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 salads to quick one-pot dinners, discover how to fuel your body deliciously and with various plantbased protein sources.

High protein vegetarian meals with salads, sheet pan dinners and one pot recipes.

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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 offer 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.

Additionally, they are generally low in saturated fat and cholesterol, making them excellent choices for a balanced diet.

Our 40 Best High Protein Meals

1. Greek bean salad

Colorful Greek Bean Salad close up bright vegetables and feta ready to eat.

Approx protein per serving: 20 grams (large portion).

Greek Bean Salad is a fresh, fiber-rich meal inspired by the Mediterranean diet, made with simple ingredients and bright, healthy flavors.

2. Lentil meatballs

lentil meatballs with a bite.

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. Greek yogurt lentil curry

Greek yogurt lentil curry topped with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

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

This lentil curry uses Greek yogurt to boost protein. It’s protein and fiber, with warm spices and a light, comforting feel—perfect for an easy weeknight meal.

4. Lentil chili

Lentil chili topped with avocado and sour cream.

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. Roasted cauliflower orzo with feta

Feature image showing vibrant roasted cauliflower orzo with olives feta and parsley.

Approx protein per serving: 21 grams.

This sheet pan dinner comes together with pantry staples, tastes fresh, and makes an easy, budget-friendly option for healthy vegetarian meals.

6. Black bean burger

Black bean burger with guacamole and tomato in a bun

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. Dense bean salad

High protein bean salad in a large bowl with lemon wedges and parsley garnish.

Approx protein per serving: 22 grams.

This high protein bean salad is a quick, healthy, and budget-friendly meal packed with fiber, plant-based protein, and fresh vegetables.

8. Lentil patties

Lentil patties.

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

Lentil patties are excellent for a tasty and wholesome weeknight dinner because you can make them with little effort in less than 30 minutes.

9. Greek chickpea soup

Bowl of Greek chickpea soup for blog post featuring creamy chickpeas and fresh herbs.

Approx protein per serving: 18 grams (1 small portion).

Greek chickpea soup is a nourishing bowl packed with protein, fiber, and Mediterranean flavors that make healthy eating simple and satisfying.

10. Lentil loaf

Lentil loaf cut into slices with ketchup sauce

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

Tofu soup with mushrooms, broccoli, and peas.

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.

12. Mediterranean lentils and orzo

Warm Mediterranean lentil and orzo dinner served in a rustic bowl with a drizzle of olive oil.

Approx protein per serving: 19 grams.

Mediterranean lentil and orzo makes a high-protein one-pot meal packed with fiber, veggies, and Mediterranean flavor.

13. Black bean soup

Easy black bean soup in a rustic bowl with fresh herbs and a spoon.

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

Black beans are rich in protein, with approximately 15 grams of protein per cooked cup, making them an excellent source for meeting your daily protein needs.

Close-up of Mexican bean salad with quinoa, black beans, corn, feta, and creamy yogurt dressing.

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

This Mexican bean salad bowl is fresh, colorful, and satisfying, with protein-rich beans, fluffy quinoa, crunchy vegetables, and a smoky lime dressing.

15. Lentil pasta

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

Marinated tofu with lemon slices and a silver fork.

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

Vegetable curry with rice and lime in a blue bowl

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

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

18. Greek yogurt pasta salad

Creamy Greek yogurt pasta salad with beans and vegetables in a serving bowl.

Approx protein per serving: 22 grams (small portion).

Greek yogurt pasta salad is a high-protein, and heart-healthy dish made with fiber-rich beans and crunchy veggies.

19. Lentil Wellington

Mushroom wellington with rosemary and roasted potatoes

Approx protein per serving: 24 grams.

Mushroom Wellington is a delicious, protein-rich centerpiece for a memorable dinner table.

20. Mediterranean bowl

Mediterranean Bowl with hummus, marinated chickpeas, feta, olives, and fresh lemon wedges.

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

This nutritious bowl offers a healthy dose of fiber and protein from hummus, feta, and chickpeas.

21. Black bean salad

black bean salad with avocado, corn and sweet potato on a white plate

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

quinoa salad in a white bowl with beans and fresh vegetables

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

tofu curry with cauliflower and a golden spoon

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

Orange tofu with basmati rice.

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 wellrounded diet.

25. Fried tofu

Crispy fried tofu with golden crunchy coating.

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

Red lentil curry with brown rice.

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

Lentil Bolognese with fettuccine pasta and fresh basil.

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

zucchini fritters on a white plate with lemon wedges

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

chickpea curry recipe

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

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

30. Chickpea flour frittata

Vegan frittata with zucchini.

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

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

31. Pasta e fagioli

pasta a fagioli in a rustic bowl

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

Moroccan lentil soup with pickled red onions, parsley, and yogurt

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

Grilled tofu and silver fork

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

Mujadara with caramelized onions on a white plate

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

Split peas soup with spinach

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.

If you tried these vegetarian protein meals or any other recipe on our blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let us know how it goes in the comments. We love hearing from you!

High protein vegetarian meals with salads, sheet pan dinners and one-pots.

40 High Protein Vegetarian Meals

5 from 21 votes
These easy high protein vegetarian meals are perfect for weeknight dinners when you are looking for plant-based protein sources.
Grilled tofu is a quick and easy protein-packed recipe you can make in 10 minutes on a grill pan or grill and season with your favorite sauces and condiments.
Prep Time: 4 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 3 – 4 people
Course: Basic, Main-protein
Cuisine: American

Video

Grilled Tofu and how to serve it

Equipment

  • Grill pan or grill

Ingredients 

  • 16 ounces tofu firm or extra-firm
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

SERVE IT WITH

  • Peanut sauce, Sesame sauce, Chimichurri, or BBQ sauce instructions in "serving suggestions" chapter above

Instructions 

  • Take tofu from the package, pat it dry with kitchen paper, and cut it into ¼ inch (7 mm) slices.
    Tip: there's no need to press the tofu.
    hands and tofu block
  • Transfer the tofu slices onto a plate and toss with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
    Make sure the tofu is fully coated in the oil on all sides.
    Tip: there's no need to marinate. It's best to add a tasty sauce later.
    Tofu slices on a plate
  • Ensure your grill is clean, then warm it up.
    Grill the tofu on medium heat for 3 minutes without touching it.
    Turn the slices around with the help of a flat spatula and grill for 3 more minutes on the other side till golden and slighlty charred outside.
    Tip: At this stage you can sprinkle with your favorite spices like smoke paprika, za'atar, cayenne pepper, or other.
    Grilled Tofu with paprika
  • The best way to add flavor to grilled tofu is to serve it with a tasty sauce.
    Our favorites are peanut sauce, sesame sauce, BBQ sauce, and Chimichurri sauce.
    Sesame noodles with extra peanut sauce

Notes

Nutrition information is an estimate for 1 large serving of grilled tofu out of 3 servings.
STORAGE
Storage: keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: warm in the microwave for 60 seconds.
Freezer: you can freeze grilled tofu for up to 3 months and thaw in the microwave.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 13g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 9g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Potassium: 2mg, Dietary Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 0.5g, Vitamin A: 1IU, Vitamin E: 1mg, Vitamin K: 6µg, Calcium: 190mg, Folate: 0.03µg, Iron: 2mg, Manganese: 0.02mg, Magnesium: 0.3mg, Zinc: 0.01mg

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