45 Vegan Recipes Packed with Protein - Karissa's Vegan Kitchen (2024)

| Vegan Recipes

ByKarissa

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.

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Can You Get Enough 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!

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Foods High in Protein

(Source: USDA)

  • Lentils (18 grams of protein per cup)
  • Quinoa (8 grams per cup)
  • Chia Seeds (4.5 grams per ounce)
  • Pumpkin Seeds (12 grams per cup)
  • Edamame (17 grams per cup)
  • Tofu (36 grams in one block)
  • Tempeh (31 grams per cup)
  • Chickpeas (20 grams per cup)
  • Pinto beans (15 grams per cup)
  • Black beans (14 grams per cup)
  • Pistachios (6 grams per ounce)
  • Almonds (7 grams per 0.25 cup)
  • Peanuts (7 grams per ounce)
  • Peas (8 grams per cup)
  • Hemp Hearts (9.5 grams per 3 tablespoons)
  • Textured Vegetable Protein (9 grams per 0.25 cup dry)

…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 a website like Cronometer.com)

Vegan Recipes Packed with Protein

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

4.92 from 12 votes

This easy and delicious roasted red pepper hummus recipe makes for a tasty vegan appetizer or snack.

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Vegan Sloppy Joes

4.92 from 36 votes

Make these protein-packed vegan sloppy joes for a satisfying, delicious dinner! Also a great recipe to meal prep.

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Easy Vegan Meatball Recipe with Chickpeas

4.66 from 141 votes

These homemade, oil-free vegan chickpea meatballs are insanely flavorful – even meat-eaters will love them!

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Apple Lentil Salad

4.82 from 11 votes

Made with classic fall flavors, this apple lentil salad is exploding with deliciousness! It’s vegan, gluten-free, and can work as either a side salad or the main dish!

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Chickpea Teriyaki Bowls

4.92 from 24 votes

Chickpeas are one of my favorite sources of protein! They are a great replacement for chicken in many recipes. These teriyaki bowls are great for meal prepping.

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Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad

5 from 14 votes

Simple sweet potato quinoa salad recipe that is delicious and satisfying. Meal prep this ahead of time for an easy lunch idea! This salad is packed with nutrition.

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Vegan Maple Breakfast Sausage Links

4.87 from 37 votes

These seitan sausages are fairly simple to make, and you can batch cook them! Seitan is a great source of plant-based protein that is also low-fat.

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Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash

5 from 31 votes

Delicious vegan stuffed acorn squash! Perfect for fall or the holidays. Lentils and pepitas are the main sources of protein in this recipe.

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Impossible Burger Meatballs

4.98 from 169 votes

Easy meatless meatballs made with Impossible burger! A 4-ounce serving has 19 grams of protein.

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Tofu Fajitas

5 from 10 votes

These vegan fajitas are made with tofu instead of chicken, and they are just as delicious! Made easy in the oven using just one pan.

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Vegan Bean Dip

5 from 14 votes

Easy vegan bean dip makes a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack!

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Vegan Impossible Meatloaf

4.98 from 639 votes

This vegan meatloaf made with Impossible burger tastes JUST like your Mom's classic meatloaf. Bonus – it's simple, easy, and made in about 30 minutes!

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Tofu Tacos

5 from 18 votes

Extra-firm tofu makes the perfect vegan taco meat alternative in these easy tofu tacos. There is about 36 grams of protein in one block of tofu.

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Tofu Scramble

5 from 38 votes

This vegan egg scramble is made using tofu and seasonings like nutritional yeast, Kala Namak salt, and paprika. This recipe serves 2 and has a whopping 18 grams of protein per serving.

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Easy Vegan Chili

5 from 47 votes

This is the best vegan chili recipe! So easy, a little spicy, and high in protein and fiber for a fulfilling meal.

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High-Protein Vegan Ground Beef

4.85 from 72 votes

Easy vegan ground beef substitute you can use in tacos, soups, and anywhere else you'd use ground meat.

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Roasted Glazed Tofu

4.92 from 24 votes

This 5-ingredient glazed tofu roast is the perfect vegan alternative to a traditional ham roast.

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Hummus Wraps

5 from 5 votes

These rainbow veggie wraps have 9 grams of protein as it is, but you can add more by putting in some chickpeas or crispy tofu. This is a great meal prep recipe!

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Black Bean Tacos

5 from 6 votes

Bean tacos are a no-brainer-alternative to their meat counterpart. Super easy to make, plus you can use any type of bean, not just black beans. Pinto beans and white beans also work great.

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45 Vegan Recipes Packed with Protein - Karissa's Vegan Kitchen (21)

Chickpea Salad Sandwich

5 from 15 votes

This delicious chickpea salad recipe is full of flavor, vegan, and packed with protein. It makes for a very satisfying and healthy lunch.

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BBQ Tempeh Sandwich

4.41 from 5 votes

I wasn't a huge fan of tempeh until I made this BBQ tempeh! Simmered to absolute tenderness in your favorite barbecue sauce. Top with homemade vegan coleslaw for the complete experience. Each sammy has 15 grams of protein! Tempeh is also fortified with B12 which is important for vegans to supplement with.

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Vegan Crunchwrap

5 from 4 votes

These healthier vegan crunchwraps are a Taco Bell copycat recipe with plant-based ground meat, vegan nacho cheee and crispy tortillas.

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Vegan KFC Famous Bowls

4.91 from 10 votes

Speaking of fast food copycats, these famous bowls are OMG delicious. Thanks to the tofu, each bowl has 10 grams protein. You can add more tofu to each serving to bump that up.

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Teriyaki Tofu Stir Fry

4.34 from 3 votes

Easy tofu stir fry tossed in a savory and sweet teriyaki sauce. This recipe is vegan and can be made gluten-free by using tamari.

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Buffalo Chickpea Wraps

4.88 from 8 votes

This recipe for buffalo chickpea wraps takes about 20 minutes and requires just 6 simple ingredients.

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls

5 from 3 votes

Protein balls made with chocolate and peanut butter. No protein powder necessary! This recipe is vegan and naturally sweetened with medjool dates.

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Peanut Crunch Salad in a Jar

Peanuts, quinoa, cabbage, edamame, carrots and more come together to create this healthy salad in a jar!

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Vegan Spicy Black Bean Quinoa Burger

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.

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Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowls

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.

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Vegan Seitan Jerky

Seitan is a great meat substitute because you can make it taste, feel, and look like meat. As a bonus, unlike some other meat replacements, it is a good protein source. This seitan jerky recipe comes in two flavors – buffalo and Thai.

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Vegan Black Bean Quinoa Casserole

If you’re looking for healthy comfort food, this black bean & quinoa casserole is the answer! It is vegan and gluten-free.

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Vegan Steak (Tender, Juicy and Flavorful)

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.

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Vegan Greek Frittata

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.

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Vegetarian White Chili

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!

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Jacked-Up Vegan Ribs

These seitan vegan ribs are kicked up a notch with jackfruit. Each serving is a whopping 35 grams of protein!

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Enchilada Zucchini Boats

Is anyone else obsessed with all things enchilada? These enchilada zucchini boats, made with black beans, are a healthy take on the traditional recipe.

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Black Bean Brownies (GF)

Did you ever think you could get protein from brownies?! These black bean brownies contain 5g of protein per slice.

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Vegan Cheesecake Dessert Hummus

Dessert hummus is one of my favorite culinary creations ever. This cheesecake hummus is still made with chickpeas like traditional hummus.

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Savory Tempeh Breakfast Sandwiches

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.

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High Protein Bean & Tofu Salad with Garlic Tahini Dressing

Tofu and a variety of beans are the stars of this high-protein vegan salad. The simple tahini dressing adds incredible flavor and creaminess.

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Plant Protein Power Vegan Breakfast Bowls

Ultimate breakfast bowl coming right up! This recipe contains 21g of protein per serving mostly thanks to tofu scramble, black beans, and pepitas.

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Baked Tofu with Tomatoes, Lemon, and Capers

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.

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Fall Farro Protein Bowl

Along with farro, this vegan bowl calls for chickpeas and tempeh.

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Vegan Thai Tempeh Buddha Bowl

Have you ever heard of freekeh? 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!

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Vegan Chickpea Bolognese Pasta

Bolognese is traditionally a type of meat sauce, but this bolognese uses chickpeas instead!

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Looking for more vegan recipes?

  • 25 Vegan Snack Ideas
  • 12 Vegan Dinner Recipes
  • 14 Creative Cauliflower Recipes
  • 9 Vegan Breakfast Ideas
45 Vegan Recipes Packed with Protein - Karissa's Vegan Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

What vegan food has the highest amount of protein? ›

20 best vegan protein sources chart
FoodServing (g)Protein (g)
1. Tempeh10020.3
2. Seitan10017.9
3. Edamame12017.2
4. Tofu160 (half block)16.3
16 more rows

How can vegans get 120g of protein a day? ›

One of the easiest plant-based high protein swaps is to replace your usual pasta with red lentil pasta. It's made from protein-rich red lentil flour, and I like to make a vegan bolognese with it. Adding soy mince is a game-changer too when you're struggling to eat enough protein.

How to get 140g of protein a day vegan? ›

10 High Protein Vegan Snack Ideas
  1. Edamame Beans.
  2. Mixed Nuts.
  3. Soy Yoghurt with Fruit and Seeds.
  4. Pint of Soy Milk.
  5. Peanut Butter on Granary Toast.
  6. Hummus with Vegetable Sticks or Rice Cakes.
  7. Homemade Vegan Protein Bars.
  8. Vegan Protein Smoothie (such as Pea+ Protein)
Jan 20, 2023

How to get 40g of protein vegan? ›

Where do vegans get their protein?
  1. Lentils (red are my favorites), 18 grams of protein per cup.
  2. Chickpeas, 12 grams/cup.
  3. Tempeh (locally made in Asheville!), 41 grams per cup.
  4. Black beans, 15 grams per cup.
  5. Nuts and nut butters (I eat a good mix, usually without peanuts), varied.
  6. Tofu, 11 grams per 4 ounces.

How can a vegan get 100g protein a day? ›

100 grams of vegan protein
  1. ¼ cup of protein granola (10 grams of protein)
  2. One scoop of plant-based protein powder (20 grams)
  3. 1 ounce of nuts (5 grams)
  4. Two tablespoons of peanut butter (7 grams)
  5. Two tablespoons of chia seeds (about 10 grams)
  6. One tablespoon of hemp seeds (4 grams)
  7. Two slices of rye bread (10 grams)
Apr 6, 2024

How can vegans get 150g protein a day? ›

Milk, cheese, nuts, beans, and tofu are good sources of protein. You can also try tempeh, veggie burgers, and other meat substitutes. Vegetables also have 3 grams of protein per serving. If you struggle to get enough protein through food alone, a protein supplement may be useful.

Can you eat too much vegan protein? ›

Bear in mind, too much protein in the diet can also be harmful. Long-term risks include kidney failure and dysfunction, increased risk of renal cancer, weight gain and constipation, and much more according to many studies.

What vegetables are high in protein? ›

And what are the best sources for protein?
  • Green peas. Green peas are at the top of the list of the most protein-filled vegetables. ...
  • Spinach. A big crisp spinach salad is certainly refreshing, especially on a hot day in the South. ...
  • Collard greens. ...
  • Sweet corn. ...
  • Mustard greens. ...
  • Lima beans. ...
  • Asparagus. ...
  • Broccoli.

Which nuts are high in protein? ›

Proteins. Nuts are a rich source of proteins and essential amino acids as indicated by the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference [10] and as presented in Table 1. The major sources of proteins are peanuts, almonds, and pistachios, while chestnuts are the poorest in proteins.

Is seitan good or bad for you? ›

Is Seitan Healthy? In many ways, yes, seitan is quite a healthy option. The seitan nutrition facts are hard to argue with: notable amounts of protein, iron, calcium, selenium, phosphorus, and B vitamins. This combination of macro- and micronutrients can result in some pretty impressive health benefits.

How much protein should I eat to lose weight? ›

If you want to lose weight, aim for a daily protein intake between 1.6 and 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight (. 73 and 1 grams per pound). Athletes and heavy exercisers should consume 2.2-3.4 grams of protein per kilogram (1-1.5 grams per pound) if aiming for weight loss.

How do vegans get iron? ›

Vegans can find non-heme iron in dried beans and legumes, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, nuts and seeds, and wholegrain cereals and breads. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to all parts of the body.

How can I get 40g of protein? ›

High Protein Meals With 40g Of Protein22 Jan
  1. Grilled Chicken with Quinoa and Roasted Vegetables. Ingredients: • 170g grilled chicken breast. • 185g cooked quinoa. ...
  2. Turkey and Black Bean Burrito Bowls. Ingredients: • ...
  3. Salmon and Quinoa Salad. Ingredients: • 170g baked or grilled salmon fillet.

What fruits are high in protein? ›

5 Higher-Protein Fruits
  • Guava. Protein count: 4.2 grams in 1 cup. ...
  • Jackfruit. Protein count: 2.6 grams in 1 cup. ...
  • Blackberries. Protein count: 2.1 grams in 1 cup. ...
  • Avocado. Protein count: 1.5 grams in half of an avocado. ...
  • Pomegranate Arils. Protein count: 1.5 grams in ½ cup.
5 days ago

What vegan food has 30 grams of protein? ›

Nuts & Seeds

Regular consumprion of nuts and seeds, such as almonds, cashews, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc., is a good way to top up your protein intake. 100 grams of nuts seeds contain around 20-30 grams of protein.

What vegan food has more protein than meat? ›

LENTILS.

Much like beans, lentils check some important boxes for herbivores. One cup of cooked lentils has nearly 18g of protein — more than the amount in a hamburger — and also contains a lot of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

How can vegans get 200g of protein a day? ›

Vegan Substitutes to Consume 200g Protein a Day
  1. Tofu.
  2. Quinoa.
  3. Chickpeas.
  4. Lentils.
  5. Tempeh.
  6. Seitan.
  7. Beans such as black beans and kidney beans.
  8. Plant-based protein powders such as pea protein and soy protein powders.
Dec 6, 2023

Which plant protein has the most protein? ›

The most protein dense plant foods are seeds: Dry beans/lentils/peas, shell beans, soybeans (tofu, edamame), fresh peas, buckwheat, quinoa, sunflower seeds, flax, chia, pumpkin seeds, and the true grains: oats, millet, wheat, sorghum, corn, or rye.

How can a vegan get 180 grams of protein a day? ›

Include foods like lentils, chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, and soybeans in your meals. For example, a cup of cooked lentils provides about 18g of protein. Tofu and tempeh: Tofu and tempeh are derived from soybeans and are versatile sources of protein. They can be used in stir-fries, curries, or grilled dishes.

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