It is actually not difficult to get in enough protein on a vegan diet! Here is a collection of 35 high protein vegan dinner recipes that are incredibly hearty and filling. They are also easy to make, and most of them are great for meal prep too.
Contrary to popular belief, it is actually pretty easy to consume enough protein on a vegan diet! There are tons of plant foods that are a good source of protein, plus things like meat alternatives and plant protein powders are also readily available in the market.
🌱Sources of plant based protein
Tempeh, tofu and other soy products
Soy products are one of the most common sources of plant protein, and rightfully so! They are cheap, easily accessible, and incredibly versatile too. Other than tempeh and tofu, soy curls, TVP (textured vegetable protein), and edamame also originate from soybeans too.
Seitan
Seitan has been growing in popularity as a meat substitute due to its chewy meat-like texture. Made from vital wheat gluten, they are super high in protein and contain around 25g of protein per 3.5 oz serving.
Although they are available in most well-stocked groceries, I highly recommend making your own homemade seitan. They are not only cheaper but taste way better too!
Beans and lentils
In general, all beans and lentils contain a significant amount of protein. Some of my favorites include chickpeas, black beans, red lentils, and kidney beans.
Mock meats
If you can't be bothered to make your own meal or are looking for something convenient, there are tons of mock meats and meat substitutes in the market that are decently high in protein! You will want to check the nutrition facts first before purchasing if you are serious about getting in more protein.
Some of my favorite brands include Beyond Meat, Quorn (not all are vegan, so do check ingredient labels first), Gardein, and Tofurky.
Protein powder
If you are still struggling with your protein intake, try supplementing your diet with protein powder! Apart from using them to make shakes and smoothies, you can incorporate them into cooking and baking.
Some of my favorite recipes to make with protein powder includes eggless protein pancakes, tofu mousse, and chocolate coconut protein balls.
✔Tips to get in more protein
- Center meal around a protein source - Pick and choose what you would like to be your main protein source, before pulling together other sides that compliment it. This helps ensure that you are getting in a decent amount of protein in every meal!
- Top your meals with high protein toppings - Although you won't be getting in huge amounts of protein by doing so, it will definitely add up! Some of my personal favorite includes roasted lentils, dry roasted edamame, and vegan bacon bits.
- Don't forget the snacks - Try incorporating some sort of protein into your snacks! Some high protein snacks I like to have include protein granola, chocolate protein mug cake, and cashew tofu ricotta to dip crackers or veggie sticks.
- Swap everyday ingredients with their higher protein alternatives - Some example includes using chickpea or protein pasta instead of normal pasta, swapping normal chips with lentil chips, and making your own chickpea tortilla or red lentil tortilla instead of wheat tortilla.
🍽Recipes
This hearty meal features chewy noodles and crispy tofu toss in a creamy and rich peanut butter sauce. A great weeknight dinner that is quick and easy to prepare. 23g of protein per serving.
This creamy vegan pasta salad is packed with protein and nutrients! Great as a light dinner, or as a side dish. 19g of protein per serving.
Skip the Chinese takeout and make this vegan egg fried rice for dinner instead! Super versatile and is customizable too, so feel free to add your own twist to it. 15g of protein per serving.
Super meaty and juicy, this vegan chicken burger will please even non-vegans! Made with TVP, they are incredibly high in protein. 15g of protein per serving.
Jajangmyeon, or black bean noodles, is a really popular Korean fast food! This vegan version uses tofu in place of meat, and is incredibly tasty and rich in flavor. 17g of protein per serving.
This incredibly versatile seitan chicken tenders are super tender and meaty! Use it in stir-fries, with salads, or any recipes that calls for chicken. 25g of protein per serving.
Saucy and flavorful, this vegan sweet and sour chickpeas is better and healthier than takeout! Best served with some freshly steamed rice. 16g of protein per serving.
This Mexican-inspired tempeh taco meat is bold in flavor, yet is vegan and high protein at the same time! Pair it with some chopped veggies, salsa and tortilla to make a complete meal. 15g of protein per serving.
Who says that you can't have sandwiches for dinner?? These falafel hummus pita sandwiches are easy to throw together, making it a great quick dinner to have. 19g of protein per serving.
This quick and easy Chinese stir-fry rice vermicelli is ready in no time! Loaded with veggies and crispy tofu, this noodle dish is remarkably satisfying. 17g of protein per serving.
If you are unsure what to do with seitan, this simple stir-fry is a great place to start! This fuss-free one pan meal makes a great easy dinner.
Vegan Picadillo - Plant Based Tempeh and Lentil Picadillo Recipe
This vegan version of the traditional Cuban dish, Picadillo, is made with tempeh, lentils and potatoes cooked in a rich tomato base. Both instructions for making it in the Instant pot and on stove included. 17g of protein per serving.
This filling and satisfying buddha bowl consist of fluffy brown rice served with crunchy veggies and baked tofu topped off with a spicy peanut sauce. It is colorful, vibrant and packed with nutrients and fiber. 21g of protein per serving.
This creamy well-seasoned black bean soup is made in the Instant pot and ready in a jiffy! Warming and comforting, this soup is perfect for chilly evenings. 18g of protein per serving.
Ready in 30 minutes, this red lentil pasta is an easy quick meal that is high in plant protein! Bright and refreshing, this comforting dish is definitely a crowd pleaser. 22g of protein per serving.
If you love spicy food, definitely give this vegetable bhuna a try! This vegan version of the classic Indian curry is bold, filling and satisfying. 21g of protein per serving.
Filling and rich, this pumpkin red lentil curry is the perfect fall dish to make when the weather is getting colder! Serve it with naan, pita or chapati, or you can simply enjoy it as it is. 19g of protein per serving.
This flavorful buffalo chickpea sandwich is spicy, creamy and utterly delicious! Stores well, making it perfect for meal prep. 21g of protein per serving.
Craving Italian food? Give this lentil meatballs a try! Jam packed with herbs and spices, you can serve it over pasta or just have it as it is. 28g of protein per serving.
Peppers are stuffed with a homemade high protein filling that is made from soy curls. This amazing dish is naturally vegan and gluten-free. 28g of protein per serving.
Loaded with colorful veggies, beans and flavorful homemade meat crumbles, this nourishing vegan chili will definitely leave you wanting for more! A perfect comforting dinner for cold weathers. 22g of protein per serving.
This vegan cottage pie is filled with a hearty meatless mince, then topped off with a fluffy, creamy mash. Although this recipe is a bit labor intensive, it is definitely worth the extra effort! 21g of protein per serving.
You will never go wrong with the classic red lentil curry! This one-pot meal is easy to throw together, and ready in 30 minutes. 16g of protein per serving.
Featuring crunchy raw veggies and sesame-crusted tofu paired with a flavorsome Asian ginger dressing, this Thai salad is great as a meal or side dish. This protein-packed salad will definitely leave you feeling satisfied. 18g of protein per serving.
This grillable vegan peri peri chicken is packed with bright and bold flavors! Perfect for BBQs and summer parties. 28g of protein per serving.
Pecan is a great meat substitute for those of you who can't have soy! This plant based taco bowl consist of taco meat made from pecan, tons of veggies, and bold condiments. 21g of protein per serving.
There is nothing better than a comforting bowl of chili mac after a long, busy day of work or school! This hearty dish also happens to be high protein, nourishing and super filling. 21g of protein per serving.
This easy to make, one pot hummus pasta is a great convenient meal that is filling and healthy at the same time! This versatile pasta dish can be eaten both hot or cold. 16g of protein per serving.
Make your own tofu katsu at home that is better and healthier than restaurant made ones! Crunchy on the outside yet tender on the inside, this incredible tofu dish will feed both vegans and omnivores. 22g of protein per serving.
Make some mouth-watering vegan ribs using tempeh! This versatile recipe can be served with rice or in sandwiches. 18g of protein per serving.
Filled with layers of creamy vegan ricotta and protein packed red lentils, this plant based baked ziti is definitely a crowd pleaser! Stores well and is freezable too, making it perfect for meal prep. 18g of protein per serving.
This Mexican black bean burger is a great source of plant protein and fiber! This recipe only calls for simple everyday ingredients that you probably already have on hand. 15g of protein per serving.
Bright and zesty, this lemon broccoli chickpea pasta is quick to throw together, making it a great weeknight dinner make. 26g of protein per serving.
You can make some damn good cabbage rolls without using meat! Filled with juicy veggie ground and cooked in a rich tomato sauce, this dish will be approved by even meat eaters! 17g of protein per serving.
Great as a light entree or side dish, this pesto pasta salad is packed full of veggies and nutrients! You can even make this higher in protein by using chickpea pasta or other higher protein alternatives. 24g of protein per serving.
🍱More recipe roundups
I hope you find this post helpful and informative! If you do try any one of these recipes or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. I love hearing from you.🙂
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