13 Vegan Recipes for When You Need a Break from Meat

Taking a break from meat can be a refreshing way to explore new flavors and ingredients, and I’ve found that vegan recipes can be both satisfying and delicious. I love how these dishes not only offer a healthy alternative but also introduce me to a variety of vibrant fruits, vegetables, and grains. I’ll share some of my favorite vegan recipes that make it easy to enjoy plant-based meals without missing out on taste or satisfaction.

Close-up of a wooden spoon holding ratatouille, featuring diced zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes, garnished with parsley. — Ratatouille. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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Easy Pickled Red Onions

A bowl of pickled red onions garnished with black peppercorns, placed on a white surface. — Easy Pickled Red Onions. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Easy pickled red onions bring a tangy, crunchy addition to any meal without the need for meat. They are quick to prepare and can be stored for days, making them a great topping for salads, tacos, or sandwiches. This recipe is perfect for adding flavor to plant-based dishes, enhancing the natural taste of vegetables. Ready in minutes, these onions are a simple way to change up your meals. Ideal when you need something vibrant and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pickled Red Onions

Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potato stuffed with black beans and corn. — Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Vegan taco stuffed sweet potatoes offer a filling, flavorful meal that is packed with plant-based ingredients. The combination of soft sweet potatoes and seasoned taco filling makes for a hearty dinner option. This dish is an easy and healthy alternative to traditional tacos, perfect for when you're looking to cut back on meat. It’s a complete meal that’s satisfying and ready in under an hour. Perfect for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Homemade Baked Tortilla Strips

Tortilla strips in wooden bowl. — Homemade Baked Tortilla Strips. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Homemade baked tortilla strips provide a crunchy, oil-free topping that pairs well with soups, salads, and vegan chili. These strips are quick to make and can be customized with different seasonings, offering a flexible snack or side. They’re a great choice when you want to add texture to plant-based dishes without relying on store-bought versions. With minimal prep, they are ready in just a few minutes. A simple, crunchy addition to your vegan meals.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Baked Tortilla Strips

Slow Cooker Rice

A spoonful of slow-cooked white rice held above a bowl, with a fresh green parsley leaf in the background. — Slow Cooker Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slow cooker rice is an easy way to prepare a large batch of fluffy rice without constant supervision. Perfect for meal prep, this recipe ensures you have a ready base for vegan bowls, stir-fries, or curries. The slow cooker makes it hands-off, freeing you up for other tasks while the rice cooks perfectly. It's an excellent choice when you need something quick and versatile to add to your plant-based dishes. Ready in just a few hours, with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Sliced and roasted cabbage wedges seasoned with herbs on a white plate, garnished with black pepper and fresh herbs. — Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Roasted cabbage steaks are a simple yet flavorful dish that can be served as a main or side for any plant-based meal. The cabbage crisps up beautifully in the oven, offering a satisfying texture that works well with a variety of seasonings. This dish is a great alternative to meat-based mains, providing a hearty and filling option without the need for animal products. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a must-try for anyone exploring vegan meals.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Crock Pot Cabbage Soup

A bowl of hearty tomato-based soup with cabbage. — Crock Pot Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crock pot cabbage soup is a comforting, warm meal that's perfect for when you need a break from meat. The slow cooker does all the work, blending the flavors of cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables into a hearty soup. This simple dish is great for meal prep or a cozy dinner, especially when you want something light yet filling. With minimal ingredients and effort, it’s ready to enjoy after a day of slow cooking. Ideal for colder days.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Cabbage Soup

Healthier Single-Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie

A large chocolate chip cookie with a piece broken off, next to a glass of milk and a bowl of chocolate chips on a white surface. — Healthier Single-Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This healthier single-serve chocolate chip cookie is a quick, vegan dessert for when you want something sweet without the guilt. Made with plant-based ingredients, it’s a perfect treat for one, and it bakes up fast in just a few minutes. A great option for a solo dessert, this cookie offers the perfect balance of sweetness without the need for butter or eggs. Simple and quick, it’s a great way to enjoy a vegan-friendly dessert whenever the craving strikes.
Get the Recipe: Healthier Single-Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie

Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

A ladle serving vegetable soup with tomatoes, potatoes, and green peas into a white bowl, with a blurred bowl in the background. — Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slow cooker vegetable soup offers a wholesome, plant-based meal that’s easy to make and perfect for busy days. Filled with a variety of vegetables, this soup is both filling and flavorful, making it an excellent choice for anyone cutting back on meat. The slow cooker allows the flavors to develop over time, resulting in a warm and comforting dish. Great for meal prepping or a simple dinner, this soup is ready whenever you are.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

Mini Vegan Cheesecake

A hand holds a mini cheesecake topped with two blueberries, with more cheesecakes and berries on a plate in the background. — Mini Vegan Cheesecake. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Mini vegan cheesecakes offer a rich, creamy dessert option that’s entirely plant-based. These individual-sized treats are perfect for a sweet indulgence without the need for dairy, offering the same texture and flavor as traditional cheesecake. Quick to prepare and ideal for parties or single servings, this recipe is a great way to enjoy dessert while sticking to a vegan diet. Perfect for when you want something indulgent and plant-based.
Get the Recipe: Mini Vegan Cheesecake

Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Roasted broccoli and tofu cubes garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, served with a wooden spoon. — Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Broccoli tofu stir fry is a simple, protein-packed vegan meal that’s ready in just minutes. The tofu adds a hearty texture while the broccoli provides crunch, making it a balanced and filling dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is a great choice for when you need a meat-free meal that still feels substantial. The stir fry comes together quickly with minimal prep, making it a go-to option for plant-based dinners.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Tofu Stir Fry

Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a classic French dish that’s entirely plant-based and full of rich, roasted vegetables. It’s a great option when you want a hearty, meat-free meal that’s packed with flavor. This dish is perfect for serving as a main course, offering a warm and comforting option that’s easy to prepare. The combination of tomatoes, zucchini, and eggplant makes it a nutritious and colorful choice for vegan dinners. Great for when you're craving something warm and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Vegan and Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies

Two oatmeal cookies on a white plate, with a crumbly texture and visible oats, displayed on a light-colored tablecloth. — Vegan and Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Vegan and gluten-free oatmeal cookies offer a chewy, plant-based treat that’s perfect for dessert or snacking. Made with wholesome ingredients, these cookies are a great option for anyone looking to enjoy something sweet without the need for butter or eggs. Quick to prepare and bake, they make a perfect snack when you want something homemade and healthy. Ideal for those days when you're avoiding both meat and gluten but still want a treat.
Get the Recipe: Vegan and Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies

Vegan Mexican Rice

Mexican rice in small oval serving dish with spoon. — Vegan Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Vegan Mexican rice is a flavorful, plant-based side dish that pairs perfectly with tacos, burritos, or as a base for bowls. Made with simple ingredients like rice, tomatoes, and spices, this dish is an easy way to bring bold flavors to your meals without the need for meat. It’s quick to prepare and can be made in large batches, making it perfect for meal prepping. Great for adding a little heat to your vegan meals with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice