Vegan Dishes For the Perfect Dinner

Are you looking to explore a vegan lifestyle in the new year or incorporate more sustainable meals into your diet? There is much to enjoy about adopting a more vegan-based diet into your daily routine, but it may be hard to think of different recipes to enjoy for lunch or dinner to make the transition easier. Not to worry - more than ever, there is an abundance of easy and delicious options available to make incorporating more sustainable food choices into your diet more seamless for you and your entire family! Today, we wanted to take some time to share some easy-to-prepare yet tasty vegan options for your next dinner that will sure to be a crowd favorite. If you’re interested in learning more, then read on!

What Does Veganism Mean, Exactly?

When learning about vegan cuisine, it’s essential to understand what veganism really means. According to Vegan.com, veganism is a diet that excludes the consumption of animal products and the byproducts of animal agriculture. These items include dairy products, eggs, honey, and any byproducts of animal agriculture (like lard, whey, or gelatin), meat, fish, and more. There are numerous benefits to a vegan diet; according to Healthline, veganism can help with weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, improve kidney function, lower risks of heart disease, help to protect against certain cancers, and more. Additionally, it is noted that there are various benefits to avoiding dairy and meat, including reducing the risk of prostate, breast, stomach, and colorectal cancers.

While there are many benefits going vegan promotes, there are also some risks that should be taken into account when choosing to implement a more heavy vegan diet into your lifestyle. For instance, when choosing to eliminate animal products from your diet, you could miss out on certain vital nutrients to the body’s functioning, including protein, calcium, iron, and vitamin B12. Thankfully, though, a variety of supplements are available for you to help ensure you are receiving the amounts of nutrients your body needs (and many are made specifically to support vegan diets as well!). Note: It’s important to talk with your doctor or medical professional before you change your diet significantly to ensure you are still caring for your body the way it needs. So before choosing to adopt a fully vegan diet, make sure it is the right choice for you.

What Types of Dinners Can I Eat as a Vegan?

While it may seem that your dinner menu choices are much more limited, you’ll be happy to know there are various ways to enjoy some of your favorite dishes while on a vegan-based diet! For instance, many companies have begun to create substitutes for meat and dairy products, including plant-based milk like oat milk and almond milk, burgers made out of plant-based ingredients, and much more! Additionally, many recipes allow for the swap of animal-based ingredients for those that fit the vegan diet, including substituting meat for beans and lentils, substitutes for butter, and much more. Looking for some inspiration for your next dinner? Here are some delicious vegan options for different types of meals you might want to enjoy:

Burgers

Great news, you don’t have to give up your burgers when swapping to a more vegan-based diet! If there’s one thing that has been popping up lately, it’s delicious versions of vegan burgers. There are so many options to enjoy - whether you’re looking to enjoy plant-based patties or substitute the burger altogether for a mushroom or other vegan-friendly ingredient, creating a flavorful and satisfying burger is much easier than you may think! Try this smoky Tempeh Burger with Black Beans and Mushrooms, this delectable mushroom burger, or this gluten-free, soy-free, delicious vegan burger for your next cookout!

Pastas

If you’re looking for the perfect vegan main course option, pasta cannot be beaten! There are so many ways to enjoy pasta when following a vegan diet; whether you’re looking for swaps for cheese-based pasta dishes or are in the mood for a superfood-filled pasta to enjoy on a busy weeknight, there are a ton of tasty options for you to choose from! For instance, try this vegan lasagna (perfect for meal-prepping!), this creamy vegan pantry pasta, or this garlic butter and herb pasta with chickpeas!

Soups

Looking for an excellent appetizer or lighter option to enjoy with your main course meal? Soups are the perfect vegan option to incorporate into your diet, especially during the colder months! Whether you are looking for a delicious vegan broth-based option or something a bit more creamy and heavy, a ton of delectable vegan options are available! For instance, check out this creamy vegan broccoli soup for a delicious and cozy soup (also perfect for those following a gluten-free diet!), this hearty vegan chili - perfect as a main course meal all on its own, or this healthy and tasty vegan ramen!