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Looking for meat-free meals that actually keep you full? Whether you’re vegetarian, flexitarian, or just trying to eat more plant-based, these high-protein vegetarian dinners are here to prove that you don’t need meat to hit your protein goals.

Every recipe on this list packs at least 20–25g of protein per serving, with options that are:

  • Easy to make on busy weeknights
  • Freezer-friendly for meal prep
  • Family-approved (yes, even for picky eaters)
  • Naturally vegetarian — and many with vegan swaps included

You’ll find hearty burritos, creamy chickpea curries, cozy soups, protein-packed pastas, and more. These are meals I make regularly in my own kitchen – no bland salads or sad tofu cubes here (although, I do have a DEEP love for tofu and have well over 100 delicious tofu recipes on my blog!).

Want to level up even more?

Many of these dinners pair well with cottage cheese, lentil pasta, quinoa, or a sprinkle of hemp hearts to boost your protein even further.

Learning simple and easy ways to add more protein to vegetarian meals is key!

Here are some of my favorite high-protein vegetarian recipes :)

shredded tofu burritos filled with cheese, tomato and quacamole
5 from 4 votes

High Protein Vegetarian Burritos

These High Protein Veggie Burritos are super easy to make and packed with 25 grams of plant based protein! They come together with just a handful of simple ingredients and are a great freezer meal too.
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high protein marry me butter beans in a LARGE SKILLET
4.93 from 13 votes

High-Protein Marry Me Butter Beans

We're taking our butter beans up a notch with this High-Protein Marry Me Butter Beans recipe! It's creamy and delicious and packed with SO MUCH protein- you're going to love it!
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5 from 5 votes

Edamame Salad

This Edamame Salad is a plant-based powerhouse filled with protein and fiber to keep you full and satisfied! It's easily customizable so you can add in your favorite veggies to use up what you already have on hand.
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Lentil curry served over coconut rice.
5 from 1 vote

Coconut Lentil Curry with Coconut Rice

Cozy and nourishing Coconut Lentil Curry with warming spices, creamy coconut milk and a boost of veggies from onion, tomatoes, bell pepper and peas. This flavorful recipe is packed with plant-based protein and fiber for the perfect, satisfying meal!
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Vegan Lentil Soup

Bringing you major warm, cozy and comforting vibes with this Vegan Lentil Soup! This soup recipe is so easy to make and it’s loaded with nourishing vegetables, warm spices and lentils, all simmered in a savory veggie broth. An easy one pot dinner option that the whole family will love!
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spiral pasta with creamy white sauce and topped with sun dried tomatoes
4 from 3 votes

Creamy Vegan Alfredo Sauce

This ultra creamy Tofu Pasta Sauce is rich, velvety, and packed with 25g of plant-based protein per serving! It’s an easy, dairy-free alternative that comes together in minutes—just blend, heat, and toss with your favorite pasta!
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5 from 1 vote

Sesame Ginger Tempeh Stir Fry

This Sesame Ginger Tempeh Stir Fry Recipe is one of the most popular recipes on my blog! It's an easy vegan stir fry that only requires 25 minutes to make and SO DELICIOUS! Even my meat loving husband enjoys this dish!
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honey garlic tofu in a bowl on top of white rice with cooked broccoli next to it. It's covered in green onion, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of spicy mayo sauce.
5 from 13 votes

Honey Garlic Tofu

This Honey Garlic Tofu comes together quickly but is so incredibly packed with flavor and is likely to be one of your NEW favorite tofu recipes!
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4.79 from 14 votes

Tofu Lunch “Meat”

This easy vegan deli "meat" made with tofu is the perfect plant-based addition to sandwiches, wraps, or snack boards. Simple, customizable, and full of flavor!
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3 pieces of tuscan inspired marry me tofu in a large skillet with lots of creamy sauce in it.
5 from 3 votes

Marry Me Tofu

This Marry Me Tofu is my vegetarian take on the VIRAL Marry me chicken recipe that I have been seeing everywhere! It’s simple to make and packed with so much flavor!
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Soup made with tofu and mushrooms in a white bowl.
4.86 from 7 votes

Coconut Tofu Soup

Nourishing Coconut Tofu Soup is a mix of ginger, garlic, lemongrass, mushrooms and tofu, all simmered together in a savory broth. An easy, healthy meal that’s full of flavor and ready in less than 30 minutes!
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5 from 1 vote

Dense Bean Salad

This Dense Bean Salad is a high-protein hearty mix of chickpeas, cannellini beans, crisp vegetables, olives, and feta in a tangy oregano-garlic vinaigrette. Perfect for meal prepped lunches and popular at potlucks!
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5 from 1 vote

Summery Tofu Marinades – 3 different ways!

NO MORE bland tofu with these 3 delicious Summer inspired tofu marinades. They're all SO SIMPLE to make and great for meal prep if you want to marinate it in the fridge for a few days until you're ready to enjoy!
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Green goddess pasta served in a pink bowl.
5 from 3 votes

Green Goddess Pasta

Green Goddess Pasta is fresh, vibrant, and packed with herby flavor in every bite—and the best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes! With a creamy, nutrient-packed green sauce, this quick and easy pasta is perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something wholesome and delicious.
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Lentil curry served over coconut rice.
5 from 1 vote

Coconut Lentil Curry with Coconut Rice

Cozy and nourishing Coconut Lentil Curry with warming spices, creamy coconut milk and a boost of veggies from onion, tomatoes, bell pepper and peas. This flavorful recipe is packed with plant-based protein and fiber for the perfect, satisfying meal!
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much protein do vegetarians need per day?

Most adults need around 0.36–0.60 grams of protein per pound of body weight, depending on activity level. That’s roughly 50–75 grams per day for many people. Personally, I aim for closer to 100 grams of protein per day. All the meals in this post contain 20–30g of protein per serving to help you meet that goal.

What are the best high-protein vegetarian ingredients?

My go-to protein-packed ingredients include:
– Lentils, chickpeas, and other beans
– Tofu, tempeh, and edamame
– Cottage cheese and Greek yogurt
– High-protein pastas (like chickpea or lentil-based)
– Quinoa, eggs, hemp seeds, and even oats!

How can I add more protein to vegetarian dinners?

Easy ways to boost protein include:
– Swapping regular pasta for lentil or chickpea pasta
– Adding cottage cheese or Greek yogurt to sauces
– Using tofu or tempeh in stir-fries and sheet pan meals
– Stirring hemp seeds or nutritional yeast into bowls and soups

Are these dinners freezer-friendly?

Yes! Many of them are great for meal prep. I recommend freezing:
– The high-protein burritos (individually wrapped)
Coconut lentil curry and other saucy dishes
– Bean-based soups and stews
→ Just thaw and reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth!

About Brita Britnell

Brita is the author of Food with Feeling which is a vegetarian based food blog. She creates easy and delicious recipes that encourage people to try more meat-free recipes!

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5 Comments

  1. Rekha says:

    Thank you for nice and healthy recipes

  2. Mim Akther says:

    The beans are so creamy, and the seasoning is on point rich, savory, and just the right amount of heat. You can tell a lot of thought went into making this both delicious and nutritious. Perfect for a satisfying meal or even as a side dish. They’re seriously so good, I might just ‘marry’ them myself! Definitely adding this to my regular meal rotation.

  3. Nina says:

    Thank you for your wonderful recipes!!

  4. Jan says:

    Great recipes- thank you so much🎈🌹❤️

    1. Sharon Angus-Smith says:

      All these look sooo delicious
      I can’t wait to try them!