I admit that I used to be one of those people who drove my vegetarian friends crazy with questions like, “But how do you get enough protein?” Like most of society, I carried around the belief that the only real way to get all the protein we need for optimal functioning was through animal products. Well, my friends, after years of digging deeper into the issue, my eyes have been opened to the fact that there are major benefits to eating a plant-based diet, both for our bodies and for the planet. That’s why I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite vegetarian dinners with protein.
Through a diet rich in vegetables, legumes, good grains, seeds, and nuts, our bodies will easily get all the amino acids (which form a “complete” protein) it needs. Kimberly Snyder broke it down for us here earlier in the year, and it all makes so much more sense now. She also predicts the plant-based way of life will only continue to gain momentum, so the more we know, the better!
While I do incorporate small amounts of meat and fish into my diet a few times a week, many more of our meals these days are getting all their nutrients from plant-based sources.
If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of a plant-based diet, here are a few sources that I’d highly recommend: Forks Over Knives (the film), Eat Vegan Before 6:00, The Beauty Detox Solution. Keep scrolling for my current favorite recipes that feature protein-packed meatless mains, and I’d love to hear if you guys are giving vegetarianism a try!
These tacos have it all. They’re filling and are incredibly nourishing–packed with protein, healthy fats, carbs, minerals, and vitamins. Plus, it looks great and tastes amazing!
Part salad, part nachos, and part chili fries, these sweet potato fries are absolutely heavenly. They’re topped with fresh summery romaine, marinated tomatoes, chickpeas, feta cheese, herbs to the nines, and easy tzatziki.
These flavors may seem a bit out of the ordinary for a soba noodle salad, but trust, you’re going to be hooked. These fresh, light and beautiful flavors are too good to be true.
The cauliflower steaks are seasoned with garlic, thyme and lemon then roasted until they are golden, sweet, and tender. It doesn’t get more cozy and delicious than that.
This vegetarian and gluten-free recipe can be easily reheated, is packed with nutrients, fits a variety of dietary needs, and most importantly, is incredibly delicious.
The tahini stir fry sauce is a game-changer in this super flavorful dinner. Tofu, fresh veggies, and rice noodles make up this quick and easy healthy dinner.
These homemade, vegetable-filled falafel bites are topped with melty cheese for a truly luscious, filling, colorful, and fun dinner. Add a side of sweet potato friends and you’ve got a real treat.
Layers of roasted eggplant melt into a hearty tomato and lentil filling and are then topped with an absolutely stunning roasted garlic cashew bechamel. All you need are 10 ingredients and you’re good to go!
A surprisingly filling dish, it’s a creamy, smoky, and spicy dip that is filling enough to have as a whole meal and adds a ton of flavor and texture to the salad.
Chock full of fresh, crunchy vegetables, protein-filled chickpeas, warming quinoa, and a seriously yummy red curry sauce. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleasure.
This loaded veggie salad recipe is overflowing with flavor and nourishing nutrients. Lettuce, quinoa, black beans, corn, and tomatoes drizzled with a tasty southwest dressing for a lovely vegetarian dinner that is packed with protein.
This post was originally published on June 9, 2020, and has since been updated.
I love this post! Having been raised in the South, I too am learning that you actually can get enough protein through plant-based eating. Way to go in also featuring all of these amazing recipes and bloggers!
Thanks for pulling these together. I’m striving for 30% of my meals to be plant-based each week. Yummy looking photos gives me incentive to try new things
They all look delicious. I wish I could try them; however, I am allergic to a lot of plant based proteins including: nuts, legumes (beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas, tofu etc.) and neither my husband or I like quinoa (I’ve tried it so many ways having made this mistake of buying the large bag from Costco to try it for the first time). Non-animal protein is a challenge for me with all of my allergies 🙁
Sounds like my vegetarian husband! 🙂 Have you ever tried seitan? If you’re gluten intolerant it’s a no-go. But otherwise, it is amazing! Hemp seeds are nice too, although a little expensive. And there are some veggies that are pretty high in protein too, that could help. Best of luck to you!
Looks like the sweet potato and black bean chili recipe is not showing anymore at that link? I’ve saved the link in the past and it’s cutting off before the recipe – can only see the intro! Can you help? 🙂
Thanks Alexandra, it does look like there was a bug on that post! I’ve reset it and it *should* be working now, but please let me know if you’re still having any issues accessing this one! 🙂
All of these dishes look amazing! Black beans are on my list of things I need to start eating.
Blush & Pearls by Angela
I love this post! Having been raised in the South, I too am learning that you actually can get enough protein through plant-based eating. Way to go in also featuring all of these amazing recipes and bloggers!
Thanks for sharing this post, as a plant based eater I can’t wait to try some of these out.
My boyfriend always claims we need meat for protein in every meal – I’m excited to prove him wrong with some of these dishes!
Woof Xo,
Michelle & Watson
https://www.watsonandwalls.com/
This looks incredibly delicious and healthy! I’ll give this recipe a spin for sure.
Thanks for pulling these together. I’m striving for 30% of my meals to be plant-based each week. Yummy looking photos gives me incentive to try new things
They all look delicious. I wish I could try them; however, I am allergic to a lot of plant based proteins including: nuts, legumes (beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas, tofu etc.) and neither my husband or I like quinoa (I’ve tried it so many ways having made this mistake of buying the large bag from Costco to try it for the first time). Non-animal protein is a challenge for me with all of my allergies 🙁
Sounds like my vegetarian husband! 🙂 Have you ever tried seitan? If you’re gluten intolerant it’s a no-go. But otherwise, it is amazing! Hemp seeds are nice too, although a little expensive. And there are some veggies that are pretty high in protein too, that could help. Best of luck to you!
Okay you are speaking my love language! I’ve made your chili, and it’s the bomb.
Looks like the sweet potato and black bean chili recipe is not showing anymore at that link? I’ve saved the link in the past and it’s cutting off before the recipe – can only see the intro! Can you help? 🙂
Thanks Alexandra, it does look like there was a bug on that post! I’ve reset it and it *should* be working now, but please let me know if you’re still having any issues accessing this one! 🙂