Eating plant-based meals is good for your body and the planet. But coming up with easy, tasty, and family-friendly meal ideas can be a challenge. Fear not, friends – we’ve got you covered!
Here are 35 meat-free dinners that’ll make you forget chicken even exists. Seriously. We’ve got pasta, pizza, burgers, stews, and more! So, let’s dig in!
35 Easy No Chicken Dinners
1. Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff
This recipe employs coconut milk instead of sour cream to create a creamy base. Simply sauté mushrooms with garlic, onion, and vegan butter, and stir in some pasta.
2. Falafel Wrap
Falafel is a traditional Middle Eastern food that can be served in many ways. In this recipe, crispy chickpea balls are wrapped in a tortilla with hummus, lettuce, and veggies.
3. Easy Vegan Baked Ziti
This is a classic Italian dish that can be made vegan by using soy cheese and plant-based meat crumbles. Mix the cooked pasta with marinara sauce, layered with vegan cheese, crumbles, and bake!
4. Grilled Veggie Burgers
Wrap portobello mushrooms, zucchinis, eggplant, and roasted red bell pepper in buns with lettuce, veganaise, and any other toppings of your choice.
5. Veggie Fajitas
Sauté bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms until tender. Serve with warmed flour or corn tortillas, guacamole, and some hot sauce if you like.
6. Vegan Walnut Meatballs
Substitute meat with walnuts for a rich, nutty flavor. Toss the meatballs in tomato sauce and serve with spaghetti.
7. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
A classic comfort food with a vegan twist! Layer mashed potatoes, lentils, and mixed veggies, and bake until golden.
8. Butternut Squash Couscous
Toss roasted butternut squash with couscous, chopped almonds, green onions, and dressing made of olive oil and lemon juice.
9. Creamy Avocado Pasta
Whizz built-in ingredients like fresh basil, avocados, garlic, lime juice, and green onion together in a food processor until smooth. Serve over cooked pasta.
10. Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Fill large portobello mushrooms with breadcrumbs, garlic, and parmesan cheese. Bake in the oven until the mushrooms are tender, and the cheese has melted.
11. Chickpea Salad Wraps
Mash chickpeas with avocado for a protein-packed filling. Roll the mixture in a large lettuce leaf, garnish with tomatoes and cucumbers, and enjoy!
12. Vegan Taco Salad
Top a bed of lettuce with tomatoes, vegan sour cream, and guacamole, and taco-flavored filling made of lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu.
13. Veggie Pad Thai
Stir-fry rice noodles with veggies, scrambled tofu, and peanuts, and add spicy peanut sauce to tie everything together.
14. Roasted Sweet Potato Stuffed With Quinoa
Bake a sweet potato in the oven and stuff it with quinoa, beans, corn, and cilantro. A hearty and healthy dish!
15. Slow Cooker Black Bean and Butternut Chili
Combine black beans, butternut squash, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and beans with a blend of spices for a warm and cozy chili that’s easy to prepare.
16. Vegan Margherita Pizza
Spread pizza dough with tomato sauce, vegan mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves, bake in the oven until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.
17. Vegan Lemon Risotto
Sauté onion, garlic, and lemon zest, and stir in some arborio rice and broth until the rice is cooked and creamy. A fresh and zesty dish!
18. Veggie Stir Fry
Sauté broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms over high heat, add a touch of soy sauce or teriyaki sauce, and serve over rice.
19. Tuscan Vegan Gnocchi
These fluffy dumplings are made with potatoes and can be enjoyed with a simple tomato sauce or pesto.
20. Lentil and Sweet Potato Curry
Simmer red lentils, sweet potatoes, and canned tomatoes in a fragrant curry paste. Serve over rice for a hearty and flavorful meal.
21. Vegan Spaghetti and Meatballs
The meatballs are made with TVP (texturized vegetable protein) and breadcrumbs, and flavored with Italian herbs and spices. Serve over spaghetti with marinara sauce and vegan parmesan.
22. Teriyaki Tofu Stir-Fry
Sauté tofu and a mix of colorful vegetables in a teriyaki sauce made with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a sweetener of your choice. Serve over rice or noodles.
23. Spicy Black Bean Burritos
Fill tortillas with seasoned black beans, rice, salsa, guacamole, and your favorite toppings for a satisfying and flavorful burrito.
24. Vegan Cauliflower Alfredo
Create a creamy Alfredo sauce using cauliflower, garlic, plant-based milk, and nutritional yeast. Toss with your choice of pasta for a dairy-free and comforting dish.
25. Lentil and Vegetable Soup
A hearty soup filled with lentils, various vegetables, and a blend of spices. Perfect for a warm and nourishing dinner.
26. Vegan BBQ Pulled “Pork” Sandwiches
Make “pulled pork” from jackfruit or mushrooms, then smother it in BBQ sauce and serve it on buns with coleslaw for a satisfying sandwich.
27. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Combine cooked quinoa with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs, and dress it with olive oil and lemon juice for a light and refreshing dinner.
28. Vegan Jambalaya
A spicy and flavorful jambalaya made with a mix of vegetables, rice, and plant-based sausage or other protein alternatives.
29. Roasted Veggie and Hummus Wrap
Roast a variety of vegetables, spread hummus on a tortilla, and wrap it around the roasted veggies for a quick and healthy dinner.
30. Vegan Sweet and Sour Tofu
Coat tofu with a sweet and tangy sauce made from vinegar, sugar, and pineapple juice. Serve with rice and vegetables for a tasty meal.
31. Portobello and Asparagus Risotto
Create a creamy and savory risotto with portobello mushrooms, asparagus, and arborio rice, flavored with vegetable broth and white wine.
32. Vegan Lentil Tacos
Make a flavorful lentil-based taco filling with seasonings and spices, then serve in taco shells with your favorite toppings.
33. Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Roast spaghetti squash and fill it with a spinach and artichoke mixture for a satisfying and healthy meal.
34. Vegan Eggplant Parmesan
Bread and bake eggplant slices, then layer them with tomato sauce and vegan mozzarella cheese for a plant-based twist on a classic Italian dish.
35. Vegan Teriyaki Bowl
Combine tofu or tempeh with broccoli, carrots, and teriyaki sauce, then serve over a bed of brown rice for a delicious and protein-rich dinner.
Final Thoughts,
Eating plant-based meals doesn’t have to be complicated or boring. Our list of 35 easy no chicken dinners has highlighted the variety and deliciousness that can be had, even without the presence of meat.
Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or just looking for a healthier alternative, these recipes are sure to satisfy. So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking and enjoy the plant-based goodness!
