicle

Ready to discover even more cheap vegan recipes? Here’s a quick list from our PDF, perfect for meal planning or batch cooking:

  • Lentil & Veggie Stew – Nutritious, filling, and endlessly adaptable.
  • Chickpea Tuna Salad – Great for sandwiches and wraps.
  • Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars – Healthy snack or breakfast option.
  • Simple Red Beans & Rice – Classic comfort food with just a few ingredients.
  • One-Pot Pasta Primavera – Use any veggies you have on hand.
  • Curried Potato & Pea Soup – Warm, spicy, and super budget-friendly.
  • Easy Vegetable Stir Fry – Ready in 20 minutes with frozen veggies and soy sauce.
  • Homemade Black Bean Burgers – Pantry staples, big flavor.
  • Quick Chickpea Curry – One pan, 15 minutes, dinner is served.
  • Rice & Lentil Biryani – Fragrant, filling, and perfect for meal prep.

Want to try even more recipes? Browse our site for unique ideas like Maple Bourbon Pickles Recipe or sweet treats such as Kolasnittar Recipe.

Whatever you’re craving, there’s a budget-friendly vegan option waiting for you!

📖 Recipe Card: Budget-Friendly Chickpea Stir-Fry

Description: This quick and easy vegan stir-fry uses affordable ingredients and packs plenty of flavor. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner on a budget.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups cooked rice

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Stir in frozen vegetables and cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Add chickpeas, soy sauce, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  5. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Serve hot over cooked rice.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 | Protein: 10g | Fat: 6g | Carbs: 58g

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Marta K

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