13+ Plant-Based Recipes That Make Dinner Feel Easy

Plant-based meals don’t have to be complicated or bland.

These 13+ recipes use simple ingredients—like silken tofu, lentils, beans, and grains—to make meals that feel hearty, bright, and full of flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with others, these dishes are balanced, flexible, and easy to enjoy.

You’ll find everything from cozy bakes to crunchy bowls, plus a few unexpected sweet options.

Each recipe keeps things simple but satisfying.

1. Asian Silken Tofu Banh Mi

Silken tofu gives this sandwich a soft, creamy bite that pairs perfectly with crisp pickled vegetables and a light smear of spicy mayo. Tucked into a crusty baguette with fresh herbs, it’s a lighter twist on the traditional banh mi, but still full of flavor and texture.

You can make this tofu banh mi by following the recipe right here.

2. Silken Tofu Mango Green Papaya Salad

This salad brings together the crunch of green papaya, the sweetness of mango, and the gentle creaminess of silken tofu. It’s refreshing and light, but still satisfying thanks to the balance of textures and flavors in the dressing.

Here’s the recipe for this tofu mango and green papaya salad to try at home.

3. Salted Caramel Silken Tofu with Hazelnuts

For something sweet, this dish blends smooth silken tofu with a drizzle of salted caramel and roasted hazelnuts for crunch. It’s creamy, nutty, and just sweet enough—making it a simple dessert that still feels special.

Try this salted caramel tofu dessert with this recipe.

4. Silken Tofu Scramble with Veggies

This scramble is soft, warm, and comforting—great for breakfast or a quick dinner. Silken tofu gives it a creamy base while the veggies bring color and bite. It’s a flexible dish you can switch up with whatever produce you have on hand.

Make your own veggie tofu scramble with this guide.

5. Lentil & Mushroom Shepherd’s Pie

This version of shepherd’s pie uses lentils and mushrooms to make a savory, hearty filling. It’s topped with creamy mashed potatoes for a cozy finish. Perfect for colder evenings or when you want something warming without being heavy.

Here’s the recipe for the lentil mushroom shepherd’s pie to get started.

6. Chili Crunch Tempeh & Broccoli Rice Bowl

Crispy tempeh tossed in chili crunch sits alongside tender broccoli and fluffy rice. This bowl is spicy, savory, and easy to prep ahead of time. The mix of textures and bold flavor makes it a satisfying, no-fuss meal.

Find the steps for this chili crunch tempeh bowl at this link.

7. Miso Tahini Tofu Power Bowl

This power bowl brings together baked tofu, grains, and veggies with a creamy miso-tahini dressing. It’s filling and full of umami, with the kind of flavor that makes you want another bite. Great for lunch or dinner.

You can make this miso tahini tofu bowl using this recipe.

8. Black Bean Zucchini Enchiladas

Zucchini and black beans are rolled up in tortillas and covered with a savory sauce for a comforting meal that’s also packed with veggies. These enchiladas bake until bubbling and are easy to reheat the next day.

Try this recipe for zucchini and bean enchiladas right here.

9. Quinoa Chickpea Patties with Avocado Sauce

These little patties are crisp on the outside and tender inside, made from a mix of quinoa and chickpeas. They pair perfectly with the creamy avocado sauce and can be served in a bowl, wrap, or on their own.

Follow the recipe for these quinoa chickpea patties with sauce at this link.

10. Tempeh Noodle Bowls with Ginger Peanut Sauce

This noodle bowl mixes chewy noodles, sautéed tempeh, and fresh veggies with a rich ginger peanut sauce. It’s quick to throw together and feels filling without being too heavy.

Get the full recipe for these tempeh noodle bowls right here.

11. Creamy White Bean Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

White beans make the sauce creamy without needing dairy, and sun-dried tomatoes add bursts of flavor. It’s a simple pasta dish that feels a little different, great for a weeknight meal when you want something warm and filling.

Here’s how to make this white bean pasta using this recipe.

12. Lentil Walnut Taco Meat Lettuce Wraps

Lentils and walnuts are blended into a savory “meat” that works well tucked into fresh lettuce leaves. It’s crunchy, hearty, and easy to prep. You can also use the mix in tacos, bowls, or on top of grains.

Make these lettuce wraps with lentil walnut taco meat by following this link.

13. Spicy Tofu Edamame Stir-Fry

This quick stir-fry brings together tofu and edamame in a bold, spicy sauce. It cooks fast and goes well with rice or noodles. It’s one of those meals that’s easy to adjust with what you have, but still hits all the right notes.

Check out the spicy tofu and edamame stir-fry with this recipe.

Final Thoughts

These plant-based meals show how much you can do with everyday ingredients like tofu, beans, lentils, and grains. They’re balanced, nourishing, and easy to come back to. Some are fast, some take a little longer, but they’re all meant to feel doable—no special tools or fancy extras needed.

If you’re trying to add more plant-based meals to your week, this is a great place to begin.