Beans, lentils, quinoa, whole grains, soy, and portobello mushrooms are great alternatives to non-animal protein sources. Naturally high in protein, there are a ton of ways to cook these super filling nutrient-dense vegan picks. These delicious and healthy vegan recipes pack in all that plant-based power and cook up easy for no-fuss weeknight meals.
1. Crispy Cauliflower Tacos
Roasted cauliflower is one of our favorites go-tos when we are craving something with more substance- the cruciferous veggie has bite and texture. Low in carbs and calories, but high in iron and fiber, cauliflower is packed with nutrients like potassium, folate (higher than that of its cousin, broccoli), zinc and vitamins.Well Plated serves up this irresistible recipe for a hearty, satisfying high-protein vegan meal.
Photo courtesy of Well Plated
Get The Recipe: Crispy Cauliflower Tacos
2. Spicy Lentil Vegan Sloppy Joes
We love Naturally Ella’s affection for comfort food, and nothing hits closer to home than good ole Sloppy Joes (we’re looking at you, Americanos)! Full of flavor and packed with protein, the lentils add a firm texture that holds the sandwich together really well. One good tip: soak the lentils overnight to help soften them up before cooking.
Photo courtesy of Naturally Ella
Get The Recipe: Spicy Lentil Vegan Sloppy Joes
3. Pistachio, Pumpkin Seed and Herb Falafel
We are huge fans of falafel so we were ecstatic to find Goodness Green’s vegan-friendly and gluten-free version. Her fibrous and protein-rich falafel recipe is packed with pistachios, pumpkin seeds and herbs. Baked for a lightly spiced, fresh and crispy crunch, toss them in a salad and you’re in for a hearty and healthy meal.
Photo courtesy of Goodness Green
Get The Recipe: Pistachio, Pumpkin Seed and Herb Falafel
4. Penne Pomodoro with Vegan “Tuna”
On the days your body is craving something more…meaty (forgive us for lack of a better term), Green Kitchen Stories mimics the sea original with this vegan sunflower seed “tuna” and our tastebuds are salivating! By pulsing sunflower seeds with capers, shallots, apple cider vinegar, lemon and nori sheets, they achieve a texture that bears a striking resemblance to canned tuna. We loved how they pair it with tomato sauce and penne for a plant-based take on an Italian classic.
Photo courtesy of Green Kitchen Stories
Get The Recipe: Penne Pomodoro with Vegan “Tuna”
5. Shepherd’s Pie Potato Boats
Hong Kong’s chilly nights are making us crave a warm and filling meal. But comfort food doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure. Peaceful Dumpling offers this amazing vegan-friendly, gluten-free dish swapping out meat for lentils. The perfect balance of carbs and veggies, there is nothing to feel guilty about!
Photo courtesy of Peaceful Dumpling
Get The Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie Potato Boats
6. Chestnut, Spinach and Mushroom Tart
As a lover of tarts, we loved seeing this Deliciously Ella one make the rounds. The earthy combination of mushrooms, red onion, chestnuts, spinach and cashew cheese make for a decadent, creamy affair amazing flavors we cannot wait to try.
Photo courtesy of Deliciously Ella
Get The Recipe: Chestnut, Spinach and Mushroom Tart
7. Mung Dal Stew with Healing Spices
Often turning to South Indian cuisine to get inspiration for delicious vegan dishes, this Ayurveda-approved stew from Golubka Kitchen is wonderful. Using mung dal, yellow split mung beans that are rich in protein, as the base that has been cooked down to a porridge-like consistency, you could practically use anything else you have in your kitchen. Serve it over rice and you’re good to go.
Photo courtesy of Golubka Kitchen
Get The Recipe: Versatile Mung Dal Stew with Healing Spices
8. Vegan Broccoli and Cheese Soup
It’s hard to find hearty soups that are filling but Oh She Glows offers up this soothing, filling vegan soup that is also gluten-free, nut-free, and refined sugar-free. Prep time may take a while so maybe plan this for a weekend night and make sure to dice up the potatoes and carrots very small!
Photo courtesy of Oh She Glows
Get The Recipe: Vegan Broccoli and Cheese Soup
9. Creamy Asparagus and Pea Soup
With its high levels of amino acids, pea protein is becoming a recognized staple among vegan fitness athletes. Peas are also lactose- and gluten-free, which make them easy to digest and allergy-friendly. This simple, low-fat soup is packed with antioxidants from asparagus, spinach and garlic. Door-to-door, this recipe only takes 30 minutes to make.
Photo courtesy of Minimalist Baker
Get The Recipe: Creamy Asparagus and Pea Soup
10. Roasted Teriyaki Mushrooms and Broccolini Soba Noodles
Using soba noodles gives you a 4:1 ratio of carbs to protein. Made from buckwheat, these noodles pack in all the same essential amino acids to provide your body with the necessary nutrients to keep your stomach feeling fuller. Sobremesa opts to roast her mushrooms for a meaty, crisp texture before throwing them into the noodles, along with broccolini and chillies, which boasts anti-inflammatory properties. For those of you who feel ravenous after a workout, this is for you!
Photo courtesy of Sobremesa
Get The Recipe: Roasted Teriyaki Mushrooms and Broccolini Soba Noodles
11. Dessert Bonus: Chocolate Hazelnut Grahams
Laura Wright of The First Mess is our hero. The end. We know exactly what kind of little worker elves she’s talking about and we’ve been abstaining from their devilishly deliciously desserts because… health. Her vegan version of our childhood cookie delights involves protein, healthy fats, sugar-free, grain-free and it’s a dream come true!
Photo courtesy of The First Mess
Get The Recipe: Chocolate Hazelnut Grahams
