High Protein Vegetarian Meals

This recipe collection highlights vegetarian meals that are higher in protein than your typical vegetarian recipe. From pasta to stir-fries, casseroles to grain bowls, and more!

Whether you lead an active lifestyle that caters to a higher-protein diet or you're just looking to eat more satisfying vegetarian meals, I have you covered!

As an active registered dietitian and vegetarian, I know that you can get enough protein on a vegetarian diet. But I also know that it takes more planning, especially if you have higher protein needs.

This collection of meals focuses on high protein vegetarian recipes, or recipes that have at least 25 grams of protein per serving.

I also include tips on how to up the protein on each serving.

If you're looking to dig into the nitty gritty of plant-based protein, check out my post all about vegan protein sources. This post for high protein vegetarian meals is meant to be more holistic, with tips to increase protein in meals instead of relying on specific macros.

Tips to increase protein in meals

• My top tip: The easiest way to guarantee high protein vegetarian meals is to include servings of two different protein sources. This means two types of beans, a bean and tofu, tempeh and edamame, etc.
• Tofu and tempeh are two of the highest protein vegetarian ingredients. If you're aiming for high protein meals, one block of tofu or tempeh is typically just two servings. Super firm tofu is typically higher in protein than extra-firm, firm, silken, etc.
• Faux meats: Vegetarian sausages, chicken, etc. are typically made with vital wheat gluten or textured vegetable protein (TVP), which are high in protein. For example, my homemade vegan Italian sausages each have 30 grams of protein! One drawback is that these foods tend to be higher in sodium than beans or tofu, so they aren't the best option at every meal.
• Sauce: Don't underestimate the power of a good sauce! Silken tofu, cashews, and yogurt are all easy ways to sneak in extra protein. For example, Herby Greek Yogurt Dressing, Vegan Cashew Cream, and even the hemp hearts dressing used in these Sweet Potato Farro Bowls.
• Seeds: Nuts and seeds are your friends. Add a sprinkle of hemp heart, chia seeds, or ground flax seed to oatmeal, smoothies, or yogurt as an easy way to up protein and omega-3s.