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  • ร—
    Home ยป Recipe roundups

    Reader favorite vegan recipes from Cadry’s Kitchen

    Published: Jul 31, 2026 by Cadry Nelson ยท This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ยท 2 Comments

    4-panel collage with popcorn tofu, vegan meatloaf, chili crisp edamame, and pickled turnips. Text overlay: Cadry's Kitchen reader favorites.

    If you’re new to Cadry’s Kitchen or wondering what to make first, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the vegan favorites that readers return to again and again.

    4-panel collage with popcorn tofu, vegan meatloaf, chili crisp edamame, and pickled turnips. Text overlay: Cadry's Kitchen reader favorites.

    With hundreds of recipes on my vegan recipe site, it can be hard to know where to start. So I’ve rounded up some reader favorites for easy perusing and choosing.

    There’s decadent appetizers, veggie-packed side dishes, hearty sandwiches, eye-catching main courses, and easy air fryer recipes that make dinnertime a breeze.

    In this post:

    Jump to:
    • Roasted Brussels sprouts with apples
    • Three bean chili
    • Fried artichoke hearts
    • Baba ganoush
    • Baked tofu with lemon & rosemary
    • Crispy fried zucchini
    • Tofu nuggets
    • Vegan onion rings
    • Vegan meatloaf
    • Spicy edamame with chili crisp
    • Vegan turkey roast
    • Vegan French dip sandwich
    • Vegan pepperoni
    • Pickle salsa
    • Oven-roasted breakfast potatoes
    • Quick pickled turnips
    • Air fried potato peels
    • Olive oil bread dip
    • Creamy cashew salad dressing
    • Gyoza dipping sauce

    Roasted Brussels sprouts with apples

    Platter with apples, caramelized onions, pistachios, and Brussels sprouts.
    Make this recipe

    Oven roasted Brussels sprouts with apples and caramelized onions makes a delightful autumn side dish. (It’s one I make every Thanksgiving.)

    This colorful side is finished with a smattering of toasted pistachios for crunch.

    Reader feedback: "This was such a yummy side dish for fall! I loved the pistachios so much I added extra. Will definitely make again!" - Claire


    Three bean chili

    Orange bowl with chili by avocado, limes, and yellow napkin.
    Make this recipe

    Three bean chili is a hearty one-pot dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes. This pantry-friendly recipe includes pinto, black, and Great Northern beans.

    Enjoy with crusty bread for dunking, or pour it over tots with cashew queso for loaded tater tots.

    Reader feedback: "I’ve made this several times now, very quick and simple and tastes delicious! It’s my favorite chili recipe, thank you! ๐Ÿ™‚" - Joanne


    Fried artichoke hearts

    Fried artichoke hearts on platter.
    Make this recipe

    Impress your dinner guests with an appetizer of fried artichoke hearts!

    They’re coated in seasoned panko and air fried until crispy. (I give pan-fried directions too!) Finish with a side of lemon garlic aioli for dipping.

    Reader feedback: "These should be served at restaurants!" - Nicole


    Baba ganoush

    Baba ganoush on table with carrots and turnip pickles.
    Make this recipe

    Baba ganoush is ready in half the time when you prepare it in the air fryer. Although, I also give directions for baking in an oven instead.

    (Not familiar with baba ganoush? Think of it as hummus but with eggplant instead of chickpeas.)

    This smoky, full-bodied eggplant dip is terrific with warmed pita for dunking.

    Reader feedback: "Made this baba ganoush tonight served in pita bread with roast vegetables. It was amazing and so easy to make. Will definitely make it again." - Sandra


    Baked tofu with lemon & rosemary

    Baked lemon rosemary tofu slabs on platter by rosemary and lemon slices.
    Make this recipe

    This easy baked tofu recipe has been a reader favorite since I first published it in 2017.

    It’s weeknight-friendly, because no pressing or lengthy marinating is required. You simply bake the garlic and lemon marinade into the slices.

    Enjoy it as a main course, or add it to sandwiches, wraps, or avocado toast. It’s even delicious cold out of the fridge.

    Reader feedback: "Made this for supper last night. Love it. Super simple. Great taste with the lemon juice. I used fresh rosemary from my garden. Highly recommend." - Louise


    Crispy fried zucchini

    Vegan fried zucchini slices on platter.
    Make this recipe

    If there’s a better way to use up your zucchini haul than breaded zucchini, I can’t think of it.

    For this recipe, zucchini slices are coated in a batter and breadcrumb coating. Then they’re fried or air fried until crispy.

    Enjoy them on their own, or dunk them in spicy chili crisp dipping sauce for a bit of heat.

    Reader feedback: "I love making these in the air fryer! This a great way to enjoy zucchini." - Shell


    Tofu nuggets

    Platter of crispy tofu nuggets on platter by forks and appetizer plates.
    Make this recipe

    Crispy tofu nuggets are my take on popcorn tofu, like you might buy in the deli of a health food store.

    These gluten-free bites are coated in cornstarch and nutritional yeast, and then air fried until crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. (I give alternative instructions for pan frying or baking if you prefer.)

    This one-bowl recipe is easy to prepare, and ready in under 30 minutes. Plus, each serving has 21 grams of protein.

    If you like, serve these savory nuggets with onion & garlic dressing for dunking. They can also be added to wraps, salads, and bowls.

    Reader feedback: “Easy and delicious!” - Debbie


    Vegan onion rings

    Hand holding vegan onion ring over platter.
    Make this recipe

    Vegan onion rings are rare on restaurant menus, because they’re often made with milk or eggs in the batter. However, they’re a breeze to prepare at home!

    Pan fry them, or use the air fryer. Then serve with no-cook barbecue sauce for dipping.

    Reader feedback: "Sooo good!! Thank you so much for the recipe." - Amy


    Vegan meatloaf

    Plant-based meatloaf main course on plates with mashed potatoes and broccoli.
    Make this recipe

    When you need a dose of cozy Americana, whip up vegan meatloaf with Impossible meat. This comforting main course is packed with umami.

    A full loaf is ideal for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Or if you want to pull it together on a weeknight, I also give instructions for making individual meatloaf muffins, which cook much faster.

    Reader feedback: "This is such a wonderful and nostalgic recipe for me! Growing up, we often had meatloaf for dinner in my family, and this vegan version recreates it perfectly! ๐Ÿ™‚" - David


    Spicy edamame with chili crisp

    Vegan edamame appetizer on plate with empty bowl for shelling soybeans.
    Make this recipe

    Spicy edamame is a craveable appetizer that’s coated in a creamy chili crisp and garlic sauce.

    Perfect for impromptu gatherings with friends, it requires only 8 ingredients, and it’s ready to eat in just 5 minutes.

    Reader feedback: "SO yummy! We loved how this recipe coats every pod in great flavor." - Renee


    Vegan turkey roast

    Slices of vegan turkey roast on plate with mashed potatoes and green bean casserole.
    Make this recipe

    Of course vegan turkey roast is a must at Thanksgiving alongside mashed potatoes and vegan turkey gravy.

    But even outside of the holidays, you’ll reach for this seitan recipe to add to hearty sandwiches, wraps, soups, and vegan pot pie.

    Filled with fragrant fall spices and warm savory flavor, this tender roast is always a hit.

    Reader feedback: "This was excellent. The herbs were evident, but not overpowering. The texture was spot on. (I made it firm.) Andโ€ฆ peopleโ€ฆ it was easy." - Mary


    Vegan French dip sandwich

    Hands dipping jackfruit French dip sandwich into vegan au jus.
    Make this recipe

    If you haven't made this vegan French dip sandwich yet, what are you waiting for?

    This decadent sandwich is filled with jackfruit, sautรฉed onions, and horseradish mayo on toasted ciabatta. Then it's served with a full-bodied au jus for dunking.

    Reader feedback: "This might be my favorite vegan sandwich of all time including anything I’ve eaten at a restaurant. The combo of the dipping sauce with the toasted sandwich and the delicious savory jackfruit filling is perfect." - Chris


    Vegan pepperoni

    Sliced vegan pepperoni on cutting board.
    Make this recipe

    This vegan pepperoni is a staple in our house. We always have it on hand - either in the fridge to eat right away or freezer for long-term storage.

    It’s amazing on flatbread pizzas or added to vegan charcuterie boards with non-dairy cheese, pickles, and crackers.

    Reader feedback: "Absolutely a favorite!! So good." - David


    Pickle salsa

    Chip dipping into pickle salsa.
    Make this recipe

    Pickle salsa is a salty snack you’re going to crave!

    Use it as a dip with tortilla chips. Or pile it onto veggie burgers as a garnish. Either way, you’re going to love it!

    Reader feedback: "We love this recipe. Delicious and so easy to throw together!" - Bren


    Oven-roasted breakfast potatoes

    Roasted potatoes, onions, and bell peppers in serving dish.
    Make this recipe

    These hearty breakfast potatoes are dotted with bell peppers and onions. After a quick chop, they come together easily by roasting in the oven.

    Serve this tasty side dish with your favorite brunch dishes, or stuff them into a breakfast burrito.

    Reader feedback: "I love how easy these potatoes are!" - Dianne


    Quick pickled turnips

    Bright pink quick pickled turnips in jar.
    Make this recipe

    Quick pickled turnips add tang, crunch, and gorgeous hot pink color to hummus wraps and snack boards.

    Made with just 6 ingredients, they are a breeze to prepare and take only 15 minutes of hands-on time.

    Reader feedback: "Thank you for this absolutely fantastic, easiest, and best recipe. I love pickled vegetables of all kinds, but will never buy them in a store anymore, since reading and making your recipe." - John

    For other well-loved quick pickles, try any of these recipes:

    • Pickled watermelon rind
    • Quick pickled jalapenos
    • Quick pickled cucumbers
    • Pickled shallots
    • Pickled zucchini recipe

    Air fried potato peels

    Crisp potato peels with dipping sauces on plate with sauces.
    Make this recipe

    Peeling potatoes for mashed potatoes or soup? Don't let those peels go to waste! Instead, make a batch of air fried potato peels!

    This crispy snack is a delicious treat while you wait for your main course to cook.

    Reader feedback: "These were so tasty! I normally don’t peel potatoes, but sometimes I need to make smooth mashed potatoes. I’ve always hated throwing away the peels. This is a great way to use them, and so easy!" - Cassie


    Olive oil bread dip

    Olive oil drizzling off of bread into bowl.
    Make this recipe

    Ever since I shared this olive oil bread dip, it has been wildly popular.

    Dunking warm bread into this flavored oil makes you feel like you’re dining at an Italian restaurant.

    This simple recipe is made with just 7 ingredients, and it takes only 5 minutes to prepare. It doesn’t get easier than that!

    Reader feedback: "Absolutely delicious and so simple to make!" - Cynthia


    Creamy cashew salad dressing

    Creamy cashew dressing being poured onto kale salad.
    Make this recipe

    Creamy cashew salad dressing has been a fan favorite for years now.

    It’s no wonder why. It has flavor in spades.

    With a cashew base, it is wonderfully creamy. Then it has tamari for umami, lemon for brightness, cilantro for herbaceousness, and a hit of garlic to round things out.

    Pour it over a leafy green salad and eat up.

    Reader feedback: "I’ve tried lots of oil-free cashew dressing recipes and this one is the best! I crave it! I eat it every day on my dinner salad." - Kate


    Gyoza dipping sauce

    Gyoza hovering over dipping sauce.
    Make this recipe

    This simple gyoza dipping sauce is a delicious mix of salty, tangy, and nutty.

    It comes together in only a minute and uses just 3 ingredients (plus optional garnish).

    You can easily whip up a batch while your dumplings are sizzling!

    Reader feedback: "This sauce was delicious. We had it with pot stickers. Definitely 5 stars!" - Peggy

    Updated July 31, 2026. Originally published December 20, 2024.

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    About Cadry Nelson

    Cadry Nelson is the writer, recipe creator, and photographer behind Cadryโ€™s Kitchen, and the author of Living Vegan For Dummies, 2nd Edition. Since launching her blog in 2009, Cadry has been making plant-based cooking approachable, and reimagining classic comfort foods. Her work has been featured in NBC News, Buzzfeed, Yahoo, Parade, VegNews, and more. She regularly appears on local TV shows, demonstrating to a broad audience how easy vegan cooking can be.

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    1. Susan

      December 31, 2021 at 6:44 pm

      What a great selection.

      Reply
      • Cadry Nelson

        December 31, 2021 at 10:08 pm

        Thanks, Susan!

        Reply

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