A ton of protein can be found in surprising plant-based sources, but you just have to know which ones are the best and how to use them! Below are some of those sources that are secretly, surprisingly high in protein. Check out these great recipes for an unconventional but fully effective plant-powered protein punch!

1. Smoothies Without Protein Powder

Despite not having protein powder in them, these smoothies pack a protein punch! The nut milk and nuts included in these smoothie mixes amp up their protein profile, so you don’t have to worry about not getting enough of this important nutrient!

2. Cinnamon Coconut Cookies

Protein and dessert?! Why, yes, these cinnamon and coconut flavored cookies are full of good-for-you protein from hemp and gluten-free protein powder. Bananas, cinnamon, and nutmeg make up the flavor profile of these little beauties, making them delicious and nutritious.

3. Chocolate Chip Cookie Protein Pancakes

Can you get protein at breakfast without eating eggs or milk? With these pancakes, you most certainly can! By using chocolate protein powder and coconut yogurt, these pancakes contain a decent amount of protein yumminess.

4. Portobello Patties

Flax seeds, hemp seeds, and walnuts, and the magic protein in mushrooms all add up to make these patties super protein patties. These patties are full of protein, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t taste good! On the contrary, they are drop dead delicious!

5. Yam and Walnut Salad

Yams actually have a good amount of protein (76/100 for an amino acid profile) as do walnuts, so it’s a good idea to put the two together to get a hefty helping of protein. Together, they make great toppings in a salad which has led to the creation of this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious salad.

6. Quinoa Salad With Cucumber, Mango, and Avocado

Quinoa and avocados are the two ingredients that make this salad protein-rich and delicious. With the addition of cucumbers and mangoes, this salad is freaking scrumptious!

7. Bangkok Black Rice Salad With Fresh Peach

Rice, including black rice, has a decent protein profile, offering 8.5 grams of it per 100-gram serving. That’s why this salad is so full of protein! The rice and peaches work in perfect harmony to create a delectable pantheon of culinary goodness.

8. Cajun Corn and Kidney Bean Salad

Corn and kidney beans are protein powerhouses that do the body good. This salad features both of these goodies, which makes it a double protein powerhouse! It’s light with no added oil, but it sure is satisfying with all its protein!

9. Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread

Soy milk and wheat are both protein-rich, but they are also very allergenic to some. If you don’t have allergies, then this bread is for you, if you’re looking for a protein-rich one! Plus, this bread is incredibly soft and satisfying.

10. Breakfast Blueberry Chia Pudding

Cha-cha-cha-chia! Chia seeds are packed with protein―one ounce contains about 4 1/2 grams of protein! Holy cow! So, if you want to start the day with protein, look no further than this blueberry bursting chia pudding! You can’t beat it!

Don’t think you just have to eat massive amounts of organic tofu, beans, or nuts to get your necessary protein requirements on a plant-based diet! You can eat all of these things and still get a decent amount if not all of your protein requirements covered for the day. Expand your mind to the possibilities of lesser-known proteins!

We also highly recommend downloading our Food Monster App, which is available for both Android and iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 8,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to ten new recipes per day. Check it out!

Lead image source: High Protein Cinnamon Coconut Cookies