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High-Protein Vegetarian & Vegan Recipes: Delicious Meals for Every Day

Whether you’re fully plant-based or looking to add some more meat-free meals into your week, there are plenty of high-protein foods that can help you reach your nutrition goals.

From hearty beans and lentils to tofu, nuts and seeds, it’s easy to add more fibre and protein into your diet. Keep reading to discover some of our favourite high-protein vegetarian recipes.

Why Protein Matters in a Plant-Based Diet

The Role of Protein in Everyday Nutrition

Including adequate protein in your diet is essential for repairing tissues, supporting energy levels and keeping you fuller for longer. For vegans and vegetarians, it’s especially important to eat a diverse range of high-protein vegetables and foods like nuts and pulses to make sure you’re getting all the essential amino acids.

Common Myths About Getting Enough Protein on a Vegan Diet

Lots of people mistakenly believe it isn’t possible to eat enough protein on a vegan or vegetarian diet. In reality, combining foods like lentils, tofu, beans, and quinoa provides plenty of complete proteins.

How Milk & More Helps You Eat Well with Sustainable Products

Milk & More’s doorstep deliveries make healthy eating for the whole family a whole lot simpler. From dairy-free milk alternatives to locally sourced, seasonal fruit and vegetables, we’re on a mission to help you eat well whilst supporting local farmers.

High-Protein Breakfast Ideas

Overnight Oats with Oat Milk and Chia Seeds

Starting the day with a protein-packed breakfast will help you stay full till lunchtime. Combine rolled oats, chia seeds, oat milk alternative, honey and seasonal fruit to make this quick and energising overnight oats recipe, which can be prepared the night before.

Protein-Packed Smoothie with Plant Milk and Nut Butter

Rushing out the door? Grab some seasonal and organic fruit from your latest Milk & More delivery box and blend it with plant-based milk alternative, such as soy or almond, and nut butter. The mix of high-protein vegan foods makes for a satiating smoothie.

Tofu Scramble with Veggies and Wholegrain Toast

If you prefer starting the day with something savoury, why not swap eggs for a tofu and veggie scramble? Crumble the tofu and season with turmeric, salt and pepper. Mix with spinach and peppers and fry. Serve on wholegrain toast.

Protein-Rich Lunch & Dinner Recipes

Lentil and Bean Chilli with Brown Rice

Looking for a winter warmer recipe filled with high-protein vegetable foods? Cook beans and lentils with onion, garlic and tinned tomatoes to create a satisfying vegetarian chilli. Serve with quinoa for an extra protein boost.

High-Protein Vegan Stir-Fry with Tofu

Pan-fried or baked tofu, seasonal vegetables and soy sauce make the base for this quick, easy and high-protein stir-fry. Plus, it’s a great recipe for clearing out leftover veggies from the fridge.

Creamy Chickpea Curry with Coconut Milk

Chickpeas are one of the most delicious high-protein foods for vegans. Simmer them in coconut milk, tinned tomatoes and warming spices for a creamy curry the whole family will enjoy.

Quinoa and Roasted Veg Power Bowl

Quinoa contains all nine amino acids, making it a complete plant protein. Serve with roasted vegetables, salad and a tahini dressing for a nourishing lunch or dinner filled with high-protein, low-calorie foods.

Veggie Snacks and Sides with a Protein Boost

Roasted Chickpeas with Spices

Toss chickpeas in olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika and chilli flakes and bake until golden for an easy high-protein, low-calorie snack.

Nut and Seed Energy Bites

Blend dates, rolled oats, peanut butter and mixed seeds to make simple, no-bake bites that are perfect for on-the-go snacking, and much cheaper than shop-bought snacks.

Edamame & Sea Salt Snack Bowls

Keep some frozen edamame on hand in the freezer for a handy high-protein veggie snack. Just steam and season with sea salt (or chilli flakes) and you’ll have a healthy treat to see you through to dinner time.

Tips for Balancing a High-Protein Plant-Based Diet

Eating more plant-based foods doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice nutrition or flavour, but it does require a bit more planning. Here are our top tips:
1. Variety is key: Try and eat as many different high-protein vegetarian foods as possible. Mix nuts, grains, legumes and vegetables for complete protein meals.
2. Stock up: Keep essentials like tofu, lentils and nuts on hand for quick and easy dinner times.
3. Choose fresh and local: Explore Milk & More’s plant-based range to find high-quality, sustainable ingredients that make vegetarian eating easy.

Explore Milk & More’s range of non-dairy milk alternatives and seasonal fruit and veg now. For more meal-time inspiration, check out the Beside the Pint blog.