This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This guide is your ticket to quick and tasty 30-minute meals. Enjoy nourishing meals with the family without spending all day in the kitchen. Whether you want hot or cold, sippable or chewable, the 22 meal ideas below will get you from one meal to the next with ease.
All of these recipes are plant-based and made with real ingredients. You’ll even be whipping up your own dressings and sauces in moments to pair with these yummy creations.
While I take the time to make homemade, plant-based pizza from start to finish, I definitely don’t have time to do that on a daily basis. Instead, I turn to many of the recipes below to make sure my family is fed and happy. Which one has you grabbing a meal planner? Drop and comment and let me know what you want to make!
A hot meal in 30 minutes or less. I’m in! These meals actually make my weekly menu quite often because they are easy to put together, yet taste like something that took time to prepare. My fav meals are ones that each family member can customize, so you’ll see a lot of bowls and tacos so that everyone can top exactly how they want.
Instant Vegetarian Ramen
4.5 from 117 votes
Enjoy a delicious and nutritious vegetarian ramen in just minutes. This recipe is full of flavor and perfect for a quick and easy meal using instant noodles.
Full of flavor and super creamy, this dish will leave you satisfied. Instead of heavy creams and a night full of stomach cramps, this potato curry is 100% dairy-free. It's dressed with a variety of fresh herbs and spices.
Pulled BBQ jackfruit is a meatless wonder to make all of your Taco Tuesday dreams come true. Jackfruit Tacos only take about a half hour to prepare – perfect for getting dinner on the table in a hurry.
Instant Noodles, meet Instant Zoodles! This healthy melange of veggies is great for work or a quick dinner. It’s also crazy delicious + incredibly nourishing.
Looking for a comforting and nutritious meal? Try this blended vegetable soup recipe inspired by Dr. Bieler that's packed with vitamins, minerals, and flavor to satisfy your cravings and nourish your body.
From salads made with homemade dressing to packed veggie wraps with a whole rainbow inside, I’ve got some lunches that can be prepped and packed in 30 minutes. These meals will give you the energy boost you need to conquer the afternoon!
Healthy Pasta Salad
4.7 from 241 votes
Whether you're in need of an easy week of lunches or a delicious potluck recipe to share, this vegan pasta salad is for you!
This lemon arugula salad is a feature on any table. It's got unique (yet findable!) ingredients + an elevated flavor profile that makes me feel like I'm at a fancy restaurant. The perfect salad to mix up your lunch routine.
This refreshing cold noodle salad is a great light lunch or yummy side for dinner. Take it to the beach and enjoy at sunset for the ultimate summer night.
This colorful salad is as full of flavor as it is color. Your skin will be glowing after incorporating this dish into your lunch routine, and Mediterranean inspired classic!
This gazpacho soup recipe is made entirely of raw vegetables. And, of course, we had to add 2 cups of leafy greens—in this case, romaine, which is packed with vitamins A and K. These 2 vitamins are great for heart health.
This gorgeous strawberry arugula salad is as delicious as it is beautiful. Topped with a flavorful Meyer Lemon vinaigrette, this salad reminds me of a bright sunshiny day.
I’ve called green smoothies the healthiest fast food for years. You really can’t go wrong with any smoothie recipe, especially when they only take five minutes to make! Yet you also want a breakfast that will keep you full all morning, and the recipes below do just that with less than 30 minutes of prep.
Chocolate Protein Shake
4.8 from 94 votes
Blend up a creamy, cold chocolate protein shake smoothie made with plant-based superfood protein powder for a delicious meal or snack, or before/after a workout. Includes adaptogens to help ease inflammation.
This gluten-free granola recipe can be used as a smoothie bowl or yogurt topper, eaten as-is or enjoyed with a plant milk for a decadent cereal. Enjoy straight from the oven or store in an air-tight container to enjoy all week long!
Celebrate fall with this quick n' easy protein-packed snack. Pumpkin Chia Pudding tastes great and is the perfect amount of sweet. Treat it like a dessert, a snack, or a light breakfast.
Blend your way into a great day with this sweet n’ creamy banana smoothie. It’s got protein that will keep you full, and simple ingredients for natural energy.
Get ready to experience the best gluten-free crepe recipe. The nutty, earthy taste of the quinoa marries well with the homemade chocolate hazelnut spread (hello, healthy nutella!), and fresh fruit. Feel free to use pre-made chocolate hazelnut spread from the store to save time.
Chocolate chia pudding makes the perfect snack, quick breakfast or unique brunch addition. Use it to top pancakes, inside a parfait or mixed with granola. You may need more than one spoon as it is entirely delicious and shareable!
This is a protein-packed, filling smoothie recipe that's perfect for a quick lunch or post workout pick-me-up. Easily omit the date if you wanna cut back on the natural sugar. Flaxseed is a superfood with fat, protein and fiber; basically a great way to start your day.
Start your day off right with this simply amazing overnight oats recipe thats's vegan-friendly and gluten-free. It's super easy to customize with the additions and boosters that will help you win your day, and easy to transport! Step aside oatmeal, there's a new way to eat oats that's here to stay.
I find that if I can squeeze in even 60 minutes of food prep before the start of my week, I eat way healthier and cheaper throughout the week. Prep can look as simple as chopping up veggies, meal planning after checking your fridge and pantry, or actually batch cooking a few meals. Here are my favorite things to prep for the week:
Included in each of my cleanse guides is a whole section on prep. While the cleanses are more kitchen-time intense, they give you tools for whole food plant-based eating that you can incorporate into these 30-minute meal ideas. Not ready for a full-on cleanse? Then check out my FREE meal plans complete with shopping lists and weekly menus.
30 Minute Meals FAQs
What can I cook in 30 minutes?
I have a whole list of meals (over 20 options!) that can be made in 30 minutes or less, and they aren’t just salads! Whether you need breakfast, lunch or dinner ideas, I’ve got you covered. Hot and cold meals, and meals you can make once and enjoy throughout the week.
What is the easiest meal?
I call green smoothies healthy fast food because you can make a meal replacement smoothie in five minutes. Yet I’ve also included hot meals on this list of easy 30-minute meals so you’ve got all the options you could want.
Can I make a hot meal in 30 minutes or less?
Yes! Savory chickpea tacos, healthy warm ramen and saucy veggie noodles that are actually filling are great options. I’ve got over 20 recipes that you can make in 30 minutes and enjoy by yourself or with family.
Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know which one you want to make! I love hearing what everyone is cooking this week.
Love that these are all in once place. Also, I LOVE your ramen recipe and always forget how quick it is to make! Definitely on the lunch menu this week.
Love that these are all in once place. Also, I LOVE your ramen recipe and always forget how quick it is to make! Definitely on the lunch menu this week.