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Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or just dabbling in Meatless Monday, these 37 high-protein vegetarian dinners are here to make your weeknights easier (and tastier). These are reader-loved, kitchen-tested staples we make on repeat, and once you try them, you will too.

A collage of various vegetarian dishes, such as burgers, curries, casseroles, and pasta, with the text “37 High Protein Vegetarian Dinner Ideas” in the center.
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If you’re looking for high-protein vegetarian dinner ideas, you’re in the right place! As a nutritionist and longtime vegetarian recipe developer, I know how tricky it can be to get enough protein–especially at dinnertime, when most traditional meals revolve around meat.

That’s why I’ve made it a mission to create hearty, satisfying vegetarian recipes that deliver on both flavor and nutrition.

This list includes some of our most-loved high-protein vegetarian recipes–think crispy tofu nuggets, black bean chili, chickpea tacos, and my infamous chickpea recipe, Marry Me Chickpeas!

Whether you’re plant-based full time or just looking to add more meatless meals to your week, these recipes will help you fuel up, feel great, and (bonus!) they taste amazing too.

Best High Protein Vegetarian Dinners

Two crispy tacos filled with shredded chicken, served with green sauce on the side, are placed on a white plate on a red surface.
5 from 18 ratings

Crispy Buffalo White Bean Tacos (Vegan)

Not only do these have protein, but are also high in fiber for a filling and tasty dinner!
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Close up of green pesto chickpeas in a pan with a serving spoon.
4.82 from 11 ratings

Creamy High Protein Pesto Chickpea Skillet

Grab your favorite pesto or make your own and enjoy a fancy feeling dinner that will also help you hit your protein goals.
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Tofu shawarma on a pita bread.
4.83 from 17 ratings

Vegan Shawarma (With Shaved Tofu)

After numerous rounds of testing, this tofu shawarma has become a staple dinner in my house.
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High protein pasta sauce in a bowl.
4.25 from 8 ratings

High Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce (4 Ingredients)

Using our handy dandy cottage cheese, this pasta sauce is creamy and delicious, perfect for any pasta (includng protein pasta!).
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Marry me chickpeas in a pan.
4.91 from 370 ratings

How To Make Marry Me Chickpeas

This recipe has amassed over 280 5 star reviews because it's incredibly easy and delicious. Chickpeas bring the protein and fiber while a simple spice mixture and sun-dried tomatoes bring the flavor.
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Stack of freezer falafel.
4.77 from 21 ratings

Sheet Pan Freezer Falafel

Keep meal prep easy with these sheet pan wraps. I love making them for dinner and using leftovers for lunch!
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Mason jars filled with taco salad.
5 from 4 ratings

Taco Salad In A Jar (High Protein Vegetarian Meal Prep)

Another recipe that's perfect to prep! Stored in jars methodically, nothing gets soggy and everything stays fresh and tasty!
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Zucchini ravioli on a spatula.
5 from 7 ratings

Stuffed Zucchini Ravioli (Low Carb)

When you need a low carb dinner that still satisfies those decadent cravings, this stuffed zucchini ravioli is it!
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Closeup of vegan taco meat on a spoon.
5 from 1 rating

Vegan Taco Meat (With Beyond Beef)

Taco night just got an upgrade! Use this vegan taco meat to make bowls, nachos, and more.
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Lentil chili in a bowl.
5 from 13 ratings

Easy Stovetop Lentil Chili (7 Ingredients)

You only need one pot and minimal ingredients to make this winter classic that's high in fiber and high in protein.
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Three soft tacos filled with roasted chickpeas, sautéed vegetables, guacamole, fresh cilantro, and crumbled cheese, served with lime wedges on a white plate.
5 from 8 ratings

Crispy Chickpea Fajitas With Veggies

You only need 30 minutes to throw together sheet pan fajitas that the whole family will enjoy.
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Vegan sloppy joes stacked.
4.87 from 15 ratings

“Better Than Manwich” Vegan Sloppy Joes

Sloppy, saucy, and delicious, this vegan version is approved by even meat-loving families!
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A creamy butter beans dish garnished with chopped parsley and lemon slices, served in a pan with a spoon, on a yellow surface with lemons nearby.
4.77 from 17 ratings

Creamy Lemon Pepper Butter Beans Skillet

You don't need anything fancy for a fancy feeling dinner like this. Perfect with crispy bread or straight from the pan!
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Close-up of two stuffed flatbread wraps on a wooden plate, filled with chickpeas, corn, chicken, and herbs. The wraps are cut to reveal their savory filling. A blurred background with greenery and a checkered tablecloth adds a cozy, rustic feel.
5 from 6 ratings

Vegetarian Costco Chicken Bake (With Chickpeas!)

Enjoy your favorite Costco bake at home and in its best vegetarian form!
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Three vegetarian stuffed zucchini halves, filled with savory vegetables and topped with golden breadcrumbs, are served on a white plate with a fork and knife on the side.
5 from 4 ratings

Vegetarian Stuffed Zucchini With Spicy “Sausage”

Even meat-eaters will go back for seconds of these spicy Italian stuffed zucchini boats.
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Cooked pasta in a creamy white sauce, garnished with black pepper and lemon slices, served in a pan with a spoon.
4.39 from 13 ratings

High Protein Lemon Pepper Pasta (5 Ingredients)

Creamy and delicious, this pasta packs in 30 grams of protein and is bursting with bright citrus flavor.
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A basket lined with parchment paper filled with breaded and baked tofu nuggets, with a dish of ketchup in the background.
4.91 from 11 ratings

Tofu Nuggets (Crispy Panko Breading)

Extra crispy with a truly meaty texture, these tofu nuggets use an easy hack to trick your brain into thinking they are actually chicken.
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Madras lentils in a bowl with rice.
4.79 from 33 ratings

Madras Lentils Recipe (Tasty Bite Copycat)

Enjoy this for dinner and use leftovers for a high protein lunch prep. With dozens of 5-star reviews, you can be sure it will be a hit!
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A bowl with white rice, steamed broccoli, and chickpeas in a dark sauce on a green tiled surface.
5 from 9 ratings

Sticky Teriyaki Chickpeas (20 Minute Dinner)

You only need 20 minutes to make this high protein dinner that's a tried and true winner!
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A stuffed tomato filled with a creamy mixture and topped with breadcrumbs is cut open on a speckled plate, with a fork beside it. More stuffed tomatoes are on a plate in the background.
4.43 from 7 ratings

Stuffed Tomatoes With Herby Cottage Cheese

These tomatoes highlight summer while keeping you fueled with protein thanks to a herby cottage cheese filling.
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Black bean chili with avocado and onions in a bowl.
5 from 3 ratings

30-Minute Black Bean Chili Recipe

This chili is a throw it together in one big stock pot and let it do it's thing type of recipe. Perfect for a cookout or game day!
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Vegan chicken caesar wraps cut in half.
5 from 3 ratings

How To Make Vegan Chicken Caesar Wraps

We've taken the classic salad, added some protein-rich tofu, and wrapped it up in a neat little package for the best easy dinner.
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Gnocchi in a creamy Tuscan sauce and vegetarian sausage in a bowl.
5 from 26 ratings

Vegetarian Marry Me Gnocchi (In Creamy Tuscan Sauce)

Made with my proposal-worthy sauce, this vegetarian gnocchi dish adds spicy sausage for an explosion of flavor!
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A bowl of creamy white bean chili topped with diced avocado, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and crushed tortilla chips, with a spoon resting in the bowl.
5 from 31 ratings

30-Minute White Chickpea Chili

You only need pantry staples for this recipe that uses chickpeas instead of chicken but keeps the sweet corn and the classic creaminess of white chilis.
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A bowl of white rice and vegan butter chicken garnished with cilantro, served with a piece of naan bread and a fork on the side.
5 from 17 ratings

Homemade Butter Tofu with Coconut Milk (Vegan)

I've simplified this Indian classic so you can make it at home with homemade garam masala seasoning.
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Chickpea tuna sandwich with melty cheese.
4.80 from 5 ratings

Stunningly Good Chickpea Tuna Melt

Chickpeas take on a whole new life in this plant-based tuna melt. We use capers to replicate that salty sea flavor.
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Lemon pepper tofu in a bowl with rice and broccoli.
5 from 11 ratings

How To Make Lemon Pepper Tofu (4 Ingredients)

This recipe is quick and easy to make and packed with nutrients for a great dinner. You can make it with homemade lemon pepper or store-bought!
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A veggie burger with lettuce in a bun served on a plate with potato wedges, on a green and white checkered tablecloth.
4.92 from 36 ratings

30-Minute Black Bean Burgers (No Oats!)

This is my go-to recipe to bring to cook outs because they can be grilled, travel well, and look like a beef burger patty!
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BBQ tofu on a platter.
5 from 4 ratings

Easy BBQ Tofu Recipe (Grilled or Baked)

Did you know you can grill tofu on skewers? It's an easy main to bring to a barbecue that has all that classic smoky flavor.
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Vegan beef and broccoli with rice on a purple table.
5 from 10 ratings

Vegan Beef And Broccoli (With Soy Curls!)

Enjoy take-out at home using soy curls to make a healthier and vegan beef and broccoli dinner.
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Wild rice soup in a bowl with a spoon.
4.90 from 19 ratings

Vegan Wild Rice Soup (Coconut Milk)

Hearty and delicious, this wild rice soup is made with coconut milk to keep it vegan and mushrooms to pack in protein.
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Tofu banh mi sandwiches on a white plate
5 from 9 ratings

Lemongrass Tofu Banh Mi Sandwiches

This vegetarian take on the banh mi is quick and packed with fresh veggies and herbs. With numerous 5-star reviews, be prepared to be obsessed.
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Croissant sandwich with chickpea chicken salad and lettuce on a plate, surrounded by celery, half an apple, red onion, a bowl of salad, and two glasses of water on a sunlit white surface.
5 from 40 ratings

Vegetarian Chickpea “Chicken” Salad (Vegan Options)

With just chickpeas and some basic spices, you can have a delicious “chicken” salad in just 15 minutes. Mashing the chickpeas results in a texture super similar to its meaty counterpart but totally vegetarian!
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Lemon arugula bowl on yellow tile.
4.67 from 9 ratings

Sunshiney Lemony Arugula Grain Bowls

If you're in need of protein and fiber, this arugula grain bowl has you covered. With tofu, beans, quinoa, and pistachios, it's flavorful and ready in under 30 minutes.
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A tray with many vegan lettuce wraps and rice noodles around it.
5 from 15 ratings

Vegan Lettuce Wraps (PF Chang’s Copycat Recipe!)

With dozens of 5-star reviews, these lettuce wraps bring fast food home but are much healthier. And with oodles of homemade sauce because, why not?
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Sliced vegetarian meatloaf topped with sauce on a cutting board, garnished with herbs. Accompanied by mushrooms and a small bowl of ketchup.
4.80 from 5 ratings

Impossible Vegetarian Meatloaf Recipe (Meat Eater Approved!)

After testing this secretly with my meat-eating friends, I'm confident in saying this vegetarian meatloaf is meat-eater approved!
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Vegan tikka masala with naan and rice in a white bowl.
4.76 from 73 ratings

20-Minute Chickpea Tikka Masala Recipe

Tikka Masala from Indian takeout is one of my favorite foods to order but it turns out making it at home only takes 20 minutes. Which is the same amount of time as a delivery car!
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Bulgur Falafel Sandwiches on Homemade Flatbread
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37 High Protein Vegetarian Dinner Ideas

5 from 5 ratings
By: Sarah Bond
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Looking for high protein vegetarian dinner ideas you won't get bored of? Try these Bulgur Falafel Wraps! Crispy pan-fried bulgur falafels with a creamy tahini yogurt sauce on fresh pita flatbreads.

Ingredients 

Bulgur Falafel

  • ½ cup bulgur, 100 g
  • ½ cup boiling water, 118 mL
  • 1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp each salt and chili powder
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup oil for panfrying, 118 mL, a high heat oil like palm, canola, or macadamia

To Serve

  • 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt, 260 g
  • 2 Tbsp tahini
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 4 pita flatbreads
  • Serve with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and/or parsley
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Instructions 

  • Sauce: Stir together 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt, 2 Tbsp tahini, and 1 clove garlic.
  • Bulgur: In small bowl, combine ½ cup bulgur and ½ cup boiling water. Set aside 30 minutes, until water is absorbed. Drain off any excess water.
  • Blend: While bulgur is soaking, combine 1 15-oz can chickpeas (drained), ½ cup chopped onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp each salt and chili powder, and ½ tsp ground black pepper in a food processor until it holds together in a dough. If dough seems overly wet and sticks to your hands, add flour 1 Tbsp at a time.
  • Stir: In a large bowl, combine bulgur, chickpea mixture, 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 1 egg. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours (skip this if you’re low on time, but your dough may be more fragile).
  • Shape: Scoop tablespoon-sized rounds from the dough and gently pat to form balls or nuggets. Should make about 16 falafels. Pour ½ cup breadcrumbs onto a plate. Roll each falafel in breadcrumbs to lightly coat.
  • Cook: Heat a few tablespoons of oil over medium/high heat in a large skillet. Cook falafels, working in batches, for about 5 minutes each, flipping frequently, until light brown and crispy. Add more oil as needed and reduce heat if bits of falafel start popping out of the pan. Place cooked falafels on a dry paper towel until ready to serve.
  • Serve: Spread sauce on a flatbread. Add lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and 4 or so falafels to each flatbread. As they say in Holland, “eet smakelijk!”

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 536kcal | Carbohydrates: 65.8g | Protein: 20.3g | Fat: 22.5g | Sodium: 1134mg | Fiber: 11.3g

Nutrition information calculated by Sarah Bond, degreed nutritionist.

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2 Comments

  1. Justyna says:

    Hi can those falafel be frozen? I need type of meat substitute on hand when busy.

    Reply