If you do not eat meat and are looking for high-protein, low-calorie vegetarian recipes then this is for you!
Maintaining a vegetarian diet and meeting protein goals while staying low in calories can be challenging.
In this post, we’ve selected 24 high-protein, low-calorie vegetarian dishes that not only pack a powerful nutritional punch but also deliver flavor and variety.
24 High-Protein, Low-Calorie Vegetarian Recipes
1. Lentil and Vegetable Stir-Fry
A savory stir-fry made with protein-rich lentils, mixed vegetables, and a light soy sauce, perfect for a quick and nutritious meal.
Calories: 446 kcal
Protein: 24 g
Carbohydrates: 86 g
Fiber: 19 g
Calcium: 86 mg
Fat: 2 g
Sodium: 58 mg
Sugar: 6 g
Potassium: 1032 mg
Vitamin A: 404 IU
Vitamin C: 57 mg
Iron: 7 mg
2. Chickpea and Spinach Salad
A refreshing salad combining chickpeas, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette, ideal for a light lunch.
Calories: 397 kcal
Protein: 10.6 g
Carbohydrates: 25.8 g
Fiber: 9 g
Calcium: 120 mg
Fat: 30.4 g
Sodium: 769.8 mg
Sugar: 4.9 g
Potassium: 900 mg
Vitamin A: 3500 IU
Vitamin C: 30 mg
Iron: 3.5 mg
3. Tofu and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Crispy tofu and steamed broccoli tossed in a garlic-ginger sauce, creating a satisfying, high-protein dish that’s low in calories.
Calories: 324 kcal
Protein: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 9 g
Calcium: 229 mg
Fat: 18 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Sugar: 9 g
Potassium: 1237 mg
Vitamin A: 1985 IU
Vitamin C: 274 mg
Iron: 4 mg
4. Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl
A hearty bowl filled with fluffy quinoa, black beans, avocado, and a squeeze of lime, packed with fiber and protein.
Calories: 480 kcal
Protein: 25 g
Carbohydrates: 80 g
Fiber: 21 g
Calcium: 81 mg
Fat: 7 g
Sodium: 10 mg
Sugar: 1 g
Potassium: 1051 mg
Vitamin A: 220 IU
Vitamin C: 6.3 mg
Iron: 6.5 mg
5. Greek Yogurt with Berries and Almonds
Creamy Greek yogurt topped with fresh berries and crunchy almonds, providing a balanced snack with a boost of protein.
Calories: 235 kcal
Protein: 14.4 g
Carbohydrates: 26.6 g
Fiber: 4 g
Calcium: 200 mg
Fat: 9 g
Sodium: 51.4 mg
Sugar: 21.4 g
Potassium: 400 mg
Vitamin A: 300 IU
Vitamin C: 10 mg
Iron: 1 mg
6. Egg White and Veggie Omelette
A fluffy omelette made with egg whites, filled with sautéed vegetables like spinach and cherry tomatoes, for a low-calorie, protein-packed breakfast.
Calories: 247 kcal
Protein: 24 g
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Fiber: 1 g
Calcium: 60 mg
Fat: 12 g
Sodium: 1074 mg
Sugar: 3 g
Potassium: 227 mg
Vitamin A: 800 IU
Vitamin C: 15 mg
Iron: 1.5 mg
7. Cottage Cheese with Cucumber and Tomato
A simple yet satisfying dish of cottage cheese mixed with diced cucumbers and tomatoes, offering a light and refreshing protein boost.
Calories: 138 kcal
Protein: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 1 g
Calcium: 96 mg
Fat: 5 g
Sodium: 459 mg
Sugar: 3 g
Potassium: 318 mg
Vitamin A: 200 Iu
Vitamin C: 10 mg
Iron: 1 mg
8. Edamame and Snap Pea Salad
A vibrant salad featuring edamame and snap peas tossed with a sesame dressing, rich in plant-based protein and low in calories.
Calories: 177 kcal
Protein: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 6 g
Calcium: 106 mg
Fat: 6g
Sodium: 261 mg
Sugar: 11 g
Potassium: 598 mg
Vitamin A: 641 IU
Vitamin C: 37 mg
Iron: 4 mg
9. Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Tofu
Colorful bell peppers stuffed with a flavorful mix of quinoa, tofu, and herbs, baked to perfection for a protein-rich meal.
Calories: 401 kcal
Protein: 17 g
Carbohydrates: 55 g
Fiber: 9 g
Calcium: 177 mg
Fat: 13 g
Sodium: 200 mg
Sugar: 6 g
Potassium: 758 mg
Vitamin A: 4822 IU
Vitamin C: 157 mg
Iron: 5 mg
10. Basil Pesto Zucchini Noodles with Whipped Tofu Ricotta
Spiralized zucchini noodles tossed with a light basil pesto and whipped tofu ricotta, creating a low-carb, protein-filled pasta alternative.
Calories: 361 kcal
Protein: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 31 g
Fiber: 4 g
Calcium: 122 mg
Fat: 23 g
Sodium: 705 mg
Sugar: 7 g
Potassium: 707 mg
Vitamin A: 1092 IU
Vitamin C: 23
Iron: 2.1 mg
11. Spicy Buffalo Chickpea Wraps
Warm tortillas filled with spiced chickpeas, crunchy veggies, and buffalo sauce, offering a satisfying and portable high-protein meal
Calories: 254 kcal
Protein: 9.1 g
Carbohydrates: 39.4 g
Fiber: 5.7 g
Calcium: 183 mg
Fat: 6.7 g
Sodium: 696 mg
Sugar: 5.6 g
Potassium: 1002 mg
Vitamin A: 7290 IU
Vitamin C: 9.5 mg
Iron: 7.4 mg
12. Cauliflower Rice and Tempeh Stir-Fry
A low-carb stir-fry made with cauliflower rice and marinated tempeh, packed with protein and flavor.
Calories: 526 kcal
Protein: 22.8 g
Carbohydrates: 53.6 g
Fiber: 9.9 g
Fat: 26.3 g
Sodium: 636 mg
Sugar: 14 g
13. Mushroom and Spinach Frittata
A baked frittata featuring earthy mushrooms and fresh spinach, delivering a delicious high-protein breakfast or brunch option.
Calories: 167 kcal
Protein: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Fiber:2 g
Fat: 12 g
Sodium: 349 mg
Sugar: 2 g
14. Greek Yogurt and Chickpea Salad
A creamy salad with chickpeas, pickles, and Greek yogurt, creating a protein-rich and refreshing dish.
Calories: 215 kcal
Protein: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 10 g
Calcium: 131 mg
Fat: 5 g
Sodium: 803 mg
Sugar: 2 g
Potassium: 458 mg
Vitamin A: 278 IU
Vitamin C: 5 mg
Iron: 3m
15. Grilled Tofu Skewers with Vegetables
Tofu cubes and colorful vegetables marinated and grilled to perfection, offering a smoky, protein-packed meal.
Calories: 301 kcal
Protein: 17 g
Carbohydrates: 19 g
Fiber: 5 g
Calcium: 428 mg
Fat: 20 g
Sodium: 2466 mg
Sugar: 8 g
Potassium: 1005 mg
Vitamin C: 102 mg
Iron: 9 mg
16. Vegetarian Chili with Beans and Lentils
A hearty, spiced chili made with beans, lentils, and tomatoes, delivering a warm and filling protein-rich dish.
Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 15.9 g
Carbohydrates: 52.4 g
Fiber: 18.9 g
Fat:6.8 g
Sodium: 427 mg
Sugar: 10 g
17. Protein-Packed Smoothie with Greek Yogurt and Spinach
A creamy smoothie blending Greek yogurt, fresh spinach, and your favorite fruits, perfect for a quick, high-protein breakfast.
Calories: 249 kcal
Protein: 13 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 9 g
Calcium: 284 mg
Fat: 5 g
Sodium: 247 mg
Sugar: 27 g
Potassium: 560 mg
Vitamin A: 5700 IU
Vitamin C: 20.7 mg
Iron: 2.7 mg
18. Quinoa and Roasted Veggie Salad
A nutritious salad featuring fluffy quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette, packed with protein and fiber.
Calories: 239 kcal
Protein: 4.8 g
Carbohydrates: 22.4 g
Fiber: 7 g
Calcium: 26 mg
Fat: 16.2 g
Sodium: 15 mg
Sugar: 7 g
Potassium: 564 mg
Vitamin A: 60 IU
Vitamin C: 15.3 mg
Iron: 1.44 mg
19. Black Bean and Avocado Salad
A zesty salad with black beans, diced avocado, corn, and a lime dressing, offering a delicious mix of flavors and plant-based protein.
Calories: 464 kcal
Protein: 13 g
Carbohydrates: 52 g
Fiber: 15 g
Fat: 24 g
Sodium: 591 mg
Sugar: 7 g
20. Spaghetti Squash with Tomato Sauce and Lentils
Spaghetti squash strands topped with a hearty tomato and lentil sauce, providing a low-calorie, high-protein pasta alternative.
Calories: 282.8 kcal
Protein: 13 g
Carbohydrates: 47.2 g
Fiber: 9.7 g
Calcium: 80 mg
Fat: 6.6 g
Vitamin A: 11750 IU
Vitamin C: 33.8 mg
Iron: 3.9 mg
21. Tempeh Hash with Brussels Sprouts
Marinated tempeh baked alongside crispy roasted Brussels sprouts, creating a savory, protein-packed meal.
Calories: 371 kcal
Protein: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 58 g
Fiber: 8 g
Calcium: 141 mg
Fat: 4 g
Sodium: 79 mg
Sugar: 13 g
Vitamin A: 470 IU
Vitamin C: 77 mg
Iron: 5 mg
22. Vegetarian Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Zucchini halves stuffed with a mix of quinoa, beans, and veggies, baked until tender for a nutritious, protein-rich dish.
23. Protein Pancakes with Greek Yogurt and Berries
Fluffy pancakes made with protein-rich ingredients, topped with Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a satisfying breakfast.
Serving Size: 3 pancakes
Calories: 287
Protein: 14.8 g
Carbohydrates: 36.8 g
Fiber: 5.6 g
Fat: 9.5 g
Sugar: 1.8 g
24. Tofu and Veggie Lettuce Wraps
Crisp lettuce leaves filled with stir-fried tofu and vegetables, offering a light, high-protein, and low-calorie meal.
Calories: 169 kcal
Protein: 11 g
Carbohydrates: 21 g
Fiber: 4 g
Calcium: 78 mg
Fat: 5 g
Sugar: 8 g
Potassium: 683 mg
Vitamin A: 5035 IU
Vitamin C: 6 mg
Iron: 3 mg
Incorporating high-protein, low-calorie vegetarian dishes into your diet doesn’t have to be hard.
With these 24 high-protein, low-calorie vegetarian recipes, you have options to fuel your body, satisfy your taste buds, and keep your meals exciting.
Remember, a balanced diet is key to a healthy lifestyle, and with these 24 high-protein, low-calorie vegetarian recipes, you’re on a path to achieving your health goals while enjoying every bite. Happy cooking!