21 Friday Lent Meals - Meatless Lenten Recipes

Ditch the grilled cheese and make these 21 Friday Lent Meals. These meatless recipes are filling and hearty, yet simple.

During Lent we fast from meat on Fridays, to take on a more penitential posture. The fast from meat is a reminder of Jesus' own sacrifice for us. Meat is often seen as a celebratory food, so abstinence from meat specifically is proposed to us as a way to practice simplicity.

Here you'll find some of my favorite easy and delicious lent meals that you can make this year. With gluten-free options!

Of course, all of my recipes are plant-based, but this is a collection of main dishes that use non-meat protein sources like beans. Perfect for Friday lunches and dinners.

Check out my Lent breakfasts collection, for sweet and savory meatless breakfast ideas! And head over to my Lent soups collection for a list of hearty meatless soups.

View my lenten menus from previous years here:

• Meatless Meals 2019
• Meatless Meals 2021
• Meatless Meals 2022

1

Vegan Baked Ziti with Ricotta

This Vegan Baked Ziti with Ricotta layers soft ziti noodles, red lentil meat sauce, and creamy tofu ricotta for a comforting dish made with whole food ingredients.

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2

Red Pepper Red Lentil Soup

This Red Pepper Red Lentil Soup is a delicious combination of sweet peppers and hearty lentils. This comforting soup is just a few simple ingredients.

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3

Vegan Cobb Salad (High Protein)

This Vegan Cobb Salad is a plant-based version of the classic Cobb. Made with tempeh, coconut bacon, tofu cheese, loaded with veggies, and drizzled with oil-free dressing, and served on romaine. Vegan, oil-free, gluten-free.

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4

Vegan Gluten Free Minestrone Soup

Minestrone Soup is a classic Italian recipe. This vegan and gluten free version is full of delicious vegetables, beans, and pasta. This flavorful soup is warm and comforting.

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5

Weeknight Vegan Creamy Spinach Pasta

Make this Vegan Creamy Spinach Pasta on a busy weeknight. This dish is ready in 30 minutes and is a complete meal with protein, vegetables, and carbs.

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6

Vegan Gluten Free Lasagna (with Tofu Ricotta)

This Vegan Gluten Free Lasagna layers sheets of GF pasta, lentil meat sauce, and creamy tofu ricotta for a comforting dish made with whole food ingredients.

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7

Vegan Four Bean Salad

Make this vegan four bean salad in just 10 minutes. An easy no-cook recipe to serve on a hot day. High in protein and fiber, and naturally gluten-free!

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8

Weeknight Vegan Fried Rice (Oil-Free Option)

Make easy flavorful vegan fried rice in just 30 minutes. This protein-packed, veggie-forward dish is perfect for weeknight dinners!

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9

Vegan Kidney Bean Burgers (High Protein, Gluten-Free Option)

Get 18g of protein with these light and fresh Vegan Kidney Bean Burgers. These whole food burgers are easy to make and packed with nutrients.

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10

Creamy Cauliflower White Bean Soup (with Cannellini Beans and Tahini)

Make the creamiest Cauliflower White Bean Soup with a few simple ingredients like cannellini beans and tahini. Flavored with thyme and sage, this earthy soup is hearty and delicious!

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11

Sweet & Sour Cauliflower (Oil-Free)

Sweet & Sour Cauliflower is the cauliflower version of the classic dish. Cauliflower and peppers covered in a thick, sweet sauce.

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12

Carrot and Lentil Soup

This hearty Carrot and Lentil soup is ready in just 30 minutes and made with only 7 ingredients. A simple, yet flavorful soup filled with high-protein lentils and sweet, earthy carrots.

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13

Thai Peanut Cabbage Salad (with Tofu)

The ultimate peanut salad! This Thai Cabbage Salad is made from veggies like romaine, cabbage, bell peppers, and carrots, loaded with an easy garlic tofu, and drizzled with a decadent creamy peanut dressing.

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14

Buffalo Tofu

These buffalo tofu wings are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Coated in vegan buffalo sauce with just the right amount of heat. A classic appetizer turned plant-based.

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15

Vegan Rice Pilaf (Gluten Free)

This easy vegan rice pilaf is a classic dish that makes a great side. With warm, earthy flavors, and a garnish of pine nuts and fresh parsley.

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16

Vegan Black Beluga Lentil Bolognese

Vegan Black Beluga Lentil Bolognese is a hearty and flavorful dinner. With just a few ingredients, this bolognese comes together easily, with minimal hands-on time!

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17

Easy Teriyaki Tempeh

This Teriyaki Tempeh is a simple meal of tempeh and broccoli in a quick homemade teriyaki sauce. Ready in 25 minutes and completely vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free!

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18

Tofu Crumble and Black Bean Tacos

Make protein packed vegan tacos with tofu and black beans! These tofu crumble tacos are so easy to make and have a great firm texture. Perfect for vegan taco Tuesday!

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19

Vegan Tempeh Chili (High Protein)

This Vegan Tempeh Chili is a classic chili, packed with nutrients, flavor, and protein for an easy and satisfying meal.

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20

Tempeh Caesar Salad

Tempeh Caesar Salad is a plant-based version of the classic caesar. Made with tempeh, crispy chickpeas, homemade vegan parmesan, drizzled with oil-free cashew caesar dressing, and served on romaine. Vegan, oil-free, gluten-free.

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21

Chickpea Dahl

This chickpea dahl is a hearty dish featuring chickpeas simmered in curry spiced coconut milk and tomato sauce. An easy and flavorful dinner.

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I hope you find some great healthy meals you can eat this Lent. Know of my prayers for you during this season.

P.S. All of the recipes on my blog are meatless! If you're looking for more inspo or other lent meal options, head over to the recipe section and browse all my no-meat meals.