38 Protein-Packed Vegetarian Meals

Read Time: 16 mins

38 Protein-Packed Vegetarian Meals1/37 Tofu Chicken Nuggets Test Kitchen Approved Tofu Chicken Nuggets Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 55 min Servings 10 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: These tofu chicken nuggets can be made ahead to use throughout the week. To mimic the taste (and texture!) of chicken, we also use a plant-based product called seitan. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Nutrition Facts: 5 pieces: 268 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein. 2/37 Vegetarian Enchiladas 24 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Black Bean and

3/37 Grilled Vegetable Pesto Sandwiches 1 Review

Corn Enchiladas Recipe photo by Jonathan Melendez for Taste of Home Total Time 55 min Servings 6 enchiladas Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I created this recipe one night when we were in the mood for enchiladas but didn’t want the fat and calories of the traditional ones. I used ingredients I had on hand that day, and now this recipe’s a family favorite! —Nicole Barnett, Northville, Michigan Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 292 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 759mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 13g protein. 3/37 Grilled Vegetable Pesto Sandwiches 1 Review

min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator:

Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Grilled Vegetable Pesto Sandwiches Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 40 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Grilling isn’t just the pastime of meat eaters! Ask my non-meat family members who love this high-protein vegetarian dinner slathered with prepared pesto and stacked with char-kissed summer produce. —Tanya Mehta, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 748 calories, 37g fat (15g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 1476mg sodium, 91g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 9g fiber), 23g protein. 4/37 Saucy Tempeh Sloppy Joes Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 40 min Servings

But, I wanted to transform the dish into a high-protein vegetarian dinner

10 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I grew up eating sloppy joe sandwiches and can’t get enough of the messy deliciousness. But, I wanted to transform the dish into a high-protein vegetarian dinner. I use tempeh here, which is a fermented soy product that is high in protein and has a savory, nutty, earthy flavor. Its taste and texture work well in dishes that usually feature ground beef, making these tempeh sloppy joes a dinner winner. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho. Next, learn how to make vegan sloppy joes. Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 273 calories, 10g fat (2g

—Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas

saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 674mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein. 5/37 Feta Asparagus Frittata 5 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 30 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Asparagus and feta cheese come together to make this high-protein meal extra special. It’s perfect for a lazy Sunday or to serve with a tossed salad for a light lunch. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas. Don’t forget to check out our collection of high-protein lunch ideas. Nutrition Facts: 1/2 frittata: 425 calories, 31g fat (12g saturated fat), 590mg cholesterol, 1231mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate

(3g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein

(3g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. 6/37 Coconut-Granola Yogurt Parfaits 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved Coconut-Granola Yogurt Parfaits Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 40 min Servings 8 parfaits plus 2-1/2 cups granola Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I prepare homemade granola ahead of time—it makes these yogurt treats special. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington Nutrition Facts: 1 parfait: 440 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 236mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (45g sugars, 5g fiber), 20g protein. 7/37 Kidney Bean Casserole 1 Review Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 40 min Servings 2 servings Go

A Triscuit cracker crust makes it unique

to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I don’t recall its origin, but I’ve had this high-protein meal for many years. A Triscuit cracker crust makes it unique. —Karen Tjelmeland, Ely, Iowa Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 561 calories, 31g fat (10g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 1103mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 9g fiber), 25g protein. 8/37 Pinto Bean Zucchini Boats 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 30 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Zucchini shells take center stage in this high-protein vegetarian dinner when filled with vegetables, beans and sauce. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen,

This high-protein meal is so easy to make and plain delicious any time of day

Milwaukee, Wisconsin Nutrition Facts: 2 zucchini halves: 377 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 1310mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 9g fiber), 17g protein. 9/37 Cheesy Egg Quesadillas 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 25 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Here’s my fun spin on breakfast for dinner—or breakfast! This high-protein meal is so easy to make and plain delicious any time of day. —Barbara Blommer, Woodland Park, Colorado Nutrition Facts: 1 quesadilla: 738 calories, 38g fat (18g saturated fat), 344mg cholesterol, 1248mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g

A salsa and sour cream sauce help dress up this high-protein vegetarian dinner

protein. 10/37 Black Bean Rice Burgers 7 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 20 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: A salsa and sour cream sauce help dress up this high-protein vegetarian dinner. “My fiance, who’s a confirmed meat-and-potatoes man, loves these sandwiches and asks for them often,” relates Laura Wimbrow of Ocean City, Maryland. Nutrition Facts: 1 burger: 482 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 1070mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 21g protein. 11/37 Seitan Chicken Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 1 hour 20 min Servings 4 servings Go to

The results can be used in a variety of high-protein meals

Recipe From the Recipe Creator: It might look like a lot of steps, but this seitan chicken recipe is not hard to put together. If you are looking to save time, you can skip the dredging step and just fry the patties in oil. The results can be used in a variety of high-protein meals. —Peggy Woodward, Taste of Home Senior Food Editor Nutrition Facts: 1 patty: 616 calories, 26g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1194mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 41g protein. 12/37 Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese 7 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 55

It’s also a smart way to sneak in some veggies for children

min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I created this high-protein meal after my father had triple bypass surgery. He loves comfort food, and I wanted him to be able to enjoy a rich and tasty dish like mac & cheese without all the fat and butter. It’s also a smart way to sneak in some veggies for children. —Megan Schwartz, New York, New York Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 422 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 750mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 12g fiber), 20g protein. 13/37 Sheet-Pan Yellow Bells & Eggs 1 Review

I love sweet potato and apple tossed into the mix

Test Kitchen Approved Sheet-Pan Yellow Bells & Eggs Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 35 min Servings 2 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This recipe is healthful and versatile—just add your favorite veggies, or even fruit. I love sweet potato and apple tossed into the mix. —Marina Castle-Kelley, Canyon Country, California Nutrition Facts: 2 pepper rings with 1-1/2 cup vegetables: 373 calories, 26g fat (7g saturated fat), 379mg cholesterol, 626mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 20g protein. 14/37 Spinach Manicotti 29 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Make-Ahead Spinach Manicotti Recipe photo by Eric Kleinberg

for Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour Servings 7 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: When I invite people to dinner, many have started requesting this pasta bake ahead of time because it’s that good. Plus, the manicotti is stuffed before it’s cooked, making it even more convenient. —Christy Freeman, Central Point, Oregon Nutrition Facts: 2 stuffed manicotti shells: 363 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 822mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein. 15/37 One-Pot Enchilada Pasta 18 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 30 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe

—Nora Rušhev, Reitnau, Switzerland

From the Recipe Creator: I love this cozy high-protein vegetarian dinner because it is ready in less than 30 minutes and is full of healthy ingredients—just what a busy weeknight meal calls for. —Nora Rušhev, Reitnau, Switzerland. Nutrition Facts: 1-3/4 cups: 444 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 1289mg sodium, 84g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 8g fiber), 18g protein. 16/37 Three-Cheese Quiche 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 1 hour Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Try eggs and cheese at their best. Guests often comment on how tall, light and fluffy this crustless

You’ll love it!

entree is. You’ll love it! —Judy Reagan, Hannibal, Missouri Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 449 calories, 37g fat (21g saturated fat), 524mg cholesterol, 316mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. 17/37 Polenta Chili Casserole 3 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Polenta Chili Casserole Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 55 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Our Test Kitchen created this delicious high-protein vegetarian dinner that combines spicy chili, mixed veggies and homemade polenta. It’s a warm and comfy casserole that is sure to please everyone, vegetarian or not. Nutrition Facts: 1

💡 Frequently Asked Questions

⭐ Expert Tips

• Include seasonal or trendy variations to keep your meals exciting.

• Highlight prep shortcuts or time-saving techniques for busy cooks.

• Consider dietary restrictions and include substitution suggestions.

✅ Key Takeaways

• These dinner ideas are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying special occasions.

• Choose recipes that match your skill level and available kitchen tools.

• Presentation and taste both contribute to a memorable dining experience.

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