10 High-Protein Vegetarian Meals To Fuel Your Day
Embarking on a vegetarian diet often comes with a barrage of questions, one of the most common being: How do you get enough protein? While it's true that animal products are often associated with protein intake, a vegetarian meal can also be a high-protein feast. You just need to know where to look!
From tofu and legumes to high-protein veggies like spinach and broccoli, plant-based foods offer a variety of options to keep your protein levels in check. These sources even contain essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein that your body can't produce on its own. Want to up your protein game even more? Consider adding a scoop of plant-based protein powder to your smoothies or oatmeal.
Getting enough protein on a vegetarian diet is not only doable, but it also comes with a host of health benefits, including potential weight loss and overall well-being. Whether you're trying to maintain your weight or just live a healthier lifestyle, incorporating high-protein vegetarian meals can help you meet your nutritional needs without relying on animal products.
In this guide, we'll be exploring delicious and easy-to-prepare recipes that are rich in complete protein. From quick weeknight dinners to protein-packed snacks, we've got you covered. So sit back, grab a notebook, and get ready to revolutionize your vegetarian diet with meals that will meet and exceed your protein intake goals.
Do you find yourself constantly on the go, but still want to indulge in healthy, high-protein, vegetarian meals? The expert chefs at Hungryroot have crafted a wide variety of delicious recipes and healthy groceries delivered straight to your doorstep. Whether juggling work, family, or other commitments, Hungryroot ensures you can enjoy healthy, veggie-forward foods without compromising your health goals. Get started today by taking our personalized quiz and start your health journey right from day one!
High Protein Vegetarian Meals
Green Chile Chickn Veggie Tacos: This recipe is a delightful, high-protein, vegetarian meal that's quick to prepare, making it a perfect meal for a busy weeknight. This dish features plant-based chopped chicken, tangy green chile sauce, white corn tortillas, and a bell pepper-onion sauté mix. All of these come together to create a flavorful and satisfying taco experience, complete with a protein boost from the plant-based chicken which contributes a substantial 25g of protein per serving. The bell pepper and onion add a burst of color and nutrition, while the green chile sauce lends a zesty kick to elevate the overall flavor profile. With a cooking time of just 12 minutes, this meal proves that eating a balanced diet can be both quick and delicious.
Guacd Up Veggie Cheeseburger: A plant-based twist on an American classic, this recipe offers a tasty and high-protein option that can be whipped up in just 10 minutes. This burger features a combination of a toasted multigrain bun, rich and creamy guacamole, black bean burger patties, and sliced Swiss cheese. These tasty ingredients all come together to offer a yummy and nutritious burger experience that's hard to beat. The black bean burger patties contribute to the high protein content, boasting 23g of protein per serving. The multigrain buns add not just texture but also more protein and dietary fiber to the meal. Topping it off with the freshness of guacamole and the melt-in-your-mouth Swiss cheese elevates the flavors to a whole new level. This guac and cheeseburger combination is a perfect high-protein vegetarian option for anyone wanting to boost their protein intake!
Vegan Chorizo Taco In A Bowl: This bowl is a delicious, high-protein, and fiber-rich meal that showcases how plant-based eating can be both satisfying and nutritionally balanced. With 33 grams of protein per serving, it packs a nutritional punch, fulfilling a significant portion of daily protein needs. The dish uses plant-based "chorizo" as its protein source, offering the spicy and savory notes typical of traditional chorizo but in a vegan format. This chorizo is sautéed until brown and hot, ensuring the flavor is well incorporated into the dish. A lentil quinoa mix complements the spiciness of the chorizo and contributes additional protein and fiber, enhancing the dish's nutritional profile. Bell pepper onion sauté adds crunch, sweetness, and a hint of smokiness, rounding out the dish's flavor. Finally, a dollop of fresh guacamole gives the dish a creamy, tangy finish, balancing the spice and adding a layer of richness. If you’re short on time, then consider incorporating this high-protein bowl into your next mealtime routine.
Gingery Lemongrass Tofu Green Bean Stir Fry: Ready in just 10 minutes, this stir-fry is not only rich in protein but also offers a range of veggie-packed flavors. The main ingredients include braised lemongrass tofu nuggets, a brown rice-quinoa blend, trimmed green beans, and a delightful sesame ginger sauce to tie the dish together. The tofu nuggets provide a significant amount of protein, clocking in at 22.5g per serving. Tofu is also a source of essential amino acids, making it a complete protein that's ideal for those following a vegetarian diet. The brown rice-quinoa blend adds both flavor and fiber to the dish, ensuring you're getting a balanced meal. Green beans add a nice crunch and freshness to the stir-fry, while the sesame ginger sauce brings a burst of oriental flavors, perfectly complementing the lemongrass notes in the tofu. The combination of distinct flavors—ginger, lemongrass, and sesame—makes this a delicious and satisfying high-protein vegetarian meal.
Coconut Curry Paneer Broccoli Peppers: With its rich, satisfying flavors and impressive nutritional profile, this is an ideal high-protein vegetarian meal for health-conscious folks. Featuring a blend of creamy coconut curry, fresh broccoli florets, vibrant red bell peppers, and hearty organic paneer, this meal is as nutritious as it is flavorful. Paneer serves as the protein powerhouse in this dish, offering a hefty 27g of protein per serving. The coconut curry adds a creamy, exotic flavor that beautifully complements the mild, nutty taste of paneer. Broccoli and red bell peppers not only add color and crunch but also contribute to the dish's health benefits with their fiber content and essential nutrients like calcium and iron.
Plant-based Chorizo Potato Skillet: This flavor-packed skillet is a filling, well-balanced, and high-protein vegetarian recipe ready in only 13 minutes. This dish features plant-based “chorizo”, multicolored creamer potatoes, and rich avocado crema. Red bell peppers add a pop of color and sweetness to the spicy and savory flavors. With an impressive 27 grams of protein per serving, this meal is an excellent way to meet your protein intake needs on a vegetarian diet. The plant-based "chorizo" offers a hearty, meaty texture and the essential amino acids you need for a complete protein source. Creamer potatoes add a comforting, starchy component, while the avocado crema drizzled on top lends a creamy, rich finish. The dish is also high in dietary fiber and essential minerals like iron and potassium.
Beyond Meat Guac Burger + Roasted Veggies: A high-protein, veggie twist on a classic hamburger, this plant-based guac burger is a perfect option for an easy lunch or a filling dinner. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish features the famed Beyond Meat burger, which not only tastes great but also provides a whopping 30 grams of protein per serving. Paired with toasted multigrain buns, the burger gets an extra dose of fiber and whole grains. To complement the main course, this recipe includes a side of roasting vegetables seasoned with herbs. These veggies don't just add vitamins and minerals; they offer extra flavor and texture to balance the richness of the burger. To tie it all together, a dollop of avocado crema is spread onto the buns, adding a layer of creaminess to the meal. This burger is an excellent high-protein, vegetarian option that doesn't skimp on flavor or nutrition!
Zesty Hummus Beyond Meatball Rice Bowl: This mouthwatering rice bowl is a stellar example of how a vegetarian meal can be both incredibly tasty and high in protein. With a generous serving of 35 grams of protein, this dish is perfect for those looking to boost their protein intake as part of a vegetarian diet. It features Beyond Meat's plant-based meatballs that not only offer a complete protein but also replicate the texture and flavor of traditional meatballs, making them a great alternative to animal protein. The base of brown rice and quinoa blend provides complex carbohydrates and additional protein, making this a balanced meal. Shaved Brussels sprouts sautéed to tender-crisp perfection add a wonderful contrast in texture as well as essential nutrients like vitamin C and fiber. The bowl is completed with a dollop of lemon garlic hummus, adding a zesty flavor kick and health benefits like healthy fats and fiber. With its combination of flavors ranging from the umami-rich Beyond meatballs to the tangy lemon garlic hummus, this dish is a delight for the palate.
Tomato Cheese Lasagna: This healthy twist on an Italian classic is a hearty, vegetarian dish that proves you don't have to compromise on flavor or protein when following a plant-based diet. Boasting a substantial 43 grams of protein per serving, this lasagna is a power-packed option for vegetarians and protein seekers alike. The dish combines classic Italian flavors with high-quality, protein-rich ingredients. The tomato marinara provides a tangy and bold base, complemented by the creamy whole-milk ricotta. The shredded mozzarella cheese melts into gooey perfection, adding extra protein and a rich and comforting layer to the dish. What sets this lasagna apart, however, is the clever use of green lentil lasagna noodles. These gluten-free, high-protein noodles not only add a unique, earthy flavor but also significantly ups the protein content, making the dish ideal for vegetarians looking to increase their protein intake. The end result is a bubbling, hot, and irresistibly tasty lasagna that doesn't skimp on protein or flavor.
Plant-based Chorizo Cheesy Polenta: The “chorizo” + polenta bowl is a high-protein, vegetarian meal that offers a delightful mix of spicy, savory, and cheesy flavors. With an impressive 36 grams of protein per serving, this dish is ideal for those looking to meet their protein needs without animal products. The recipe incorporates hearty yellow polenta as its base, providing a creamy, satisfying texture that pairs well with the sharpness of the cheddar cheese. The star of the dish is the plant-based "chorizo", which brings a spicy kick and an extra protein boost. The chorizo is sautéed until browned and hot, complementing the soft, cheesy polenta. Additionally, the bell pepper onion sauté adds a layer of complexity to the dish. This recipe offers a balanced, high-protein vegetarian meal making it a filling and nutritious option for anyone looking to enjoy a meat-free, protein-packed meal.
High-protein, vegetarian meals don't have to be mundane or limiting; they can be an exciting exploration that pleases your taste while helping you stick to a balanced diet. Whether you're following a vegetarian diet or a stricter vegan diet, you can get truly creative with ingredients to craft meals that are not only delicious but nutritionally rich. For instance, the creaminess of coconut milk can elevate a curry, while fatty acids from sunflower seeds can add both crunch and nutritional value to a salad. Blend nutritional yeast and kidney beans into a delicious dish for a protein-packed alternative to meat. Love peanut sauce? Drizzle it over portobello mushrooms or butternut squash for a savory delight.
By incorporating high-protein sources like these, you can enjoy a variety of textures and flavors while sticking to a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. Hopefully, this guide has served as an inspiration, showing that with a little ingenuity, you can confidently follow a vegetarian diet and keep up with your protein goals.
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