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    Home » Easy Weeknight Recipes

    Modified: Aug 17, 2023 by atmytable

    12 EPIC Vegan Recipes for Non Vegans (Gluten-Free Options)

    A grid of photos of easy vegan recipes that are also gluten free

    Looking for delicious and vegan recipes for non vegans? Whether you are hosting a party with mixed diet needs or have dietary restrictions in your family and don't know where to start. You've come to the right place! In this roundup, we're sharing 12 of our family's favorite easy and mouth-watering vegan recipes- perfect for vegan beginners, busy weeknights, and family gatherings.

    This content is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please see our disclaimer page for more information.

    Image for a roundup recipe post sharing 12 quick and easy vegan recipes for non-vegans to try. Image is a grid 12 recipe photos.
    Jump to:
    • How to Handle Mixed-Diet Needs
    • 👪Why Everyone Will Love These Vegan Recipes
    • 🧠Brain Benefits of Plant-Based Proteins
    • 🌿Easy Plant-Based Swaps
    • 🫘Tips When Making Vegan Recipes for Non Vegans
    • ⏲️ Time-Saver: Meal Prep Tips
    • 👩🏽‍🍳 Cooking Tips for Beginners
    • 📋Recipes: Vegan Recipes for Non Vegans
    • 📋Recipes: Simple Vegan Meal Ideas for Busy Weeknights
    • 🥗Epic sides
    • 🥣Looking for more?
    • Information Source

    How to Handle Mixed-Diet Needs

    It took me a while to prioritize making healthy and nutritious meals for my family. As busy parents, we often take shortcuts or let certain aspects of our lifestyle fall by the wayside as we juggle family, household, and marriage.

    But, deprioritizing food and nutrition has consequences. When my oldest son experienced health issues and was diagnosed with a damaged gut, I knew we had to shift our focus. We started incorporating whole foods and plant-based protein sources into our diet, with 2 out of 5 of us going vegan.

    So, how do busy families handle a mixed-diet household and adult responsibilities? And how can you still host your non-vegan friends? Our big secret was to simplify our recipes. Over the years, I've experimented and learned to accommodate different dietary needs, manage time effectively, and address allergies.

    From easy vegan recipes to simple plant-based swaps and meal-planning tips, these dishes will become staples in your family's meal rotation. Let's dive into these amazing easy vegan recipes and discover how enjoyable and satisfying a vegan diet can be!

    Before we get started, let me start by highlighting out 2 favorite delicious vegan recipes at the moment. These finger-licking good sticky sesame tofu and these Brazilian cheese balls! Go give it a try!

    👪Why Everyone Will Love These Vegan Recipes

    I know firsthand the challenges of finding recipes that cater to a mixed-diet household, picky eaters, and lack of time. I am right there with you! That's why I've put together these vegan dinner recipes that your family will not only enjoy but also benefit from. Here's why we love these recipes:

    • Quick and easy: All of these recipes can be made in under 30 minutes, perfect for those hectic weeknights.
    • Simple ingredients: No need for a long list of weird ingredients; most items can be found in your pantry or local grocery store.
    • Picky eater approved: These dishes have been tested and approved by my own children, ensuring they'll please even the most selective taste buds.
    • Combats mealtime boredom: Each recipe offers unique flavors and textures, keeping mealtime interesting for everyone.

    You don't have to have a strict vegan diet to eat less meat and incorporate more plant-based protein into your diet. Whatever the motivation, adding more plants to your weeknight meals can have numerous benefits for the whole family. These easy vegan recipes are designed to satisfy taste buds and provide essential nutrients!

    🧠Brain Benefits of Plant-Based Proteins

    I've always been conscious of the link between nutrition and brain health, probably why I went into health science! By incorporating plant-based proteins into our family's meals you can help to support your family's brain health:

    • Essential amino acids: Plant-based proteins contain the necessary amino acids for brain development and function (1).
    • Reduced inflammation: Consuming plant-based proteins can help lower inflammation in the brain, contributing to better cognitive health (2).
    • Rich in nutrients: Plant-based proteins are packed with essential nutrients like iron and zinc, which are crucial for optimal brain function (3)
    • Low in saturated fat: Plant-based proteins typically have less saturated fat, promoting better brain health (3).
    • Improved mental health: Studies have shown that a plant-based diet can enhance mental health and cognition (4).

    🌿Easy Plant-Based Swaps

    Incorporating more plant-based and vegan protein sources into your diet can be daunting. But don't fret, here are some easy plant-based swaps you can try today to help you make quick vegan dinner recipes:

    • Replace dairy milk with almond, soy, or oat milk
    • Use nutritional yeast as a cheese substitute
    • Swap meat-based broth for vegetable broth
    • Use aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas) as an egg replacement
    • Explore plant-based protein sources like lentils, beans, and quinoa

    🫘Tips When Making Vegan Recipes for Non Vegans

    • Incorporate protein-rich plant-based sources like lentils, beans, and quinoa
    • Include plenty of veggies and whole grains for added nutrition and satiety
    • Experiment with different cooking methods like roasting, grilling, and steaming to add variety and flavor

    ⏲️ Time-Saver: Meal Prep Tips

    You can make these vegan recipes for non-vegans easier with these meal prep tips:

    • Double and freeze: My favorite time-saving tip. Double your recipes and freeze half for easy future meals. This is especially helpful when you know you'll have a busy week ahead. Every time I make lasagna or chili I do this!
    • Prepare ahead: Prepare your grains, beans, and lentils in advance if you can. Cook a large batch over the weekend and store them in the refrigerator. Enjoy them the next day or throughout the week.
      • Pro tip: Most cooked grains can last in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
    • One-pot wonders: Opt for one-pot meals that require minimal cleanup and cooking time. Plus, you'll have fewer dishes to wash, leaving you more time to enjoy your evening.
    • Make sauces and dressings in advance: Whip up some of your favorite vegan sauces and dressings to have on hand. You will be much more likely to eat a salad or marinate some tofu if you have it ready to go. Sauces are helpful as a quick and flavorful addition to your meals.
    • Go for versatile ingredients: Choose ingredients that can be used in multiple recipes, so you'll always have options without needing a fully stocked pantry.
      • My favorite is making mashed potatoes and then using the leftover for Shepherd's pie, or making tofu ricotta and using it for lasagna and stuffed pasta shells.
    • Meal planning: A very underestimated tip but one with a big impact! Take some time over the weekend to plan your meals for the week. This will make grocery shopping more efficient and help you stay organized in the kitchen.

    👩🏽‍🍳 Cooking Tips for Beginners

    • Make it fun and get everyone involved!
    • Start with familiar dishes, don't overcomplicate the recipe
    • Keep it simple: Begin with easy-to-follow recipes like the ones we share here!
    • Master a few plant-based recipes
    • Start with a one-pot meal
    • Start with easy proteins like tofu, beans, and chickpeas

    📋Recipes: Vegan Recipes for Non Vegans

    Making vegan dinner recipes for all diet types doesn't have to break the bank or be complicated or time-consuming. Check out these budget-friendly plant-based recipe options along with some tips:

    • Using affordable ingredients like lentils, beans, grains, and veggies
    • Buying in bulk to save on essentials like rice, beans, and nuts
    • Shopping for in-season produce for the freshest options at lower prices
    • Using herbs and spices to add flavor without breaking the bank
    • Making your own sauces and condiments to save money and avoid additives

    And now onto some of the best vegan dinner recipes we love!

    Image for a recipe post on how to make plant-based shepherd's pie. The image shows full plates of the pie being on a wooden table.
    High Protein Vegan Shepherd's Pie
    High on the list of our favorite vegan recipes. Our Shepherd's Pie is an easy dinner option and perfect for beginners. Made with vegan ground meat, peas, corn, and a creamy red lentil potato mashed. Ready in under an hour for a satisfying, healthy vegan family meal that will satisfy even your meat-loving friends.
    Bonus: this recipe freezes well so make sure to add it to your meal prep recipes! 
    Prep time: 20 minutes
    Check out this recipe
    Image of a plate of egg tofu scramble for recipe post to show the texture of the final recipe.
    The Best Recipe For Tofu Scramble
    Who said scrambles are just for breakfast? Serve up a quick vegan recipe with this delicious savory tofu scramble recipe. Enjoy with some toast, served with some fluffy waffles, or wrapped into a burrito! Made with just a few ingredients in one pan for an easy clean-up!
    Prep time: 5 minutes
    Check out this recipe
    Image of a delicious bowl of bean chili on a white plate garnished with fresh cilantro. The bowl is sitting on a wooden table and is for a blog post on a recipe for simple chili. The chili is rich and hearty, with chunks of onions, tomatoes, and beans in a thick sauce.
    Easy Stovetop Chili Recipe (Vegan Homestyle Chili)
    Topping the list of healthy vegan recipes! Making chili doesn't have to be a stressful weeknight experience. Easy to prep with minimal ingredients yet hearty enough to please your hungry family, even the picky one. Made with 3 different kinds of beans to ensure you get enough protein this recipe is easy, delicious, and nutritious (and it makes great leftovers).
    Prep time: 5 minutes
    Check out this recipe

    📋Recipes: Simple Vegan Meal Ideas for Busy Weeknights

    These quick vegan meals are perfect for weeknight dinners, especially if you are a new vegan or just looking for more easy vegan dinner idea. Top each with your favorite topping for tasty recipes.

    Cosy image of a cast iron with a tofu curry topped with vegan ranch and fresh cilantro. There are spoons inside and fresh naan.
    Roasted Cauliflower and Tofu Tikka Masala - Iamstufft
    Tikka Masala is Butter Masala’s slightly spicer, tomatoey cousin with a savory flavorful sauce. It’s a creamy, comforting dish with a blend of spices cauliflower, and tofu. Served with rice, roti, or naan this recipe makes for a BOMB sauce.
    * For families with kids you can mellow out the spice by adding less green chili or more cashew or next day.
    Prep time: 25 minutes
    Check out this recipe
    Top-down view of a bowl of orange tofu. Tofu is cubed and sprinkled with roasted sesame seeds. The bowl is on a wooden table with a smaller bowls of sesame seeds next to it and some chop sticks
    Sticky orange sesame tofu recipe
    One of our ultimate favorite dishes. Our flavourful finger-licking good sticky orange sesame recipe is always a crowd-pleaser (and not only for vegans). Easy prep, made with simple easy ingredients, this is an easy tofu recipe for beginners or tofu skeptics. It has a the perfect combination of ingredients to leave you with a rich unami flavor that makes this a favorite recipe in most households.
    Prep time: 10 minutes
    Check out this recipe
    image closeup of a pan of vegan currey made with noddles and lots of veggies with slices of lime on top.
    Ginger, Garlic and Tenderstem Noodle Curry - Lucy & Lentils
    Vegan curries make some of the best lazy vegan recipes! Delicious, vibrant, and full of flavor - this noodle curry is really simple to put together and tastes just as good as your favorite takeaway. Made with fresh veggies, coconut milk in a creamy sauce. Top off with your favorite toppings like lemon juice or fresh herbs for an easy vegan dinner recipe.

    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Check out this recipe
    Cover image of gluten free vegan nuggets to show the texture of the inside and the crispy crust.
    Easy Crispy Gluten Free Vegan Chicken Nuggets
    One of our most requested recipes! These kid-approved crispy vegan chicken fingers are a fun way to incorporate more tofu into your family's diet! Easy enough to make on a weeknight with a great texture, no frying required! Easy to batch make for easy meal prepping. Dip into some BBQ sauce or spicy ketchup and you got yourself a winning recipe that everyone will enjoy.
    Prep time: 15 minutes
    Check out this recipe
    Close up image of gluten free vegan lasagna for a recipe post on how to make this easy weeknight recipe. The image shows the finished product with the layers of glute free noodles and homemade tomato lentil sauce and vegan cheese.
    Easy Dairy-Free Lasagna, 2 Vegan Cheese Options (Gltuen-Free)
    Cozy, comforting dairy-free lasagna. The ultimate vegan confort food. One of our best vegan meals this recipe is family-friendly with all the rich flavors of classic lasagna, now allergy-friendly. This vegan gluten free lasagna will become a new family favorite, I promise! Easy to meal prep and perfect as a make-ahead recipe to fuel your family through those hectic weeknights.
    Prep time: 20 minutes
    Check out this recipe
    Close up image of a plate of gluten free noodles with fresh cabbage and other fresh veggies.
    Asian Noodle Salad | Cabbage & Peanut Dressing - thisdelicioushouse
    You have to love vegan pasta dishes! This Asian Noodle Salad is a healthy, protein-packed meal that is great for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish. The tangy peanut sauce is light and addicting, even for kids. Who doesn't love peanut butter? The noodles and colorful veggies make it perfect for families or to serve up at your next get-together. This recipe takes vegan pastas to another level!
    Prep time: 12 minutes
    Check out this recipe
    Bowl of hummus topped with egg-free vegan eggplant meatball and parsley. The plate is sitting on a white countertop.
    Vegan Eggplant Meatballs (Gluten-free, Egg-free)
    A perfect meal! Delicious eggplant meatball recipe. that are extremely flavourful and have a great meaty texture. Made with eggplants, black beans, and chickpea flour, for a high protein and nutritious meatball your family will love. A fun recipe and a great way to sneak in some veggies. Great on its own, dipped in hummus, in a sandwich, as a pizza topping, or in pasta sauce!
    Prep time: 25 minutes
    Check out this recipe
    Image of a plate of vegan tacos. Image is bright and festive and made with a peach salsa
    Vegan Chickpea Tacos With Peach Salsa- swirlsofflavor
    You can not make a list of epic plant-based foods without a taco recipe right? Chickpea Tacos With Peach Salsa is an easy vegan recipe that’s packed with the protein of chickpeas and topped with fresh herbs and a lime-scented fresh peach salsa! Serve with corn tortillas for a gluten-friendly version! Happy vegan cooking.
    Prep time: 10 minutes
    Check out this recipe

    🥗Epic sides

    Cover image of a close up of vegan pao de queijo for a recipe post on how make this classic Brazilian snack dairy free.
    Vegan pao de queijo, Brazilian cheese breads
    Bring a bit of Brazil to your home with this easy guide on how to make delicious Brazilian cheese breads! Naturtally gluten free and made vegan with a simple swap. Follow the steps and you'll be enjoying traditional dishes from South America in no time, and have a perfect snack to share.Kid approved, comforting and delciious.
    Prep time: 20 minutes
    Check out this recipe
    Image of a platter of cauliflower wings to show that this recipe makes two flavors. There is a buffallo wing and a salt and vinegar cauliflower wing. There is also a spicy peanut sauce in the corner of the platter.
    Crispy Vegan Wings: Cauliflower Buffalo & Salt and Vinegar
    Satisfy your cravings with this scrumptious vegan wings recipe, featuring two fan-favorite flavors: Buffalo and Salt and Vinegar! Made from cauliflower, these wings are a nutritious and delicious alternative to traditional chicken wings. Ideal for busy moms seeking dairy-free and gluten-free options, these vegan appetizers are bound to become your go-to crowd-pleasers. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to whip up these lip-smacking vegan wings that'll have everyone asking for seconds!
    Prep time: 20 minutes
    Check out this recipe

    🥣Looking for more?

    I hope you enjoyed these epic vegan recipes for non vegans and vegans alike! If you are looking for more amazing vegan recipes or vegan comfort food be sure to check out some of our latest recipes. And if any of them make it to your dinner table make sure to let us know in the comments! We love to hear it.

    • A cozy image of a bowl of orange tofu. the orange is sticky and cubed and sprinkled with roasted sesame seeds.
      Sticky Orange Tofu Recipe (Gluten-Free)
    • Closeup of a dish of pasta shells stuffed with tofu ricotta and a human hand removing a shell from the dish with wooden utensils. The dish is on a wooden table surrounded by fresh dill and a napkin.
      Creamy Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Recipe (Vegan and GF)
    • A wooden bowl of easy and quick tofu cheese ricotta. The bowl is surrounded by fresh lemon and dill.
      Creamy Tofu Cheese Ricotta, Nut-Free
    • Cover image of a close up of vegan pao de queijo for a recipe post on how make this classic Brazilian snack dairy free.
      Fun Snack: Vegan Pao de Queijo (Brazilian cheese bread)

    Information Source

    1. Mariotti, F., & Gardner, C. D. (2019). Dietary protein and amino acids in vegetarian diets—A review. Nutrients, 11(11), 2661
    2. Minihane, A. M., Vinoy, S., Russell, W. R., Baka, A., Roche, H. M., Tuohy, K. M., ... & Calder, P. C. (2015). Low-grade inflammation, diet composition and health: current research evidence and its translation. British Journal of Nutrition, 114(7), 999-1012
    3. Tuso, P. J., Ismail, M. H., Ha, B. P., & Bartolotto, C. (2013). Nutritional update for physicians: plant-based diets. The Permanente Journal, 17(2), 61.
    4. Medawar, E., Huhn, S., Villringer, A., & Witte, A. V. (2019). The effects of plant-based diets on the body and the brain: a systematic review. Translational Psychiatry, 9, 226.

    More Easy weeknight dinner ideas

    • Image of various recipes that can be made with 8 ingredients from the pantry, image is for a recipe roundup post.
      Quick & Easy: Vegan Pantry Recipes with 8 Ingredients or Less
    • Image of a bowl of red lentil carrot strew, the stew is topped with avocado and lemon and it is for a keto-friendly recipe.
      One-Pot Lemony Red Lentil Stew (low carb &  keto-friendly)
    • Bowl of hummus topped with egg-free vegan eggplant meatball and parsley. The plate is sitting on a white countertop.
      Vegan Eggplant Meatballs (substitute for eggs)
    • Image for a recipe post on how to make plant-based shepherd's pie. The image shows full plates of the pie being on a wooden table.
      High Protein Gluten Free Shepherd's Pie (Lentil option)

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    Hi, I'm Patricia!

    Photo of Patricia Granek smiling with hair down

    Hi there! I'm Patricia, a coffee-fueled Neuroscientist (Ph.D.), mom of 3, and my family's personal home chef! As a busy parent, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to provide nutritious family meals that promote brain health and development. That's why I created AtMyTable, an online resource dedicated to helping busy parents fuel their families. While we specialize in gluten-free and vegan options, we're a mixed diet household ourselves so you can always find something for everyone here.

    Come take a seat and join us, because there's always room for one more at my table!

    More about me →

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