20 High Protein Vegetarian Recipes You Need to Try (2024)

On a vegetarian diet but want to increase your protein intake? These high protein vegetarian meals will help you achieve your goals.

More and more of us are either trying to eat less meat- or skip it entirely. So, we’re turning to more vegetarian/vegan meals.

But if not appropriately planned, vegetarian/vegan dishes can be low in protein. And when you don’t have enough protein, you don’t feel satisfied.

These vegetarian/vegan recipes are packed with protein. So, you don’t feel peckish.

1. Tofu Scramble Recipe

Credit: diabetesstrong.com

This tofu scramble is fluffy and packed with flavor.

Unlike scrambled eggs, tofu scramble keeps well in the fridge.

Just make sure you store it in a good airtight container to keep it fresh. I recommend these food storage containers because they don’t contain toxic chemicals that will leak into your food.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 238
• Fats: 11g
• Protein: 20.5g
• Carbs: 16.6g
• Fiber: 8.2g
• Sugar: 4.3g

Recipe

2. Peanut Soba Noodles With Roasted Broccoli

Credit: itsavegworldafterall.com

Soba noodles are high in protein. They are also high in soluble fiber, which may help you lose belly fat.

This dish is sure to transport your taste buds to Asia. It’s creamy, savory, sweet, tangy, and has a hint of heat.

Serve warm or cold.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 370
• Fats: 15g
• Protein: 17g
• Carbs: 51g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugar: 9g

Recipe

3. Vanilla Chia Seed Protein Smoothie

Credit: lowcarbafrica.com

To boost the protein content in this smoothie, you’ll be using protein powder. I like this protein powder here because it’s not only high in protein but low in carbs. If you prefer a vegan-friendly powder, here’s a non-GMO vegan protein powder that’s also low in carbs.

Check out more healthy smoothies here.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 538
• Fats: 39g
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 1g

Recipe

4. Low Carb Smoothie Bowl With Berries

Credit: diabetesstrong.com

To make this smoothie bowl, you’ll be using psyllium husk powder. Psyllium husk powder is good for your digestion.

It may even help you lose weight too.

If you want, you can add toppings like cocoa nibs, chopped nuts, or even coconut flakes.

Love smoothies? Check out these low carb smoothie recipes.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 166
• Fats: 9.2g
• Protein: 17.6g
• Carbs: 4.1g
• Fiber: 3.3g
• Sugar: 1.2g

Recipe

5. Easy Vegan Chili With Beans & Millet

Credit: mypureplants.com

This chili has beans, corn, and even millet. The millet gives the chili that ground beef texture that you have with traditional chili… But without the meat.

Besides the millet, there’s a bit of wine and even some chocolate. The smoked paprika adds some smokiness, and the sriracha adds some heat.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 251
• Fats: 5.2g
• Protein: 9.5g
• Carbs: 42
• Fiber: 8.9g
• Sugar: 12.8g

Recipe

6. Juicy Vegan Lentil Loaf

Credit: mypureplants.com

This lentil loaf is sure to satisfy your cravings.

It is rich and moist. The mushrooms add meaty texture, while the soy sauce adds some umami flavor.

Meanwhile, the smoked paprika adds the smokiness. The carrots and celery add brightness.

Check out more high protein pantry recipes here.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 133
• Fats: 2.2g
• Protein: 5.7g
• Carbs: 24.8g
• Fiber: 4.1g
• Sugar: 3.7g

Recipe

7. Instant Pot Mexican Pinto Beans

Credit: recipesfromapantry.com

To make this dish, add some oil to your Instant Pot and sautee your onions for 5 minutes. Then dump the rest of your ingredients in your Instant Pot and cook for 40 minutes.

There’s a good deal on this high-quality Instant Pot here.

Check out more high protein low-fat recipes like this.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 240
• Fats: 2g
• Protein: 13g
• Carbs: 43g
• Fiber: 10g
• Sugar: 5g

Recipe

8. Vegan Sloppy Joes With Lentils

Credit: heynutritionlady.com

These Vegan Sloppy Joes are packed with flavor. You’ve got your umami from the soy sauce, and your sweetness from the maple syrup.

The apple cider vinegar and tomato paste add some acidity, while the cumin provides some warmth.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 211
• Fats: 5g
• Protein: 10g
• Carbs: 32g
• Fiber: 12g
• Sugar: 10g

Recipe

9. Tempeh Tacos

Credit: heynutritionlady.com

These Tempeh tacos are packed with seasoned tempeh and sauteed onions and garlic.

And we can’t forget about the fixings! There’s crunchy cabbage, creamy avocado, fiery hot sauce, and pickled jalapenos.

It’s also a great source of plant-based protein.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 198
• Fats: 11g
• Protein: 8g
• Carbs: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g

Recipe

10. Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets

Credit: thebellyrulesthemind.net

These Tofu Nuggets are G.O.O.D.

Best of all they’re healthy for you.

That’s because you’re not deep-frying them. Instead, you cook them in an air fryer.

If you don’t have an air fryer yet, there’s a great deal on this one now.

Check out more high protein dinner ideas like this.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 353
• Fats: 12g
• Protein: 21g
• Carbs: 20g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugar: 6g

Recipe

11. Sweet Potato, Chickpea & Red Lentil Soup

Credit: supergoldenbakes.com

Are you having a bad day? There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of soup.

And this soup hits the spot. It’s creamy, filling, and nutritious…much better than a bowl of ice cream.

It looks and tastes amazing too. You’ll definitely want seconds.

So, go ahead, you deserve it.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 250
• Fats: 5g
• Protein: 11g
• Carbs: 38g
• Fiber: 14g
• Sugar: 4g

Recipe

12. Vegan Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie

Credit: diabetesstrong.com

To increase the protein content, you’ll be adding some protein powder. I like this vegan protein powder because it doesn’t have added sugar.

The hemp seeds also provide a great source of plant-based protein. They also provide tons of healthy fats that are good for your skin.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 286
• Fats: 11.6g
• Protein: 16.8g
• Carbs: 27.9g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 11g

Recipe

13. Sheet Pan Garlic Tofu

Credit: emilykylenutrition.com

This tofu is pretty tasty. The balsamic vinegar adds some sweetness and acidity, while the minced garlic adds savory notes.

Meanwhile, the cranberries and pumpkin seeds add tastes of fall.

The Brussels sprouts are nicely caramelized too.

What I love most about this dish is that it’s a one-sheet pan meal.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 250
• Fats: 2g
• Protein: 13g
• Carbs: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 13g

Recipe

14. Zucchini Pea Ricotta Slice

Credit: goodiegoodielunchbox.com.au

This dish is cheesy and packed with zucchini and peas.

It freezes well too. So, it’s perfect for meal prep.

Just make sure to place it in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. These ones are good because they don’t contain toxic chemicals that will leak into your food.

Check out more high protein freezer meals here!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 248
• Fats: 13.4g
• Protein: 15.1g
• Carbs: 16.5g
• Fiber: 1.3g
• Sugar: 1g

Recipe

15. Quinoa Enchilada Bake

Credit: beyondthechickencoop.com

This casserole is yummy, cheesy, and packed with Mexican flavors.

And we can’t forget about the quinoa. Besides being high in protein, quinoa has tons of other nutrients.

Making this casserole is really easy. Just dump all your ingredients in a casserole dish, and bake.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 346
• Fats: 13g
• Protein: 18g
• Carbs: 39g
• Fiber: 9g
• Sugar: 6g

Recipe

16. Garlic, Ginger, Lime-Marinated Tofu & Quinoa

Credit: ohsweetmercy.com

This dish is a variation of a stir-fry, but instead of rice, you’re using quinoa.

It has a nice balance of umami, sweet, and sour.

It’s also packed with a medley of veggies like baby bok choy, celery, snow peas, broccoli, and shiitake mushrooms.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 374.2
• Fats: 11.5g
• Protein: 23.6g
• Carbs: 48.4g
• Fiber: 8.7g
• Sugar: 6.7g

Recipe

17. Vegan Tortilla Soup

Credit: cadryskitchen.com

This soup is warm, hearty, and packed with delicious flavors. The creaminess of the avocados balances out the acidity of the fire-roasted tomatoes.

Meanwhile, the red bell peppers and corn add pops of color. And the black beans and seitan make it really filling.

You’ll also love the crispy air-fried tortilla strips.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 363
• Fats: 12g
• Protein: 21g
• Carbs: 49g
• Fiber: 17g
• Sugar: 7g

Recipe

18. Vegan Chicken Salad

Credit: cadryskitchen.com

For this dish, you want your seitan and veggies to be in bite-size pieces. To make this easier, you can just process everything in a food processor. This food processor should do the trick.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 284
• Fats: 7g
• Protein: 18g
• Carbs: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g

Recipe

19. Crispy Vegan Chicken Wings With Buffalo Sauce

Credit: nutriciously.com

These vegan chicken wings are crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. And the homemade Buffalo sauce is packed with flavor.

The tomato paste and apple cider vinegar add acidity, while the smoked paprika adds the smokiness. The dates add natural sweetness, while the soy sauce adds umami flavor.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 249
• Fats: 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Carbs: 49g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 13g

Recipe

20. Mashed Chickpea Salad Recipe

Credit: pepperbowl.com

Do you love Mediterranean flavors? Then, give this chickpea salad a try.

The mashed chickpeas add some creaminess, while the celery and carrot add some crunch.

Meanwhile, the tomatoes and lime juice add some acidity that balances out the chickpeas.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 211
• Fats: 4g
• Protein: 11g
• Carbs: 33g
• Fiber: 11g
• Sugar: 1g

Recipe