A member of our closed Facebook group (the Peas and Carrots Society), Michelle W., asked, “If you could only recommend one vegan cookbook for families that want easy fast recipes, what would you choose?” And boy, did this group have some great suggestions!

Meal planning can feel like a juggling act, and trying to cook healthy vegan meals for your family can add an extra challenge (and cost more!). But we’ve all been there, and that’s where the power of shared experiences comes in.

Our Peas and Carrots members came to the rescue with a list of their favorite vegan cookbooks, packed with recipes that work for real life. These cookbooks aren’t just pages of recipes; they’re tools to help you plan tasty meals without a ton of fuss, so you can spend more time at the table and less time stressing in the kitchen.

In this article, we’re breaking down some of the best vegan cookbooks out there, covering everything from quick weeknight dinners to family-friendly comfort foods. 

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Choosing the right vegan cookbook can be like finding your cooking soulmate—it should match your tastes, your kitchen habits, and what you want out of a meal. With so many options out there, here are some simple tips to make the right pick.

Think about how you like to cook. Are you all about quick, simple recipes that get dinner on the table in 20 minutes, or do you enjoy getting a bit fancy in the kitchen for special occasions? If you’re in the “just feed me fast” camp, look for cookbooks with “weeknight” or “simple” in the title; they’re likely focused on efficient recipes.

For gourmet flair, some books specialize in dishes that might require more ingredients and time but really elevate your dining experience. Matching the cookbook’s style to your time and energy will make cooking feel a lot more rewarding.

One of the best things about vegan cooking is that it’s globally inspired! If you have a soft spot for Mexican flavors or you’re curious about Middle Eastern spices, there’s likely a cookbook for you.

Some titles focus on specific cuisines like Afro-diasporic cooking, Indian vegan dishes, or even African flavors. Exploring different flavors is a fun way to keep meals interesting and discover recipes that make you look forward to cooking.

If anyone in your household has specific dietary needs, you’ll want a cookbook that’s got you covered. Many vegan cookbooks offer options for gluten-free, high-protein, low-sugar, or even nut-free recipes. Look out for labels on the book’s cover or reviews mentioning dietary accommodations so you can pick a cookbook that fits your family’s needs.

Some cookbooks go the extra mile with sections on reducing food waste, ideas for ingredient swaps, or a list of pantry staples. These practical add-ons can make cooking easier, especially if you’re looking for more sustainable or time-saving options. For example, if you’re trying to minimize food waste, cookbooks with advice on how to use every part of a vegetable or incorporate leftover ingredients are worth checking out.

Pro Tip: Some cookbooks focus on the basics—like how to make easy recipes with ingredients you probably already have—while others introduce bold flavors with ingredients that might be a little new to you, like sweet potatoes, black beans, or unique spices. If you’re just starting out, you might want something more foundational, but if you’re ready to get adventurous, dive into those flavor-packed pages!

Finding the right cookbook is all about knowing what will make cooking enjoyable for you. Once you have a good match, it can make your plant-based kitchen feel like it’s bursting with new possibilities.

Why You’ll Love It: Known for its humor and simplicity, Thug Kitchen makes plant-based eating accessible and fun. The recipes focus on quick, easy meals with affordable ingredients, perfect for anyone new to vegan cooking.

Best For: Super simple, low-effort meals. The Vegan Stoner Cookbook is ideal for anyone who wants to make quick, satisfying meals with minimal ingredients. It’s filled with fun, straightforward recipes that require little prep.

Why Families Love It: Designed with families in mind, Plant-Powered Families is full of easy, kid-friendly vegan recipes. It’s a great choice for parents looking to add more plant-based meals to the family table.

Quick and Easy: Every recipe in the 15-Minute Vegan is designed to be ready in 15 minutes or less. Perfect for busy weeknights or anyone who wants quick, no-fuss vegan meals without compromising on taste.

Why You’ll Love It: The Happy Herbivore focuses on low-fat, whole-food plant-based recipes that are easy to make and great for beginners. The recipes are simple and approachable, making them ideal for anyone trying to keep things light and healthy.

Budget-Friendly: Frugal Vegan is perfect for beginners on a budget, featuring affordable recipes that focus on minimizing costs without sacrificing flavor. This is ideal for anyone looking to make vegan cooking affordable and accessible.

Perfect for Beginners: Known as the “jazzy vegetarian,” Laura Theodore provides easy-to-follow, family-friendly recipes with a comfort-food flair in her book Vegan-Ease. This cookbook is packed with practical tips and delicious meals that won’t overwhelm you in the kitchen. Want to learn more about Laura? Check out our interview with her here.

Fan Favorite: Isa Chandra’s quirky style and delicious recipes make Isa Does It! a top pick for many. With a mix of simple and creative recipes, it’s perfect for anyone ready to step up their vegan cooking game with flavor-packed dishes.

Seasonal and Fresh: The First Mess Cookbook celebrates seasonal, plant-based cooking with a mix of wholesome, vibrant recipes. Ideal for those who love fresh ingredients and want to bring out the best flavors in simple dishes.

A Vegan Cookbook Classic: The updated Veganomicon by Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Romero features 25 new recipes, revised versions of over 250 dishes, and gorgeous color photos. This edition celebrates the book’s 10th anniversary with easy-to-follow, kitchen-tested recipes for all occasions, including soy-free, gluten-free, and low-fat options, plus quick meals for busy nights—making it a must-have for any vegan kitchen.

Nutrition-First: The Healthiest Diet on The Planet is grounded in whole-food, plant-based eating and backed by nutritional science. Perfect for those who want a health-focused approach to vegan meals with easy-to-follow recipes.

Science-Based Eating: The How Not To Die Cookbook is a companion to Dr. Greger’s popular book How Not To Die, and offers recipes focused on longevity and health. The recipes are straightforward and use whole foods to create delicious, nutritious meals.

Vegetarian Classics: Although not strictly vegan but can easily be adopted for vegans, Moosewood’s vegetable-centered recipes are easily adaptable for plant-based diets. With its rich history in vegetarian cooking, this book is a great intermediate option for anyone looking to build on vegan basics.

Whole-Food Focus: Based on the popular documentary, the Forks Over Knives cookbook is ideal for anyone looking to embrace a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle. With its variety of easy-to-follow recipes, it’s great for building up your cooking skills with healthy, hearty meals. And if you’re looking to up your cooking skills even more, check out my review of the Rouxbe Forks Over Knives Online Cooking School and their Culinary Rx Cooking course.

• Learn to master knife skills
• Cooking without oil and creating healthy stocks/ sauces
• Time-Saving cooking strategies
• Virtual Q&A's and instructor support

Spice Lover’s Dream: Richa’s cookbook offers a wide array of authentic Indian dishes, all veganized. It’s ideal for anyone who loves bold spices and wants to explore the flavors of Indian cuisine in plant-based form.

For Wellness Enthusiasts: Inspired by the Ashram wellness retreat, the Ashram Cookbook offers a selection of health-conscious, balanced dishes with a gourmet touch. Perfect for anyone looking to elevate their cooking while keeping it nourishing.

For the DIY Chef: The Homemade Vegan Pantry is a unique cookbook that focuses on making vegan staples from scratch, from condiments to cheese and pantry basics. Great for anyone who loves homemade, high-quality ingredients and reducing store-bought products.

Raw Food Focus: For those interested in raw vegan cuisine, The Raw Deal Cookbook provides fresh, uncooked recipes that highlight the natural flavors of plant-based ingredients. Ideal for anyone ready to dive into raw food preparation.

For the Flavor Explorer: Not a traditional cookbook, but The Vegetarian Flavor Bible is an excellent resource for anyone interested in understanding flavor combinations. It’s perfect for those who enjoy creating their own recipes and want to experiment with vegan ingredients.

Gourmet Vegetable Dishes: The River Cottage Veg celebrates vegetables in imaginative ways, with many recipes that are either vegan or easily adapted. Ideal for experienced home chefs looking for sophisticated, vegetable-focused meals.

To give you a taste of what these cookbooks have to offer, here are some standout recipes that can inspire your plant-based kitchen adventures. These dishes range from comfort classics to vibrant, globally inspired meals, so there’s something for every craving.

These recipes show just a small sample of what each cookbook offers. With everything from quick weeknight meals to more elaborate, flavor-packed dishes, you’ll have plenty of options to keep your vegan cooking exciting, delicious, and nourishing.

Whether you’re brand new to vegan cooking or a seasoned home chef, the right cookbook can open up a world of delicious, plant-based possibilities. From quick and easy weeknight dinners to globally inspired flavors, each of these vegan cookbooks offers something unique to help you on your culinary journey. With recipes that range from comfort classics to nutrient-packed power meals, these books provide inspiration, practical tips, and guidance for every level and lifestyle.

If you’re looking for more cookbook options, check out 10 of The Best Vegetarian Cookbooks for Beginners.

If you’re new to vegan cooking, some beginner-friendly cookbooks include The Vegan Stoner Cookbook, 15-Minute Vegan, Vegan-Ease by Laura Theodore, and The Happy Herbivore Cookbook. These books focus on easy, accessible recipes that require minimal ingredients and simple techniques, making them ideal for beginners.

Yes! Many vegan cookbooks, like Plant-Powered Families by Dreena Burton and Isa Does It! by Isa Chandra Moskowitz, focus on family-friendly recipes that appeal to both kids and adults. These books offer a range of comforting, familiar meals that make it easy to introduce plant-based foods to the entire family.

Absolutely! Vegan cookbooks are a fantastic resource for anyone interested in adding more plant-based meals to their diet, even if they don’t follow a strictly vegan lifestyle. Many non-vegans enjoy the creative, vegetable-forward dishes found in cookbooks like Thug Kitchen, River Cottage Veg, and The First Mess for a fresh, healthy twist on everyday meals.

If you’re craving comfort food, check out Thug Kitchen and Isa Does It! for hearty, cozy dishes like vegan mac and cheese, creamy soups, and indulgent desserts. Sweet Potato Soul by Jenné Claiborne is also a great choice for soul food-inspired comfort dishes with a vegan twist.

Yes! Cookbooks like Frugal Vegan and The Happy Herbivore Cookbook focus on budget-friendly recipes that use affordable ingredients. These books are packed with tips on saving money while cooking delicious, nutritious meals, so you can enjoy vegan cooking without breaking the bank.

Many vegan cookbooks emphasize health and nutrition. How Not to Die Cookbook by Dr. Michael Greger and Healthiest Diet on the Planet by Dr. John McDougall focus on nutrient-dense, whole-food recipes backed by science. These cookbooks are excellent for anyone looking to adopt a more health-conscious, plant-based diet.

Most vegan cookbooks focus on accessible ingredients, but some recipes may call for items that are new to non-vegan pantries, like nutritional yeast, tofu, or miso. Beginners can start with books like 15-Minute Vegan or Plant-Powered Families, which use basic ingredients, and explore cookbooks like Vegan Richa’s Indian Kitchen for more specialized ingredients as they gain confidence.

Look for cookbooks with a focus on quick and easy recipes, like 15-Minute Vegan or Isa Does It!. These books are packed with recipes that come together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or anyone looking to streamline their time in the kitchen.

Yes! Vegan cookbooks like Vegan Richa’s Indian Kitchen, The Ashram Cookbook, and The First Mess offer a world of flavors inspired by Indian, wellness-focused, and seasonal cooking, respectively. These cookbooks are a great way to explore diverse cuisines and bring new flavors to your vegan cooking.

Many vegetarian cookbooks, like Moosewood Restaurant Favorites and River Cottage Veg, feature recipes that are easily adaptable to a vegan diet. You can often substitute ingredients like cheese or yogurt with vegan alternatives, making these books versatile resources for plant-based meals.

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