28 High-Protein Vegetarian Dinners That Are Delicious and Easy to Make (2024)

These recipes for high-protein vegetarian meals are sure to leave you feeling satisfied at the end of a long day. Each dinner focuses on delicious plant-based sources of protein, like artichokes, tofu and lentils, plus some eggs and cheese, for more than 15 grams of protein per serving. Recipes like our Spinach & Mushroom Quiche and Red Lentil Soup with Saffron require 25 minutes of active time or less, so dinner can be a stress-free affair.

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Spinach & Mushroom Quiche

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28 High-Protein Vegetarian Dinners That Are Delicious and Easy to Make (1)

This healthy vegetarian quiche recipe is as simple as it gets. It's a quiche without the fussy crust! It's filled with sweet wild mushrooms and savory Gruyère cheese. Enjoy it for breakfast or brunch, or serve it with a light salad for lunch.

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Red Lentil Soup with Saffron

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28 High-Protein Vegetarian Dinners That Are Delicious and Easy to Make (2)

This hearty red lentil soup uses spices common in Persian cuisine: turmeric, cumin and saffron. Enjoy it with a warm baguette or steamed rice.

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Chickpea Pasta with Mushrooms & Kale

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28 High-Protein Vegetarian Dinners That Are Delicious and Easy to Make (3)

Loading up your pasta with vegetables like the kale and mushrooms here is not only delicious, it also makes the meal more satisfying.

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Cilantro Bean Burgers with Creamy Avocado-Lime Slaw

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28 High-Protein Vegetarian Dinners That Are Delicious and Easy to Make (4)

Lighten up your burger! Bean patties have less saturated fat and more fiber than beef patties. They're also cheaper and easier to cook indoors—and we promise they're just as satisfying, especially with the mouthwatering creamy slaw on top.

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Cheesy Zucchini Quiche

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28 High-Protein Vegetarian Dinners That Are Delicious and Easy to Make (5)

This cheesy crustless zucchini quiche has plenty of leeks and zucchini enveloped in a light custard. Feta and fontina cheeses add a rich depth of flavor. Serve it for brunch or anytime you have extra zucchini on hand.

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One-Pot Lentils & Rice with Spinach

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28 High-Protein Vegetarian Dinners That Are Delicious and Easy to Make (6)

This hearty vegan dish gets its earthy flavor from cumin and brown rice. If you can handle extra heat, try doubling the crushed red pepper for a bigger punch of flavor.

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Cajun-Spiced Tofu Tostadas with Beet Crema

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Crumbled tofu spiced up with Cajun seasoning is layered onto these tostadas with a juicy mango slaw. A dollop of sour cream zhuzhed up with beet and lime adds even more flavor. Look for precooked beets in the produce department of your grocery store.

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Frittata with Asparagus, Leek & Ricotta

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28 High-Protein Vegetarian Dinners That Are Delicious and Easy to Make (8)

Serve this spring vegetable-loaded frittata with an argula salad and a hunk of crusty bread. Tip: This recipe cooks quickly, so be sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go.

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Cheesy Spinach-Zucchini Lasagna

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28 High-Protein Vegetarian Dinners That Are Delicious and Easy to Make (9)

Thanks to jarred marinara sauce and oven-ready lasagna noodles, this labor-of-love kind of meal can be ready in about an hour.

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Cheesy Marinara Beans

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28 High-Protein Vegetarian Dinners That Are Delicious and Easy to Make (10)

This ooey-gooey dish has baked-pasta vibes but features protein-packed beans instead of noodles. Look for dried corona beans, a larger, creamy white bean, at natural-foods stores or online. Cannellini are a good substitute. Serve with a green salad and toasted baguette.

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One-Pot Lentils & Rice with Spinach

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This hearty vegan dish gets its earthy flavor from cumin and brown rice. If you can handle extra heat, try doubling the crushed red pepper for a bigger punch of flavor.

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Black Bean-Quinoa Bowl

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28 High-Protein Vegetarian Dinners That Are Delicious and Easy to Make (12)

This black bean and quinoa bowl has many of the usual hallmarks of a taco salad, minus the fried bowl. We've loaded it up with pico de gallo, fresh cilantro and avocado plus an easy hummus dressing to drizzle on top.

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Spinach & Artichoke Dip Pasta

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28 High-Protein Vegetarian Dinners That Are Delicious and Easy to Make (13)

If you've ever wanted to make a meal out of warm spinach and artichoke dip, this creamy pasta is for you. And here's what's almost as good as the flavor of this comforting dish: the fact that this healthy dinner takes just 20 minutes to prepare.

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One-Pot Lentil & Vegetable Soup with Parmesan

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This lentil-vegetable soup is packed with kale and tomatoes for a filling, flavorful main dish. If you have it, the Parmesan cheese rind adds nuttiness and gives the broth some body.

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Broccoli & Quinoa Casserole

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28 High-Protein Vegetarian Dinners That Are Delicious and Easy to Make (15)

This broccoli-quinoa casserole makes a hearty vegetarian main dish. As the quinoa absorbs water and cooks, it creates the perfect amount of steam for cooking the broccoli. Swap in tricolor quinoa, if you prefer.

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Rainbow Grain Bowl with Cashew Tahini Sauce

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28 High-Protein Vegetarian Dinners That Are Delicious and Easy to Make (16)

This vibrant bowl is packed with nutrients to keep you full for hours. Look for precooked lentils in the refrigerated section of the produce department.

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Citrus Lime Tofu Salad

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28 High-Protein Vegetarian Dinners That Are Delicious and Easy to Make (17)

This veggie-packed salad has plenty of protein and fiber, so you'll feel full and satisfied. Prep the ingredients ahead of time for an easy vegan lunch idea to pack for work.

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Stuffed Sweet Potato with Hummus Dressing

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28 High-Protein Vegetarian Dinners That Are Delicious and Easy to Make (18)

Hearty yet simple to prepare, this stuffed sweet potato with black beans, kale and hummus dressing is a fantastic 5-ingredient lunch for one!

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Farro Salad with Arugula, Artichokes & Pistachios

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28 High-Protein Vegetarian Dinners That Are Delicious and Easy to Make (19)

Precooked farro makes this dish come together in no time. And you can make it in the same bowl you serve it in, minimizing cleanup!

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Black Bean-Cauliflower "Rice" Bowl

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28 High-Protein Vegetarian Dinners That Are Delicious and Easy to Make (20)

This aromatic cauliflower rice bowl comes together in minutes and is a simple meal for one. Using frozen riced cauliflower instead of rice keeps the carbs in check—and makes for quicker prep.

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Green Goddess Grain Bowl

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28 High-Protein Vegetarian Dinners That Are Delicious and Easy to Make (21)

This healthy grain bowl packs in the greens with peas, asparagus and a creamy yogurt dressing. Tofu adds protein while keeping it vegetarian, but you could also swap in cooked shrimp or chicken for a satisfying dinner or packable lunch ready in just 15 minutes.

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White Bean Ragout

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28 High-Protein Vegetarian Dinners That Are Delicious and Easy to Make (22)

Topped with Asiago cheese, this bean ragout dinner for two is perfect for a cool fall night.

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Piled-High Vegetable Pitas

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Fresh, bright flavors come alive in these easy vegetarian pitas. Give yourself enough time to make the roasted vegetables called for in the recipe—or make them a day or two in advance for a healthy meal that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. These pitas would also work well with whatever leftover cooked veggies you have on hand. No need to warm the roasted veggies up; this recipe tastes great chilled or at room temperature.

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Baked Eggs in Tomato Sauce with Kale

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28 High-Protein Vegetarian Dinners That Are Delicious and Easy to Make (24)

You can make these three-ingredient tomato-simmered eggs with things you probably already have on hand in your freezer and pantry. To make these baked eggs more like eggs in purgatory, look for a spicy tomato sauce and don't forget some whole-wheat bread for dipping.

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Quinoa Chickpea Salad with Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Dressing

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28 High-Protein Vegetarian Dinners That Are Delicious and Easy to Make (25)

This hearty vegan salad is loaded with plant-based power ingredients: chickpeas, quinoa and hummus. We love the crunch of the sunflower seeds and the unexpected flavor of roasted peppers.

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Chickpea & Quinoa Grain Bowl

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28 High-Protein Vegetarian Dinners That Are Delicious and Easy to Make (26)

It seems grain bowls have as many variations as there are stars in the sky, and there is no wrong way to build one! But we prefer to keep things classic and simple with hummus, quinoa, avocado and loads of veggies!

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Sichuan Ramen Cup of Noodles with Cabbage & Tofu

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The Sichuan province in the southwestern corner of China is known for its fiery dishes. Here, the richness of tahini tempers the spicy chile paste in this cup-of-noodles-style mason jar soup recipe. You can grind the Sichuan peppercorns in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, or crush them with the bottom of a heavy skillet.

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Roasted Root Veggies & Greens over Spiced Lentils

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28 High-Protein Vegetarian Dinners That Are Delicious and Easy to Make (28)

This earthy bowl of lentils bursting with Middle Eastern flavors is topped with leftover roasted root veggies from a large batch for an easy weeknight dinner. Keep it vegan or add a drizzle of plain yogurt for extra richness.

28 High-Protein Vegetarian Dinners That Are Delicious and Easy to Make (2024)

FAQs

What vegetarian foods are high in protein? ›

17. Protein-rich fruits and vegetables. Although all fruits and vegetables contain protein, some contain more than others. Vegetables with the most protein include broccoli, spinach, asparagus, artichokes , potatoes, sweet potatoes , and Brussels sprouts, which typically contain 4–5 g of protein per cooked cup.

How to get 30 grams of protein per meal vegetarian? ›

3 meal options with 30 grams of protein
  1. Quinoa and lentil salad. Both quinoa and lentils are loaded with protein. ...
  2. Scrambled tofu and veggie bowl. This vegan meal option can also offer a variety of nutrients along with enough protein. ...
  3. Masoor dal kebabs. Masoor dal is commonly used in Indian households.
Oct 27, 2023

What is a high-protein meal for people who don't eat meat? ›

21 Meals With Tons Of Protein And No Meat
  • Bean, Kale, and Egg Stew. ...
  • Cashew Noodles with Broccoli and Tofu. ...
  • Black Bean, Arugula, and Poached Egg Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. ...
  • Peanutty Quinoa Bowls with Baked Tofu. ...
  • Black Bean Salad. ...
  • Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie With Seitan. ...
  • Vegan Chili. ...
  • Bean-Kale Burgers With Sweet Potato Wedges.
Jan 11, 2014

How to make vegetarian meals more filling? ›

To feel more full while following a vegetarian diet, try incorporating more fiber and whole grains into your meals. Incorporating nuts, seeds, and beans into your diet can help you to feel more satisfied.

What is the best easy protein for vegetarians? ›

Beans and legumes are two of the best sources of protein for vegetarians because you can use them in place of almost any meat in curries, salads, soups, tacos, and similar dishes. They come in many varieties, including: Lentils. Black beans.

Which vegetarian food has more protein than meat? ›

Vegetables that are high in protein

Broccoli. Asparagus. Brussels sprouts. Artichokes.

What food is 30% protein? ›

Here's a list of some of the top choices if you want to hit that 30% Protein Rule.
FoodProtein %
Tempeh38.75%
Ground bison 85/1534%
Broccoli33.60%
1% Milk32%
26 more rows

How do vegetarians get protein in every meal? ›

Eat beans, pulses, eggs and other sources of protein

Pulses include beans, peas and lentils. They're a low-fat source of protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals, and count as a portion of vegetables. Nuts and seeds are also a source of protein and other nutrients.

What are the most filling vegetarian foods? ›

We prove it with these hearty, filling dishes that are completely meat-free.
  • Bill Granger's Braised White Beans, Grilled Spring Greens and Sourdough Crumb. ...
  • Thai Zucchini Egg Laksa. ...
  • Soba noodle salad. ...
  • Keto-Friendly Baked Pumpkin Frittata. ...
  • DIY Vegie Tacos. ...
  • Asparagus and Potato Tortilla. ...
  • Vegetarian mushroom bolognaise sauce.

How do you eat protein when you're poor? ›

Cheap and Healthy Sources of Protein
  1. Sardines. 1/11. You don't need to spend a bundle to stock up on protein-rich foods. ...
  2. Cottage Cheese. 2/11. Cottage cheese not only has nearly 24 grams of protein per cup, it also has casein. ...
  3. Lentils. 3/11. ...
  4. Oats. 4/11. ...
  5. Ground Turkey. 5/11. ...
  6. Peanuts. 6/11. ...
  7. Tempeh. 7/11. ...
  8. Chicken Breast. 8/11.
Aug 28, 2022

What can you replace meat with for protein? ›

Whole soy foods, such as edamame, tofu, tempeh, soy milk and soy nuts, are great sources of lean protein.

How do vegetarians get thick? ›

Try to consume 3,500 calories more than needed to maintain your weight every week. This will result in a weight gain of about 1 pound per week. Eat calorie and protein-rich foods like beans, nuts, peanut and almond butters, soy products, and so on to replace the role of meat in your diet.

Why am I so hungry on a vegetarian diet? ›

The most common challenge we see is that “new” vegans and vegetarians do not eat enough calories throughout the day. Snacking is a great way to stay full! Make sure you are incorporating snacks between meals. These snacks allow you to meet your calorie needs as well as manage your hunger between meals.

What is the most filling food to eat? ›

Whole, unprocessed foods that are high in protein and fiber will generally leave you more sated, which means you feel full for a longer period of time. Some of the most filling foods include boiled potatoes, oatmeal, eggs, fish, Greek yogurt, and popcorn.

How do you get 100g of protein a day as a vegetarian? ›

For vegetarians, 100 grams of protein might look like:
  1. Four eggs (24 grams of protein)
  2. ½ cup of rolled oats (5 grams)
  3. Two tablespoons of peanut butter (7 grams)
  4. One tablespoon of hemp seeds (4 grams)
  5. ¼ cup of protein granola (10 grams)
  6. One scoop of plant-based protein powder (20 grams)
  7. Two snack cheeses (10 grams)
Apr 6, 2024

How do vegetarians get full protein? ›

Nuts or seeds with whole grains (peanut butter on whole wheat toast) Whole grains with beans (beans and rice; hummus and pita bread; bean-based chili and crackers; refried beans and tortillas) Beans with nuts or seeds (salad with chickpeas and sunflower seeds)

How do vegetarians get most of their protein? ›

Grains: Grains high in protein include cornmeal, kamut (wheat berries), teff, quinoa, whole-wheat pasta, wild rice, millet, couscous, oatmeal, and buckwheat. Non-dairy milk: Just one cup of soy milk can pack about 7-9 grams of protein.

How to get 120g protein a day vegetarian? ›

7 Vegetarian Foods That Fulfill Your Protein Intake
  1. 1) Soybean. Cooked soybean provides 28 grams of protein per cup, roughly the same amount as that can be found in 150 grams of chicken. ...
  2. 2) Lentils or Dals. ...
  3. 3) Cottage Cheese or Paneer. ...
  4. 4) Pumpkin Seeds. ...
  5. 5) Milk. ...
  6. 6) Greek Yogurt. ...
  7. 7) Whey Protein.
Nov 9, 2017

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