Streamline your plant-based cooking with these easy vegan recipes with 5 ingredients or less. Great for weeknight cooking!
These simple recipe ideas include appetizers, side dishes, desserts, sauces, smoothies, and more.

Sometimes it can be fun to go all out with fancy, laborious dishes that take hours to prepare. But other times, you just want dinner on the table in a hurry.
When you’re past hungry and ready to eat, turn to these simple vegan recipes with 5 ingredients or fewer.
You can expect tasty appetizers like vegan pickle roll-ups and meatless pigs in a blanket. There are protein-packed dishes like eggy tofu and BBQ pulled pork. Plus, side dishes aplenty with fried plantains, roasted asparagus, and mashed potatoes.
Some of the dishes can be cooked on the stove, and others are ideal for the air fryer.
These quick and easy vegan meals are ideal for busy nights. Happy cooking!
In this post:
Effortless vegan appetizers
The next time folks drop by, quickly whip up any of these easy plant-based appetizers. They can be standalone snacks, or a starter to a complete meal.
Vegan pickle roll-ups
Vegan pickle roll ups are a Midwestern classic. This 3-ingredient, no cook appetizer is made with vegan ham slathered with non-dairy cream cheese and wrapped around a crunchy dill pickle.
Serve this bite-sized appetizer at parties and holiday gatherings. Or enjoy it on your own as a quick snack.
Crispy potato peels
The next time you’re peeling potatoes for mashed potatoes or potato salad, save the peels! Throw them into the air fryer for a hot and crispy snack.
Air fried potato peels are terrific dipped in ketchup. Or top them with optional toppings like non-dairy sour cream, seitan bacon, and green onions.
Vegan pigs in a blanket
Scratch that nostalgia itch with these yummy vegan pigs in a blanket. They are fun and easy to make.
You can cook them in the air fryer, or bake them in the oven.
With just 3 ingredients, they’re great for parties, after school snacks, or holiday gatherings.
Roasted garlic
There are few things more heavenly than roasted garlic cloves smeared on hot bread. And thanks to the air fryer, this 2-ingredient appetizer is quick and easy to make.
Air fried garlic cloves also make a tasty pizza topping. Or use it in recipes that call for raw garlic (like hummus) for a milder flavor.
Pumpkin seeds
The next time you’re making a squash for dinner (or carving a pumpkin at Halloween), save the seeds.
Air fried pumpkin seeds are a crispy treat that’s ready to eat in 30 minutes.
Seitan bacon wrapped dates
Seitan bacon wrapped dates look fancy, but they are a breeze to put together.
Dates are sliced and filled with vegan cheese or nut butter. Then they’re wrapped in seitan bacon and browned in oil.
Keep them in mind for Valentine’s Day, New Year’s Eve, or any special evening with friends.
Roasted chickpeas
I love eating roasted chickpeas by the handful, but they also make a terrific salad topping. Cook them in the oven or air fryer. Your choice!
They are lightly seasoned with nutritional yeast flakes and salt.
Candied pecans
Candied pecans are wonderful 4-ingredient snack (with two more optional ingredients). Eat them by the handful, in salads, or scattered on top of non-dairy ice cream.
Best of all, they only take 5 minutes to make.
Baked french fries
When you’re craving french fries but don’t want to mess with oil, opt for baked fries instead.
They’re delightful on their own. Or you can serve them with ketchup, ranch, or onion & garlic dressing for dipping.
Warmed olives
Warmed olives are my go-to appetizer whenever I need an easy dinner party starter. People are always impressed by them, but making they couldn’t be simpler to prepare.
Castelvetrano olives are sautéed with garlic, fresh thyme, and lemon zest for a truly magical appetizer.
Quick protein-packed vegan dishes
Need a quick dish that will really stick with you? Turn to one of these protein-packed recipes to satiate you.
Eggy tofu
I have eggy tofu for breakfast almost every morning. It’s ready to eat in 5 minutes, and it keeps me full until lunchtime since it’s packed with protein.
Finish out your breakfast with avocado toast topped with pickled red onions.
Vegan pulled pork
When you want a main course you can really sink your teeth into, make a batch of vegan pulled pork with Soy Curls.
Coated in barbecue sauce, they’re terrific on their own or piled high onto a sandwich.
Cook them in the air fryer (my preferred method) or use a skillet.
Bagel sandwich with hummus
Sometimes simple is best! This toasted bagel sandwich with hummus is filled with crunchy vegetables. It’s a simple lunch that’s great for on-the-go.
Peanut butter banana quesadillas
If you crave salty and sweet combos, you’ll love this 3-ingredient peanut butter banana quesadilla.
Peanut butter is slathered inside a tortilla, topped with sliced banana, and then toasted until melty. Great for breakfast or a protein-packed snack!
Easy plant-based side dishes
When you’re making a more time consuming main course, it’s nice to choose a side dish or two that requires less focus.
These simple 5 ingredient vegan side dishes make light work of dinner.
Sweet fried plantains
Every meal is better when sweet fried plantains are involved. They get a little crispy around the edges, and soft on the inside.
You can pan fry them, or cook them in the air fryer.
Baby potatoes
When I’m hungry for a baked potato but don’t have time to wait, I turn to baby potatoes instead. They’re ready to eat in just 15 minutes, thanks to the air fryer.
You get all the flavor of a baked potato but in a fraction of the cooking time. Great for a quick weeknight meal!
Roasted fennel
Unsure about what to do with fresh fennel? Roast it!
Roasted fennel is amazing coated in vegan parmesan cheese and cooked until tender. Serve it with pasta or other Italian-style dishes.
Easy asparagus
You know it’s spring when asparagus starts popping up! Cook asparagus in the air fryer for a delicious side dish that works with almost any entrée.
The asparagus gets a little crispy on the tips and tender inside. Divine!
Classic mashed potatoes
When you need something cozy & comforting, make a batch of warm and creamy vegan mashed potatoes. They’re simple to make, inexpensive, and fast.
Enjoy them with a dab of non-dairy butter on top, or finish them with meatless turkey gravy.
Mustard mashed potatoes
Speaking of mashed potatoes, another tasty option is mustard mashed potatoes. They have a little added tang, thanks to the addition of stoneground mustard.
Serve them with vegan sausages or bratwurst.
Spaghetti squash
Give noodles the night off, and make air fryer spaghetti squash instead. It’s a cinch to make. Ready to eat in about a half an hour!
It’s great on its own, or treat it like traditional spaghetti. Cover it with pasta sauce, mushrooms, and vegan meatballs.
Lemony cauliflower
This lemony cauliflower recipe was inspired by an unforgettable dish I ate in Vancouver, Canada.
Cauliflower is cooked until toasty in the air fryer or oven. Then it’s finished with a squeeze of lemon juice and pinch of salt.
Roasted cabbage
This is my favorite way to prepare cabbage! Cut it into bite-sized pieces, and roast cabbage in the oven until buttery soft and crispy around the edges.
This simple side dish is great with mashed potatoes and seitan.
Parmesan crusted radishes
If you’ve only ever had raw radishes, do yourself a favor and air fry them!
Air fried radishes are coated in vegan parmesan and garlic. Then they’re cooked until tender. It’s an irresistible side dish that’s sure to please.
Crispy kale
You’re just 4 ingredients away from crispy kale chips made in the air fryer or oven.
This healthy snack can be eaten on its own or served alongside a sandwich.
Roasted delicata squash
As far as winter squashes go, delicata may be the best. It’s easy to cut, and you can eat the skin.
Sprinkle delicata squash with rosemary for a tasty side dish that can be cooked in the oven or air fryer.
Red wine mushrooms
Confession: I make red wine infused mushrooms at least once a week!
Cremini mushrooms soak up all of the mouthwatering flavors of garlic and red wine in this eye-catching side dish.
(While these flavorful red wine mushrooms technically have 6 ingredients, one is just garnish.)
Quick pickled jalapenos
My fridge isn’t complete without a batch of quick pickled jalapeños on hand. They take only 10 minutes to make and last for weeks in the refrigerator.
Pile them on tacos, nachos, stir-fries, and sandwiches for crunch and spice.
Simple vegan sauces & dressings
The right sauce or dressing can really tie up a dish with a neat little bow. It takes what’s already good and makes it great.
Turn to these 5-ingredient vegan sauces and dressings to finish your salads, bowls, and appetizers.
Gyoza dipping sauce
Give the dumplings in your freezer an upgrade with this easy gyoza dipping sauce.
With a delicious mix of salty, tangy, and nutty, it uses just 3 ingredients (plus optional garnish).
Whip up a batch while your dumplings are sizzling.
Tahini dressing
Velvety tahini dressing is a wonderful all-purpose sauce. It’s terrific drizzled on salads, grain bowls, falafel, and wraps.
Keep a batch in the refrigerator for simple saucing.
Balsamic vinaigrette
There’s a reason it’s a classic! Balsamic vinaigrette dressing is deliciously balanced, and perfect for a variety of salads.
Plus, no blender is required. Simply pull out a whisk and bowl to make it.
Vegan honey mustard
Tangy vegan honey mustard is a quick and easy dipping sauce that requires just 3 ingredients.
It also works well as a sandwich spread or drizzled on salads.
Cocktail sauce
Who needs store-bought? Homemade cocktail sauce is a cinch to make with just 4 ingredients. This tasty condiment has a pungent bite of horseradish.
Quick & easy desserts
Of course, you’ve got to finish with a little something sweet. When just a square of chocolate won’t do, make one of these simple vegan desserts with 5-ingredients or fewer.
Vegan rice crispy treats
You’ll feel like a kid again with these sweet and chewy vegan rice crispy treats. They require just 3 ingredients and come together in minutes.
Serve them as a crowd-pleasing dessert, or add them to a lunchbox.
Chocolate banana nice cream
Who knew frozen bananas could work such wizardry? Chocolate banana nice cream tastes like dessert, but it’s made with wholesome ingredients.
This easy dessert could be yours with just three ingredients and a few minutes of effort.
Chocolate covered orange slices
Woo your valentine with chocolate covered oranges.
While chocolate covered fruit is often pricey in stores, it’s inexpensive and easy to make at home.
With just 2 ingredients, and the help of the microwave, this sweet treat comes together in a flash.
Effortless drink recipes
Wash it all down with one of these refreshing beverages. These simple 5-ingredient drinks include juices, smoothies, and cocktails.
Celery cucumber juice
Start the day with green juice! Celery and cucumber juice is hydrating and refreshing.
For a little sweetness and tang, I like to add apple and/or lemon to the mix.
Carrot apple juice
This colorful carrot and apple juice recipe is blended with celery, romaine, and cucumber. It’s a refreshing drink that goes down easily.
Peanut butter banana smoothie
There’s a reason that peanut butter and banana are a classic! This salty and sweet pair balance each other beautifully.
This creamy PB banana smoothie is such a pleasure, it could almost be dessert.
Blueberry banana smoothie
Look at that gorgeous color! This 5-ingredient blueberry banana smoothie is sure to entice.
With a thick and creamy texture and lightly sweet flavor, it goes down easy. Perfect for breakfast or a workout recovery beverage!
Mango banana smoothie
Get a taste of the tropics with a mango banana smoothie. It includes mango, banana, and vanilla soy milk.
You can almost feel the sunshine!
Peach rooibos tea
This tasty rooibos iced tea is like an Arnold Palmer but with peach juice.
Pour it over ice for a cool drink that’s caffeine-free.
Orange creamsicle cocktail
This orange creamsicle cocktail is one of the most popular recipes on my blog.
With freshly squeezed OJ, gin (or vodka), and a splash of vanilla almond milk, it’s an alcoholic version of that classic frozen treat.
Cranberry mimosa
Get festive with a cranberry mimosa! With just three ingredients, it’s simple to keep everything on hand for impromptu gatherings.
And of course, it’s ideal for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or Christmas get-togethers.
Pickle vodka
If you’re a dill pickle lover, you’ll go wild for this simple pickle vodka.
It can be enjoyed on its own – on the rocks or as a shot. It’s also a tangy addition to a pickle martini or vegan Bloody Mary.
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