I admit that I used to be one of those people who drove my vegetarian friends crazy with questions like, “But how do you get enough protein?” Like most of society, I carried around the belief that the only real way to get all the protein we need for optimal functioning was through animal products. But after years of digging deeper into the issue, my eyes have been opened to the fact that there are major benefits to eating plant-based foods, both for our bodies and for the planet. That’s why I’ve rounded up my favorite high-protein vegetarian meals that are guaranteed to satisfy.
Featured image by Suruchi Avasthi.
The Power of Plant-Based Protein
Through a diet rich in vegetables, legumes, good grains, seeds, and nuts, our bodies will easily get all the amino acids (which form a “complete” protein) they need. Celebrity nutritionist Kimberly Snyder shared with us all the benefits of a plant-based diet. While I do incorporate small amounts of meat and fish into my diet a few times a week, many more of our meals these days are getting all their nutrients from plant-based sources.
There are plenty of accessible foods that can be used to curate delicious high-protein vegetarian meals. Tofu—a soy product—is arguably the most popular source of protein, followed by chickpeas, lentils, quinoa, oatmeal, and a variety of nuts and seeds. Incorporating these ingredients into your weekly meals can help you meet your protein intake through simple, whole foods.
32 High-Protein Vegetarian Meals
Now for the best part: delicious, satisfying, high-protein vegetarian meals. Across breakfast, lunch, and dinner, we’re sharing plant-based options full of protein to keep you satiated and energized. Read on for the best high-protein vegetarian meals for every occasion!
Strawberry Probiotic Smoothie
This vibrant strawberry probiotic smoothie is a refreshing blend of creamy coconut yogurt, almond milk, and fresh and frozen strawberries, making it a perfect way to nourish your body and satisfy your taste buds. Packed with gut-friendly ingredients, it supports digestion while delivering a delicious burst of flavor with every sip. Ideal for a morning pick-me-up or a mid-afternoon boost, this smoothie is as nutritious as it is refreshing.
Pumpkin Protein Pancakes
These Pumpkin Protein Pancakes are the perfect fall-inspired breakfast that’s both indulgent and nourishing (but honestly, I’m obsessed with this recipe any time of the year). Made with a blend of pumpkin puree and cottage cheese, they offer a fluffy, flavorful bite with a boost of nutrition. Whether enjoyed as a weekend treat or a weekday morning pick-me-up, these pancakes are a cozy way to start the day.
Yogurt Toast with Peanut Butter and Banana
While a variety of different toasts are trending, this pared-back version still has my heart. A thick, full-fat yogurt makes the topping taste almost custard-like. In many ways, it’s akin to eating a healthier cake for breakfast—with the best frosting to boot.
Scrambled Egg and Mushroom Toast
An egg-and-mushroom toast might not seem like much, but when you give time, attention, and care to each of the individual components of this dish, magic is sure to ensue. And though we’d gladly enjoy a slice for brunch, it’s an ideal breakfast-for-dinner solution that’s a dream for weeknights.
Ricotta Toast
I could eat ricotta on just about everything. That may be a bit of an exaggeration, but the addition of this light cheese has the potential to enhance the flavor of such a wide variety of recipes. As a huge fan of ricotta toast, this recipe always lingers in my mind in the AM when I’m looking for something a bit savory with a hint of sweet and salty.
Erewhon’s Kale White Bean Salad
This kale and white bean salad is a copycat version of Erewhon’s viral dish—but trust us, it’s just as delicious (if not more) and so much easier on your wallet. With tender kale, creamy white beans, and a bright lemon dressing, it’s a fresh, satisfying option for any day of the week. Perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch, this homemade take might just become your new favorite.
Cumin Chickpea Salad
Vegetarians are likely used to (and admittedly sick of), the fall-back of leaning on beans for protein. And while many restaurant or supermarket salads simply add beans straight from the can, when you’re cooking at home, you have more control over how you build flavor. Case in point, this chickpea salad. The chickpeas are cooked on the stovetop in a mix of ghee, salt, pepper, garam masala, and freshly ground cumin seeds. Expect a burst of flavor in every bite.
Crispy Halloumi Salad
Before my first encounter with this nutrient-packed vegetarian dish, I had yet to discover all halloumi has to offer. This cheese gets its unique reputation for its mild flavor and chewy texture that makes for the perfect addition to your bowl of greens. Pair with this irresistible champagne vinegar dressing for the salad of the summer.
Shredded Kale & Cranberry Salad
This salad has it all. It’s filling (not something you can say for all salads) and incredibly nourishing. It’s packed with protein, healthy fats, carbs, minerals, and vitamins. Plus, it looks great served at any gathering.
White Bean & Raddichio Salad
Raddichio is a seriously underrated salad green. I love that it’s sturdy, colorful, and just a little bit bitter, making it ideal for tossing with creamy cannellini beans and Parmigiano Reggiano. Simple, tasty, and absolutely perfect.
Mango & Coconut Soba Noodle Salad
The combo of mango and coconut may seem a bit out of the ordinary for a soba noodle salad, but believe me: you’re going to be hooked. These fresh, light, and beautiful flavors are too good to be true.
Black Lentil Salad With Roasted Veggies
This unique salad is a rainbow of both bright and muted fall colors. I also love that it utilizes both roasted and fresh veggies. The carrots and Brussels sprouts get coated with a drizzle of olive oil and honey to play up their caramelized sweetness. Toss with sliced red onion and spicy arugula, and you have a dish that’s perfect for any table or appetite.
Green Goddess Nourish Bowl
Inspired by leftover ingredients you’d likely find lying around in your fridge, this nourish bowl is a tasty combination of greens and grains to keep you full and satisfied but not overly stuffed. Pack in your protein with a jammy egg or top with crispy tofu to keep things meat-free.
Rainbow Grain Bowls
Fresh, crunchy vegetables, protein-packed maple-tamari tofu, nutty freekeh, and a seriously yummy maple-harissa dressing. These grain bowls epitomize eating the rainbow and are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Quinoa Bowl with Harissa Roasted Veggies, Avocado, & Fried Egg
This dish is easy to prep in advance, so you don’t have to worry about throwing it together during a chaotic dinner hour. And isn’t it gorgeous? You’ll be shocked at how filling this vitamin-packed bowl is. It’s as satisfying as it is a breeze to make.
Whole Roasted Butternut Squash
A surprisingly filling dish, it’s creamy, smoky, sweet, and filling enough to have as a whole meal and packs tons of flavor and texture thanks to the toppings. The best part? There’s no peeling the butternut squash. Chop, de-seed, and throw the whole thing in the oven. Brilliant.
Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes
I’ll take any excuse to enjoy sweet potatoes for every meal. This crispy, roasted version is the perfect foundation for all your favorite flavor combos, whether you lean savory or sweet. They’re a staple in my dinner rotation: Quick and easy to make—they’re as delicious as they are healthy and loaded with nutrients.
Crispy Roasted Butternut Squash and Quinoa
This loaded quinoa bowl takes roasted butternut squash to the next level. Our go-to tip for making your squash super crispy? Arrange it in a single, even layer on the sheet pan. If you crowd the pan, your squash will steam instead of roast. It’s the key to making this dish a weeknight showstopper.
Kitchari
Apart from kitchari being a stunner of a dish, its blend of warming spices will, without fail, cure what ails you. And as our food editor Suruchi writes, it’s a “bowl that feels like a blanket.” I don’t know about you, but that’s exactly what my cozy season self craves.
Vegan Mushroom Bolognese
This Mushroom Bolognese is a high-protein, vegetarian spin on the classic comfort food, proving that plant-based can be both hearty and satisfying. Thanks to the combination of mushrooms, lentils, and a rich tomato base, it’s packed with nutrients and bold umami flavor. Perfect over pasta or zucchini noodles, it’s a wholesome meal that will keep you full and energized.
Creamy Vegan Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil
This pasta is delicious, healthy, and can be easily whipped up in only 15 minutes, saving you any dinnertime stress. What’s more, the creamy walnut sauce can be made and stored in the fridge for up to two weeks, so you’ll always have a tasty option on hand.
When was the last time you had a truly delicious leek dish? You need to put this one on your list ASAP because it is elite. Nothing beats a high-protein vegetarian meal that includes pasta.
Spicy Peanut Brussels Sprouts Tacos
The Brussels sprouts are the dish’s main focus, coated in a delicious mix of spices and sweetness. A drizzle or two of the peanut sauce, and you’ll be coming back for seconds—maybe even thirds.
Sweet Potato Falafel Veggie Burgers
These homemade, veggie-packed falafel burgers combine so much texture, flavor, and spice for a truly luscious, filling, colorful, and fun dinner. Add a side of sweet potato fries, and you have a real treat.
Spring Onion and Goat Cheese Quiche
This easy stunner of a quiche is the perfect foundational recipe for any and all of your favorite veggies. I love that it wraps nutrient-dense ingredients in parmesan, eggs, milk, and a crispy crust to help you enjoy its vibrant flavor and appeal all the more. While you might already have your favorite, tried-and-true quiche recipe, I encourage you to give this one a spin.
Asparagus, Potato, & Goat Cheese Frittata
Frittatas have forever ruined omelets for me—I’m officially a convert. Not only are they more attractive visually, but there’s something about the ratio of flavors that’s distributed perfectly across your dish.
Spicy Turkish Eggs
It’s hard to pin down the highlight of this dish. What I like the most? You can enjoy these eggs for just about every meal. Also known as Çilbir, this dish crafts the perfect blend of savory with eggs and Greek yogurt and spicy with a touch of chili oil for a simple yet luxurious meal.
Coconut Curry Red Lentil Soup
When all you desire is snuggling up on the couch with a hearty bowl of soup, this recipe has you covered. It’s more than enough to fill you up, thanks to the protein-packed lentils. Oh, and it tastes delicious!
Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili
This vegetarian and gluten-free recipe can be easily reheated, is packed with nutrients, fits a variety of dietary needs, and, most importantly, is incredibly delicious.
One-Pot Vegetarian Chili
I love a good classic Texas chili recipe, but I’m not always craving something packed with multiple forms of red meat, especially during the warmer months. Luckily, this recipe is the perfect solution for getting in your chili fix while keeping things lighter. Not to mention, the flavor is incredible, with a kick from sliced jalapeños and a tasty blend of spices.
Farinata With Caramelized Onions and Pesto
Part pizza, part flatbread, and with all these veggies packed in, this farinata does it all. The chickpea flour flatbread is topped with jammy caramelized onions and an incredibly flavorful hazelnut-arugula pesto. It’s divine.
Roasted Carrot and Red Pepper Hummus Flatbread
My favorite high-protein vegetarian meals are those that let me clean out the fridge and use up my veggies before they go bad. And if they taste delicious and look gorgeous on the plate? Well, that’s just an added bonus. This stunner of a flatbread checks all the boxes on what makes an incredible vegetarian meal. Layers of creamy, vibrant hummus get topped with a few favorite veggies for crunch and texture. It doesn’t get better than that.
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
This is such a fresh, healthy, and comforting high-protein vegetarian meal that will make even the pickiest meat-eaters obsessed. While stuffed portobello mushrooms have historically been known to lack flavor, these get the next-level treatment. Slowly-cooked caramelized onions and a sprinkling of parm and mozzarella is all it takes.
