The Best Vegan Lentil Recipes

Prepare to fall in love with these “Must-Try” dinners and dishes showcased in “The Best Vegan Lentil Recipes” collection. These irresistible dishes combine tantalizing flavors with nourishing ingredients.

4 Lentil recipe meal photos with title: The Best Simple & Delicious Vegan Lentil Meals

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You’ll fine easy-to-make recipes that are sure to become beloved staples in your kitchen. Discover the versatility of lentils as they add savory heartiness to an array of meals, making each dish a delightful experience for your taste buds and a nourishing treat for your body.

About Lentils
Dinner menus 2 & 3
Dinner menus 4 & 5
What do lentils go well with?

About Lentils

Lentils are highly nutritious and provide an array of essential nutrients. Here is the approximate nutrition information for 1 cup (198 grams) of cooked lentils:

Calories: 230
Protein: 18 grams
Carbohydrates: 40 grams
Dietary Fiber: 16 grams
Sugars: 2 grams
Fat: 1 gram
Sodium: 4 milligrams
Potassium: 731 milligrams
Iron: 6.6 milligrams (36% of the Daily Value)
Magnesium: 71 milligrams (18% of the Daily Value)
Folate: 358 micrograms (90% of the Daily Value)
Vitamin B6: 0.2 milligrams (11% of the Daily Value)

A plate of Vegan Lentil Bolognese over pasta

Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them a valuable addition to a vegetarian or vegan diet. They are also rich in dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. Lentils contain various vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, folate, and vitamin B6, which play vital roles in supporting overall health.

Menus 1 & 2

MENU 1

Main Course:

Vegan Lentil Burgers (Featured below)

Side Dishes:

Sweet Potato Fries or French Fries
Creamy Coleslaw or Mexican Chipotle Coleslaw
Pickles

Condiments, Toppings and Extras:

Guacamole (for burgers or fries)
Sliced Tomatoes, sliced red onions, and lettuce
Vegan Cheese
Mayo, mustard, ketchup
Toasted buns for the burgers

MENU 2

Main Course:

Lentil Bolognese (Featured below)

Side Dishes:

Garlic Bread
Mixed Green Salad
Roasted Vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant)

Condiments, Toppings and Extras:

Vegan Parmesan Cheese
Salad dressing

Menu 3 & 4

MENU 3

Main Course:

Vegan Lentil Chili (Featured below)

Side Dishes:

Cornbread (or try spicy Cajun Cornbread)
Avocado Salad
Steamed Vegetable

Condiments, Toppings and Extras:

Guacamole
Chopped green onions
Shredded Vegan Cheese
Cilantro
Tortilla chips

MENU 4

Main Course:

Red Lentil Meatballs (Featured below)

Side Dishes:

Pasta or Rice
Salad
Garlic Breadsticks

Condiments, Toppings and Extras:

Vegan Parmesan Cheese
Marinara Sauce
Salad Dressing

What do lentils go well with?

Lentils are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of ingredients to create delicious and nutritious meals. Here are some popular combinations that go well with lentils:

Rice or Quinoa: Lentils and rice or quinoa make a classic and hearty combination. You can cook lentils and grains separately and then combine them for a nutritious base to build a meal.

Grains: Lentils pair beautifully with couscous, bulgur, farro, barley, and millet.

Vegetables: Lentils pair well with a wide range of vegetables. Eggplant and peppers are delicious with lentils. Or consider adding roasted sweet potatoes, or carrots, caramelized onions, diced tomatoes, or steamed broccoli to your lentil dishes.

Leafy Greens: Combine lentils with leafy greens like kale, Swiss chard, collard greens or sautéed spinach for a nutritious and filling meal.

Spices and Herbs: Lentils have a mild flavor that can be enhanced with various spices and herbs. Try using cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic, ginger, thyme, or rosemary to add depth and aroma to your lentil dishes.

Coconut Milk: For a creamy and comforting lentil dish, consider cooking lentils with coconut milk. This combination works especially well with red lentils.

Curry Sauce: Lentils are a great addition to curries. Cook lentils in a flavorful curry sauce with coconut milk, curry spices, and vegetables for a satisfying and nourishing dish.

Tomato Sauce: Lentils and tomato-based sauces go hand in hand. Use lentils in place of meat in spaghetti sauce or add them to your favorite pasta dishes.

Potatoes: Lentils and potatoes make some of the most delicious and comforting dishes! They are a fantastic combination.

Salads: Cold lentil salads are refreshing and nutritious. Toss cooked lentils with fresh greens, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette for a satisfying salad.

Naan or Flatbread: Serve lentil dishes with naan bread or flatbread for a wholesome and filling meal.

Soups and Stews: Lentils are a fantastic addition to soups and stews. They add substance and thickness to the broth while absorbing the flavors of the other ingredients.

Tofu or Tempeh: For a protein-rich meal, combine lentils with tofu or tempeh in stir-fries or curries.

Add-ins: Vegan cheese, vegan yogurt, caramelized onions, nuts and seeds, all make wonderful additions as garnishes to lentil dishes or in lentil recipes.

Vegan Lentil Burgers, Meatballs, and Loaf Recipes

This handpicked selection of mouthwatering recipes are a testament to the versatility and goodness of lentils.

Sliced Vegan Lenti; Meatloaf garnished with gravy

Vegan Lentil Meatloaf

Meatloaf is such a classic recipe that everyone knows about. But this Vegan Lentil Meatloaf offers a new twist. It's still hearty, flavorful and a wonderful main course.

It pairs well with garlic mashed potatoes, string beans and gravy. Another suggestion would be to serve with a salad and a side of mac and cheese. This is a great meal prep dish because leftovers are wonderful on sandwiches or crumbled up in a wrap or taco.

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Vegan Lentil Burger

Looking for a less than 30 minute meal? Look no further! This deliciously vegan lentil burger will redefine the concept of a burger. It's an easy-to=make meal has amazing flavors!

These make the perfect weeknight meal, Lentil Burgers also are lovely for picnics and social gatherings. They are filling enough by themselves or serve with your favorite fries, salads, pickles, and sides. Cooked to perfection and served on a bun with your preferred toppings, these lentil burgers are a culinary adventure that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Prepare to be amazed by this exceptional twist on a classic favorite!

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Red Lentil Patties

These delicious Red Lentil Patties (vegan & gluten-free) are packed with wholesome ingredients, and are bursting with flavor to make for a healthy and satisfying meal. Perfectly suited for those following a gluten-free diet, these burgers are not only delicious but also rich in protein, dairy-free and egg-free. Simple and easy to make. Whether enjoyed on a bun as a burger or served alongside your favorite sides, these flavorful patties are sure to become a staple in your plant-based repertoire for lunch or dinner.

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Baked Green Lentil Meatballs (Vegan)

Want something quick? These meatballs take a little over 30 minutes to make and are packed with protein.

There are many things you can do with these meatballs. Make small meatballs for pizza toppings, buddha bowls or for salad toppings. Serve them traditionally for Spaghetti and Meatballs or put a few in a bowl of soup! Or eat them by themselves and try out some amazing new dips and sauces! These meatballs are fun to make, but you'll enjoy eating them even more.

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Four vegan meatballs on noodles with a cream sauce and a garnish of parsley in a white bowl

Red Lentil Meatballs

Meatballs are handy to have for prepping meals! Vegan Red Lentil meatballs also make a yummy meal or savory appetizer. You can have them over pasta with sauce or gravy, put them in sandwiches, or make them a main course with your favorite sides. The red lentils used in these meatballs make them a creamier tasting version of lentil meatballs.

Lentil Meatballs are great in grain bowls, and make great lunch box additions. You'll want to make a lot of them because there are so many ways that you can eat them.

Check out this recipe

Vegan Lentil Dishes and Bowls

Butternut Squash Lentil Curry

Butternut Squash Lentil Curry is a culinary gem that's surprisingly easy to prepare! Tender butternut squash and lentils absorb the rich, creamy coconut sauce infused with aromatic spices and nourishing vegetables. Whether you're planning a hearty dinner or a satisfying lunch, this curry fits the bill perfectly. It's also convenient and can be made in advance, frozen, and utilized for stress-free meal prep. It's entirely plant-based and free from gluten!

This recipe is a breeze to follow, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. It's the type of dish you'll keep in your recipe index. Butternut Squash Lentil Curry is a must-add to your culinary repertoire, offering a perfect harmony of flavors and cozy indulgence.

Check out this recipe

Vegan Lentil Tacos

Try these irresistible vegan lentil tacos! Featuring hearty, well-seasoned lentils, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes and sour cream filled soft tortillas Perfect for Taco Tuesday or any weeknight meal.

Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or simply love a satisfying meatless meal, these tacos are sure to become a favorite! They are kid and family friendly, but also are great for gatherings or taco bars, too!

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Vegan Lentil Bolognese

Lentil Bolognese made with only 7 ingredients, plus seasonings. What could be more simple? This tasty recipe is so good, it can be served over your favorite pasta, spaghetti squash or zucchini noddles. And guess what? It's quite tasty over bread, potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, millet or quinoa, too.

This recipe is perfect for a quick meal or to make the sauce on Meal Prep Day to make a variety of meals later. Vegan Lentil Bolognese is a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional meat-based Bolognese. This dish is high in protein, fiber, and nutrients, making it a filling and satisfying meal. It’s easy to make, and leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a quick and delicious meal later in the week.

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French Lentil Stew

Embark on a culinary journey with our French Lentil Stew, a hearty and satisfying main course that's equally at home on your dinner or lunch menu. Drawing inspiration from the time-honored traditions of French cuisine, this vegan stew is a harmonious fusion of tender French green lentils, aromatic herbs, and an array of tasty vegetables. It's a perfect choice for those chilly evenings when you crave warmth and comfort.

This dish not only pays homage to the storied culinary heritage of France but also aligns perfectly with a vegan and plant-based lifestyle. Let each spoonful transport you to a place where French-inspired comfort takes center stage, providing a heartwarming and delectable experience you'll savor with every bite.

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vegan lentil chili topped with vegan sour cream

Easy Vegan Lentil Chili (30-Minutes)

Nothing says comfort food, like a good chili! This Vegan Lentil Chili is rich and hearty. It's a flavorful plant-based dish made with lentils, vegetables, and spices. Nutritious and delicious, it's made with high-protein lentils.

From cozy weeknight dinners to weekend game day gatherings, it’s a comforting and wholesome dish that can be easily customized to suit your taste. This recipe is so versatile, it can made with a variety of toppings or add-ins to enrich it's already amazing flavors! It's a great family and friends gathering recipe.

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Lentil Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie

Want a hearty meal? This one casserole dish features lentils, potatoes and vegetables all together! It's a family-friendly meal loved by both adults and children. The rich flavors and creamy mashed potatoes make it a comforting and familiar option for all ages.

It's also leftovers friendly! The shepherd's pie often tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers for lunch or dinner. It really is a crowd pleaser!

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Close up of part of a bowl of vegan lentil cabbage roll soup

30-Minute Vegan Lentil Cabbage Roll Soup

All the cozy flavors of traditional cabbage rolls, but no rolling required! This hearty vegan cabbage roll soup is packed with lentils, cabbage, and tomatoes for a budget-friendly, one-pot dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes.

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Roasted carrot and lentil salad with creamy tahini dressing being drizzled over top

Lentil and Roasted Carrot Salad

This roasted carrot and lentil salad is a warm, flavorful dish made with caramelized carrots, hearty lentils, and a creamy tahini dressing. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect as a nourishing side or a satisfying plant-based meal.

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