• Home
• Recipes
• Collection
• 31 high-protein vegan meals

31 high-protein vegan meals

• Tracey Raye

loading...

Get 5 months for £5 when you subscribe today

There are plenty of great sources of plant-based protein, including lentils, tofu and nuts. Put them to good use in these protein-rich vegan dishes, from mapo tofu to aubergine ragu with cauli rice, and broccoli and peanut soba noodles

Looking for high-protein vegan meals? Want to make the most out of plant-based protein? Check out our recipes below and then take a look at our guide on how to follow a plant-based diet, our other high-protein ideas, tempeh recipes and healthy vegan recipes.

Ad

One of the challenges when following a vegan diet is adequate protein intake, as protein is an important macronutrient that the body needs for repair, maintenance and energy. There's a wide variety of plant-based proteins that can be included in your diet, from beans and lentils, to tofu, nuts and seeds. Together with lots of wholegrains and vegetables, you'll be creating the perfectly balanced vegan meal.

For more recipe inspiration, check out our low-calorie vegetarian recipes, low-carb vegetarian recipes and healthy vegetarian recipes. For more healthy recipe inspiration, check out our anti-inflammatory recipes, or for low-cost vegan meals check out our budget vegan recipes. Next discover 10 things I wish I knew before going vegan and the best vegan storecupboard essential ingredients.

High-protein vegan meals

Sesame tofu bowl

Combine protein-rich tofu with edamame, avocado, quinoa and a soy dressing for a nourishing and satisfying vegan meal that contains 9 different plant foods.

Kung-pao style tofu

A simple, meat-free yet protein-rich version of the takeaway classic – this dinner for two is ready in just 30 minutes.

Yellow curry with swiss chard and tofu

A brilliant source of vegan protein, tofu chunks soak up a gingery coconut broth in this quick and easy curry, made vibrant with ruby red chard stalks.

Tempeh curry

This speedy plant-based curry is perfect for a midweek meal, and it's great for using up any veg you have in the fridge.

Tempeh stir-fry

A nutty sauce pairs perfectly with the protein-rich tempeh. It tastes great with rice or noodles and makes a brilliant, healthy lunchbox meal.

Silken tofu

Enjoy this creamy silken tofu as a side or starter to an Asian-themed feast. Smother in soy sauce, gochujang and sesame seeds to soak up the flavour.

Vegan shakshuka

Start the weekend with shakshuka, a classic brunch dish. This high-protein, plant-based version features a wonderful combination of tomatoes, assorted peppers, spices and tofu to replace the usual egg.

Crispy chickpeas on green toast

You get a double legume hit with this easy dish that counts as your beans, greens and seeds for the day. Tahini is a wonderfully rich source of calcium and protein, that will keep you satiated and nourished.

Seitan

Seitan is high in plant-based protein, while also offering a source of iron and selenium. Quick to make, it can be used in a variety of dishes, such as stir-fries and curries.

Marinated tempeh

The slight spice in this marinade adds flavour and colour to your tempeh. It's the perfect addition to any meal if you're looking for extra protein.

Mushroom bhaji

The perfect midweek vegan dinner, this bhaji comes packed with chestnut mushrooms, garlic, ginger and turmeric. Serve with warm, fluffy naans for mopping all that sauce up.

Miso soup with crispy smoked tofu

This gluten-free miso soup with crispy smoked tofu is a perfect midweek meal – it's warming, cleansing and easy to make.

Chinese-style purple sprouting broccoli with tofu

This purple sprouting broccoli with tofu recipe is easy to make and vegan, with a good kick of chilli.

Vegan chickpea curry

This vegan curry is flavoured with ginger, chilli, garam masala, cumin and turmeric, and makes a vibrant midweek meal, ready in less than 30 minutes.

Mapo tofu

This dish celebrates sichuan peppercorns – just add plenty of chiu chow chilli oil to really make it sing.

Tofu piccata

Swap chicken for sautéed tofu in this clever vegan twist on a classic, served with a white wine sauce and long-stemmed broccoli.

Quinoa and black bean chilli

This quinoa and black bean chilli recipe is high in protein, low calorie and vegan – but still tastes impossibly creamy.

Broccoli and peanut soba noodles

This fresh recipe is fuss-free and ready in just 20 minutes. The roasted peanuts add a crunchy texture to the dish.

Crispy baked tofu

This versatile, protein-rich ingredient is given the crisp factor with our foolproof method.

Crunchy veg and smoked tofu salad with sesame dressing

Try our vibrant salad recipe with crispy golden tofu and crunchy vegetables. This easy dish is vegan and high in protein.

Creamy lentils with spinach and thyme

Perfectly suited to those who want a light 5:2-friendly meal, this healthy vegan lentil dish is high in protein but low in fat.

Roast broccoli with lentils and preserved lemon

A combination of roast broccoli with lentils and preserved lemon makes for an easy midweek meal for one. It's vegetarian and ready in under an hour but still delivers big, punchy flavours.

Cauliflower rice with aubergine ragoût

This recipe for cauliflower rice with aubergine ragoût is great for a light meal. By blitzing cauliflower in a food processor, you get the consistency and texture of rice without the carbs. It’s quicker to cook, too.

Vegan stir-fry

This low-calorie cumin tofu stir-fry is inspired by the cuisine of Xi’an in central China. Expect bold and punchy flavours, especially from the cumin and chilli.

Vegan moussaka bowls

Ready in just 15 minutes, these vegan moussaka bowls contain the flavours and textures of a slow-cooked dish, without the wait.

Vegan doner with homemade pittas and garlic 'mayo'

This vibrant, easy vegan doner kebab is made using seitan. Serve with creamy garlic mayonnaise, using tofu and warm homemade pittas.

Tofu tacos

Tofu doesn't have to be boring with this recipe for cajun-spiced tofu tacos. They're vegan, low calorie and only need 30 minutes of cooking time.

Shiitake seitan burger with kimchi mayo

Don’t be daunted by the long ingredients list or prep time for this vegan burger: it’s actually a simple process and the results are delicious – this recipe uses added chunky shiitake mushrooms to replicate the texture of mince and to give an umami boost.

Vegan meatballs

Lentils are a great way to make a meal vegetarian. Swap these for your usual meatballs and your family will hardly notice the difference. Plus, they're low cal and ready in just 40 minutes – perfect for midweek.

Broccoli, new potato and radish salad

A long-stemmed broccoli, new potato and radish salad that's vegan, easy to make and ready in just 20 minutes – ideal for a midweek meal.

Ad

Vegan tempeh and pineapple kebabs

Delicious chunks of marinated, protein-rich tempeh work brilliantly with juicy pineapple in this easy alternative to the traditional BBQ skewer.

Authors

Tracey RayeRegistered Nutritionist

Tracey Raye is the Health Editor for Olive and BBC Good Food. She oversees all health, nutrition and fitness related content across the brands, including the bi-annual Healthy Diet Plan, monthly Health Edit newsletter and health column in the magazine.

Comments, questions and tips

Choose the type of message you'd like to post

Choose the type of message you'd like to post

CommentQuestionTip

Ad

Ad

Loading...

Ad

Loading...

Want to see this content?

This page contains olivemagazine content provided by Google reCAPTCHA. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Google reCAPTCHA may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Google reCAPTCHA and its required purposes.

Accept and continue