15 minute vegan meals that are actually healthy? Yes, it can be done! None of these quick vegan recipes take more than 15 minutes, including vegan dinners, easy healthy breakfasts and even 15 minute desserts!

And they feature a ton of whole plant foods, meaning that they’re nutrient-dense and good for you too.

If you ask this registered dietitian, one of the most powerful things you can do for your health isn’t a detox or ditching gluten, it’s cooking for yourself at home.

Why?

Because when you cook at home, you generally eat more foods with fibre, more plant-based sources of protein and definitely more veggies.

You’ll also save a bunch of money. Which is why I share simple plant-based recipes on this website…to help you feel your best and LOVE what you eat!

But I know that sometimes, time is really tight.

So I wanted to round up this list of healthy 15-minute vegan meals because they’re faster than takeout…and better for you too!

And if you’re looking for more plant-based recipe ideas, pick up a copy of my books Eat More Plants and Good For Your Gut.

Use this table of contents to jump to the 15 minute vegan meal you’re looking for and get cooking! And I’ve got some advice on how to pull together 15 minute vegan meals on your own, below!

italian farro salad ingredients in glass bowls

Dietitian Tips for Making Healthy 15 Minute Meals

I REALLY love to eat. I love flavourful, exciting meals. So when I tell you that not everything you make has to be the taste experience of your life, know that it comes from a real food lover.

Why am I telling you this? Because I think we put a ton of pressure on ourselves to make every meal so special that we end up not cooking for ourselves, which is a huge mistake. Sometimes, it can just be quick and kinda tasty. Life is super hectic for most of us and getting a home cooked meal on the table means chilling out a bit and working with the time and energy you have. So let’s make the most of it, shall we?

  • If it fits the budget, lean on prepared fresh items like pre-washed greens, slaw mixes, cherry tomatoes, baby potatoes, precut veggies. Less washing, less chopping, more eating!
  • Don’t forget frozen: corn, peas, edamame, chopped squash or kale are all super nutritious and shave tons of time off prep.
  • Canned is fantastic: canned beans and tomatoes, canned artichoke hearts or jarred sun-dried tomatoes, olives and roasted red peppers are handy (and flavourful!) meal helpers
  • Use fast plant-based proteins like canned beans, smoked tofu or premartinated tempeh.
  • Lean on quicker whole grains such as whole wheat tortillas, sprouted grain bread, whole wheat spaghetti, quinoa, millet or parboiled barley. All take 15 minutes or less to prep.
  • Think fast food: pastas, salads with a protein, toast with toppers, wraps, bowls.
  • The way to change it up to avoid boredom? Sauces and spices. My faves? Vegan mayo, Dijon mustard, Valentina’s hot sauce, vegan pesto, hummus, harissa…too many to name! For spices, cumin, curry powder, chili powder, turmeric, garlic powder and onion powder will give you a good basic flavour pantry.

25+ (Healthy!) 15-minute Vegan Recipes

Quick Vegan Breakfasts

Starting your day with a healthy vegan breakfast that includes plenty of protein + fibre will help keep your energy on an even keel all morning long. Try these easy 15 minute vegan breakfast recipes you’ll want to make again and again! It’s faster than waiting in line at the coffee shop.

bagel with chickpea egg, spinach and avocado

Vegan Breakfast Sandwich with Chickpea Flour Eggs

5 from 5 ratings
This vegan breakfast sandwich is packed with healthy, nourishing ingredients. Made with chickpea flour “eggs,” vegan cheese, spinach, sprouted grain bread, and more, this is an amazing savory plant-based breakfast. It’s quick and easy to make too — you just need 20 minutes!
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turmeric smoothies in glass with turmeric, mango, cashew

Turmeric, Ginger and Mango Smoothie

5 from 12 ratings
Super fast, energy boosting smoothie! Only takes 3 minutes!
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Easy Vegan Snacks

Plants are already the ultimate easy vegan snack: just grab a handful of veggies, nuts or a piece of fruit. But sometimes, you want something a little more, I get it. So try these easy vegan snacks, none of which take more than 15 minutes of hands on time.

Tart Cherry, Hemp and Cashew Bark

5 from 1 rating
Why buy chocolate at the store when you can make your own and know EXACTLY what is in it! Super easy and only takes 15 minutes!
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breakfast cookies on wire rack

Breakfast Cookies

4.92 from 23 ratings
These vegan, gluten free + low FODMAP breakfast cookies are SO delicious and make a truly nutrient-dense start to a busy day. Ready in just 30 minutes!
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15 Minute Vegan Lunches

These easy vegan lunches are just what you need to bust out of a lunch rut. Minimal cooking, plenty of plants, super delicious!

Putting together Registered Dietitian Desiree Nielsen's Chickpea Sandwich

5-Minute Vegan Chickpea Tuna

5 from 7 ratings
With all the flavour you crave, these comforting vegan chickpea tuna sandwiches are so easy to make and high in filling fibre and plant-based protein.
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broccoli salad on white plate with almonds

Healthy Vegan Broccoli Salad

5 from 5 ratings
This vegan broccoli salad is creamy, crunchy and yes, healthy! Super easy to make and perfect for your next BBQ or potluck.
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Easy 15 Minute Vegan Dinners

The secret to ditching your take out habit is a 15 minute vegan meal you’ll want to make again and again. I’ve got you covered!

3 green bowls with vegan cashew alfredo pasta and mushrooms

5 Minute No Cook Vegan Cashew Alfredo Sauce

4.45 from 9 ratings
This vegan cashew alfredo sauce is creamy and oh-so delicious. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make — it comes together in just 5 minutes! Nutritious and healthy, this is a great go-to plant-based pasta recipe.
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Mexican Tostadas with Black Beans, Lime, Cilantro

10 Minute Mexican Tostadas with Black Beans and Squash

5 from 1 rating
This super quick weeknight meal will NOT disappoint! Black beans and squash are a yummy combination packed with protein, fibre and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals. These Mexican tostadas with black beans and squash are anti-inflammatory comfort food at its finest!
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Vegan 15 Minute Desserts

Plant-powered Vegan Hot Chocolate

5 from 6 ratings
This killer vegan hot chocolate is delicious on its own, and incredible when boosted with powerful plant adaptogens! 5 minutes for a comforting, cozy treat.
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homemade nut butter in glass jar with spoon

Healthy Homemade Cinnamon Sugar Nut Butter

5 from 2 ratings
This rich and creamy cashew + pecan butter, inspired by Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal takes just 6 ingredients and 15 minutes to make! Low in sugar, with a satisfying crunch, this healthy homemade nut butter will make you fall in love with mornings again.
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hummus toast with tempeh, spinach and olives

Healthy 15 Minute Meals: Mediterranean Hummus Toast

Looking for an easy, 15 minute lunch to keep you energized? This Mediterranean Hummus Toast is packed with plant-based protein and fibre to keep you going for hours. It takes just ten minutes to make but it feels special. This serves 2 as a standalone meal, or 4 with a side dish
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Ingredients

  • 4 slices your favourite bread, I love sprouted grain for extra protein + fibre
  • 1⅓ cup your favourite store-bought hummus
  • 1 package smoked tofu or tempeh, cut into 1 cm (½ in) cubes
  • 3 large handfuls baby spinach
  • cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, patted dry and thinly sliced
  • cup pitted kalamata olives
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

For serving

  • vegan mayo
  • salt, to taste
  • freshly cracked pepper, to taste

Instructions 

  • In a small bowl, stir sundried tomatoes into hummus. Set aside. Toast bread.
  • In a nonstick skillet just over medium heat, warm olive oil and then add tofu or tempeh cubes. Cook until golden brown on 2-3 sides, about 1-2 min a side. Add spinach and stir until just wilted. Remove from heat, season generously with salt and pepper.
  • Spread toast thinly with vegan mayo and then add 1/3 cup of hummus to each slice. Divide spinach – tempeh mixture between the toasts and top with olives.