Looking for vegetarian meals that are filling, satisfying, and naturally high in protein? This collection pulls together easy, flavorful high protein vegetarian recipes that rely on ingredients like beans, lentils, tofu, dairy, and whole grains to deliver protein without feeling heavy or overly “health food.”
A Note From Kristen
I lean on high-protein vegetarian recipes when I want meals that actually keep me full without a lot of fuss. These are the kinds of dishes I make on repeat because they’re practical, flavorful, and built around ingredients I already use regularly. Whether you’re cooking vegetarian full-time or just trying to add more protein-rich meals into your routine, these recipes are solid, reliable options. Happy eating!
~Kristen
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. Let’s 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
Chickpea Chopped Salad
This quick chickpea chopped salad is fresh, filling, and easy to make—packed with crunchy veggies, zesty dressing, and plant-based protein.
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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!
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Vegetarian Bolognese
Hearty, comforting, and completely vegan and vegetarian, this bolognese is your new go-to for easy weeknight dinners and pasta nights!
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Crispy Cajun Tofu Bites Recipe
Crispy Cajun tofu bites deliver the perfect balance of spice and crunch. Make them in the oven, skillet, or air fryer for an easy, flavor-packed snack!
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Butter Beans Recipe
A zesty, creamy, and delicious butter bean recipe that can be enjoyed as is stew-style or served over rice or quinoa for a filling meal.
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Tempeh Curry
This vegan yellow tempeh curry recipe is packed with protein and flavor for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
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Creamy Vegan Tuscan White Bean Soup With Fennel
This tuscan white bean soup recipe is an easy, hearty soup made with beans, herbs, and vegetables. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free.
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Air Fryer Tempeh Recipe
This air fryer tempeh is crispy, filling, and easy to make. It’s naturally gluten-free and vegan, with a light garlic flavor that works well in bowls, salads, or simple sides.
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Avocado Pesto Pasta
This easy avocado pesto pasta recipe is creamy, comforting, and packed with heart-healthy fats. Vegan and easily made gluten-free.
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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.
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Butter Bean Curry
This butter bean curry is rich, cozy, and easy to make with tender butter beans simmered in a warmly spiced sauce. A satisfying vegetarian curry that pairs well with rice, flatbread, or simple sides. Naturally vegan and gluten-free.
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Chickpea Flour Pizza Crust
Made with just 6 simple ingredients, satisfy all your cravings with this naturally gluten-free chickpea flour pizza crust!
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Mung Bean Soup
Enjoy the comfort of a bowl of mung bean soup! This recipe offers a feast for your taste buds thanks to its texture and savory flavors.
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Seitan Burger – Splash of Taste
Easy vegan burger recipe! Our seitan burger is so good, it’s smoky, meaty & very filling & won’t fall apart so great for throwing on the BBQ!
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Halloumi Salad Recipe
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!
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Spicy Coconut Red Lentil Dal (Instant Pot + Stovetop)
Cozy up with this quick, easy, & tasty one pot spicy coconut red lentil dahl that is made with red lentils, coconut milk, tomatoes, garlic, onion and the perfect blend of Indian spices. It makes a most delicious gluten-free, vegan dish served alongside some basmati rice or naan bread! You can make this easy dal in the Instant Pot pressure cooker or on the stovetop!
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The Best Kenyan Githeri Recipe – We Eat At Last
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!
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Butter Bean Stew Recipe
A simple butter bean stew made with tender beans, warming spices, and a rich, well-seasoned broth.
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Easy Shredded Tofu Tacos
Make the best easy shredded tofu tacos for a flavor-packed, plant-based twist on taco night—quick, satisfying, and totally crave-worthy!
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Cookies Recipe
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!
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Teriyaki Tofu Recipe
Loaded with tofu, crisp veggies, delicious teriyaki sauce, garlic, sesame seeds, this Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry is the perfect plant-based meal.
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Spicy Baked Tofu Noodles Recipe
Irresistibly delicious spicy baked tofu noodles in one easy to make dish! Naturally gluten-free and vegan.
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Adzuki Bean Curry
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.
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Chickpea Salad Sandwich Recipe
A super healthy, easy and flavorful Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich filled with garbanzo beans, chopped pickles, walnuts, onion, lemon juice, sriracha, mustard and the PERFECT blend of spices. This makes for one high-protein + high-fiber meal that is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, refined sugar-free, soy-free and DELICIOUS!
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Pan de Yuca
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!
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Red Lentil Flatbread Pizza Crust (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
An easy, healthy and delicious high-fiber & high-protein gluten-free and vegan flatbread pizza crust made with just a few simple ingredients! As an added bonus, this delicious red lentil pizza crust can also be used to make lentil chips, tortillas and crackers !
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Mediterranean Grain Bowls – Two Cloves Kitchen
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!
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Vegan White Chickpea Chili
This vegan white chili with chickpeas is quick and easy to make, packed with a bit of spice, filling, comforting, and super nutritious! Naturally gluten-free.
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Green Lentil Curry (Instant Pot + Stovetop)
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!
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Maple Ginger Tofu
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
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Saag Paneer Recipe – Them Bites
This saag paneer recipe is a delicious vegetarian curry made with creamy paneer, aromatic spices, and beautiful leafy greens like spinach.
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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!
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Copycat Perfect Bar Gluten Free Protein Bars – Burnt Apple
Copycat Perfect Bar Gluten Free Protein Bars No bake bars made with a few ingredients and ready in just a few minutes!
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Lentejas
This comforting, Mexican-inspired dish, known as Sopa de Lentejas, is a traditional lentil soup full of rich, hearty flavors. Slow-cooked to perfection, every spoonful warms the soul with its cozy deliciousness!
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The Best Veggie Burger Recipe
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!
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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!
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Hash Brown Egg Nests
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!
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Grilled Paneer Salad – Easy Indian Cookbook
Grilled paneer salad is made using paneer marinated and grilled tossed with veggies, and a spicy, garlicky dressin. Low-carb and filling.
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Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash
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.
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Paneer Fingers – Rachna Cooks
These delicious paneer fingers are a crunchy and tasty snack. Make them in air fryer or deep fry them the regular way.
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Best Black Bean Brownies (Vegan, Gluten Free) –
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.
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Easy Cucumber & Chickpea Salad – Sula and Spice
You only need 10 minutes and less than 10 ingredients to make this cucumber chickpea salad! An hour to chill and it is ready to serve!
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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 +…
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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!
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Healthy Mushroom Curry With Chickpeas – Daily Dish
This curry with mushrooms gets an added boost of protein from chickpeas and coconut milk. It’s a vegan recipe, gluten free and so delicious!
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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
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