There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of soup—especially when it’s loaded with nourishing, plant-based protein.
Whether you’re a lifelong vegan, a flexitarian, or just looking to reduce your meat intake, high protein vegan soups make it easy (and delicious!) to meet your nutritional needs.
These soups are hearty enough to serve as a main course and are perfect for meal prep, cozy nights in, or fueling up after a workout. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, each spoonful helps power your day while satisfying your taste buds.
Today, I’m sharing my ultimate guide to high protein vegan soup recipes, featuring my favorite “Hearty Lentil & Quinoa Power Soup”—a bowlful that’s as tasty as it is nourishing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Protein-Packed: Each serving delivers over 18 grams of plant-based protein, thanks to a medley of lentils, quinoa, and chickpeas.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This soup stores beautifully, making it a fantastic choice for batch cooking and busy weeks.
- Full of Flavor: With aromatic veggies, spices, and umami-rich broth, you’ll never miss the meat.
- Gluten-Free & Allergy-Friendly: Naturally free from gluten, dairy, and nuts (with easy substitutions).
- Versatile: Easily adaptable—swap in your favorite veggies or beans, and adjust the spice level to taste.
- Super Satisfying: Thanks to fiber-rich legumes and whole grains, this soup leaves you feeling full and energized.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make a big pot of Hearty Lentil & Quinoa Power Soup (serves 6):
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Green or brown lentils | 1 cup, dried |
Quinoa (any color) | 1/2 cup, rinsed |
Canned chickpeas (drained/rinsed) | 1 (15 oz) can |
Carrots, diced | 2 medium |
Celery stalks, diced | 2 |
Yellow onion, chopped | 1 large |
Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
Baby spinach or kale, chopped | 3 cups (loosely packed) |
Canned diced tomatoes (with juices) | 1 (15 oz) can |
Vegetable broth (low sodium preferred) | 6 cups |
Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
Smoked paprika | 1 teaspoon |
Thyme (dried or fresh) | 1 teaspoon dried OR 1 tablespoon fresh |
Salt & black pepper | to taste |
Lemon juice (fresh) | 2 tablespoons |
Optional: Nutritional yeast | 2 tablespoons (for extra umami & protein) |
Equipment
- Large soup pot (at least 6-quart capacity)
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Ladle
- Colander (for rinsing lentils, quinoa, chickpeas)
- Bowl (for prepping ingredients)
- Blender (optional, for creamy variation)
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients:
- Dice carrots, celery, and onion.
- Mince the garlic.
- Rinse lentils and quinoa well under cold water using a colander.
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas.
- Chop the spinach or kale if using.
- Sauté the aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in your large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery.
- Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Spice it up:
- Sprinkle in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and thyme.
- Stir for 30 seconds to bloom the spices and release their aroma.
- Simmer the soup:
- Add lentils, quinoa, chickpeas, diced tomatoes (with juices), and vegetable broth to the pot.
- Stir well to combine. Increase heat to bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 25-30 minutes.
- Check that the lentils and quinoa are fully cooked and tender.
- Add the greens:
- Stir in the spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
- Let them wilt and turn vibrant green.
- Season and finish:
- Stir in lemon juice and nutritional yeast (if using).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- For a creamier texture, use a blender to puree 1-2 cups of soup, then stir back into the pot.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with extra herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast if desired.
- Enjoy hot!
Tips & Variations
“A great soup is all about flexibility—use what you have and don’t be afraid to make it your own!”
- Bean Swap: Try navy beans, black beans, or kidney beans instead of chickpeas.
- Veggie Boost: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potato for extra color and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for heat.
- Herb Heaven: Fresh parsley, cilantro, or basil brighten up the soup—add just before serving.
- Creamy Variation: Puree part of the soup or stir in a splash of coconut milk for a silky texture.
- Make it a Stew: Add less broth for a thicker, stew-like consistency—perfect for dipping crusty bread.
- Protein Upgrades: Stir in cubed tofu, tempeh, or cooked vegan chicken for even more protein.
- Batch & Freeze: This soup freezes beautifully. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
“Don’t forget to taste and adjust your seasoning before serving—every broth is a little different!”
Nutrition Facts
Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 310 |
Protein | 18g |
Carbohydrates | 54g |
Dietary Fiber | 13g |
Total Fat | 5g |
Saturated Fat | 0.7g |
Sodium | 600mg (varies with broth) |
Iron | 6mg |
Calcium | 80mg |
Vitamin C | 15mg |
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on exact brands and ingredient choices.
Serving Suggestions
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of whole-grain or sourdough bread for a comforting meal.
- Over Grains: Pour the soup over brown rice, millet, or farro for extra heartiness.
- Top with Crunch: Add roasted chickpeas, pepitas, or a sprinkle of Almond Cashew Clusters for crunch.
- Pair with Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad or a tangy slaw for a balanced plate.
- Meal Prep: Pack into mason jars or containers for grab-and-go lunches all week.
- Garnish: A squeeze of fresh lemon, chopped herbs, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast just before serving brightens up each bowl.
- Soup & Snack Combo: Pair with a sweet bite like these Almond Cake And Pastry Filling Recipes for dessert.
Conclusion
High protein vegan soups are an absolute game-changer for plant-based eaters and anyone seeking nourishing, satisfying meals. With their blend of lentils, quinoa, chickpeas, and vibrant veggies, these soups deliver the protein and fiber you need, all in one flavorful bowl.
Plus, the flexibility to swap ingredients and adjust flavors means you’ll never get bored—no matter how many times you make it.
This recipe is just a starting point for your vegan soup adventures. Explore, experiment, and make it your own.
Don’t forget to check out other veggie-packed recipes like Allens Green Beans Recipe or cozy up with a bowl of All American Chili Recipe Cooking Light for even more plant-powered inspiration. Here’s to happy cooking and even happier eating—one wholesome, high-protein bowl at a time!
📖 Recipe Card: Hearty Lentil and Chickpea Soup
Description: A nourishing, high-protein vegan soup packed with lentils, chickpeas, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a filling lunch or dinner.
Prep Time: PT15M |
Cook Time: PT35M |
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add onions, carrots, and celery.
- Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in lentils, chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 3 g | Carbs: 56 g