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Getting protein as a vegan is important – but easily done. There are plenty of high-protein vegan foods out there you can incorporate into your meals to achieve a well-rounded diet.
Protein on a Vegan Diet
To be frank, it is a myth that vegans cannot get adequate protein in their diets. True protein deficiency is very rare. But, it is still an important macronutrient that is necessary for our bodies to thrive.
When I first went vegan, I was pretty concerned about my protein intake. I decided to track macro and micronutrients in Cronometer and found that I was getting enough protein every day. When I started to hit the gym, though, I found that my body craved higher protein foods.
Protein shakes are not my favorite thing – I prefer to eat my calories. So while I do have some Vega protein powder in a smoothie here and there, most of my protein comes from whole vegan foods. Thankfully, there are plenty of plant-based protein options!
Vegan Foods with High Protein
- Lentils
- Quinoa
- Chia Seeds
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Edamame
- Tofu
- Tempeh
- Chickpeas
- Beans
- Pistachios
- Almonds
- Peanuts
- Peas
- Hemp Seeds
…And more! Below you’ll find a list of high-protein vegan recipes for every meal.
(Note that not all of the recipes below include macro counts, but it’s easy enough to calculate using Cronometer.com)
32 High-Protein Vegan Recipes
1. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Hummus is a great high-protein snack.
2. One-Pot Vegan Sloppy Joes
Make these protein-packed vegan sloppy joes for a satisfying, delicious dinner! Also a great recipe to meal prep.
3. Chickpea Meatballs
These chickpea meatballs are one of my most popular recipes here on the blog. Such a great source of protein!
4. Vegan Swedish Meatballs
Protein-packed vegan meatballs made with lentils and mushrooms.
5. Apple Lentil Salad
This high-protein salad is made with lentils and pepitas.
6. Chickpea Teriyaki Meal Prep Bowls
Chickpeas are one of my favorite sources of protein! They are a great replacement for chicken in many recipes.
7. Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad
Quinoa is the protein star of this dish!
8. Seitan Breakfast Sausage
Seitan is a great source of plant-based protein that is also low-fat.
9. Stuffed Acorn Squash
Lentils and pepitas are the main sources protein in this recipe.
10. Slow Cooker Chili by HappyKitchen.Rocks
Beans are a fantastic plant-based protein source, and this vegan chili uses two types.
11.Peanut Crunch Salad in a Jar by A Virtual Vegan
Peanuts, quinoa, cabbage, edamame, carrots and more come together to create this healthy salad in a jar!
12. Healthy Chocolate Protein Bites by The Fit Cookie
Get some protein in quick with these chocolate protein bites! They are made with vegan protein powder and sunbutter, making them nut-free.
13. Tomato Barley Soup by Grateful Grazer
This epic tomato soup contains nutritious ingredients like kale and barley, and is topped with “cheesy” chickpeas.
14. Coconut Curry Tofu Stir Fry by Plating Pixels
Healthy vegan stir fry made with soba noodles, tofu and tons of delicious flavor!
15. Spicy Black Bean Quinoa Burger by Veganosity
Veggie burgers are a must-have staple meal! These ones are made primarily with black beans and quinoa – both of which are high in protein.
16. Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowls by Choosing Chia
Cauliflower rice is a great grain-free and low calorie option to use in place of regular rice. This bowl also contains goodness like black beans and sweet potato.
17. Seitan Jerky by My Quiet Kitchen
Seitan is a great meat substitute because you can make it taste, feel, and look like meat. As a bonus, unlike some other
18. Black Bean Quinoa Casserole by Veggies Save the Day
If you’re looking for healthy comfort food, this black bean & quinoa casserole is the answer! It is vegan and gluten-free.
19. Vegan Steak by Loving It Vegan
Yes, this steak is totally vegan! Making “steak” if one of my favorite ways to eat seitan. It’s juicy, so flavorful, and a perfect replacement for that classic meat & potatoes lover.
20. Vegan Green Frittata by Dianne’s Vegan Kitchen
This vegan frittata is made with chickpea flour, which is a fabulous alternative for eggs, and tofu “feta” – both high-protein ingredients! It’s also packed with veggies.
21. White Chili by Contentedness Cooking
Doesn’t this white vegan chili look heavenly? So creamy. This recipe uses 2 cans of white beans, and contains about 19 grams of protein per serving!
22. Jacked Vegan Ribs by Fat Free Vegan
These seitan vegan ribs are kicked up a notch with jackfruit. Each serving is a whopping 35 grams of protein!
23. Enchilada Zucchini Boats by Food With Feeling
Is anyone else obsessed with all things enchilada? These enchilada zucchini boats, made with black beans, are a healthy take on the traditional recipe.
24. Black Bean Brownies by Rhian’s Recipes
Did you ever think you could get protein from brownies?! These black bean brownies contain 5g of protein per slice.
25. Vegan Cheesecake Dessert Hummus by Fragrant Vanilla
Dessert hummus is one of my favorite culinary creations ever. This cheesecake hummus is still made with chickpeas like traditional hummus.
26. Savory Tempeh Breakfast Sandwiches by Connoisseurus Veg
Tempeh is a fantastic source of vegan protein and can be prepared in so many ways. This recipe uses tempeh as “sausage” in a breakfast sandwich.
27. High Protein Bean and Tofu Salad by Sweet Simple Vegan
Tofu and a variety of beans are the stars of this high-protein vegan salad. The simple tahini dressing adds incredible flavor and creaminess.
28. Plant Protein Power Breakfast Bowls by Kitchen Treaty
Ultimate breakfast bowl coming right up! This recipe contains 21g of protein per serving mostly thanks to tofu scramble, black beans, and pepitas.
29. Baked Tofu with Tomatoes, Lemon, and Capers by Fried Dandelions
Think tofu is bland and blah? Think again! This baked tofu is made with capers, lemon juice, olives and more. Serve on top of polenta for a complete meal.
30. Farro Protein Bowl by Vegan Yack Attack
Along with farro, this vegan bowl calls for chickpeas and tempeh which are both packed with protein!
31. Thai Tempeh Buddha Bowl by Fit Mitten Kitchen
Have you ever heard of freekah? It’s a nutritious, high-protein grain that makes for a great base in buddha bowls! Combined with tempeh, this recipe has 20 grams of protein per serving!
32. Chickpea Bolognese Pasta by Eating by Elaine
Bolognese is traditionally a type of meat sauce, but this bolognese uses chickpeas instead! Pack even more of a protein punch by serving it over chickpea or lentil pasta.
