16 Vegetarian High-Protein Recipes the Entire Family Will Enjoy (2024)

If you think vegetarian high-protein recipes are impossible to find, think again. These power-packed vegetarian recipes (each with 15 or more grams of protein) prove that meatless eating doesn't mean flavorless or low protein. These vegetarian dishes are great for dinner, maybe even lunch, and often as leftovers (if anything is left over!). So, dig in! And prepare to be satisfied.

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Enchilada Casserole

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16 Vegetarian High-Protein Recipes the Entire Family Will Enjoy (1)

Protein: 19 grams per serving

Black beans make thisMexican-themedvegetarian high-protein recipe satisfying and delicious. It's also high in fiber (another nutrient that keeps you feeling full and satisfied long after the meal). Better yet, it's hearty enough to please meat-eaters, too. It's like a south-of-the-border lasagna!

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Orecchiette in Creamed Corn with Wilted Tomatoes and Arugula

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16 Vegetarian High-Protein Recipes the Entire Family Will Enjoy (2)

Protein: 20 grams per serving

Fresh-off-the-cob sweet corn, grape tomatoes, and pine nuts add a healthy boost to creamy pasta sauce. This vegetarian high-protein recipe is ready in just 35 minutes—perfect for nights when you don't want to spend much time cooking. To keep it genuinely vegetarian, skip the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with another variety that isn't made with rennet.

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Mile-High Meatless Lasagna Pie

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16 Vegetarian High-Protein Recipes the Entire Family Will Enjoy (3)

Protein: 26 grams per serving

Thanks to layers upon layers of noodles and veggies, you'll never have to skip pasta night again if high-protein dinners are your goal. This vegetarian lasagna is high in protein and still has all of our favorite lasagna ingredients—like gooey cheese and creamy ricotta (remember to check that your cheeses are vegetarian).

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Spicy Pasta with Sweet Potatoes

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Protein: 16 grams per serving

This fiber-filled vegetarian high-protein recipe cooks in a single dish and is creamy, chewy, and oh-so-satisfying. While the sweet potato roasts in the oven, prep the rest of this vegetarian main dish to expedite getting dinner onto the table.

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Tofu Spring Rolls

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16 Vegetarian High-Protein Recipes the Entire Family Will Enjoy (5)

Protein: 19 grams per serving

Put your rolling skills to the test! These homemade spring rolls require just five ingredients and 20 minutes to make, so you can start dunking them in soy sauce faster than you can call for delivery.

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Asparagus Falafel

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16 Vegetarian High-Protein Recipes the Entire Family Will Enjoy (6)

Protein: 16 grams per serving

Whether you need a quick lunch or a light dinner, these easy pitas are ready to swoop in and save the day. Each falafel patty is loaded with chickpeas, asparagus, and a blend of herbs and spices, so you can dig into a vegetarian high-protein meal that's far from bland.

07of 16

Creamy Tortellini Soup

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16 Vegetarian High-Protein Recipes the Entire Family Will Enjoy (7)

Protein: 22 grams per serving

This soup recipe is one of our top-rated with 215 ratings! To keep it easy and quick, this high-protein vegetarian soup leans on a premade white sauce mix and canned evaporated milk for its creaminess. We add tortellini and plenty of veggies to pump up its staying power. For a genuinely vegetarian soup, skip the Parmesan cheese.

08of 16

Wild Mushroom Ravioli Skillet Lasagna

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Protein: 26 grams per serving

This is one high-protein vegetarian casserole recipe that really does have it all: six ingredients, made in one pan, and ready in 25 minutes. If that's not enough, just know you'll be in love after only one forkful of this super-delish mushroom ravioli. To make it 100% vegetarian, skip the Romano and Parmesan cheeses or find vegetarian-friendly versions.

09of 16

Tuscan Bean Soup

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16 Vegetarian High-Protein Recipes the Entire Family Will Enjoy (9)

Protein: 16 grams per serving

This dinner soup is a vegetarian high-protein recipe with fiber for extra staying power. It also leans on convenience ingredients (think baby carrots, prewashed spinach, canned beans) to make this dish easy, fast, and simple.

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Fresh Tomato Pizza with Oregano and Mozzarella

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16 Vegetarian High-Protein Recipes the Entire Family Will Enjoy (10)

Protein: 17 grams per serving

Slices of fresh, gooey vegetarian mozzarella cheese provide a hefty dose of protein in this Margherita-style vegetarian pizza. Add in the arugula for extra vitamins, but leave out the optional prosciutto, of course, to keep this pizza recipe vegetarian.

11of 16

Artichoke Flatbread

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16 Vegetarian High-Protein Recipes the Entire Family Will Enjoy (11)

Protein: 21 grams per serving

Mild artichokes pair perfectly with spinach, goat cheese, and tomato in this grilled pizza recipe. Whole wheat naan (an Indian-style flatbread) provides the pizza base, adding nutrients (including a bit of protein) and hearty flavor for the most delicious high-protein vegetarian recipe.

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Skillet Vegetables on Cheese Toast

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16 Vegetarian High-Protein Recipes the Entire Family Will Enjoy (12)

Protein: 15 grams per serving

This quick and easy skillet dish delivers double doses of dairy- and plant-powered protein for a high-protein vegetarian meal. Even better? It preps in a flash, coming together in 20 minutes or less!

13of 16

Mushroom-Garlic Pizza

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16 Vegetarian High-Protein Recipes the Entire Family Will Enjoy (13)

Protein: 20 grams per serving

Ditch the delivery! This homemade pizza with mushrooms and caramelized garlic will quickly become a favorite. We make this high-protein vegetarian recipe quickly by leaning on pre-made dough. But bonus points if you make your dough—we have recipes for that, too.

14of 16

Farro-Stuffed Peppers

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16 Vegetarian High-Protein Recipes the Entire Family Will Enjoy (14)

Protein: 25 grams per serving

Each of these red pepper halves is bursting with good-for-you nutrients from ingredients like summer squash, sweet corn, and high-protein farro, a grain with a slightly nutty flavor. Serve each half as a side dish, or serve two halves for a hearty high protein, vegetarian main dish.

15of 16

Vegetable-Loaded Pasta Bake

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16 Vegetarian High-Protein Recipes the Entire Family Will Enjoy (15)

Protein: 15 grams per serving

Whole wheat penne, kale, skim milk, and cheese ensure this gooey, high-protein vegetarian casserole is a nutritional powerhouse. Curious about what other veggies we packed in for added benefits and flavor? Try cauliflower, corn, celery, peas, and carrots! Skip the Parmesan cheese to make this vegetarian recipe truly veg-friendly.

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Black Bean Cakes with Sweet Corn Salsa

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16 Vegetarian High-Protein Recipes the Entire Family Will Enjoy (16)

Protein: 22 grams per serving

Two protein- and fiber-rich ingredients—black beans and walnuts—form the patty of this delicious veggie burger. You won't miss the meat when you top off this moist black bean cake with our sweet corn salsa: an irresistible combo of corn, tomato, lime juice, and jalapeño. This filling, refreshing vegetarian dinner will satisfy a multitude of palates.

Don't Forget a Protein-Packed Breakfast

Getting protein at breakfast is crucial to performing well throughout the day. A vegetarian breakfast doesn't stop at cereal. These recipes offer fiber, protein, and lots of flavor for a satisfying morning meal.

  • Sheet Pan Egg-Stuffed Bagels will disappear as quickly as you can make them. With cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and plenty of herbs, this flavor-filled breakfast will quickly become a family favorite.
  • Oatmeal with Goat Cheese, Dates, and Honey adds a savory spin to traditional morning fare. You won't miss your usual cinnamon and sugar topping with this vegetarian high-protein recipe.
  • Peanut Butter and Fruit Quinoa isn't an ordinary peanut butter and jelly meal—it's much more! Quinoa is a complete protein, so paired with peanut butter, it's the power boost everyone needs in the morning. The fruit adds the sweetness of jelly, while a few peanuts up the crunch factor.
16 Vegetarian High-Protein Recipes the Entire Family Will Enjoy (2024)

FAQs

How to do a high protein vegetarian diet? ›

If you're considering a vegetarian diet, here are 20 high-quality sources of protein to get you started.
  1. Lentils. Lentils may be red, green, black, or brown. ...
  2. Edamame. Edamame are soybeans harvested before they mature. ...
  3. Beans. Beans are a delicious plant source of protein. ...
  4. Split peas. ...
  5. Tofu. ...
  6. Peanut butter. ...
  7. Oats. ...
  8. Quinoa.
Mar 14, 2024

How to get 30g protein vegetarian? ›

High protein vegetarian meals
  1. Homemade ricotta gnocchi – 25.9g protein per portion.
  2. Warm lentil and halloumi salad – 36.7g protein per portion.
  3. Vegan katsu curry – 32.9g protein per portion (plus sides)
  4. Avocado and halloumi wraps – 28.9g protein per portion.
  5. Creamy garlic mushroom tagliatelle – 27.2g protein per portion.
Jan 12, 2021

What vegetarian foods make a complete protein? ›

There are also a few plant-based sources of complete protein, including:
  • Quinoa.
  • Buckwheat.
  • Hempseed.
  • Blue-green algae.
  • Soybeans.

What is the most filling high protein food? ›

On the satiety index, fish scores higher than all other protein-rich foods, including eggs and beef. Fish had the second highest score of all the foods tested ( 3 ). Another older study compared fish, chicken, and beef protein. The researchers found that fish protein had the strongest effect on satiety ( 25 ).

Which protein is best for belly fat loss? ›

Specifically, whey protein has been shown to help increase fat loss and preserve lean muscle during weight loss efforts.

What is the 90 30 50 method? ›

In one viral TikTok post, Courtney explains the 90-30-50 method. "This structure emphasizes protein (90 grams minimum per day), 30g fiber per day, and 50g healthy fats per day," she writes.

What veggie has the most protein? ›

And what are the best sources for protein?
  • Green peas. Green peas are at the top of the list of the most protein-filled vegetables. ...
  • Spinach. A big crisp spinach salad is certainly refreshing, especially on a hot day in the South. ...
  • Collard greens. ...
  • Sweet corn. ...
  • Mustard greens. ...
  • Lima beans. ...
  • Asparagus. ...
  • Broccoli.

How can a vegetarian get max protein? ›

Vegetarian Protein Sources
  1. Lentils.
  2. Black beans.
  3. Fava beans.
  4. Chickpeas.
  5. Garbanzo beans.
  6. Kidney beans.
  7. Lima beans.
  8. Soybeans.
Aug 31, 2023

What are six 6 vegetarian food sources for protein? ›

Today I'm going to share with you my favorite sources of protein for a plant-based diet.
  • Chia seeds. These tiny little nutritional powerhouses contain about 3.5 grams of protein per two tablespoons. ...
  • Tofu. ...
  • Sprouted Whole Grain Bread. ...
  • Quinoa. ...
  • Hemp Seeds. ...
  • Peanut Butter Powder. ...
  • Oats. ...
  • Nutritional Yeast.

What plant-based food has the most protein? ›

The following healthful, plant-based foods have a high-protein content per serving:
  1. Tofu, tempeh, and edamame. Share on Pinterest Soy products such as tofu, tempeh, and edamame are among the richest sources of protein in a vegan diet. ...
  2. Lentils. ...
  3. Chickpeas. ...
  4. Peanuts. ...
  5. Almonds. ...
  6. Spirulina. ...
  7. Quinoa. ...
  8. Mycoprotein.

What foods are high in protein without meat? ›

Whole soy foods, such as edamame, tofu, tempeh, soy milk and soy nuts, are great sources of lean protein.

How to get 40 grams of protein a day vegetarian? ›

How to get protein without the meat
  1. Pulses. Pulses are an inexpensive protein choice, are high in fibre and a source of iron. ...
  2. Soya beans. ...
  3. Quinoa. ...
  4. Nuts. ...
  5. Seeds. ...
  6. Cereals and grains. ...
  7. Quorn™ ...
  8. Dairy.

Which vegetarian food has more protein than meat? ›

LENTILS.

Much like beans, lentils check some important boxes for herbivores. One cup of cooked lentils has nearly 18g of protein — more than the amount in a hamburger — and also contains a lot of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

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