12 EPIC Vegan Recipes for Non Vegans (Gluten-Free Options) (2024)

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.

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

⏲️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.

📋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!

📋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.

🥗Epic sides

🥣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.

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.