No more bland salads or boring veggie bowls!
This roundup includes delicious stews, comforting curries, vibrant salads, as well as delicious one-pot dinners. All these vegetarian meals will fill you up and fuel your day. Each recipe highlights protein-rich ingredients. The meals include; lentils, beans, tofu, quinoa, and nuts; all easy to find and cook at home.
These meals are quick to make, easy to love, and perfect for any time of day.
Plus, we’ve added estimated protein counts to help you track your intake.
Why High Protein Vegetarian Meals Matter?
Getting enough protein is important for muscle repair and energy. Infact, for overall wellness. Many people think it’s tough to meet protein needs without meat. But that is not true. Vegetarian high protein recipes can be just as rich in essential amino acids as any meat-based dish, with the right ingredients.
Ingredients like tofu, chickpeas, lentils, and quinoa are the powerhouses of protein. They create delicious and high protein vegan meals, when they’re combined with other wholesome foods. These meals keep you full and energized.
View more at Vegetarian Recipes
1. Lentil Chili
A warm, cozy dish full of flavor.
Protein: 28g
This is one of the best high protein recipes. Made with green lentils, black beans, tomatoes, and warming spices. Lentils and black beans bring protein.
It’s a filling and nutritious option, perfect for dinner or meal prep.
Top it with avocado for healthy fats.
2. Tofu Curry
Creamy, spicy, and full of protein.
Protein: 18g
This tofu curry is simmered in a coconut milk base with garlic, ginger, and turmeric. Tofu soaks up the flavors. Add cauliflower and peas for crunch.
A great choice for vegan recipes high protein style.
Serve it over rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.
3. Quinoa Salad
Light but filling.
Protein: 12g
This salad includes red beans, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette.
A great choice for lunch or a quick dinner.
4. Black Bean Burger
Tasty and filling.
Protein: 16g
These burgers are made with mashed black beans, oats, and spices. Black beans could be mashed with onions as well.
Grill or pan-fry and serve with a whole grain bun and your favorite toppings.
5. Stuffed Zucchini
Fresh, bright, and flavorful.
Protein: 20g (for two boats)
Zucchini is filled with ricotta, sun-dried tomatoes, and breadcrumbs. Baked until golden, it’s a fun and healthy twist on classic stuffed dishes.
Perfect for dinner or meal prep.
6. Marinated Tofu
Easy and quick.
Protein: 25g
Tofu is marinated in soy sauce, lemon, garlic, and olive oil, then baked until crispy. Bake or maybe pan-fry.
It’s perfect on salads, rice bowls, or wraps.
A go-to in our favorite vegetarian high protein recipes.
7. Lentil Pasta
Simple and filling.
Protein: 21g
Swap regular pasta with lentil-based ones. This pasta is a great alternative to wheat. Pair it with marinara sauce and roasted vegetables for a protein-packed meal.
It is ideal for high protein dinner recipes.
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8. Spanakopita
Greek-style protein dish.Protein: 22g (2 small pieces)
This savory pie combines spinach, feta cheese, and herbs inside flaky phyllo dough. Serve with a Greek salad for extra flavor.
9. Chickpea Spinach Stew
Comforting and nourishing.
Protein: 17g
Packed with chickpeas, spinach, onions, and spices. Serve it with flatbread or rice for a satisfying meal. This meal is rich in taste and protein. Add pine nuts and Greek yogurt for extra protein. It’s easy and filling.
10. African Peanut Stew
Rich and creamy.
Protein: 21g
Made with peanut butter, sweet potatoes, and chickpeas. Peanut butter and chickpeas are the stars. It’s comforting, spicy, and full of texture. Serve with brown rice or millet
11. Lentil Meatballs
A meatless twist on a classic.
Protein: 20g
Lentils, oats, and Italian herbs come together for these hearty meatballs. Serve them with pasta or in subs. Great with marinara sauce and high-protein pasta. Use oats to bind the mixture.
12. Mung Bean Soup
Nutritious and tasty.
Protein: 19g
This traditional dish is packed with flavor and easy to digest. Add turmeric and garlic for a health boost. Easy to make and packed with fiber. This is one of those high protein vegan meals that warms the soul.
13. Black Bean-Quinoa Bowl
Fast and flavorful.
Protein: 16g
Layer quinoa, black beans, roasted veggies, and a dollop of guacamole. A go-to for quick weeknight meals. Mix beans, quinoa, pico de gallo, and avocado. Drizzle with hummus dressing.
14. Kale Quinoa Salad
Crunchy and light.
Protein: 18g
Toss kale with cooked quinoa, nuts, and a lemon-tahini dressing. Add almonds and feta. Great for meal prep or a quick lunch.
15. Lentil Loaf
A hearty classic.
Protein: 18g
Think meatloaf but plant-based. Bake and slice it for easy meals. Brown lentils and cheese create a meatloaf vibe. This version uses lentils, carrots, and herbs. Serve with mashed potatoes.
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16. Tofu Soup
Soothing and simple.
Protein: 16g
Tofu, mushrooms, and spinach float in a savory broth. Great for cozy nights or light lunches.
17. Vegetable Curry
Colorful and delicious.
Protein: 24g
Packed with chickpeas, potatoes, and green peas. The coconut milk base adds richness. Serve with basmati rice or naan.
18. White Bean Pasta
Quick and satisfying.
Protein: 15g
Cannellini beans are blended into a creamy garlic sauce. Toss with whole-grain pasta for an easy dinner. Toss in some olive oil and spinach.
19. Mediterranean Bowl
Fresh and flavorful.
Protein: 27g
Includes falafel, hummus, olives, cucumber, and feta. Top with tahini dressing for a complete meal. This is one of the most filling high protein vegetarian meals.
20. Lentil Patties
Pan-fried goodness.
Protein: 18g
Crispy on the outside and soft inside. Use lentils, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Great with tzatziki sauce or tucked into pita bread.
21. Orange Tofu
Sweet and tangy.
Protein: 18g
Tofu is coated in a sticky orange sauce and served over rice. It’s a healthier take on takeout. Serve over rice or noodles
22. Fried Tofu
Crispy and crunchy.
Protein: 18g
Marinated tofu is fried until golden. Use sesame oil and soy sauce. Serve it with stir-fried vegetables or noodles.
Add to stir-fries or salads.
23. Lentil Curry
Creamy and spicy.
Protein: 19g
Red lentils, coconut milk, and Indian spices make this rich and filling. Serve with brown rice. Also serve with Greek yogurt and brown rice.
24. Egg Salad Sandwich
Fast and filling.
Protein: 17g
Mash boiled eggs with Greek yogurt or mayo. Add mustard for a kick. Layer on whole-grain bread for a protein-rich lunch.
25. Ricotta Scramble
Breakfast or dinner.
Protein: 20g
Scramble eggs with spinach and add creamy ricotta at the end. A fast way to get protein and greens. Add spinach or mushrooms.
Power Up Your Plate…
Eating high protein vegetarian meals can be easy and delicious. You don’t always need meat to stay full or fuel your body. These vegetarian high protein recipes use simple ingredients and quick methods. These can prove to be perfect for busy days as well as hungry evenings.
Many of these are also great high protein vegan meals.
If you are avoiding dairy and eggs; you can stick with beans, lentils, tofu, and quinoa.
When looking for quick vegetarian meals; choose salads, bowls, or tofu dishes.
When wanting something hearty; go for lentil loaf or pasta.
No matter what your lifestyle is, these high protein dinner recipes will satisfy your hunger as well as keep you energized.
Try a few this week. You would be amazed to see how great plant-based eating can be!
