I admit that I used to be one of those people who drove my\u00a0vegetarian friends crazy with questions like, \u201cBut how do you get enough protein<\/a>?\u201d\u00a0Like most of society, I carried around the belief that the only\u00a0real<\/em> way to get all the protein we need for optimal functioning was through animal products. But after years of digging deeper into the issue, my eyes have been opened to the fact that there are major benefits to eating a plant-based diet<\/a>, both for our bodies and<\/em> for the planet. That\u2019s why I\u2019ve rounded up my favorite high-protein vegetarian meals that are guaranteed to satisfy.<\/p>\n Through a diet rich in vegetables, legumes, good grains, seeds, and nuts, our bodies will easily get all the amino acids (which form a \u201ccomplete\u201d protein) they need. Celebrity nutritionist Kimberly Snyder<\/a> shared with us all the benefits of a plant-based diet<\/a>. While I do incorporate small amounts of meat and fish into my diet a few times a week, many more of our meals these days are getting all their nutrients from plant-based sources.<\/p>\n There are plenty of accessible foods that can be used to curate delicious high-protein vegetarian meals. Tofu\u2014a soy product\u2014is arguably the most popular source of protein, followed by chickpeas, lentils, quinoa, oatmeal, and a variety of nuts and seeds. Incorporating these ingredients into your weekly meals can help you meet your protein intake through simple, whole foods. <\/p>\n Now for the best part: delicious, satisfying, high-protein vegetarian meals. These plant-based plates are filled with plenty of protein-packed ingredients that keep things interesting and meat-free. Read on for the best high-protein vegetarian meals for every occasion!<\/p>\n Why We Love It: <\/strong>Before my first encounter with this nutrient-packed vegetarian dish, I had yet to discover all halloumi has to offer. This cheese gets its unique reputation for its mild flavor and chewy texture that makes for the perfect addition to your bowl of greens. Pair with this irresistible champagne vinegar dressing for the salad of the summer. <\/p>\n Hero Ingredient: <\/strong>Tahini-based vinaigrettes are always a yes from me. <\/p>\n Why We Love It:\u00a0<\/strong>Inspired by leftover ingredients you\u2019d likely find lying around in your fridge, this nourish bowl is a tasty combination of greens and grains to keep you full and satisfied but not overly stuffed.<\/span> Pack in your protein with a jammy egg or top with crispy tofu to keep things meat-free. <\/p>\n Hero Ingredient: <\/strong>The Good & Gather Green Goddess Dressing<\/a> takes the cake here. <\/p>\n Why We Love It:<\/strong> This might just be one of my favorite recipes I\u2019ve ever developed. It combines so many flavors, colors, and textures all in a single bowl. It\u2019s light while still feeling satisfying. The punchy, slightly sweet honey-shallot dressing sends it over the top.<\/p>\n Hero Ingredient:<\/strong> A pinch of chili flakes wraps your entire salad in the perfect amount of heat.<\/p>\n Why We Love It:<\/strong> Vegetarians are likely used to (and admittedly sick of), the fall-back of leaning on beans for protein. And while many restaurant or supermarket salads simply add beans straight from the can, when you\u2019re cooking at home, you have more control over how you build flavor. Case in point, this chickpea salad. The chickpeas are cooked on the stovetop in a mix of ghee, salt, pepper, garam masala, and freshly ground cumin seeds. Expect a burst of flavor in every bite.<\/p>\n Hero Ingredient:<\/strong> A few chopped mint leaves infuse this salad with freshness.<\/p>\n Why We Love It:<\/strong> I\u2019ll take any excuse I can find to enjoy sweet potatoes for every meal. This crispy, roasted version is the perfect foundation for all your favorite flavor combos, whether you lean savory or sweet. They\u2019re a staple in my dinner rotation: Quick and easy to make\u2014they\u2019re as delicious as they are healthy and loaded with nutrients.<\/p>\n Hero Ingredient:<\/strong> I\u2019ll pick sweet potatoes every time.<\/p>\n Why We Love It:<\/strong> This unique salad is a rainbow of both bright and muted fall colors. I also love that it utilizes both roasted and fresh veggies. The carrots and Brussels sprouts get coated with a drizzle of olive oil and honey to play up their caramelized sweetness. Toss with sliced red onion and spicy arugula, and you have a dish that\u2019s perfect for any table or appetite.<\/p>\n Hero Ingredient:<\/strong> Crumbled goat cheese adds a creamy element to the salad that\u2019s not to be missed.<\/p>\n Why We Love It:<\/strong> A surprisingly filling dish, it\u2019s creamy, smoky, sweet, and filling enough to have as a whole meal and packs tons of flavor and texture thanks to the toppings. The best part? There\u2019s no peeling the butternut squash. Chop, de-seed, and throw the whole thing in the oven. Brilliant.<\/p>\n Hero Ingredient:<\/strong> When warmer weather starts to find its way out, I want to consume butternut squash on a weekly basis. This dish gets me one step closer to meeting my quota.<\/p>\n Why We Love It:<\/strong> The combo of mango and coconut may seem a bit out of the ordinary for a soba noodle salad, but believe me: you\u2019re going to be hooked. These fresh, light, and beautiful flavors are too good to be true.<\/p>\n Hero Ingredient:<\/strong> The honey-lime Thai dressing is the perfect balance of sweet and lip-puckeringly sour.<\/p>\n Why We Love It:<\/strong> This salad has it all. It\u2019s filling (not something you can say for all salads) and incredibly nourishing. It\u2019s packed with protein, healthy fats, carbs, minerals, and vitamins. Plus, it looks great served at any gathering.<\/p>\n Hero Ingredient:<\/strong> The crispiest tofu takes this from being a potentially boring kale salad to the best. Ever.<\/p>\n Why We Love It:<\/strong> This is such a fresh, healthy, and comforting high-protein vegetarian meal that will make even the pickiest meat-eaters obsessed. While stuffed portobello mushrooms have historically been known to lack flavor, these get the next-level treatment. Slowly-cooked caramelized onions and a sprinkling of parm and mozzarella is all it takes.<\/p>\n Hero Ingredient:<\/strong> A splash of vinegar added to your onions as they cook cuts the sweetness and brings a little acidity to the dish that\u2019s wonderfully unexpected.<\/p>\n Why We Love It:<\/strong> Raddichio is a seriously underrated salad green. I love that it\u2019s sturdy, colorful, and just a little bit bitter, making it ideal for tossing with creamy cannellini beans and Parmigiano Reggiano. Simple, tasty, and absolutely perfect.<\/p>\n Hero Ingredient:<\/strong> Cannellini beans bring protein to this salad party.<\/p>\n Why We Love It: <\/strong>I could eat ricotta on just about everything. That may be a bit of an exaggeration, but the addition of this light cheese has the potential to enhance the flavor of such a wide variety of recipes. As a huge fan of ricotta toast, this recipe always lingers in my mind in the AM when I\u2019m looking for something a bit savory with a hint of sweet and salty. <\/p>\n Hero Ingredient: <\/strong>I\u2019m truly a ricotta enthusiast to my core. <\/p>\n Why We Love It: <\/strong>When you\u2019re looking for a simple morning recipe to start your day on the right foot, this is the toast for you. Radhi Devlukia-Shetty nailed the perfect combination of fresh and nutritious ingredients, giving your body what it needs to start your day. <\/p>\n Hero Ingredient: <\/strong>Ever tried your hand at homemade hummus<\/a>? You won\u2019t regret it. <\/p>\n Why We Love It:<\/strong> My favorite high-protein vegetarian meals are those that let me clean out the fridge and use up my veggies before they go bad. And if they taste delicious and look gorgeous on the plate? Well, that\u2019s just an added bonus. This stunner of a flatbread checks all the boxes on what makes an incredible vegetarian meal. Layers of creamy, vibrant hummus get topped with a few favorite veggies for crunch and texture. It doesn\u2019t get better than that.<\/p>\n Hero Ingredient:<\/strong> When you find a hummus recipe that packs as many veggies as this one does and elevates it with gorgeous flavor, you bookmark it and vow never to let it go.<\/p>\n Why We Love It:<\/strong> I can practically smell these delicious veggies through the screen! Layers of eggplant and heirloom tomatoes melt into the ricotta-topped crust and are then topped with an absolutely stunning finish of fresh mint and toasted walnuts. Honey plus a sprinkle of flaky sea salt mark this pizza\u2019s gorgeous closing act.<\/p>\n Hero Ingredient:<\/strong> I\u2019ve loved ricotta for as long as I can remember. A spoonful of its creamy, slightly sweet flavor is pure joy.<\/p>\n Why We Love It:<\/strong> Part pizza, part flatbread, and with all these veggies packed in, this farinata does it all. The chickpea flour flatbread is topped with jammy caramelized onions and an incredibly flavorful hazelnut-arugula pesto. It\u2019s divine.<\/p>\n Hero Ingredient:<\/strong> Caramelized onions are the elusive, humble, and wonderfully sweet addition that makes any dish or recipe a million times more delicious.<\/p>\n Why We Love It:<\/strong> Though I love a parmesan-flecked pesto, I\u2019ve found myself craving something a little lighter. Good news: Not only is this spin packed with flavor and will prevent a post-pasta nap, but it also boasts an impressive amount of protein. Thanks to the blending of hemp seeds, pine nuts, and nutritional yeast, this is a pesto recipe that\u2019s sure to satisfy.<\/p>\n Hero Ingredient:<\/strong> Nutritional yeast is every vegan\u2019s go-to for packing a recipe with tons of dairy-free, cheesy flavor.<\/p>\n Why We Love It:<\/strong> An egg-and-mushroom toast might not seem like much, but when you give time, attention, and care to each of the individual components of this dish, magic is sure to ensue. And though we\u2019d gladly enjoy a slice for brunch, it\u2019s an ideal breakfast-for-dinner solution that\u2019s a dream for weeknights.<\/p>\n Hero Ingredient:<\/strong> Good, crusty sourdough bread is your best option for topping. Otherwise, spring for your favorite loaf\u2014just be sure you\u2019re reaching for the freshest you can find.<\/p>\n Why We Love It:<\/strong> While a variety of different toasts are trending<\/a>, this pared-back version still has my heart. A thick, full-fat yogurt makes the topping taste almost custard-like. In many ways, it\u2019s akin to eating a healthier cake for breakfast\u2014with the best frosting to boot.<\/p>\n Hero Ingredient:<\/strong> A drizzle of slightly warmed peanut butter is always a winner.<\/p>\n Why We Love It: <\/strong>I love a good classic Texas chili recipe, but I\u2019m not always craving something packed with multiple forms of red meat, especially during the warmer months. Luckily, this recipe is the perfect solution for getting in your chili fix while keeping things lighter. Not to mention, the flavor is incredible, with a kick from sliced jalape\u00f1os and a tasty blend of spices.<\/p>\n Hero Ingredient: <\/strong>Freshly ground cumin and coriander are the key. <\/p>\n Why We Love It:<\/strong> This vegetarian and gluten-free recipe can be easily reheated, is packed with nutrients, fits a variety of dietary needs, and, most importantly, is incredibly delicious.<\/p>\n Hero Ingredient:<\/strong> Beans, beans, the magical fruit\u2026<\/p>\n Why We Love It:<\/strong>\u00a0When all you desire is snuggling up on the couch with a hearty bowl of soup, this recipe has you covered. It\u2019s more than enough to fill you up, thanks to the protein-packed lentils. Oh, and it tastes delicious!<\/p>\n Hero Ingredient:<\/strong>\u00a0The kale and carrots. They keep this soup feeling like soup (and not like a big bowl of lentils).<\/p>\n Why We Love It: <\/strong>It\u2019s hard to pin down the highlight of this dish. What I like the most? You can enjoy these eggs for just about every meal. Also known as \u00c7ilbir<\/em>, this dish crafts the perfect blend of savory with eggs and Greek yogurt and spicy with a touch of chili oil for a simple yet luxurious meal. <\/p>\n Hero Ingredient: <\/strong>Serving with good quality crusty bread is mandatory. <\/p>\n Why We Love It: <\/strong>Frittatas have forever ruined omelets for me\u2014I\u2019m officially a convert. Not only are they more attractive visually, but there\u2019s something about the ratio of flavors that\u2019s distributed perfectly across your dish. <\/p>\n Hero Ingredient: <\/strong>Goat cheese is always a hero ingredient. <\/p>\n Why We Love It:<\/strong> Apart from kitchari being a stunner of a dish, its blend of warming spices will, without fail, cure what ails you. And as our food editor Suruchi writes, it\u2019s a \u201cbowl that feels like a blanket.\u201d I don\u2019t know about you, but that\u2019s exactly what my cozy season self craves. <\/p>\n Hero Ingredient:<\/strong> A couple of tablespoons of ghee gives this virtuous dish the slightest inkling of indulgence.<\/p>\n Why We Love It:<\/strong> This loaded quinoa bowl takes roasted butternut squash to the next level. Our go-to tip for making your squash super crispy? Arrange it in a single, even layer on the sheet pan. If you crowd the pan, your squash will steam instead of roast. It\u2019s the key to making this dish a weeknight showstopper.<\/p>\n Hero Ingredient:<\/strong> Don\u2019t knock currants until you\u2019ve tried them. They\u2019re bright, slightly sour, and will make your mouth pucker\u2014the perfect balance to the sweet squash.<\/p>\n Why We Love It:<\/strong> This pasta is delicious, healthy, and can be easily whipped up in only 15 minutes, saving you any dinnertime stress. What\u2019s more, the creamy walnut sauce can be made and stored in the fridge for up to two weeks, so you\u2019ll always have a tasty option on hand.<\/p>\n Hero Ingredient:<\/strong> There\u2019s nothing quite like the sweet burst of cherry tomatoes cooked on the stovetop.<\/p>\n Why We Love It:<\/strong> When was the last time you had a truly delicious leek dish? You need to put this one on your list ASAP because it is elite. Nothing beats a high-protein vegetarian meal that includes pasta.<\/p>\n Hero Ingredient:<\/strong> And while leeks are an attention-grabber, it\u2019s the thick, chewy strands of pappardelle that have my heart.<\/p>\n Why We Love It:<\/strong> The Brussels sprouts are the dish\u2019s main focus, coated in a delicious mix of spices and sweetness. A drizzle or two of the peanut sauce, and you\u2019ll be coming back for seconds\u2014maybe even thirds.<\/p>\n Hero Ingredient:<\/strong> Roasted Brussels sprouts elevate these warming, wholesome tacos into an elegant and delicious meal.<\/p>\nThe Power of Plant-Based Protein<\/h2>\n
32 High-Protein Vegetarian Meals<\/h2>\n
Salads and Sides<\/h2>\n
![\"crispy](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/summer-halloumi-salad-865x1298.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nCrispy Halloumi Salad<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"green](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/green-goddess-nourish-bowl-865x1297.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nGreen Goddess Nourish Bowl<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"mexican](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/mexican-chopped-salad.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nMexican Chopped Salad with Honey-Shallot Vinaigrette<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"cumin](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cumin-chickpea-salad.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nCumin Chickpea Salad with Mint Chutney<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"crispy](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/crispy-roasted-sweet-potatoes-with-greek-yogurt.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nCrispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Yogurt, Herbs, & Everything Spice<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"black](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/black-lentil-salad.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nBlack Lentil Salad with Roasted Vegetables & Goat Cheese<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"whole](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/whole-roasted-butternut-squash.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nWhole Roasted Butternut Squash<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"mango](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Mango-Coconut-Soba-Noodle-Salad.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nMango & Coconut Soba Noodle Salad<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"shredded](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/kale-cranberry-salad-high-protein-vegetarian-meals.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nShredded Kale & Cranberry Salad with Crispy Tofu<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"caramelzied](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/stuffed-portobello-mushrooms-high-protein-vegetarian-meals.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nCaramelized Onion and Spinach Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"white](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/white-bean-raddichio-salad.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nWhite Bean & Raddichio Salad<\/a><\/h3>\n
Flatbreads, Toasts, and Pizzas<\/h2>\n
![\"ricotta](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/best-ricotta-toast-recipe-865x1297.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nRicotta Toast with Honey and Pistachios<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"Hummus](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/radhi-hummus-bruschetta-865x1296.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nHummus Bruschetta<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"vegan](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/vegan-flatbread-recipe.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nVegan Flatbread with Roasted Carrot and Red Pepper Hummus<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"healthy](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/eggplant-ricotta-flatbread-pizza.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nHealthy Flatbread Pizza with Eggplant and Ricotta<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"farinata](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/caramelized-onions-pesto-farinata.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nFarinata with Caramelized Onions and Pesto<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"vegan](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/vegan-pesto-recipe.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nVegan Pesto<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"scrambled](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/egg-mushroom-toast.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nScrambled Egg and Mushroom Toast<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"yogurt](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/yogurt-toast-filling-breakfast-ideas.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nYogurt Toast with Peanut Butter and Banana<\/a><\/h3>\n
Soups <\/h2>\n
![\"vegetarian](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/vegetarian-lentil-chili-865x1329.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nVegetarian Lentil Chili<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"sweet](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Sweet-Potato-Black-Bean-Chili.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nSweet Potato & Black Bean Chili<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"coconut](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/coconut-curry-lentil-soup-865x1297.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nCoconut Curry Red Lentil Soup<\/a><\/h3>\n
Main Dishes<\/h2>\n
![\"spicy](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/turkish-egg-bowl-865x1221.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nSpicy Turkish Eggs<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"asparagus,](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/asparagus-frittata-865x1298.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nAsparagus, Potato, and Goat Cheese Frittata<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"kitchari](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/kitchari-recipe-saturday-night-dinner-ideas.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nKitchari<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"crispy](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/crispy-roasted-butternut-squash.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nCrispy Roasted Butternut Squash and Quinoa with Currant Vinaigrette<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"creamy](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/creamy-vegan-pasta-with-tomatoes-1.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nCreamy Vegan Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"pappardelle](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/shittakes-kale-leeks-pappardelle.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nPappardelle With Shiitakes, Kale, & Jammy Leeks<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"spicy](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/spicy-peanut-brussels-sprouts-tacos.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nSpicy Peanut Brussels Sprout Tacos<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"rainbow](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Rainbow-Grain-Bowl-high-protein-vegetarian-meals.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nRainbow Grain Bowls<\/a><\/h3>\n