52 Easy & Healthy Vegan Comfort Food Recipes

52 Easy & Healthy Vegan Comfort Food Recipes
Heather Nicholds, C.H.N.

Here’s a roundup of vegan recipes that are fairly easy to make, and have that cozy comforting quality, perfect for times that we might need a little bit of grounding and connection.

You might want to try a dish that’s easy and stress-free. Or, if you have a bit more time than usual to spend in the kitchen, you might find now to a a good time for having fun experimenting outside of your normal routines.

Most of all: stay safe, stay healthy, stay happy.

If you’re someone giving support or care, sending you virtual hugs and positive energy! Hopefully some of the ideas here might help you nourish yourself. Be sure to take care of yourself as well, physically and mentally.

Soup & Stew Recipes:

Vegan Mushroom Stew (Instant Pot or Stovetop)

Gwen has set up a delicious hearty bowl that will satisfy everyone’s tastebuds by hitting that umami flavor. She’ll show you exactly how to make a perfect slurry with arrowroot or cornstarch, which is the secret to getting that slightly thickened broth that sets a stew apart from a soup.

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Vegan Beef-Free Stew

If you have some Gardein beefless tips in your freezer, try this simple and familiar “beef” stew. It’s easy to make and super delicious, perfect for big batches.

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Lentil and Quinoa Chilli with Stout

This hearty vegan chili is made with lentils and quinoa for a meat-like texture, even your carnivore friends will love this. Let this one simmer all day – which is something we can more likely manage right now.

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Instant Pot Potato Leek Soup

This Instant Pot Potato Leek Soup is rich, creamy and satisfying! It’s perfect for weeknights and it will be on your table in no time!

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Creamy Vegan Sweet Potato Lentil Soup

Gluten free, vegan sweet potato and lentil soup is a healthy and tasty meal that will satisfy both your hunger and your tastebuds. This delicious vegetable soup is smooth and filling as well as simple to make. Sweet potato and lentil soup comes out creamy, savory, and decadent thanks to ingredients that not only taste amazing, but are nourishing for your body as well.

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Chickpea Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup gets a gluten-free and vegan makeover with this nutrient-dense, one-pot Chickpea Noodle Soup. Packed with fiber, protein and a ton of vitamins and minerals, this vegan “chicken” noodle soup is a hearty and satisfying meal you’ll want to enjoy over and over again.

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Vegan French Onion Soup

This comforting vegan French onion soup gets its flavor from the tender caramelized onions, fresh thyme, and umami broth. The secret is caramelizing the onions for as long as possible—at least an hour.

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Vegan Tortilla Soup

Vegan Tortilla Soup with rich, bold, tomatoey, smoky, limey, garlicky flavor and piles of crispy, crunchy baked tortilla strips. Then come the extra toppings which really seal the deal. It’s quick and easy to make and totally delicious!

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Creamy Vegan Corn Chowder

This easy, creamy corn and potato chowder is a warm, cozy comfort! If you don’t have broccoli, you can use fresh or frozen spinach instead.

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Roasted Tomato Chickpea Soup

This Roasted Tomato Chickpea Soup is the perfect comfort meal! It’s tasty, healthy and easy to make.

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Vegan Broccoli Potato Soup

A vegan broccoli potato soup that’s not only plant based, but also gluten free. This is the perfect choice for all vegans out there wanting a nourishing, comforting meal that’s easy and healthy!

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Pasta e Fagioli

Made in just one pot, this Vegan Pasta e Fagioli features two types of beans, chickpea pasta and a touch of fresh rosemary for a delicious and robust flavor. Enjoy this protein-packed gluten-free pasta fagioli soup on its own, with a side salad, garlic bread or homemade biscuits.

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Loaded Vegan Ramen Bowl

This vegan ramen bowl is quick, cheap, and customizable based on what you already have on hand! You can top it with fresh or frozen veggies. Perfect for a stress-free dinner!

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Thai Coconut Chickpea Stew

This creamy, flavorful soup will spice up any evening. You can switch up the vegetables if you prefer—try carrots or cauliflower. Squeeze in some lime juice at the end for an added flavor pop, and if you have some fresh cilantro or Thai basil, chop some and sprinkle it on top before serving.

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Hearty Mains:

Red Lentil Dal of Love!

This vegan red lentil dal is a dish you will want to come back to time and time again. It’s protein rich, nourishing and richly flavoured with spices. Serve with rice, potatoes, or flatbreads for a cosy meal.

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Thai Sweet Potato Curry

Drenched in a peanut butter red curry sauce, sweet potatoes never tasted better! It’s creamy, sweet and savory, mildly spicy, yet still kid friendly. Total comfort food.

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Chickpea Tomato Curry

This 8-ingredient vegan chickpea curry with tomatoes is the ultimate 30-minute comfort food that will make your meals complete. Besides being quick and easy to prepare, it is also gluten-free and dairy-free, making my curry a great recipe for those with dietary restrictions.

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Black Bean Quinoa Sweet Potato Burgers

The black bean quinoa sweet potato burgers of my dreams!! Sweet potato adds vitamins A & C, amazing flavor, and acts as a binder for these burgers. I decided to season these with lime, cinnamon and fresh mint – but you could go in a few different directions with the base if you prefer.

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Quinoa Lentil Chipotle Burgers

A little spicy, a little smoky, with a whole lot of flavor and nutrients, this homemade veggie burger is great for baking, frying, or BBQing. Put it on a bun, or try it on a bed of kale like me… topped with a big ol’ scoop of homemade hummus!

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Perfect Vegan Sloppy Joes

Mouthwatering, delicious vegan sloppy joes are the perfect addition to your vegan sandwich collection! Look no further to satisfy your craving for comfort food, with a healthy, vegan twist.

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Quinoa and Black Bean Burgers

You’re going to love these Quinoa and Black Bean Burgers! Low in calories, seasoned with Southwest spices, they’re great to make ahead and freeze for easy meals.

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Great Greek Pizza

This Great Greek Pizza features hummus instead of tomato sauce and its a game changer. You can top this tangy pizza with your favorite veggies and keep it vegan, low fat and healthy.

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Moroccan Chickpea Hand Pies

Hearty moroccan chickpea hand pies packed with vegetables, encased in a crispy gluten-free wrap. Vegan-friendly and wholesome – although they look fancy, they’re really easy to put together!

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Vegan Egg Salad

This 15-minute Vegan Egg Salad gives you a creamy, protein-packed and delicious breakfast sandwich. To make this recipe the healthiest possible, they skipped the high-fat mayonnaise and any other packaged products and opted for only whole foods plant-based ingredients.

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Easy Homemade Vegan Bean Burrito

Easy & high protein vegan bean burritos! We love this quick and healthy Mexican veggie burrito, it’s perfect for meal prep or a to-go lunch. Easily customizable, this kid-friendly wholesome comfort meal is so filling, rich in fiber and a true family favorite.

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Simple Tex-Mex Skillet Pasta

This pasta dish from Gena of The Full Helping is super tasty, simple, and uses staple ingredients you might already have on hand. The smoked paprika, if you have it, takes it over the top.

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Easy Vegan Eggplant Parmesan

This easy Vegan Eggplant Parmesan recipe is gluten-free, allergy-free, and quick to prepare! Crispy eggplant slices made without oil or eggs in the air fryer, then layered and baked with homemade Italian tomato sauce and dairy-free, soy-free, nut-free cheese! A quick and healthy dinner for the whole family!

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White Bean Mac & Cheese

This Vegan White Bean Mac and Cheese is luxuriously creamy, so comforting and most importantly, quick and easy to make.

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Easy Vegan Alfredo Sauce

5 ingredients and 15 minutes is all you need to make this creamy vegan Alfredo sauce. Simple, quick and uses only vegan pantry staples.

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Easy Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese & Parm Sprinkle

You can make your Bolognese sauce with mushrooms or a vegan meat alternative. This is great for leftovers, as the flavors get better the longer it sits. It also freezes well, so you can batch-cook it.

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Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

From Alisa at Go Dairy Free: Comfort food in our house usually means pasta. This Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta uses mostly pantry ingredients, and it has a wonderful flavor.

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Gluten-Free Vegan Baked Ziti

From Rebecca and Strength and Sunshine: Our family’s favorite famous comfort food recipe, remade! Mom’s Best Classic Gluten-Free Vegan Baked Ziti without the dairy, but still under 5 ingredients! This make-ahead “cheesy” pasta dinner casserole is soy-free too, super easy, delicious, and baked in 20 minutes! Great as a freezer meal or having leftovers throughout the week!

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Buffalo Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

This Buffalo Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is the ultimate vegan comfort food. It’s made healthy by adding lots of cauliflower and spinach – plus it’s dairy-free, gluten-free and totally delicious!

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Creamy Vegan Mushroom Risotto

This healthy oil-free vegan risotto is super creamy and comforting! Using fresh mushrooms and frozen peas, it’s a chewy and easy whole food plant-based one-pot dinner idea that’s incredibly satisfying and versatile.

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Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

This is a super creamy and delicious pumpkin pasta sauce, to give a change of pace from tomato sauce or pesto. Paired with mushrooms and spinach for texture and nutrition, it’s a great choice for a totally healthy meal that feels like an indulgence.

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Tempeh Bourguignon

This beef-less bourguignon recipe is definitely not the same sauce you’ll find in Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Luckily, Bourguignon doesn’t necessarily have to be complicated, nor made with meat! The name really just refers to a sauce based on the wine made in the Burgundy region of France.

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Free 3-day healthy vegan meal plan

Get yourself set up with nutritionally-balanced recipes for every meal and snack, along with a grocery list and prep guide.

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Side Dish Recipes:

Cheesy Vegan Cauliflower Casserole

This veggie-loaded Vegan Cauliflower Casserole is layered with ooey-gooey homemade cheese sauce, topped with buttery breadcrumbs and then baked to perfection. It’s easy and delicious!

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Mashed Potatoes & Gravy with Cannellini Bean Cream

Once you taste this comfy combination of cannellini beans, veggie broth, and herbs, you won’t believe that this deliciously creamy gravy starts with a simple can of beans – and you’re the one who made it!

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Whole Wheat Biscuits

This is my mom’s biscuit recipe, and they’re perfect with chili or soup. They are best served warm, though they will keep in the fridge and can be reheated in a toaster oven.

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Creamy Vegan Potato Salad with Cashew Mayo

Here’s a delicious creamy potato salad, made with cashew mayo so it’s vegan and full of nutrients. Plus a chat about the nutritional benefits of potatoes, in the video.

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Snacks and Desserts:

Simple Homemade Hummus Recipe

Homemade hummus is so quick and easy, and can be super tasty if you experiment with different additions. Try roasted red peppers (in a jar), olives, pumpkin puree + curry spices, or whatever you like!

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Single Serving Black Bean Nachos

Make a single serving of nachos for yourself as a meal or a snack. Topped with fresh veggies and black beans, this feels indulgent but is totally nourishing.

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Homemade Granola Bars

With a base of peanut butter and Bee Free Honee (or maple syrup), these homemade granola bars are filling, dense, chewy and delicious – perfect for packing up to take with lunch, for snacks, or as a to-go breakfast.

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Easy Stovetop Cinnamon Apples Recipe

Stovetop cinnamon apples are so much faster than baked, so you can have them ready in a snap. Bring your standard breakfast up a notch, or get a fun Sunday brunch together super-quick.

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Vegan Rice Krispie Treats

Dreena has come up with the perfect vegan alternative to Rice Krispie squares in place of melted marshmallows, which are made with gelatin. Her oil-free technique involves macadamia or coconut butter mixed with brown rice syrup, for the perfect gooey texture and sweetness.

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Vegan Olive Oil Cake with Lemon

If you have some high-quality olive oil on hand, try baking it into a delicious cake! Flavored with lemon juice and zest, this cake is sure to brighten your day.

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Beetroot Brownies with Chocolate Avocado Frosting

Fudgy and decadent vegan beetroot brownies with a smooth avocado chocolate mousse frosting. Approved by vegans and non-vegans alike!

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Oil-Free Banana Bread

I love this banana bread, because it’s a little more bread-like and not sticky like the really dense banana breads. Also, it uses my favorite sweetener: maple syrup!

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Raspberry Maca Triple Chocolate Truffles

A dairy-free chocolate truffle recipe, with 3 variations for you to try… each healthful and guilt-free.

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Homemade Chocolate Bark

I came up with this super simple way to make chocolate bark at home when I discovered that making chocolate from cocoa beans involves a lot of equipment…

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Free vegan taster meal plan + quick start guide

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