14 High-Protein Vegetarian Meals

Enjoy these meat-free meals and hit your protein goals, too!

Have you always wanted to try the vegetarian diet but worried you won’t get enough protein? We’ve been there. Many vegetarian meals may be nutritious but lack enough protein to keep you full and satiated.

So, how can you follow a vegetarian diet while increasing your protein intake? The solution is to add PLENTY of plant-based protein sources to your meals! Sources like lentils, black beans, chickpeas, tofu, and quinoa have plenty of protein and are perfect for making vegetarian recipes.

Whether you’re interested in weight loss, building muscle, eating a more varied diet, or ditching animal protein, we’ve got you covered. To help you on your journey, we’ve created this list of 14 high-protein recipes. These meals focus on vegetarian protein sources like plant proteins, so you can enjoy nutritious dishes without the meat!

These high-protein vegetarian meals are nutritious, simple to prepare, and family-friendly, making them an excellent option any day of the week! There’s something for everyone; let’s take a look!

5-Ingredient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Thanks to the Greek yogurt and cheddar cheese, this 5-Ingredient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is creamy, comforting, and packed with a WHOPPING 19 grams of protein! It’s also made with whole wheat pasta, so you’re getting a little fiber. If you’re looking for a low-effort comfort food dish, this mac and cheese recipe is for you!

Try it here: 5-Ingredient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Spicy Black Bean and Sweet Potato Burger with Avocado Sauce

If your plant-based burger patties look sad and dry, you have to try this Spicy Black Bean and Sweet Potato Burger with Avocado Sauce! We make the spicy black bean burger base with spices, sweet potatoes, and black beans and top it with a creamy avocado sauce made with Greek yogurt! The result is a protein-packed vegan burger that keeps you full and tastes restaurant-worthy!

Try it here: Spicy Black Bean and Sweet Potato Burger with Avocado Sauce

Slow Cooker Red Lentil and Butternut Squash Stew

Getting in your veggies doesn’t have to be a struggle! With this cozy high-protein stew filled with red lentils and sweet butternut squash, you get a hearty soup that’s protein-packed and delicious! And this recipe is made in the slow cooker for the ultimate low-effort vegetarian dinner.

Try it here: Red Lentil and Butternut Squash Stew

Healthy Black Bean Quesadilla Recipe

Quesadillas aren’t just loaded with cheese. You can also add plant-based sources of protein to them! These quesadillas are loaded with protein-rich black beans and gooey cheese, making them the perfect quick and easy meal. These Tex-Mex beauties only require 5 minutes of prep, contain 267 calories each, and are perfect for family dinner nights or as a party appetizer!

Try it here: Healthy Black Bean Quesadilla Recipe

Crispy Cashew Tofu

Skip the takeout and try making this Crispy Cashew Tofu at home instead! Tofu’s a go-to for vegetarians since it’s packed with plant-based protein from soybeans. Plus, it’s dairy-free and gluten-free, so it’s great for anyone with dietary restrictions. In this dish, the tofu forms a solid protein base, and then we sauté it with veggies, cashews, and teriyaki sauce. Honestly, it ends up tasting even better than what you’d get from your neighborhood Asian spot!

Try it here: Crispy Cashew Tofu

Black Bean Burger Wrap with Chipotle Aioli

Say goodbye to dry frozen veggie burgers and hello to these Black Bean Burger Wraps with Spicy Chipotle Aioli! These black bean burgers are packed with nutritious, protein-rich foods like black beans, oats, and flax seeds. Then, they’re smothered in a smoky chipotle aioli made with tofu, chipotle sauce, and cayenne pepper for a spicy kick!

Try it here: Black Bean Burger Wraps with Spicy Chipotle Aioli

Sheet-Pan Teriyaki Tofu Stir-Fry

This stir-fry is one of our favorite high-protein vegetarian meals. It’s loaded with extra-firm tofu and a rainbow of veggies, all drizzled in a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce. It’s a simple, delicious way to get your protein and veggies in one go. Plus, everything is baked on a sheet pan, making it a great healthy one-pan meal for busy weeknights when your Asian cravings kick in!

Try it here: Sheet-Pan Teriyaki Tofu Stir-Fry

Protein-Packed Vegan Omelet

This vegan omelet is a game-changer for breakfast, packed with plant-based protein from ingredients like chickpea flour and tofu. It’s fluffy, savory, and filled with your favorite veggies, making it a satisfying way to start your day! Plus, it’s totally customizable—throw in whatever veggies or spices you love to make it your own.

Try it here: Protein-Packed Vegan Omelet

Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls with Spiced Tofu

High-Protein Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl with Spiced Tofu

Whether you’re on a vegetarian or plant-based diet, you can’t go wrong with these Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls with Spiced Tofu! These bowls are a protein powerhouse with quinoa, which is a complete protein, and spiced tofu that adds an extra protein punch. Plus, the Mediterranean flavors make it feel fresh and vibrant.

Try it here: Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls with Spiced Tofu

Vegan BLT Sandwich with Waffle Iron Tofu Bacon

Missing bacon on a vegetarian diet? No worries! We make BLT sandwiches with crispy tofu bacon, which is a great source of protein and tastes almost like the real thing! It’s the perfect high-protein sandwich that doesn’t skimp on flavor or satisfaction. This simple vegan recipe is also perfect for quick lunches when you don’t want to put in a ton of effort!

Try it here: Vegan BLT Sandwich with Waffle Iron Tofu Bacon

Protein-Packed Slow Cooker Sweet Potato and Lentil Curry

This curry is the ultimate comfort food, packed with plant-based protein from lentils and sweet potatoes. The best part? The slow cooker handles all the hard work, delivering a rich and flavorful dish with almost no effort on your part. This vegetarian meal is the perfect go-to for when you’re craving something warm, spicy, and totally satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen!

Try it here: Protein-Packed Slow Cooker Sweet Potato and Lentil Curry

Plant-Based Burrito Bowl Recipe

This protein-rich meal is packed with high-protein whole foods like black beans, quinoa, and tofu, making it the ultimate satisfying, healthy dinner. It’s loaded with flavor and all your favorite burrito fillings, minus the tortilla. And it’s perfect if you’re on a vegan diet, too!

Try it here: Plant-Based Burrito Bowl Recipe

Protein-Packed Black Bean and Lentil Soup

This vegetarian soup is as comforting as it gets, with black beans and lentils providing a hefty dose of protein in every spoonful. It’s rich, hearty, and perfect for warming up on a cold day. The best part? It’s a breeze to make, so you can enjoy a nourishing bowl of soup without spending hours in the kitchen.

Try it here: Protein Packed Black Bean and Lentil Soup

Southwestern Black Bean Casserole

This casserole is everything you love about Southwestern flavors, all packed into one protein-rich vegetarian dish. Black beans, corn, and a blend of spices come together under a gooey layer of cheese, making it a comforting, satisfying meal. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week ahead.

Try it here: Southwestern Black Bean Casserole

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14 High-Protein Vegetarian Meals | Delicious Recipes that Pack a Protein Punch