Eating a plant-based diet doesn’t mean sacrificing protein. In fact, with the right ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, tofu, quinoa, and beans, you can enjoy meals that are both nutritious and satisfying. These high-protein vegan recipes are perfect for muscle building, weight management, and maintaining overall health.
In this guide, you’ll discover 16 complete high-protein vegan recipes that are easy to prepare, flavorful, and packed with essential nutrients. Each recipe includes ingredients and step-by-step instructions to help you cook with confidence.
Why Choose High-Protein Vegan Meals?
High-protein vegan foods help:
- Build and repair muscles
- Support weight management
- Improve energy levels
- Keep you fuller for longer
- Promote heart health
Common plant-based protein sources include tofu, tempeh, lentils, beans, quinoa, nuts, and seeds.
Let’s explore these delicious recipes.
16 High-Protein Vegan Recipes
1. High-Protein Lentil Curry (18g Protein)
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook onions and garlic in a pan until soft.
- Add lentils, spices, broth, and coconut milk.
- Simmer for 20 minutes until thick.
- Serve with rice.
2. Chickpea Quinoa Power Bowl (20g Protein)
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup roasted chickpeas
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- 1 cup spinach
- Tahini dressing
Instructions
- Arrange quinoa in a bowl.
- Add chickpeas, avocado, and spinach.
- Drizzle with tahini dressing and serve.
3. Tofu Scramble Breakfast Bowl (22g Protein)
Ingredients
- 200g firm tofu (crumbled)
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp black salt
- Vegetables (peppers, onions)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat the oil and sauté the vegetables.
- Add tofu and spices.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes and serve warm.
4. Vegan Black Bean Chili (21g Protein)
Ingredients
- 2 cups black beans (cooked)
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 cup vegetable broth
Instructions
- Sauté onions.
- Add beans, tomatoes, spices, and broth.
- Simmer 25 minutes before serving.
5. Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie (25g Protein)
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 banana
- 1 cup soy milk
- 1 scoop vegan protein powder
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Serve chilled.
6. Tempeh Stir-Fry (24g Protein)
Ingredients
- 200g tempeh (cubed)
- Mixed vegetables
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Fry tempeh until golden.
- Add vegetables and sauce.
- Stir-fry for 8 minutes and serve.
7. High-Protein Vegan Burrito (23g Protein)
Ingredients
- Whole wheat tortilla
- 1 cup black beans
- ½ cup quinoa
- Lettuce, salsa, avocado
Instructions
- Fill the tortilla with ingredients.
- Wrap tightly and serve.
8. Edamame Avocado Salad (17g Protein)
Ingredients
- 1 cup shelled edamame
- 1 avocado (diced)
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Chill and serve.
9. Vegan Lentil Meatballs (19g Protein)
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- Garlic powder
- Marinara sauce
Instructions
- Blend lentils and seasoning.
- Shape into balls and bake at 180°C for 20 minutes.
- Serve with marinara.
10. Protein-Packed Chia Pudding (15g Protein)
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 cup soy milk
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- Berries
Instructions
- Mix chia seeds, milk, and syrup.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- Top with berries.
11. Vegan Split Pea Soup (18g Protein)
Ingredients
- 1 cup split peas
- 1 carrot (chopped)
- 1 onion
- 3 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a pot.
- Simmer for 40 minutes until soft.
- Blend if desired.
12. High-Protein Vegan Pasta (20g Protein)
Ingredients
- Chickpea pasta
- Tomato sauce
- Spinach
- Nutritional yeast
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Mix with the sauce and spinach.
- Sprinkle nutritional yeast on top.
13. Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers (21g Protein)
Ingredients
- 3 bell peppers
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- ½ cup black beans
- Tomato sauce
Instructions
- Mix quinoa and beans.
- Stuff peppers and top with sauce.
- Bake 25 minutes at 180°C.
14. Vegan Protein Pancakes (16g Protein)
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 scoop vegan protein powder
- 1 cup plant milk
- 1 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Mix ingredients into batter.
- Cook pancakes in a hot pan.
- Serve with fruit.
15. Creamy White Bean Soup (19g Protein)
Ingredients
- 2 cups white beans
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 onion
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- Cook the onion and garlic.
- Add beans and broth.
- Simmer 20 minutes and blend.
16. Vegan Buddha Bowl with Tahini (22g Protein)
Ingredients
- Brown rice
- Roasted chickpeas
- Steamed broccoli
- Tahini dressing
Instructions
- Arrange rice in a bowl.
- Add chickpeas and vegetables.
- Drizzle with tahini and serve.
Tips to Increase Protein in Vegan Recipes
- Use legumes like lentils, beans, and chickpeas regularly.
- Add tofu or tempeh to meals.
- Choose whole grains like quinoa.
- Include nuts and seeds for extra protein.
- Use plant-based protein powders when needed.
Final Thoughts
These 16 high-protein vegan recipes prove that plant-based eating can be both nutritious and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re looking for quick breakfasts, satisfying lunches, or hearty dinners, these meals provide the protein your body needs while keeping your diet balanced and flavorful.
