Cheap Vegan Recipes Tumblr: Easy, Tasty Meals to Try Now

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Are you searching for delicious, creative, and cheap vegan recipes like those you’d find on Tumblr? You’re in the right place!

In this blog post, I’ll share some of my favorite budget-friendly vegan dishes that are as easy on your wallet as they are on your taste buds. Vegan food doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.

With a few pantry staples and a little inspiration from the vibrant Tumblr vegan community, you can whip up nourishing meals that everyone will love—even the non-vegans in your life.

Whether you’re a student, a busy parent, or simply looking to save money while eating more plant-based meals, these recipes are for you. We’ll cover everything from hearty one-pot dinners to easy snacks and satisfying lunches.

If you love simple comfort food that doesn’t break the bank, keep reading—let’s dive into some of the best cheap vegan recipes Tumblr has inspired!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Budget-Friendly: All the ingredients are affordable and easily found at most grocery stores.
  • Simple Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items—just straightforward, wholesome food.
  • Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping on a Sunday afternoon.
  • Customizable: Swap in whatever veggies or beans you have on hand—these recipes are super forgiving!
  • Kid-Approved: Mild flavors and familiar textures make these meals appealing to all ages.
  • Inspired by Tumblr: These dishes capture the creative, colorful, and resourceful spirit of the Tumblr vegan community.
  • Nutritious: Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins to keep you energized.

Cheap Vegan Recipes Tumblr: Top 3 Budget-Friendly Vegan Meals

Below, I’ll walk you through three of the most popular, cheap vegan recipes circulating on Tumblr. Each recipe is detailed with ingredients, equipment, instructions, tips, and serving suggestions.

One-Pot Lentil & Vegetable Stew

Ingredients

Ingredient Amount
Brown or green lentils 1 cup, dried
Carrots 2, diced
Potatoes 2 medium, peeled and cubed
Onion 1, chopped
Garlic cloves 2, minced
Canned diced tomatoes 1 can (14.5 oz)
Vegetable broth 4 cups
Spinach or kale 2 cups, chopped
Olive oil 1 tbsp
Bay leaf 1
Salt & pepper To taste
Optional: smoked paprika, cumin, or thyme 1 tsp each

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in your soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and carrots, sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  2. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in potatoes, lentils, and spices. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add canned tomatoes (with juices) and vegetable broth. Toss in bay leaf.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until lentils and potatoes are tender.
  6. Remove bay leaf, then stir in chopped spinach or kale. Cook another 2-3 minutes until greens are wilted.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and enjoy hot!

Tips & Variations

  • Bulk it up: Add a can of drained chickpeas or kidney beans for extra protein.
  • Spice it up: Try a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes for some heat.
  • Use up leftovers: Stir in any leftover veggies lurking in your fridge.

“You can freeze portions of this stew for up to 3 months—perfect for busy weeks!”

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving
Calories 220
Protein 12g
Fiber 9g
Fat 3g
Carbs 38g
Sugar 6g

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with crusty bread or whole grain crackers.
  • Top with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
  • Pair with a green salad or roasted veggies.

Simple Vegan Fried Rice

Ingredients

Ingredient Amount
Cooked rice (preferably day-old) 3 cups
Frozen mixed vegetables 1 1/2 cups
Firm tofu 1/2 block, cubed
Soy sauce or tamari 3 tbsp
Sesame oil 1 tbsp
Green onions 2, chopped
Garlic cloves 2, minced
Fresh ginger (optional) 1 tsp, grated

Equipment

  • Large frying pan or wok
  • Spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons

Instructions

  1. Heat sesame oil in your frying pan over medium-high heat. Add cubed tofu and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add garlic, ginger (if using), and green onions to the pan. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Add frozen vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through.
  4. Add cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with your spatula.
  5. Pour in soy sauce and stir well to coat everything evenly.
  6. Return tofu to the pan and toss until well mixed and heated through.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with extra green onions if desired.

Tips & Variations

  • Use whatever veggies you have: Fresh or frozen both work well.
  • Add sriracha or chili oil for a spicy kick.
  • Swap tofu for canned chickpeas for a different protein option.

“Day-old rice is ideal for fried rice because it’s less sticky and fries up perfectly.”

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving
Calories 270
Protein 10g
Fiber 4g
Fat 7g
Carbs 42g
Sugar 2g

Serving Suggestions

  • Top with sesame seeds for extra crunch.
  • Serve with a side of Harvest Hash for a colorful plate.
  • Pair with steamed edamame or a simple miso soup.

Creamy Vegan Chickpea Salad Sandwiches

Ingredients

Ingredient Amount
Canned chickpeas 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
Vegan mayo 2-3 tbsp
Celery stalks 2, diced
Red onion 1/4 small, finely chopped
Dijon mustard 1 tsp
Lemon juice 1 tbsp
Salt & black pepper To taste
Whole wheat bread or wraps 4 slices or 2 wraps
Lettuce, tomato, cucumber For serving

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Potato masher or fork
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Spoon

Instructions

  1. Mash chickpeas in a mixing bowl with a potato masher or fork until mostly broken up but still a bit chunky.
  2. Add vegan mayo, mustard, lemon juice, celery, and red onion. Mix until well combined.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust mayo or lemon juice as needed for creaminess.
  4. Spread the chickpea mixture onto bread or wraps. Add lettuce, tomato, and cucumber as desired.
  5. Serve immediately or pack for lunch!

Tips & Variations

  • Add diced pickles or capers for a tangy twist.
  • Try curry powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
  • Make it a salad: Serve the mixture over greens instead of bread.

“This chickpea salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a perfect meal prep option.”

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Sandwich
Calories 320
Protein 12g
Fiber 8g
Fat 8g
Carbs 50g
Sugar 6g

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a side of carrot sticks or baked potato chips.
  • Pair with a cup of homemade Lectin Free Soup for a filling lunch.
  • Try open-faced on toast for a trendy brunch.

Tips & Variations for All Recipes

  • Shop in bulk when possible to save on staples like beans, rice, and lentils.
  • Frozen vegetables are budget-friendly and reduce food waste.
  • Get creative with herbs and spices—they’re the key to delicious vegan meals without extra cost.
  • Batch cook and freeze portions for quick, healthy meals all week long.
  • Looking for more vegan inspiration? Try our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula or explore protein-packed ideas like Lion’s Mane Mushroom Crumble!

Conclusion

Eating vegan on a budget is not only possible—it’s incredibly satisfying and fun. With just a handful of pantry staples, a few fresh or frozen veggies, and a dash of creativity, you can whip up hearty, flavorful, and cheap vegan recipes right at home.

The Tumblr vegan community has paved the way for resourceful, colorful, and delicious plant-based meals, and now you can bring that same inspiration into your own kitchen.

Remember, the best vegan recipes are the ones that suit your tastes and fit your lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to mix and match ingredients, experiment with spices, and make these recipes your own.

Happy cooking—and don’t forget to check out more creative vegan (and non-vegan!) ideas like our Halibut Dip Recipe or explore sweet treats with our Lemon Straws Recipe. Your next favorite dish could be just a few ingredients away!

📖 Recipe Card: Simple Vegan Chickpea Stir-Fry

Description: A quick, affordable stir-fry perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with protein and veggies using pantry staples.

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

Servings: 3 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup cooked rice (for serving)

Instructions

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

Nutrition: Calories: 320 | Protein: 11g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 52g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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