"But how do you get enough protein?" is easily the most common (and often annoying) question posed to vegans and vegetarians, especially those who are highly active. But new converts need not be alarmed — as it turns out, there are tons of protein-packed options available to meatless athletes, from grains like quinoa and farro to meat substitutes like tofu and tempeh. Here are 20 dinner options to try your hand at, many of which are perfect for Autumn and Winter.
High-Protein Vegetarian and Vegan Recipes
20 Protein-Packed Meals That Don't Contain a Single Piece of Meat
Tempeh Stir-Fry
Vegetarians who crave a firmer protein than tofu will be all over the tempeh in this dish.
Get the recipe: tempeh stir-fry
Image Source: Avocado Pesto
Farro With Dukkah
Don't be sceptical about the idea of a salad as a filling meal; farro makes this one absolutely satisfying.
Get the recipe: farro with dukkah
Image Source: My name is Yeh
Vegan Autumn Quinoa Bowl
Roasted butternut squash makes this a perfect cold weather meal option.
Get the recipe: vegan Autumn quinoa bowl
Image Source: Heather Christo
Baked Enchilada-Style Veggie Burritos
Who doesn't love a burrito for a comforting dinner? Beans and courgette make this a winning vegetarian option.
Get the recipe: baked enchilada-style veggie burritos
Image Source: She Likes Food
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Copycat Chipotle Sofritas
This sofritas recipe will make it easy to emulate everyone's favourite burrito bowl.
Get the recipe: copycat Chipotle sofritas
Image Source: Culinary Hill
Seitan Potato Almond Curry
Potatoes and seitan offer up the perfect ratio of carbs and protein.
Get the recipe: seitan potato almond curry
Image Source: Earthly Taste
Vegan Chilli "con Carne"
Nothing says Winter like a heaping bowl of filling (and protein-packed) chilli.
Get the recipe: vegan chilli con carne
Image Source: Wallflower Kitchen
Autumn Lentil Kale Salad With Parmesan
This protein-packed salad is another satisfying option that's perfect for colder days.
Get the recipe: Autumn lentil kale salad with parmesan
Image Source: Little Spice Jar
Taco Spaghetti Squash Boats
These delicious squash boats pack a punch of protein, but be sure to substitute soy crumbles for the ground turkey.
Get the recipe: taco spaghetti squash boats
Image Source: Well Plated by Erin
Instant Pot Lentil Bolognese Sauce
For a filling pasta with meatless sauce, you've just got to try this recipe.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot lentil Bolognese sauce
Image Source: Platings and Pairings
Instant Pot Vegetarian Chilli
For another protein-packed meatless chilli, try this easy Instant Pot version.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot vegetarian chilli
Image Source: Cookin Canuck
Jackfruit and Pinto Bean Baked Taquitos
If you're an adventurous eater looking to try new meat alternatives, you've got to try these jackfruit tacos with beans for extra protein.
Get the recipe: jackfruit and pinto bean baked taquitos
Image Source: She Likes Food
Lentil Meatballs
These faux meatballs are great over a plate of spiralized vegetable "noodles."
Get the recipe: lentil meatballs
Image Source: Well Plated by Erin
Mediterranean Vegetable Wraps With Freekeh
Freekeh is another lesser-known, protein-packed whole grain that is perfect for lunchtime options like these wraps.
Get the recipe: Mediterranean vegetable wraps with freekeh
Image Source: Cookin Canuck
Quinoa Taco Bowls With Guacamole
For another take on a vegetarian burrito bowl, try this version with quinoa for added protein.
Get the recipe: quinoa taco bowls with guacamole
Image Source: Platings and Pairings
Tofu Breakfast Scramble
Who says you can't have breakfast for dinner? Tofu makes for an excellent protein-filled vegan option.
Get the recipe: tofu breakfast scramble
Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Mexican Quinoa
Sweet potatoes make this veggie protein bowl another great filling option.
Get the recipe: slow-cooker sweet potato Mexican quinoa
Image Source: Fit Foodie Finds
Sweet Potato Noodle Enchilada Stir-Fry
Spiralized sweet potatoes make for an excellent pasta substitute in this vegan dish.
Get the recipe: sweet potato noodle enchilada stir-fry
Image Source: Inspiralized
Tempeh Reuben Wraps
Protein-packed tempeh is here to save the day in this meatless version of a deli classic.
Get the recipe: tempeh Reuben wraps
Image Source: Oh My Veggies
Vegetarian enchiladas
Lastly, who doesn't love a big plate of enchiladas for dinner? This veggie-packed version certainly doesn't skimp on flavour.
Get the recipe: vegetarian enchiladas
Image Source: Well Plated by Erin