No Oil Vegan Recipes That Are Delicious and Easy to Make

Updated On: October 4, 2025

Embracing a no oil vegan lifestyle doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or texture in your meals. In fact, cooking without oil can bring out the natural essence of fresh vegetables, legumes, and grains while keeping your dishes light and healthy.

Whether you’re aiming to reduce calorie intake, avoid processed fats, or simply explore new culinary horizons, no oil vegan recipes offer a delicious and nutritious way to nourish your body and delight your taste buds.

In this post, we’ll dive into some wonderful no oil vegan recipes that are easy to prepare, bursting with vibrant flavors, and perfect for any occasion. From hearty mains to satisfying sides, these recipes showcase how versatile and satisfying plant-based meals can be without a drop of oil.

Plus, you’ll find tips to enhance your cooking and ways to customize dishes to your liking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No oil vegan recipes are a fantastic option for anyone looking to eat cleaner without compromising on taste. Using techniques like steaming, roasting, and sautéing with water or broth, these recipes maintain moisture and bring out the natural flavors of ingredients.

They are perfect for those with dietary restrictions or anyone who wants to reduce unhealthy fats in their diet.

Additionally, these recipes tend to be lower in calories but high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. They promote heart health, aid digestion, and help maintain steady energy levels throughout the day.

Best of all, they are simple to make and suitable for all skill levels in the kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (low sodium)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup kale, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan with lid
  • Large non-stick skillet or sautĂ© pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander for rinsing quinoa and vegetables

Instructions

  1. Cook the quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: While the quinoa is cooking, heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic with a splash of vegetable broth or water to prevent sticking. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  3. Add the vegetables: Add the diced red bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet. Continue to sauté, stirring occasionally and adding a tablespoon of water or broth if needed, for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
  4. Season the mixture: Stir in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add the cherry tomatoes and chopped kale. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the kale wilts and tomatoes soften slightly.
  5. Combine quinoa and veggies: Add the cooked quinoa to the skillet with the vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly and warm through, about 2 minutes.
  6. Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, fresh finish.

Tips & Variations

“Using vegetable broth or water in place of oil helps keep the dish moist without adding unnecessary fats. For extra flavor, try roasting your vegetables in the oven with spices before mixing them with the quinoa.”

  • Try different grains: Swap quinoa for brown rice, bulgur, or couscous to vary textures and nutrients.
  • Add beans or lentils: Incorporate cooked chickpeas or lentils for extra protein and heartiness.
  • Use seasonal vegetables: This recipe adapts well to whatever fresh produce you have — think sweet potatoes, eggplant, or spinach.
  • Spice it up: Add chili flakes or fresh chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 280
Protein 9g
Carbohydrates 50g
Dietary Fiber 7g
Fat 1g
Sodium 300mg
Vitamin A 60% DV
Vitamin C 70% DV
Iron 15% DV

Serving Suggestions

This no oil vegan quinoa and vegetable sauté is perfect as a standalone meal or paired with other dishes. Consider serving it alongside a fresh leafy green salad or a light soup for a balanced and satisfying lunch or dinner.

For a heartier option, add a side of roasted sweet potatoes or a bowl of Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating. You might also enjoy pairing it with a slice of homemade bread like the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet after your meal, check out the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a delightful treat that complements your healthy meal.

Conclusion

No oil vegan recipes open a world of nutritious and flavorful meals that are easy to prepare and kind to your body. By focusing on wholesome ingredients and creative cooking techniques, you can enjoy vibrant dishes without the heaviness of added oils.

This approach not only supports better health but also encourages mindful eating and appreciation for natural food flavors.

Experimenting with no oil cooking can lead to discovering new favorite meals and broadening your culinary skills. Whether you’re a vegan veteran or just exploring plant-based options, these recipes provide a delicious foundation for healthy eating.

Keep exploring and enjoy the vibrant tastes and textures that no oil vegan recipes bring to your table!

đź“– Recipe Card: No Oil Vegan Chickpea Stir-Fry

Description: A quick and flavorful no oil vegan stir-fry packed with protein and vegetables. Perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.

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

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch piece fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Cooked brown rice, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute with water.
  3. Add onion, carrot, broccoli, and bell pepper; stir-fry for 5 minutes.
  4. Add chickpeas, soy sauce, maple syrup, and red pepper flakes.
  5. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  6. Serve hot over cooked brown rice if desired.

Nutrition: Calories: 280 | Protein: 12g | Fat: 2g | Carbs: 45g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “No Oil Vegan Chickpea Stir-Fry”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A quick and flavorful no oil vegan stir-fry packed with protein and vegetables. Perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed”, “1 cup broccoli florets”, “1 red bell pepper, sliced”, “1 medium carrot, julienned”, “1 small onion, sliced”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 inch piece fresh ginger, minced”, “2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce”, “1 tablespoon water”, “1 teaspoon maple syrup”, “1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes”, “Cooked brown rice, for serving (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add garlic and ginger, saut\u00e9 for 1 minute with water.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion, carrot, broccoli, and bell pepper; stir-fry for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chickpeas, soy sauce, maple syrup, and red pepper flakes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook for another 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot over cooked brown rice if desired.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280”, “proteinContent”: “12g”, “fatContent”: “2g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “45g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X