Lazy Vegan Recipes: Quick & Easy

Are you a vegan looking for quick and easy meal options? Or perhaps you’re curious about plant-based cooking but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Look no further! This blog post is all about lazy vegan recipes that are perfect for those days when you’re short on time or energy. We’ll explore a variety of dishes that are not only simple to make but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just starting your plant-based journey, these recipes are sure to become staples in your kitchen.

Why Lazy Vegan Recipes?

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why lazy vegan recipes are so great:

• They save time: Perfect for busy professionals, students, or parents
• They’re budget-friendly: Often use simple, affordable ingredients
• They’re beginner-friendly: Great for those new to vegan cooking
• They reduce food waste: Many use pantry staples or leftovers
• They’re customizable: Easy to adapt based on what you have on hand

Now, let’s get cooking!

Breakfast: Start Your Day Right

5-Minute Overnight Oats

Breakfast doesn’t get much easier than this. Here’s what you’ll need:

Lazy Vegan Recipes: Quick & Easy

Easy and Delicious Lazy Vegan Recipes for Busy Days

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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Course: Appetizer, Breakfast, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: lazy vegan recipes

Servings: 1

Calories: 275kcal

Author: Alice Ketty

Equipment

• 1 Bowl

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• Toppings of your choice (fruit, nuts, seeds)

Instructions

• Simply mix all ingredients in a jar, refrigerate overnight, and enjoy in the morning. You can make several jars at once for grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week.

Nutrition

Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 46.8g | Protein: 7.5g | Fat: 8.2g | Fiber: 9.2g | Sugar: 13g

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Tofu Scramble in a Mug

For a protein-packed breakfast, try this microwave tofu scramble:

1. Crumble 1/4 block of firm tofu into a microwave-safe mug
2. Add 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, and a pinch of salt and pepper
3. Mix well and microwave for 1-2 minutes
4. Stir and enjoy!

Lunch: Quick and Satisfying Options

No-Cook Mediterranean Wrap

This wrap is perfect for hot days when you don’t want to turn on the stove:

1. Spread hummus on a large tortilla
2. Add chopped lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives
3. Sprinkle with za’atar seasoning (optional)
4. Roll up and enjoy!

3-Ingredient Lentil Soup

This soup is so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it before:

1. In a pot, combine 1 cup red lentils, 1 can diced tomatoes, and 3 cups vegetable broth
2. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes until lentils are soft
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste

Dinner: Effortless Evening Meals

One-Pot Pasta

This lazy vegan recipe is a game-changer. Here’s how to make it:

1. In a large pot, combine:
   • 1 pound spaghetti
   • 1 can diced tomatoes
   • 1 sliced onion
   • 3 cloves minced garlic
   • 4 cups vegetable broth
   • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 9-11 minutes, stirring occasionally
3. Once pasta is cooked and liquid is absorbed, stir in a handful of fresh spinach
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste

Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables and Chickpeas

This hands-off meal is perfect for busy evenings:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
2. On a large sheet pan, combine:
   • 1 can drained and rinsed chickpeas
   • 2 cups chopped mixed vegetables (try bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes)
   • 2 tablespoons olive oil
   • 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, cumin, and paprika
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through
4. Serve over rice or quinoa, or enjoy as is!

Snacks and Sides: Simple Additions

2-Ingredient Banana Ice Cream

This healthy dessert is so easy, it almost feels like cheating:

1. Slice and freeze 2 ripe bananas
2. Blend frozen banana slices in a food processor until smooth and creamy
3. Optional: add a splash of plant-based milk for easier blending, or mix in peanut butter, cocoa powder, or berries for flavor variations

Microwave Baked Potato

A classic comfort food that’s ready in minutes:

1. Wash and prick a potato with a fork
2. Microwave for 5-7 minutes, depending on size
3. Top with vegan butter, nutritional yeast, and chives

Tips for Lazy Vegan Cooking

To make your lazy vegan cooking even easier, consider these tips:

1. Keep your pantry stocked: Always have basics like canned beans, tomatoes, pasta, and grains on hand.
2. Embrace frozen vegetables: They’re just as nutritious as fresh and can be added to many dishes.
3. Invest in time-saving appliances: A slow cooker, pressure cooker, or air fryer can be a lazy cook’s best friend.
4. Batch cook and freeze: When you do have time to cook, make extra and freeze portions for later.
5. Don’t be afraid of shortcuts: Pre-cut vegetables, canned beans, and store-bought sauces can be lifesavers on busy days.

Lazy Vegan Recipe Ideas for Every Occasion

Busy Weeknight Dinner: 15-Minute Stir-Fry

This customizable stir-fry is perfect for using up whatever vegetables you have on hand:

1. Heat oil in a large pan or wok
2. Add your choice of protein (tofu cubes, tempeh, or seitan)
3. Toss in mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen)
4. Add a store-bought stir-fry sauce
5. Serve over rice or noodles

Potluck Contribution: 5-Layer Dip

This crowd-pleasing dip comes together in minutes:

1. In a large dish, layer:
   • Refried beans (check label to ensure vegan)
   • Guacamole (store-bought or homemade)
   • Salsa
   • Vegan sour cream (store-bought or make your own by blending silken tofu with lemon juice and salt)
   • Chopped lettuce and tomatoes
2. Serve with tortilla chips

Meal Prep: Mason Jar Salads

Prepare these on Sunday for grab-and-go lunches all week:

1. In a mason jar, layer (from bottom to top):
   • Dressing
   • Hard vegetables (carrots, bell peppers)
   • Beans or grains
   • Softer vegetables or fruits
   • Leafy greens
2. When ready to eat, shake the jar and pour into a bowl

Lazy Vegan Recipes for Special Diets

Gluten-Free: Chickpea Pancakes

These protein-packed pancakes are naturally gluten-free:

1. Mix 1 cup chickpea flour with 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon oil, and a pinch of salt
2. Let batter rest for 10 minutes
3. Cook like regular pancakes on a griddle or non-stick pan
4. Serve with maple syrup or savory toppings

Oil-Free: Banana Oat Cookies

These cookies are perfect for those avoiding added oils:

1. Mash 2 ripe bananas
2. Mix in 1 cup rolled oats and 1/4 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips
3. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes

Lazy Vegan Recipes for Picky Eaters

Cauliflower “Wings”

Even vegetable skeptics will love these crispy bites:

1. Cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets
2. Dip in plant-based milk, then coat with seasoned breadcrumbs
3. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes
4. Toss with your favorite sauce (BBQ, buffalo, etc.)

Creamy Mac and “Cheese”

This comforting classic gets a vegan makeover:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions
2. For the sauce, blend until smooth:
   • 1 cup cashews (soaked if not using a high-speed blender)
   • 1 cup water
   • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
   • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
   • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
   • 1 teaspoon onion powder
   • Salt to taste
3. Heat sauce in a pan, then mix with cooked pasta

Conclusion

Lazy vegan recipes are a fantastic way to maintain a plant-based diet without spending hours in the kitchen. From quick breakfasts to easy dinners and simple snacks, there’s a lazy vegan recipe for every meal and occasion. Remember, vegan cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to be delicious and satisfying.

By keeping your pantry stocked with versatile ingredients and embracing shortcuts when needed, you can whip up tasty vegan meals even on your busiest days. Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just starting to explore plant-based eating, these lazy vegan recipes prove that you don’t need to sacrifice flavor or nutrition for convenience.

So next time you’re tempted to order takeout or reach for a processed meal, give one of these lazy vegan recipes a try instead. Your taste buds, your wallet, and your schedule will thank you. Happy (lazy) cooking!