Whether they opt for a vegetarian diet for health, ethical reasons, or just out of preference, many vegetarians struggle to keep their food diverse and tasty with mouth-watering vegan dinner recipes. It can be particularly challenging to consume enough proteins when you avoid eating meat. Luckily, there are plenty of delicious high protein vegetarian recipes that can leave you feeling full and active.

Tasty meatless meals

Just because you don’t eat meat, doesn’t mean you should compromise on taste. This is one of our favorite mouth-watering vegetarian recipes that will also boost your protein intake. It can sometimes be difficult to find high-protein vegetarian recipes, which is why this red lentil soup is a keeper. Just 100 grams of the yummy beans packs 9 grams of protein.

Red Lentil Soup

Serves: 3

Total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

1 onion, diced

1 carrot, diced

5 cups vegetable broth

2 cloves garlic

1 cup red lentils

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 tsp. smoked paprika

Salt and pepper

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Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a medium pot. When hot, add the onion and carrot. Cook until the onion turns translucent.

2. Add the broth and lentils. Reduce to medium heat, and simmer until the lentils are moderately soft around 15 minutes.

3. Add finely chopped garlic and the paprika. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Then simmer for another 5 minutes.

4. Serve hot, with crusty bread.

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Vegan Meal Ideas

People on plant-based diets sometimes struggle with vegan dinner recipes and ideas, especially when it comes to protein-rich foods. We have tried countless vegan dinner recipes, and this tofu dish stands out.

Grilled Tofu with Quinoa and Spinach

Serves: 2

Total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

2 tbsps. Olive oil

½ lb. firm tofu

1 small yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups vegetable broth

1 ½ cups quinoa, rinsed thoroughly

3 cups spinach, washed

Salt, pepper

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Instructions

1. Cut tofu into 1/3 inch steaks. Heat the grill and brush it with oil to prevent sticking. Grill until golden brown on each side.

2. Heat 1 tbsp. olive oil in a pot. Add the onion and garlic, and sweat until the onion turns transparent.

3. Add quinoa and broth. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid mostly absorbed.

4. Add the spinach and cook for another few minutes, until the spinach is wilted and quinoa cooked through.

5. Serve tofu steaks on a bed of quinoa and spinach.

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Protein-rich Snacks

For a quick snack, nothing beats a hummus plate. It’s delicious, healthy, and highly customizable, depending on what you have in the fridge.

Hummus Plate

Serves: 2

Total time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

1 carrot, cut into strips

1 cucumber, sliced

1 bell pepper, sliced

5 cherry tomatoes, halved

1/3 cup almonds

1 cup hummus

Pita chips

Crackers

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Instructions

1. Serve the hummus in a bowl, and the rest of the ingredients on a plate, keeping the vegetables separate from the chips and crackers.

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Meals On The Go

When you don’t have the time for a sit-down meal but are in dire need of an energy boost, nothing beats an energizing smoothie.

Peanut Butter, Oat, and Berry Smoothie

Serves: 2

Total time: 2 minutes

Ingredients

1 banana, peeled

1 cup mixed frozen berries

1 tbsp. raw honey

1 cup milk

2 tbsps. oats

2 tbsps. Peanut butter

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Instructions

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Bottom line

Proteins are an essential building block which your body uses to make muscles and other kinds of tissue. If you feel like you’re not getting enough protein in your diet, remember that there are plenty of meals that can satisfy all of your body’s protein needs without compromising on taste. Read our book High Protein Vegan Salads: 50 Recipes for Weight-loss and Vitality.

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