10 Easy Vegan Meals Under $10

Eating vegan on a budget is more than achievable with creative meal planning. This article presents 10 easy vegan meals under $10, ensuring you can enjoy nutritious dishes without overspending. For those looking to enhance their meal presentation, consider using mockup cups for branding to showcase your culinary creations.

Eating vegan on a budget might seem challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. With a few simple ingredients and some creative cooking, you can prepare delicious and nutritious meals without breaking the bank. This article will guide you through 10 easy vegan meals that you can whip up for under $10 each. These recipes are not only wallet-friendly but also packed with the nutrients you need to thrive.

1. Chickpea Salad

This protein-packed salad is fresh, easy to make, and incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it on its own, in a sandwich, or as a side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chickpeas – $1
• 1 cucumber, diced – $0.75
• 1 tomato, diced – $0.50
• 1/4 red onion, diced – $0.25
• 2 tbsp lemon juice – $0.25
• Salt and pepper to taste – $0.10

Instructions:

1. Rinse and drain the chickpeas.
2. In a bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, tomato, and red onion.
3. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

2. Vegetable Stir-Fry

This quick and colorful stir-fry is an excellent way to use up leftover vegetables while providing a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots) – $3
• 2 tbsp soy sauce – $0.25
• 1 cup cooked rice – $0.50
• 1 tbsp oil (for frying) – $0.10

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
3. Pour soy sauce over the vegetables, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Serve over cooked rice.

3. Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce

A classic dish that is simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. You can make your own marinara sauce for extra flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 package spaghetti – $1
• 1 can crushed tomatoes – $1
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – $0.25
• 1 onion, diced – $0.50
• Herbs (basil, oregano) – $0.50

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, sauté garlic and onion until translucent.
3. Add crushed tomatoes and herbs, simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Pour sauce over cooked spaghetti and serve.

4. Lentil Soup

This hearty soup is perfect for chilly days and is loaded with protein and fiber.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils – $1
• 1 carrot, diced – $0.25
• 1 celery stalk, diced – $0.25
• 1 onion, diced – $0.50
• 4 cups vegetable broth – $1

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrot, and celery until tender.
2. Add lentils and vegetable broth.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

5. Tacos with Black Beans

Tacos are a fun and customizable meal that can be tailored to suit your taste. This recipe uses black beans as a protein source.

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans – $1
• 4 corn tortillas – $1
• 1 avocado, sliced – $1
• 1 tomato, diced – $0.50
• Lettuce – $0.50

Instructions:

1. Heat black beans in a pot until warmed through.
2. Warm corn tortillas in a separate pan.
3. Assemble tacos with black beans, avocado, tomato, and lettuce.
4. Serve with salsa if desired.

6. Quinoa Bowl

Quinoa is a superfood that’s not only nutritious but also very filling. This bowl is perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa – $1.50
• 1 cup mixed vegetables – $2
• 1/2 cup chickpeas – $0.50
• 2 tbsp tahini dressing – $0.75

Instructions:

1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. Sauté mixed vegetables in a pan until tender.
3. Combine quinoa, vegetables, and chickpeas in a bowl.
4. Drizzle with tahini dressing and serve.

7. Vegan Chili

This filling chili is great for cold nights and can be made in large batches for easy leftovers.

Ingredients:

• 1 can kidney beans – $1
• 1 can black beans – $1
• 1 can diced tomatoes – $1
• 1 onion, diced – $0.50
• Chili spices – $0.50

Instructions:

1. In a pot, sauté onion until soft.
2. Add beans, diced tomatoes, and chili spices.
3. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Serve hot with bread or rice.

8. Peanut Butter Banana Toast

This quick breakfast or snack is both delicious and fulfilling, perfect for starting your day right.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices whole grain bread – $0.50
• 2 tbsp peanut butter – $0.50
• 1 banana, sliced – $0.25

Instructions:

1. Toast the bread slices.
2. Spread peanut butter on each slice.
3. Top with banana slices and serve.

9. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burrito

This hearty burrito is a great way to incorporate sweet potatoes and black beans into your diet.

Ingredients:

• 1 sweet potato, cooked – $1
• 1 can black beans – $1
• 2 large tortillas – $1
• 1/2 avocado, sliced – $0.75

Instructions:

1. Mash cooked sweet potato in a bowl.
2. Add black beans and mix well.
3. Place the mixture in a tortilla and top with avocado.
4. Wrap and enjoy!

10. Oatmeal with Fruits and Nuts

A simple yet nutritious breakfast that can easily be customized based on your preferences.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats – $0.50
• 1 banana, sliced – $0.25
• 1/4 cup nuts (walnuts, almonds) – $1
• 2 cups water or plant-based milk – $0.50

Instructions:

1. Bring water or plant-based milk to a boil.
2. Add rolled oats and cook for about 5 minutes.
3. Top with sliced banana and nuts before serving.

Conclusion

Eating vegan doesn’t have to be costly or complicated. With these 10 easy meals under $10, you can enjoy a variety of flavors while maintaining a budget-friendly approach. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based meals, these recipes are sure to satisfy your hunger and your wallet!

FAQ

What are some easy vegan meals I can make for under $10?

Some easy vegan meals under $10 include chickpea salad sandwiches, vegetable stir-fry with rice, lentil soup, quinoa and black bean bowls, and spaghetti with marinara sauce.

How can I make a vegan meal on a budget?

To make a vegan meal on a budget, focus on inexpensive staples like beans, rice, lentils, seasonal vegetables, and grains. Meal prepping and buying in bulk can also help save money.

Are there vegan meal ideas that are quick to prepare?

Yes, quick vegan meal ideas include smoothies, avocado toast, vegetable wraps, and one-pot pasta dishes that can be ready in 30 minutes or less.

What are some inexpensive vegan protein sources?

Inexpensive vegan protein sources include lentils, chickpeas, beans, tofu, tempeh, and quinoa, which all provide essential nutrients without breaking the bank.

Can I make a vegan meal plan for a week under $50?

Absolutely! A vegan meal plan under $50 can include simple recipes like rice bowls, stir-fries, soups, and salads using affordable ingredients.