40 High Protein Vegetarian Meals

Looking to boost your protein intake while following a vegetarian diet? These high protein vegetarian meals pack a punch with fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients.

From hearty protein stews to mouthwatering one-pot dinners, discover how to fuel your body deliciously and with various plant–based protein sources.

These 40 recipes with vegetarian protein sources are excellent for those looking to eat a healthy and varied diet.

Louise and I eat these meals on repeat, and we’ve found that many of these vegetarian protein sources are surprisingly satiating 💪.

From recipes with lentils, beans and chickpea meals to eggs, ricotta, tofu recipes, parmesan cheese, and more. We deliver a variety of lean protein types in this roundup.

To help you choose the best recipes for your needs, we have included the estimated protein count per serving. This number is an estimate, but might be helpful if you are following a high protein diet.

Our 40 Best High Protein Meals

1. Stuffed zucchini

Approx protein per serving: 20 grams (2 boats).

Our first vegetarian high-protein meal choice is stuffed zucchini with protein-rich ricotta and sundried tomato.

2. Lentil meatballs

Approx protein per serving: 20 grams (6 small meatballs).

Lentil meatballs make a satiating vegetarian meal that won’t make you miss meat. Serve them with marinara sauce and a high protein pasta.

3. Mung bean soup

Approx protein per serving: 19 grams (small portion).

Mung bean soup is the perfect one-pot meal for a versatile protein meal with the comfortin flavor that mung beans provide.

4. Lentil chili

Approx protein per serving: 28 grams.

Lentil chili is a wholesome meal where lentils and cooked black beans replace the ground meat in classic chili con carne.

5. African peanut stew

Approx protein per serving: 21 grams.

This peanut stew uses chickpeas and peanut butter for a 30-minute high-protein vegetarian meal with 20+ grams of protein per portion.

6. Black bean burger

Approx protein per serving: 16 grams.

Black bean burger patties are rich in wholesome protein and healthy fiber. Amp up your protein intake with a slice of lean cheese, and whole wheat burger buns.

7. Kale quinoa salad

Approx protein per serving: 18 grams.

Protein-rich quinoa seeds meets vitamin-packed kale and edamame beans. It’s hugged by a honey mustard dressing with tangy, and citrusy notes.

8. Lentil patties

Approx protein per serving: 18 grams (3 small patties).

We love the Mediterranean Diet recipes, and these lentil patties make a protein-packed Mediterranean main.

9. Spanakopita

Approx protein per serving: 22 grams (2 small pieces).

Spanakopita is a Greek spinach feta pie with spinach and crispy phyllo dough. Louise and I serve it with tzatziki and tomato salad.

10. Lentil loaf

Approx protein per serving: 18 grams (small portion).

Our vegetarian meatleaf combines cooked brown lentils, cheese, and egg to create a tasty and satisfying meat-less main dish.

11. Tofu soup

Approx protein per serving: 16 grams (small portion).

You’ll love this tofu recipe; it’s low carb, and it’s a great way to cook with tofu if you have never tried this vegetarian protein before.

14. Buddha bowl

Approx protein per serving: 17 grams.

Grilled tofu and peanut sauce boast high protein content providing plant-based protein sources that satisfies hunger.

15. Lentil pasta

Approx protein per serving: 21 grams.

This Italian-inspired recipe is excellent for a healthy, high-protein dinner, meal prep, and packed lunch. It’s ready in 30-40 minutes.

16. Marinated tofu

Approx protein per serving: 25 grams.

When you are looking for high protein meals and snacks, you can’t beat delicious chunks of marinated tofu! It’s ready in 30 minutes and you can add it to most meals.

17. Vegetable curry

Approx protein per serving: 24 grams (with Greek yogurt and cashew nuts).

Try this Indian–inspired dish for an indulgent protein meal with peas, chickpeas, and served with perfectly cooked basmati rice.

18. White bean pasta

Approx protein per serving: 15 grams (small portion).

White beans and spaghetti contain healthy protein amounts, making them excellent choices for those seeking a vegetarian protein source.

19. Lentil Wellington

Approx protein per serving: 24 grams.

Walnuts and lentils are excellent choices for those seeking healthy vegetarian sources of protein and fat.

20. Mediterranean bowl

Approx protein per serving: 27 grams.

This nutritious bowl offers a healthy dose of fiber and protein from hummus, feta, and falafel. Serve with tahini sauce and pickled red onions.

21. Black bean salad

Approx protein per serving: 16 grams (with quinoa).

With protein-rich black beans and quinoa, avocado, and bell pepper, this salad provides a complete and balanced meal.

22. Quinoa salad

Approx protein per serving: 12 grams (small portion).

Drizzled with a cilantro lime dressing, this colorful quinoa salad offers a perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness, making it a delicious choice for a midday meal.

23. Tofu curry

Approx protein per serving: 18 grams (with a dollop of yogurt).

This creamy tofu coconut curry is perfect for those seeking a satisfying and wholesome vegetarian dinner.

24. Orange tofu

Approx protein per serving: 18 grams (served with basmati rice).

Tofu is is phenemenoal for stir fries as it provides essential amino acids, making it an excellent protein source for a well–rounded diet.

25. Fried tofu

Approx protein per serving: 18 grams.

Fried tofu is a satiating vegetarian protein that we love to add to various dishes such as sesame noodles and Asian noodle salad.

26. Lentil curry

Approx protein per serving: 19 grams (with a dollop of Greek yogurt).

Lentils cooked in coconut curry sauce provide a wholesome and satisfying protein source that leaves you feeling nourished and content.

27. Vegetarian bolognese

Approx protein per serving: 23 grams (without pasta).

Lentils in a vegetarian bolognese sauce add a hearty texture and earthy flavor, providing a rich and nutritious substitute for minced meat.

28. Zucchini fritters

Approx protein per serving: 16 grams (3 fritters).

These golden-brown fritters are rich in protein and provide a healthy dose of vitamins and veggies. We love serving fritters with marinara sauce and tzatziki.

29. Chickpea curry

Approx protein per serving: 19 grams (without rice and toppings).

Chickpeas are incredibly versatile and serve as an easy-to-cook source of plant–based protein. Pair creamy chickpea curry with brown rice or saffron rice for a satiating dinner.

30. Chickpea flour frittata

Approx protein per serving: 16 grams (two slices).

Chickpea flour serves as a nutrient–rich protein source in this recipe. In just 20 minutes, you can create a delicious and protein–packed frittata using this versatile ingredient.

31. Pasta e fagioli

Approx protein per serving: 17 grams (small portion).

Pasta e Fagioli is a tomato-rich meal of pinto beans, veggies, and kidney beans. It’s a healthy vegetarian one-pot dinner idea that satisfies both body and soul.

32. Moroccan lentil soup

Approx protein per serving: 21 grams (small portion).

Moroccan lentil soup is a protein-rich soup for your vegetarian dinner table. Garnish with a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra protein.

33. Grilled tofu

Approx protein per serving: 16 grams (small portion).

Grilled tofu, the smoky savior of vegetarian BBQs, offers a protein-packed alternative to grilled meats. It’s delicious with homemade barbecue sauce and broccoli salad.

34. Mujadara

Approx protein per serving: 20 grams (with a dollop of yogurt).

Mujadara is a Middle-Eastern vegetarian dish with protein content from lentils, rice and tahini yogurt sauce (topping).

35. Split pea soup

Approx protein per serving: 18 grams.

Try this hearty bowl of split pea soup enriched with leafy greens – it’s a vegetarian dinner idea with wholesome proteins.

More high protein vegetarian meals

• 36. Zucchini boats: These lentil and walnut zucchini boats are delicious and nutritious, packed with healthy proteins and fats.
• 37. Hummus pasta: This is a delightful combination of creamy hummus and al dente pasta, enhanced by the earthy richness of sautéed mushrooms.
• 38. Peanut noodles: You will enjoy a velvety peanut sauce that coats the perfectly cooked linguine pasta, while broccoli adds a refreshing balance to every bite.
• 39. Tofu stir fry: The tofu’s velvety texture complements the crisp broccoli, while the noodles tie it all together in a mouthwatering stir-fry sauce.
• 40. Tahini tofu salad: An easy way to increase your vegetarian protein intake, as it takes just 20 minutes to prepare.

Pasta

Hummus Pasta

Mains

Zucchini Boats

30-Min Meals

Peanut Noodles

Tofu

Tofu Stir Fry