16 Vegetarian High-Protein Recipes the Entire Family Will Enjoy

2016-02-19
16 Vegetarian High-Protein Recipes the Entire Family Will Enjoy

If you think vegetarian high-protein recipes are impossible to find, think again. These power-packed vegetarian recipes (each with 15 or more grams of protein) prove that meatless eating doesn't mean flavorless or low protein. These vegetarian dishes are great for dinner, maybe even lunch, and often as leftovers (if anything is left over!). So, dig in! And prepare to be satisfied.

01 of 16

Enchilada Casserole

Protein: 19 grams per serving

Black beans make this Mexican-themed vegetarian high-protein recipe satisfying and delicious. It's also high in fiber (another nutrient that keeps you feeling full and satisfied long after the meal). Better yet, it's hearty enough to please meat-eaters, too. It's like a south-of-the-border lasagna!

02 of 16

Orecchiette in Creamed Corn with Wilted Tomatoes and Arugula

Protein: 20 grams per serving

Fresh-off-the-cob sweet corn, grape tomatoes, and pine nuts add a healthy boost to creamy pasta sauce. This vegetarian high-protein recipe is ready in just 35 minutes—perfect for nights when you don't want to spend much time cooking. To keep it genuinely vegetarian, skip the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with another variety that isn't made with rennet.

03 of 16

Mile-High Meatless Lasagna Pie

Protein: 26 grams per serving

Thanks to layers upon layers of noodles and veggies, you'll never have to skip pasta night again if high-protein dinners are your goal. This vegetarian lasagna is high in protein and still has all of our favorite lasagna ingredients—like gooey cheese and creamy ricotta (remember to check that your cheeses are vegetarian).

04 of 16

Spicy Pasta with Sweet Potatoes

Protein: 16 grams per serving

This fiber-filled vegetarian high-protein recipe cooks in a single dish and is creamy, chewy, and oh-so-satisfying. While the sweet potato roasts in the oven, prep the rest of this vegetarian main dish to expedite getting dinner onto the table.

05 of 16

Tofu Spring Rolls

Protein: 19 grams per serving

Put your rolling skills to the test! These homemade spring rolls require just five ingredients and 20 minutes to make, so you can start dunking them in soy sauce faster than you can call for delivery.

06 of 16

Asparagus Falafel

Protein: 16 grams per serving

Whether you need a quick lunch or a light dinner, these easy pitas are ready to swoop in and save the day. Each falafel patty is loaded with chickpeas, asparagus, and a blend of herbs and spices, so you can dig into a vegetarian high-protein meal that's far from bland.

07 of 16

Creamy Tortellini Soup

Protein: 22 grams per serving

This soup recipe is one of our top-rated with 215 ratings! To keep it easy and quick, this high-protein vegetarian soup leans on a premade white sauce mix and canned evaporated milk for its creaminess. We add tortellini and plenty of veggies to pump up its staying power. For a genuinely vegetarian soup, skip the Parmesan cheese.

08 of 16

Wild Mushroom Ravioli Skillet Lasagna

Protein: 26 grams per serving

This is one high-protein vegetarian casserole recipe that really does have it all: six ingredients, made in one pan, and ready in 25 minutes. If that's not enough, just know you'll be in love after only one forkful of this super-delish mushroom ravioli. To make it 100% vegetarian, skip the Romano and Parmesan cheeses or find vegetarian-friendly versions.

09 of 16

Tuscan Bean Soup

Protein: 16 grams per serving

This dinner soup is a vegetarian high-protein recipe with fiber for extra staying power. It also leans on convenience ingredients (think baby carrots, prewashed spinach, canned beans) to make this dish easy, fast, and simple.

10 of 16

Fresh Tomato Pizza with Oregano and Mozzarella

Protein: 17 grams per serving

Slices of fresh, gooey vegetarian mozzarella cheese provide a hefty dose of protein in this Margherita-style vegetarian pizza. Add in the arugula for extra vitamins, but leave out the optional prosciutto, of course, to keep this pizza recipe vegetarian.

11 of 16

Artichoke Flatbread

Protein: 21 grams per serving

Mild artichokes pair perfectly with spinach, goat cheese, and tomato in this grilled pizza recipe. Whole wheat naan (an Indian-style flatbread) provides the pizza base, adding nutrients (including a bit of protein) and hearty flavor for the most delicious high-protein vegetarian recipe.

12 of 16

Skillet Vegetables on Cheese Toast

Protein: 15 grams per serving

This quick and easy skillet dish delivers double doses of dairy- and plant-powered protein for a high-protein vegetarian meal. Even better? It preps in a flash, coming together in 20 minutes or less!

13 of 16

Mushroom-Garlic Pizza

Protein: 20 grams per serving

Ditch the delivery! This homemade pizza with mushrooms and caramelized garlic will quickly become a favorite. We make this high-protein vegetarian recipe quickly by leaning on pre-made dough. But bonus points if you make your dough—we have recipes for that, too.

14 of 16

Farro-Stuffed Peppers

Protein: 25 grams per serving

Each of these red pepper halves is bursting with good-for-you nutrients from ingredients like summer squash, sweet corn, and high-protein farro, a grain with a slightly nutty flavor. Serve each half as a side dish, or serve two halves for a hearty high protein, vegetarian main dish.

15 of 16

Vegetable-Loaded Pasta Bake

Protein: 15 grams per serving

Whole wheat penne, kale, skim milk, and cheese ensure this gooey, high-protein vegetarian casserole is a nutritional powerhouse. Curious about what other veggies we packed in for added benefits and flavor? Try cauliflower, corn, celery, peas, and carrots! Skip the Parmesan cheese to make this vegetarian recipe truly veg-friendly.

16 of 16

Black Bean Cakes with Sweet Corn Salsa

Protein: 22 grams per serving

Two protein- and fiber-rich ingredients—black beans and walnuts—form the patty of this delicious veggie burger. You won't miss the meat when you top off this moist black bean cake with our sweet corn salsa: an irresistible combo of corn, tomato, lime juice, and jalapeño. This filling, refreshing vegetarian dinner will satisfy a multitude of palates.

Don't Forget a Protein-Packed Breakfast

Getting protein at breakfast is crucial to performing well throughout the day. A vegetarian breakfast doesn't stop at cereal. These recipes offer fiber, protein, and lots of flavor for a satisfying morning meal.

  • Sheet Pan Egg-Stuffed Bagels will disappear as quickly as you can make them. With cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and plenty of herbs, this flavor-filled breakfast will quickly become a family favorite.
  • Oatmeal with Goat Cheese, Dates, and Honey adds a savory spin to traditional morning fare. You won't miss your usual cinnamon and sugar topping with this vegetarian high-protein recipe.
  • Peanut Butter and Fruit Quinoa isn't an ordinary peanut butter and jelly meal—it's much more! Quinoa is a complete protein, so paired with peanut butter, it's the power boost everyone needs in the morning. The fruit adds the sweetness of jelly, while a few peanuts up the crunch factor.

Related Article

Chocolate Pudding Pie Is the Potluck Dessert Everyone Loves

Chocolate Pudding Pie Is the Potluck Dessert Everyone Loves

This easy chocolate pudding pie recipe starts with a purchased crust and is filled with luscious chocolate filling. Garnish the pie with piles of whipped cream and chocolate curls.
Crinkle Cake Is the Best Dessert You’ve Never Heard Of

Crinkle Cake Is the Best Dessert You’ve Never Heard Of

Crinkle cake is a shortcut dessert that's made with purchased phyllo dough and custard. Here's how to make this easy dessert at home.
Banoffee Pie Is Made with Decadent Layers of Caramel, Bananas, and Whipped Cream

Banoffee Pie Is Made with Decadent Layers of Caramel, Bananas, and Whipped Cream

We'll walk you through how to make banoffee pie. You'll fall in love with the layers of rich caramel, sliced bananas, and whipped cream. Don't forget the shaved chocolate on top!
Sourdough Discard Oatmeal Cookies

Sourdough Discard Oatmeal Cookies

This delicious oatmeal cookie recipe is a great use for sourdough discard. Use your choice of dried fruit to add flavor and texture to the sourdough discard recipe.
15 Easy Party Dips to Fill Up Your Appetizer Table Quickly

15 Easy Party Dips to Fill Up Your Appetizer Table Quickly

No matter which of these recipes you reach for, these easy party dips dazzle on every occasion. Perfect for big potlucks or small gatherings.
Our Calming Lemon Balm Tea Recipe Is Packed with Benefits—Here’s How to Make It

Our Calming Lemon Balm Tea Recipe Is Packed with Benefits—Here’s How to Make It

A soothing glass of lemon balm tea is our favorite way to enjoy the plentiful herb.
The Bicicletta Will Make You Feel Like You’re Summering in Italy with Every Sip

The Bicicletta Will Make You Feel Like You’re Summering in Italy with Every Sip

A mixture of an Aperol Spritz and negroni, the Bicicletta is satisfyingly bitter and refreshing. Plus, the low-proof cocktail brings the Mediterranean to you.
4 Must-Haves for a Self-Serve Margarita Bar Guests Will Love

4 Must-Haves for a Self-Serve Margarita Bar Guests Will Love

Impress your guests with this party-ready margarita bar—complete with a variety of garnishes, rimmers, and boozy stir-ins for customized cocktails.
Make-Ahead Frozen Margaritas

Make-Ahead Frozen Margaritas

Need a quick drink for a party, but don't want to spend all night playing bartender? These delicious make-ahead margaritas are the answer! Freeze them in jars overnight and they're all set for the next day.
34 Halloween Potluck Ideas for Dishes to Serve at Your Monster Mash

34 Halloween Potluck Ideas for Dishes to Serve at Your Monster Mash

Hosting a party for Halloween? Or maybe you're bringing a dish to a bash. We've got you covered with Halloween potluck ideas for happy gobblin'!
19 Fourth of July Picnic Ideas for a Tasty Outdoor Celebration

19 Fourth of July Picnic Ideas for a Tasty Outdoor Celebration

There's something for everyone on this list of Fourth of July picnic ideas, from star-spangled-salads to patriotic desserts.
Why You Should Be Adding Spirulina to Your Smoothies (and So Much More)

Why You Should Be Adding Spirulina to Your Smoothies (and So Much More)

The sustainable superfood algae called spirulina will give you a nutritional boost. Learn about the benefits of spirulina, plus why it's a sustainable option and how to eat more spirulina.
8 Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Add to Your Diet

8 Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Add to Your Diet

Add these anti-inflammatory foods to your diet to feel healthier and reduce the risk and impact of cancer, heart disease, and other chronic health issues.
The Surprising Ingredient in Raw Cookie Dough (Besides Eggs) That Could Make You Sick

The Surprising Ingredient in Raw Cookie Dough (Besides Eggs) That Could Make You Sick

Study up on the risks of eating raw cookie dough. You’re probably familiar with the danger of raw eggs, but did you know that raw flour can pose a health risk, too? Dietitians and a food safety specialist share more about raw cookie dough risks and how to stay safe as you enjoy cookie recipes and other baked goods.
Should You Wash Bananas After Bringing Them Home? Experts Clear Up the Confusion

Should You Wash Bananas After Bringing Them Home? Experts Clear Up the Confusion

Should you wash bananas after bringing them home? It might seem unnecessary since you peel the fruit before eating, but there are two very valid reasons why you should wash bananas before storing them. Learn more about the benefits of washing bananas and snag pro tips to keep them fresh for as long as possible.
How to Make Oven-Dried Tomatoes (Including a Bonus Dehydrator Method!)

How to Make Oven-Dried Tomatoes (Including a Bonus Dehydrator Method!)

Here's how to dry tomatoes in the oven or dehydrator, including our Test Kitchen's secret for storing the dried tomatoes for up to 9 months.
Canned Food Recipes For When You Want to Cook From Your Pantry

Canned Food Recipes For When You Want to Cook From Your Pantry

Think outside the box with our best canned food recipes. Featuring beans, pumpkin, tomatoes, coconut milk, crab, and so much more, these globe-trotting canned food recipes prove that budget-friendly pantry staples can transform into a restaurant-quality meal.
8 Tips for How to Make Pancake Mix Better-Tasting Than Homemade

8 Tips for How to Make Pancake Mix Better-Tasting Than Homemade

Get that made-from-scratch taste with these easy hacks for how to make pancake mix better-tasting than homemade.
Santa Fe Turkey Wraps

Santa Fe Turkey Wraps

Planning a picnic? Make sure you include these tasty turkey wraps in your basket! They have a few classic ingredients, like avocado, tomato, and lettuce, and one or two to spice things up, like roasted corn and jalapeno cream cheese.
Follow These Tips for the Best Grilled Burgers You've Ever Tasted

Follow These Tips for the Best Grilled Burgers You've Ever Tasted

It's not summer without a homemade burger on the grill and all the extras that go with it. Follow our Test Kitchen tips for the perfect burger.