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Home » Recipes

Best Vegan Recipes of 2021

Published: 28 Dec 2021 · Updated: 21 Jan 2022 by Julianne Lynch · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · Leave a Comment

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Jump to Recipe
Best vegan recipes of 2021
Best vegan recipes of 2021

This collection features the top 10 Vegan Recipes of 2021 (plus an honorable mention). From mains to side, soups to salads, and more, this list is full of variety and offers a range of flavors. Did your favorite make the cut? These are the Best Vegan Recipes from this year!

Best vegan recipes of 2021

As 2021 comes to end, I've looked back over all of the recipes published on No Sweat Vegan this year. From entrees to desserts, soups to salads and more, I've tried to create a variety of delicious vegan recipes to please every palate. Now that the year is done, I decided to compile a list of the top 10 most-visited recipes of 2021.

Maybe there's a recipe here from the beginning of the year that you missed. Or maybe you're new here and everything is new. Whatever the case, you won't want to miss any of these recipes.

Before I dive into the recipes, I just wanted to offer a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has and continutes to support No Sweat Vegan! I couldn't do this without all of you!

And now without further ado, these are your favorite recipes of 2021!

Jump to:
  • Honorable Mention: Vegan Broccoli Soup
  • 10. Vegan Leek & Potato Soup
  • 9. Lentil Shepherd's Pie
  • 8. Mushroom & Veggie Fajitas
  • 7. Spicy Korean Tofu
  • 6. Vegan Broccoli Salad
  • 5. Vegan Baked "Feta" Pasta
  • 4. Red Lentil Dahl
  • 3. Vegan Butter Chicken
  • 2. Cashew Ginger Salad Dressing
  • 1. Air Fryer Summer Squash
  • Related recipes
  • 📖 Recipe
  • Best Vegan Recipes of 2021

You'll love these recipes because they're:

  • Quick & Easy
  • Vegan / Vegetarian
  • Dairy-Free & Egg-Free
  • Kid-friendly
  • Easy to make Gluten-Free
  • WFPB-friendly
  • Healthy & Delicious!

Honorable Mention: Vegan Broccoli Soup

Although this recipe didn't quite break into the top 10 for the year, it wasn't published until October, so the cards were stacked against it from the beginning. That said, people have been loving this recipe, so I wanted to be sure to include it in this list, even if unofficially.

Best vegan broccoli soup.
Vegan Broccoli Soup
This easy Vegan Broccoli Soup is creamy, delicious, and perfect for warming you up on cool nights. Chock full of healthy vegetables and protein, this lighter version of the comfort classic is sure to satisfy. Perfect for kids and anyone who needs a little extra help getting their veggies.
Grab the recipe!

10. Vegan Leek & Potato Soup

Last winter I was invited to lunch at a friend's house, and her husband made the most delicious Leek & Potato Soup. It was so simple and satisfying, that I just knew I had to come up with my own version to share with all of you. The secret ingredient in this soup is the leek greens, which are normally discarded. They give this dish its vibrant green color and phenomenal flavor!

Bowl of vegan leek and potato soup.
Vegan Leek and Potato Soup
This Vegan Leek & Potato Soup is velvety, smooth, and satisfying. It's made with simple ingredients and gets its vibrant green color from the secret ingredient: the leek greens! Perfect for an entrée soup, side, or starter. In warm months, serve it cold for a refreshing Vegan Vichyssoise.
Grab the recipe!

9. Lentil Shepherd's Pie

What I love about this dish is just how many veggies and legumes it packs into every delicious bite. The first time I made this, my older son was really resistant to trying it, but after he did, he loved it and had seconds!

Lentil Shepherds Pie in baking dish.
Lentil Shepherd's Pie (Vegan & Oil-Free)
This Lentil Shepherd's Pie is hearty and comforting. With the rich flavors of the lentils and the creaminess of the mashed potatoes, this veggie-filled dish is perfect for a Sunday family dinner or a cozy holiday meal.
Grab the recipe!

8. Mushroom & Veggie Fajitas

It's no secret that I love Mexican food, and these fajitas are an simple, veggie-packed way to fix that craving. Not only are they delicious, but they are insanely quick and easy. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. If you prep the ingredients beforehand, you could have this on the table in 10 to 15 minutes.

vegan vegetable and mushroom fajitas
Easy Vegetable Fajitas with Mushrooms
These Vegetable Fajitas combine seasoned fajita veggies and mushrooms for an irresistibly easy meal. Pile on a soft tortilla with guacamole and salsa for a delicious family-friendly Vegan Fajita Recipe.
Grab the recipe!

7. Spicy Korean Tofu

This spicy tofu is flavored by Gochujang, a Korean chili paste that I absolutely love. If you've ever had kimchi, you'll recognize the flavor. There's no way around the fact that this dish is spicy, but you can balance it out with a side of rice and broccoli. Or you can add this tofu to a delicious vegan bibimbap. So cravable!

Vegan Korean tofu in bowl with rice and chopsticks.
Spicy Korean Tofu
Korean Tofu is spicy and delicious, with the distinct flavor of Gochujang, a Korean chili paste. Serve over rice with a vegetable side or add to a Bibimbap bowl. This spicy tofu recipe is absolutely addicting!
Grab the recipe!

6. Vegan Broccoli Salad

For this recipe, I was inspired to veganize our much loved broccoli salad recipe. It was surprisingly easy to do! I just need to take the dairy out of the dressing and use a bacon substitute. Both these Vegan Bacon Bits or this Vegan Tempeh Bacon work perfectly. I knew this salad would be popular in the summer BBQ season, but I was pleasantly surprised by how many people continuted to love it through the holidays!

Best vegan broccoli salad.
Vegan Broccoli Salad (No Mayo)
This Vegan Broccoli Salad is creamy, crunchy, sweet, and salty. Made with vegan bacon bits and a Cashew & Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing, this No-Mayo Broccoli Salad is a healthier version of the potluck classic! Perfect for sharing at your next BBQ, cookout, or holiday party.
Grab the recipe!

5. Vegan Baked "Feta" Pasta

For this recipe, I was inspired by the trending Tik Tok Pasta that everyone was talking about in early 2021. Instead of using store-bought vegan feta, which would just melt into a puddle of oil, I substituted my own homemade vegan ricotta. The flavor, creaminess, and texture were all just right for this easy and delicious dish. The craze might be over, but if you haven't tried it yet, you have to give this dish a try!

Vegan Baked "Feta" Pasta
Inspired by the Viral TikTok pasta dish, this Vegan Baked "Feta" Pasta is rich, creamy, and out of this world! With just a handful of healthy ingredients and minimal effort, you can dig into this gorgeous dish that's taking the world by storm.
Grab the recipe!

4. Red Lentil Dahl

Red Lentil Dahl is one of those comfort food dishes that you just want to dive into. It's perfect for cool winter days, and the seasonings can be adjusted depending on how spicy you like it. Pair it with basmati rice for a simple yet delicious meal the whole family will love.

Red Lentil Dahl recipe
Red Lentil Dahl Recipe
Rich, creamy, and full of amazing Indian spices, this Red Lentil Dahl Recipe is the perfect cozy comfort dish. Red lentils cook quickly, so you'll have this amazing feast on the table in less than 30 minutes.
Grab the recipe!

3. Vegan Butter Chicken

I used to love Butter Chicken, so I knew I had to veganize it. To do make the "chicken," I created a Tandoori-spiced tofu (similar to the method used in my classic tofu nuggets). The sauce combines coconut milk and cashew butter for a rich and decadent, yet healthy and plant-based dish.

Vegan butter chicken in a bowl with rice and cilantro.
Vegan Butter Chicken with Tandoori Tofu
This Vegan Butter Chicken is luscious and creamy, with a mildly spiced tomato gravy and crispy chunks of Tandoori Tofu. This dish is both kid-friendly and oil-free. It comes together quickly enough for a weeknight but feels special enough for a big weekend meal.
Grab the recipe!

2. Cashew Ginger Salad Dressing

This oil-free salad dressing uses cashews, fresh ginger, and lime juice for a distinctively fresh and delicious flavor that's perfect for topping salads or using as a dip. I particularly love it on this Thai Salad with Sesame-Crusted Tofu!

Asian Salad Dressing (Creamy & Oil-free)
This vegan Asian Salad Dressing is fresh, creamy, and oil-free. The bright flavor of the ginger is mellowed by the cashews, while rice vinegar and lime add a zesty acidity and soy sauce adds a little umami. Perfect for topping salads or using as a dip.
Grab the recipe!

1. Air Fryer Summer Squash

This Air Fryer Summer Squash was the most popular new recipe that I published in 2021! In case you haven't tried it yet, I included the full recipe below.

I tested this recipe several times and discovered that the best way to air fry summer squash (or any veggie with high water content) was at the highest temperature. That way you can still get nice browning without completely turning your dish to mush.

If you liked this one, be sure to check out the rest of my other air fryer recipes. The air fryer is one of my favorite kitchen gadgets. It can save you time and gives you another option when you don't want to turn on your oven.

If you've been thinking about buying one, I highly recommend my Ninja Foodie Grill, which is the perfect size for my family of four. For more models, styles, and price points, check out this review of the best Air Fryers of 2021.

Air fryer squash on plate.
Air Fryer Squash
Air Fryer Squash is quick, easy, and delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and little prep work, you can roast Summer Squash in the Air Fryer in less than 15 minutes. Serve as a simple side dish, add to pasta sauce, or pair with zucchini for a colorful summer veggie mix.
Grab the recipe!

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    Butternut Squash Curry with Chickpeas (Vegan)
  • n berry crisp in baking dish with spoon.
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    Vegan Po' Boy with Tofu

📖 Recipe

Best vegan recipes of 2021

Best Vegan Recipes of 2021

This collection features the top 10 Vegan Recipes of 2021. From mains to side, soups to salads, and more, this list is full of variety and offers a range of flavors. As a bonus, I've included the top new recipe of 2021: Air Fryer Squash.
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Share on Facebook Pin Recipe SaveSaved!
Prep Time 2 mins
Cook Time 13 mins
Total Time 15 mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 51 kcal

Equipment

air fryer
Cutting Board
Sharp Knife

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 medium-sized summer squash (about 1 pound or 500g)
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • salt (to taste)
  • fresh cracked pepper (to taste)

Optional Garnishes

  • vegan parmesan
  • fresh chopped herbs

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 450F or 240C (or the highest setting).
  • Wash the summer squash and trim off the ends. Slice the squash into rounds that are between ¼ and ½ inch wide.
  • Place the cut squash in a bowl. Add the olive oil and seasonings. Mix to combine.
  • Pour the squash into the air fryer. Try to spread the squash evenly in the basket, making sure that none of the rounds are sticking together.
  • Cook for about 12 to 14 minutes, or until they're browned but still firm.
  • Stop the cooking about 8 minutes to redistribute the squash in the basket.
  • Serve right away with fresh herbs and vegan parmesan.
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Notes

 
  • If you are using a smaller air fryer, you might need to cook the squash in 2 batches.
  • The less crowded the basket, the better the squash will brown without getting mushy.
  • The squash on the outer edges of the basket will cook more quickly. When you stop the cooking about 8 minutes in, you can swap the squash on the outer edges with the squash in the middle for more even cooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 51kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 3mgPotassium: 279mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 206IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 1mg
Keyword air fryer squash, air fryer summer squash, air fryer yellow squash, summer squash recipes, vegan yellow squash recipes
Tried this recipe?Tag me on Instagram @no_sweat_vegan or #nosweatvegan!

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Julianne, founder of No Sweat Vegan.

Hi, I'm Julianne! I love creating simple and comforting vegan food for the whole family. Most of my recipes are healthy, Whole-Foods Plant-Based, and easy on the budget. Thanks for stopping by!

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