Eating vegan doesn't mean prepping tons of ingredients and spending a long time in the kitchen. Especially not with these easy vegan recipes that use five ingredients or less.
24 Vegan Recipes with 5 Ingredients or Less
Updated on Jan. 31, 2022
1/24
Grilled Cauliflower Wedges
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This side is incredibly easy, yet is packed with flavor and looks like a dish from a five-star restaurant. The grill leaves the cauliflower cooked but crisp, and the red pepper flakes add bite. —Carmel Hall, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 57 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 32mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
2/24
Spicy Edamame
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Edamame are young soybeans in their pods. While I love to get them with my sushi when I go out, they are also so easy to make at home. —Mark Neufang, Bayshore, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 52 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 642mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
3/24
Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini Peppers
Total Time
20 min
Servings
32 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
Mini peppers are so colorful and are the perfect size for a two-bite appetizer. They have all the crunch of pita chips but without the extra calories. —Christine Hanover, Lewiston, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 15 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
4/24
Waffle-Iron Acorn Squash
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to get the kids involved in cooking, and this squash is so simple even a small child can cook it with minimal adult supervision. The recipe is fun, fast and no-fuss, and doesn't use valuable oven space before big family meals. —Donna Kelly, Orem, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 98 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
5/24
Minty Peas and Onions
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mother always relied on peas and onions when she was in a hurry and needed a quick side dish. Besides being easy to prepare, this recipe was loved by everyone in our family. It was handed down to my mother by my grandmother. —Santa D'Addario, Jacksonville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 134 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 128mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
6/24
Roasted Chickpeas
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a lighter snack that's still a crowd pleaser? You've found it! These zesty, crunchy chickpeas will have everyone happily munching. —Julie Ruble, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 178 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
7/24
Cabbage and Rutabaga Slaw
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings.
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a favorite crunchy slaw that's a perfect way to use cool-weather veggies. We love it as a side with any spicy main dish. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 126 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
8/24
Homemade Potato Chips
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Forget buying a bag of potato chips at the grocery store when you can make these at home. This quick and easy recipe will delight everyone in the family. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 176 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 703mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
9/24
Crunchy Breadsticks
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 breadsticks
From the Recipe Creator:
These thin, crisp breadsticks created in our Test Kitchen add a bit of elegance to a holiday dinner. Each bite is perfectly seasoned with thyme and coarse salt.
Nutrition Facts:
1 breadstick: 78 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
Dip these crispy vegan breadsticks into our creamy cashew cheese spread for a real treat!
10/24
Warm Tasty Greens with Garlic
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My farm box had too many greens, so I had to use them up. This tasty idea uses kale, tomatoes and garlic in a dish that quickly disappears. —Martha Neth, Aurora, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 137 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 216mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
11/24
Cilantro Potatoes
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh cilantro gives exotic Syrian-style flavor to these easy skillet potatoes. —Weda Mosellie, Phillipsburg, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 160 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 153mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
12/24
Lemon Garlic Mushrooms
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I baste whole mushrooms with a lemony sauce to prepare this simple side dish. Using skewers or a basket makes it easy to turn them as they grill to perfection. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 94 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
13/24
Roasted Asparagus and Leeks
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
No vegetable says spring quite like asparagus. In this recipe, we combine pretty green spears with leeks. Crushed red pepper adds a bit of zest.—Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 83 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
14/24
Spicy Grilled Eggplant
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This grilled side goes well with pasta. Thanks to the Cajun seasoning, it gets more attention than an ordinary veggie. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 88 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
15/24
Simple Guacamole
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Because avocados can brown quickly, it’s best to make this guacamole just before serving. If you have to make it a little in advance, place the avocado pits in the guacamole until ready to serve. —Heidi Main, Anchorage, AK
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 53 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
16/24
Thyme-Sea Salt Crackers
Total Time
35 min
Servings
about 7 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These homemade crackers are decidedly light and crispy. An addictive snack on their own, they also pair well with a vegan sharp cheddar. —Jessica Wirth, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cracker: 23 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 45mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
17/24
Sauteed Zucchini
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I plant many vegetables to use in cooking. Zucchini is among our favorites and usually grows in abundance. This zucchini stir-fry is always a hit at our house. —Deborah Elliot, Ridge Spring, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 77 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
18/24
Fresh Fruit Bowl
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The glorious colors of the fruit make this a festive salad. Slightly sweet and chilled, it makes a nice accompaniment to a grilled entree. —Marlon Kirst, Troy, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 56 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 14mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit.
19/24
Garlic-Chive Baked Fries
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Yes, you do want fries with that—especially these crispy, golden fries, full of garlic flavor and just a little bit of heat. —Steve Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 200 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 308mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
20/24
Roasted Radishes
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Radishes aren't just for salads anymore. Roasted radishes makes a colorful side to any meal. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 88 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0mg cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat.
21/24
Fast Fruit Salsa
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
We like this refreshing and colorful salsa served with tortilla chips. For another fruity option, try stirring in some diced cantaloupe or peaches when they’re in season. —Eileen Miller, Woodridge, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 48 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
22/24
Garlic-Rosemary Brussels Sprouts
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my go-to Thanksgiving side dish. It’s healthy, easy and it doesn’t take very much time to make. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 134 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 342mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
23/24
Jicama Citrus Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Never tried jicama? It is a crunchy Mexican turnip, and I love to use it in this super easy salad. The jicama is ideal alongside the vibrant flavors of the tangerines and shallots. Between the sweet and sour flavors in this salad and its crunchy texture, it's all delish if you ask me. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 76 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 123mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fruit.
24/24
Roasted Beets
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This roasted beets recipe makes ordinary beets taste tender and delicious with just a few sweet and good-for-you ingredients. —Wendy Stenman, Germantown, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 beet wedges: 92 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 328mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
