10+ High Protein Vegan Recipes for a Healthy Lifestyle
Eating plant-based can be fulfilling and nutritious when you know how to pack in the protein. High protein vegan recipes make it easy to get enough protein while enjoying a variety of delicious meals. Whether you are a long-time vegan or just starting, finding tasty recipes is key to maintaining a healthy diet.
These recipes are beneficial for anyone looking to boost their protein intake without any animal products. From hearty stews to quick snacks, high protein options offer tasty ways to fuel your body and stay energized throughout the day.
1) Zuppa Toscana with Tofu
Zuppa Toscana is a comforting soup that you can enjoy as part of a high-protein vegan diet. This version uses tofu to create a hearty texture and brings a delicious creaminess to the dish.
You’ll need potatoes, kale, and spices to add flavor. The tofu sausage is easy to make at home, giving the soup an authentic touch.
This tasty recipe is quick to prepare and full of nutrients. You can have it ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 block of firm tofu
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 bunch of kale, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Cooking Instructions
- Drain and crumble the tofu.
- In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add the diced potatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the kale and crumbled tofu.
- Add coconut milk and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes. Enjoy!
2) Lentil and Quinoa Stew
This lentil and quinoa stew is packed with protein and flavor. It’s simple to make and perfect for a hearty meal. You can easily prepare it in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pot. Then, add diced tomatoes, lentils, and quinoa for a nutritious base. Season with your favorite herbs and spices to enhance the taste.
Cook everything in vegetable broth until the lentils and quinoa are tender. This dish is not only healthy but also satisfying, making it great for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Sauté onions and garlic in a pot over medium heat.
- Add diced tomatoes, lentils, and quinoa.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook until lentils and quinoa are tender, about 25-30 minutes.
3) Chickpea and Spinach Curry
Chickpea and spinach curry is a delicious and easy meal you can make quickly. It’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy choice. You can have this dish ready in around 30 minutes.
To make this curry, you’ll use simple ingredients such as canned chickpeas, fresh spinach, and spices. The curry is naturally vegan and gluten-free, perfect for everyone.
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a pan, sauté the chopped onion and garlic until soft.
- Add the curry powder and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in the chickpeas and coconut milk.
- Bring to a simmer and add spinach, cooking until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve warm.
4) Vegan Protein-Packed Frittata
A vegan frittata is a delicious way to enjoy a protein-rich meal. You can make it quickly using chickpea flour or tofu. Both options are easy to prepare and perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Start by mixing your base with water and spices for flavor. Then, fold in lots of colorful veggies like bell peppers, onions, and spinach. You can even add herbs for an extra kick.
Bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until it sets and gets a nice golden top. This dish is filling and can be enjoyed fresh or as leftovers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chickpea flour or 1 block firm tofu
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: herbs (like oregano or basil)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix chickpea flour (or mashed tofu) with water and seasonings.
- Stir in diced veggies and herbs.
- Pour the mixture into a greased oven-safe dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until firm and golden.
5) Three Bean and Avocado Salad
This Three Bean and Avocado Salad is a tasty and nutritious option for any meal. Packed with protein, it’s simple to prepare and great for gatherings. You’ll love the mix of flavors and textures.
Start with black beans, kidney beans, and garbanzo beans. Add diced avocado for creaminess and a burst of healthy fats. Fresh lime juice makes the dish bright and refreshing.
You can serve it chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect for picnics, lunches, or as a side dish at dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 large avocados, diced
- Juice of 2 limes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the black beans, kidney beans, and garbanzo beans.
- Add the diced avocados.
- Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper. Mix gently to combine.
- Garnish with cilantro if desired, and serve.
6) Tofu Scramble Breakfast Bowl
A tofu scramble breakfast bowl is a tasty way to start your day with a healthy dose of protein. It’s quick to make and you can customize it with your favorite vegetables.
To begin, cook some firm tofu in a pan until it’s slightly browned. You might add spices like garlic powder and turmeric for flavor. Don’t forget to toss in some fresh veggies like kale and mushrooms while cooking.
Serve your tofu scramble in a bowl and enjoy it as a filling breakfast or even for lunch or dinner. It’s delicious and satisfying!
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu
- 1 cup kale, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
- Crumble the tofu into the pan.
- Add garlic powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add kale and mushrooms, cooking for another 5 minutes until everything is tender.
- Serve in a bowl and enjoy!
7) Creamy Cashew Pasta with Peas
This Creamy Cashew Pasta with Peas is a delicious and easy vegan dish. It blends the creaminess of cashews with the bright taste of peas for a satisfying meal.
You will start by soaking raw cashews in water. This helps to create a smooth and creamy sauce. Then, blend the cashews with garlic, lemon juice, and a bit of water until silky.
Cook your favorite pasta, then toss it with the creamy sauce and peas. It is a quick dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups pasta (your choice)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water as needed
Cooking Instructions
- Soak the cashews in water for at least 2 hours.
- Drain and rinse the cashews.
- Blend cashews, garlic, lemon juice, and a bit of water until creamy.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Stir in the peas during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Drain the pasta and mix it with the creamy cashew sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!
8) Seitan Stir-Fry with Vegetables
Seitan stir-fry is a tasty and high-protein meal you can make easily at home. It combines chewy seitan with colorful vegetables for a delicious dish. You can use veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for a healthy boost.
To make it, heat some oil in a pan. Add the seitan and cook until browned. Then stir in your chosen vegetables until they are tender. Season with soy sauce, garlic, or ginger for extra flavor.
This dish is not only quick to prepare but also very satisfying. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup seitan, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
- Add the sliced seitan and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Add the bell pepper, broccoli, and snap peas. Cook for 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then serve hot.
9) African Peanut Stew with Kale
African Peanut Stew with Kale is a delicious way to enjoy a high-protein vegan meal. This stew combines rich flavors and wholesome ingredients for a comforting dish. The peanut butter adds creaminess and protein, while kale provides essential vitamins.
You’ll find this dish easy to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight. The combination of tomatoes, chickpeas, and spices makes every bite satisfying. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, so cleanup is a breeze!
Ingredients
- 1 cup chickpeas, cooked
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Cooking Instructions
- In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add diced tomatoes, cumin, and paprika. Stir well.
- Mix in chickpeas, kale, and vegetable broth.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in peanut butter until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
10) Spicy Black Bean Tacos
Spicy black bean tacos offer a tasty and protein-packed meal that’s easy to prepare. You can enjoy these flavorful tacos any night of the week. They are filled with black beans, spices, and topped with fresh ingredients.
To make these tacos, you’ll need corn tortillas, ensuring a satisfying crunch. Spices like cumin and smoked paprika bring warmth and flavor to the dish. Topping with guacamole or fresh salsa adds creaminess and freshness.
Ingredients
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Corn tortillas
- Guacamole or fresh salsa
Cooking Instructions
- In a pan, heat the black beans over medium heat.
- Add cumin and smoked paprika, mixing well.
- Warm tortillas in another pan for a few seconds on each side.
- Fill tortillas with the black bean mixture.
- Top with guacamole or salsa and serve.