Looking to get more protein on a plant-based diet? There are a number of vegan, protein-packed recipes that will give you the fuel you need to power through the day.
Good Sources of Plant-Based Protein
Protein is a macronutrient made up of amino acids, often called the building blocks of protein. It is needed in order for the body to function correctly. Protein is also especially important in order to grow, repair, and maintain the body’s cells, including muscle.
There is a misconception that people need to consume meat in order to meet the average daily protein requirement. However, studies show a plant-based diet is sufficient for obtaining the average daily protein requirement.
A study released this year in the Journal of Public Health Nutrition found a high plant-derived protein diet had a higher “successful aging score” than those that eat fewer plant-based foods. Researchers reported that consuming a protein-rich, plant-based diet is nutritious and beneficial for health as it prolongs successful aging.
From Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton to former UFC fighter James Wilks there are a number of vegan athletes who are proving you don’t need to eat meat in order to compete. If you are looking for high-protein, post-workout vegan meals for strength-training, click here.
And for those looking to get more protein in their diet, try making one of these protein-packed, vegan recipes.
15 Plant-Based Recipes Packed With Protein
Vegan Breakfast Burrito
Enjoy this easy-to-make vegan breakfast burrito in three taste bud-blowing combos: yogurt and berry, Moroccan lentil avocado, and black bean-sweet potato.
Get the recipe here.
Breakfast Bowl With Potatoes and Tofu Scramble
Equal parts savory and filling, this plant-based breakfast bowl features crispy potatoes, fresh vegetables, and a spicy tofu scramble.
Get the recipe here.
Oatmeal Breakfast Bowl
Packed with 23 grams of protein, this oatmeal breakfast bowl contains all the fuel you need to power through your morning.
Get the recipe here.
Vegan Egg Bites
In a rush? Indulge in a hearty breakfast on-the-go with these protein-packed, vegan egg bites. These eggless muffins feature tofu in lieu of eggs.
Get the recipe here.
Eggless Omelet
Ready in under 30 minutes, this vegan omelet contains 12 grams of protein per serving. Plus, it’s also chock-full of heart-healthy fats and fiber. You can also customize it with your favorite veggies. Fill it with vegan cheese or plant-based bacon for a breakfast you’ll be thinking about well into your day.
Get the recipe here.
High-Protein Vegan Burgers
Dinner is served with these high-protein meatless burgers. With 38 grams of protein per burger, this juicy recipe will leave you feeling full. Top it with lettuce, tomato, vegan cheese, and mustard and ketchup. Serve with fries and enjoy.
Get the recipe here.
Vegan Fiesta Salad
In the mood for something Mexican-inspired? Look no further than this vegan fiesta salad. Loaded with 35 grams of protein, this dish is packed with beans, brown rice, spinach, fire-roasted corn, sliced avocado, and cilantro. Top with vegan queso for the meal of your dreams.
Get the recipe here.
Vegan Lasagna Soup
Warm and filling. Try a bowl of this vegan lasagna soup. It features portabella mushrooms, diced tomatoes, basil, lentil lasagna noodles, and shredded vegan mozzarella cheese for a delicious scoop with every bite.
Get the recipe here.
Protein-Packed Vegan Caesar Salad
For a light and healthy meal, whip up this protein-packed vegan caesar salad. Featuring garlic chickpeas, vegan nut parmesan, crispy tempeh bacon, and a creamy vegan caesar dressing—this salad is loaded with 19 to 28 grams of protein per serving.
Get the recipe here.
Sweet Potato, Quinoa, and Tofu Salad
Eat your veggies with this high-protein salad. It contains peas, leafy greens, radishes, sweet potatoes, tofu, and tri-colored quinoa and is topped with a crunchy peanut butter-tamari dressing.
Get the recipe here.
Meatless Shepherd’s Pie
A classic—this vegan shepherd’s pie is packed with whole food ingredients like lentils and potatoes. With 20 grams of protein per serving, this hearty dish will have you feeling mighty full and good.
Get the recipe here.
Lentil Bolognese
With 20 grams of protein per serving—this Italian-style dish features chickpea pasta covered in a hearty lentil sauce. Loaded with celery, carrots, onion, and Italian dried herb blend—this plant-powered recipe will have you going back for seconds. Just make sure you leave some room for dessert.
Get the recipe here.
Vegan Protein Salad
Tempeh, tofu, hemp seeds, and chickpeas—what more can you want in a salad? And it’s packed with 40 grams of protein per serving! Add in avocado, cucumber, tahini, arugula, and broccoli for a refreshing, colorful salad.
Get the recipe here.
Vegan Chili With Sweet Potatoes
Nothing says home-cooked meal like a heaping bowl of vegan chili. This dish is loaded with all of the best protein-packed, plant-based fixings. It features textured vegetable protein, pinto beans, chipotle chile peppers, carrots, bell pepper, onion, sweet potato, celery, and more. Top with vegan cheese for a mouthwatering
Get the recipe here.
High-Protein Vegan Mac N’ Cheese
A meal the whole family can enjoy–this protein-filled vegan macaroni and cheese dish is equal parts creamy and filling. Plus, you only need ten minutes to whip it up! The creamy consistency and cheesy taste are made possible with silken tofu, carrots, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and a handful of other ingredients. Serve as it or enjoy it as a side.
Get the recipe here.
