What Helped Me Cook Again After Feeling Totally Burnt Out—21 Vegan Meals

ByMandy

There comes a point when takeout menus start to look like unread emails. That’s when 21 plant-based dinners quietly saved the week without demanding applause. No pressure, no perfection, just meals that don’t make you want to run and hide. Somehow, cooking again started to feel less like a trap and more like a choice.

A glazed meatloaf with a crosshatch pattern sits on a white platter, garnished with parsley. Two slices are cut from one end.
Vegan Ham Recipe. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Crispy Avocado Fries

Close-up of crispy, breaded Air Fryer Avocado Fries on a white plate.
Crispy Avocado Fries. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Avocado gets an exciting twist when turned into Crispy Avocado Fries. They’re crunchy on the outside and creamy inside, making them perfect for snacking. Pair them with a dip for extra fun. These fries bring a fresh way to enjoy avocado beyond its usual spread.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Avocado Fries

Almond Pancakes

A stack of pancakes with strawberries on top.
Almond Pancakes. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A fun take on breakfast introduces Almond Pancakes, adding a nutty profile to pancakes. Light, fluffy, and easy to make, they’re a great way to start your day. They go well with toppings you like. It’s not hard to make mornings better with something simple like this.
Get the Recipe: Almond Pancakes

Easy Peanut Butter Bliss Balls – Naturally Vegan & Gluten-Free!

Coconut-dusted balls arranged on a light green plate.
Easy Peanut Butter Bliss Balls – Naturally Vegan & Gluten-Free!. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

When you need something quick and energizing, Easy Peanut Butter Bliss Balls come to the rescue. They are packed with goodness and easy to take on the go. Great for snacking or a quick dessert. These are small bites that fit into busy days.
Get the Recipe: Easy Peanut Butter Bliss Balls – Naturally Vegan & Gluten-Free!

Best Vegan Chili

Close-up of a bowl of chili, topped with chopped cilantro, sliced red onions, and a dollop of sour cream. The chili contains beans, tomatoes, and other visible vegetables.
Best Vegan Chili. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Bold and hearty, Best Vegan Chili fills your bowl with warmth and flavor. It’s packed with plant-powered ingredients that come together beautifully. Great for a casual meal or feeding a group. It’s a solid choice for when you want something filling without hassle.
Get the Recipe: Best Vegan Chili

Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

A bowl of asparagus and white bean risotto.
Asparagus and White Bean Risotto. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Warming up mealtime with Asparagus and White Bean Risotto, this dish combines comfort with a gentle touch of elegance. Creamy texture meets a boost of plant-based protein. Works well for both everyday dinners and special occasions. Risotto is a steady option when hunger calls.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

Mango Banana Smoothie Bowl

A bowl of smoothie topped with blueberries, nuts, seeds, and shredded coconut, served on a striped cloth alongside a smaller bowl.
Mango Banana Smoothie Bowl. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

For something light and refreshing, Mango Banana Smoothie Bowl comes through with simplicity. A natural sweetness from fruits makes it a great choice for breakfast or a snack. Add your favorite toppings to make it your own. This bowl fits well into busy mornings or slow afternoons.
Get the Recipe: Mango Banana Smoothie Bowl

Best Vegan Minestrone Soup Recipe

Two bowls of vegetable stew garnished with herbs, accompanied by a head of garlic and a bottle of olive oil on a striped tablecloth.
Best Vegan Minestrone Soup Recipe. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Warm with layers of flavor, Best Vegan Minestrone Soup Recipe offers vegetables and hearty textures all in one bowl. It’s flexible and comforting any time of the day. A timeless dish fit for a casual lunch or light dinner. You can tweak this recipe to match your preferences easily.
Get the Recipe: Best Vegan Minestrone Soup Recipe

Cabbage Soup

A close-up of a steaming pot of hearty cabbage soup in a tomato-based broth, garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

When you need something wholesome, Cabbage Soup is a simple option that hits the spot. It’s light but more than enough to fill you up. Perfect for when you want an easy meal that feels clean. Stick to this for quick homemade perfection.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Soup

Caramelized Onion Hummus

Caramelized Onion Hummus. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A unique twist on hummus comes with Caramelized Onion Hummus. Sweet layers from onions bring surprises to this classic dip. Great for dipping with veggies, crackers, or using as a spread. It adds something unexpected to your appetizer rotation.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Onion Hummus

Homemade Ratatouille

A close up of food.
Homemade Ratatouille. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Bringing simplicity and freshness, Homemade Ratatouille uses vegetables in an easy-to-make way. It shines as a main dish or a side alongside your favorite pairing. You don’t need fancy extras to enjoy this classic. It’s a reliable choice for simple, hearty meals.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ratatouille

Moussaka

A pan of cooked lasagna topped with melted cheese, black pepper, and chopped parsley.
Moussaka. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A hearty classic, Moussaka combines layers to make a meal that satisfies in stacks. Great for those moments when you want something warm and filling on your plate. Serve it for dinner or leftovers; it always holds up. Its composition gives you a lasting home-cooked vibe.
Get the Recipe: Moussaka

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Smashed Red Skin Potatoes in a white bowl.
Crispy Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Potatoes meet a crispy makeover with Crispy Smashed Potatoes, transforming everyday spuds into standout bites. Crunchy and golden, they’re ideal for snacking or pairing with main dishes. Add simple seasonings to improve them further. A go-to idea for simple, tasty treats.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Homemade Vegan Nutella Spread

Homemade Vegan Nutella Spread. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A plant-based take on something familiar shows up in Homemade Vegan Nutella Spread. Creamy and sweet, it’s perfect for spreading on toast, pancakes, or using in recipes. Skip store-bought when you can make it fresh at home. It’s dependable for breakfast or dessert treats.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Vegan Nutella Spread

Easy Vegan Chili Pizza

Easy Vegan Chili Pizza. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

When you want bold flavors in pizza form, Easy Vegan Chili Pizza changes things up. It’s a fun way to experiment with toppings beyond the usual. Perfect for weeknights or casual parties. This brings something extra to pizza nights with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Chili Pizza

Vegan Pasta Primavera

A colorful pasta salad with fusilli, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, peas, red onion, zucchini, and fresh basil leaves is served on a blue plate.
Vegan Pasta Primavera. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Vegetables shine in Vegan Pasta Primavera, keeping meals fresh and lively. Pair it with pasta for a simple and hearty option. Great for lunch or quick dinners without complexity. It’s dependable for easy flavor without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Pasta Primavera

Egg Rolls

Vegan egg rolls in a wooden tray.
Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Combining crunch and flavor, Egg Rolls serve as a versatile snack or appetizer. Quick to grab and eat, they fit perfectly as finger food. Pair them with dips or enjoy as-is. These rolls give you fulfilling bites without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Egg Rolls

White Bean Chocolate Chip Cookies – Vegan & Gluten-Free

Close-up of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies in a plate, showing the gooey chocolate chunks and golden-brown texture.
White Bean Chocolate Chip Cookies – Vegan & Gluten-Free. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A dessert twist brings White Bean Chocolate Chip Cookies into the mix, combining plant-based elements with sweetness. Keeps snack time exciting when you want something familiar but different. Great paired with coffee breaks or packed lunches. Cookies get a refreshing makeover without losing character.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Chocolate Chip Cookies – Vegan & Gluten-Free

Vegan Lasagna

Close-up of a slice of vegetable lasagna showing layers of pasta, assorted vegetables, ricotta cheese, and tomato sauce with a breadcrumb topping.
Vegan Lasagna. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Layers of goodness make Vegan Lasagna a dependable dinner that warms and fills your plate. Perfect for group meals or leftovers. It brings together ingredients for a fulfilling, balanced dish. Such a meal easily turns into a go-to when prepping ahead too.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Lasagna

Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

A gochujang cabbage steak on a bed of white rice.
Gochujang Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Bold spices meet cabbage in Gochujang Cabbage Steaks, creating an easy and flavorful dish. They stand out as a plant-rich option for your mealtime lineup. Great as a side or a standout addition to dinner. Steaks here don’t need much effort for a bold finish.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cabbage Steaks

Roasted Potatoes

Close-up of vegan roasted potato wedges garnished with chopped parsley. The potato skins are slightly crispy and browned, with visible seasoning.
Roasted Potatoes. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Turning staple ingredients into highlights, Roasted Potatoes deliver simplicity with a fulfilling crunch. Great for all kinds of meals when you need an easy pairing. This dish keeps things straightforward and no-fuss. Roasting transforms potatoes into something classic yet enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes

Vegan Ham Recipe

A glazed meatloaf with a crosshatch pattern sits on a white platter, garnished with parsley. Two slices are cut from one end.
Vegan Ham Recipe. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A plant-based twist offers Vegan Ham Recipe, adding variety to traditional options. It works well for sandwiches, breakfast platters, or hearty meals. This recipe changes up familiar ideas into something you’ll keep coming back to. A dependable alternative without compromise.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Ham Recipe

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *