Protein: the macronutrient we love to discuss. It helps with weight loss by keeping you full, and it gives your metabolism a bit of boost, since protein requires more energy to digest. It's essential for building muscle, too, which makes it a macro to include in your post-workout meal, especially after strength training.
Eating plant-based can make finding high-protein meals a bit more challenging. But we have rounded 15 recipes with 19 grams of protein or more, to help you reach goals — even if one of those goals is making a tasty vegan meal or smoothie. Keep scrolling for filling and appealing recipes.
This hearty bowl powers you up with clean, quality nutrition. Eat it for lunch and say hello to an energized afternoon!
Calories: 541
Protein: 21.9 grams
Get the recipe: edamame barley bowl
This recipe includes all the essentials you need for losing weight: protein, healthy fats, and fiber. And the best part is it's a one-pan meal, so it's easy to make and even easier to clean up!
Calories: 368
Protein: 35.5 grams
Get the recipe: tofu, broccoli, and cauliflower sheet-pan meal
The three beans in this recipe — pinto, black, and kidney — means this veggie soup is a bowl-full of protein. Perfect for lunch or dinner, the flavor is even better the next day, which means the leftovers are worth hauling to work.
Calories: 448
Protein: 25.7 grams
Get the recipe: three-bean soup
Prepackaged broccoli slaw makes the base of this warm "noodle" dish that's perfect when you're craving comfort food. High in both fiber and protein, this nutrient-rich stir-fry can be prepped, cooked, and served in just 15 minutes.
Calories: 345
Protein: 24.2 grams
Get the recipe:broccoli slaw stir-fry
This dish will become a family fave for three reasons: 1) it's absolutely delicious, 2) it's a cinch to make and clean up because it involves one pan, and 3) it's packed with protein, fiber, and complex carbs, so you'll feel satisfied after one bowl.
Calories: 234
Protein: 19.3 grams
Get the recipe: cinnamon date roasted butternut squash, parsnips, and tofu
This veggie-packed chickpea and kale stew offers more than 20 grams of filling fiber per serving, so it will keep you feeling full and satisfied. The spicy flavor satisfies the palate, too.
Calories: 502
Protein: 23.9 grams
Get the recipe: chickpea and kale stew
You want cookies for breakfast. We get it — we want them, too. So make this no-bake breakfast cookie infused with plant-based protein powder; it'll satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you full for hours.
Calories: 328
Protein: 20.8 grams
Get the recipe: overnight breakfast cookie
This invigorating, dairy-free smoothie offers a great mix of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, to keep you full all morning long.
Calories: 353
Protein: 36.4 grams
Get the recipe: honeydew protein smoothie
This bowl tastes perfect on its own, but adding a little crunchy texture with some chopped salted cashews makes it even more delicious.
Calories: 366
Protein: 19.5 grams
Get the recipe: sweet potato, tofu, and avocado bowl
You can mix oatmeal with more than maple syrup! We've added some zucchini to the bowl, along with some protein powder and our favorite fruits.
Calories: 386
Protein: 23.7 grams
Get the recipe: banana cinnamon zoats
Pump up the protein in your overnight oats with a little protein powder. This maple-pecan-vanilla flavor follows the nutritionist-designed breakfast formula for weight loss.
Calories: 366
Protein: 20.5 grams
Get the recipe: high-protein overnight oats
Basically, all you need for this recipe are three ingredients, one pan, and your oven. Then dinner is done!
Calories: 419
Protein: 34 grams
Get the recipe: one-pan roasted tofu with sweet potatoes and peppers
If you're watching your carbs or trying to cut back on your sugar intake — even natural sugars — grab your blender and whip up this subtly sweet and creamy smoothie.
Calories: 303
Protein: 22.3 grams
Get the recipe: low-sugar berry smoothie
Massaged kale is topped with warm maple-cinnamon roasted butternut squash, white beans for protein, cucumbers and almonds for a satisfying crunch, and raisins for a little added sweetness.
Calories: 426
Protein: 19.1 grams
Get the recipe: maple-roasted butternut squash, kale, and white bean salad
This sweet strawberry milkshake smoothie is only made with six ingredients so it's easy to whip up and tastes like melted strawberry ice cream.
Calories: 397
Protein: 26.8 grams
Get the recipe: strawberry milkshake protein smoothie