30 Quick Vegetarian Dinners Packed With Protein

Whether you’re a committed herbivore or you just dabble in the world of meatless meals, a go-to roster of high-protein, quick vegetarian dinners can help ensure you stay full and satisfied (but still ready for dessert, of course, should the mood strike).  

Why the focus on protein? This macronutrient has a filling effect, so it’s a key player in creating satisfying meals that are less likely to leave you feeling hungry shortly after you eat them. There’s no one-size-fits-all amount of protein that works for everyone, since recommendations depend on a variety of factors, including your age and activity level. But a good rule of thumb, especially if you exercise regularly, is to aim for around 20 to 30 grams of protein in each meal, as SELF previously reported.

A dish built around a substantial piece of meat tends to get the job done for carnivorous folks. But when you’re eating meatless, hitting your protein quota usually involves relying on a mix of ingredients. Tofu, tempeh, beans and lentils, and eggs or dairy are some of the first vegetarian protein sources that come to mind, but you’ve got plenty more to work with. Nuts and seeds, nut and seed butters, whole grains, and even pasta all serve up smaller amounts of this crucial macronutrient that can nudge your meal’s overall protein content a little higher.

These quick vegetarian dinners make use of all of the above (plus plenty of veggies and other tasty add-ins) to help you get your fill of plant-based protein. And we promise they’re actually fast! As in, dinner will be ready in 30 minutes max (that’s less time than it takes to watch an episode of You, for perspective). Because while lentil chilis and black bean burgers are both delicious, sometimes you don’t have time for all of that, and you just need a simple, satisfying meal.