Are you searching for delicious, satisfying, and nutrient-packed vegan high protein dinner recipes to power up your evenings? Whether you’re an athlete, a busy professional, or simply someone who wants to feel fuller for longer, finding plant-based meals that deliver on both flavor and protein can be a challenge.
But worry not—vegan cuisine is more versatile and protein-rich than you think! In this post, I’ll share my favorite vegan high protein dinner recipes, each carefully crafted to balance taste, nutrition, and convenience.
From hearty stews to creative stir-fries, these dishes are perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners and will keep you fueled and satisfied all night long. Get ready to discover how plant-based eating can be simple, delicious, and protein-packed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Protein-Packed: Each recipe here is designed to deliver at least 20 grams of plant-based protein per serving, keeping you full and energized.
- Flavorful & Satisfying: Forget bland tofu or boring beans! These recipes bring global flavors and satisfying textures to your dinner table.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple, accessible ingredients and straightforward cooking methods make these meals perfect for busy weeknights.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Most of these dishes can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer for ultimate convenience.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipes to your taste preferences, seasonal produce, or pantry staples.
- Nutritionally Balanced: Each meal includes fiber, healthy fats, and micronutrients for complete nourishment.
Lentil & Chickpea Power Bowl
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Cooked brown lentils | 1 cup |
Canned chickpeas (drained & rinsed) | 1 cup |
Quinoa (cooked) | 1 cup |
Fresh spinach | 2 cups |
Cherry tomatoes (halved) | 1 cup |
Red onion (thinly sliced) | 1/4 cup |
Avocado (sliced) | 1/2 |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
Lemon juice | 2 tbsp |
Smoked paprika | 1 tsp |
Cumin | 1/2 tsp |
Salt & pepper | To taste |
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Colander
- Serving bowls
Instructions
- Prepare the quinoa: If you haven’t already, cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the proteins: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked lentils, chickpeas, and quinoa. Pour half of the dressing over and toss gently to combine.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide spinach among serving bowls. Top with the lentil-chickpea-quinoa mixture, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and avocado slices.
- Drizzle & serve: Drizzle the remaining dressing over each bowl. Add extra salt and pepper if desired.
- Enjoy immediately or store in airtight containers for up to 3 days for easy meal prep.
Tips & Variations
- Swap spinach for kale, arugula, or mixed greens for variety.
- Add roasted sweet potatoes or steamed broccoli for extra nutrients and color.
- Try different legumes such as black beans or edamame for a new flavor profile.
- Top with tahini sauce or vegan bechamel sauce for extra creaminess.
- Make it spicy with a sprinkle of chili flakes or sriracha.
Tip: “Batch-cook lentils and quinoa at the start of the week for quick, high-protein meals like this one in minutes!”
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving |
---|---|
Protein | ~24g |
Calories | ~480 |
Fiber | ~16g |
Fat | ~14g |
Carbohydrates | ~68g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a slice of homemade vegan bread for added comfort.
- Pair with a light soup, like this low calorie vegetable soup for a complete meal.
- Top with fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or green onions for a burst of flavor.
Tempeh & Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Tempeh (cubed) | 8 oz (225g) |
Broccoli florets | 2 cups |
Red bell pepper (sliced) | 1 |
Carrot (julienned) | 1 large |
Garlic cloves (minced) | 2 |
Ginger (minced) | 1 tbsp |
Low-sodium soy sauce | 3 tbsp |
Maple syrup | 1 tbsp |
Toasted sesame oil | 1 tbsp |
Cornstarch | 1 tsp (optional, to thicken sauce) |
Cooked brown rice | 2 cups |
Sesame seeds & green onions | For garnish |
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Medium pot (for rice)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Instructions
- Steam the broccoli: Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Steam broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch (if using).
- Sauté aromatics: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add a splash of oil and sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Cook the tempeh: Add cubed tempeh to the pan. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, turning to brown all sides.
- Add veggies: Add sliced bell pepper, carrot, and steamed broccoli. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Add sauce: Pour the sauce over the stir-fry. Toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.
- Serve: Serve the stir-fry over brown rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Tips & Variations
- Swap tempeh for firm tofu or seitan for variety.
- Use any seasonal veggies you like—snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini work well.
- Add spice with a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
- Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
“Tempeh is a fermented soy product packed with protein—perfect for hearty vegan dinners!”
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving |
---|---|
Protein | ~26g |
Calories | ~470 |
Fiber | ~11g |
Fat | ~16g |
Carbohydrates | ~58g |
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp side salad or try this Swiss chard recipe for added greens.
- Serve with pickled veggies for a tangy contrast.
- Add a sprinkle of roasted peanuts or cashews for crunch.
White Bean & Spinach Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Large sweet potatoes | 2 |
Cannellini beans (rinsed & drained) | 1 can (15 oz) |
Fresh spinach (roughly chopped) | 2 cups |
Red onion (diced) | 1/4 cup |
Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
Smoked paprika | 1/2 tsp |
Salt & pepper | To taste |
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
Instructions
- Bake the sweet potatoes: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork, place on a baking sheet, and roast for 45-50 minutes until tender.
- Prepare the filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add red onion and garlic, sauté for 2 minutes. Add cannellini beans and spinach, cook until spinach wilts.
- Season: Stir in lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the potatoes: Once sweet potatoes are cooked, slice them open and fluff the insides with a fork. Fill with the bean and spinach mixture.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of tahini, and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Swap cannellini beans for any white bean or chickpeas.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
- Sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and extra B12.
- Try topping with a dollop of vegan cream cheese for even more decadence.
“Sweet potatoes are a powerhouse of complex carbs and vitamins—perfect for high-energy vegan meals!”
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Potato |
---|---|
Protein | ~19g |
Calories | ~350 |
Fiber | ~11g |
Fat | ~7g |
Carbohydrates | ~62g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli.
- Pair with a cup of high protein vegan soup for even more protein power.
- Enjoy with a sprinkle of hemp seeds or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
Tips & Variations for Vegan High Protein Dinners
- Keep a stock of cooked legumes (like lentils, beans, or chickpeas) in the fridge for quick meal assembly.
- Tofu and tempeh are excellent protein sources and can be marinated or seasoned in countless ways.
- Don’t overlook whole grains such as quinoa, farro, and teff—they’re high in protein and fiber!
- Mix and match veggies for color, flavor, and nutrition diversity.
- Experiment with international flavors—try adding curry paste, miso, or harissa to change things up.
Pro Tip: “Meal prep is your best friend! Cook grains and beans in bulk, chop veggies ahead, and store proteins in airtight containers for fast, protein-rich dinners all week.”
Nutrition Facts for Vegan High Protein Dinners
Recipe | Calories | Protein | Fiber | Fat | Carbs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lentil & Chickpea Power Bowl | ~480 | 24g | 16g | 14g | 68g |
Tempeh & Broccoli Stir-Fry | ~470 | 26g | 11g | 16g | 58g |
White Bean & Spinach Stuffed Sweet Potatoes | ~350 | 19g | 11g | 7g | 62g |
Serving Suggestions for All Recipes
- Round out your meal with a side of homemade vegetable crackers or a crunchy slaw.
- Double up on greens—add a simple mixed salad with lemon-tahini dressing.
- For a special treat, finish dinner with a slice of vegan date cake.
- Use leftovers as meal-prep lunches or build into wraps for next-day lunches.
Conclusion
Vegan high protein dinners don’t have to be complicated or bland. With the right combination of legumes, grains, and creative veggies, you can enjoy meals that are not only satisfying and delicious but also packed with the nutrients your body needs.
Each of these recipes—whether it’s the hearty Lentil & Chickpea Power Bowl, the savory Tempeh & Broccoli Stir-Fry, or the comforting White Bean & Spinach Stuffed Sweet Potatoes—proves that plant-based eating can be simple, delicious, and protein-rich.
Remember, variety is key to keeping your dinners exciting and your nutrition balanced. Explore more plant-based ideas on the site—like Peruvian vegetable recipes or easy slow cooker vegan meals—and don’t be afraid to experiment.
Happy cooking, and here’s to a strong, vibrant, plant-powered you!
đź“– Recipe Card: Vegan Lentil & Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Description: These protein-packed stuffed peppers are filled with lentils, quinoa, and veggies for a hearty and satisfying dinner. Perfect for meal prep and full of flavor.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeded
- 1 cup cooked brown lentils
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, spinach, lentils, quinoa, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 5 minutes until spinach wilts and mixture is heated through.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the lentil-quinoa mixture.
- Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 48 g
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