32 Vegetarian Dinners Packed with Protein

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These 32 Vegetarian Dinners prove you don’t need meat to enjoy a filling, protein-packed meal. Each recipe offers at least 15 grams of Protein, combining wholesome ingredients, bold flavors, and satisfying textures to keep your plate exciting and your body fueled!

Table of Contents

When it comes to vegetarian dinners, it’s not always easy to find options that are both satisfying and protein-rich. That’s why I’ve rounded up a collection of delicious meatless meals with at least 15 grams of Protein each. You’ll find everything from smoky roasted vegetable fajitas to creamy mushroom pasta, spicy tofu bowls, and fresh veggie-loaded grain bowls. 
These recipes use a mix of plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, tofu, quinoa, and whole grains, plus flavorful sauces and seasonings that make every bite worth savoring. Whether you’re a full-time vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your week, this list will help you create dinners that are nourishing, flavorful, and filling!

 

High Protein Tofu Recipes

Grilled Tofu

211 CAL 40 MIN
Grilled tofu in a marinade made with soy sauce served in a bowl with cilantro.

Grilled Tofu is anything but boring or bland. The marinade soaks into this plant-based protein, infusing it with the perfect punch of umami-rich, caramelized flavor! Slap it on the grill for an Asian-inspired dish that's ready in under 10 minutes.

Basil Tofu with Green Beans is a delicious, vegetarian version of your favorite take-out dish. Bursting with flavor and ready in less than 30 minutes, this dish is the perfect weeknight dinner. Serve it alongside some brown rice for a satisfying and healthy dinner.

Hoisin Tofu Bowl

372 CAL 30 MIN
Hoisin tofu with broccoli, carrots, peppers, and green onions over brown rice with hoisin sauce drizzled on top.

These easy Hoisin Tofu Bowls with crispy tofu, brown rice, and tons of vegetables are quick and easy to make, full of flavor, and work great for meal prep.

Slow Cooker High Protein Recipes

Slow Cooker Quinoa with Roasted Mushrooms is a hearty, satisfying dish with a creamy, risotto-like texture and savory roasted mushrooms on top. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a simple, comforting meal or side dish for any night of the week!

This Slow Cooker Saag Paneer is a satisfying spinach dish comes together in just a few minutes, then a slow cooking session intensifies its flavors and creates a delicious vegetarian meal you will make all the time.

Mexican High Protein Recipes

Black Bean Enchiladas are a simple vegetarian meal with a hearty black bean and corn filling stuffed into corn tortillas topped with enchilada sauce and cheese. This meatless recipe is made with affordable pantry staples, easy to prep, and will quickly become a family favorite.

Bean Tostadas

325 CAL 20 MIN
Black bean tostadas served on crispy baked tostada shells with peppers, onions, avocado, cheese, and tomatoes.

Black Bean Tostadas are a vegetarian dinner option made with crispy tortilla shells, seasoned beans, and whatever toppings you like! It's a veggie-forward, high-protein, customizable meal you can throw together in 20 minutes with mostly pantry staples.

Black Bean Tacos

290 CAL 20 MIN
Black bean tacos with chipotle peppers served in corn tortillas topped with avocado, radish, tomatoes, and fresh cilantro.

Black Bean Tacos are made with a flavorful combination of black beans, veggies, and fresh cilantro for out-of-this-world flavor. Serve these vegan-friendly tacos on their own or alongside rice for the ultimate healthy lunch or dinner.

High Protein Pasta Recipes

Creamy, delicious Spinach Artichoke Pasta that's ready in just 30 minutes! All the amazing flavor of spinach artichoke dip turned into a tasty baked pasta that's packed with flavor and veggies in every bite.

One Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta that's lightened up and has less than half the calories of the restaurant version. Packed with hearty mushrooms, Parmesan cheese, and garlic, this is a pasta dish you will want to make again and again.

Cheddar and Carrot Mac and Cheese features all the cheesy deliciousness of your favorite comfort food, with hidden veggies your kids won’t even notice. This nutrient-rich twist on a classic is flavorful, wholesome, and ready in under an hour.

Pasta Primavera

391 CAL 30 MIN
Pasta primavera in a bowl with zucchini, broccoli, carrots, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil.

This vegetable Pasta Primavera is packed with fresh broccoli, zucchini, carrots, and cherry tomatoes tossed in a creamy lemon garlic sauce,. Ready in just 20 minutes.

High Protein Bowl Recipes

Make these easy Vegetarian Sushi Bowls for a quick meal inspired by veggie sushi rolls. Super crispy baked tofu served over sushi rice with fresh vegetables, edamame, and the best spicy Sriracha mayo.

Buddha Bowl

479 CAL 40 MIN
Buddha bowl with kale, chickpea, sweet potatoes, onions, and avocado served with maple tahini dressing.

This Buddha bowl recipe is hearty, nutritious, and comforting! It’s packed with veggies, whole grains, and an irresistible maple tahini sauce. Serve this vegan and gluten-free recipe for a filling lunch or gourmet dinner.

Asian Noodle Bowls

362 CAL 15 MIN
Asian noodle bowls with soba noodles, sesame dressing, carrots, edamame, and snap peas in a white bowl with chopsticks.

These easy Asian Noodle Bowls with tasty noodles tossed with a delicious sesame sauce and tons of fresh vegetables are the perfect easy dinner or meal prep.

These Thai Bowls are easy to make, healthy, and can be made with any combination of grains, vegetables, and protein you like. Just add the amazing homemade peanut sauce and your Thai Bowl is ready.

This Vegetarian Shawarma Bowl with chickpeas and cauliflower is easy to make, bursting with flavor, and comes together in under 30 minutes for the ultimate vegetarian lunch or dinner. Serve it with fresh veggies, herbs, and tzatziki for a meal you’ll be dreaming about later.

Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowls are nourishing, easy to make, and loaded with flavor. Ready in under an hour, these delicious bowls are the perfect healthy weeknight dinner to add to your weekly rotation this season.

High Protein Salad Recipes

This Chopped Greek Chickpea Salad is full of fresh veggies, chickpeas, feta cheese, olives, and a delicious vinaigrette. It's a heartier spin of a classic Greek salad that makes a great meal or side dish.

Edamame Salad

252 CAL 15 MIN
Edamame salad with shelled edamame, kale, carrots, red bell peppers, peanuts, cilantro, and mint served with peanut dressing.

This Edamame Salad is the perfect balance of crunch, flavor, and nutrition. It's packed with fresh veggies and a creamy peanut dressing and is ready in 15 minutes!

High Protein Soup Recipes

This easy Lentil Soup is satisfying, delicious, and chock-full of fall vegetables. In just 30 minutes, you will have a big bowl of heart-healthy soup that the whole family will love.

Minestrone Soup

363 CAL 40 MIN
A cozy bowl of garden minestrone packed with shell pasta, corn, spinach, white beans, and vibrant vegetables in a savory tomato broth.

Minestrone Soup has to be one of the best ways to enjoy a cozy, hearty meal that's still packed with veggies and good-for-you ingredients. This soup is ready in 40 minutes, so it's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty yet quick.

This easy Black Bean Soup is ready in just 15 minutes but tastes like it has been simmering on the stove for hours. Made with pantry staples, this is a delicious weeknight soup.

High Protein Veggie-Packed Recipes

Roasted Vegetable Couscous and white beans is a wholesome and delicious dish packed with fresh veggies, herbs, and flavor. This nutritious vegan-friendly dish makes the ultimate side dish or main course for any occasion. Bonus: It’s ready in just 30 minutes!

Best Vegetarian Protein Sources

Eating a vegetarian diet doesn’t mean skimping on Protein. In fact, there are plenty of plant-based and vegetarian-friendly options that pack a serious protein punch. Here are some of the best sources, along with their approximate protein content per serving:

  • Lentils (cooked): About 18 grams of Protein per 1 cup
  • Chickpeas (cooked): About 15 grams of Protein per 1 cup
  • Black beans (cooked): About 15 grams of Protein per 1 cup
  • Edamame (cooked): About 17 grams of Protein per 1 cup
  • Quinoa (cooked): About 8 grams of Protein per 1 cup
  • Tempeh: About 31 grams of Protein per 1 cup
  • Tofu (firm): About 20 grams of Protein per 1 cup

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about vegetarian meals:

Yes, when balanced with Protein, fiber, and healthy fats, vegetarian dinners can be just as filling as meat-based meals. For example, pairing protein-rich beans or tofu with fiber-packed vegetables and a healthy fat like avocado or olive oil creates a meal that’s satisfying and sustaining.

 

Replace meat with hearty plant-based proteins like chickpeas in curries, lentils in shepherd’s pie, or black beans in tacos. In pasta dishes, try sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or tempeh instead of chicken or beef. For burgers, swap the patty with a black bean or lentil burger.

 

Absolutely. Staples like beans, lentils, rice, and seasonal vegetables are some of the most cost-effective ingredients you can buy. Cooking large batches and freezing portions can save both time and money, while buying dry beans and whole grains in bulk cuts costs even further.

 

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