The myth that you can only incorporate protein into your diet by eating meat and fish has long been dispelled. So many of us are now cutting down on our meat intake, and there are plenty of high protein vegetarian meal ideas to enjoy as well as vegan options if you want to avoid animal products altogether.
It's never been easier to swap some of your favourite recipes to easy vegan recipes or tasty vegetarian recipes instead. From vegan curries to quick meal options, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite high protein vegetarian meal ideas for you to have a go at cooking. We're also heavily inspired by Eat Well for Less recipes so all of these recipes are affordable.
Sweet potato and quinoa chilli
If you’re after something really filling, then this sweet potato and quinoa chilli from The Simple Veganista is the one. It’s full of high protein quinoa and kidney beans and it’s a great meal to batch cook for the whole family and can be thrown together in less than an hour making it great for hungry tummies.
Chilli garlic noodles with crispy tofu
There are some very delicious protein powered veggie meals inspired by Asian flavours. Similar to an easy vegetarian stir fry, this chilli garlic noodle dish with crispy tofu from Host the Toast is a great dish to make ahead of time as it allows all those delicious flavours to mingle and it’s also a bit like a fakeaway if you fancy a healthier Chinese takeaway.
Meaty mushroom stew
Don’t let the name deceive you, there’s nothing meaty about this plant based mushroom stew from Happy Foodie. It’s a lovely warming dish for those cold and frosty nights and is even better served with some warm, crusty bread and butter.
Vegetable casserole with herb dumplings
Missing your hearty beef casserole and dumplings and want a veggie alternative? This root vegetable casserole with herb dumplings from Waitrose is a much healthier casserole option and is full of high protein veggies including leeks, garlic, parsnips, carrots and tomatoes.
Green vegetable lasagne recipe
You really can't go wrong when it comes to a vegetable lasagne. Packed with healthy greens, this veggie lasagne recipe from Tesco is great for making in advance and freezing for when you need it. Inside the layers you’ll find kale, broccoli and spinach for a protein boost and it's great served with some fresh salad leaves and some garlic bread.
Nut roast
You can still enjoy your Sunday dinner with some protein by swapping your meat for a veggie alternative like this nut roast from Gimme Some Oven. You might have already tried a ready made one as they're a real favourite at Christmas, but they’re surprisingly simple to make at home using lentils, vegetables and mixed nuts.
Kidney bean curry
Veggie curries are sometimes a much more tastier option than meat curries, and this kidney bean curry from BBC Good Food is one of our favourites. Not only are kidney beans full of protein, they’re also great for absorbing flavour and are full of fibre – double bonus!
Protein packed vegan omelette
In need of a quick and healthy meal idea? If midweek meals are a stress for you and you’re limited on time then this vegan protein packed omelette from SkinnyMs is ideal for those evenings, after all, who doesn’t love an omelette? You can make this with egg or a vegan alternative.
Mediterranean tomato and halloumi bake
Full of delicious mediterranean flavours and topped with a crispy and salty halloumi cheese, this Mediterranean tomato and halloumi bake recipe from Taming Twins contains so much vegetable goodness including courgettes, aubergine, tomatoes and more and is ideal for all year round. Not only is it high in protein but it’s three of your five a day too!
High protein veggie burger
Veggie burgers are always a winner around the dinner table, especially if they're served with all the toppings and tasty chips. These high protein veggie burgers from The Happy Pear contain quinoa, sweet potato, mixed beans, flaxseed, cashew nuts and more. They freeze really well and can be easily prepped. You can serve it in a toasted bun or bunless as a healthier alternative.
Vegetarian ramen
If you’re in the mood for something different, then this vegetarian ramen dish from BBC Good Food is a quick and easy meal to rustle up in just ten minutes. The egg gives the dish a protein boost and as well as being low cost, it’s low calorie too!
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Lorna White is a Senior Digital Writer at Yours.co.uk. She was previously a writer at Yours Magazine writing features and news stories before joining the digital team. Lorna loves the great British countryside and likes to spend her spare time out and about in her home of Nottinghamshire walking her dog, Pippin.