Quick & Easy: Vegan Pantry Recipes with 8 Ingredients or Less

Craving a quick, delicious meal that's easy on the clock and the wallet? Dive into our collection of vegan pantry recipes with 8 ingredients – perfect for busy moms on the go!

Hey there, busy moms! We know that juggling work, kids, and a million other things can make meal planning feel like an uphill battle. But don't worry, we've got your back! We've curated a list of quick, easy, and delicious recipes with 8 ingredients or less. These quick meals are perfect for those days when time is short, and the grocery shopping list is long.

Cooking is more than just a chore - it's a way to nourish your family, express creativity, and even bond with your kids. And while we can't promise these recipes will make you invincible, they're packed with whole plant-based foods like legumes, whole grains, and vegetables to keep you and your family strong and healthy.

So, let's dive into these time-saving, budget-friendly recipes. From main meals to appetizers and desserts, we've got something for everyone. And the best part? Most of the ingredients are probably already in your pantry! So, even on those days when fresh produce is running low, you can still whip up a tasty and nutritious meal.

While we love all these recipes, our current favorite is the crispy tofu nuggets (first on the list for a reason)! And while not on this list, if you have a bit more time, check out our simple family bean chili! Made with mostly pantry items and it comes together fast!

Stay healthy and happy cooking, friends!

1. Kid-Approved Crispy Baked Tofu Fingers

Looking for a simple recipe that's a guaranteed hit with the kids? Look no further! This Kid-Approved Vegan Chicken Finger recipe is a family favorite that's not only delicious but also easy to make. With just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that's packed with flavor and nutrition. Let's dive in:

What you'll need:

1. Extra firm tofu
2. Almond meal
3. Soy sauce
4. Lemon juice
5. Maple syrup
6. Nutritional Yeast
7. Spices: garlic powder, paprika, and salt

Crispy Gluten-Free Vegan Chicken Nuggets (Air Fryer or Oven)

Crispy gluten free vegan chicken nuggets, built from scratch—no breadcrumbs, no flour blends, and no swaps. These marinated tofu nuggets deliver real crunch in both air fryer and oven, with a coating designed for flavor and texture that actually rivals classic chicken nuggets.

Check out this recipe

2. High-Protein Family Meatballs

Anotehr easy dinner packed with protein-rich quinoa and black beans? These meatballs are not only a crowd-pleaser but also a perfect meal-prep solution for busy weeks.

What you'll need:

1. Canned black beans 
2. Quick oats
3. Quinoa
4. Chickpea flour
5. Soy sauce
6. Mushrooms
7. Tomato sauce
8. Spices: Italian seasoning, and salt

High Protein Vegan Meatballs (Gluten-Free)

Introducing our scrumptious vegan gluten-free meatless meatballs! Packed with the goodness of black beans, quinoa, and oats, these tasty bites are perfect for the entire family - even the pickiest eaters. Easy to make with a meaty texture and meal-prep friendly! These high protein vegan meatballs can be served with your favorite sauce for a satisfying and nutritious meal. Get ready to wow your family with this simple yet delicious recipe!

Check out this recipe

3. Traditional Pasta E Fagioli

-by The Baking Fairy

Need a quick meal that doesn't skimp on flavor? Say hello to this Traditional Pasta e Fagioli! This Italian bean pasta dish is a hearty, satisfying, and deliciously simple solution for those busy weeknight dinners!

What you'll need:

1. Red beans
2. Small pasta
3. Roma tomato
4. Celery
5. Onion
6. Garlic
7. Parsley
8. Spices: salt, pepper, and vegetable bouillon

traditional pasta e fagioli {Italian bean pasta} - The Baking Fairy

This classic Pasta e Fagioli is the ultimate simple comfort food! Tender beans, noodles, and fresh veggies come together for a filling soup-pasta hybrid.

Check out this recipe

4. Lemony Red Lentil Carrot Stew

A simple nutritious lentil stew. Ready in 15 minutes with minimal effort. This stew can be made in the instant pot or stovetop.

What you'll need:

1. Red lentils
2. Vegetable broth
3. Carrot 
4. Kale
5. Lemon juice
6. Olive Oil
7. Spices: poultry seasoning, cumin, paprika

One-Pot Lemony Carrot Red Lentil Stew Recipe

Comforting one-pot lemony red lentil stew that's not only quick and easy but also packed with nutrients for brain health. Family-friendly and perfect for meal prepping. It san easy way to cook up red lentils and enjoy all the benefits!

Check out this recipe

5. Instant Pot Mexican Casserole

- by This Healthy Kitchen

This a set-it-and-forget-it type of vegan pantry recipe with 8 ingredients! Made in the instant pot so you can spend more time with your kids (or working from home) and less time in the kitchen. If you have fresh ingredients like cilantro and avocado go ahead and top your bowl with some. Otherwise, enjoy it it with this handful of ingredients.

What you'll need

1. Black beans (soaked overnight)
2. Brown rice
3. Vegetable broth
4. Tomato paste
5. Cumin, paprika
6. Chili powder
7. Garlic and Onion powder
8. Sea salt

Instant Pot Mexican Casserole [Oil Free]

Rice and beans have never tasted this good, or been so easy to make! This Instant Pot Mexican casserole recipe is incredibly flavourful, filling and satisfying.

Check out this recipe

6. Spanish Beans With Tomato

- by Veggie desserts

A 1-pot recipe made in 20 minutes with just 7 ingredients! It is a delicious family recipe that can be served as tapas or as a main meal. Add some rice or serve with some roasted potatoes or sliced bread.

What you will need:

1. Butter beans 
2. Canned tomatoes 
3. Spinach (I am sure this recipe is amazing without spinach too)
4. Extra virgin olive oil
5. Onion
6. Garlic cloves
7. Paprika
8. Black pepper

Spanish Beans with Tomatoes

This 1-pot flavourful Spanish Beans recipe take just 20 mins and 7 ingredients! This bean stew is great as tapas, main or side. Readers love this dish!

Check out this recipe

7. Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

-by Watch Learn Eat

Looking for a great way to spice up your dinner routine? Check out this Spanish Beans with Tomatoes recipe. It's a quick meal bursting with the vibrant flavors of Spain, all made with just a handful of pantry staples.

What you will need:

1. Gluten-free pasta
2. Canned pumpkin puree
3. Unsweetened canned coconut milk
4. Nutritional yeast
5. Cornstarch (or arrowroot)
6. Ground mustard
7. Salt

Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Mac & Cheese [GF & Oil-Free] - Watch Learn Eat

This creamy vegan pumpkin mac and cheese is oil-free, gluten-free and nut-free and is easy to make in 15 minutes with under 10 ingredients!

Check out this recipe

8. Creamy Vegan Ceaser Dressing

Looking for a delicious dressing that's quick, easy, and versatile (that doesn't have a lot of ingredients?). This 5-Minute creamy Caesar dressing is a great way to enjoy a classic dish with a healthy twist.

What you'll need:

1. Lemon juice
2. Sesame tahini
3. Garlic cloves 
4. Capers 
5. Maple syrup
6. Dijon mustard
7. Spices: Cumin and salt

Creamy Tahini Caesar Dressing (Gluten-Free & Vegan)

Creamy, zesty tahini caesar dressing, ready in 10 minutes is the ultimate dairy-free Caesar salad! Featuring the nutty flavors of tahini, briny capers, zesty lemon, and spiced with mustard and cumin this will quickly be your new favorite dressing for your next salad.

Check out this recipe

9. Roasted Buffalo Chickpeas

- by Marathons and Motivation

Craving a spicy, flavorful snack (or quick side) that's easy to make and good for you too? Check out these Easy Roasted Buffalo Chickpeas. Loaded with flavor and super versatile, add them to salad, wrap, or enjoy as an after-school snack.

What you'll need:

1. Canned chickpeas
2. Hot sauce 
3. Olive oil
4. Paprika
5. Garlic powder
6. Cayenne pepper
7. Salt and pepper

Easy Roasted Buffalo Chickpeas - Marathons & Motivation

These Easy Roasted Buffalo Chickpeas are a tasty, healthy treat! They contain all of the flavor of buffalo wings, but none of the fat. Serve these up at your game day party or enjoy them as an every day snack. It’s hard to believe that we are over halfway through January! Believe it or not,

Check out this recipe

10. 8 Ingredient Fluffy Vegan Waffles

Looking for a quick and delightful breakfast? Next on our list of recipes with 8 ingredients are these fluffy gluten-free waffles. A simple yet delicious meal that will make your mornings special.

What you'll need:

1. Gluten-Free Flour ( Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1)
2. Baking powder
3. Baking soda
4. Plant-based yogurt
5. Oat milk
6. Aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas)
7. Vanilla
8. Salt

Fluffy Vegan Gluten-Free Waffles (Eggless and Delicious)

Our vegan gluten-free waffles have a crispy exterior, fluffy interior, and a rich, buttery taste without the dairy or eggs. Whipped aquafaba makes them incredibly light, while plant-based yogurt adds moisture and just the right amount of tang.

Check out this recipe

11. Easy Tofu Scramble

Our tofu scramble recipe made our list of vegan pantry recipes with 8 ingredients because it's a protein-packed, flavorful breakfast option that you can whip up using just a few pantry staples.

What you'll need:

1. Firm tofu
2. Vegan butter 
3. Nutritional yeast
4. Onion flakes
5. Garlic powder
6. Turmeric
7. Paprika
8. Black salt

The Best Recipe For Tofu Scramble

Kick up your breakfast repertoire with this easy tofu scramble recipe. This is a simple and delicious vegan scrambled egg recipe to nourish you and your family all day long. A great alternative to the same old oatmeal and smoothie bowls. Enjoy a tofu scramble with some toast, avocados, or wrapped for an easy breakfast burrito! Made with a few ingredients in one pan for easy cleanup as well!

Also served with some fluffy waffles.

Check out this recipe

12. 5-Minute No-Bake Energy Truffles

Last on our pantry recipes with 8 ingredients we have some easy desserts. These no-bake energy balls a not only fun to make with the kids but also super delicious. This is one of our favorite recipes! Loaded with healthy fats and made with fewer ingredients then most energy balls!

What you'll need:

1. Walnuts
2. Medjool dates
3. Avocado
4. Hemp seeds
5. Cocoa powder
6. Maple syrup

Healthy Bliss Balls for Kids (No-Bake, Gluten-Free)

These healthy bliss balls for kids are rich, chocolatey, and naturally sweetened with dates. Ready in 15 minutes, and packed with healthy fats, they’re a gluten-free, dairy-free snack kids love!

Check out this recipe

🥣Looking For More Recipes?

I hope these vegan pantry recipes with 8 ingredients! I you are looking for more easy simple family recipes be sure to check out these:

If you make any of these simple recipes, please like and comment, that would mean a lot to me! And tag me with your re-creations so I can share over on Instagram!

Until then, tchau