Skip to content Skip to navigation

High Protein Vegetarian Recipe Ideas

Whether you’re a full-time vegetarian, cutting back on meat, or just looking to fuel your body with more plant power, high-protein vegetarian meals are a delicious and satisfying way to stay energised. With the right ingredients and a little inspiration, it’s easy to enjoy meat-free meals that don’t compromise on protein or taste.

From hearty lentil stews to tofu stir-fries and creamy chickpea-based dishes, we’ve rounded up some easy high-protein vegetarian recipes using wholesome ingredients you can have delivered straight to your doorstep. Many are low-calorie, high-protein, and packed with seasonal vegetables, ideal for busy families, health-conscious foodies, and anyone embracing a more sustainable lifestyle.

What Makes a Vegetarian Meal High in Protein?

Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle, keeping you fuller for longer, and supporting everyday well-being.

But you don’t need meat to meet your needs. Some of the best high-protein vegetarian ingredients include:

  • Lentils (18g protein per cooked cup)
  • Chickpeas (15g protein per cooked cup)
  • Tofu and tempeh (10–20g per 100g)
  • Quinoa (8g per cooked cup)
  • Greek-style yoghurt and cottage cheese (15–20g per 200g)
  • Eggs (6g per egg)
  • Nuts and seeds (5–7g per handful)

Many of these ingredients can be paired with seasonal vegetables, wholegrains, and dairy alternatives for balanced, easy-to-make vegetarian meals.

 

6 Easy High-Protein Vegetarian Meals to Try

Here are some simple but satisfying high-protein vegetarian meal ideas to inspire your weekly menu.

1. Chickpea and Spinach Coconut Curry

A creamy, comforting curry that comes together in one pan, ideal for batch cooking. Simply sauté onion, garlic, and fresh or ground ginger in a little oil, then stir in curry powder or garam masala, tinned chopped tomatoes, and coconut milk. Add tinned chickpeas and simmer until thick and fragrant. Just before serving, stir in a few generous handfuls of seasonal spinach until wilted. Serve with brown rice or quinoa for added fibre and protein.

Top Tip: Bulk it up with roasted aubergine or butternut squash for extra texture and sweetness.

2. Grilled Halloumi and Lentil Salad with Roasted Peppers

This warm salad is quick to assemble but full of satisfying textures and bold Mediterranean flavours. Start with cooked green or Puy lentils (tinned or pre-cooked pouches work well), and toss them with olive oil, lemon juice, and seasoning. Add rocket, sliced cherry tomatoes, and roasted red peppers from a jar or roasted fresh.

Top with golden slices of grilled halloumi and scatter over some toasted seeds or nuts for some extra crunch.

Top Tip: Add roasted beetroot or courgette when in season to make it even more flavourful and vibrant.

3. Tofu Stir-Fry with Broccoli, Peppers and Cashews

A fast, filling dinner that’s easy to customise with whatever veg is in season. Press and cube firm tofu, then marinate in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic and ginger. Pan-fry until golden and crispy, then remove and stir-fry broccoli, sliced peppers, and carrot ribbons until just tender.

Return the tofu to the pan and toss with a drizzle of hoisin or teriyaki sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted cashews or sesame seeds. Serve with brown rice, noodles, or a wholegrain mix for the perfect protein-packed dinner.

4. Oven-Baked Egg and Veggie Frittata

A classic recipe that’s perfect for brunch, lunchboxes or a light dinner. Whisk eggs with a splash of milk (dairy or plant-based), season, and fold in your favourite chopped vegetables. Think courgette, peppers, spinach, spring onion, and cherry tomatoes. Add a handful of grated cheese (or a dairy-free alternative) and pour into a greased oven dish or muffin tin.

Bake until golden and set, then slice into portions and serve warm or cold.

Top Tip: For extra protein, stir in cooked quinoa or crumbled feta.

5. Quinoa and Black Bean Burrito Bowls

A vibrant, deconstructed take on a burrito, no wrap required! Cook quinoa and toss with lime juice and parsley. Warm black beans with cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic for a spiced kick. Then build your bowl with layers of quinoa, beans, sweetcorn, chopped tomatoes, sliced avocado, and shredded lettuce.

Top with a spoonful of Greek-style yoghurt or plant-based yoghurt, plus a handful of grated cheese or nutritional yeast if you’re keeping it vegan.

Top Tip: Add roasted sweet potato or red pepper for even more colour and nutrients.

6. Cottage Cheese Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

This hearty, hands-off recipe makes a fantastic midweek dinner. Roast whole sweet potatoes until tender, then slice open and fluff the flesh with a fork. Spoon in seasoned cottage cheese mixed with chopped chives, lemon zest, and black pepper. Top with halved cherry tomatoes, rocket, and a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and omega-3s.

Top Tip: For a bit of extra flavour, drizzle over some hot honey for those who love a sweet kick!

 

Tips for Boosting Protein in Your Meals

Looking to increase the protein in your favourite veggie and non-veggie meals? Try these tips:

  • Use dairy or fortified plant-based alternatives like Greek-style yoghurt, cottage cheese or oat milk alternative with added protein.
  • Add legumes or pulses to soups, salads and grain dishes.
  • Incorporate nuts and seeds into your dish; it’s great sprinkled over roasted veg or stirred into porridge.
  • Swap white rice or pasta for quinoa, buckwheat or wholegrains for a natural protein boost.
  • Experiment with tofu and tempeh in place of meat; they soak up flavour and cook quickly.

 

Supporting Sustainable Eating, One Meal at a Time

At Milk & More, we believe eating sustainably doesn’t mean sacrificing nutrition or convenience. Many of our vegetarian staples, from British free-range eggs to seasonal veg boxes, are perfect for making high-protein meals at home.

Whether you’re trying low-calorie high high-protein recipes or just want more meat-free midweek options, our selection of fresh, store-cupboard, and plant-based essentials makes it easy to eat well while caring for the planet.

 

Try It Yourself

Ready to explore high-protein vegetarian cooking? Browse our range of dairy products, dairy alternatives, and seasonal fruit and vegetables, all delivered to your doorstep in eco-friendly packaging. With Milk & More, healthy home cooking has never been simpler.