If you're looking for recipes for beginner vegans then this is your place! Loaded with info you can use and a meal plan to help you get started.
Trying new recipes, especially vegan ones, can be scary and stressful. Follow this guide and meal list to make it easy and stress free!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Silk. The opinions and text are all mine.
This post was originally published on June 26, 2016.
This vegan meal plan for beginners makes trying vegan meals easier. It even comes with a grocery list! Plus links ideas to more vegan recipes for beginners.
Importance of Meal Planning
There is nothing more satisfying than using up all the food you bought and prepped for your weekly dinners! So I knew I wanted a full week's worth of simple vegan meals to share with you all.
Store bought or frozen meals definitely have their place in your meal rotation (I actually have my clients do this at least once a week), but by meal planning and making mostly food at home, you save money and feel better, adding to your overall wellness.
Not only are those prepared meals generally more expensive, but they can often contain more sodium, added sugars, and artificial ingredients. Therefore they should be used on moderation.
Using recipes that incorporate similar ingredients, like in this plan, means you can plan to buy what's in season, which usually means more affordable. And since you're buying exactly what you need you won't have excess waste!
If you love meal plans, make sure you look at my easy 7 day meal plan too. You can also check out the list of all my meal plans in one spot here.
Tips for Beginners
If you are just starting out with a vegan diet, here are some helpful hints to keep in mind:
- Try to ensure each meal is balanced with greens, protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
- Stay open minded! Just like a kid trying a food for the first time, it may take a few exposures to become accustomed to a new taste or texture. It will take trial and error to find what you like.
- Make recipes that are designed to be vegan. Trying to emulate your favorite meat-based meal might leave you disappointed, whereas intentional vegan recipes are delicious!
- Snack! Give yourself snacks as you're hungry.
- Start small, work yourself into it. Try a couple simple vegan dinners a week, then add more as you get comfortable.
- Be kind to yourself, allow for mistakes, setbacks, etc.
- Do you! Unless you have a strict dietary reason to be vegan, don't force yourself to fit a label. Vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, whole food plant based, etc. Eat what feels good for you and your health, mentally and physically.
Sources of Vegan Protein
If you are a beginner vegan listen up! Protein is your friend, it helps you stay full and gives you energy. Many people don't believe that you can get enough protein without meat but that is simply not true. Here are some plant based protein options to get you started:
- Beans - black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, white beans, etc.
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
- Green Peas
- Nuts - Peanuts, almonds, cashews, almonds, walnuts, etc.
- Seeds - Hemp seeds, chia seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.
- Whole Grains - Quinoa, teff, spelt, amaranth
- Wild Rice
- Soy - Tofu, tempeh, edamame, soy milk
- Vegetables - Asparagus, artichokes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, spinach, sweet potatoes
- Oats
Recipes for Beginner Vegans
The recipes here in this meal plan are in a specific order to make it easy to prepare parts of each recipe only once. If you decide to switch them up, please read the notes for each one carefully so you don't miss out on the minimal work portion of the meal plan.
I make a few changes to some of the listed recipes in order to stick to the zero waste and minimal effort idea, so read carefully. I also include tips on prepping ahead for each recipe and on how to adapt it for your baby or toddler, see each individual recipe for these.
Each recipe here is adapted for 4 people, except the portobello sandwiches which is for 6 (just save the extra filling for another time or make a stuffed sandwich, this is what I do).
Day #1
- This recipe is originally for 2 burritos, but I am doubling it to adapt it for 4 burritos, however this will be eaten again on day 6 so the ingredient list actually calls for stuff to make 8 burritos in order to account for using this for 2 days of dinner. So each day you make it, double it.
- Make the entire 4 cups of the salsa crema to use in this recipe, for the burgers (recipe 2) and for the taquitos (recipe 5). You will use 2 cups of it for this recipe (including both today's meal and when you eat it again on day 6), you will use ½ cup for day 2 recipe and 1 ½ cups for day 5 recipe.
- You can rinse all the black beans now (a total of 4 ¼ cups) and put the rest in the fridge to use when making the burgers (recipe 2) and for the taquitos (recipe 5). Or if you prefer rinse them as you need them, and only prep 3 cups for todays recipe. If you're cooking the beans from scratch then you can cook them all now or cook as you go.
- Make sure to set another ¼ cup of salsa aside (and a little more if you want it to top the burgers) for tomorrows recipe, and the rest set aside as a topping for the recipe on day 5.
- You can prep all the beans and rice for the entire recipe now (for both today and when you make it again on day 6) or cook it as you need it. Hint: I use the frozen brown rice from Trader Joe's for an even easier dinner.
Day #2
- Use ½ cup of the salsa crema made for yesterday's dinner instead of the mango habanero cream to top the burgers.
- Use the salsa bought for yesterday's dinner instead of the mango habanero salsa when making the burgers.
- Make all the farro today and save 4 cups cooked farro on the side for tomorrow's recipe.
Day #3
Note: this recipe was altered to make smaller appetizer stuffed mushrooms, but the original large farro stuffed recipe is at the bottom of the post under the recipe card so use that one.
- Use the already cooked farro from yesterday.
- Make double of the pesto recipe to use with tomorrow's dinner.
- The balsamic sauce is an extra optional topping, feel free to leave it out for an easier dinner.
Day #4
- Roast all 5 ¾ cups of veggies today (save 1 ¾ cup for tomorrow's recipe)
- Use the leftover pesto from yesterdays recipe as an additional topping for the pasta.
Day #5
- You will double the original recipe to have enough for 4 people.
- Use the leftover 1 ¾ cup roasted veggies when making these. Doubling the recipe calls for 2 cups veggies, but this is fine, we will add more beans.
- Use 2 ½ cups black beans instead of lentils.
- Use the leftover salsa crema (should be 1 ½ cups) instead of the chiles, cashews, vinegar and water called for in the original recipe. Start by adding 1 cup and check the thickness. You don't want it too runny. Slowly add more and check for texture and flavor. You may use it all or you may not.
- For the chili powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and salt, taste and add as you see fit. The flavor from the salsa crema may be enough for you. I added half the amount called for in the recipe (but remember you are doubling it).
- If topping with salsa, you will use the one bought for the salsa crema. You can also add any leftover toppings you have like avocado and lettuce, etc.
Day #6 Second serving of Grilled Burritos from Day 1
- Follow the recipe from day 1. You should have everything ready to go.
- Since there is not much to do today, prep for tomorrow's dinner by slicing all the veggies and saving in the fridge for tomorrow.
Day #7
- You will use the rest of the portobello mushrooms for today's recipe.
- If you prepped yesterday, this will be a very quick and easy dinner.
Grocery List
I have divided the shopping list below into sections to make it easy. This list is everything you need to make each days meal. Every meal is planned for 4 people, except for the portobello sandwiches which are for 6 (just save the extra for another day or add it to make a fuller sandwich), so if you need to feed more or less plan accordingly.
The burritos you will eat twice (day 1 and day 6). Optional additions noted, optional toppings that need a recipe at the bottom.
Vegan pantry staple suggestions
Having certain foods always on hand makes it easier to put meals together, which is especially great when you're a beginner! Whether you're following a plan or throwing together a last minute meal, you'll want these items around:
Pasta, beans, grains:
- Dried pasta of choice, gluten-free if needed
- Black beans
- Pinto Beans
- Chickpeas
- Brown Rice
- Quinoa
- Oats
Nuts and seeds:
- Cashews
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Flax seeds
- Hemp seeds
- Chia seeds
(Non) Dairy:
- Non-dairy milk- Silk Cashew Milk, almond milk, coconut milk, etc.
- Plain dairy-free yogurt
- Coconut cream
Spices and baking essentials:
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Basil
- Oregano
- Ginger
- Cinnamon
- Salt & pepper
- Vanilla extract
- Vegetable broth
- Brown rice flour
- Maple strup
Produce:
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Greens
- Peppers
- Mushrooms
Common Questions
Typical vegan meals consist of a wide variety of foods, just like non plant based meals! Many vegan recipes include beans, grains, vegetables, fruit, and amazing spices.
Following a guide like this one can make meal planning easier. To create your own, note which produce is in season or available and build meals around those. Try to make multiple meals using similar ingredients so that nothing is going to waste. Keep the staples suggested above on hand so that shopping each week is simplified.
The key to starting out as a vegan is to go slow. Ease yourself into it. Do your best at choosing whole food plant based ingredients, and avoid non vegan foods. Choose your favorite vegetables, fruits, beans, and grains, and find recipes that feature those items.
More Vegan Meal Ideas
easy vegan recipes for beginners
The above recipes are great for dinners, but here are some ideas for recipes for the rest of the day:
Breakfast
- Healthy Vegan Breakfast Cookies
- Blueberry French Toast Muffins
- Creamy Savory Spinach Oatmeal
- Vegan Breakfast Burrito
- Healthy Protein Coffee Smoothie
Lunch
- The Ultimate Vegan BLT with Avocado
- Vegan Pesto Pasta Salad
- Healthy Salad in a Jar
- Apple, Arugula, and Smoky Tempeh Sandwich
- Or, check out this 1 week plan for Easy Vegan Lunchbox Recipes
Snacks
- Crispy Oven Baked Kale Chips
- Healthy Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
- No Bake Carrot Cake Energy Balls
- Peanut Butter Balls
- The Best Vegan Spinach Banana Smoothie
Desserts
- Healthy Vegan Gluten-Free Mug Cake
- Easy Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies
- Healthy Vegan Peanut Butter Cups
- Vegan Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles
- Healthy Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothies
Recipes for Beginner Vegans with Meal Plan
Ingredients
Produce
- 3 avocados
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup cooked red potato , about ½ of a small potato, a russet potato will work too
- 2 cups cabbage
- 2 cups spinach
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 12 cups mix of baby kale , baby arugula, mizuna and radicchio (I used the Earthbound Farm Kale Italia mix or you can buy each separately in a 2:2:1:1 ratio with kale and arugula being the 2, if you can't find them all just use what you find)
- 8 portobello mushrooms
- 5 ¾ cup mix of your favorite veggies , to roast and mix with pasta and to be used in the rolled taco bean filling
- 3 spring onions , need 2 cups chopped
- 1 small sweet onion
- 1 small green bell pepper
- 1 small red bell pepper
- 2 cherry bomb peppers , or other spicy peppers of choice, optional for spicy portobello steak sandwiches
- 5-9 medium garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- Corn , optional topping for burritos
- Cilantro , optional topping for burritos
- Tomatoes , fresh or sundried (optional to top pasta)
Canned Goods
- 5 ¾ cups black beans , about 4 ½ cans
- 1 can cannellini or garbanzo beans , optional to top pasta
Condiments
- 1 ¾ cups jarred salsa , plus optional extra to top burgers and/or rolled tacos
Pasta and Grains
- 3 cups cooked brown rice , about 1 cup dry or can buy ready frozen to make it easy
- 5 cups cooked faro , about 2-2 ½ cups uncooked, pearled takes less time to cook but has less nutrients
- 16 ounces of your favorite pasta
Breads and Baked Goods
- 8 tortillas , 12 inch
- 18 corn tortillas , 8 inch
- 4 burger buns
- 4 hot dog or sub sandwich buns , for the portobello recipe, get 6 if you want to make the extra 2
Nuts
- 2 cups cashews
- 2 cups pine nuts , or sub walnuts if preferred
Baking and Spices
- 2 cups veggie broth , plus extra to sauté 2 recipes and roast (or cook with your favorite oil)
- 2 tablespoons cornmeal or brown rice flour , either works, see burger recipe for difference
- 2 tablespoons brown rice flour
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon sea salt , plus extra to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
(Non)Dairy
- 1 ½ cups Silk Cashew Milk
- 4-6 slices non dairy cheese , optional for portobello sandwiches
Optional toppings for meals that need recipes:
Maple Miso Balsamic Sauce (for stuffed portobellos)
- ¼ cup plus 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- ¼ cup chickpea miso or can use white
- ½ cup plus 4 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
Hemp Almond Parmesan (to sprinkle on pasta)
- ¼ cup hemp seeds
- ¼ cup almond meal
- 1 ½ teaspoons nutritional yeast
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
See Portobello Steak Sandwich recipe for optional cheese sauces to use as toppings or use suggested ready cheese slices above
Instructions
- Print out the shopping list and gather all the ingredients.
- Follow my day to day instructions in the post so make each nights meal, paying careful attention to the notes.
- Feed your family amazing meals, with less effort and minimal waste!
Notes
- Every meal is planned for 4 people, except for the portobello sandwiches which are for 6 (just save the extra for another day or add it to make a fuller sandwich), so if you need to feed more or less plan accordingly.
- Calories and prep/cook times are based on an average per serving per recipe and not exact. Please see original recipes for a more accurate calculation.
Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.
Nutrition
Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.
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Sarah
Not only did I not have to brainstorm meal ideas, I didn't have to think about coordinating a list! This was so easy to follow thank you!
veggiesdontbite
Glad it helped!
Alison
Hi, I've just looked at your one week meal plan and shopping list which looks very do-able. My daughter suffers from digestive problems, so are there any ingredients that might irritate the bacterial balance in the stomach?
veggiesdontbite
Hi Alison! Thanks so much for your message. I am not a doctor and do not know her medical history, so I can't say what would irritate her or not. This is simply an example of the meals we eat in a week, and not meant to be a dietary or nutrition based meal plan. I suggest bringing it to her doctor to make sure it would be ok.
Julia
The week 1 meal plan has been such a relief!! Having all the ingredients posted under categories for the week is a true gift. I have made 3 of the meals so far and the whole family loves them. Thanks for making this so doable.
veggiesdontbite
I am so happy I can help Julia!! Keep up the great work!
Gloria
I love this idea and will use this meal plan next week. May I ask what you normally eat for breakfast and lunch each day????
veggiesdontbite
Hi Gloria!! Thank you so much!! I actually have a breakfast meal plan on my site as well: https://www.veggiesdontbite.com/fall-weekday-make-ahead-breakfast-menu-shopping-list/ This gives you some ideas. Over here we usually do overnight oats, avocado toast, cereal, yogurt with granola, or a smoothie. For lunch I often grab leftovers from the dinner the previous night or make a veggie wrap or sandwich. Or grab something out. Sometimes even a smoothie. It really depends on my time frame and what I feel like! I do have this meal plan too that includes all 3 meals: https://www.veggiesdontbite.com/easy-7-day-vegan-meal-plan-with-shopping-list/
Jamel
Just curious as to what the grocery bill would run getting all of these items for the week? If I wanted to try this I'd be starting from scratch. Thanks
veggiesdontbite
Hi Jamel! I wish I could tell you the cost but it varies so much from place to place, not only where you live but also where you shop and what brands of items you buy. I live in southern California (were the cost of living is higher than many other places) and I can say that in average I spend about $300 a week in groceries for a family of 5 with 3 young kids. We buy mostly organic and shop at a natural foods market. The only thing I can say for certain is that it would be less than a meal plan laden with meats! Sorry I couldn't be more helpful!
Lisa
Hi Jamel, I would like to add that now a lot of the bigger supermarkets have options to shop online and pick up at the store. You could mock up an online order for Walmart to get an idea. You don’t have to check out.