Plant-Based On A Budget: 20 Cheap Vegan Recipes - Shane & Simple (2024)

Published: by Shane Martin · This post may contain affiliate links.

20 Healthy Cheap Vegan Recipes! A delicious collection of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert recipes that are family-friendly, easy to prepare, and super affordable.

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One of the biggest reasons people often cite for not going plant-based or vegan is affordability. And, I get it. I was one of those. There’s this idea that eating this way is only for the well-healed elite. But, it’s just not true. That is simply contempt without evidence.

We are a family of seven so my wife and I know what it’s like to eat on a budget. Our monthly grocery bill is bigger than most families and our budget is very tight. So, we are always looking for ways to save money. But, one thing we’ve learned is that eating a whole-foods, plant-based diet does not break the bank.

A healthy whole foods vegan diet can be very cost-efficient and in most cases a big money saver. At least it has been for us. If you compare the cost of meat and dairy to the cost of rice and beans it’s not even close. Plants win every time! Not only in cost and quantity but most importantly, health. FACTS.

Healthy Cheap Vegan Recipes

I thought I’d compile a list of some of my family’s favorite healthy cheap vegan recipes to help you get started. All of these budget-friendly plant-based recipes use common ingredients. And, all of these recipes are super accessible, affordable, and simple to prepare.

You’ll find something here for everyone and every meal. There are vegan snacks, vegan cookies, and just good vegan food that’s healthy. Not to mention, these are excellent cheap vegan recipes for college students.

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Cheap Vegan Pantry Staples

Be sure and check out my Must-Have Healthy Vegan Food Staples. The key to making frugal vegan recipes is having long-lasting vegan food staples you can keep in your fridge, freezer, and pantry. This will save you money over time and equip you to make healthy, cheap vegan mealsat any time.

If you are feeling confident and want to venture out further into the world of healthy vegan cooking, feel free to look around and take your pick from any of the available recipes.

20 Healthy Cheap Vegan Recipes

Breakfast

Start the day with a healthy, hearty, and filling breakfast. These vegan breakfast recipes are super affordable but super healthy. Made with common ingredients that are most likely already in your house, they're sure to help you start your day the right way.

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The Best Vegan Banana Bread

This vegan banana bread recipe is so easy to make and completely oil-free. It’s healthy, moist, and the best vegan banana bread ever! 1 bowl and 7 simple ingredients are all you need.

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Banana Oat Blender Pancakes

Healthy Banana Oat Blender Pancakes are delicious and so easy to make! No flour, no eggs, and no dairy. Wholesome ingredients blended perfectly to make an incredible breakfast.

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Easy Vegan Breakfast Tacos

Easy vegan breakfast tacos stuffed with scrambled tofu, roasted potatoes, avocado, black beans, and salsa. Healthy, hearty, and delicious!

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Easy Cheesy Vegan Grits

Easy Cheesy Vegan Grits are creamy, delicious, and so easy to make. Made in one pot and with only 4 ingredients.Enjoy them on their own or as a base to create one amazing vegan grain bowl!

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Raw Oat Blueberry Banana Nut Power Bowl

A delicious and amazingly healthy breakfast dish made with raw oats, blueberries, banana, and walnuts.

Lunch

Sometimes lunch needs to be fast and accessible. But, that doesn't mean it can't be filling and affordable. This collection of healthy plant-based lunch recipes meet all those requirements and more. They are also kid-friendly.

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Vegan Carrot Hot Dogs

These Vegan Carrot Hot Dogs are THE perfect plant-based alternative to regular hot dogs! Healthy, LOW-FAT, easy, delicious, and great for a cookout.

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Chickpea Salad Sandwich

A delicious vegan Chickpea Salad Sandwich. It’s loaded with protein; full of fiber; and, super hearty! Nocookingand takes less than10-minutesto prepare. Lunch…is served!

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Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili that’s loaded with protein, fiber and healthy delicious veggies. A hearty vegan meal ready in 30-minutes.

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5-Minute Spicy Asian Noodle Bowl

This Spicy Asian Noodle Bowl is so easy to make and uses very simple ingredients already in your pantry. It’s oil-free, delicious, and ready in as little as 5 MINUTES!

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Chipotle Chickpea Tacos

These Chipotle Chickpea Tacos are amazing! Chickpeas cooked in chipotle chili powder, a little soy sauce, and a few other simple spices to make one delicious taco! Ready in less than 15 minutes…from start to finish!

Dinner

These budget-friendly plant-based dinner recipes are sure to satisfy everyone around the table. They are affordable, healthy, and easy to prepare. And, require ingredients you most likely already have in your pantry and fridge.

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Vegan Stuffed Shells (Gluten-Free)

These Vegan Stuffed Shells are so easy to make and something the whole family will love. Jumbo gluten-free pasta shells stuffed with creamy tofu ricotta and covered with delicious homemade marinara sauce.It’s healthy, oil-free, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Chickpea Vegan Meatloaf

A delicious vegan meatloaf made with chickpeas and covered with a homemade maple bbq sauce. It’s so EASY to make and is absolutely delicious.

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Vegan Taco Meat

The BEST Vegan Taco Meat is made with cauliflower, mushrooms, walnuts, and spices. It’s soeasyto make and ready in only20 minutes.The perfect vegan ‘meat’ substitute.

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Easy Vegan Chickpea Curry

A delicious Easy Vegan Chickpea Curry recipe made with savory Indian spices. One pot and ready in 10 minutes. Naturally vegan, oil-free, and low in fat.

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Vegan Stuffed Bell Peppers

Delicious Vegan Stuffed Bell Peppers filled with smoky chipotle-flavored rice and black bean filling. Hearty, healthy, filling, and easy to make.

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Spicy Thai Peanut Spaghetti

Pasta for dinner sounds a little boring and bland. So, this Spicy Thai Peanut Spaghetti is certain to change your mind. Let’s go!

Dessert

No list would be complete without dessert. And, this group of plant-based sweets will satisfy any sweet tooth. These easy, budget-friendly vegan sweets are made with wholesome natural ingredients and require minimal time and effort.

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Easy Vegan Fudge (Just 5 Ingredients)

Easy Vegan Fudge made with just 5 ingredients! This simple dairy-free fudge recipe is rich, naturally sweetened, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious! A much healthier option compared to other traditional versions, it’s gluten-free and oil-free.

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Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies

These Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies are so easy to make with just 1 bowl 3 ingredients. They’re soft, crumbly, and melt in your mouth delicious. Ready in less than 15 minutes and sure to be a family favorite.

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Healthy Avocado Chocolate Pudding

This Avocado Chocolate Pudding is so easy to make, requires only FIVE ingredients, and 5 minutes. It’s rich, creamy, and incredibly decadent. You’ll never taste the avocado and it's kid-approved!

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Easy Baked Cinnamon Apples

Baked Cinnamon Apples are the ultimate cheap, easy, and healthy recipe. Made in one bowl with only 6 ingredients, this recipe makes for a perfectly healthy apple dessert, topping, or side dish you and your family will love.

If you want to create your own vegan meal plan and grocery list to stay on track, you can purchase and download my Shane & Simple Meal Planner. BUY ONCE, DOWNLOAD FOREVER!

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