15 High Protein Vegetarian Recipes

Eating vegetarian doesn’t mean missing out on protein-packed meals! This collection of high protein vegetarian dinner ideas is designed to keep your meals satisfying, nourishing, and full of flavor.

Whether you’re into clean eating, looking for vegan recipes high protein, or want vegetarian meal prep options that make busy weeknights easier, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here.

Each recipe combines high protein foods vegetarian love—like lentils, tofu, and beans—with fresh, wholesome ingredients for balanced, tasty dinners.

From plant based recipes that fuel your fitness goals to low carb vegetarian recipes that won’t weigh you down, these meals are simple to make and perfect for anyone looking to eat healthy without sacrificing flavor.


1. Lentil & Chickpea Power Bowl

Description:
A hearty, nutrient-packed bowl featuring seasoned lentils, roasted chickpeas, and fresh veggies. Perfect for vegetarian meal prep or a quick, protein-rich dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked green lentils
  • 1 cup roasted chickpeas
  • 1 cup steamed broccoli
  • ½ avocado, sliced
  • 2 tbsp tahini dressing
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Roast chickpeas with olive oil, salt, and spices at 400°F for 20 minutes.
  2. Cook lentils according to package instructions.
  3. Assemble the bowl with lentils, chickpeas, broccoli, and avocado.
  4. Drizzle with tahini dressing and season to taste.

2. Tofu & Vegetable Stir-Fry

Description:
A quick vegan dinner packed with protein from tofu and plenty of colorful veggies. Serve over brown rice or cauliflower rice for a low carb vegetarian recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 14 oz firm tofu, cubed
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, snap peas, carrots)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions:

  1. Press tofu to remove excess moisture, then pan-fry until golden.
  2. Stir-fry vegetables with garlic and ginger for 3–4 minutes.
  3. Add tofu and soy sauce, tossing until well coated.
  4. Serve hot with your choice of grain.

3. Quinoa & Black Bean Chili

Description:
A protein-rich, hearty chili perfect for chilly nights and vegan meal prep. Packed with fiber, protein, and bold spices.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups cooked black beans
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Sauté spices in a pot for 1 minute.
  2. Add quinoa, beans, tomatoes, and broth.
  3. Simmer for 20 minutes until quinoa is cooked and flavors meld.
  4. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

4. Tempeh & Spinach Stuffed Peppers

Description:
These stuffed peppers are loaded with high protein foods vegetarian eaters love—tempeh, spinach, and a touch of cheese for a satisfying, hearty dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 4 bell peppers, halved
  • 1 cup crumbled tempeh
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • ½ cup shredded cheese (or vegan alternative)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Sauté tempeh and spinach in olive oil until softened.
  3. Mix with quinoa and stuff into peppers.
  4. Top with cheese and bake for 20 minutes.

5. Creamy Lentil & Kale Curry

Description:
A creamy, comforting curry featuring protein-rich lentils and nutrient-packed kale—ideal for healthy vegetarian recipes and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 2 cups chopped kale
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp curry powder
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook lentils in water until tender.
  2. Sauté garlic with curry powder for 1 minute.
  3. Add coconut milk, lentils, and kale; simmer 10 minutes.
  4. Season and serve with rice or naan.

6. Edamame & Brown Rice Buddha Bowl

Description:
A colorful, plant based recipe rich in protein from edamame and packed with vibrant veggies. Perfect for vegetarian meal prep or a light dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup shelled edamame
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • 2 tbsp sesame dressing
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Cook edamame according to package instructions.
  2. Arrange rice, edamame, cabbage, and carrots in a bowl.
  3. Drizzle with sesame dressing and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

7. Cottage Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Shells

Description:
A hearty pasta dish packed with protein from cottage cheese and spinach—ideal for high protein snacks turned dinner or a family-style meal.

Ingredients:

  • 12 jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella (or vegan alternative)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F and cook pasta shells.
  2. Mix cottage cheese with spinach.
  3. Stuff each shell with the mixture and arrange in a baking dish with marinara sauce.
  4. Top with mozzarella and bake for 20 minutes.

8. Chickpea & Sweet Potato Curry

Description:
A warm, flavorful curry featuring chickpeas, sweet potatoes, and spices—perfect for vegan dinner lovers looking for a satisfying protein boost.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chickpeas
  • 2 cups diced sweet potatoes
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 tbsp curry paste
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Sauté curry paste in a pot for 1 minute.
  2. Add sweet potatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and broth.
  3. Simmer for 20–25 minutes until potatoes are tender.

9. Greek Yogurt & Lentil Salad

Description:
A protein-packed salad that doubles as low cal high protein snacks or a refreshing dinner—made with creamy Greek yogurt dressing.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked lentils
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Fresh herbs (dill or parsley)

Instructions:

  1. Mix lentils, tomatoes, and cucumber in a bowl.
  2. Whisk Greek yogurt with lemon juice and herbs.
  3. Toss salad with the dressing and chill before serving.

10. Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes

Description:
A fun twist on the classic, made with lentils and a tangy tomato sauce—great for vegan meal prep and quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked green lentils
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 4 whole-grain buns
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet, add tomato paste and paprika.
  2. Stir in tomato sauce and lentils; simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Serve on toasted buns with your favorite toppings.

11. Quinoa & Chickpea Stir-Fry

Description:
A quick, one-pan dish packed with protein from chickpeas and quinoa. Perfect for clean eating or vegetarian meal prep.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat sesame oil in a skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  2. Add broccoli and cook until tender-crisp.
  3. Stir in quinoa, chickpeas, and soy sauce; cook for 3–4 minutes.

12. Black Bean & Corn Enchiladas

Description:
A satisfying Mexican-inspired dinner featuring high protein foods vegetarian style—black beans and corn wrapped in tortillas.

Ingredients:

  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 2 cups cooked black beans
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
  • ½ cup shredded cheese (or vegan alternative)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Mix beans and corn; fill tortillas and roll them up.
  3. Place in a baking dish, cover with enchilada sauce and cheese.
  4. Bake for 20 minutes.

13. Tempeh & Vegetable Stir-Fry

Description:
A protein-rich plant based recipe made with marinated tempeh and colorful vegetables—ideal for low carb vegetarian recipes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 block tempeh, cubed
  • 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Marinate tempeh in soy sauce and ginger for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté tempeh until golden.
  3. Add vegetables and stir-fry for 5 minutes.

14. Lentil & Quinoa Chili

Description:
A hearty, protein-packed chili loaded with lentils, quinoa, and spices. Great for vegan recipes high protein and batch cooking.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked lentils
  • ½ cup quinoa
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a pot.
  2. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20–25 minutes.
  3. Adjust seasoning and serve warm.

15. High Protein Tofu Scramble

Description:
A versatile high protein vegetarian dinner (or breakfast!) featuring crumbled tofu, veggies, and spices—ideal for vegan meal prep.

Ingredients:

  • 1 block firm tofu, crumbled
  • 1 cup spinach
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet, add tofu and turmeric.
  2. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add spinach and tomatoes; cook until wilted.

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