Sick of long ingredient lists? Want to make something simple? We’ve got you covered with this tasty collection of vegan recipes made with five ingredients or less (not counting salt and pepper). By combining whole foods with convenient, minimally processed foods such as canned tomatoes and beans, whole grain pasta, and frozen fruits and veggies, these tried-and-true recipes don’t sacrifice flavor or nutrition for convenience. You’ll be amazed at what you can make!
Creamy hummus and the subtle nutty flavor of quinoa work well together in these scrumptious, hunger-busting wraps. Sliced tomato offers a pleasing tang, while fresh spinach provides leafy goodness and something to bite into. With cooked quinoa on hand, these tasty wraps come together in 15 minutes.
“These wraps were excellent! I always love when I find such a simple recipe that yields such wonderful results.” —Kirsten
Ready in 15 minutes, these nourishing bowls feature instant polenta for convenience. The characteristic mild corn flavor melts in your mouth next to chili-seasoned kidney beans. Top with tangy salsa and sliced avocado for a flavor-packed, heart-healthy dish that’s perfect any time of the day. Cilantro is a tasty garnish, but feel free to leave it out or use fresh parsley instead.
“Delicious and easy! We often eat for dinner or lunch as well.” —Carrie
These Costa Rican-style rice and beans feature whole grain rice cooked with onion, garlic, and red bell pepper so that every grain is infused with rich, savory flavor. Canned beans, stirred in toward the end, provide fiber and protein, keeping you full long after you finish the last bite. The dish gets its name, gallo pinto (which means spotted rooster), from the speckled appearance of the beans against the rice. Serve with hot sauce, if you like.
“This is my go-to recipe for beans and rice combo. I love that it’s super quick with so few ingredients.” —Shauna
Cherry tomatoes roasted with granulated garlic are the key to achieving a rich depth of flavor in this palate-pleasing pasta dish. While the tiny tomatoes bake, cook the spaghetti, drain a can of chickpeas, and chop some fresh basil. It doesn’t get much simpler than that!
“This recipe is fabulous. Every time I make it, I can’t believe how good it is, and you would literally swear that there is oil in it.” —Kathleen
One of our best-loved recipes, these hearty black bean and oat burger patties get a punch of flavor from chili powder and lime juice. Allow 20 minutes for the patties to chill, then just 10 minutes in the pan, and they’re ready. While strictly speaking, you’ll need more ingredients to turn them into a meal, we thought their simplicity earned them a spot in this collection. Feel free to serve with a whole grain bun, lettuce leaf, or a simple green salad.
“These burgers are great and so easy to make. I make 3-4 batches at a time, and they freeze wonderfully.” —Kathy
Breakfast for dinner? Sure, when it’s as tasty as this chocolaty quinoa bowl. Cocoa powder stirred through hot cooked quinoa gives a rich chocolate flavor, while maple syrup sweetens things up. (Feel free to add a bit more, if you like, or use your sweetener of choice.) Top with sliced pears or other fruit, such as banana, fresh or frozen raspberries, or cherries.
Frozen cherries, roasted buckwheat groats (kasha), and hemp seeds are all you need for this perfectly sweet bowl. Every bite is a tasty marriage of nutty toasted kasha and tangy cherries, which explode with juiciness as you bite into them.
This five-ingredient vegan recipe is perfect for a snappy weeknight meal. Canned fire-roasted tomatoes and cannellini beans form the base of the smoky tomato sauce; a generous amount of garlic lends mellow notes and elevates it beyond what you’d expect from a tomato sauce made with so few ingredients. If you like a little heat, sprinkle with red pepper flakes—leave these out if you’re serving to kids!
“A nice quick, easy meal.” —Melissa
Lemon-infused freekeh cooked until chewy and tender makes a great base for a meal. Maple syrup is an excellent sweetener, but feel free to use whatever you prefer—chopped dates, bananas, or date paste would also work well. Top with blueberries and toasted slivered almonds for a knockout bowl of goodness.
