8 High-Protein Vegan and Vegetarian Dinners That Pack Even *More* Protein Than a Steak
From veggie burgers to comforting pasta dishes, these healthy high-protein vegetarian dinners have *way* more protein than steak.
If you were asked which contains the most protein between a steak and a can of chickpeas, you’d probably choose the steak without a second thought. But you’d be wrong. While the recommended 3-ounce serving size of steak packs 21 grams of protein, a cup of chickpeas contains a whopping 39 grams. With that in mind, making high-protein vegetarian dinners is pretty easy.
Aside from chickpeas, a cup of lentils contains 50 grams of protein, a cup of tofu has 20 grams, and kidney beans contain 43 grams of protein per cup. Not too shabby—especially considering the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of protein for a 140-pound person is 50 grams per day, or about 7 grams per 20 pounds of body weight.
The next time you’re planning out your weekly meals, add these high-protein vegetarian dinners to the menu.
High-protein vegetarian dinners (and lunches) that pack more protein than a steak
1. Vegan jalapeño chickpea mac and cheese
Protein: 27 grams per servingTotal time: 35 minutes
This vegan mac and cheese has a super-high protein count thanks to the chickpea pasta and added chickpeas. The jalapeños also give it a deliciously spicy kick.
2. High-protein veggie burgers
Protein: 39 grams per servingTotal time: 2 hours
Is it grilling season yet? These high-protein veggie burgers are made from red kidney beans, texturized vegetable protein (TVP), and a handful of different spices.
3. Pesto spaghetti with vegan meatballs
Protein: 24 grams per servingTotal time: 50 minutes
Switch up your typical spaghetti recipe for this protein-packed pesto version. Between the sauce and the meatballs—which are made from walnuts and chickpeas—you’re taking in 24 grams of protein per serving.
4. The ultimate protein-packed vegan cesar salad
Protein: Up to 28 grams per servingTotal time: 40 minutes
This vegan caesar salad has the same great taste as the original, but it contains a whole lot more protein thanks to tempeh bacon bits, crispy chickpeas, and a cashew-based dressing.
5. Moroccan-spiced vegan shepherd’s pie
Protein: 25 grams per servingTotal time: 45 minutes
Comfort food, but make it healthy and high protein. This Moroccan-spiced vegan shepherd’s pie has a creamy lentil base topped with sweet potatoes.
6. Almond butter tofu stir-fry
Protein: 23 grams per servingTotal time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Who can resist a quick and easy stir-fry? This protein-loaded recipe only requires nine ingredients, including tofu, almond butter, and green beans.
7. The ultimate vegan protein burrito
Protein: 22 grams per servingTotal time: 40 minutes
Chipotle has nothing on this wholesome burrito that contains 22 grams of protein from quinoa, black beans, and hemp seeds.
8. Mongolian seitan beef
Protein: 29 grams of protein per servingTotal time: 30 minutes
This vegan beef made from seitan will fool you into thinking you’re eating the real thing. Serving alongside broccoli and rice for the ultimate healthy dish.
