How to Save Money and Eat Healthy with 10 Simple Vegan Recipes

Are you looking for ways to eat more plant-based meals without spending a fortune? Do you want to improve your health and reduce your environmental impact by going vegan? If so, you’re not alone. More and more people are choosing to adopt a vegan lifestyle for ethical, ecological, and wellness reasons. However, going vegan can also seem challenging, especially if you’re on a tight budget. You may wonder how to afford vegan groceries, how to cook delicious vegan dishes, and how to get enough protein and nutrients from plant sources.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll share 10 simple, affordable, and healthy vegan recipes that you can make at home with minimal ingredients and effort. We’ll also give you some tips and tricks on how to save money and eat healthy on a vegan diet, whether you live in the USA, UK, or India. Plus, we’ll show you some amazing resources and products that can help you transition to a vegan lifestyle with ease and confidence.

Tip #1: Shop Smart One of the most important aspects of eating healthy and budget-friendly vegan meals is shopping smart. You don’t need to buy expensive or exotic ingredients to make tasty and nutritious vegan dishes. Instead, focus on buying staples like grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables that are in season, on sale, or in bulk. These foods are rich in fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and can be used to create a variety of meals and snacks.

Some examples of cheap and versatile vegan staples are:

• Rice, oats, quinoa, pasta, couscous and other grains
• Beans, lentils, chickpeas, peas, and other legumes
• Tofu, tempeh, seitan, and other soy products
• Nuts, seeds, nut butter, and seed butter
• Bananas, apples, oranges, berries, and other fruits
• Carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, broccoli, spinach and other vegetables
• Herbs, spices, sauces, vinegars and oils

You can also look for vegan alternatives to animal products, such as plant milk, cheeses, yogurts, creams, butter, and meats. These products can help you recreate your favorite non-vegan dishes, such as pizza, burgers, lasagna, mac and cheese, ice cream, and more. However, keep in mind that these products can be more expensive and less healthy than whole plant foods, so use them sparingly and as a treat.

Tip #2: Meal Prep Another way to save money and eat healthy on a vegan diet is to meal prep. Meal prepping means cooking large batches of food ahead of time and storing them in the fridge or freezer for later use. This way, you can avoid wasting food, save time and energy, and always have a healthy vegan meal ready to eat.

Some benefits of meal prepping are:

• You can plan your meals according to your budget, preferences, and nutritional needs
• You can buy ingredients in bulk and use them efficiently
• You can cook once and eat multiple times
• You can avoid ordering takeout or eating out, which can be more expensive and less healthy
• You can enjoy a variety of dishes throughout the week

To meal prep effectively, you need to:

• Choose recipes that are easy, quick, and scalable
• Make a shopping list and stick to it
• Cook your food in large pots, pans, baking trays or slow cookers
• Store your food in airtight containers, jars, bags, or wraps
• Label your food with the name and date
• Reheat your food safely and enjoy

Some examples of easy and delicious vegan recipes that are perfect for meal prepping are:

• Chili, curry, stew, soup or casserole
• Salad, buddha bowl, burrito bowl, or poke bowl
• Sandwich, wrap, burger or pita
• Pasta, rice, quinoa or couscous dish
• Stir-fry, roast, bake, or grill

Tip #3: Go Meatless Monday If you’re not ready to go fully vegan yet, or you want to encourage your family and friends to join you, you can start by going meatless one day a week. Meatless Monday is a global movement that encourages people to reduce their meat consumption for their health and the planet. By skipping meat on Mondays, you can:

• Save money by buying less animal products
• Improve your health by eating more plant foods
• Reduce your environmental impact by lowering your greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and land use
• Discover new and exciting vegan recipes and cuisines
• Support the vegan community and movement

Going meatless on Mondays doesn’t have to be bland. You can still enjoy your favorite dishes by replacing meat with plant-based alternatives, such as beans, tofu, tempeh, seitan, mushrooms, jackfruit, cauliflower, or nuts. You can also experiment with different herbs, spices, sauces, and condiments to add flavor and variety to your meals.

Some examples of meatless Monday vegan recipes that are easy and satisfying are:

• Spaghetti Bolognese with lentil and mushroom sauce
• Shepherd’s Pie with lentil and vegetable filling and mashed potato topping
• Tacos with black bean and corn salsa and vegan cheese
• Pad Thai with tofu and peanut sauce
• Mushroom Stroganoff with vegan sour cream

10 Simple, Healthy, and Affordable Vegan Recipes Now that you know some tips and tricks on how to save money and eat healthy on a vegan diet, let’s get to the fun part: the recipes. Here are 10 simple, healthy, and affordable vegan recipes that you can make at home with minimal ingredients and effort. These recipes are suitable for any occasion, whether you need a quick breakfast, a hearty lunch, a cozy dinner, or a sweet treat. They are also adaptable to different cuisines and preferences, so feel free to tweak them to your liking.

1. Oatmeal with Fruits and Nuts Oatmeal

is one of the easiest, cheapest, and healthiest vegan breakfasts you can make. Oats are rich in fiber, protein, iron, magnesium, and antioxidants, and can help lower your cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. You can cook oats on the stove, in the microwave, or in a slow cooker, and add your favorite fruits, nuts, seeds, spices, and sweeteners to make it more delicious and nutritious.

To make oatmeal with fruits and nuts, you need:

• 1 cup of rolled oats
• 2 cups of water or plant milk
• A pinch of salt
• A dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla or other spices (optional)
• 1/4 cup of chopped fruits, such as bananas, apples, berries, or dried fruits
• 2 tablespoons of chopped nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, or pistachios
• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, agave nectar, brown sugar or other sweeteners (optional)

To make oatmeal with fruits and nuts, you need to:

• In a small pot, bring the oats, water or plant milk, salt, and spices to a boil over medium-high heat
• Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the oats are soft and creamy, about 15 minutes
• Transfer the oatmeal to a bowl and top with fruits, nuts and sweeteners
• Enjoy your oatmeal with fruits and nuts.

2. Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Chickpea salad sandwich is a vegan version of the classic tuna or chicken salad sandwich. Chickpeas are a great source of plant protein, fiber, folate, iron, and zinc, and can help improve your digestion, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. You can mash chickpeas with vegan mayonnaise, mustard, celery, onion, lemon juice, and seasonings to make a creamy and flavorful filling for your sandwich. You can also add other ingredients, such as pickles, capers, dill, parsley, or curry powder, to customize your chickpea salad sandwich.

To make chickpea salad sandwich, you need:

• 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup of vegan mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons of mustard
• 1/4 cup of chopped celery
• 2 tablespoons of chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika to taste
• 4 slices of bread, toasted
• Lettuce, tomato, cucumber, or other sandwich toppings

To make a chickpea salad sandwich, you need to:

• In a large bowl, mash the chickpeas with a fork or a potato masher until slightly chunky
• Add the vegan mayonnaise, mustard, celery, onion, lemon juice and seasonings and mix well
• Spread the chickpea salad on two slices of bread and add your sandwich toppings
• Cover with the remaining slices of bread and cut in half
• Enjoy your chickpea salad sandwich

3. Vegetable and Bean Soup

Vegetable and bean soup is a warm and comforting vegan meal that is perfect for cold days. You can use any vegetables and beans you have on hand, such as carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, kale, zucchini, corn, peas, green beans, kidney beans, black beans, white beans, or chickpeas. You can also add vegetable broth, water, herbs, spices, and seasonings to make a rich and flavorful soup. You can serve your vegetable and bean soup with bread, crackers, rice, or pasta for a more filling meal.

To make vegetable and bean soup, you need:

• 2 tablespoons of oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups of vegetable broth or water
• 2 cups of chopped vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, celery, tomatoes, spinach, kale, zucchini, corn, peas or green beans
• 2 cups of cooked or canned beans, such as kidney beans, black beans, white beans or chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 teaspoons of dried herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, oregano or basil
• Salt, pepper, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes to taste

To make vegetable and bean soup, you need to:

• In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat and sauté the onion and garlic until soft, about 10 minutes
• Add the vegetable broth or water, vegetables, beans, herbs, and seasonings, and bring to a boil
• Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 20 to 30 minutes
• Remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning to your taste
• Enjoy your vegetable and bean soup with bread, crackers, rice or pasta

4. Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie

Peanut butter and banana smoothie is a creamy and delicious vegan drink that is perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Peanut butter and banana are a classic combination that provides protein, potassium, fiber, and healthy fats. You can also add plant milk, ice, vanilla, cinnamon, cocoa powder, or other ingredients to make your smoothie more flavorful and nutritious. You can blend your peanut butter and banana smoothie in a blender, food processor, or immersion blender, and enjoy it in a glass or a bowl.

To make a peanut butter and banana smoothie, you need:

• 2 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
• 1/4 cup of peanut butter
• 1 cup of plant milk, such as almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk
• 1/2 cup of ice cubes
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
• A pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder (optional)

To make peanut butter and banana smoothie, you need to:

• In a blender, food processor, or immersion blender, combine the bananas, peanut butter, plant milk, ice, vanilla, and cinnamon or cocoa powder if using
• Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed
• Pour your peanut butter and banana smoothie into a glass or a bowl and enjoy

5. Veggie and Hummus Wrap

Veggie and hummus wrap is a simple and satisfying vegan lunch or dinner that is easy to make and customize. Hummus is a creamy and savory dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt, and can be found in most grocery stores or made at home. Hummus is a great source of plant protein, fiber, iron, calcium, and healthy fats, and can be used as a spread or a dip for your wrap. You can also add any vegetables you like, such as lettuce, tomato, cucumber, carrot, avocado, bell pepper, onion, or sprouts, to make your wrap more colorful and crunchy. You can use any kind of wrap, such as tortilla, pita, lavash, or lettuce, to make your veggie and hummus wrap.

To make veggie and hummus wrap, you need:

• 1/4 cup of hummus
• 1 wrap of your choice
• 1/2 cup of chopped or shredded lettuce
• 1/4 cup of sliced tomato
• 1/4 cup of sliced cucumber
• 1/4 cup of grated carrot
• 2 tablespoons of sliced avocado (optional)
• Salt, pepper, lemon juice, and dried herbs to taste

To make veggie and hummus wrap, you need to:

• Spread the hummus evenly over the wrap, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges
• Layer the lettuce, tomato, cucumber, carrot, and avocado if using over the hummus
• Sprinkle some salt, pepper, lemon juice, and dried herbs over the vegetables
• Fold the bottom edge of the wrap over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up tightly
• Cut your veggie and hummus wrap in half and enjoy

6. Pasta with Tomato and Basil Sauce

Pasta with tomato and basil sauce is a classic and easy vegan dish that is always a crowd-pleaser. Pasta is a staple in many cuisines and can be made from wheat, rice, corn, quinoa, or other grains. Pasta is a good source of carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and B vitamins, and can be cooked in boiling water or broth until al dente. Tomato and basil sauce is a simple and fresh sauce made from tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, basil, and salt, and can be cooked on the stove or in the oven. Tomato and basil sauce is rich in vitamin C, lycopene, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, and can be used to coat your pasta or as a dip for bread.

To make pasta with tomato and basil sauce, you need:

• 8 ounces of pasta of your choice
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups of chopped fresh or canned tomatoes
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

To make pasta with tomato and basil sauce, you need to:

• In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and return to the pot
• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes
• Add the tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper and bring to a boil
• Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened, about 15 to 20 minutes
• Pour the sauce over the pasta and toss to combine
• Enjoy your pasta with tomato and basil sauce

7. Baked Potato with Vegan Cheese and Broccoli

Baked potato with vegan cheese and broccoli is a hearty and nutritious vegan meal that is easy to make and customize. Potatoes are versatile and filling vegetables that are rich in starch, fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. You can bake potatoes in the oven, microwave, or air fryer, and top them with vegan cheese, broccoli, and other ingredients, such as vegan butter, sour cream, bacon bits, chives, or salsa. Vegan cheese is a dairy-free alternative to cheese that can be made from nuts, seeds, soy, coconut, or other plant-based ingredients. Vegan cheese can be melted, shredded, sliced, or spread, and can add creaminess and flavor to your baked potato. Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that is high in vitamin K, vitamin C, folate, fiber, and phytochemicals, and can help protect against cancer, inflammation, and oxidative stress. You can steam, roast, sauté, or microwave broccoli, and add it to your baked potato for some crunch and color.

To make baked potato with vegan cheese and broccoli, you need:

• 2 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and pierced with a fork
• 1/4 cup of vegan cheese of your choice, shredded or sliced
• 1 cup of broccoli florets, steamed or microwaved
• Salt, pepper, vegan butter, sour cream, bacon bits, chives or salsa to taste

To make baked potato with vegan cheese and broccoli, you need to:

• Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray
• Place the potatoes on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 45 to 60 minutes or until tender
• Cut the potatoes open and fluff the flesh with a fork
• Sprinkle the vegan cheese over the potatoes and return to the oven for 5 minutes, or until melted
• Top the potatoes with broccoli and your desired toppings
• Enjoy your baked potato with vegan cheese and broccoli

8. Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Tofu and vegetable stir-fry is a quick and easy vegan meal that is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. Tofu is a soy product that is made from coagulated soy milk and pressed into blocks. Tofu is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids, and is also a good source of calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. You can marinate, bake, fry, grill, or scramble tofu, and add it to salads, soups, sandwiches, curries, or stir-fries. You can also use any vegetables you like, such as onion, garlic, ginger, carrot, bell pepper, mushroom, zucchini, snow peas, or bok choy, to make your stir-fry more colorful and crunchy. You can also use any sauce you like, such as soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, peanut sauce, or sweet and sour sauce, to make your stir-fry more flavorful and saucy. You can serve your tofu and vegetable stir-fry with rice, noodles, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a more filling meal.

To make tofu and vegetable stir-fry, you need:

• 1 block of firm or extra-firm tofu, drained, pressed, and cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of oil
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 inch of ginger, peeled and grated
• 2 cups of chopped vegetables of your choice
• 1/4 cup of sauce of your choice
• Sesame seeds, green onions or cilantro for garnish (optional)

To make tofu and vegetable stir-fry, you need to:

• In a small bowl, toss the tofu cubes with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until well-coated
• In a large skillet over high heat, heat the oil and fry the tofu until golden and crisp, turning occasionally, about 15 to 20 minutes
• Transfer the tofu to a plate and keep warm
• In the same skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the onion, garlic and ginger until soft, about 10 minutes
• Add the vegetables and sauce and stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 10 to 15 minutes
• Return the tofu to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce and vegetables
• Sprinkle some sesame seeds, green onions, or cilantro over the stir-fry for garnish if desired
• Enjoy your tofu and vegetable stir-fry with rice, noodles, quinoa or cauliflower rice

9. Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas

Black bean and corn quesadillas are cheesy and spicy vegan snacks or meals that are easy to make and customize. Black beans and corn are a delicious and nutritious combination that provides protein, fiber, iron, folate, and antioxidants. You can also add vegan cheese, salsa, cilantro, lime juice, and seasonings to make your quesadillas more flavorful and cheesy. You can use any kind of tortillas, such as wheat, corn, spinach, or gluten-free, to make your quesadillas. You can cook your quesadillas on a skillet, in the oven, or a toaster oven, and enjoy them with guacamole, sour cream, hot sauce, or salad.

To make black bean and corn quesadillas, you need:

• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup of corn kernels, fresh, frozen, or canned
• 1/4 cup of salsa
• 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon of lime juice
• Salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder to taste
• 1/4 cup of vegan cheese of your choice, shredded or sliced
• 4 tortillas of your choice
• Cooking spray or oil

To make black bean and corn quesadillas, you need to:

• In a small bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or a potato masher until slightly chunky
• Add the corn, salsa, cilantro, lime juice and seasonings and mix well
• Sprinkle the vegan cheese over two tortillas and spread the black bean and corn mixture over the cheese
• Cover with the remaining tortillas and press lightly to seal
• Spray or brush some cooking spray or oil over both sides of the quesadillas
• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the quesadillas for about 4 minutes per side, or until golden and crisp
• Cut your black bean and corn quesadillas into wedges and enjoy with guacamole, sour cream, hot sauce or salad

10. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are a classic and indulgent vegan dessert that are easy to make and enjoy. You can use vegan butter, coconut oil, applesauce or mashed banana to replace the eggs and butter in traditional cookie recipes. You can also use vegan chocolate chips, dark chocolate, nuts, dried fruits or other add-ins to make your cookies more delicious and fun. You can bake your cookies in the oven, in the microwave or in an air fryer, and enjoy them warm, cold or frozen.

To make chocolate chip cookies, you need:

• 1/2 cup of vegan butter, coconut oil, applesauce or mashed banana
• 3/4 cup of brown sugar
• 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of vegan chocolate chips, dark chocolate, nuts, dried fruits or other add-ins

To make chocolate chip cookies, you need to:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray
• In a large bowl, cream the vegan butter, coconut oil, applesauce or mashed banana with the brown sugar, granulated sugar and vanilla extract until light and fluffy
• In a small bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda and salt together
• Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well
• Stir in the vegan chocolate chips, dark chocolate, nuts, dried fruits or other add-ins
• Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them
• Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden and slightly soft in the center
• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely
• Enjoy your chocolate chip cookies

Eating vegan doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With these 10 simple, healthy, and affordable vegan recipes, you can enjoy a variety of delicious and nutritious meals that are easy to make and customize. You can also use these recipes as a base and add your own twist and creativity to make them more exciting and fun.

If you want to learn more about veganism and how it can benefit your health and the planet, you can check out our Pinterest.