10 Vegan Dishes So Delicious Even Non-Vegans Won’t Miss the Meat

More people are exploring plant-based meals, and for good reason! Vegan dishes can be incredibly flavorful, filling, and easy to make. The best part? You don’t need to be a dedicated vegan to enjoy them! We’ve put together a collection of 15 vegan recipes so good, you’ll barely believe they don’t include meat or dairy.

Creamy Vegan Alfredo Pasta

This creamy vegan Alfredo pasta uses a blend of cashews, nutritional yeast, and garlic to create a rich sauce without any dairy. Start by soaking a cup of cashews in hot water for 15 minutes, then blend them with a cup of almond milk, two cloves of garlic, and two tablespoons of nutritional yeast until smooth. Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions and set aside a half cup of pasta water. In a skillet, combine the blended sauce with the pasta water, adding salt and pepper to taste. Toss in the cooked pasta and stir until coated, then serve with chopped parsley on top.

Vegan Lentil Tacos

These vegan lentil tacos are packed with flavor, using spiced lentils as the main filling. Sauté half a diced onion and one minced garlic clove in a pan with a drizzle of oil until soft. Add one cup of cooked lentils, a teaspoon each of cumin and chili powder, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Stir well and cook until the lentils are heated through. Serve the spiced lentils in warm corn tortillas with fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, guacamole, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Vegan Chickpea Salad Sandwich

This chickpea salad sandwich has a texture similar to tuna salad, making it a great lunch option. Mash one can of chickpeas in a bowl, then mix in two tablespoons of vegan mayo, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and half a diced celery stalk. Add salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Spoon the chickpea salad onto whole-grain bread and top with lettuce and tomato slices. It’s a refreshing and protein-packed sandwich that’s easy to make.

Spicy Vegan Chili

Loaded with beans, veggies, and spices, this vegan chili is hearty and satisfying. Sauté one diced onion, a bell pepper, and two cloves of garlic in a pot with a bit of oil. Add a can each of diced tomatoes, black beans, and kidney beans, plus a tablespoon of chili powder, a teaspoon of cumin, and a pinch of cayenne. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve hot with a dollop of vegan sour cream and fresh chopped green onions for added flavor.

Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings

These cauliflower buffalo wings are spicy, crispy, and great for a snack or appetizer. Toss cauliflower florets in a mix of flour and water, then bake at 425°F for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and toss with buffalo sauce before baking for an additional 10 minutes. Serve with celery sticks and vegan ranch for dipping. They’re perfect for game days or parties where you want a meat-free option everyone will enjoy.

Vegan Stuffed Peppers

These stuffed peppers are filled with a tasty mixture of rice, beans, and spices for a hearty, meat-free meal. Halve bell peppers and remove seeds, then stuff them with a mix of cooked rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, and a pinch of cumin. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender. Top with vegan cheese if desired and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

This vegan shepherd’s pie is cozy and filling, with a layer of mashed potatoes on top. Sauté diced onion, carrots, and celery in a pot, then add a can of lentils, vegetable broth, and a tablespoon of tomato paste. Simmer until the veggies are tender and the mixture is thick. Spread the filling in a baking dish and top with mashed potatoes. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until the potatoes are golden and crispy.

Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip

This creamy vegan spinach artichoke dip is perfect for parties or movie nights. Blend soaked cashews with a bit of almond milk, garlic powder, and nutritional yeast until smooth. Fold in chopped spinach and artichoke hearts, then bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Serve warm with crackers or fresh veggies for dipping. This dip is so creamy and flavorful, even non-vegans will love it.

Vegan Chocolate Avocado Mousse

This rich and creamy chocolate avocado mousse is a healthy dessert option that’s also indulgent. Blend two ripe avocados with a quarter cup of cocoa powder, a bit of almond milk, and maple syrup until smooth. Spoon into bowls and chill for an hour before serving. Top with fresh berries or a sprinkle of coconut for a delicious finishing touch. It’s a decadent treat that’s secretly packed with nutrients.

Vegan Banana Pancakes

These fluffy vegan banana pancakes are easy to make and perfect for breakfast or brunch. Mash one ripe banana in a bowl, then mix in a cup of flour, a teaspoon of baking powder, a splash of almond milk, and a dash of cinnamon. Cook in a lightly oiled pan until golden on each side. Serve with maple syrup and fresh fruit for a sweet, satisfying meal. They’re so delicious, you won’t miss the eggs or dairy.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

More From RetailShout

16 Best and Worst Trader Joe`s Fall Snacks

Trader Joe’s fall lineup always gets people excited, but let’s be honest some of them are more hype than flavor. While Trader Joe’s excels in offering a variety of delicious fall snacks, not every seasonal item is a hit. Read More.

ALDI`s Sneak Peek Finds for the Week

Aldi’s got some really exciting finds lined up for this week, and it’s the perfect chance to try something new or stock up on your favorites. They’ve got a great mix of seasonal treats, easy meal options, and a few fun extras that you won’t want to miss. Read More.

15 Budget-Friendly Fall Porch Decor at Walmart for Under $45

Decorating for fall doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Walmart has some great finds this season that can transform your porch into a cozy autumn retreat, all for under $45. Read More.