15 High-Protein Plant-Based Dinners

Reach your plant-based protein goals with these delicious recipes.

Black bean and Tofu Enchiladas with Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce

If you’ve recently made the switch to a plant-based diet, you know how important it is to monitor your protein intake. Maintaining a protein-packed meal plan without animal products is perfectly possible, but you have to choose your daily ingredients wisely. The 15 high-protein plant-based dinners below offer a great balance of protein and other macronutrients and will leave you feeling full and satisfied.

Finding a Balance

Choosing plant-based sources of protein means you’ll likely need to eat a higher volume to get your daily nutrients in. But this is actually a win-win. Since vegan proteins like tofu and chickpeas are lower in calories and fat than meat, you can eat more and get in just as much protein. It all evens out. There are a variety of plant-based protein sources to choose from (many of which are healthier and cheaper than meat). It’s just a matter of finding your favorites and sticking to a meal prep schedule that includes them!

What Are the Best Sources of Plant-Based Protein?

These southwest wraps are vegan-friendly and pack with protein!

Vegetables and other plant-based foods offer more protein than you might think. Classic vegan protein sources like tofu and tempeh are a safe bet–these soy products have about 12 to 20 grams of protein per serving. 

Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are inexpensive, heart-healthy, and contain up to 15 grams of protein per cup. You can also opt for vegan meat substitutes like veggie burgers or sausages, especially if you’re new to the diet and miss the taste and texture of meat. (Many of these options are made from wheat-based seitan.) 

But there are also plenty of grain and veggie options you might not even know are protein-packed. For instance, a cup of cooked quinoa contains 8 grams of protein. A serving of portobello mushrooms contains 5 grams of protein, and just two tablespoons of peanut butter contain 8 grams of protein. 

In fact, just about any nut or seed is fair game–hemp seeds contain over 9 grams per serving! So if you’re hesitant to make the switch to a plant-based diet, don’t fret about getting in your daily protein. It’s easier to find than you think!

15 High-Protein Plant-Based Dinners

vegab BLT sandwich is packed with plant-based protein!

Below are 15 of our go-to high-protein vegan meals. All of these recipes are delicious and contain at least 10 grams of protein, so you’ll be energized for the rest of the day!

1. Butternut Squash Buddha Bowl

Whip this healthy buddha bowl up for days that you need fast energy!

Made with simple ingredients (which you can customize depending on your preference and season), these Buddha bowls make for a perfectly balanced lunch or dinner. Wholesome roasted veggies, white beans, and quinoa are topped off with a delicious, tangy Balsamic reduction.

Get the recipe: Butternut Squash Buddha Bowl

2. Sheet-Pan Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry

Our plant-based teriyaki tofu is perfect for lunch or dinner.

There’s nothing like a comforting, flavorful bowl of Teriyaki stir fry, and this one is packed with protein. It’s also low in calories (under 300 per serving) and offers a rainbow of veggies!

Get the recipe: Sheet-Pan Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry

3. Green Goddess Bondi Bowl

Get your daily servings of GREENS with this beautiful bondi bowl.

This gorgeously green Bondi bowl is perfect for meal prepping in batches. Inspired by the cuisine of Bondi Beach, Australia, it’s packed with superfoods that offer a boost of vitamins and antioxidants.

Get the recipe: Green Goddess Bondi Bowl

4. Farro and Black Bean Buddha Bowl

Our Farro and Black bean Buddha Bowl is loaded with flaovr and nutrients!

Ready in less than 30 minutes, this farro and black beans combo offers complete protein as well as healthy carbs and fats. The blend of spices and mango salsa give it a bit of a kick!

Get the recipe: Farro and Black Bean Buddha Bowl

5. Plant-Based Ramen with Edamame

Loaded with veggies, this Japanese-inspired vegetarian dish is warm and comforting. It’s perfect for a cold or rainy day in. This yummy bowl offers 13 grams of plant-based protein per serving!

Get the recipe: Plant-Based Ramen with Edamame

6. Black Bean and Tofu Enchiladas with Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce

We've taken your favorite Tex-Mex flavors and combined them with the healthiest plant-based ingredients!

These healthy enchiladas are bursting with flavor. With spicy sauce, double sources of protein, and a crunch from the red bell pepper, they’re the perfect introduction to vegan food.

Get the recipe: Black Bean and Tofu Enchiladas

7. Spicy Leek and White Bean Stew

A hearty and filling soup that's easy to make on a cold, winter day.

This hearty stew is satisfying and protein-packed. It’s a lighter twist on comfort food that offers a boost of nutrition to get you through the winter months.

Get the recipe: Spicy Leek and White Bean Stew

8. Vegan BLT Sandwich with Waffle-Iron Tofu Bacon

Now our plant-based eaters can enjoy the classic flavors of a BLT with our Vegan BLT Sandwich with Waffle Iron Tofu Bacon

This fun and surprisingly easy sandwich is ready in 20 minutes or less. Who knew that tofu + waffle iron = bacon? Each tasty sandwich provides you with 16 grams of protein.

Get the recipe: Vegan BLT Sandwich

9. Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls with Spiced Tofu

This energy-boosting, plant-based lunch or dinner is made with fresh ingredients and loaded with nutrients!

These delicious Mediterranean-inspired bowls are more than just a salad. Topped with a delicious dollop of hummus, they’re sure to become a household favorite.

Get the recipe: Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls

10. Protein-Packed Vegan “Omelette”

This vegan omelette is packed with protein!

If giving up eggs was a challenge for you, never fear– this vegan omelette is sure to satisfy your craving! Made with chickpea flour and filled with a delicious blend of onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes, it’s the perfect weekend breakfast for dinner.

Get the recipe: Vegan “Omelette”

11. Slow Cooker Turkish Red Lentil Soup

Our slow cooker turkish soup is a good source of plant-based protein.

This protein-packed, Turkish-inspired soup is a deliciously easy slow cooker dinner. You can choose from a variety of toppings, but even a simple squeeze of lemon juice takes it to the next level.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Turkish Lentil Soup

12. Plant-Based Burrito Bowl

These burrito bowls are one of our most popular high-protein plant-based dinners!

Topped with veggies, cilantro, jalapeño, and mashed avocado, our simple burrito bowl makes a quick and delicious lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s healthier, cheaper, and faster than running to your local Chipotle! This particular recipe is one of our most popular high-protein plant-based dinners!

Get the recipe: Plant-Based Burrito Bowl

13. Slow Cooker Chickpea and Vegetable Soup

A comforting plant-based soup.

This light yet comforting soup is so simple to make in your slow cooker. It’s deliciously savory and the perfect remedy for a dreary day. A bowl of this scrumptious soup will get you 13 grams of plant-based protein!

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Chickpea and Vegetable Soup

14. Southwest Veggie Wraps

These easy veggie wraps are bursting with Southwestern flavor. Ready in less than 20 minutes, all they require is beans, veggies, and tortillas with a choice blend of seasonings!

Get the recipe: Southwest Veggie Wraps

15. Mushroom Lentil Loaf

This "meatloaf" is one of our classics.

This mushroom lentil loaf recipe has given meatloaf a new lease on life. It’s an updated take on the childhood classic packed with 21 grams of plant-based protein. A little bit of ketchup takes it to the next level!

Get the recipe: Mushroom Lentil Loaf

Which one of these high-protein plant-based dinners are you going to try first? Let us know in the comment section!

Now that you’ve got dinner covered, try these 15 Plant-Based Breakfast Recipes in the morning! If you’re ready to make the switch and go totally plant-based, try our 7-Day Plant-Based Meal Plan to stay on track. Or take it one day at a time with these 5 Daily Plant-Based Menus for Transitioning to a Vegan Lifestyle.

Remember to follow us on Pinterest for more vegan meal ideas! You can also subscribe to our eNewsletter and we’ll send our latest and greatest recipes directly to your inbox!

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Erin Miller

Erin is an NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist. She is also a Performance Nutrition Coach, certified through the Clean Health Fitness Institute. Some of Erin’s favorite hobbies include hiking, kayaking, and hanging out at the beach, although weight lifting is her greatest passion. She says, “Weight training is one of the most empowering things a person can do. Not just seeing, but feeling yourself transform… There’s just nothing else like it.”

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