16 Vegetarian High-Protein Recipes the Entire Family Will Enjoy

2016-02-19
16 Vegetarian High-Protein Recipes the Entire Family Will Enjoy

If you think vegetarian high-protein recipes are impossible to find, think again. These power-packed vegetarian recipes (each with 15 or more grams of protein) prove that meatless eating doesn't mean flavorless or low protein. These vegetarian dishes are great for dinner, maybe even lunch, and often as leftovers (if anything is left over!). So, dig in! And prepare to be satisfied.

01 of 16

Enchilada Casserole

Protein: 19 grams per serving

Black beans make this Mexican-themed vegetarian high-protein recipe satisfying and delicious. It's also high in fiber (another nutrient that keeps you feeling full and satisfied long after the meal). Better yet, it's hearty enough to please meat-eaters, too. It's like a south-of-the-border lasagna!

02 of 16

Orecchiette in Creamed Corn with Wilted Tomatoes and Arugula

Protein: 20 grams per serving

Fresh-off-the-cob sweet corn, grape tomatoes, and pine nuts add a healthy boost to creamy pasta sauce. This vegetarian high-protein recipe is ready in just 35 minutes—perfect for nights when you don't want to spend much time cooking. To keep it genuinely vegetarian, skip the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with another variety that isn't made with rennet.

03 of 16

Mile-High Meatless Lasagna Pie

Protein: 26 grams per serving

Thanks to layers upon layers of noodles and veggies, you'll never have to skip pasta night again if high-protein dinners are your goal. This vegetarian lasagna is high in protein and still has all of our favorite lasagna ingredients—like gooey cheese and creamy ricotta (remember to check that your cheeses are vegetarian).

04 of 16

Spicy Pasta with Sweet Potatoes

Protein: 16 grams per serving

This fiber-filled vegetarian high-protein recipe cooks in a single dish and is creamy, chewy, and oh-so-satisfying. While the sweet potato roasts in the oven, prep the rest of this vegetarian main dish to expedite getting dinner onto the table.

05 of 16

Tofu Spring Rolls

Protein: 19 grams per serving

Put your rolling skills to the test! These homemade spring rolls require just five ingredients and 20 minutes to make, so you can start dunking them in soy sauce faster than you can call for delivery.

06 of 16

Asparagus Falafel

Protein: 16 grams per serving

Whether you need a quick lunch or a light dinner, these easy pitas are ready to swoop in and save the day. Each falafel patty is loaded with chickpeas, asparagus, and a blend of herbs and spices, so you can dig into a vegetarian high-protein meal that's far from bland.

07 of 16

Creamy Tortellini Soup

Protein: 22 grams per serving

This soup recipe is one of our top-rated with 215 ratings! To keep it easy and quick, this high-protein vegetarian soup leans on a premade white sauce mix and canned evaporated milk for its creaminess. We add tortellini and plenty of veggies to pump up its staying power. For a genuinely vegetarian soup, skip the Parmesan cheese.

08 of 16

Wild Mushroom Ravioli Skillet Lasagna

Protein: 26 grams per serving

This is one high-protein vegetarian casserole recipe that really does have it all: six ingredients, made in one pan, and ready in 25 minutes. If that's not enough, just know you'll be in love after only one forkful of this super-delish mushroom ravioli. To make it 100% vegetarian, skip the Romano and Parmesan cheeses or find vegetarian-friendly versions.

09 of 16

Tuscan Bean Soup

Protein: 16 grams per serving

This dinner soup is a vegetarian high-protein recipe with fiber for extra staying power. It also leans on convenience ingredients (think baby carrots, prewashed spinach, canned beans) to make this dish easy, fast, and simple.

10 of 16

Fresh Tomato Pizza with Oregano and Mozzarella

Protein: 17 grams per serving

Slices of fresh, gooey vegetarian mozzarella cheese provide a hefty dose of protein in this Margherita-style vegetarian pizza. Add in the arugula for extra vitamins, but leave out the optional prosciutto, of course, to keep this pizza recipe vegetarian.

11 of 16

Artichoke Flatbread

Protein: 21 grams per serving

Mild artichokes pair perfectly with spinach, goat cheese, and tomato in this grilled pizza recipe. Whole wheat naan (an Indian-style flatbread) provides the pizza base, adding nutrients (including a bit of protein) and hearty flavor for the most delicious high-protein vegetarian recipe.

12 of 16

Skillet Vegetables on Cheese Toast

Protein: 15 grams per serving

This quick and easy skillet dish delivers double doses of dairy- and plant-powered protein for a high-protein vegetarian meal. Even better? It preps in a flash, coming together in 20 minutes or less!

13 of 16

Mushroom-Garlic Pizza

Protein: 20 grams per serving

Ditch the delivery! This homemade pizza with mushrooms and caramelized garlic will quickly become a favorite. We make this high-protein vegetarian recipe quickly by leaning on pre-made dough. But bonus points if you make your dough—we have recipes for that, too.

14 of 16

Farro-Stuffed Peppers

Protein: 25 grams per serving

Each of these red pepper halves is bursting with good-for-you nutrients from ingredients like summer squash, sweet corn, and high-protein farro, a grain with a slightly nutty flavor. Serve each half as a side dish, or serve two halves for a hearty high protein, vegetarian main dish.

15 of 16

Vegetable-Loaded Pasta Bake

Protein: 15 grams per serving

Whole wheat penne, kale, skim milk, and cheese ensure this gooey, high-protein vegetarian casserole is a nutritional powerhouse. Curious about what other veggies we packed in for added benefits and flavor? Try cauliflower, corn, celery, peas, and carrots! Skip the Parmesan cheese to make this vegetarian recipe truly veg-friendly.

16 of 16

Black Bean Cakes with Sweet Corn Salsa

Protein: 22 grams per serving

Two protein- and fiber-rich ingredients—black beans and walnuts—form the patty of this delicious veggie burger. You won't miss the meat when you top off this moist black bean cake with our sweet corn salsa: an irresistible combo of corn, tomato, lime juice, and jalapeño. This filling, refreshing vegetarian dinner will satisfy a multitude of palates.

Don't Forget a Protein-Packed Breakfast

Getting protein at breakfast is crucial to performing well throughout the day. A vegetarian breakfast doesn't stop at cereal. These recipes offer fiber, protein, and lots of flavor for a satisfying morning meal.

  • Sheet Pan Egg-Stuffed Bagels will disappear as quickly as you can make them. With cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and plenty of herbs, this flavor-filled breakfast will quickly become a family favorite.
  • Oatmeal with Goat Cheese, Dates, and Honey adds a savory spin to traditional morning fare. You won't miss your usual cinnamon and sugar topping with this vegetarian high-protein recipe.
  • Peanut Butter and Fruit Quinoa isn't an ordinary peanut butter and jelly meal—it's much more! Quinoa is a complete protein, so paired with peanut butter, it's the power boost everyone needs in the morning. The fruit adds the sweetness of jelly, while a few peanuts up the crunch factor.

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