What (Vegan) Dish to Make For Every Niche Situation
I did all the googling and pinning for you
In weird/hard/busy/stressful times, I find it impossible to figure out what to make or cook. Usually, I lose my appetite altogether, and end up eating the same few things like chips, takeout, or straight up carbs, when nothing else tastes appealing.
Nothing wrong with that, but it’s good to have those trusty recipes in your back pocket for times when you just can’t think of a single thing to make. I swear, every single week when it’s time to grocery shop, I draw a complete blank as to what I eat. What does anyone eat? What is food, even?
And then what about those niche situations, like when you’re having company over who’s vegan and gluten-free? Or when you’re sick and need something that’ll make you feel healed from the inside out? Or what to bring to a potluck, holiday party, or for when you’re trying to impress a dinner guest?
Luckily, after a decade of Googling, Pinning, and testing, not to brag but I’ve got just the thing for all these situations and more! If your brain is mush (same!) and you’re having a hard time putting one foot in front of the other, much less figuring out what to cook, I’ve got you. Let’s delve into it. Save ‘em all or skip to your specific situation.
What to Cook When You’re Trying to Impress a Dinner Guest
So you’re cooking for someone you want to wow, like a date, hosting dinner for the first time in your big girl house, or feeding that family skeptic who swears all vegan food is lame. I gotchu! This hummus-y lasagna is so creamy, rich, and decadent, I swear it’ll impress anyone — so long as they like carbs and cheese, so hopefully everyone!
What to Cook When You’re Feeding Kiddos or Picky Eaters
Pizza never fails! Luckily, all you need to veganize it is swapping out the cheese and any other meaty toppings. This DIY 20-minute crust has never failed me. Use a shredded vegan cheese like one by Violife or Follow your Heart, and let your guests top their own mini pies with their toppings of choice.
What to Cook When You Don’t Think You Like Tofu
There’s tofu, and then there’s properly made tofu — like this thin-sliced, spicy dinner we make on repeat. This is a great dish to make for tofu skeptics or if you’re just bored of the usual cubed presentation. Need a good starting point for tofu when you’ve never had it at all? Start here.
What to Cook When You’re Bored of Veggies
Even in the year of our lord 2025, people think eat vegan = eating twigs and leaves, like bland steamed broc and side salads. For the people who still think that, make them this crispy, crunchy, spicy fried broccoli and shut them up.
What to Cook When You’re Hosting Breakfast Guests
Pancakes never miss! This recipe is customizable and easy to take on teh go too, like if you’re camping! Just pre-mix the dry ingredients, take in a mason jar or baggie, and add your liquid — water or milk — later.
What to Cook for Brunch or a Baby Shower
A classic quiche feels elegant, elevated, and party-ready, but still easy to prepare and serve to a crowd. I love this vegan version made with protein-rich tofu as a base. I’ve made it countless times and people love it! I always use a frozen pie crust and throw in extra likes olives, parm, or whatever veggies are in season.
What to cook for a Vegan’s Birthday
Making a vegan cake is, yes, a piece of cake — and I basically always turn to Nora Cooks for any kind of baked good, cause she just never misses. This is the perfect special day cake, but also an any-day cake, because I believe in mid-week cakes for no reason.
What to Cook to Bring to a Potluck
I like going for some sort of mayo-based classic picnic-y salad when it comes to potlucks, cookouts, BBQs, the likes. My go-to is a good pasta salad, potato salad, or macaroni salad — basically some type of carb plus mayo-y sauce! Like this one; with a creamy tofu base you don’t have to worry about going bad in the heat (another vegan perk!)
What to Cook When You’re Sick and Need Something to Sooth a Sore Throat
I’m a fan of sticking with low hanging fruit and not reinventing the wheel. Chicken soup is the tried-and-true for non-vegans feeling under the weather — so of course, just make a chickpea noodle soup when you’re plant-based. You can adjust this to your taste and each bowlful is truly soothing to the soul.
What to Cook When You Need Straight Comfort Food
I’ve written a whole post on this because wow, these times are trying. See my best comforting meals, treats, and extras, here.
What to Cook When Your Guests are Vegan and Gluten Free
Oof, the double whammy. While it can sound near impossible to find a delicious, crowd-pleasing recipe that checks both boxes, it’s easier than you think, promise. For an impressive GF and vegan dinner, I’d suggest a yummy tray of lasagna — just grab gluten free lasagna noodles, and follow the above recipe for impressing anyone. Or, what about a chili, like this one?
What to Cook When You’re Sick of All Your Dinners
Easy — this tofu Katsu. Simple but layered with flavor, spicy, tangy, crispy, and comforting, this Tofu Katsu is a go-to of mine when I’m feeling blah about my recipes and need to liven things up. It’s protein packed and can also be prepped to enjoy for days.
Happy eating and cooking! Remember to nourish yourself even/especially in these wigged out times.
<3 - Emmy
Because you're AWSOME! Thank you!