Let’s face it, there’s not enough hours in the day for any of us.

Whether it’s work, studies, childcare, or other commitments, we all have things to get on with. And food is our fuel! On a busy day, how many of us resort to an easy meal that’s not very nutritious? When we think of easy meals, we often think of a ready meal, or something we can bung in the oven. Maybe even something basic and not flavoursome. But easy recipes can be so simple and delicious too!

So whether you’re really busy, struggling to find food everybody will eat, or just bored of your go-to dishes, this post is for you! These dishes are full of flavour and nutrients, but without the long list of ingredients. Plus, most of them can be made in bulk for added ease!

Enjoy these easy vegan family meals. I just know there will be something here for everyone!

Easy Vegan Family Meals

Considering Nutrition – Easy Vegan Family Meals

When putting an easy meal together, don’t forget nutrition. You want something that is simple, delicious AND healthy. If we miss out key components of a dish, it can cause us to feel hungry afterwards, or even deficient in the long term. We all need our precious energy! Consider the following when creating your own meals:

  • Does it contain a protein? This could be tofu, tempeh, lentils, chickpeas or a good quality fake meat substitute.
  • Is there a filling carb? By this I mean sweet potato, pasta, rice, quinoa or other grains. These fill us up and provide slow-releasing energy.
  • Are there veggies in there? The more colours the better for a wide range of nutrients.
  • Can you sneak a healthy fat in? Consider avocado, extra virgin olive oil / coconut oil, olives or nuts.

Hearty Dinners easy vegan pasta salad

Healthy Pasta Salad – who wants to make a beautiful, nutritious and filling lunch that’s perfect for work or on the go? Give this pasta salad a go! It’s quick to make, delicious warm or cold, and you can even add leftovers to it.

Shepherd’s Pie – surely everybody loves this dish? When made vegan it’s even more nutritious, packed with protein and veggies. The best bit is the beautiful mashed potato topping. If you’re feeling extravagant you could even sprinkle a little vegan cheese on top. This dish is best served with thick gravy – gorgeous! The most perfect easy vegan family meal.

Vegan Lasagne – it’s the most filling comfort food. Make a big dish full for some handy extra portions.

Lentil Ragu – spaghetti is a firm favourite with everybody, and lentils are packed with protein, so the perfect pair for a family! With a recipe like this, you can simply throw in any veggies or herbs you have to hand and experiment.

Chkn Risotto – we love risotto, it’s really filling and comforting! The best thing is, you throw everything into one pan so hardly any washing up.

Thai Tofu Curry – this recipe has so few ingredients, but a gorgeous taste! You can add less Thai paste too, if you have people in the family who only like mild spice.

easy vegan family meals - macaroni cheese

Vegan Paella – ever since we visited Barcelona, there’s been a Learner Vegan obsession with paella. Now trust me, the paella we make back at home in the UK is NEVER going to match up with the amazing dish you can get over in Spain (do go and visit!). But it’s a very tasty and easy recipe nevertheless. The joy is you can throw in any veggies you have that go well with a tomato-based sauce.

Black Bean Burgers – these hold together well, and you can even swap out some of the herbs, to save buying them especially.

Tofu and Vegetable Quiche – a good vegan quiche is light yet filling, and can be paired with salad, new potatoes or couscous for a delicious meal.

BBQ Tofu and Squash Skewers – kids and visitors will love the novelty of these. No barbecue needed if it’s winter!

Macaroni Cheese – this recipe is simple to grasp and takes less than 30 minutes to create. We’re sure the whole family will love it, and you can even sneak hidden veggies in there if you have kids.

Masala Dal with Sweet Potato – this recipe really ticks all of the health and nutrition boxes. It’s a fantastic introduction to herbs and spices for younger kids, with the sweet flavour of mash underneath.

Spicy Coconut Noodles – noodles are definitely one of our go-to meals – they’re so versatile. This recipe is a little different, but so easy too. Leave the chilli out if you have sensitive children!

Sweet Potato Tacos – fresh and healthy. You can mix and match toppings to suit.

easy vegan family meals - tacos

Delicious Lunches and Sides

Butternut Squash Soup – soup is perfect heading into this cooler weather – it’s warm, comforting and so simple even for the most amateur cook. You can also add a little chilli for a kick! I love this recipe so much, I even incorporated it into my free ‘Easy Being Vegan’ pack.

Chickpea Tuna – this is a filling I discovered a few months ago, and now I have it at least once per week. Taken from the lovely Tiny Vegan Tummies Instagram page, it’s really simple to make in bulk and use throughout the week. It goes great in a sandwich, wrap or on a hot jacket potato to make the perfect healthy lunch. To make it quicker, use nori sprinkles rather than chopping your own (the Clearspring brand is great).

mexican bean soup

Smoky Beans on Garlic Toast – it’s ready in less than 20 minutes, and less than 500 calories too! A fab twist on your average beans on toast.

Chickpea Nuggets – these look indulgent but are actually healthy. They’re a firm favourite with children and so easy to make! You can pair them with veggies and potato for a simple dinner, or keep them around for a snack.

Deconstructed Samosas – all the taste, but not deep fried and unhealthy! A lovely snack or side dish.

Crispy Baked Tofu – we make this ALL the time. It’s great in a salad, stir fry or curry. You can also keep it in the fridge and use it as a snack dipped in houmous.

One Pot Mexican Soup – such a great dish to use up leftovers. It serves really well with nachos to dip.

Beautiful Desserts

Strawberry Scones – these are the easiest vegan scones ever! You can add coconut, berries, raisins, or anything else you like. Delicious with jam and vegan double cream.

Vegan Pancakes – a lovely pudding option that is so fluffy! Ready in less than 30 minutes, these pancakes would also make a nice brunch.

Lemon Drizzle Cake – vegan lemon drizzle cake is refreshing and light – perfect for these hot summer days!

Strawberry Ice Cream – you don’t even need an oven or ice-cream maker for this one! It has just 4 ingredients, so get whisking now.

Chocolate Banana Cake – moist, soft but a little crumbly. We love to drizzle a little icing on top!

vegan lemon drizzle cake

Easy Vegan Family Meals – Bonus Tips!

  • Make extra if possible. You can then freeze in portions, and pull it out to defrost when you’re busy or feeling lazy. That way you have your very own homemade ready meal! This is also useful if you have teens at home who often make their own meals, as you know they’re getting nutrition.
  • Check out Pinterest for unlimited meal ideas. It’s like your very own search engine – simply type in ‘Easy Vegan Family Meals’ and hit enter. I also have a great board full of thousands of easy vegan recipes for beginners. Follow it to be inspired!
  • Buy staples such as pasta and rice in big bags. That way, you always know it’s there and don’t have to keep nipping out to the shops. Plus, it’s usually cheaper!
  • Be creative in re-purposing leftovers. That chilli and rice you made? It’ll keep for a few days! Pop it in tacos with avocado or mayo. You have a whole new meal. What else could you reuse? Think sandwich fillings and jacket potato toppings.

What’s your favourite family meal? We’ll see if we can veganize it for you!

learner vegan - katy signature

P.S. My FREE ‘Easy Being Vegan’ pack includes a shopping list and an easy meal plan, giving you even more fantastic meal ideas. There’s also a personal action points for staying vegan, and my BONUS favourite egg and dairy substitutes. Grab it now!

And if you need a little extra ongoing support, join our free community! We have a private Facebook group designed to help the vegan-curious, transitioning and new vegan on their journey. It’s a positive, non-judgmental safe space where all questions are welcome! We have plenty of meal ideas and brainstorming, too!

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learner vegan facebok group

Join my private Facebook group for those hoping to go vegan. Designed to help the vegan-curious, transitioning and new vegan on their journey!

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  • Did you know that I have coaching slots available?⁠ ⁠ This is the bespoke side of Learner Vegan, for those who need a little extra help. I wish I'd had someone personally there for me when transitioning, to cut out all the google searches and going around in circles.⁠ That's why I decided to launch coaching. To provide 121 support on YOUR specific life, situations and issues.⁠ I've been through a healthy plant-based diet, eating gluten-free, vegan pregnancies, living with a meat-eater and a lot more that I can help with.⁠ Troubleshooting with someone is much more effective than spending hours on the internet, plus it's a lot of fun!⁠ ⁠ One-off sessions and block booking both up for grabs.⁠ ⁠ 👍Get rid of those hours researching veganism.⁠ 👍Receive personal and confidential guidance on YOUR issues.⁠ 👍Be motivated, encouraged and supported to go and stay vegan.⁠ 👍Gain confidence in your choices.⁠ ⁠ Who needs this?⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #veganhealthcoach #vegancoach #vegancoaching #howtogovegan #veganmom #onlyvegan #goingvegan #goveganstayvegan #stayvegan #veganiseasy #vegantransition #veganeducation #veganknowledge #tryvegan #veganforbeginners #veganbeginner #vegansupport #veganhelp #parttimevegan #parttimevegetarian #vegetarianlife #vegetariansofig #vegetarianlifestyle #vegetarianuk #veganstruggles #newvegan #vegannewbie #almostvegan #veganuary #veganuary2020
  • Thank you for everyone that joined me LIVE! I was answering your questions and tackling common issues from new vegans, and those doing Veganuary. One question was around being judged - seems as though everybody has an opinion about veganism! So how do you handle being judged by friends and family? Give this clip from the LIVE a watch to find out.
  • Before supermarket shopping...⁠ ⁠ ⭐️ Do A Little Light Reading! ⭐️⁠ ⁠ Food shopping as a vegan can be really easy and no fuss, but to get to that happy place you need to remember something: knowledge equals power. ⁠ ⁠ Being familiar with key non-vegan ingredients that pop up frequently, can speed up your shop immensely. Lactose can sneak into creamy products, egg white pops up in some Quorn foods, for example. ⁠ ⁠ You also need to be familiar with what you CAN eat. Many supermarket chains have a special range of vegan food now so you can completely skip the label-checking for those – think Tesco with Wicked Kitchen. Check their websites, do some research and you’ll be ready to quickly spot that packaging in the aisles and snap up those goodies. ⁠ ⁠ If there’s a certain food you can’t live without, make sure you know which aisle it’s in and what it looks like before you visit – nobody likes returning to the same aisle 3 times. I love buying tahini to make sauces, but it took me a long time to find it hidden obscurely between the pickles.⁠ ⁠ Don’t expect to get everything right on your first shop either. If you go home with something you later realise isn’t vegan, don’t beat yourself up about it. Take it back, give it to a friend or donate it to a food bank. You’ll remember for next time!⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #newvegan #learnervegan #veganbeginner #vegancommunity #vegetarians #veggielife #veggielove #veganhelp #vegansupport #dairyfree #plantbased #plantbaseddiet #meatfree #meatless #veganbuys #veganmealplan #veganshopping #vegansupermarket #animallover #veganwannabe #vegannewbie #goingvegan #beingvegan #almostvegan #veganuk #ukvegans #ukvegan #vegansofig #veganuary2020 #veganuaryeats
  • I have to admit, I'm not much of a baker. I'd much rather make savoury meals.⁠ Luckily, I have an amazing mum who is! She makes and sends me recipes for cakes and bakes, that are easy enough even for me to have a go at.⁠ ⁠ A basic vanilla sponge cake pleases everyone. It's the perfect starting point for a birthday cake, or with added icing, whipped cream or sprinkles.⁠ ⁠ Ingredients:⁠ 210 g plain flour⁠ 250 ml soy milk⁠ 200 g sugar (white or coconut)⁠ 80 ml oil (olive or vegetable)⁠ 0.5 tsp bicarbonate of soda⁠ 0.5 tsp table salt⁠ 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar⁠ 3 tsp vanilla extract⁠ ⁠ Instructions:⁠ ⭐️Warm the oven to 180oC.⁠ ⭐️Add the flour, sugar, salt and bicarbonate of soda to a bowl (don't forget to sift your flour!) and mix.⁠ ⭐️Add the remaining ingredients, and whisk thoroughly.⁠ ⭐️Add the mixture to a greased cake tin (7in diameter works well).⁠ ⭐️Bake for 25-30 mins.⁠ ⭐️Eat alone or add vegan single cream, vanilla frosting or buttercream if preferred.⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #veganliving #vegans #veganrecipe #veganrecipes #ukvegetarian #ukveggie #veggieuk #vegetarianuk #healthyeating #coaching #vegancoaching #helpgoingvegan #newvegan #veganhelp #vegansupport #parttimevegan #vegancurious #almostvegan #goingvegan #veggie #animallover #veganshare #vegetarianlife #vegetarianlifestyle #flexitarian #petlover #animallover #veganuaryeats #veganuary2020 #veganuary
  • Join me!⁠ ⁠ I'll be going LIVE on Instagram at LearnerVegan, this Weds 12.30pm BST.⁠ ⁠ Answering your questions and tackling common issues from people doing Veganuary.⁠ ⁠ So far I'll be talking about: dealing with judgment, making mistakes, work treats, and telling strangers you're vegan.⁠ ⁠ Will you come along and share?⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #veganhealthcoach #vegancoach #vegancoaching #howtogovegan #veganmom #onlyvegan #goingvegan #goveganstayvegan #stayvegan #veganiseasy #vegantransition #veganeducation #veganknowledge #tryvegan #veganforbeginners #veganbeginner #vegansupport #veganhelp #parttimevegan #parttimevegetarian #vegetarianlife #vegetariansofig #vegetarianuk #veganstruggles #newvegan #vegannewbie #almostvegan #veganuary2020 #veganuary #veganuaryeats
  • This week I’ve been taking part in a #whatieatinadayvegan Veganuary special. Today is my day to share my meals! I always start the day with warm lemon water. It’s refreshing and gets the digestion going! Next is a green juice. My go-to for this is cucumber, celery, apple, orange, ginger and spinach/kale. A hit of nutrients! Mid morning is smoothie time, and today was mango banana. I always add flax or hemp seeds for omega 3. For lunch I usually have a loaded salad. But today was Saturday and Ben was hungry! So we had a lovely brunch 😍 Off to my mum’s for dinner. She’s not vegan but always makes great vegan food! We had spaghetti bolognese, garlic bread and apple cake for pudding. My mum actually prefers making vegan cakes as she thinks they taste better 👍 Eating vegan is so easy! If you have any questions or need meal ideas just hit me up anytime. And do go ahead and check out the other lovelies taking part in this week’s posts - @rs_recipes @thecookandhim @veginspired @veganbabelife @eatswithel_ @viva.vegana
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