22 Best High-Protein Low-Calorie Vegan Recipes (2024)

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High protein meals are high in calories, right? Not always. These high-protein vegan recipes have 20 grams of protein or more and 400 calories or less per serving. So, if you’re looking to increase your protein intake on a vegan diet while meeting certain calorie requirements, these dishes are for you.

22 Best High-Protein Low-Calorie Vegan Recipes (1)

It's important to ensure you are getting enough protein when you have eliminated animal products and are following a vegan diet.

But if you're trying to keep your calorie count down in the process, you've got to check out this collection of high-protein low-calorie recipes.

These high-protein vegan meals include a wide variety of protein sources such as seitan, legumes, tofu, tempeh and TVP for healthy recipes you'll want to add to your weekly meal plans.

High Protein Vegan Recipes

Cheesy Vegan Tofu Scramble

This tofu scramble is perfect when you need a quick breakfast that's high in protein and low in calories. Enjoy alone or mixed with veggies.

Check out this recipe

22 Best High-Protein Low-Calorie Vegan Recipes (2)

Vegan Protein Pancakes by Rescue Dog Kitchen

Pancakes are typically considered a carb-laden comfort food with not much protein, but this recipe adds vegan protein powder, taking the protein count to 24 grams per serving with just under 400 calories for a hearty and satisfying vegan breakfast.

Check out this recipe

22 Best High-Protein Low-Calorie Vegan Recipes (3)

Mexican Tofu and Black Bean Scramble by Craving Something Healthy

These healthy breakfast burritos feature protein-packed tofu and black beans, and make for a quick and easy way to start your day. They're also gluten-free using corn tortillas.

Check out this recipe

22 Best High-Protein Low-Calorie Vegan Recipes (4)

Tangy Tempeh Salad by Hurry the Food Up

Tempeh is one of my favorite vegan protein sources and this tempeh salad is loaded with both protein and flavor! This colorful bowl is made with simple ingredients for a tasty lunch or dinner.

Check out this recipe

22 Best High-Protein Low-Calorie Vegan Recipes (5)

One-Pot Vegan Red Lentil Chili by Planty of Eats

Not only is this vegan chili a low calorie dish that's packed with protein from both TVP and red lentils, it's also super easy to make in one pot with just 25 minutes of cook time.

Check out this recipe

22 Best High-Protein Low-Calorie Vegan Recipes (6)

Vegan Chili Mac by My Quiet Kitchen

If you're a fan of chili and pasta, you'll love this vegan chili mac featuring tofu, kidney beans, black beans, and your choice of vegan cheeses.

Check out this recipe

22 Best High-Protein Low-Calorie Vegan Recipes (7)

Best Seitan Burger Ever by Splash of Taste

This vegan burger made of beetroot, lentils, peanut butter, wheat gluten, and seasonings boasts 27 grams of protein and only 2 grams of fat, clocking in at 173 calories (without a bun of course) so you can enjoy your favorite toppings and condiments while still meeting your calorie goals.

Check out this recipe

22 Best High-Protein Low-Calorie Vegan Recipes (8)

Buffalo Tempeh Salad by Bowls Are The New Plates

This salad packs 22 grams of protein and features Buffalo tempeh with a flavorful homemade avocado ranch dressing. A perfect vegan lunch or dinner!

Check out this recipe

22 Best High-Protein Low-Calorie Vegan Recipes (9)

Vegan Holiday Roast by Shane and Simple

This seitan roast packs 30 grams of protein per serving! Not only is this a great main for the holidays, but it's delicious enjoyed anytime you're in the mood for a comforting main course. Serve with some steamed veggies as a side dish for a complete meal that's both low in calories and satiating.

Check out this recipe

22 Best High-Protein Low-Calorie Vegan Recipes (10)

Seitan and Pasta in Spicy Peanut Sauce by Kiipfit

If you love spicy food, this seitan and pasta dish is for you! Featuring a flavorful, spicy peanut sauce, this satisfying supper packs in 30 grams of protein per serving.

Check out this recipe

22 Best High-Protein Low-Calorie Vegan Recipes (11)

Easy & Healthy Vegan Lasagna by Health My Lifestyle

This vegan lasagna is a great option for meal prep! Make it in advance and enjoy the leftovers all week. Featuring lentils and tofu ricotta for extra protein, this baked pasta dish can also be made gluten-free.

Check out this recipe

22 Best High-Protein Low-Calorie Vegan Recipes (12)

Plant-Based Chickpea Piccata by Go Dairy Free

This chickpea piccata with mushrooms is a vegan take on the popular chicken piccata dish. It's an excellent source of protein, coming in at 29 grams per serving.

Check out this recipe

22 Best High-Protein Low-Calorie Vegan Recipes (13)

Vegan BBQ Seitan Ribs by My Plantiful Cooking

If you love BBQ food, then you'll love these BBQ seitan ribs! Packing 26 grams of plant protein per serving, these tasty vegan "ribs" are super satisfying.

Check out this recipe

22 Best High-Protein Low-Calorie Vegan Recipes (14)

Instant Pot Lentil Soup by Rainbow Plant Life

This hearty and rich vegan lentil soup can be made in an instant pot or on the stovetop. Loaded with lentils and veggies, this satisfying soup has 25 grams of protein per serving and is perfect for adding to your vegan meal plan.

Check out this recipe

22 Best High-Protein Low-Calorie Vegan Recipes (15)

Seitan Chicken by The Hidden Veggies

Chickpeas and vital wheat gluten are a winning combination in this vegan chicken recipe. It's perfect served with a side of your favorite veggies for a satisfying dinner with plenty of protein.

Check out this recipe

22 Best High-Protein Low-Calorie Vegan Recipes (16)

Slow Cooker Lentil Taco Chili by Peas and Crayons

If you love using your slow cooker, this slow cooker lentil taco chili is for you! Loaded with veggies, lentils and beans, this chili is hearty and satisfying.

Check out this recipe

22 Best High-Protein Low-Calorie Vegan Recipes (17)

Vegan Baked Ziti

If you're looking for a vegan pasta dish that's both "cheesy" and creamy without any added oil, this vegan baked ziti is the answer! It's also gluten-free, nut-free and soy-free! Easy to make with a combination of chickpea pasta, canned tomato sauce and our sunflower seed ricotta this pasta bake is sure to become a family favorite.

Check out this recipe

22 Best High-Protein Low-Calorie Vegan Recipes (18)

Sweet Potato Lentil Soup by Feasting Not Fasting

Soups are one of my favorite vegan dinners, and this comforting soup features sweet potatoes, lentils, and carrots for a delicious and hearty meal.

Check out this recipe

22 Best High-Protein Low-Calorie Vegan Recipes (19)

Easy Lentil Dahl by Nourish Plate

This flavorful lentil dahl is a protein-packed dish that's easy to make and low in calories. It's one of those vegetarian meals you'll want to enjoy on repeat.

Check out this recipe

22 Best High-Protein Low-Calorie Vegan Recipes (20)

Vegan Thai Basil Stir Fry by Joyful Dumplings

It's great to have a handy vegan stir-fry recipe and this Thai basil stir fry is a winner for sure! Starring tofu and mushrooms, this flavorful dish takes just 15 minutes to cook for an easy midweek meal.

Check out this recipe

22 Best High-Protein Low-Calorie Vegan Recipes (21)

Kala Chana Salad by Veg Buffet

If you haven't tried black chickpeas before, this kala chana salad is a great place to start. This popular Indian dish packs 20 grams of protein and just 150 calories per serving, making it perfect for a light lunch or dinner with a side of your favorite bread or brown rice.

Check out this recipe

22 Best High-Protein Low-Calorie Vegan Recipes (22)

Vegan Kung Pao by Flawless Food

Skip the takeout and make this vegan kung pao at home instead! Ready in 30 minutes, this dish features TVP, peppers, cashews, and a homemade kung pao sauce.

Check out this recipe

22 Best High-Protein Low-Calorie Vegan Recipes (23)

More Vegan Recipe Roundups

  • Vegan Tofu Recipes
  • Vegan Silken Tofu Recipes
  • Oil-Free Vegan Comfort Food Recipes
  • Vegan Air Fryer Recipes
  • Vegan School Lunch Recipes
  • Vegan Sandwich Recipes

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  1. Bree Khid - Planty of Eats

    Great list, they all look so delicious! Thank you so much for including my Red Lentil chili!!!

    Reply

    • Sherri Hall

      Thanks Bree! Thank you for contributing! 🙂

      Reply

  2. Deepti

    Amazing Collection of Recipes! I love the Indian ones especially.

    Reply

    • Sherri Hall

      Thanks so much, Deepti! 🙂

      Reply

22 Best High-Protein Low-Calorie Vegan Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What vegan food is high in protein and low in calories? ›

Lowest Calorie Plant-Based Protein Sources Chart
FoodCalories per gram of protein
3Sprouted kidney beans7
4Fresh basil7
5Mushrooms (white, portabella)7 – 9
6Nutritional yeast8
46 more rows

How can vegans get 120g of protein a day? ›

One of the easiest plant-based high protein swaps is to replace your usual pasta with red lentil pasta. It's made from protein-rich red lentil flour, and I like to make a vegan bolognese with it. Adding soy mince is a game-changer too when you're struggling to eat enough protein.

How to get 140g of protein a day vegan? ›

10 High Protein Vegan Snack Ideas
  1. Edamame Beans.
  2. Mixed Nuts.
  3. Soy Yoghurt with Fruit and Seeds.
  4. Pint of Soy Milk.
  5. Peanut Butter on Granary Toast.
  6. Hummus with Vegetable Sticks or Rice Cakes.
  7. Homemade Vegan Protein Bars.
  8. Vegan Protein Smoothie (such as Pea+ Protein)
Jan 20, 2023

How to get 20g of protein per meal vegan? ›

12 vegan-friendly sources of protein to add to your shopping list
  1. Beans and lentils. (Approx. 20g protein per 100g) ...
  2. Nuts and seeds. (Pumpkin seeds: 24.4g protein per 100g) ...
  3. Chickpeas. (Approx. ...
  4. Soya foods. (Approx. ...
  5. Seitan. (Approx. ...
  6. Nut butter. (Approx. ...
  7. Algae. (Approx. ...
  8. Wild rice. (Approx.
Jan 23, 2024

How can a vegan eat 3,000 calories a day? ›

Plant-based sources of protein, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and fruits can be incorporated to meet the calorie and nutritional needs of a 3,000-calorie diet for those following vegetarian or vegan lifestyles.

How to hit 100g protein as a vegan? ›

Plant-Based Protein

Right off the bat: you're going to need to work harder to meet your 100-gram protein quota as a vegan or vegetarian. The good news is that it's totally doable, but it requires a bit more focus. Legumes, such as beans, lentils, and peas, are great vegan/vegetarian protein sources.

Can you eat too much vegan protein? ›

Eating too much protein (and any type of nutrient) may do more harm than good to your health. Including a moderate amount of protein every day and enjoying a variety of plant-based foods may be more beneficial in the long run than focusing on short-term gains.

What is the biggest source of protein for vegans? ›

Top Protein Sources for Vegans and Vegetarians
  • Tempeh. In Pascale's opinion, the “foremost” protein source for vegans and vegetarians is tempeh, which she describes as a fermented alternative to tofu that's made with a whole soybean. ...
  • Lentils. ...
  • Beans. ...
  • Nut Butters. ...
  • Hemp Seeds. ...
  • Tofu.
Jan 23, 2024

What veggies have the most protein? ›

Among the highest protein vegetables are chickpeas, corn, spinach, artichoke hearts, and edamame. To get all of the amino acids your body needs, aim to eat a variety of foods, such as legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and vegetables throughout the day.

Which nuts are high in protein? ›

Proteins. Nuts are a rich source of proteins and essential amino acids as indicated by the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference [10] and as presented in Table 1. The major sources of proteins are peanuts, almonds, and pistachios, while chestnuts are the poorest in proteins.

How much protein should I eat to lose weight? ›

If you're trying to lose weight, shoot for 68-82 grams of protein per day. Matt says to split your daily protein intake between your three daily meals. “Your body does a way better job at metabolizing protein when it's consumed 15-30 grams at a time.

How do plant-based athletes get enough protein? ›

Vegetarian and vegan athletes can consume adequate protein intake through consumption of a variety of foods such as beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and soy products. The bioavailability of protein (lower in essential amino acids) may be lower in some plant foods such as cereals versus beans and soy foods.

What does 30g of vegan protein look like? ›

Tofu can often be a staple source of protein for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet: 1 1/2 cups of cooked tofu can provide 30 grams of protein along with some healthy fat. Because tofu is made from soybeans, it's considered a complete protein even though it's from plants.

Is peanut butter vegan? ›

The bottom line. Most types of peanut butter are free of animal products and can be enjoyed as part of a vegan diet. However, some varieties are made in facilities that also process animal products or contain refined sugar that was produced using bone char or non-vegan ingredients like honey or fish oil.

What food is highest in protein and lowest in calories? ›

The healthiest lower energy-dense choices are foods that are high in protein but low in fat and calories, such as:
  • Beans, peas and lentils, which are also good sources of fiber.
  • Fish.
  • Lean meat and poultry.
  • Low-fat or fat-free dairy products, such as milk, yogurt and cheese.
  • Egg whites.

What vegan food has the highest protein? ›

20 best vegan protein sources chart
FoodServing (g)Protein (g)
1. Tempeh10020.3
2. Seitan10017.9
3. Edamame12017.2
4. Tofu160 (half block)16.3
16 more rows

What vegan protein is good for weight loss? ›

Vegan protein supplements can support weight loss in several ways. Firstly, it can help you feel fuller for longer, reducing the likelihood of overeating or snacking between meals. Secondly, vegan protein powder can help preserve lean muscle mass, which is essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism.

What has enough protein but low calories? ›

Increase your protein intake without a lot of extra calories by choosing lean protein, low-fat or non-fat dairy, fish, eggs, and plant protein.

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