32 High-Protein Vegetarian Meals That Show the Power of Plants
Meat isn't the only way to get in this essential macro.
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Whether you follow a vegetarian diet or you're cooking for someone who does — or, hey, maybe you're just here to incorporate more vegetarian recipes into an otherwise omnivore-based approach — it can be difficult to fulfill your daily protein requirement.
Vegetables, grains and dairy products have less protein than meat, so you may need to actively seek out sources of the essential macronutrient (key for building muscle, boosting bone health and maintaining metabolism) for a healthy, satisfying diet.
Luckily we did the work for you, rounding up the tastiest high-protein vegetarian meals straight from the pros in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen and Nutrition Lab. From lentil-based veggie burgers to breaded and baked tofu recipes, these vegetarian dinners and lunches make delicious use of plant-based protein sources. We promise — they're so good you absolutely will not miss the meat.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.36 grams per pound, which works out to be about 60 grams per day for a 170-pound person. That means you should aim for 15-30 grams of protein per meal, and all of the recipes on this list fall within that range. While there are plenty of plant-based meat alternatives (we love the new Beyond Burger), these recipes focus on high-protein meals and whole foods like lentils, beans, tofu, nuts and some grains. Some of these recipes don't contain dairy or eggs either, for a delicious, high-protein vegan option. Ready to feast sans meat? Dig in!
Samantha (she/her) is an Assistant Editor in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, where she writes about tasty recipes, must-try food products and top-tested secrets for home cooking success. She has taste-tasted hundreds of products and recipes since joining GH in 2020 (tough job!). A graduate of Fordham University, she considers the kitchen to be her happiest place.
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