30+ Creative Bean Recipes (Vegan)

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by Alena Schowalter
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Eat more healthy legumes with these creative sweet and savory bean recipes! Simple ideas that work for families, beginner cooks and those on a budget.

If there’s one food group most of us don’t consume enough of (apart from veggies), it’s legumes. Beans, peas, and lentils are incredibly healthy, versatile, and packed with plant-based protein!

But what should you do if you don’t like the taste of beans?

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This list of protein-packed bean recipes goes way beyond hummus or veggie burgers; it ranges from meal prep-friendly breakfast ideas to higher protein desserts, hearty meatless meals and sweet and savory snacks!

Canned or dried beans make for budget-friendly staples you can use to create simple pantry meals — and if you don’t discard their cooking liquid, you can even make delicious aquafaba recipes with them!

Best Vegan Bean Recipes

Loaded Kidney Bean Burgers
One of the best bean recipes is this hearty veggie burger! With a combination of smashed kidney beans, vibrantly pink beetroot, earthy mushrooms and savory spices, this meatless meal is a true crowd-pleaser.
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two large and colorfully stuffed beet burger patties in whole wheat buns with avocado, mustard, BBQ sauce, greens and carrot on a plate
High-Protein Lasagna
You’ll never guess where the beans are in this healthy lasagna: the cheesy sauce! It consists of a handful of simple ingredients and is made in a blender. Just pour it over any casserole dish before baking!
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baking dish with creamy dairy free vegan lasagna where a piece has been cut out
Best Skillet Cookie Cake
Who would have thought that you could make delicious cookies out of beans? This healthy recipe requires only basic kitchen tools, is kid-friendly and studded with melted chocolate chunks.
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baking pan with warm vegan cookie cake and coconut ice cream
Easy Chickpea Meatloaf
Make this hearty meatless main dish for the whole family! With canned chickpeas, breadcrumbs and common pantry spices, this accessible recipe is both nutritious and crowd-pleasing.
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chopping board with freshly baked chickpea meatloaf
Vegan Potato Curry
Looking for a flavorful one-pot dinner idea? Try this creamy vegan curry with coconut milk, chickpeas, green peas and potatoes. It’s budget-friendly and really satisfying.
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Closeup of woman in grey shirt holding bowl with finished vegan curry in front of her
Chocolate Mousse Cake
Use up a whole can of chickpeas by making this delicious chocolate mousse cake! The cooked chickpeas go into the crust and their liquid is used to make the fluffy topping.
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side view of vegan chocolate mousse cake one slice of which is being taken out
Easy Stuffed Peppers
Make high-protein stuffed bell peppers the vegan way! Tomato-flavored quinoa, black beans and corn are a filling low-calorie combo that can be topped with avocado or dairy-free yogurt.
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large baking dish with easy plant-based stuffed peppers
Creamy Hummus
This traditional hummus recipe is based on canned chickpeas and made fluffy and creamy without any added oil! Great with veggie sticks, in sandwiches or wraps.
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table with a bowl of homemade vegan oil-free hummus topped with spices, black sesame and chickpeas
Strawberry Bean Smoothie
Here is another surprising bean recipe for you: creamy berry smoothie with frozen banana, frozen cauliflower (yup!) and a handful of cannellini beans. Refreshing, tasty and bursting with nutrients!
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woman in white dress holding a glass jar with homemade strawberry and blueberry smoothie in her hands
Chili Sin Carne
Make this chickpea and kidney bean chili for a budget-friendly and hearty weeknight meal! Deep in flavor, protein- and veggie-packed and so crowd-pleasing.
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Top view of woman holding a bowl of vegan bean chili, sliced avocado and fresh herbs
Chocolate Chickpea Ice Cream
You can put beans in ice cream? Yup. This 6-ingredient chickpea ice cream doesn’t taste beany at all and features wholesome ingredients such as peanut butter, dairy-free milk and dates.
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close up of a black baking dish with frozen scooped vegan chocolate peanut butter ice cream
Creamy Pesto Pasta
Have you ever made your own oil-free pesto at home? It’s based on healthy cannellini beans, comes together within minutes in a blender and tastes great over pasta and veggies.
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black bowl of homemade vegan pesto pasta with vegetables on a table
Flavorful Mexican Bowls
Whip up these Mexican bowls during your next meal prep for a quick weeknight dinner! Flavorful Mexican black beans, fresh mango salsa, guacamole and rice are drizzled with lime juice — so delicious.
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two Mexican Buddha Bowls, cilantro and a towel on a table
Avocado Spinach Hummus
This creamy avocado and spinach hummus with parsley, green beans and tahini is perfect for dipping, spreading and making hummus pasta. Try it soon!
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hand holding a breadstick and dipping it into green hummus
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Add a handful of beans to your pasta salad to make it extra hearty! This Mediterranean-style recipe also features cooked quinoa, briny artichokes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives and garlic yogurt sauce.
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white tables with three glass containers containing colorful vegan quinoa pasta salad with tomatoes, bell pepper and basil
Black Bean Brownies
One of the tastiest ways to eat more beans is to bake black bean brownies! This recipe makes for really indulgent chocolatey treats but consists of healthy ingredients like beans, dates, almond butter, almond flour, hazelnuts and cocoa powder.
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three homemade black bean brownies on top of each other being drizzled with melted chocolate
Cheesy Roasted Broad Beans
Welcome a new type of bean to the family: fava beans! They are larger than other varieties and make for a versatile and healthy snack when coated in different spices and then baked until golden and crispy.
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handful of oil free cheesy Roasted Fava Beans on baking sheet
Rainbow Buddha Bowl
Eat the rainbow with these nutrient-packed plant-based bowls! Roasted chickpeas, sweet potatoes, quinoa, crunchy veggies and a creamy dressing team up for the most delicious dinner idea.
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two hands holding a colorful vegan rainbow bowl over a table
Easy Bean Burritos
Use up any leftover rice and beans to create these super simple and delicious bean burritos! They are ready in only 15 minutes or less, great for portable lunches and really filling.
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woman with white shirt holding two bean burritos filled with avocado and tomato
Roasted Beetroot Dip
Instead of making hummus, try this creamy beetroot dip with cannellini beans, garlic, thyme, tahini and lemon juice! It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or salty crackers.
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small bowl with bright pink roasted beetroot dip
Quinoa Stuffed Eggplant
Try this hearty stuffed eggplant that uses a mixture of quinoa, tomato sauce, chickpeas and veggies for the filling. It’s budget-friendly, flavorful and great for meal prep!
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fork cutting in baked aubergine half filled with Moroccan flavored quinoa mixture
Peanut Butter Balls
Another sneaky bean recipe for you! These easy bliss balls are secretly high in protein thanks to cooked white beans, homemade protein blend and peanut butter. Cover them in your favorite coatings and enjoy!
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table with a speckled plate on which about a dozen peanut butter bliss balls lie, some of which are half eaten
Vegan Falafel Tacos
Loaded with textures and flavors, these homemade falafel tacos have serious potential to become one of your go-to meals! The little balls are made from cooked chickpeas and taste amazing when served with cashew sour cream, crunchy veggies and creamy avocado.
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two taco shells that are filled with fresh veggies, baked falafel and drizzled with homemade vegan cashew sour cream
Quinoa Veggie Bowls
Looking for a quick and versatile plant-based dinner idea? Try this quinoa veggie bowl with chickpeas, avocado, leafy greens and crunchy nuts.
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marble table with two bowls of spiralized carrots, quinoa, chickpeas, chopped greens and avocado
Black Bean Meatballs
Try these meatless meatballs made from black beans! They are chewy, nutritious and totally family-friendly. We love them in marinara and with pasta!
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Woman using wooden spoon to place vegan meatballs into a pan filled with tomato sauce
Collard Green Wraps
Beef up your collard wraps by using protein-packed chickpeas for the filling! Combined with cooked millet, crunchy veggies and roasted eggplant, this recipe makes for one colorful and flavorful lunch idea.
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white plate with a few rolled vegan collard wraps filled with millet next to a yogurt dip
Chickpea Cookie Dough
This edible cookie dough made from chickpeas and creamy nut butter is one of the healthiest snacks ever! Really filling, fibrous and even kid-friendly.
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two glass jars filled with chickpea cookie dough with a spoon in one of them
Sweet Potato Lima Bean Salad
Have you tried lima beans? They are a tasty and healthy add-in for different meals, just like this roast sweet potato salad with arugula and a homemade dressing.
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white bowl with vegan sweet potato lima bean and rocket salad next to a spoon
Chickpea Flour Omelette
Skip the eggs and try this low-fat chickpea flour omelette filled with colorful veggies! It’s similar to pancakes, low in calories and soft and tender on the inside.
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vegan chickpea flour omelette filled with mushrooms and bell pepper in a black bowl next to a fork
Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos
These colorful tacos don’t just feature chickpea flour-battered buffalo cauliflower, but also crispy roasted chickpeas and creamy vegan ranch. Yes, please!
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five vegan buffalo cauliflower tacos on a white plate
Spicy Roasted Chickpeas
Coated with spicy chili and lime flavors, these roasted chickpeas are so satisfying and a fantastic snack idea. They are super easy to make and kid-friendly!
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woman in white clothes holing a glass with freshly roasted chili lime chickpeas in her hand

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this collection, check out the following articles next!

Did you like these recipes and make any of them? Let us know in the comments below, check out our bean salad below and leave a rating. You can also Pin this article here!

30+ Creative Vegan Bean Recipes (Savory & Sweet)

by Alena Schowalter
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Eat more healthy legumes with these creative sweet and savory bean recipes! Simple ideas that work for families, beginner cooks and those on a budget. The following quick and easy bean salad is great for picnics, hot summer days and everything in between.
Serves 4

Ingredients

3 Bean Salad

  • 1 15- oz can kidney beans 400 g, drained
  • 1 15- oz can chickpeas 400 g, drained
  • 1 15- oz can cannellini beans 400 g, drained
  • ½ onion finely chopped
  • 1 cup fresh herbs or leafy greens finely chopped (25 g)

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Whisk all ingredients for the dressing in a large bowl. Adjust to taste preferences.
  • Add the drained and rinsed beans, onion and greens to the dressing. 
  • Mix well to combine, then cover with a lid and allow to chill for a few hours before serving to let the beans soak up the flavors!

Notes

  • Feel free to add dry herbs to this salad.
  • Other add-ins include chopped cucumber, bell pepper, tomato or corn kernels.
  • Find 30+ more easy bean recipes in the article above!
Course: Ingredient
Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts
30+ Creative Vegan Bean Recipes (Savory & Sweet)
Amount per Serving
Calories
329
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
11
g
17
%
Saturated Fat
 
2
g
13
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
9
g
Sodium
 
401
mg
17
%
Carbohydrates
 
72
g
24
%
Fiber
 
19
g
79
%
Sugar
 
15
g
17
%
Protein
 
24
g
48
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated automatically, their accuracy is not guaranteed.
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Hi, I'm Alena Schowalter — a Certified Vegan Nutritionist who has been a vegetarian since childhood and vegan since 2012. Together with my husband, I founded nutriciously in 2015 and have been guiding thousands of people through different transition stages toward a healthy plant-based diet. I enjoy discussions around vegan ethics, walks through nature, and creating new recipes. Read more about us here.

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