Easter is a time for renewal, celebration, and of course, delicious food. For those adopting a vegan lifestyle, there are countless ways to enjoy the festive season without compromising on taste or tradition.
Vegan Easter Recipes
Our curated list of delicious vegan Easter recipes is designed to delight your palate and impress your guests. From savory main dishes to scrumptious desserts, these recipes are sure to become holiday favorites.
1. Savory Starter
Vegan Deviled Eggs
A vegan twist on a classic appetizer, these deviled eggs are made with tofu and nutritional yeast to replicate the creamy texture and rich flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 block of firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon vegan mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Paprika for garnish
Directions:
- Cut tofu into egg-sized pieces.
- Combine nutritional yeast, mustard, vegan mayonnaise, turmeric, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Dig a small depression in each piece of tofu and fill it with the mixture.
- Garnish with paprika and chill before serving.
Spring Pea and Asparagus Soup
A vibrant, green soup for an Easter starter, combining the fresh flavors of peas and asparagus with the creaminess of coconut milk.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Saute onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add asparagus and peas, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add vegetable broth and bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
- Blend until smooth and add coconut milk.
- Add salt and pepper, and garnish with mint leaves.
2. Hearty Main Dish
Stuffed Butternut Squash
This hearty dish features roasted butternut squash stuffed with a delicious mixture of quinoa, cranberries, and pecans, making it a perfect centerpiece for your Easter meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium butternut squash, halved and seeded
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush the squash halves with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 40 minutes.
- Cook the quinoa in the vegetable broth.
- Saute the onion and garlic, then combine with the quinoa, cranberries, and pecans.
- Fill the roasted squash halves with the quinoa mixture and return to the oven for 10 minutes.
Vegan Lentil Loaf
A hearty and satisfying main dish made with lentils, mushrooms, and walnuts, topped with a tart tomato crust.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup oats
- Mix 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of water.
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the lentils until soft.
- Saute the mushrooms, onion and garlic.
- Combine the lentils, roasted vegetables, walnuts, oats, and flaxseed mixture in a bowl.
- Press the mixture into a loaf pan.
- For the glaze, combine ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar, and spread it over the loaf.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
3. Delicious Side Dish
Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These crunchy and delicious Brussels sprouts are roasted with garlic and lemon, making a great side dish that pairs well with any main course.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss Brussels sprouts with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast until crispy, 25-30 minutes.
Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
Creamy and comforting, these scalloped potatoes are made with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a rich, dairy-free dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the potatoes and onions in a baking dish in alternating layers.
- Combine the coconut milk, nutritional yeast, garlic, flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Pour over the potatoes and bake for 1 hour, until golden and bubbly.
4. Fabulous Desserts
Vegan Carrot Cake
This moist and delicious carrot cake is topped with creamy cashew frosting, making it a great Easter dessert.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cashew Frosting:
- 1 cup soaked cashews
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler.
- Mix almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
- Fill chocolate molds halfway with melted chocolate.
- Add a spoonful of the almond butter mixture, then cover with more chocolate.
- Chill until set and enjoy.
5. Refreshing Drinks
Vegan Lavender Lemonade
A refreshing and aromatic drink, perfect for spring, combines the flavors of lavender and lemon.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup lavender syrup
- 4 cups water
- Ice and lemon slices for serving
- Lavender Syrup:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons dried lavender
Instructions:
- Simmer sugar, water, and dried lavender until sugar dissolves, then strain.
- Combine lemon juice, lavender syrup, and water in a jug.
- Serve over ice with lemon slices.
Vegan Hot Cross Buns
A traditional Easter treat, these spiced buns are perfectly served with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 packet of active dry yeast
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
- 1/2 cup raisins or currants
- 1/2 cup chopped candied fruit
- 1/4 cup flour (for the crosses)
- 1/4 cup water (for the crosses)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine flour, sugar, spices and yeast.
- Warm almond milk and melted butter, then combine with dry ingredients.
- Knead in currants and candied fruit, then let the dough rise until doubled.
- Shape buns, place on a baking sheet, and let rise again.
- Mix 1/4 cup flour and water, pipe crosses on top of buns.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
By incorporating these delicious vegan Easter recipes into your holiday gatherings, you’ll enjoy a feast that’s good for both animals and the planet, without sacrificing any of the flavors that make Easter special.
FAQ About Vegan Easter Recipes
What are some traditional Easter dishes that can be made vegan?
Many traditional Easter recipes can be adapted to a vegan diet:
- Deviled Eggs: Use tofu and nutritional yeast to replicate the texture and flavor.
- Hot Cross Buns: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter in place of dairy and eggs.
- Roast: Try lentil bread or stuffed vegetables like butternut squash or bell peppers.
- Easter Bread: Use an egg substitute like flaxseed or chia seeds and plant-based milk.
- Carrot cake: Use applesauce or mashed bananas and non-dairy milk as an egg substitute.
Can I eat chocolate treats on a vegan Easter?
Absolutely! Many brands offer vegan chocolate, and you can even make your own:
- Dark chocolate: Most dark chocolate is vegan, but check the label for dairy.
- Homemade chocolate: Use sweeteners like cocoa powder, coconut oil, and maple syrup.
- Chocolate eggs: Fill melted vegan chocolate into molds and refrigerate until set.
How can I make my vegan recipes delicious and satisfying?
Here are some tips to enhance the flavor of your vegan recipes:
- Spices and herbs: Use plenty of fresh and dried herbs, spices, and seasonings.
- Nutritional yeast: Adds a cheesy, umami flavor to recipes.
- Marinades and sauces: Use delicious marinades and rich sauces to enhance vegetables and proteins.
- Roasting and roasting: These cooking methods help develop deep flavors.
Are vegan Easter dishes suitable for guests with other dietary restrictions?
Vegan dishes can be very accommodating to a variety of dietary restrictions:
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flours and grains, such as rice, quinoa, and buckwheat.
- Nut-free: Replace nuts with seeds, such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Soy-free: Use coconut milk or oat milk instead of soy milk, and consider products made from chickpeas or lentils instead of tofu.
Can I prepare vegan Easter dishes ahead of time?
Many vegan dishes can be prepared in advance, making your holiday feast less stressful:
- Soups and stews: These can be made a day or two ahead and reheated.
- Baked goods: Breads, cakes, and cookies can be baked and stored in airtight containers.
- Salads and sides: Prepare dressings and chop vegetables the day before.
- Main dishes: Lentil loaves and stuffed vegetables can often be assembled and refrigerated, then baked the day of serving.
What are some easy vegan desserts for Easter?
Here are some simple but delicious vegan desserts:
- Fruit tart: Use vegan pie crust, fresh fruit, and plant-based custard.
- Chocolate mousse: Combine avocado, cocoa powder, and maple syrup.
- Cupcakes: Use your favorite vegan cake recipe and top with vegan frosting.
- Carrot cake: A classic option, using plant-based ingredients and cashew frosting.
How can I get kids involved in making vegan Easter recipes?
Cooking with kids can be a fun and educational activity:
- Baking: Let them help measure and mix ingredients for cookies, cake, or bread.
- Decorating: Let them decorate cupcakes or cookies with vegan icing and toppings.
- Crafting: Get them involved in making homemade chocolates or vegan Easter eggs.
- Gardening: If possible, let them pick fresh herbs or vegetables from the garden to use in recipes.