30 Gluten-Free Vegan Recipes for Beginners

If you’re new to vegan and gluten-free cooking, figuring out what to eat can feel more complicated than it needs to be. The good news is that plenty of delicious, satisfying meals are naturally vegan and gluten-free, and you don’t need complicated ingredients or advanced cooking skills to make them.

26 Easy Gluten-Free Vegan Recipes for Beginners, half eaten vegan falafel patty with toppings on a cabbage leaf

I’ve rounded up 30 easy gluten-free vegan recipes for beginners, including simple breakfasts, comforting soups and stews, homemade bread, snacks, pasta dishes, rice and grain recipes, salads, casseroles, and desserts.

Whether you’re completely new to a vegan gluten-free diet or simply looking for fresh meal inspiration, these recipes are designed to make plant-based cooking feel approachable and enjoyable

30 Easy Gluten-Free Vegan Recipes for Beginners

From quick breakfasts to hearty dinners and simple desserts, these beginner-friendly recipes are made without animal products or gluten. Choose a category below to find an easy place to start.

Easy Gluten-Free Vegan Breakfast Recipes

Start your day with simple, satisfying breakfasts made from wholesome plant-based ingredients. These recipes are beginner-friendly and don’t require complicated cooking techniques.

Gluten-Free Plant-Based Breakfast Sheet Cake (Naturally Sweetened)

Vegan | Gluten-Free | 45 Minutes | Breakfast

gluten-free plant-based breakfast sheet cake with raspberries

This gluten-free vegan breakfast sheet cake is soft, moist, and naturally sweetened with bananas, apples, carrots, fresh orange juice, and berries, with no refined sugar.

Pumpkin Pie With Cinnamon Apple Swirl Yogurt Bowl (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

Vegan | Gluten-Free | 10 Minutes | Breakfast

vegan pumpkin pie and apple yogurt breakfast bowl toped with fresh berries

This simple vegan yogurt bowl combines creamy yogurt with fresh fruit, seeds, and nuts for a nutritious, satisfying breakfast.

Gluten-Free Vegan Apple Oatmeal Pancakes

Vegan | Gluten-Free | 10 Minutes Prep | Breakfast

stacked vegan GF oatmeal pancakes on a plate, topped with half an apple

These gluten-free vegan apple oatmeal pancakes are deliciously tender, easy to make, and packed with nutritious ingredients for a satisfying breakfast.

Gluten-Free Vegan Soups & Stews

Soups and stews are some of the easiest gluten-free vegan meals to make. They’re perfect for using affordable staples such as beans, lentils, vegetables, potatoes, and gluten-free grains

Instant Pot Vegan Chickpea Chili

Vegan | Gluten-Free | 75 Minutes | Stew

3 bowls of vegan GF chickpea chili with toppings

This Instant Pot vegan chili is packed with smoky, bold flavors, tender butternut squash, hearty collard greens, and plenty of plant-based protein and fiber.

Instant Pot Buffalo Sweet Potato Soup (Vegan, Whole30, Paleo, Gluten-Free)

Vegan | Gluten-Free | 13 Minutes | Soup

buffalo sweet potato soup made in instant pot, vegan & gluten free

This Instant Pot Buffalo sweet potato soup is creamy, spicy, and savory, with coconut milk adding a rich texture and a deliciously bold flavor.

Coconut Curry Lentil Soup (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

Vegan | Gluten-Free | 50 Minutes | Soup/Stew

plant based creamy curry lentil soup in a bowl

This gluten-free vegan coconut curry lentil soup is warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying, with rich curry flavors and creamy coconut milk.

Vegan White Bean Soup with Kale (Hearty, Healthy & Easy)

Vegan | Gluten-Free | 15 Minutes | Soup

vegan white bean soup with veggies in a mug

This hearty vegan white bean soup combines creamy beans, kale, leeks, carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes in a light flavorful broth.

Vegan Vichyssoise Soup

Vegan | Gluten-Free | 20 Minutes | Soup

vegan cold vichyssoise soup in a bowl topped with chives

This thick and creamy vegan vichyssoise puts a fresh twist on the classic French soup, made with potatoes, leeks, fresh herbs, and creamy coconut milk instead of dairy.

Easy Gluten-Free Vegan Breads & Snacks

You don’t have to give up homemade bread or tasty snacks when avoiding gluten and animal products. These recipes offer simple ways to make satisfying vegan alternatives at home.

No-Bake Pumpkin Seed Cranberry Bars (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Vegan | Gluten-Free | 10 Minutes | Snack

vegan gluten free pumpkin seed cranberry bars stacked on top of each other

These no-bake pumpkin seed cranberry bars are a naturally sweet, nutritious treat made with wholesome plant-based ingredients. Or try my favourite the Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Lentil Energy Bars | Chewy & No-Bake.

Low-Carb Grain-Free Vegan Bread You’ll Actually Love

Vegan | Gluten-Free | 90 Minutes | Bread

sliced vegan low carb bread, gluten free low carb recipes

This gluten-free, grain-free vegan bread is packed with plant-based protein and fiber with a tender crumb and lightly crips crust. A winner bread recipe for sandwiches!

Apple Pie Bread – (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Vegan | Gluten-Free | 45 Minutes | Bread

gluten free vegan apple pie bread sliced showing moist interior

This moist and delicious gluten-free vegan apple pie bread tastes just like a classic apple pie with that fresh apple taste. Or try the Easy Vegan Gluten Free Date Crumble Bars.

Gluten Free Vegan Sweet Cornbread

Vegan | Gluten-Free | 20 Minutes | Bread

slices of vegan cornbread in a red shallow bowl

This gluten-free vegan cornbread puts a Southern-inspired twist on the classic, with sweet corn flavor and crunchy pecans.

Gluten-Free Vegan Pasta Recipes

Pasta night is still on the menu. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and pair it with vegetables, beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, seeds, or a flavorful vegan sauce for an easy meal.

Gluten-Free 20-Minutes Korean Noodles with Spicy Gochujang Sauce (Vegan)

Vegan | Gluten-Free | 20 Minutes | Pasta/Noodles

vegan saucy korean noodles in a bowl with chopsticks

These 20-minute vegan saucy Korean glass noodles are tossed in a smoky, garlicky gochujang sauce with crisp vegetables and toasted sesame seeds.

15 Minute Gluten Free Schezwan Noodles

Vegan | Gluten-Free | 15 Minutes | Pasta/Noodles

vegan saucy schezwan noodles with asian veggies in a bowl with chopsticks, gluten free

These 15-minute gluten-free vegan Schezwan noodles are saucy, flavorful, and packed with veggies for a quick and satisfying meal. Or try my Black Beans & Tomatoes Pasta.

Easy Gluten-Free Vegan Rice & Grain Recipes

Rice, quinoa, and other naturally gluten-free grains are versatile staples for beginner-friendly vegan meals. They can form the base of everything from quick bowls to hearty one-pan dishes.

Tandoori Faux Chicken Quinoa Bowl

Vegan | Gluten-Free | 15 Minutes | Rice/Quinoa

vegan tandoori chicken quinoa bowl with Indian spices

This flavorful vegan Tandoori faux chicken quinoa bowl is packed with Indian-inspired spices and plant-based goodness for a satisfying meal.

Roasted Pepper White Bean Rice 

Vegan | Gluten-Free | 25 Minutes | Rice

white bean plant based rice salad with roasted peppers and extra veggies in a bowl

This plant-based roasted pepper, white bean, and rice dish is cnutritious, flavorful, and so simple to make.

Easy Spanish Rice Recipe

Vegan | Gluten-Free | 20 Minutes | Rice

vegan spiced Spanish rice with tomatoes and bell peppers in a bowl

This Spanish rice recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for a healthy weeknight meal. It’s packed with flavor, bell peppers, mushrooms and tomatoes and can be made in under 30 minutes!

Easy Gluten-Free Vegan Meals

These recipes combine simple ingredients into hearty dishes that are easy to prepare and share.

Gluten-Free Vegan Schnitzel

Vegan | Gluten-Free | 15 Minutes | Dinner

gluten free vegan schnitzel on a plate with cucumber salad

This gluten-free vegan schnitzel is crispy, golden, and indulgent, yet easy enough to make for a satisfying everyday meal.

Very Best Vegan Falafel Burger – Gluten Free

Vegan | Gluten-Free | 15 Minutes | Dinner

vegan falafel burger with toppings on lettuce leaf

This moist gluten-free vegan falafel burger is packed with vibrant African spices, fresh herbs, lemon juice, and a hint of sesame oil.

Gluten-Free Vegan Thai Meatballs

Vegan | Gluten-Free | 30 Minutes | Dinner

vegan saucy thai meatballs in a bowl with rice

These sauce gluten-free vegan Thai meatballs are simmered in a creamy, mildly spiced red Thai sauce and pair perfectly with Vegan Dirty Rice for a complete meal.

Vegan Mushroom Zucchini Tetrazzini

Vegan | Gluten-Free | 30 Minutes | Dinner

sauce vegan mushroom tetrazzini noodle dish in a cast iron skillet

This saucy creamy gluten-free vegan mushroom zucchini tetrazzini is hearty and flavorful, with tender vegetables, garlic, herbs, and a crispy topping. Or try the Gluten-Free Vegan Caprese Mac & Cheese dinner.

Vegan Sweet Potato Chickpea Sesame Patties (Gluten-Free)

Vegan | Gluten-Free | 60 Minutes | Dinner

vegan sweet potato chickpea sesame moist pattie on a gluten free bun

These golden, crispy-edged vegan patties combine sweet potato, chickpeas, sesame seeds, fresh parsley, and bold spices.

Lentil Curry With Kale Over Charred Peppers

Vegan | Gluten-Free | 40 Minutes | Dinner

vegan lentil stew with kale over charred peppers

This flavorful vegan lentil curry with kale and charred peppers is simmered with aromatic Indian spices for a hearty, warming meal.

Gluten-Free Vegan Desserts

Being vegan and gluten-free doesn’t mean skipping dessert. These simple treats show how ingredients such as fruit, nuts, seeds, gluten-free flours, and plant-based milk can be transformed into something sweet and delicious.

Gluten Free Vegan Chocolate Cake

Vegan | Gluten-Free | 55 Minutes | Dessert

a slice of gluten free vegan chocolate cake with chocolate frosting on a plate

This rich, moist gluten-free vegan chocolate cake is topped with luscious ganache frosting and fresh raspberries for an indulgent dessert.

No-Bake Lemon Coconut Bars (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

Vegan | Gluten-Free | 10 Minutes | Dessert

vegan gluten-free no bake lemon coconut bars

These gluten-free vegan lemon coconut bars are zesty, refreshing, and delightfully creamy, with a chilled texture reminiscent of lemon-coconut ice cream.

Vegan Gluten Free Carrot Cake

Vegan | Gluten-Free | 60 Minutes | Dessert

vegan layered carrot cake with frosting on a small plate with a fork

This moist and fluffy gluten-free vegan layer carrot cake is packed with carrots, pears, raisins, warm spices, and a creamy coconut buttercream. YUM! 

Vegan Apple Streusel Cake – Gluten Free

Vegan | Gluten-Free | 60 Minutes | Dessert

close up of a slice of vegan apple streusel cake

This moist gluten-free vegan apple coffee cake is layered with fresh apples and topped with a sweet cinnamon streusel.

Gluten-Free Vegan Protein Sources

Here are some versatile ingredients to keep in your kitchen:

  • Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, peas, and other beans provide protein and fiber and are naturally gluten-free.
  • Tofu and tempeh: These soy-based foods are versatile sources of plant protein and contain all nine essential amino acids.
  • Quinoa: A naturally gluten-free grain that provides all nine essential amino acids.
  • Hemp seeds: An easy way to add plant protein to oatmeal, salads, smoothies, bowls, and other meals.
  • Chia seeds: These tiny seeds provide protein, fiber, and healthy fats and can be added to puddings, oatmeal, smoothies, and baked goods.
  • Pumpkin seeds: A convenient protein-containing ingredient that can be sprinkled over salads, soups, grain bowls, and snacks.
  • Chickpea flour: Also called besan or gram flour, chickpea flour is naturally gluten-free and provides protein and fiber. It can be used in savory pancakes, flatbreads, batters, and baking.
  • Nutritional yeast: A convenient way to add savory, cheesy flavor along with protein to sauces, pasta, popcorn, vegetables, and other dishes.
  • Nuts and nut butters: Almonds, peanuts, cashews, and other nuts can contribute protein and healthy fats to meals and snacks.

The easiest approach is to eat a variety of these foods throughout the day rather than worrying about making every individual meal perfectly balanced. Enjoy!