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Looking to add more protein to your vegetarian diet? You’re in luck because there are plenty of delicious and satisfying high-protein vegetarian recipes out there that will help you meet your nutritional needs. In this post, we’ll share some of our favorite high-protein vegetarian recipes that are packed with flavor.
Protein is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in building and repairing tissues, as well as maintaining muscle mass and healthy bones. While many people associate protein with meat, there are plenty of high-protein vegetarian sources, such as legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. In this article, we’ll explore some delicious high-protein vegetarian recipes that are easy to make and packed with nutrients!
High Protein Vegetarian Foods
Here are some high-protein vegetarian foods:
Lentils: 1 cup of cooked lentils contains about 18 grams of protein.
Chickpeas: 1 cup of cooked chickpeas contains about 15 grams of protein.
Tofu: 1/2 cup of firm tofu contains about 10 grams of protein.
Quinoa: 1 cup of cooked quinoa contains about 8 grams of protein.
Seitan: 3 ounces of seitan contains about 20 grams of protein.
Greek Yogurt: 1 cup of Greek yogurt contains about 23 grams of protein.
Soy Milk: 1 cup of soy milk contains about 8 grams of protein.
Edamame: 1 cup of cooked edamame contains about 17 grams of protein.
Hemp Seeds: 1 ounce of hemp seeds contains about 9 grams of protein.
Chia Seeds: 1 ounce of chia seeds contains about 4 grams of protein.
Peanut Butter: 2 tablespoons of peanut butter contain about 8 grams of protein.
Almonds: 1 ounce of almonds contains about 6 grams of protein.
Spinach: 1 cup of cooked spinach contains about 5 grams of protein.
Broccoli: 1 cup of cooked broccoli contains about 4 grams of protein.
Cottage Cheese: 1/2 cup of cottage cheese contains about 14 grams of protein (Note: Cottage cheese is vegetarian, but not vegan).
Black Beans: 1 cup of cooked black beans contains about 15 grams of protein.
Tempeh: 3 ounces of tempeh contains about 15 grams of protein.
Green Peas: 1 cup of cooked green peas contains about 8 grams of protein.
Oats: 1 cup of cooked oats contains about 6 grams of protein.
Sunflower Seeds: 1 ounce of sunflower seeds contains about 5 grams of protein.
Pumpkin Seeds: 1 ounce of pumpkin seeds contains about 9 grams of protein.
Brussels Sprouts: 1 cup of cooked Brussels sprouts contains about 4 grams of protein.
Asparagus: 1 cup of cooked asparagus contains about 4 grams of protein.
Artichokes: 1 medium artichoke contains about 4 grams of protein.
Nutritional Yeast: 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast contain about 8 grams of protein.
These are just a few examples of high-protein vegetarian foods, but there are many other plant-based protein options to choose from as well. It’s important to vary your sources of protein to get all the essential amino acids that your body needs.
High Protein Vegetarian Meals and Recipes
Savory Oatmeal
This savory oatmeal recipe with zucchini is a delicious breakfast or brunch with a lovely texture and consistency, a good dose of vegetables and gluten-free, vegetarian to boot!
Super crispy, filling and flavorful Air Fryer Tempeh will become a meal time staple in no time! This Air Fried Tempeh could not be easier to make! Naturally gluten-free and vegan, with beautiful hints of garlic.
Vegan Picadillo – Plant Based Tempeh and Lentil Picadillo Recipe – Running to the Kitchen
Vegan picadillo made with tempeh, lentils and potatoes is packed with big flavors from Spanish olives, capers, raisins and spices in a hearty tomato base.
Halloumi salad is a great way to make a meal out of a salad. With artichoke hearts, red onion, and delicious homemade dressing, this easy vegetarian salad recipe hits all the marks!
The best Githeri recipe! Combining the flavors of garam masala, curry powder, and potatoes this slightly spicy Kenyan recipe made without meat will blow you away!
Easy, healthy, and delicious gluten-free & vegan No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Cookies with a Peanut Butter Coconut Flour Glaze. These flavorful cookies will satisfy your sweet cravings without the use of refined sugar and provide the perfect energy boost any time of day!
An incredibly flavorful coconut curry broth enveloping adzuki beans makes for one filling and healthy meal when served alongside rice or quinoa. This Adzuki Bean Curry is vegan and gluten-free.
This easy and delicious gluten-free cheese bread made with tapioca flour, has its roots in Ecuador. Pan de Yuca will become a dinner table staple in no time!
Mediterranean grain bowls combine whole grains, lots of healthy vegetables, and fresh, bright, bold Mediterranean flavors for an easy, healthy, delicious weeknight meal ready in about 10 minutes!
This Vegan Green Lentil Curry recipe can be in an Instant Pot pressure cooker or on the stovetop for one quick, easy, healthy and delicious Indian inspired dish!
This Sticky Maple Ginger Tofu Rice Noodle Bowl with Steamed Broccoli makes for one comforting and nutritious gluten-free vegan meal! #tofu #gingertofu #bakedtofu #mapletofu
Spicy Southwestern Vegan Corn Chowder with Quinoa, Potatoes + Red Lentils
An easy, healthy, and delicious protein-packed gluten-free vegan Southwestern Chowder chock-full of corn, potatoes, quinoa, red lentils, green chiles, chipotle peppers, veggies and an amazing blend of spices. This amazingly delicious vegetarian chowder is incredibly filling, comforting, and flavorful and makes a great lunch or dinner!
These delicious gluten-free veggie burgers are made with a combination of rice, lentils, sunflower seeds, and the perfect blend of spices. Perfectly crispy and delicious, this is definitely The Best Veggie Burger Recipe!
Vegan Quinoa and Edamame Salad – iHeart Vegetables
This edamame and quinoa salad is made with crunchy romaine, red cabbage, shredded carrots, fresh cilantro, and roasted cashews. It’s an irresistible blend of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more!
An easy, healthy, delicious and fun way to eat hash browns and eggs for breakfast! These gluten-free “nests” are perfect for an Easter brunch or any occasion!
Super flavorful and aromatic Stuffed Acorn Squash Boats filled with quinoa, chickpeas, apricots and the perfect blend of spices for one easy, healthy and delicious meal. From "The Vegetarian Family Cookbook" by Kristen Wood.
A rich, creamy and fragrant Sage and Hazelnut Pesto recipe, with both a vegetarian and vegan option. This vibrant green condiment is great served over pasta, atop pizza, as a dip for veggies and more!
No flour is to be found in these delicious, healthy, vegan and gluten-free brownies that are made with black beans. They are so moist and fudgy, you won’t believe your taste buds! They really are the best brownies.
Homemade Protein Bars Recipe [without protein powder] – Masala Herb
Best tasting, easy homemade protein bars recipe. Make your own at home! Take your homemade protein bars with you to work or school and enjoy as a healthy 🌱 snack. I made the bars without protein powder, gluten free and used only organic ingredients. Make vegan with almond milk powder. Incl how to +…
Quinoa, Kabocha Squash and Chickpeas – Immigrant’s Table
This quinoa with kabocha squash and chickpeas is full of plump legumes & drizzled with a herbaceous green tahini sauce. Great for vegetarian Thanksgiving!
Double Chocolate Protein Fluff (5 Minute Recipe, Healthy) – Fit As A Mama Bear
Indulge in all the creaminess of double chocolate with this one-minute vegan protein fluff. Made with vegan protein powder and sweetened with maple syrup, @fitasamamabear
This cauliflower rice curry with sweet potatoes in an Indian inspired coconut curry base is easy, rich, flavorful, vegan, gluten-free and a unique use for riced cauliflower.
35 High Protein Vegetarian Recipes: Teriyaki Tofu & More!
Looking to add more protein to your vegetarian diet? You're in luck because there are plenty of delicious and satisfying high-protein vegetarian recipes out there that will help you meet your nutritional needs. In this post, we'll share some of our favorite high-protein vegetarian recipes that are packed with flavor.
In a bowl, coat the cubed tofu with tapioca starch. Toss the bowl to spread the starch evenly.
Pour three tablespoons of avocado oil into your wok and place it over medium heat. Once the oil is heated, add the coated tofu cubes. Stir fry them until they turn light brown on all sides (for about 10 minutes). Remove the tofu from the wok and place it aside.
Throw the veggies into the wok and stir fry them until desired tenderness. Once ready, place the tofu back into the wok.
Pour the teriyaki sauce together with one tablespoon of olive oil into the wok. Add the minced garlic and stir. Stir fry for a few more minutes.
Remove the wok from heat.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the tofu stir-fry. Serve immediately.
Hello! I’m a mama, food writer, photographer, recipe developer, and cookbook author. I enjoy sharing both wildly creative and ridiculously practical gluten-free vegetarian recipes that are approachable for all. Welcome!