Protein is the word on everyone’s lips when it comes to vegan nutrition! It’s an important building block for the human body and everyone needs it. We are here to help you discover the power of plant-based protein through these simply amazing recipes!

We also highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App  — with over 20,000 delicious recipes it is the largest meatless, vegan, plant-based, and allergy-friendly recipe resource to help you get healthy! And, don’t forget to check out our High-Protein Archives!

1. Harissa Chickpea and Dumpling Stew

Source: Harissa Chickpea and Dumpling Stew 

This one-pot comfort meal is inspired by a traditional North African dish called shakshuka, typically made by cracking eggs over the top of a rich tomato sauce. This vegan adaptation subs in fluffy herbed dumplings and chickpeas for a little more heft. This Harissa Chickpea and Dumpling Stew by Elaine Skiadas is one of those feel-good dinners that’s hearty, satisfying, but not overly heavy. What really makes the dish shine is a few spoonfuls of harissa: a sweet and smoky chili paste that you can order online in jars, or find in the international section of most well-stocked grocery stores.

Credit: Reprinted with permission from Fantastic Vegan Recipes for the Teen Cook by Elaine Skiadas. Page Street Publishing Co. 2023. Photo credit: Elaine Skiadas.

2. French Onion, Fennel, and Green Lentil Soup

Source: French Onion, Fennel, and Green Lentil Soup

This French Onion, Fennel, and Green Lentil Soup by Stephanie McKinnie is a twist on the classic French onion soup with the addition of French green lentils and crunchy fennel fronds. It has such a depth of flavor that will sooth your soul.

3. Cashew Lettuce Wraps

Source: Cashew Lettuce Wraps

These Cashew Lettuce Wraps by Best Friends are excellent to make for a quick snack or lunch!

4. Easy Bean Burritos

Source: Easy Bean Burritos

These Easy Bean Burritos by Matt Frazier and Stepfanie Romine come together so well and don’t take long to make! Not only can you customize it with the vegetables that you enjoy, but you get can top it with hummus or your own cashew queso cheese!

5. Roasted Red Pepper Chickpea Salad

Source: Roasted Red Pepper Chickpea Salad

This Roasted Red Pepper Chickpea Salad by Jackie Akerberg is one of those salads that I could eat every single day and never tire of. The flavor is sweet and tangy, the chickpeas provide a hearty and filling protein base and the little pops of both fresh and roasted bell peppers area delight. This salad is well-rounded with some kick from the red onion and freshness of the parsley, making it the perfect side to accompany any meal.

Credit: Reprinted with permission from The Clean Vegan Cookbook by Jackie Akerberg. Page Street Publishing Co. 2023. Photo credit: Jackie Akerberg.

6. Spiced Red Lentil Bowls

Source: Spiced Red Lentil Bowls

This Spiced Red Lentil Bowls by Kelli Foster is an Ethiopian spice blend with a fiery red hue that typically combines fenugreek, cardamom, cumin, chile, ginger, paprika, and more, to deliver a warm aroma that’s spicy, sweet, and bitter. The combination and amount of each spice can vary from blend to blend, giving each one subtle nuance, and some (like ours!) can really pack in the heat more than others.

7. Refried Beans

Source: Refried Beans

These Refried Beans by Mitch and Justine Chapman are super easy to make and go in a wide variety of recipes like tacos, burritos, or sopes. You can even eat them on their own with tortilla chips. After you learn how to make refried beans at home, you’ll never want to buy canned again! They’re creamy, rich, and perfect to serve as an addition to all your Mexican-inspired meals.

8. Nut Crusted Tofu

Source: Nut Crusted Tofu

Trying to impress your dinner companion, but have very little time on your hands? This Nut Crusted Tofu by Matt Frazier and Stepfanie Romine is the dish to make! Pistachios, tarragon, and lemon juice, plus a hint of Dijon mustard, turn a simple dinner into something special. Serve with steamed green beans (just call them haricots verts to keep the fancy facade going) and quinoa for a complete Parisian bistro-inspired meal. There’s no need to press the tofu in this recipe; simply pat it dry. Any excess moisture will help the crust adhere to the tofu.

9. Pasta with Sausage and Kale

Source: Pasta with Sausage and Kale

This Pasta with Sausage and Kale by Best Friends makes an excellent high-protein meal! Feel free to whip this up any time of the week!

10. High Protein Meal Prep Meatballs with Quinoa

Source: High Protein Meal Prep Meatballs with Quinoa

This is a High Protein Meal Prep Meatballs with Quinoa by Patrica Granek that is perfect for easy family meal. Made with quinoa, black beans and mushrooms. this recipe has a great texture and doesn’t fall apart. Super delicious and nutritious and totally kid friendly recipe. A great recipe to meal prepping.

Learn How to Cook Plant-Based Meals at Home

Reducing your meat intake and eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental well-being, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health, and more! Unfortunately, dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, and prostate cancer, and has many side effects. 

For those interested in eating more plant-based, we highly recommend purchasing one of our many plant-based cookbooks or downloading the Food Monster App which has thousands of delicious recipes making it the largest vegan recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals, and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Here are some resources to get you started:

• Weekly Vegan Meal Plans
• Plant-Based Health Resources
• Plant-Based Food & Recipes
• The Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition
• Plant-Based Nutrition Resources
• Budget-Friendly Plant-Based Recipes
• High Protein Plant-Based Recipes
• Plant-Based Meal Prep

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
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• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!

Lead Image: Roasted Red Pepper Chickpea Salad by Jackie Akerberg