Today I'm sharing 40 easy vegan and gluten-free recipes that use mostly (if not all) pantry ingredients. I'm including entrees, breakfast ideas, desserts and easy homemade staples that all use pantry items (homemade milk, hummus, cheese, jam condiments, sauces and even chocolate). Below I highlighted for each dinner recipe what pantry ingredients and what fresh ingredients you need. If you have a particular pantry ingredient you are trying to use you can search this blog post using the Edit > Find feature in your browser. I hope this round-up is helpful during these next few weeks.
Easy Vegan Pantry Dinners
The Best Vegan Mac 'N Cheese
This lusciously creamy and rich vegan Mac ‘N Cheese is perfect as an entree or side dish. It has an easy one-minute dairy-free cheese sauce that is made in your blender with pantry ingredients you likely have on hand. This is truly a simple recipe that you can get on your table with minimal effort. The sauce is thick, savory and exactly what we all need from a steamy bowl of cheesy pasta. This dish offers plant-based protein and a vegetable, making this a healthier pasta dish that you will want to cozy up to again and again.
Pantry Ingredients: dry elbow pasta (but any pasta shape will work), sweet potato, raw cashews, any plant-based milk, garlic (garlic powder also works) and spices (onion powder and salt).
Fresh Ingredients: None needed but if you have broccoli or frozen peas you could add.
Cauliflower and Chickpea Tikka Masala with Coconut Rice
A vegan spin on tikka masala made with tender cauliflower, hearty chickpeas and sweet and creamy coconut milk! This cozy recipe uses mostly pantry items that you likely have on hand. It is a ridiculously easy and flavorful meal that comes together quickly. Everything goes into the Instant Pot and out comes the most incredible sweet, spicy and savory Indian stew-like concoction that is begging to be poured over sweet and creamy coconut rice.
Pantry Ingredients: dry basmati rice (or quinoa or brown rice), can of full-fat coconut milk, olive oil, canned garbanzo beans, canned crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, white onion, garlic, salt and spices (garam masala, coriander, cumin, paprika, chili powder, turmeric)
Fresh Ingredients: cauliflower (any vegetable could be substituted [even frozen peas could be stirred in last minute] or the vegetable could be left out if needed).
Chickpea Bolognese Pasta
Bolognese sauces are thick, chunky and full of satisfying flavor. They are perfect for when you are craving something hearty and comforting. This recipe has all the authentic flavors of a classic bolognese sauce but is made vegan with chickpeas instead of ground meat. I pulsed the chickpeas in my mini food processor to give it a ground meat-like texture and it works wonderfully.
Pantry Ingredients: dry penne pasta (although any shape is fine), olive oil, canned garbanzo beans, jarred marinara sauce, plant-based milk, maple syrup, shallot, garlic, salt, pepper
Fresh Ingredients: carrot, celery, parsley, basil
One-Pan Mexican Quinoa and Black Beans
A simple one-pot, plant-based meal with fresh Mexican flavor. This dish serves six and is ready in 30 minutes or less.
Pantry Ingredients: dry quinoa, canned diced tomatoes, canned black beans, canned tomato paste, low sodium vegetable broth, olive oil, red onion, garlic, salt, pepper
Fresh Ingredients: bell peppers, jalapeno, cilantro, lime, green onions, avocado
Chili
This vegan chili is the perfect one-pot nutritious meal! It is spicy, slightly sweet, full of flavor and has the most incredible texture – you would never know it is entirely plant-based. It is loaded with vegetables and plant-based protein to keep you satisfied. The pumpkin adds creaminess and body to the chili that makes it extra amazing. This dairy-free, gluten-free and grain-free dish is the ultimate comforting and healthy meal.
Pantry Ingredients: canned diced tomatoes, canned black beans, dry split red lentils, vegetable broth, canned pumpkin puree, canned tomato paste, olive oil, walnuts, onion, garlic, spices (chili powder, cumin, salt)
Fresh Ingredients: jalapeno, bell peppers, sweet potato
Easy Vegan Sweet Potato Curry
It’s quick, it’s easy, it’s yummy, it’s filling, it’s nutritious…I could go on! This easy vegan sweet potato curry checks all the boxes for a perfect easy dinner to keep everyone happy and full. Many of the ingredients can be switched out for whatever you have on hand, which means you can make this your own each and every time. Ginger, curry paste, onion and sweet potatoes give you so much flavor, with such little effort. Chickpeas, red bell pepper (or green beans, cauliflower, spinach, whatever you’d like!), and coconut milk give it the perfect stew-like texture. It’s gluten-free, vegan, soy-free, nut-free, refined sugar-free, and can also be grain-free if you eat on its own or with cauliflower rice. Added bonus: leftovers. This recipe makes plenty to either serve a crowd or save for later. The flavors get better over time, so it makes a perfect freezer meal!
Pantry Ingredients: olive oil, onion, salt, pepper, ginger, garlic, jarred red curry paste, sweet potatoes, canned chickpeas, canned full-fat coconut milk, dry quinoa or dry rice for serving (not required)
Fresh Ingredients: bell peppers (although any vegetable will work - green beans, cauliflower etc.), cilantro
This sweet and savory salad is ready in just 25 minutes and makes enough for leftovers. The salad stores well and can be enjoyed either cold or hot.
Pantry Ingredients: dry quinoa, dry lentils, vegetable broth, sliced almonds, dried cranberries or dried berries, maple syrup, olive oil, red onion, spices (salt, pepper, turmeric, curry powder)
Fresh Ingredients: green onions, lime, cilantro, parsley
This is the perfect recipe for when you need a fast nutritious meal. It comes together in less than 10 minutes, is colorful and is full of flavor!
Pantry Ingredients: dry quinoa, canned garbanzo beans (chickpeas), pepitas (pumpkin seeds), dried cranberries, spices (curry powder, salt) olive oil, maple syrup
Fresh Ingredients: green onions, parsley, cilantro, lime
This is one of my go-to recipes that can be 100% made ahead of time and enjoyed for dinner with enough leftovers for lunch. It is that perfect make-you-feel-light-and-yet-full meal. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand!
Pantry Ingredients: dry quinoa, canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans), tahini, maple syrup, avocado oil or olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder
Fresh Ingredients: whatever vegetables you have on hand
Spicy Red Lentil Veggie Stew with Crispy Chickpea Croutons
The beautiful thing about this recipe is it only requires that you chop up four things: the onion, red bell pepper, jalapeno (if using) and sweet potato. Everything else you just throw in the pot and let stew.
Pantry Ingredients: canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans), canned diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, dry red lentils, sunflower seed butter, olive oil, spices, onion, garlic
Fresh Ingredients: bell pepper, sweet potato, baby spinach or kale, cilantro for serving
Parsley-Pea Pesto Pasta
This is the most flavorful, yummy, sweet, fresh, garlicky pesto sauce ever. Just five ingredients (plus salt and pepper) make this so easy peasy (pun intended). Go ahead and get your greens on!
Pantry Ingredients: dry gluten-free pasta, pepitas (pumpkin seeds) [could use walnuts or pine nuts], frozen peas, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper
Fresh Ingredients: parsley or basil
This soup is like a big, warm healing hug for your entire body.It is full of good-for-you colorful ingredients.
Pantry Ingredients: canned diced tomatoes, dry red lentils, dry split peas, vegetable broth, slivered almonds or raw cashews, olive oil, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, turmeric
Fresh Ingredients: carrots, celery
Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers
The ingredients are simple and nutritious. The process to make them is easy. The result is full of flavor and the perfect crispy-on-the-outside, firm-yet-tender-on-the-inside texture that you want in a veggie burger.
Pantry Ingredients: canned cannellini beans (white beans), old fashioned oats (gluten-free), raw pepita seeds (pumpkin seeds), sweet potato, olive oil, shallot, garlic, spices
Fresh Ingredients: parsley
Vegan Thai Curry Coconut Soup with Zoodles
This one-pot Vegan Thai Curry Coconut Soup with Zoodles is such a delicious, healthy and quick option. The red curry paste and ginger add the perfect amount of heat and flavor while the creamy coconut milk smooths everything out! I’ve added in mushrooms, spiralized red pepper and zucchini noodles to really up the nutritional value and fresh flavor but you could substitute dry pasta and any veggies. If you’re a fan of Thai food then this vegan, grain-free, paleo and nut-free soup is for you!
Pantry Ingredients: canned coconut milk, vegetable broth, ginger and garlic paste (or use fresh), jarred red curry paste,
Fresh Ingredients: whatever vegetables you have on hand (or dry rice noodles would work well), Thai basil leaves, cilantro, lime and lemongrass enhances the flavor but it would still be delicious without
Creamy Vegan Garlic Mushroom Fettuccini
This Creamy Vegan Garlic Mushroom Fettuccini is the perfect comforting meal that is full of rich flavor and easy to prepare. It has a thick and luscious one-minute dairy-free cream sauce that is made in your blender and poured overtop the sautéed mushrooms. This recipe is made with simple clean ingredients and is naturally gluten free, plant-based and soy free. It is one of my favorite quick and cozy recipes.
Pantry Ingredients: dry pasta (any will work), raw cashews, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic
Fresh Ingredients: mushrooms (any vegetable will work)
Breakfast Recipes
Smoothies
Smoothies are great for using up freezer ingredients (frozen fruits and vegetables). I like to boost them with pantry staples such as chia seeds, hemp seeds and ground flaxseed. I typically flavor my smoothies with vanilla extract or almond extract and sweeten them with maple syrup or dates. If produce is starting to going bad I freeze it for smoothies (baby spinach is a great example).
Pantry Ingredients: hemp seeds, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, oats, nuts, seeds, unsweetened cocoa powder, plant-based milk (in cartons or try homemade), ginger
Freezer Ingredients: frozen fruit (mango, pineapple, strawberries, blueberries etc.), frozen vegetables (frozen riced cauliflower, sweet potatoes etc.)
Fresh Ingredients: avocado, spinach, kale, lemon, lime,
Granola
This grain-free granola produces amazing clusters and is so simple to make. It is vegan, refined sugar-free and full of wholesome ingredients. Best of all, it comes together quickly with little hands-on time. I love it on smoothies, chia pudding bowls or just straight off the pan.
Pantry Ingredients: coconut flakes, almond flour, sliced almonds, pepitas, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, salt, cinnamon, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract
Fresh Ingredients: none!
Chia Seed Pudding
This is the absolute creamiest chia seed pudding recipe you will find. It is a simple make-ahead breakfast or snack that is filling and incredibly nutritious.
Pantry Ingredients: chia seeds, almonds or cashews, maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt
Fresh Ingredients: none!
Super Seed No-Bake Chewy Granola Bars
Pantry Ingredients: oats, brown rice crisp cereal, sunflower seeds, flaxseed, dried cranberries, sesame seeds, salt, nut or seed butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract
Fresh Ingredients: none!
Blender Muffins
These plant-based and gluten-free muffins are a great way to pack in tons of nutrients. They are sweet, light, fluffy and absolutely delicious. They never last long in our house and my kids love helping me make these. You can leave them plain or top them with chocolate chips or hemp seeds as shown.
Pantry Ingredients: oats, arrowroot powder, flaxseed, baking soda, salt, plant-based milk (carton), maple syrup, avocado oil, vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar
Fresh Ingredients: spinach (leave out if you don't have)
Pancakes
These fluffy, delicious vegan dye-free green pancakes are gluten-free, refined sugar-free, dairy-free, and egg-free. In this easy recipe I’m ditching the artificial green dye and kicking up the vibrant color with fresh baby spinach — it adds the fun green hue and a ton of iron and fiber. You can certainly leave out the spinach if you don't have it on hand.
Pantry Ingredients: oats, arrowroot starch, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, plant-based milk (carton), maple syrup, vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar, avocado or coconut oil
Fresh Ingredients: spinach (leave out if you do not have on hand)
Dessert Recipes
Classic Chocolate Chunk Cookies
These soft-baked gluten-free and vegan cookies are a classic in our household. They taste like the real deal and yet are refined sugar-free and full of whole grains, healthy fats and plant-based protein.
Pantry Ingredients: oats, almond flour, baking soda, salt, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, chocolate chips
Fresh Ingredients: none!
No-Cook, No-Avocado Vegan Chocolate Pudding
This no-cook, no-avocado vegan chocolate pudding is rich, creamy, thick and decadent. Each bite is incredible and will have you going back for more. This pudding is naturally sweetened and refined sugar-free, gluten-free and nut-free too. All the ingredients go directly in your blender and are then poured into a jar to sit in the refrigerator overnight to thicken. The entire process takes about five minutes and the next day you will have the most delicious chocolate pudding without having to ever turn on the stove. Altogether this wholesome plant-based pudding is easy to make and is pure chocolate heaven.
Pantry Ingredients: canned full fat coconut milk, cocoa powder, plant-based milk (carton), maple syrup, arrowroot starch, vanilla, salt
Fresh Ingredients: none!
No-Bake Brown Rice Crispy Treats with Dark Chocolate Shell
This more nutritious version of the classic childhood rice crispy treat is super simple to make. My version provides a base recipe with options to add in superfoods such as chia seeds, flax seeds and hemp seeds. You could even add in your favorite protein powder or reduce the amount of chocolate to make them healthier.
Pantry Ingredients: nut or seed butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, salt, brown rice crispy cereal, chocolate chips
Fresh Ingredients: none!
Chocolate Sweet Potato Cupcakes
These rich and decadent vegan chocolate sweet potato cupcakes with chocolate sweet potato frosting are dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, refined sugar-free and loaded with nutritious sweet potato in every bite! They only require ten ingredients and are made in your blender.
Pantry Ingredients: oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, maple syrup, avocado oil, plant-based milk (carton), sweet potato, vanilla extract, coconut oil
Fresh Ingredients: none
Soft and Chewy Vegan and Gluten-Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
These vegan and gluten-free oatmeal raisin cookies are the perfect combination of soft and chewy. This is a classic cookie recipe made healthier with nutritious ingredients. The cookies are full of warm and comforting flavors like cinnamon and vanilla. I love this easy recipe because the ingredients are simple, no dough chilling is required, the cookies cook quickly, and you don’t need any fancy equipment.
Pantry Ingredients: oats, flaxseed, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, raisins
Fresh Ingredients: none
Protein-Packed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
These nutritious dessert bars are easy to make and never last long. They are loaded with plant-based protein and contain whole grains. They hold together incredibly well even though they are egg-free. Each bite is incredibly moist and satisfying.
Pantry Ingredients: oats, almond flour, canned garbanzo beans (chickpeas), nut or seed butter, maple syrup, vanilla, salt, baking powder, chocolate chips
Fresh Ingredients: none
Healthy Raw Cookie Dough Energy Balls... part snack, part dessert 😉
Pantry Ingredients: oats, almond flour, salt, nut or seed butter, maple syrup, vanilla, chocolate chips (optional)
Fresh Ingredients: none
Staples Made From Your Pantry
Homemade Hummus
This easy recipe will give you fluffy-light, smooth hummus. This hummus can be used as a spread or dip. Everyone goes crazy over this simple recipe. Once you try it you will never want to go back to store-bought hummus.
Pantry Ingredients: canned garbanzo beans (chickpeas), baking soda, garlic, salt, tahini, olive oil
Fresh Ingredients: lemon, parsley (optional)
Homemade Almond Milk
This is my favorite recipe for easy almond milk that is flavored with vanilla and slightly sweetened with dates. For me, this recipe is the ideal ratio of water to almonds for the perfect level of creaminess.
Pantry Ingredients: raw almonds, maple syrup, salt, vanilla
Fresh Ingredients: none
Homemade Cashew Milk
This is my favorite recipe for easy homemade cashew milk. You can lightly sweetened it with dates or maple syrup. No straining is needed. All you will need is your blender.
Pantry Ingredients: raw cashews, maple syrup, salt
Fresh Ingredients: none
Homemade Oat Milk
My easy, five minute method for how to make creamy oat milk that is not gritty or slimy. This simple method yields oat milk with wonderful texture and flavor.
Pantry Ingredients: just oats (maple syrup or dates to sweeten if desired)
Fresh Ingredients: none!
Homemade Raspberry Jam
I love to make raspberry chia jam to put in my smoothies, on my toast or with my oatmeal. It is a great addition to yogurt or parfaits too. This version is refined sugar-free and contains nutrient-dense chia seeds which resemble raspberry seeds making this jam look super authentic. You won’t believe how quickly it comes together and how simple the method is!
Pantry Ingredients: chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla (optional), salt
Freezer Ingredients: frozen raspberries
Fresh Ingredients: none
How to Make Perfectly Cooked Quinoa in the Instant Pot
Once you try this easy hands-off method you will be hooked! It produces light, fluffy quinoa every single time with no burnt spots, excess water or soggy quinoa.
Pantry Ingredients: dry quinoa
Fresh Ingredients: none
How to Make Perfectly Cooked Quinoa on the Stovetop
This quick and easy method yields perfectly cooked quinoa every time. Your quinoa will be light and fluffy and the envy of all other quinoa lovers. Never deal with burnt or undercooked crunchy quinoa again. And forget about those wet spots that are mushy when extra liquid just won’t absorb evenly. This method is a sure thing.
Pantry Ingredients: dry quinoa
Fresh Ingredients: none
Creamy Tahini Sauce
This is my everyday Easy Creamy Vegan Tahini Sauce that pairs well with bowls, roasted vegetables and salads. It adds an incredible nutrient boost to any meal since it offers iron, calcium, fiber, plant-based protein, antioxidants and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. With a super short list of simple ingredients you can whip it up quickly. Simply whisk the ingredients together to create this savory, nutty, bright, sweet and flavorful sauce that is ultra-creamy and versatile.
Pantry Ingredients: tahini, maple syrup, garlic powder, salt
Fresh Ingredients: lemon (optional)
Easy Homemade Vegan Sour Cream
This ultra-creamy homemade Vegan Sour Cream is so quick and easy to make and has the perfect amount of tang. All you need is cashews, water, lemon, apple cider vinegar and salt. Everything goes straight in your blender and out comes homemade sour cream that you wouldn’t believe is completely dairy-free. Add it to your tacos, chili, baked potatoes, salad dressing, dips, nachos, roasted veggies or even baked goods.
Pantry Ingredients: raw cashews, apple cider vinegar, salt
Fresh Ingredients: lemon
Homemade Vegan Ricotta Cheese
This homemade vegan ricotta cheese has the perfect tang and texture — just like the real thing! It’s creamy and slightly sweet, acting as an ideal flavor and nutrient boost to both savory and sweet recipes. It comes together quickly and easily. You might be surprised by how many ingredients you already have in your pantry. The fresh lemon juice and apple cider vinegar pack just the right amount of punch and are balanced by the touch of salt and creamy blended cashews.
Pantry Ingredients: raw cashews, apple cider vinegar, salt
Fresh Ingredients: lemon
Homemade Chocolate
A simple 5-ingredient recipe for homemade vegan chocolate that is rich, creamy, decadent and best of all refined-sugar free. This homemade chocolate recipe is also gluten-free, grain-free, paleo-friendly, dairy-free, hydrogenated oil-free, soy-free and nut-free, making it perfect for all types of dietary needs. Homemade chocolate is not only easy and allergy-friendly, but it is also perfect for tweaking the flavors to your unique preferences.
Pantry Ingredients: cocoa butter, coconut oil, maple syrup, cocoa powder, vanilla, salt
Fresh Ingredients: none
Coconut Whipped Cream
A healthy, dairy-free alternative to traditional whipped cream. This light and airy coconut whipped cream tastes sweet, has soft peaks and is absolutely delicious. It is quick and easy to make too! I love that it is refined sugar-free and allergy-friendly.
Pantry Ingredients: canned full fat coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla, salt
Fresh Ingredients: none
That’s it! Pantry staple recipes that are allergy-friendly, delicious and so quick to make too! If you try any of these gluten-free and vegan recipes, please let me know in the comments below. I would love hearing from you.
When you try any of these recipe, use the hashtag#eatingbyelaineonINSTAGRAMfor a chance to be featured in my stories!
- Gluten-Free
- Vegan
- Easy
