Plant Power! 10 Protein-Packed Vegetarian Recipes

By Katherine Foreman on March 28, 2016

A healthy dose of protein is one of the most important nutrient priorities you need to check off your list each day, and this can be especially difficult for vegetarians, who forego protein-packed meat in favor of a more animal-friendly diet. To make life a little easier and keep those muscles happy and healthy, we’ve got 10 of the most socially shared recipes featuring vegetarian-friendly protein power players.

1

Vegan Philly Cheese Sandwich

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This recipe calls for seitan, a complete protein, which means this sandwich is just the ticket to reaching your nutrient goal for the day.

Lunch Box Bunch

2

Lentil Chili

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For every 100g of lentils you consume, your body reaps a whopping 26 grams of protein. Bonus? The same serving gives you an entire day's worth of fiber as well.

Little Broken

3

Honey Nut Bars

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While, in excess, nuts and nut butters can eat away at your day's healthy fats quota, each serving of nuts contains healthy doses of protein that can be combined with other protein sources to reach your daily goal in no time!

Our Paleo Life

4

Hemp Seed Tabouli

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This summery, Middle Eastern-inspired salad recipe uses hemp seeds as its base, which pack a huge punch in terms of protein content (especially for such a small food).

Oh She Glows

5

One Pot Cilantro Lime Rice with Black Beans

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Black beans and rice are a powerhouse combo in terms of energy content—AND budget-friendliness.

Carl's Bad Cravings

6

One Pan Mexican Quinoa

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With the added bonus of protein-rich black beans, this spicy quinoa recipe will keep those muscles happy and healthy.

Damn Delicious

7

Oatmeal Cottage Cheese Banana Pancakes

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Besides being a creamy, delicious companion to both sweet and savory ingredients, cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein. Take it for a test run in these decadent, fruity pancakes.

Ambitious Kitchen

8

Kung Pao Chickpeas

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Your favorite Chinese takeout recipe has been amped up a notch with one of the protein world's most notorious champions. (And if this winning recipe doesn't do it for you, hey, there's always hummus.)

She Knows

9

Copycat Trader Joe's Spinach and Kale Greek Yogurt

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Leafy greens and Greek yogurt are noted for packing a serious protein punch. Pair this light, tangy dip with Ezekiel chips (also rich in protein content) for a seriously protein-packed snack.

How Sweet Eats

10

Crispy Peanut Tofu and Cauliflower Rice Stir Fry

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Another meat substitute and complete protein, tofu can be done up to fit a number of delicious dishes, including this yummy vegetarian stir-fry combo.

Minimalist Baker