When the workweek rolls around, eating healthy can feel overwhelming. You might be tired, busy, and just looking for something quick and satisfying which means if you've been trying to eat better or transition to a plant-based diet, hectic weeknights can definitely derail your plans. Try these 5 plant-based dinner ideas for easy weeknight meals!

Simple options can be game-changers to keep you on track for feeling good and meeting your goals. Getting comfortable with a few new ideas about how to pull together a delicious and nutritious meal will help strengthen the good habits you want to create.

Below are five hearty plant-based dinner recipes that will easily fit your busy schedule–and your budget. Think of them as inspiration and make these meals your own with substitutions and modifications to suit your tastes. Eating well is a lifelong commitment that becomes natural the more you do it!

One-Pot Lentil Curry for a Quick and Hearty Meal

Start your week with a warming one-pot lentil curry. It’s quick to prepare, rich in protein with about 18 grams per cup of lentils, and filled with fiber which helps keep you satisfied and supports lower cholesterol. Serves 2. Serve over cooked brown rice or add a can of chickpeas to feed more.

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 3/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon of curry powder

• 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated

• 1 cup of lentils (green or brown)

• 1 can of light coconut milk

• 2 cups of vegetable broth

• 1 heaping cup of baby spinach

  
  

Instructions:

1. In a large pot on medium heat, sauté onion, garlic, and salt in 2 tablespoons of water until the onion softens, 3 to 4 minutes. Add more water if necessary to keep it from burning.

   
   

2. Stir in the curry powder and ginger and cook for a minute or two until fragrant.

   
   

3. Add lentils, coconut milk, and vegetable broth; bring to a boil.

   
   

4. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until lentils are tender, about 20-25 minutes.

   
   

5. Stir in spinach just before serving and cook for a minute or two until wilted.

   
   

This comforting dish is great served over rice or with naan for dipping. Double and enjoy the leftovers for lunch or dinner later in the week.

Zesty Tofu Stir-Fry with Colorful Veggies

As the week progresses, switch things up with a bright and zesty tofu stir-fry. Packed with vegetables and protein-rich tofu, this meal can come together in as little as 30 minutes. Serves 3 to 4. Serve over brown rice or noodles to feed 4 to 6.

Ingredients:

• 1 block of extra-firm tofu, pressed to remove excess water

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos

• 3 tablespoons maple syrup

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 4 cups of mixed chopped vegetables (any combination of bell peppers, broccoli, asparagus, mushrooms, zucchini, and snap peas work well)

• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos

• 1 tablespoon grated ginger

• 1 teaspoon fresh or powdered garlic

• 1 tablespoon of lime juice

• 2 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced

• Optional: sesame seeds for garnish

  
  

Instructions:

1. To make the tofu, mix the soy sauce, syrup, cornstarch, and garlic powder in a medium bowl.
   

2. Use a non-stick pan (or lightly wipe a pan with oil) to fry the tofu until golden brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer tofu to a bowl and set aside.

   
   

3. Add the mixed vegetables, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to the hot pan and stir-fry for about 8 minutes, until vegetables are tender-crisp.
   

4. Return the tofu to the pan and mix everything together.

   
   

5. Sprinkle with lime juice and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.

   
   

This meal is not just quick but colorful and flavorful, making it an instant weeknight favorite.

Creamy Mushroom and Pea Risotto for a Comforting Dinner

A creamy mushroom risotto can be the perfect comforting choice. While this dish takes a bit more attention due to the stirring, it rewards you with a luscious meal. Arborio rice has a high starch content which produces a creamy risotto. Frozen peas are a convenient source of plant-protein and fiber. Stir in baby spinach or try chopped asparagus for added nutrition and taste!

Ingredients:

• 8 cups vegetable broth

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 8 to 10 ounces of sliced mushrooms (like cremini or shiitake)

• 4 garlic cloves, minced, pressed, or grated

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 cups Arborio rice

• Juice from one lemon

• 1/3 cup nutritional yeast (for rich flavor)

• 1 1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed

  
  

Instructions:

1. In a medium pot, heat vegetable broth and keep it warm throughout the cooking process.

   
   

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onion, mushrooms, garlic, and salt for about 8 minutes, until mushrooms are brown and onions are soft. Mushrooms will release moisture so you shouldn't need to add water for oil-free sauteíng, but watch and stir so the onions and garlic don't burn, adding a little water if necessary.

   
   

3. Stir in rice, toasting slightly before adding lemon juice to deglaze.

   
   

4. Gradually add warm vegetable broth, one to two ladles at a time, stirring until absorbed before adding the next.

   
   

5. Once creamy, about 18-20 minutes, stir in nutritional yeast and peas. If peas are frozen, cook for a couple of minutes before serving.

   
   

This risotto is the perfect comfort food for unwinding after a hectic week. Add a simple salad and loaf of bread to your meal and invite some friends!

Easiest Smoky Black Bean Tacos

Tacos are a versatile option for weeknight meals. These smoky black bean tacos are easy to whip up and incredibly flavorful. Mix and match your toppings to suit your tastes and what you have on hand! Serves 2. Double the recipe or add a side of rice to serve more people.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1/4 cup jarred salsa

• Juice from one lime

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Pinch of cayenne pepper

• Soft flour or corn tortillas

• Shredded lettuce

• Canned corn kernels

• Chopped tomatoes

• Sliced olives

• Guacamole or diced avocado

• Cilantro and hot sauce, for garnish

  
  

Instructions:

1. In a pan, heat black beans over medium heat.

   
   

2. Add salsa, lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and cayenne, stirring until fragrant and heated through, around 5 minutes.

   
   

3. Warm tortillas in a separate pan or microwave.

   
   

4. Assemble tacos with black beans and your choice of toppings. Garnish with cilantro and hot sauce.

   
   

These tacos are not just delicious but also customizable, allowing you to use whatever toppings you love!

Pasta Primavera for a Light Finish

Pasta is a familiar dish and easily customizable. This dish highlights seasonal vegetables and is sure to leave you feeling satisfied without feeling heavy. The pasta and veggies are light and delicious on their own, but add a sprinkle of vegan cheese or marinara sauce if you want something a little heartier. Serves 2 or double the recipe to serve 4.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces of your favorite pasta

• 4 garlic cloves, minced, pressed, or grated

• 2 heaping cups of seasonal vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• Ground black pepper to taste

• 1 to 2 cups marinara sauce, optional

• Vegan cheese, optional

• Fresh basil for garnish

  
  

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.

   
   

2. In a large pan, sauté garlic in 2 tablespoons of water for one minute before adding vegetables, oregano, and onion powder.

   
   

3. Cook veggies until tender, about 5-7 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.

   
   

4. Toss the cooked pasta in with the sautéed vegetables, mixing thoroughly.
   

5. Stir in marinara or vegan cheese, if desired.

   
   

6. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

   
   

This vegan pasta primavera is a fantastic way to showcase fresh produce and flavors.

Time to Enjoy Flavorful Plant-Based Meals

Embracing plant-based dinners for your weeknight meals can help you feel your best. From warming curries to fun tacos, these five recipes provide simple yet nourishing options. Your taste buds will appreciate the variety, and you might even discover some new family favorites! So next time you're at a loss for dinner ideas, remember that a delicious plant-based meal is just a recipe away. Happy cooking!