15 Delicious Vegan Recipes Under $5

Eating plant-based doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, there are numerous delicious vegan recipes that can easily be prepared at home for under $5 per serving. This article presents a curated selection of 15 vegan dishes that are not only budget-friendly but also packed with flavor, nutrition, and creativity. Let’s dive into these culinary delights that will satisfy your taste buds and keep your wallet happy!

1. Chickpea Salad Sandwich

This easy-to-make salad is high in protein and fiber, making it a filling lunch option.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chickpeas
• 2 tbsp vegan mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Whole grain bread

Instructions:

1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
2. In a bowl, mash the chickpeas with a fork.
3. Add the vegan mayonnaise, mustard, diced celery, and onion.
4. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve on whole grain bread.

2. Vegetable Stir-Fry

This colorful stir-fry is quick to make and allows for endless variations based on what veggies you have on hand.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell pepper, carrots)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
4. Pour in soy sauce and cook for another minute.

3. Lentil Soup

This hearty lentil soup is perfect for meal prep and can be stored for several days.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
2. Add lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25-30 minutes.

4. Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl

A nutritious bowl filled with protein-rich quinoa and black beans.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 can black beans, rinsed
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced

Instructions:

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a bowl, combine quinoa, black beans, avocado, tomato, and cilantro.
3. Drizzle with lime juice and toss to combine.

5. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

This classic Italian dish is simple, elegant, and can be made in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 200g spaghetti
• 4 cloves garlic, sliced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• Parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until golden.
3. Add red pepper flakes, then toss with drained spaghetti.
4. Garnish with parsley before serving.

6. Vegan Tacos

These tacos are filled with flavorful lentils and topped with fresh veggies.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1 tsp taco seasoning
• Corn tortillas
• Chopped lettuce, tomato, and avocado for topping

Instructions:

1. Mix cooked lentils with taco seasoning.
2. Warm corn tortillas in a skillet.
3. Fill tortillas with lentils and top with fresh vegetables.

7. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

This chili is hearty and full of flavor, perfect for a cool evening.

Ingredients:

• 2 sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion until translucent in a pot.
2. Add sweet potatoes, black beans, tomatoes, broth, and chili powder.
3. Simmer for 30 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender.

8. Vegan Fried Rice

A great way to use leftover rice and vegetables for a quick meal.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a pan and add vegetables.
2. Stir-fry for a few minutes, then add rice and soy sauce.
3. Mix well and garnish with green onions before serving.

9. Creamy Vegan Pasta

This pasta is creamy without any dairy, using cashews to create a rich sauce.

Ingredients:

• 200g pasta of choice
• 1 cup cashews, soaked
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 garlic clove
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Blend soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Combine the sauce with cooked pasta.

10. Vegetable Curry

This simple vegetable curry is bursting with flavor and can be served with rice or bread.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 onion, chopped

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion until translucent.
2. Add mixed vegetables and curry powder, stir for 2 minutes.
3. Pour in coconut milk and simmer for 20 minutes.

11. Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal

An easy breakfast that’s hearty and energizing.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 cups almond milk
• 1 banana, sliced
• 2 tbsp peanut butter
• Maple syrup to taste

Instructions:

1. Bring almond milk to a boil, then stir in rolled oats.
2. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Top with banana slices, peanut butter, and maple syrup.

12. Raw Vegan Energy Balls

A great snack for on-the-go, packed with energy and nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oats
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix all ingredients together.
2. Form into small balls and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

13. Cabbage and Potato Stew

This stew is hearty, filling, and perfect for cold days.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 head cabbage, chopped
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cups vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion until soft, add cabbage and potatoes.
2. Pour in vegetable broth and simmer for 20-30 minutes.

14. Zucchini Fritters

Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these fritters make a great appetizer or snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 zucchinis, grated
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix grated zucchini with flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Form into patties and fry in a pan until golden.

15. Chocolate Chia Pudding

A decadent yet healthy dessert that’s easy to make ahead of time.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1 cup almond milk
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• Maple syrup to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk almond milk, cocoa powder, and maple syrup.
2. Add chia seeds and stir well.
3. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Conclusion

With these 15 vegan recipes, you can enjoy a varied and satisfying diet without spending a fortune. Each dish is designed to be not only budget-friendly but also easy to prepare, ensuring that you can whip up delicious meals even on the busiest days. Embrace the flavors of plant-based cooking and start enjoying these recipes today!

FAQ

What are some easy vegan recipes under $5?

Some easy vegan recipes under $5 include lentil soup, chickpea salad, vegetable stir-fry, and quinoa bowls.

How can I make a vegan meal on a budget?

To make a vegan meal on a budget, focus on affordable staples like beans, rice, pasta, and seasonal vegetables.

Are vegan recipes typically more expensive?

Not necessarily; many vegan recipes can be made with inexpensive ingredients, making them budget-friendly.

What are some filling vegan ingredients?

Filling vegan ingredients include legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and starchy vegetables.

Can I meal prep vegan meals for under $5?

Yes, meal prepping vegan meals for under $5 is feasible by planning and using cost-effective ingredients.

What is a cheap vegan protein source?

A cheap vegan protein source includes lentils, beans, tofu, and tempeh, all of which are affordable and nutritious.