Plant-based eating should never be boring! We’ve rounded up our best vegan recipes that will impress even the pickiest eaters. Learn to create healthy, oil-free versions of comforting classics like potato skins, quesadillas, tacos, mac and cheese, brownies, ice cream, and more. From hearty vegan dinner recipes to tantalizing sweet treats, all these dishes use easy vegan cooking techniques and familiar ingredients so you can avoid overly complicated dishes without skimping on flavor. Get ready to dig into these vegan meal ideas that will delight the whole family!
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VEGAN SNACKS & APPETIZERS
Break out these mouth-watering vegan recipes when you’re in the mood for finger food that tastes like classic pub grub minus all the unhealthy ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a party for game day or cooking for your kid’s birthday party, these tasty snacks are sure to satisfy everyone on your guest list.
CRISPY BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER BITES
Having friends over to watch the game? Skip the greasy wings and make these spicy-crunchy cauliflower bites instead. Thanks to a clever combination of hot sauce, savory spices, and tomato paste, these crispy nibbles are packed with flavor—and are completely oil-free.
LOADED POTATO SKINS
Twice-baked potatoes create delicious hand-held containers for a savory mixture of chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and scallions. Drizzled with tahini sauce and browned to perfection, this scrumptious vegan recipe is perfect as a snack or paired with a leafy green salad.
AIR-FRYER TAQUITOS WITH CAULIFLOWER AND BLACK BEANS
Air fryers work magic when it comes to cooking up crispy food without adding unhealthy fat. These crunchy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside taquitos are stuffed with hearty black beans, meaty mushrooms, and Southwest taco seasoning to satisfy all your Mexican food cravings.
ONION RINGS
Get ready for a full-on snack attack with this undeniably delicious recipe. Tender, sweet onion rounds are rolled in a crunchy breadcrumb coating and baked to crispy perfection for the perfect plant-based appetizer. Serve with homemade ketchup or vegan ranch, and indulge in some classic pub grub without all the grease!
SICILIAN RICE BALLS WITH MUSHROOMS AND PEAS
Creamy cooked rice is stuffed with meaty mushrooms, sweet peas, and Italian herbs: What could be tastier? Known as arancini in Italy, this satisfying vegan recipe makes for a special appetizer. Dip each crispy rice ball in warm marinara sauce, and enjoy the bite-size flavor bomb!
LOADED LENTIL NACHOS
Smoky lentils take the place of meat and a savory potato-based “cheese” sauce elevates home-baked corn chips to a whole new level. Piled high with fresh pico de gallo salsa, these vegan nachos are a great shareable appetizer—or if you’re extra hungry, enjoy them all by yourself!
SWEET POTATO JALAPEÑO POPPERS
Searching for vegan food recipes that will please a large crowd? These succulent poppers will do the trick. Creamy sweet potato is enhanced with cheesy nutritional yeast and baked inside of spicy jalapeño peppers to create a perfect hand-held appetizer. Garnish with a few leaves of fresh cilantro for extra pizzazz.
ULTIMATE VEGAN GRAVY
Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of mashed potatoes and gravy? This plant-based version of a Thanksgiving favorite gets its rich flavor from mushrooms, dried spices, and brown rice. Plus, this healthy vegan recipe is ready to enjoy in just 30 minutes.
FANCY VEGAN MEATBALLS
The perfect appetizer for a cocktail party, these mouthwatering meatballs are made from savory mushrooms, hearty beans, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a handful of spices that expertly mimic the real deal. Plated on a lettuce leaf, topped with warm marinara sauce, and garnished with crispy cashew crumble, this recipe is just as beautiful as it is delicious.
ZUCCHINI FRITTERS
This easy vegan recipe is such a tasty snack that you’ll want to make a double batch! Grated zucchini is enhanced with fresh herbs and turned into savory oil-free fritters that are perfect to munch on throughout the day. Dip these yummy patties into vegan sour cream, ketchup, or applesauce when you’re in need of wholesome finger food.
VEGAN QUESO SAUCE
One of the most popular Forks Over Knives recipes of all time, this clever vegan queso sauce uses a surprising base: rolled oats. With nutritional yeast, jarred roasted red peppers, a handful of pantry staples, and 5 minutes in the blender, the wholesome base transforms into a creamy, cheesy sauce that even omnivores will love. Enjoy it as a dip with baked chips, poured over potatoes, stirred into Southwest-inspired bowls, or any other way you can think of. Best of all, it’s super healthy!
BLACK BEAN AND SWEET POTATO QUESADILLAS
You won’t miss the queso in these vegan quesadillas that are stuffed with a succulent mixture of mashed sweet potato, salsa, rice, and refried beans. Add some fresh guacamole and salsa on top, and voilá—you have a satisfying feast packed full of Southwest flavors.
