100+ High-Protein Vegetarian & Vegan Recipes (2025)

Psst … vegans and vegetarians. The next time someone asks you how you get your protein, just link them to this post. Maybe with a follow-up “BOOM.” Or … you know … perhapsjust the link is sufficient. 😉

It’s been pretty well shownthat it’s actually difficult NOT to get enough protein when you’re eating a vegan or vegetarian diet. But some of us (myself included) do operate better on more protein. It helps us feel satisfied, keeps us fuller longer, and perhaps (again speaking for myself) makes us less likely to reach for empty carbs.

I’m always on the hunt for (mostly) plant-based, protein-rich recipes – in fact, I love creating them so much, I have an entire category dedicated to it on this here blog!

For the new year, I thought I’d round up some of my favorite high-protein vegetarian and vegan recipes – featuring many from my blog, and a ton more from blogging friends (okay, and one from Martha Stewart, who I would liketo be my friend).

But first, let’s talk about the protein sources. What are they, exactly?

Well, first and foremost, we’ve got lentils. Every day I fall a little more in love with lentils. There are so many delicious ways to prepare them, and I’m blown away by the protein, fiber, and overall nutrition in these things. 1/2 cup cooked lentils is onlyabout 170 calories, yet contains 14 grams fiber, 12 grams protein, and 20% of the recommended daily allowance of iron. And they’re so filling.

100+ High-Protein Vegetarian & Vegan Recipes (1)

And thenbeans, of course – black beans, cannellini beans, chickpeas … beans are a powerhouse of protein, and they can be delicious to boot. Also falling into the legume category are peas and peanuts – personally I always think of peas as a vegetable so I have a bit of an “oh yeah!” moment when I think of peas as a protein source. But one cup of peas boasts nearly 8 grams of protein. Not too shabby!

And soy –edamameand tofu. If you’re worried about GMOs when it comes tofu, reach for Nasoya brand organic tofu – my go-to brand, and non-GMO. I adore both tofu and edamame. Tofu is so unbelievably versatile. Edamame is great to have cooked in the fridge so I can reach for it when I need a protein-packed pick-me-up.

What else? Well, nutsand seeds(chia seeds are my fave – 2 tablespoons have 4 grams protein). And some grains out there are steadily gaining attention for being high in protein – quinoa (technically a seed) has been around for awhile; farro and sorghum aregaining momentum.

And then, of course, if you’re a lacto-vegetarian (lacto = dairy), youprobably know dairy, too, can be an excellent source of protein. 1 cup of Greek yogurt contains around 25 grams of the stuff!

Yup,protein can be found everywhere – not just in meat. And these 100+ recipes are proof! Shall we get to it?

100+ High-Protein Vegetarian & Vegan Recipes (2)

Click through to a specific category or browse by scrolling … your choice!

  • Chilis
  • Curries
  • Salads
  • Bowls
  • Stir Fries
  • Shepherd’s Pie
  • Scrambles
  • Loafs
  • More, More, More!

Soups & Stews

From Kitchen Treaty:

  • Simple Lentil Vegetable Soup(vegan)
  • Our Very Favorite Black Bean Soup(vegan)
  • (vegan)
  • Hearty Tuscan Bean Stew (vegan)

From other blogs:

100+ High-Protein Vegetarian & Vegan Recipes (3)

Chilis

From Kitchen Treaty:

  • Crock Pot Pumpkin Red Lentil Chili (vegan)
  • Crock Pot Black Bean Pumpkin Chili (vegan)
  • Crock Pot Buffalo Cauliflower Chili (vegetarian with vegan option)
  • (vegan)
  • Chili Cheese Stuffed Spaghetti Squash (lacto-vegetarian)

From other blogs:

100+ High-Protein Vegetarian & Vegan Recipes (4)

Curries

From Kitchen Treaty:

  • Slow Cooker Chana Masala (vegan)
  • Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash with Chana Masala(vegan)
  • (vegan)

From other food blogs:

100+ High-Protein Vegetarian & Vegan Recipes (5)

Pastas & Pasta Sauce

From Kitchen Treaty:

  • Creamy Cashew Soba Noodles(vegan)
  • Pea Pesto Pasta Salad(vegan)
  • Vegan Cacio e Pepe(vegan)
  • Red Lentil Marinara (vegan)
  • Zucchini Fettucine with Creamy White Bean “Alfredo” Sauce(vegan)

From other blogs:

100+ High-Protein Vegetarian & Vegan Recipes (6)

Rice & Grains

From Kitchen Treaty:

  • 12-Minute Scrambled Tofu Fried Rice(vegan)
  • Nutty Chickpea Pilaf (vegan)
  • One-Pot French Onion Farro(vegetarian with vegan option)

From other blogs:

100+ High-Protein Vegetarian & Vegan Recipes (7)

Salads

From Kitchen Treaty:

  • Buffalo Chickpea Salad(vegan)
  • (vegan)
  • Quinoa Tabbouleh (vegan)

From other blogs:

100+ High-Protein Vegetarian & Vegan Recipes (8)

Bowls

  • Cauliflower Rice Black Bean Burrito Bowls(vegan)

From other blogs:

100+ High-Protein Vegetarian & Vegan Recipes (9)

Burgers & Sandwiches

From Kitchen Treaty:

  • Slow Cooker BBQ Chickpea Vegan Sloppy Joes(vegan)

From other blogs:

100+ High-Protein Vegetarian & Vegan Recipes (10)

Stir Fries

Shepherd’s Pie

Scrambles

Loafs

100+ High-Protein Vegetarian & Vegan Recipes (11)

Fritters, Falafel & Bites

And More, More, More!

From Kitchen Treaty:

  • (vegan)

From other blogs:

100+ High-Protein Vegetarian & Vegan Recipes (13)

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a portion of the proceeds. More about this here.

Healthy Protein Packed Round-Ups Vegan Dinners

100+ High-Protein Vegetarian & Vegan Recipes (14)

About the AuthorKaren Troughton

Karen is a vegetarian home cook living among carnivores. She loves creating irresistible and flexible recipes that help multi-vore families like hers keep the peace - deliciously.

More About Karen »

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One Comment on “100+ High-Protein Vegetarian & Vegan Recipes”

  1. Katie | Delightful Vegans Reply

    What a great resource Kare! Thank you for including our Nourishing Dragon Bowls. Sharing!

100+ High-Protein Vegetarian & Vegan Recipes (2025)

FAQs

How can a vegan get 100g of protein a day? ›

100 grams of vegan protein
  1. ¼ cup of protein granola (10 grams of protein)
  2. One scoop of plant-based protein powder (20 grams)
  3. 1 ounce of nuts (5 grams)
  4. Two tablespoons of peanut butter (7 grams)
  5. Two tablespoons of chia seeds (about 10 grams)
  6. One tablespoon of hemp seeds (4 grams)
  7. Two slices of rye bread (10 grams)
Apr 6, 2024

How can vegans get 120g of protein a day? ›

One of the easiest plant-based high protein swaps is to replace your usual pasta with red lentil pasta. It's made from protein-rich red lentil flour, and I like to make a vegan bolognese with it. Adding soy mince is a game-changer too when you're struggling to eat enough protein.

How to get 150g of protein a day vegan? ›

The easy way for vegans to get enough protein every day
  1. Adding protein powder to your smoothie. ...
  2. Eating a whole-wheat bagel with peanut or almond butter for a snack. ...
  3. Including beans in your pasta dishes (you'll find plenty at our vegan recipes page). ...
  4. Lots of lentils. ...
  5. Hummus on a whole wheat pita for a snack.

How can a vegan get 160g of protein? ›

Nuts and seeds are great sources of minerals, protein, fiber, healthy fats.
  1. Hemp Seeds 1 oz = 9.5 g.
  2. Pumpkin Seeds 1 oz = 9.3 g.
  3. Flaxseeds 1 oz = 7.1 g.
  4. Almonds 1 oz = 6 g.
  5. Pistachios 1 oz = 5.8 g.
Sep 24, 2017

What is poor man's protein? ›

Pulses belong to the leguminous crop family and are regarded as "poor man's meat" because they are high in protein, high dietary fiber, and low in fat. They also contain a wide range of minerals. These are abundant in proteins but do not contain complete proteins.

Can you lose weight eating 100 grams of protein a day? ›

Eating at least 100 grams of protein a day is important for anyone trying to lose weight, as it helps to ensure fat loss rather than muscle loss. Furthermore, it can also help you feel fuller for longer, making it easier to stay on track with your diet and reach your weight-loss goals.

What is the biggest source of protein for vegans? ›

Top Protein Sources for Vegans and Vegetarians
  • Tempeh. In Pascale's opinion, the “foremost” protein source for vegans and vegetarians is tempeh, which she describes as a fermented alternative to tofu that's made with a whole soybean. ...
  • Lentils. ...
  • Beans. ...
  • Nut Butters. ...
  • Hemp Seeds. ...
  • Tofu.
Jan 23, 2024

What is the highest form of protein for vegans? ›

Some plant-based foods, such as soybean products, seitan, beans, and lentils contain high amounts of protein. You can also find protein in nuts, whole grains like quinoa and amaranth, and hemp seeds. People following a vegan diet may need to plan in order to reach their daily protein goals.

What veggies have the most protein? ›

Among the highest protein vegetables are chickpeas, corn, spinach, artichoke hearts, and edamame. To get all of the amino acids your body needs, aim to eat a variety of foods, such as legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and vegetables throughout the day.

What are protein rich foods for vegetarians? ›

Which plant-based foods are a good source of protein?
  • Tempeh. Made from fermented soya beans, tempeh is rich in protein. ...
  • Lentils. ...
  • Edamame beans (soya beans) ...
  • Tofu. ...
  • Peanuts. ...
  • Pumpkin seeds. ...
  • Chickpeas. ...
  • Almonds.
Apr 5, 2023

Which nuts are high in protein? ›

Proteins. Nuts are a rich source of proteins and essential amino acids as indicated by the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference [10] and as presented in Table 1. The major sources of proteins are peanuts, almonds, and pistachios, while chestnuts are the poorest in proteins.

How can a vegetarian get 200g of protein a day? ›

  1. Here are some tips to get 200g protein from a vegetarian diet in points:
  2. - Eggs - High in protein, easy to add to meals.
  3. - Greek yogurt - Choose higher protein options for snacks.
  4. - Nuts - Almonds, walnuts, pistachios are packed with protein.
  5. - Seeds - Pumpkin, hemp and chia seeds add protein to oats, salads.
Sep 30, 2023

How can I get protein without eating meat? ›

5 Protein-Packed Foods for Healthy, Meatless Meals
  1. Eggs. Eggs are a great source of protein. ...
  2. Tree Nuts. Tree nuts include walnuts, almonds and pecans — don't confuse them with peanuts, which are legumes. ...
  3. Legumes. Legumes include a range of beans and peas such as black beans, chickpeas and lentils. ...
  4. Soy. ...
  5. Yogurt.

What vegan foods are highest in protein per 100g? ›

List of Best Vegan Protein Sources
FoodProtein Content / 100 g
Chickpeas18.77 g
Tofu14 g
Lentils24.35 g
Sunflower Seeds23.53 g
11 more rows
Feb 12, 2024

What do vegans eat on a high protein day? ›

Some plant-based foods, such as soybean products, seitan, beans, and lentils contain high amounts of protein. You can also find protein in nuts, whole grains like quinoa and amaranth, and hemp seeds. People following a vegan diet may need to plan in order to reach their daily protein goals.

How to get 50 grams of protein on a vegan diet? ›

Whole plant foods that have high concentrations of protein are beans (including soybeans and tofu and tempeh), lentils, and other legumes; bulgur; nuts; and seeds.

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