40 High-Protein Vegetarian Meals So Good You Won't Miss The Meat
Plant-based proteins FTW.
Going forward, we're living solidly in the No Mid-Day Grumbles zone, which means make as many of our meals as high in protein as we can, and that's especially true of the vegetarians at Delish. And though it’s easy to get in lots of protein if you’re eating chicken, steak, or seafood, it can be less straight-forward if you’re avoiding meat. Whether you’re meatless only on Mondays, are vegetarian for life, or are just looking to add some variety to your high-protein diet, we’ve got you. There are TONS of meatless proteins out there—check out our 40 high-protein vegetarian meals for ideas.
No shade to all the plant-based meat alternatives out there (like the Impossible Burger or Beyond Meat pepperoni), but for these recipes, we’re focusing on high-protein whole foods like beans, nuts, grains, and minimally processed soy. If you’re looking for something to approximate the chew of meat, we recommend looking to tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Try our spicy fried “chicken” sandwich, tempeh Buffalo “wings”, seitan piccata, and more. They’re just as satisfying as their OG counterparts, without the meat.
If you’re not attached to the idea of a “meaty” protein, but still want that umami flavor and mouthfeel, go for beans or nuts instead. Black beans, white beans, pinto beans, and lentils all help bulk up our vegetarian chilis, cheesy white bean skillet, vegan crunchwrap, and black bean burger. Looking for options beyond beans? Fun fact: Walnuts are some of our favorite high-protein nuts, and we’ve used them to replace meat in our walnut broccoli stir fry (just skip the oyster sauce!). And don't forget the cheese, they're a more than worthy source of protein and the star of our mozzarella schnitzel.
Looking for a super hearty meal? Try adding high-protein grains like wild rice or quinoa to your meal rotation, like we did for our meat lover's quinoa veggie burger. Alternatively, subbing out your favorite white rice or pasta for brown rice or whole grains (in a cottage cheese alfredo or sesame tofu and broccoli, perhaps?) will deliver a small protein boost that’ll add up over time.
And of course, we can’t forget about eggs! Though they’re definitely known as more of a breakfast food, we’ve included a few of our favorite egg-based anytime meals, like our baked feta eggs and shakshuka. Of course, we’re all about breakfast for dinner, too.
Sweet & Sour Tofu
Sweet and sour sauce is a staple across Chinese-American restaurant menus—and for good reason. The combination of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors pairs well with virtually every protein. That’s especially true when it comes to tofu—because it’s mild in flavor, the sweet and sour sauce truly shines (even the tofu haters in your household will ask for seconds).
Get the Sweet & Sour Tofu recipe.
Mediterranean White Beans & Greens
A one-skillet recipe like this, made of hearty escarole stewed in a rich tomato sauce with lots of cannellini beans, is exactly what you’re surfing the web for. This can be eaten solo with grated Parmigiano Reggiano on top, mixed into ditalini (like we did post-recipe test), or sopped up with a hunk of crusty bread. These beans are adaptable for whatever you're feeling, or how much effort you're willing to put in.
Get the Mediterranean White Beans & Greens recipe.
Chili Crisp Fried Tofu
Chili crisp is the MVP in the flavor bomb pantry, and it’s back to prove it again with this chili crisp fried tofu. Featuring a vibrant spicy-sweet sauce made with just four pantry ingredients, this crispy fried tofu is waiting to make your weeknight dinner a little more exciting.
Get the Chili Crisp Fried Tofu recipe.
Cottage Cheese Alfredo
Wouldn’t it be great to have a big bowl of your favorite creamy pasta with less fat and more protein but with all of the flavor and texture you’re looking for in a good Alfredo? We thought so. This recipe is the answer to your pasta prayers.
Get the Cottage Cheese Alfredo recipe.
Marry Me Tofu
We've tossed air-fried tofu in spicy mayo, created a tofu katsu curry, and brushed homemade chipotle sauce onto kebabs for chipotle tofu and pineapple skewers (and the list of tofu recipes goes on!). Because tofu is so versatile, why not give this plant-based protein a Marry Me moment? Pairing our signature creamy, garlicky sauce with crispy tofu was every bit as good as we knew it could be.
Get the Marry Me Tofu recipe.
Pizza Beans Skillet
Tired, hungry, and running low on groceries? Pizza beans have your back. Featuring simple pantry staples and only 30 minutes of cooking time, this comforting one-pan dinner promises to make any weeknight feel special.
Get the Pizza Beans Skillet recipe.
Sesame Tofu & Broccoli
In this vegetarian version of a Chinese-American favorite, oven-baked tofu gets tossed in a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce along with crisp-tender broccoli, then topped with toasty sesame seeds and scallions. With a side of white rice, you’re guaranteed a saucy, crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner.
Get the Sesame Tofu & Broccoli recipe.
Black Bean Burger
Finding alternatives to meat can be hard, but we think these burgers really nail it. The secret? Stop trying to make them taste like beef, and focus on the nutty black bean flavor. Check out our tips for making these the best they can be.
Get the Black Bean Burger recipe.
Mozzarella Schnitzel
Like chicken and pork schnitzel before it, mozzarella schnitzel is crispy (thanks to a golden breadcrumb crust), and pairs perfectly with a mustard sauce as a special occasion dinner main. Your guests will FLIP over that cheese pull.
Get the Mozzarella Schnitzel recipe.
Homemade Falafel
Falafel may be king of Middle Eastern street food, but that doesn’t mean you have to travel to enjoy it. Boasting a crisp, golden-brown exterior and a center that’s soft, tender, and packed with chickpeas and fresh herbs, our homemade recipe hits ALL those classic flavors and vibes.
Get the Homemade Falafel recipe.
Crispy Sheet-Pan Black Bean Tacos
Tacos always bring party vibes, but when they’re baked until crisp and rimmed with crunchy cheesy frico, it’s an all-out fiesta. Featuring refried black beans inside a crunchy corn tortilla, this cross between a taco and a sheet-pan quesadilla makes every weeknight feel like a celebration.
Get the Crispy Sheet-Pan Black Bean Tacos recipe.
Greek Salad Cottage Cheese Bowls
It wouldn’t be a Mediterranean menu without a Greek salad in some form or another—these cottage cheese bowls fit the bill. Packed with protein, nutrient-rich vegetables, and healthy fats (not to mention a whole lot of flavor), they’re the perfect anytime vegetarian meal.
Get the Greek Salad Cottage Cheese Bowls recipe.
Falafel Stuffed Peppers
These stuffed peppers deliver all the spicy, garlicky flavors of your favorite falafel sandwich. It's essentially the vegetarian version of classic stuffed peppers, and you'll want to put it in regular rotation.
Get the Falafel Chickpea Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers recipe.
BBQ Tofu
We’ll say it—tofu isn't just for the vegetarians and vegans anymore. When you do it right, it can compete with BBQ classics like brisket, short ribs, and grilled chicken. Serve it with classic BBQ sides like potato salad and coleslaw, or sandwiched between a squishy burger bun. Not feeling the backyard vibes? BBQ tofu is just as delicious made on a grill pan and served over rice with steamed broccoli. Who needs meat?
Get the BBQ Tofu recipe.
Creamy Tuscan White Bean Skillet
Creamy Tuscan anything is a cult classic here at Delish, but this vegetarian version might be our new favorite. Featuring white beans and spinach swimming in a luxurious tomato cream sauce, this hearty skillet dinner is so comforting and satisfying, you’ll never miss the chicken.
Get the Creamy Tuscan Butter White Bean Skillet recipe.
Tofu Banh Mi
In this meat-free Vietnamese classic, the pressed tofu marinates twice: once quickly before cooking and again after it’s cooked. A French baguette will do the job, but an airier, crisp-crusted Vietnamese-style baguette is the ultimate bread for this sammie.
Get the Tofu Bahn Mi recipe.
Walnut Broccoli Stir-Fry
Sure, there’s the classic beef and broccoli stir-fry dish you’ve come to know and love, but for the days where you’re just looking for a little less meat, it’s time to turn to the mighty walnut. It’s fatty and rich, with a fun, rippled texture that gives sauces lots of nooks and crannies to hug onto. Swap out the oyster sauce here for hoisin or more soy (watch out for salt!) to keep this strictly vegan.
Get the Walnut Broccoli Stir-Fry recipe.
Vegan Crunchwraps
We updated this fast food favorite to be totally vegan—and completely irresistible. Creamy vegan queso dip and meaty lentils make a satisfying filling. A quick spin in a hot skillet adds crunch to every bite.
Get the Vegan Crunchwraps recipe.
Indian Butter Chickpeas
Looking for your new favorite way to dress up canned chickpeas? You’re in the right place. Simmered in an aromatic tomato gravy, this vegetarian spin on classic butter chicken will forever change the way you look at a can of beans.
Get the Indian Butter Chickpeas recipe.
Vegan Shepherd's Pie
This meatless, dairy-free take on shepherd's pie is packed with veggies (mushrooms! celery! butternut squash! parsnips!) and loaded with flavor. It's also incredibly hearty and full of protein, thanks to lentils.
Get the Vegan Shepherd's Pie recipe.
