High protein vegetarian meals are easier to come by than you’d think! Give your body a boost in plant-based protein with these delicious meat-free dishes. From plant-based burgers to meatless meat loaf, there’s something for everyone in this guide to 79 high protein meals!
It’s the question every plant-based eater has heard at some point. “If you’re vegetarian, where do you get your protein?” And it’s kind of like…what? Plant-based protein is everywhere and it can be so delicious!
Because the truth is, protein comes from more than just animals!
I decided to round up some of my favorite protein-rich meals that you can use as an easy reference for days when you need to add a little extra something to your food lineup.
Protein Quality Vs Quantity
Oh hi, Sarah here, a degreed nutritionist popping in to get food nerdy with you for a sec. When thinking about protein, it’s important to remember two things: amount and quality.
According to Harvard Health, the average person needs 50 to 60 grams of protein each day (that’s about 200 to 250 calories of protein), an easy number to reach on a plant-based diet.
But you also need to think about protein quality. Protein is made up of amino acids, and there are nine essential amino acids that we need to get from our diet. Most meat products are complete proteins, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids. Plants, on the other hand, are often incomplete proteins. This simply means that you need to eat a variety of plant protein sources to ensure your body gets all the amino acids it needs!
Here are a few plant-based protein combos that when eaten together make a complete protein source (we call these complementary proteins!):
- Rice + Beans (like Spanish Rice)
- Wheat + Nuts (like PB&J)
- Wheat + Legumes (like hummus and pita)
- Legumes + Corn (like Chickpea Corn Salad)
High Protein Vegetarian Recipes
Whether you’re a full vegetarian, participate in your fair share of Meatless Mondays, or just like to enjoy meat-free dishes once in a while, check out these vegetarian meals filled with ample protein and mouth watering flavor.
High Protein Vegetarian Meals
Easy Stovetop Lentil Soup Recipe (Vegan!)
A comforting vegan soup brimming with protein-rich lentils, perfect for a wholesome meal with 26 grams of protein per serving.
Creamy Slow Cooker Potato Soup (Flour-Free)
A luscious vegetarian potato soup, filled with 15 grams of protein per serving and cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.
Creamy Saffron Risotto | Risotto Alla Milanese
Indulge in this vegetarian saffron risotto, a protein-enriched Italian classic with 15 grams of protein per serving.
Easy Stovetop Lentil Chili (7 Ingredients)
A simple, hearty chili made with lentils that pack 28 grams of protein per serving, ideal for a quick vegetarian meal.
Madras Lentils Recipe (Tasty Bite Copycat)
Enjoy the rich flavors and 16 grams of protein per serving of these vegetarian Madras lentils.
Black Bean Boo-dle Halloween Soup
A festive, vegetarian soup with black beans that boasts 32 grams of protein per serving, perfect for Halloween celebrations
25-Minute Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe
Quick, creamy, and packed with 20 grams of protein per serving, this vegetarian butternut squash mac and cheese is a delight.
Stovetop Vegan Mac And Cheese (25 Minute Recipe)
A protein-rich, dairy-free mac and cheese, ready in just 25 minutes and has 18 grams of protein per serving.
20-Minute Vegetarian Chili Recipe
A loaded vegetarian chili that's both hearty and easy to make in 20 minutes and has 17 grams of protein per serving.
General Tso's Tofu Recipe (Bake Or Air Fry)
A vegetarian twist on General Tso's, featuring tofu with 26 grams of protein per serving, baked or air-fried to perfection.
5 Ingredient Teriyaki Tofu Recipe
A simple, delicious vegetarian dish with 21 grams of protein goodness in a savory teriyaki sauce.
Juicy Grillable Tofu Burgers Recipe
Satisfy your burger cravings with these juicy, tofu burgers that have 16 grams of protein per serving, perfect for grilling.
High Protein Vegan Chorizo Recipe
Spice up your meals with this vegan chorizo that has 17 grams of protien per serving, ideal for vegetarian diets.
Vegan Beef And Broccoli (With Soy Curls!)
A vegetarian take on the classic beef and broccoli, loaded with soy curls with 28 grams of protein.
Slow Cooker Mexican Rice Bowl
A comforting vegetarian rice bowl, slowly cooked to enhance flavors and filled with 31 grams of protein.
5-Ingredient Eggplant Meatballs Recipe
These vegetarian eggplant meatballs have 22 grams of protein, are simple, and a delicious meal option.
Easy Miso Pasta (5 Ingredients)
A quick and easy vegetarian pasta dish, elevated with miso for a dish with 18 grams of protein per serving.
How To Make Spaghetti Pizza (Perfect For Leftover Spaghetti!)
Transform your leftover spaghetti into an easy dinner with 17 grams of protein in this vegetarian spaghetti pizza.
Easy Vegan Haggis Recipe (Scottish Classic)
Experience a vegetarian Scottish classic with this protein-enriched vegan haggis that has 17 grams per serving.
Easiest Vegan Pozole Verde Recipe
A simple, hearty, and protein-packed vegan pozole verde with 22 grams per serving is perfect for a comforting meal.
Creamy Wild Rice Soup (Foolproof Recipe)
Indulge in this creamy vegetarian wild rice soup, a foolproof recipe with 18 grams of protein per serving.
Vegan Tofu Banh Mi Sandwich (Step-By-Step Guide)
Enjoy a protein-packed vegetarian twist on the classic Banh Mi with tofu that has 22 grams of protein per serving.
How To Make Halloumi Burgers (Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Quick and delicious halloumi burgers offer 33 grams of protein per serving.
Vegan BLT Sandwich Recipe (With Maple Smoked Tempeh Bacon)
A vegetarian BLT with a protein twist, featuring maple-smoked tempeh bacon that gives this sandwich 49 grams of protein per serving.
Buffalo Tempeh Sandwich (With Ranch Slaw!)
Spicy buffalo tempeh sandwiches, perfect for a high-protein vegetarian lunch with 22 grams of protein.
Easy Quinoa Vegetable Soup Recipe
A nourishing vegetarian soup with 20 grams of protein per serving from the quinoa.
Creamy Vegan Mushroom Soup (30 Minute Recipe)
Savor this creamy, vegan mushroom soup, ready in 30 minutes and with 15 grams of protein per serving.
How To Make Ash Reshteh (Persian Noodle Soup)
Dive into the flavors of this vegetarian Persian noodle soup that has 29 grams of protein soup.
30-Minute Mulligatawny Soup Recipe
A quick and comforting vegetarian mulligatawny soup, packed with 16 grams of protein per serving.
Healthy Mediterranean Bowls (With Romesco Sauce)
Enjoy these healthy Mediterranean bowls, brimming with 22 grams of vegetarian protein.
Stuffed Sweet Potato Recipe (Mediterranean Style!)
Relish in these Mediterranean-style stuffed sweet potatoes, high in vegetarian protein (17 grams!).
Roasted Brussels Sprout Salad (Ready In 30 Minutes)
A quick, protein-rich vegetarian salad featuring roasted Brussels sprouts and 15 grams of protein.
Healthy White Bean Chili (Family Favorite!)
A family-favorite white bean chili, loaded with 26 grams of protein per serving and vegetarian goodness.
Hungarian Unstuffed Cabbage
Experience the flavors of Hungary with this vegetarian unstuffed cabbage dish that has 27 grams of protein per serving.
Roasted Tomato and Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Savor these vegetarian stuffed mushrooms, high in protein (20 grams!) and flavor.
Impossible Vegetarian Meatloaf Recipe (Meat Eater Approved!)
A meat-eater-approved vegetarian meatloaf, that has 17 grams of protein per serving and is packed with juicy flavor.
30-Minute Vegan Beef Stew Recipe
A comforting vegan beef stew, ready in 30 minutes and packed with 37 grams of plant-based protein.
Vegetarian Reuben Sandwich Recipe (With Seitan Corned Beef)
A vegetarian Reuben sandwich featuring protein-rich seitan corned beef that gives this dish 44 grams of protein per serving.
Vegan Corned Beef Recipe (Step-By-Step Guide)
Learn to make vegan corned beef, a staple for vegetarian diets that also has 23 grams of plant-based protein per serving.
Juicy Seitan Burgers (Grillable Vegan Burgers!)
Juicy, grillable vegan seitan burgers, perfect for a vegetarian BBQ that has 28 grams of protein per serving.
How To Make Vegan Steak (Seitan Steak Recipe)
Master the art of making vegan steak with this seitan recipe that has 27 grams of protein per serving.
Easy Vegan Meatballs | Seitan Meatballs
Delicious vegan meatballs made from seitan, offering a high-protein vegetarian option with 37 grams of protein per serving.
Easy Buddha's Delight (Vegetarian Lo Han Jai)
A simple vegetarian version of the classic Buddha's Delight with 23 grams of protein per serving.
Roasted Vegetable Grain Bowls
Nutritious grain bowls loaded with roasted vegetables and high in vegetarian protein with 15 grams per serving.
Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dinner on a Sheet Pan
Prepare a complete vegetarian Thanksgiving dinner, packed with 35 grams of protein per serving and rich in flavor, on a single sheet pan.
Easy Mushroom Risotto Recipe
A simple and protein-packed vegetarian mushroom risotto, perfect for a cozy meal with 24 grams of protein per serving.
Stir Fry Meal Prep with Cauliflower Fried Rice and Tofu
A healthy vegetarian meal prep option with tofu and cauliflower rice for 16 grams of protein per serving.
20-Minute Chickpea Tikka Masala Recipe
Whip up a quick vegetarian chickpea tikka masala in just 20 minutes that also has 15 grams of protein per serving.
Chickpea Tikka Masala Meal Prep
Prepare a week's worth of high-protein vegetarian meals with this chickpea tikka masala recipe for a lunch with 24 grams of protein per meal.
Roasted Veggie Buddha Bowls with Yum Sauce
Savor these vegetarian Buddha bowls with 23 grams of protein, roasted veggies, and delicious yum sauce.
How To Make Mung Bean Soup
A step-by-step guide to making mung bean soup, a protein powerhouse in vegetarian cuisine with 23 grams per serving.
Award-Winning Taco Soup (Vegetarian and Meat-Eater Friendly!)
Enjoy this award-winning taco soup, loved by vegetarians and meat-eaters alike for its high protein content at 15 grams per serving.
Vegan Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili (50 Minutes)
A hearty vegan chili with sweet potatoes and black beans, packed with 19 grams of protein.
Easy Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe (No Ricotta!)
A simple, no-ricotta vegetarian lasagna that's filled with 15 grams of protein and rich in flavor.
Loaded Vegetarian Bibimbap Recipe
Experience the Korean classic bibimbap in a vegetarian version that still has 17 grams of protein per serving.
Savory Oatmeal with Avocado and Poached Egg
Elevate your breakfast with this savory oatmeal dish, featuring 18 grams of protein per serving.
How To Make No-Noodle Eggplant Lasagna
Dive into this innovative eggplant lasagna, offering 19 grams of protein per serving for a satisfying vegetarian feast.
Sweet Potato Fettuccine in Gorgonzola Sauce (Sweet Potato Veggie Noodles!)
Indulge in this creative sweet potato fettuccine, packing 16 grams of protein in a rich Gorgonzola sauce.
Keto Cauliflower Mac And Cheese (15 Minute Stovetop)
A keto-friendly, 18-gram protein twist on the classic mac and cheese, using cauliflower for a nutritious vegetarian meal.
Vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak with Shredded Mushrooms
Enjoy a vegetarian take on the Philly cheesesteak, loaded with 15 grams of protein thanks to hearty shredded mushrooms.
Thai Coconut Curry With Tofu
Savor the exotic flavors of this Thai coconut curry, featuring tofu as a protein-rich, 15-gram vegetarian delight.
Roasted Veggie and Spanish Rice Meal Prep
Perfect for meal prepping, this dish combines roasted veggies and Spanish rice for a substantial 34 grams of protein per serving.
How To Make Portobello Mushroom Burgers
A vegetarian burger alternative, these Portobello mushroom burgers pack a satisfying 17 grams of protein.
Creamy Cauliflower Soup (Slow Cooker Soup)
Relish in this creamy, slow-cooked cauliflower soup, a 15-gram protein vegetarian comfort food.
Tempeh Vegan Burrito Bowl
Assemble a delectable vegan burrito bowl with tempeh, boasting 17 grams of protein for a fulfilling vegetarian meal.
Roasted Beet and Chickpea Tacos
These vibrant tacos feature roasted beets and chickpeas, packing 23 grams of protein in each vegetarian serving.
Vegan Burritos with Taco Meat and Queso
A vegan twist on classic burritos, filled with taco meat and queso, providing 16 grams of plant-based protein.
Stuffed Pepper Vegetarian Meal Prep
Meal prep made easy and nutritious with these stuffed peppers, offering 22 grams of protein for a hearty vegetarian option.
Tempeh Chili Meal Prep
Prepare your week with this tempeh chili, a vegetarian powerhouse delivering 32 grams of protein per serving.
Almond Crusted Baked Tofu Nuggets
Bite into these almond-crusted tofu nuggets, a crunchy and delicious source of 29 grams of vegetarian protein.
Chickpea Gyro Lunch Meal Prep
Make lunchtime exciting with these chickpea gyro wraps, providing 20 grams of protein for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Tempeh Tacos with Avocado Kiwi Salsa
Enjoy these unique tempeh tacos, topped with avocado kiwi salsa and offering 24 grams of vegetarian protein.
Stuffed Eggplant Parmesan
A vegetarian delight, this stuffed eggplant Parmesan is both hearty and protein-rich with 21 grams per serving.
Swedish Vegetarian Meatballs
Experience the comforting taste of Swedish meatballs in a vegetarian form, with 16 grams of protein per serving.
Enchilada Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
These quinoa-stuffed peppers, drenched in enchilada sauce, are a vegetarian protein haven with 19 grams per serving.
Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets (Easiest Recipe)
A simple recipe for crispy baked tofu nuggets, offering a solid 21 grams of vegetarian protein.
Vegetarian Pineapple Poke Bowls
Dive into the tropical flavors of these pineapple poke bowls, a 17-gram protein vegetarian delight.
Bulgur Falafel Wraps with Yogurt Tahini Sauce
Enjoy these bulgur falafel wraps, drizzled with yogurt tahini sauce, for a satisfying 20 grams of vegetarian protein.
Pressed Eggplant Sandwiches With Pesto
Savor the rich flavors of these pressed eggplant sandwiches with pesto, offering a hearty 23 grams of vegetarian protein.
Leave a Comment