15 High-Protein Plant-Based Meals That Keep You Full and Energized

Eating a high-protein plant-based diet doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or feel hungry after meals. In fact, there are countless delicious plant-based meals packed with protein to keep you full and energized throughout the day. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, these recipes are designed to be satisfying, simple, and nutritious.

Lentil and Walnut Tacos

For a satisfying twist on tacos, sauté cooked lentils with a teaspoon of cumin, paprika, and chili powder. In a separate pan, toast chopped walnuts for extra crunch and protein. Mix the lentils and walnuts together, then spoon into warm corn tortillas. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of vegan sour cream for a protein-packed, flavorful meal that’s perfect for Taco Tuesday.

Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Roast whole sweet potatoes in the oven at 400°F until tender, about 45 minutes. Meanwhile, cook quinoa and stir in black beans, chopped cilantro, and a teaspoon of cumin. Slice the roasted sweet potatoes down the middle and stuff with the quinoa mixture. Drizzle with tahini and sprinkle with pepitas for extra crunch. This meal is filling, nutritious, and loaded with plant-based protein.

Chickpea and Broccoli Stir-Fry

In a large skillet, sauté broccoli florets and sliced bell peppers in sesame oil. Add cooked chickpeas, a tablespoon of soy sauce, and a teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Serve over brown rice or quinoa for a quick, high-protein meal that’s full of fiber and essential nutrients.

Vegan Spaghetti with Lentil Marinara

For a protein-packed pasta dish, simmer cooked green lentils in a rich marinara sauce made from crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs. Toss the lentil marinara with whole wheat spaghetti or zucchini noodles. Top with fresh basil and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a delicious and satisfying plant-based meal that’s easy to prepare.

Peanut Tofu Bowls

Crispy peanut tofu bowls are the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Toss cubed tofu in a tablespoon of cornstarch, then bake at 400°F for 25 minutes until crispy. In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and a splash of maple syrup. Toss the crispy tofu in the sauce and serve over a bed of brown rice, steamed broccoli, and shredded carrots. Drizzle with extra peanut sauce for a protein-rich meal that’s both filling and flavorful.

Red Lentil Dahl

This comforting red lentil dahl is both rich in protein and full of flavor. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in coconut oil, then stir in a tablespoon of curry powder and red lentils. Add vegetable broth and simmer until the lentils are soft and creamy. Serve the dahl over basmati rice with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a hearty, protein-filled dinner that will keep you satisfied.

Vegan Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpeas

This high-protein vegan Caesar salad is a perfect lunch or light dinner. Roast a can of chickpeas with olive oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until crispy. Toss romaine lettuce with a homemade Caesar dressing made from tahini, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and nutritional yeast. Top with the crispy chickpeas and croutons for a protein-packed salad that’s crunchy, savory, and satisfying.

Seitan Stir-Fry with Vegetables

Seitan is a great source of plant-based protein, making it the star of this stir-fry. Slice seitan and stir-fry with a tablespoon of soy sauce, a teaspoon of sesame oil, and a pinch of ginger. Add in a mix of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas. Serve over brown rice or noodles for a protein-rich dish that’s quick and easy to make.

Black Bean and Corn Salad

This refreshing salad is packed with plant-based protein from black beans and corn. Toss a can of black beans, a cup of corn kernels, chopped red onion, cherry tomatoes, and diced avocado in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, lime juice, and a pinch of cumin. This salad is light yet filling, perfect for lunch or as a side dish to any meal.

Tofu and Veggie Skewers

For a protein-rich grilling option, marinate cubed tofu in a mixture of olive oil, soy sauce, and garlic. Skewer the tofu with bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini slices. Grill until the tofu is crispy on the outside and the veggies are tender. Serve with a side of quinoa or brown rice for a satisfying, high-protein plant-based meal.

Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Mash a can of chickpeas with a fork until chunky, then stir in vegan mayo, Dijon mustard, chopped celery, and red onion. Add salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Spread the chickpea mixture onto whole grain bread and top with lettuce and tomato for a hearty, protein-packed sandwich that’s perfect for lunch.

Vegan Protein-Packed Chili

This rich and hearty vegan chili is loaded with protein from kidney beans, black beans, and lentils. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers in olive oil. Add canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Stir in the beans and lentils, and let the chili simmer for about 30 minutes. Serve with avocado slices and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a meal that’s both comforting and energizing.

Quinoa-Stuffed Bell Peppers

These stuffed bell peppers are filled with a protein-rich mix of quinoa, black beans, corn, and tomatoes. Cook quinoa according to package instructions, then stir in the beans, corn, and tomatoes with a dash of cumin and chili powder. Cut the tops off bell peppers and remove the seeds, then stuff them with the quinoa mixture. Bake in the oven at 375°F for 30 minutes, and serve with a side of salsa or guacamole for a filling, nutritious meal.

Sweet Potato and Lentil Stew

For this hearty stew, sauté onions, garlic, and diced sweet potatoes in olive oil until softened. Add vegetable broth, lentils, diced tomatoes, and your favorite herbs like thyme and rosemary. Let the stew simmer until the lentils and sweet potatoes are tender, about 25 minutes. This stew is packed with protein and fiber, making it a perfect meal to keep you full and energized.

Spicy Black Bean Burger

These homemade black bean burgers are both satisfying and high in protein. Mash a can of black beans and mix with breadcrumbs, a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and spices like cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. Form the mixture into patties and cook on a skillet until crispy on both sides. Serve on a whole grain bun with your favorite toppings like avocado, lettuce, and salsa for a filling, protein-packed meal.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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