Vegan Tomato Sauce Recipe Easy, Healthy, and Delicious

There’s something truly magical about a homemade tomato sauce. Its rich, vibrant flavor brings life to any dish, from pasta to veggie bowls and beyond.

If you’re exploring plant-based cooking or just want a delicious sauce without the dairy or meat, this vegan tomato sauce recipe is exactly what you need. It’s simple, wholesome, and packed with natural ingredients that create depth and warmth in every bite.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile — perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just dipping your toes into meatless meals, this sauce will become a kitchen staple. It’s comforting, easy to make, and free from any processed ingredients.

You’ll love how the fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs come together to create a sauce that feels both authentic and nourishing. Ready to make your own?

Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan tomato sauce is packed with fresh, natural ingredients that provide a robust and authentic flavor without any animal products. Whether you’re making spaghetti, layering a delicious vegetable lasagna, or stirring it into a hearty stew, this sauce fits perfectly.

It’s made from scratch, so you control every aspect — no preservatives, no added sugars, just pure goodness. Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable: you can tweak the herbs, add veggies, or spice it up according to your taste.

A batch of this sauce can elevate countless meals, making your plant-based cooking effortless and flavorful.

The recipe is also budget-friendly and uses pantry staples. And for busy cooks, it freezes beautifully — so you can always have a jar ready for quick dinners.

If you love exploring easy, wholesome vegan recipes, be sure to check out our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker for more ideas.

Ingredients

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed saucepan or pot
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
• Blender or immersion blender (optional for smooth sauce)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Can opener (if using canned tomatoes as variation)

Instructions

1. Prepare your tomatoes: Start by washing the fresh tomatoes. To easily peel them, score a small “X” on the bottom of each tomato. Boil water in a large pot, then blanch the tomatoes for about 30 seconds until the skin loosens. Transfer immediately to an ice bath. Peel off skins, then chop the tomatoes roughly, discarding cores.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in your saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid browning to keep the sauce sweet and fresh.
3. Add garlic and tomato paste: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the tomato paste and sauté for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step deepens the tomato flavor.
4. Combine tomatoes and seasonings: Add the peeled chopped tomatoes to the pot along with the dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and maple syrup. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Simmer the sauce: Pour in the vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce as it cooks. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and the flavors will meld beautifully.
6. Add fresh basil: Toward the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves. This fresh herbaceous note will brighten the sauce.
7. Blend for smoothness (optional): If you prefer a smooth sauce, use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the sauce in batches to a blender. Blend until your desired consistency is reached.
8. Adjust seasoning: Taste your sauce and add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if needed to balance the acidity.
9. Serve or store: Use immediately on your favorite pasta or vegetable dish. Leftover sauce can be cooled and stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.

Tips & Variations

“For a richer sauce, consider roasting the tomatoes and garlic before blending them in. It adds a smoky, caramelized depth that’s irresistible.”

• Use canned tomatoes: If fresh tomatoes aren’t in season, substitute with two 14 oz cans of whole peeled tomatoes. Drain some juice but keep a little for simmering.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a subtle heat that wakes up the flavors.
• Herbs: Swap oregano for thyme or add rosemary for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs always yield the best aroma.
• Extra veggies: Finely chop carrots or bell peppers and sauté with onion for added sweetness and nutrition.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or our vegan bechamel sauce for an indulgent twist.
• Bulk it up: Add cooked lentils or mushrooms for a hearty pasta sauce that can double as a meat substitute.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan tomato sauce is a wonderful foundation for countless dishes. Serve it over your favorite pasta, whether that’s classic spaghetti, penne, or a gluten-free alternative.

It also pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or as a base for vegan pizza.

Try spooning it over steamed greens or mixing into cooked grains for a quick, flavorful bowl. For a cozy meal, layer it in a vegan tomato pie or use it as a dipping sauce for homemade bread — like our soft, delicious vegan bread machine recipe.

It’s also an excellent companion to plant-based meatballs, vegan meat substitutes, or hearty bean dishes. The possibilities are endless!

Conclusion

Creating your own vegan tomato sauce is a rewarding experience that adds fresh, wholesome flavor to your meals. This recipe is straightforward enough for beginners yet deliciously nuanced to satisfy any palate.

With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have a vibrant, versatile sauce that enhances everything from pasta to casseroles.

By making this sauce from scratch, you avoid unnecessary additives and customize it to your liking. Whether you keep it chunky or blend it smooth, add herbs or a pinch of spice, this sauce adapts beautifully to your cooking style.

Plus, it stores well, making meal prep a breeze during busy weeks.

Enjoy experimenting with this recipe, and don’t forget to explore more of our plant-based delights like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe for dessert or our Soy Free Vegan Recipes for varied meal ideas. Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Tomato Sauce Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A simple and flavorful vegan tomato sauce made with fresh ingredients. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for other dishes.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT40M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 tbsp olive oil”, “1 medium onion, finely chopped”, “3 garlic cloves, minced”, “2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes”, “1 tbsp tomato paste”, “1 tsp dried oregano”, “1 tsp dried basil”, “1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)”, “1 tsp sugar”, “Salt to taste”, “Freshly ground black pepper to taste”, “Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped onion and saut\u00e9 until translucent, about 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring sauce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Adjust seasoning as needed.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “120 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “3 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “14 g”}}