20 Protein-Packed Meals That Don't Contain a Single Piece of Meat
"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 entrée options to try your hand at, many of which are perfect for Fall and Winter.
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
Farro With Dukkah
Don't be skeptical about the idea of a salad as a filling meal; farro makes this one absolutely satisfying.
Get the recipe: farro with dukkah
Vegan Autumn Quinoa Bowl
Roasted butternut squash makes this a perfect Fall meal option.
Get the recipe: vegan Autumn quinoa bowl
Baked Enchilada-Style Veggie Burritos
Who doesn't love a burrito for a comforting dinner? Beans and zucchini make this a winning vegetarian option.
Get the recipe: baked enchilada-style veggie burritos
Copycat Chipotle Sofritas
This sofritas recipe will make it easy to emulate everyone's favorite burrito bowl.
Get the recipe: copycat Chipotle sofritas
Seitan Potato Almond Curry
Potatoes and seitan offer up the perfect ratio of carbs and protein.
Get the recipe: seitan potato almond curry
Vegan Chili con Carne
Nothing says Winter like a heaping bowl of filling (and protein-packed) chili.
Get the recipe: vegan chili con carne
Autumn Lentil Kale Salad With Parmesan
This protein-packed salad is another satisfying option that's perfect for Fall.
Get the recipe: Autumn lentil kale salad with parmesan
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
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
Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili
For another protein-packed meatless chili, try this easy Instant Pot version.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot vegetarian chili
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
Lentil Meatballs
These faux meatballs are great over a plate of spiralized veggie "noodles."
Get the recipe: lentil meatballs
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
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
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 option for Fall.
Get the recipe: slow-cooker sweet potato Mexican quinoa
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
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
Vegetarian enchiladas
Lastly, who doesn't love a big plate of enchiladas for dinner? This veggie-packed version certainly doesn't skimp on flavor.
Get the recipe: vegetarian enchiladas