38 Protein-Packed Vegetarian Meals

From the Recipe Creator: These tofu chicken nuggets can be made ahead to use throughout the week. To mimic the taste (and texture!) of chicken, we also use a plant-based product called seitan. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: I created this recipe one night when we were in the mood for enchiladas but didn't want the fat and calories of the traditional ones. I used ingredients I had on hand that day, and now this recipe's a family favorite! —Nicole Barnett, Northville, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: Grilling isn’t just the pastime of meat eaters! Ask my non-meat family members who love this high-protein vegetarian dinner slathered with prepared pesto and stacked with char-kissed summer produce. —Tanya Mehta, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: I grew up eating sloppy joe sandwiches and can’t get enough of the messy deliciousness. But, I wanted to transform the dish into a high-protein vegetarian dinner. I use tempeh here, which is a fermented soy product that is high in protein and has a savory, nutty, earthy flavor. Its taste and texture work well in dishes that usually feature ground beef, making these tempeh sloppy joes a dinner winner. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho. Next, learn how to make vegan sloppy joes.

From the Recipe Creator: Asparagus and feta cheese come together to make this high-protein meal extra special. It’s perfect for a lazy Sunday or to serve with a tossed salad for a light lunch. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas. Don’t forget to check out our collection of high-protein lunch ideas.

From the Recipe Creator: I prepare homemade granola ahead of time—it makes these yogurt treats special. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: I don’t recall its origin, but I’ve had this high-protein meal for many years. A Triscuit cracker crust makes it unique. —Karen Tjelmeland, Ely, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: Zucchini shells take center stage in this high-protein vegetarian dinner when filled with vegetables, beans and sauce. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Here’s my fun spin on breakfast for dinner—or breakfast! This high-protein meal is so easy to make and plain delicious any time of day. —Barbara Blommer, Woodland Park, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: A salsa and sour cream sauce help dress up this high-protein vegetarian dinner. “My fiance, who’s a confirmed meat-and-potatoes man, loves these sandwiches and asks for them often,” relates Laura Wimbrow of Ocean City, Maryland.

From the Recipe Creator: It might look like a lot of steps, but this seitan chicken recipe is not hard to put together. If you are looking to save time, you can skip the dredging step and just fry the patties in oil. The results can be used in a variety of high-protein meals. —Peggy Woodward, Taste of Home Senior Food Editor

From the Recipe Creator: I created this high-protein meal after my father had triple bypass surgery. He loves comfort food, and I wanted him to be able to enjoy a rich and tasty dish like mac & cheese without all the fat and butter. It’s also a smart way to sneak in some veggies for children. —Megan Schwartz, New York, New York

From the Recipe Creator: This recipe is healthful and versatile—just add your favorite veggies, or even fruit. I love sweet potato and apple tossed into the mix. —Marina Castle-Kelley, Canyon Country, California

From the Recipe Creator: When I invite people to dinner, many have started requesting this pasta bake ahead of time because it's that good. Plus, the manicotti is stuffed before it's cooked, making it even more convenient. —Christy Freeman, Central Point, Oregon

From the Recipe Creator: I love this cozy high-protein vegetarian dinner because it is ready in less than 30 minutes and is full of healthy ingredients—just what a busy weeknight meal calls for. —Nora Rušhev, Reitnau, Switzerland.

From the Recipe Creator: Try eggs and cheese at their best. Guests often comment on how tall, light and fluffy this crustless entree is. You'll love it! —Judy Reagan, Hannibal, Missouri

From the Recipe Creator: Our Test Kitchen created this delicious high-protein vegetarian dinner that combines spicy chili, mixed veggies and homemade polenta. It’s a warm and comfy casserole that is sure to please everyone, vegetarian or not.

From the Recipe Creator: Unless you grew up in the Southwest or visit there often, you might be hearing of migas for the first time. Just think of them as the best scrambled eggs ever. The secret ingredient is corn tortillas. They really make my migas tacos special! —Stephen Exel, Des Moines, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: Because my recipe calls for baking the eggplant instead of frying it, it’s much healthier than other versions of this dish! The prep time is a little longer than for some recipes, but the Italian flavors and rustic elegance are well worth it. —Laci Hooten, McKinney, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: When I organized food and nutrition training for our county 4-H’ers, we had cooking demonstrations representing different countries. We chose crepes for France, and everyone really loved these chicken broccoli crepes. —Deanna Naivar, Temple, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: This is an easy, high-protein vegetarian dinner for a “tofu beginner,” as it teaches people how to use it. If you have time, one way to prepare it is to cut the tofu block in half and wrap well in a terry kitchen towel. Let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour to absorb excess water. For a complete meal, serve with Chinese soup and egg rolls! — Autumn SinClaire, Gold Beach, Oregon

From the Recipe Creator: Spanakopita is the Greek name for this traditional dish featuring spinach and feta cheese. You can serve it as a side dish or meatless main dish. — Sharon Olney, Galt, California

From the Recipe Creator: Grill this eggplant, tomato and goat cheese sandwich to perfection...it makes a delicious meatless meal. —Jennifer Jaras, Corona, California

From the Recipe Creator: These chickpea burgers are totally awesome. I think I’d rather have one than any cheeseburger at a restaurant. They really rock! —Berea Rider, East Point, Kentucky

From the Recipe Creator: An Ethiopian recipe inspired this high-protein vegetarian dinner that’s tangy, creamy and packed with hearty comfort. —Rachael Cushing, Portland, Oregon

From the Recipe Creator: Store-bought Alfredo sauce speeds along this flavorful, high-protein vegetarian dinner. I use dry pasta, but you can use refrigerated fettuccine to make this recipe even faster. —Jolanthe Erb, Harrisonburg, Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: This rich and creamy frittata begins in the skillet and ends in the oven. We like this melty, cheesy dish with salad on the side. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware

From the Recipe Creator: Tomatoes and green chiles give color and zip to this extra-cheesy high-protein meal. It’s a favorite for breakfast or brunch but it can be enjoyed for lunch or supper, too. —Mary Steiner, West Bend, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Bread dough makes it a breeze to assemble these savory turnovers. If you have a favorite pizza dough, use it instead. These freeze well and once they are frozen, they can be heated in half an hour. —Lee Ann Lowe, Gray, Maine

From the Recipe Creator: We always serve food at our Bunco games, and since one of us is a vegetarian we like to make fun meatless dishes we can all enjoy. This high-protein meal can easily be doubled and tastes fantastic hot or at room temperature. —Doris Mancini, Port Orchard, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I met while working the dinner shift at a homeless shelter that served my chili. I’ve revised the chili using bean veggie burgers. —Marty Nickerson, Ellington, Connecticut

From the Recipe Creator: This potato frittata is delicious for brunch but it’s also hearty enough for a weeknight dinner. If you’re a fan of Mediterranean or Greek cuisine, you’ll want to add this to your keeper files. —Sarah Newman, Harvest, Alabama

From the Recipe Creator: My family has requested this high-protein vegetarian dinner over and over again. It is simple to prepare and even meat lovers like it. —Geri Lucas, Oldsmar, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: This is a super fun way to serve lasagna for make-ahead lunches, potlucks or other fun get-togethers. My daughter took some of these to work and by noon was emailing me for the recipe. —Sally Kilkenny, Granger, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: I’m a cook at a Bible camp, and this is one of my most popular high-protein meals. Everyone who tries it raves about it. The one that touched me the most was when a 10-year-old boy asked me for the recipe so he could have his mom make it at home. —Elsie Campbell, Dulzura, California