32 High-Protein Vegetarian Meals That Show the Power of Plants
Meat isn't the only way to get in this essential macro.
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Whether you follow a vegetarian diet or you're cooking for someone who does — or, hey, maybe you're just here to incorporate more vegetarian recipes into an otherwise omnivore-based approach — it can be difficult to fulfill your daily protein requirement.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.36 grams per pound, which works out to be about 60 grams per day for a 170-pound person. That means you should aim for 15-30 grams of protein per meal, and all of the recipes on this list fall within that range.
While there are plenty of plant-based meat alternatives (we love the new Beyond Burger), these recipes focus on high-protein meals and whole foods like lentils, beans, tofu, nuts and some grains. Plus, some of these recipes don't contain dairy or eggs either, for a delicious, high-protein vegan option.
Ready to feast sans meat? Here are the tastiest high-protein vegetarian meals straight from the pros in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen and Nutrition Lab.
Zesty Black Bean Rice Skillet
This easy vegetarian dinner is packed with protein and flavor. You'll need to add black beans, avocado, peppers, and queso fresco to your grocery list for the week. If you're looking to make it vegan, simply omit the cheese.
Get the Zesty Black Bean Rice Skillet recipe.
Asparagus Tartines with Herbed Ricotta and Eggs
Eggs are an excellent source of protein. In this dish, sourdough toast is topped with herby ricotta, roasted asparagus, and fried egg for a brunch or dinner dish that's got plenty of protein — 28 grams, to be precise.
Get the Asparagus Tartines with Herbed Ricotta and Eggs recipe.
Pinto Bean and Poblano Soup
This cozy comfort food has 15 grams of protein per serving and plenty of flavor, thanks to the poblano peppers, pinto beans, and onion. Top it off with avocado and cilantro for that extra-special touch.
Get the Pinto Bean and Poblano Soup recipe.
Poblano and Black Bean Loaded Baked Potato
Get creative with your baked potato toppings! Options like black beans and cheese are a great way to get some more protein into your diet, while roasted peppers and sour cream add plenty of flavor.
Palak Paneer
This Indian dish, made with spinach, paneer and heavy cream, is packed with 27 grams of protein. Your family will definitely request that this be added to the weekly menu rotation.
Get the Palak Paneer recipe.
Matzo Lasagna
Layered with marinara sauce and melty cheese, matzo miraculously turns into tender, lasagna-like sheets.
Get the Matzo Lasagna recipe.
Sheet Pan Asparagus Frittata
This easy brunch dish has plenty of protein, thanks to the eggs, milk and goat cheese in this recipe. You'll also want to grab spinach and asparagus for this crowd-pleasing dish.
Get the Sheet Pan Asparagus Frittata recipe.
Sheet Pan Gnocchi and Peppers with Thyme Frico
Shameless plug: The Good Housekeeping 4-Piece Essential Baking Sheet Pan Set makes this sheet pan meal possible — and a breeze to clean up.
Get the Sheet Pan Gnocchi and Peppers with Thyme Frico recipe.
Fully-Loaded Veggie Sandwiches
Skip the cold cuts and stuff your sando with hummus, mashed avocado and a medley of veggies. (Yes, it's vegan too!)
Chickpea and Kale Soup
Thanks to a few pantry staples, this cozy soup comes together in under 30 minutes.
Get the Chickpea and Kale Soup recipe.
Butternut Mole Enchiladas
Roasted butternut squash makes a sweet and spicy (and 100% meatless) filling for enchiladas.
Get the Butternut Mole Enchiladas recipe.
RELATED: Easy Butternut Squash Recipes Perfect for Cozy Fall Dinners
Linguine with Arugula Pesto
This nut-free pesto is made with arugula, cottage cheese, basil and parmesan. Mix it into a plate of roasted cauliflower and linguine for an easy and protein-packed dinner.
Get the Linguine with Arugula Pesto recipe.
Migas
Consider this the ultimate fridge clean-out recipe: Scramble eggs and fold in tortilla chips and cheese — and the rest is up to you (a scoop of pico de gallo keeps it classic).
Get the Migas recipe.
Cheesy Lemon-Pepper Spaghetti
This recipe is perfect for those nights you have no energy, but still want something delicious for dinner. It requires just a few ingredients — spaghetti, lemon, black pepper, pecorino romano and parmesan — and has 21 grams of protein per serving.
Get the Cheesy Lemon-Pepper Spaghetti recipe.
Wedge Salads with Buffalo Tofu Croutons
"Bread" tofu in crushed cornflakes for a crunchy bite made extra-crisp in the air fryer.
Sesame Noodles
Make a dreamy sauce for this vegetarian noodle bowl with creamy, store-bought tahini — or make your own tahini with just one ingredient.
Get the Sesame Noodles recipe.
Green Goddess Sandwiches
These dinner-worthy stackers star hard-boiled eggs made in the air fryer (you read that right).
Get the Green Goddess Sandwiches recipe.
Roasted Eggplant Veggie Burgers
Meaty roasted eggplant and lentils form the base of these burgers, for a hearty bite that clocks 18 grams of protein.
Kitchen-Sink Frittata
Waste not and follow our foolproof frittata formula: Cook on-the-verge veggies in a skillet, add whisked eggs and cheese and bake until set (and seriously delicious).
Get the Kitchen-Sink Frittata recipe.
Butternut Squash Mac 'n’ Cheese
Pick up canned butternut squash for faster prep. No roasting or blending required!
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