15+ Healthy Vegan Dinner Ideas

What does it mean to have a vegan dinner? 

Well, we first need to define what it means to be “vegan”? 

According to Google.com, being vegan is someone who doesn’t eat any food derived from animals or use animal byproducts. 

That means no fish, chicken, eggs, milk, cheese, or anything taken from an animal. 

I am not a vegan or vegetarian (I’ll get more into the difference below), but I love the idea of a healthy diet or clean eating. 

I’ve explored a few recipes that are on the healthier side, such as my Chickpea Veggie Curry or Vegan Chickpea Patties, but I do find myself sometimes going back for some of my favorite meat-based dishes.

Before I get into my list of awesome vegan dinner ideas, I wanted, in short, to break down the difference between vegan and vegetarian. 

Vegan vs Vegetarian

Since we now know what defines a vegan, did you know that being vegan falls under being a vegetarian?

Classically defined, a vegetarian is someone who doesn’t eat meat and animal byproducts, but there are different variations of vegetarianism, which makes it different from being vegan. 

Main Types of Vegetarians

• Ovo vegetarianism: consumes eggs but not meat/poultry/fish or dairy.
• Lacto-ovo vegetarianism: consumes animal products such as dairy, eggs, or honey but not meat/poultry/fish.
• Lacto vegetarianism: consumes dairy products but not eggs, meat/poultry/fish. 
• Veganism: strictly plant-based; no meat/poultry/fish, dairy, or eggs.

There are way more than I thought when it comes to being vegetarians, but those are just the main ones. 

Being a vegetarian does require dedication and lots of research, especially if you have never been before. 

So, see what works for you when dealing with diet and health. 

Plus, when you’re ready, you can come back and check out this post for some simple vegan recipes you can enjoy. 

Recommended: 20 Jamaican Dinner Recipes and 15 Easy Fish Dinner Ideas

Now, clean eating or being vegan doesn’t have to be complicated or taste bad. 

I understand some may think that vegan food is bland and flavorless, but to one’s dismay, it’s all about the method of cooking and the seasonings used to make some of the best vegan dishes.

As I continue exploring vegan food, what better way to do that than to check out some delicious vegan dinner recipes? 

Below, I listed some of the best vegan dinner recipes trending, and you can make them right in your kitchen, too! 

Dive into these recipes you can enjoy at dinner parties or even small family gatherings. 

List of Recipes:

1. White Bean Soup
2. 1-Pot Green Lentil Dal
3. Cauliflower Curry
4. Fried Oyster Mushroom
5. Crispy Chili Garlic Mushroom
6. Thai Mango Curry with Chickpeas
7. Vegan Hamburger
8. Vegan Jambalaya
9. Vegan Fried TVP Chicken
10. Jamaican Callaloo
11. Chickpea Veggie Curry
12. Butter Bean Curry (Jamaican-Style)
13. Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce
14. Sweet Potato, Chickpea and Red Lentil Soup
15. Lentil Chili
16. Vegan Irish Stew
17. Vegan Rasta Pasta
18. Crispy Baked Orange Cauliflower
19. Vegan Lentil Frisco Melts
20. Vegan Mediterranean Hummus Wrap

1. White Bean Soup

If you ever thought that beans are boring, this thick flavor-packed white bean soup will blow your mind! This is a simple, vegan, and budget-friendly recipe that tastes and smells amazing. ~ The Clever Meal

2. 1-Pot Green Lentil Dal

This healthy, one-pot Indian lentil dal recipe is loaded with plant-based protein and nutrients but also super cozy, comforting, flavorful, satisfying, and cooks in under 40 minutes—ready to impress friends and family with a side of naan bread or rice! ~ ElaVegan

3. Cauliflower Curry

Cauliflower curry is a tasty and easy one-pot recipe you can make in 30 minutes for a delicious weeknight dinner. ~ The Plant Based School

4. Fried Oyster Mushroom

The best Fried Oyster Mushrooms recipe aka “vegan fried chicken” for when you need that perfect comfort food indulgence. Perfectly crispy outer crust and a meaty juicy center, this recipe is not to be missed. ~ Veggie Society

5. Crispy Chili Garlic Mushroom

The Crispy and perfect chew texture of mushrooms makes this dish a winner. Nicely coated with a batter, these mushroom slices are shallow fried and tossed in a flavorful chili garlic sauce. It can be served as an appetizer or main. Vegan, plant-based, and unique. ~ myspicetrunk

6. Thai Mango Curry with Chickpeas

Easy to make and oh-so-delicious, this Thai mango curry with chickpeas is aromatic and nutritious at the same time. It’s also packed with protein from the chickpeas and infused in a sweet and spicy coconut milk sauce that will make everyone go for seconds. ~ Vegan Cocotte

7. Vegan Hamburger

There are veggie burgers and then there’s vegan meat. And this homemade vegan meat burger recipe, a perfect blend of TVP and seitan seasoned to perfection, is most certainly the latter. They have an irresistibly meaty texture with a delicious flavor and a light pink center, thanks to a bit of vegan magic using beets. Perfect for the plant-based lifestyle on the go, they’re an easy recipe to make, freezer-friendly, and ohhh so satisfying! ~ Plant Power Couple

8. Vegan Jambalaya

This vegan jambalaya recipe is comfort food Cajun style! Loaded with rice, veggies, and plant-based sausage, this is a hearty meal that’s flavourful and satisfying. ~Jessica In The Kitchen

9. Vegan Fried Tvp Chicken

This vegan Fried TVP Chicken is made by wrapping TVP slices in rice paper, dipping them in egg replacement and flour, and lastly pan-frying them until golden and crispy. ~ Elephantastic Vegan

10. Jamaican Callaloo

Eating callaloo (Amaranthus Viridis) is so reminiscent of my childhood where I enjoyed this dish prepared in a variety of ways. It is eaten here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. ~ Healthier Steps

11. Chickpea Veggie Curry

This Chickpea Veggie Curry is a quick dinner recipe that even you can’t resist making. Protein-packed chickpeas cooked in curry and mixed with vegetables; ready in 15 minutes. ~ TheShyFoodBlogger

12. Butter Bean Curry (Jamaican-Style)

This Jamaican Style Butter Bean Curry is the perfect vegan weeknight dinner, takes less than 30 minutes to make, protein packed, and is absolutely delicious! ~ Ital Eats and Treats

13. Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce

The eggplant is grilled until crispy and smoky, and then cooked in a rich savory garlic sauce. This vegan dish is very satisfying, both as a side or a main dish served over rice or noodles. {Gluten-Free Adaptable} ~ Omnivore’s Cookbook

14. Sweet Potato, Chickpea and Red Lentil Soup

This hearty and delicious Sweet Potato, Chickpea and Red Lentil Soup ticks all the boxes: healthy, vegan, gluten free and Slimming World friendly. Quick to make it in your Instant Pot or stove. A reader and personal favourite with dozens of five star reviews! ~ Supergolden Bakes

15. Lentil chili

Lentil chili is a tasty and wholesome one-pot recipe where green or brown lentils replace the ground meat in classic chili con carne. ~ The Plant Based School

16. Vegan Irish Stew

A thick and hearty Vegan Irish Stew with traditional flavors that’s so easy to make! It’s the perfect meal for St. Patrick’s Day or any day you want a stick-to-your-bones meal! ~ Keeping The Peas

17. Vegan Rasta Pasta

This Jamaican rasta pasta recipe is a one pan vegan Caribbean style tasty pasta dish with a medley of bell peppers, seasoned with the infamous jerk marinade and cooked down in a creamy coconut sauce. ~ That Girl Cooks Healthy

18. Crispy Baked Orange Cauliflower

This crispy baked orange cauliflower is a lightened up take on your favorite orange chicken. It’s easy to make, gluten free and bursting with fresh orange flavor in every bite. Plus, it can easily be made vegan and is naturally gluten free! ~ Eat With Clarity

19. Vegan Lentil Frisco Melts

Picture the most melty, comforting, ooey, gooey, kinda messy (in a good way), mouth watering, delicious thing you can think of. Now replace that image with this vegan lentil Frisco melt, because this patty melt will blow you away. ~ Rabbit and Wolves

20. Vegan Mediterranean hummus wrap

This healthy Mediterranean Hummus Wrap recipe is sure to please your palate on those summer days when you do not want to turn on the stove. It’s filled with fresh vegetables like red onions, red peppers, kalamatas, chopped pickles and crisp, refreshing lettuce all pulled together in a creamy hummus dressing and wrapped up in a big flour tortilla. As filling as it is flavorful, this homemade hummus wrap is like holding summer in your hands. ~ Plant Power Couple

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~ TheShyFoodBlogger