35 High-Protein Vegetarian Meals

Looking for high-protein vegetarian meals? From creamy curries to rainbow salads and stir-fries, these recipes will keep you full and satisfied all day.

Love these recipes? Check out these 25 High-Protein Meal Prep Recipes or these 25 Easy Tofu Recipes.

Incorporating high-protein meals can be a game changer for your body, especially if you follow a vegetarian diet. 

But finding balanced meals isn’t that easy. That’s why these recipes come to the rescue! 

These high-protein vegetarian meals are rich in veggie-friendly protein and packed with plenty of nutritious ingredients. So you get a hearty and satisfying meal without compromising on taste or your health.

Win-win!

Best Vegetarian Protein Sources

If you’re not sure where to start with vegetarian protein sources, these offer the best bang for your buck (per cup!).

• Seitan: 90g
• Chickpeas: 39g
• Cottage cheese: 28g
• Chia seeds: 24.1g
• Edamame beans: 20g
• Greek yogurt: 20g
• Tofu: 20g
• Lentils: 18g
• Black beans: 15g
• Egg: 13g (per egg)

35 Amazing High-Protein Vegetarian Meals

Protein Salad Meal Prep

Healthy Egg Muffins

Protein: 6g per muffin
Ready in: 30 minutes

Breakfast just got a whole lot more delicious with these tasty little frittatas in town!

You can make three different variations that include everything from feta and spring onions to sweet tomatoes and hearty mushrooms!

They store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and are a grab-and-go meal (or snack!) of dreams.

Vegetarian Shakshuka

Protein: 27g
Ready in: 30 minutes

The first time I tried shakshuka, I was blown away by the flavor of chunky tomato sauce and gooey eggs.

This vegetarian shakshuka combines chickpeas with feta, spices, red peppers, and a touch of maple syrup for balance.

It’s one of the high-protein vegetarian meals that pairs well with flatbread, rice, potatoes, or a leafy salad for a satisfying light lunch!

Easy Black Bean Soup

Protein: 26g
Ready in: 45 minutes

Skip the Mexican chili and opt for this simple, vegetarian black bean soup for lunch this week!

The everyday ingredients make it a breeze to make and most of the prep time is spent simmering (hello, multitasking!).

The black beans bring a lot of the protein to this dish. But you can always serve it with a dollop of cottage cheese for a bigger protein punch.

Split Pea Soup

Protein: 40g
Ready in: 1 hour 40 minutes

During the fall and winter months, you can’t drag me away from the soup bowl – and this split pea soup is no exception!

It’s loaded with nutritious veggies and has a wonderful chunky texture from the carrots and celery ribs that’s oh-so-satisfying.

The peas are the stars of the show here, but the combination of herbs and veggie broth gives it an incredible depth of flavor.

Fried Tofu

Protein: 10g
Ready in: 25 minutes

Looking to whip up a quick high-protein vegetarian dinner that’s bursting with texture and spice?

These fried tofu cubes have a perfectly crispy exterior and a velvety center. Plus, they get serious flavor from a mix of ginger, paprika, and turmeric!

Throw them into a tofu curry or eat them along with a bowlful of veggies, steamed rice, and soy sauce!

Either way, you’ll be getting a major protein boost without any added oil (three cheers for pan frying!).

Grillable Veggie Burgers

Protein: 9.4g
Ready in: 30 minutes

These veggie burgers combine sauteed onions, brown rice, panko bread crumbs, and seasoning to create a satisfying patty.

And the best part is, they won’t disintegrate on the grill!

The BBQ sauce gives each burger a burst of sweetness, while the black beans bring a ton of high-quality protein.

The crispy exterior is just the cherry on top that works perfectly with a toasted bun! Swoon.

Lentil Moussaka

Protein: 16g
Ready in: 65 minutes

When I first went to Greece, moussaka completely stole my heart – and this at-home version is just as good.

This plant-based variation is made with layers of tender eggplant, potatoes, lentil ragu, and a sinfully creamy vegan bechamel sauce.

Oh, and don’t get me started on the cheesy kick from the nutritional yeast!

The lentils add an impressive amount of protein to the mix and get an incredible flavor from the onion, garlic, and seasoning.

Tuscan White Bean Soup

Protein: 19g
Ready in: 40 minutes

This cozy, flavorful, and traditional dish gets intense flavor from an Italian soffritto, cavolo nero, and a delicious broth.

Plus, it’s so easy to make!

White beans are the main source of plant-based protein, but they also bring texture alongside the crunchy carrots!

Oh, and you don’t want to sleep on the blend of aromatic herbs – they’ll make you want bowlfuls of this authentic soup.

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Protein: 43g
Ready in: 1 hour

As a born and bred Italian, I’m always down for a huge bowl of pasta.

These spinach-stuffed shells are so indulgent and cook entirely in the pan along with the rich, tomato sauce for easy clean-up!

Along with being super creamy and delicious, the ricotta filling is packed with protein to keep you full until breakfast.

Black Bean Veggie Burritos

Protein: 15g
Ready in: 35 minutes

Transform Mexican night with these healthy black bean burritos with glorious cilantro lime rice!

The black beans are spiced with chipotle for a subtle kick and mesh perfectly with the sweet peppers and chunky salsa. Seriously, it’s texture city over here!

Although the high protein content is a huge plus, I also appreciate that these burritos are freezer-friendly if you need a last-minute vegetarian dinner.

Hummus Bowl

Protein: 17g
Ready in: 25 minutes

Who doesn’t love a huge dollop of creamy hummus and a mountain of healthy veggies to kickstart their afternoon?

This hummus bowl pairs creamy feta with crispy roasted chickpeas, Mediterranean veggies, and a zingy, citrus dressing (which is packed with healthy fat!).

Oh, and don’t miss the mountain of quinoa hiding underneath the toppings that add lots of fiber and extra protein.

Baked Feta Pasta

Protein: 17g
Ready in: 35 minutes

Easy, cheesy, and creamy, this baked feta pasta is a satisfying midweek meal that gets an amazing savory flavor from garlic and fresh basil.

The feta cheese is responsible for the huge protein boost, and I love the healthy fat and hint of spice from the olive oil and chili flakes.

And hey – you can’t beat the sweetness and pop of color from those cherry tomatoes!

Veggie Quesadillas

Protein: 22.1g
Ready in: 40 minutes

This is one of my all-time favorite high-protein vegetarian recipes as it’s filled with tasty farmer’s market veggies (so fresh and vibrant!).

The sweet potato and black beans ground the dish and add protein, while the Mexican spices intensify the flavors.

I love serving these with Pico de Gallo and sour cream for a hearty meal that’s worthy of any fiesta!

Cottage Cheese Frittata

Protein: 16g
Ready in: 35 minutes

This cottage cheese frittata is a dream when you don’t feel like cooking, as it’s loaded with protein and ready in minutes.

The cottage cheese adds a huge boost of protein (and creaminess!), while the mushrooms and asparagus bring texture.

Garlic, chives, basil and a sprinkle of fresh parmesan pull everything together and make this a delightful breakfast or lunch.

Vegetarian Bibimbap

Protein: 25g
Ready in: 50 minutes

This Korean-inspired dish is packed with protein-rich tofu, tender-crisp veggies, and spicy chili pepper paste.

Quinoa replaces rice in this recipe to boost the protein even further, and shiitake mushrooms, carrots, and kale bring the vitamins.

Oh, and don’t forget about the tantalizing drops of fragrant sesame oil that make this dish taste so authentic.

It’s a slight labor of love, but the different steps will be so worth it when you take your first bite.

Hummus Pasta

Protein: 22g
Ready in: 20 minutes

Hummus and pasta? Together? You better believe it!

This super-savory and satisfying pasta is ready in just 20 minutes and uses zesty lemon, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil.

And you don’t want to miss the roasted onions and garlic that form the rich base.

The hummus perfectly coats each piece of pasta and gives the entire dish a rich and satisfying texture that you’ll LOVE.

Vegan Chickpea Curry

Protein: 18g
Ready in: 30 minutes

I’m always down for cooking new chickpea recipes, and this vegan curry is warm, comforting, and packed with protein.

The humble chickpea gets so much flavor from a creamy and aromatic tomato sauce that’s boosted with fiery Indian spices.

Serve it over fluffy rice and grab a hunk of naan – trust me, it rivals any takeout option (and is way cheaper, too!).

Vegan Sushi Bowl

Protein: 25g
Ready in: 35 minutes

The balanced nutritional profile of this vegan sushi bowl makes it a dream for chasing away the mid-afternoon slump.

The crispy, sesame-crusted tofu pairs beautifully with crunchy veggies, smooth avocado, and sticky sushi rice.

It’s brimming with color and even gets an extra hit of protein from a serving of salt and chili edamame!

Talk about a stellar flavor profile.

Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

Protein: 14g
Ready in: 1 hour 40 minutes

If you’re on the hunt for healthy recipes with complex carbs, you can’t beat these indulgent stuffed peppers.

Replacing ground beef with quinoa and black beans keeps these bad boys 100% veggie-friendly.

Plus, the celery, onion, carrots, and mushrooms bring a bunch of texture and crunch to please your palate.

A sprinkle of pepper jack cheese is the sharp, creamy finishing touch that pulls everything together!

Halloumi Wraps

Protein: 33g
Ready in: 15 minutes

Squeaky and salty halloumi stuffed into a wrap with sticky sauce? Um, YES PLEASE!

This low-effort recipe combines sweet tomatoes and onions with crispy veggies to create a simple meal that’s perfect for lunchtime.

The sticky glaze is made from honey, sweet chili sauce, and ketchup, and it gives the halloumi an incredible, Asian-inspired flavor.

Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Protein: 19g
Ready in: 15 minutes

I can’t get enough of healthy sandwiches, and the soft, seeded bread and crunchy veggies make this a stellar option for a satisfying lunch.

The filling is made with protein-rich chickpeas, tangy Dijon mustard, capers, and tahini (for a creamy finish!).

You can follow this recipe to the letter or switch out the veggies for your favorites – the sky’s the limit.

To make things even better, it stores in the fridge for up to 3 days if you’re an avid meal prepper!

Egg Salad Recipe

Protein: 11g
Ready in: 5 minutes

An egg salad that works in everything from sandwiches to salads and lettuce wraps? Now that’s what I’m talking about!

The mayonnaise gives this egg salad a delicious creaminess, while lemon and Dijon bring a bright tanginess.

But honestly, it’s the paprika that gives this recipe a distinctive, smokey flavor that leaves me coming back for more!

Homemade Mac and Cheese

Protein: 22g
Ready in: 50 minutes

Every bite of this rich, silky, and creamy mac and cheese makes your taste buds feel as though they’re on an American vacation!

The dry mustard brings a glorious heat to the sauce, but it’s Havarti and gouda cheese that are responsible for the uber-cheesy taste.

This mac and cheese has way more protein than boxed varieties, but it tastes just as indulgent!

Throw it in the oven and return to a perfectly golden and crispy top (thanks, breadcrumbs!).

Vegan Stir Fry Noodles

Protein: 22g
Ready in: 20 minutes

Sometimes, a simple and comforting bowl of noodles is enough to chase away a stressful day.

This quick and easy dinner is ready in a flash and is loaded with rainbow veggies and tender, pan-fried tofu (a wonderful plant-based protein!).

Fresh ginger and a squeeze of lime will add warmth and brightness, with soy sauce bringing an unbeatable umami flavor.

Crispy Teriyaki Tofu

Protein: 17g
Ready in: 10 minutes

A crispy plate of teriyaki tofu that’s ready to rumble in just 20 minutes? Yup, I’m being serious!

This dish is brimming with rich flavors and pairs beautifully with crunchy veggies and a bowl of steamed rice.

Not only is it packed with protein, but the cornstarch gives the outer shell of the tofu a wonderful crispiness. And in case you were wondering, the inside still stays super silky!

Frittata Sandwich

Protein: 20g
Ready in: 20 minutes

Switch out pancakes and egg muffins for a protein-rich frittata sandwich during your next Sunday brunch.

The fluffy eggs, parmesan, and baby spinach form the base of this breakfast. Then, you just layer up fluffy ciabatta bread with sun-dried tomatoes, avocado mash, and crisp lettuce!

It’s a stellar grab-and-go breakfast that ticks all the nutritional boxes (oh, and it’s mess-free!).

Vegan Poke Bowl

Protein: 19g
Ready in: 30 minutes

Can’t afford a trip to Hawaii? Well, this rainbow poke bowl with crisp veggies, tender tofu, and smooth mango is virtually the same thing!

The edamame beans and radishes bring a glorious crunch, and the tofu is a protein-packed sensation bursting with flavor.

A perfect lunch to meal prep!

Greek Chickpea Salad

Protein: 12g
Ready in: 10 minutes

Don’t feel like grabbing a classic lettuce salad or a quinoa salad? This vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired salad has got your back!

The protein-packed chickpeas pair with sweet, grape tomatoes and tart olives to create tons of texture.

Don’t even get me started on the vitamin-rich feta (for saltiness!) and the smooth, citrusy dressing.

Paneer Tikka Masala

Protein: 17g
Ready in: 45 minutes

This paneer tikka masala will whisk you straight to the bustling streets of India with its rich, warm, and comforting sauce.

The baked paneer is super creamy, and the Greek yogurt brings an extra dose of protein to this simple recipe.

Don’t underestimate the garam masala in this recipe – it gives every spoonful immense flavor and adds robustness to the crushed tomatoes.

Eggplant Parmigiana

Protein: 17g
Ready in: 1 hour 40 minutes

This eggplant parmigiana tastes of Sicily and replaces old-school pasta with slices of juicy eggplant to boost the veggie count.

The layers of tomato sauce, fresh basil, and melty cheese is divine and won’t make you miss carbs one bit!

It’s a great option for easing yourself into Meatless Mondays.

Red Lentil Soup

Protein: 28g
Ready in: 30 minutes

Comforting and wholesome, this red lentil soup is the perfect winter warmer for when you’re too pooped to cook.

The lentils are incredibly filling, and the onion and garlic creates a rich, sweet base that you’ll taste with every spoonful.

You can technically blend the soup, but I love how chunky it is (and it’s fun to mop up with crusty bread!).

Butternut Squash and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet

Protein: 16.8g
Ready in: 40 minutes

Butternut squash recipes are always hidden gems, and this simple skillet recipe is perfect for when you don’t feel like rolling tortillas!

Each bite of butternut squash is perfectly tender, and the tasty black beans and melted cheese keep each portion high in protein.

Plus, you can use a can of enchilada sauce to speed up the whole process!

Vegetarian Lasagna

Protein: 37g
Ready in: 1 hour 5 minutes

Walnuts, carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, and onions are blitzed up to create this nourishing veggie lasagna.

The meat-like filling is so satisfying (and rich in protein!), and you get a seriously stringy topping from three different cheeses!

Plus, you save so much time by blitzing up the meatless Bolognese in a food processor.

Post-work dinner – sorted.

Mediterranean Lentil Salad

Protein: 16g
Ready in: 15 minutes

I love a bright, Mediterranean quinoa salad, but this veggie-heavy lunch will have you choosing lentils every single time.

It blends a mouthwatering honey lemon dressing with tangy feta, crisp onion and tomatoes, and fresh parsley!

Which ones are your favorite High Protein Vegetarian Meals? Let me know in the comments!