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15 Quick Vegan Meals for When You Have No Time

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at Gonzaga chapter.

Some days I walk around the kitchen like I’m Gordon Ramsey, and other days I want instant food gratification. For those (frequent) lazy days when you want a satisfying vegan meal that will be ready in minutes, I’ve got you covered. From breakfast to lunch to dessert, this list has got it all.

Breakfast

Oatmeal

oatmeal

Photo by Elysia Su

Trader Joe’s Rolled Oats take a whopping 3 minutes to make in the microwave. Top your oats with fruit, nut butter or infuse it with your favorite tea.

Toasted Bagel with Avocado

vegan meals

Photo courtesy of emma-louise on flickr.com

It’s avocado toast. But better.

#SpoonTip: Not an avocado fan? That’s weird. Try hummus or vegan cream cheese on your bagel instead. 

Chia Seed Pudding

chia seed pudding

Photo by Brooke Bierhaus

Combine two ingredients, stick in the fridge overnight, and have a filling breakfast ready the next morning.

Cinnamon, Ginger & Brown Sugar-Baked Grapefruit

vegan meals

Photo by Jocelyn Hsu

This baked grapefruit will make you feel real fancy and it only takes six minutes to make.

Peanut Butter Banana Toast

banana toast

Photo by Grace Goettman

Top it with granola, fruit, cinnamon…the possibilities are endless. For more ideas, check this out.

Granola and Vegan Yogurt

yogurt and granola

Photo by Maggie Harriman

Vegan yogurt exists. For a review of different brands and flavors, check this out.

Healthy Breakfast Cookies

breakfast cookies

Photo by Maia Vernacchia

Cookies for breakfast? Yes, please.

Lunch and Dinner

 Sweet Potatoes and Rice

Sweet Potato

Photo by Amanda Gajdosik

You CAN cook sweet potatoes and rice in the microwave, and it’s a beautiful thing. Click here for the instructions on the potato, and here for the rice.

Steamed Veggies and Quinoa

Steamed Veggies

Photo by Maddie Cole

Why even bother with the stove? Get a nutrient packed dinner quick by using the microwave to cook the quinoa and steam the veggies. Top with fresh lemon juice, Old Bay Seasoning or homemade Thai peanut sauce.

Chopped Veggie Pasta Salad

vegan meals

Photo by Elizabeth Emery

Using pre-chopped veggies makes this recipe a no-brainer.

Deconstructed Sushi in a Jar

vegan meals

Photo by Gabby Phi

In just 20 minutes you’ll have a portable meal perfect for taking to class and looking super trendy.

Coconut and Quinoa Black Bean Stew

vegan meals

Photo by Keah Hansen

Minimum effort. Maximum taste. Get the recipe here and never look back.

Dessert

Banana “Ice cream”

Banana Ice cream

Photo by Amanda Shulman

This frozen treat requires only two ingredients: frozen bananas and non-dairy milk. It’s the vegan sensation that’s sweeping the nation.

Two-Ingredient No Bake Cake

no bake cake

Photo by Jay Soto

Two ingredients? In five minutes? I’m so in. Find the recipe here.

#SpoonTip: Many boxed cake mixes are vegan, just double check the ingredients if you’re unsure.

Baked Cinnamon Apples

apple dessert

Photo by Ben Rosenstock

This healthy alternative will warm you up on a cold night and still satisfy your sweet tooth in less than 10 minutes.