7 High-Protein Lentil Recipes for Vegetarians and Vegans

Searching for tasty ways to pack in protein while sticking to vegetarian or vegan diets? Look no further! These high-protein lentil recipes offer delicious options that are both hearty and wholesome, making it easy to enjoy nutritious meals that keep you energized and satisfied. From classic dishes to creative twists, there’s something here for everyone to savor.

Hearty Lentil And Vegetable Stew

This Hearty Lentil and Vegetable Stew is a warm and comforting dish, perfect for any day of the week. The image shows a delicious bowl filled with lentils, vibrant vegetables, and fresh herbs, all simmered together to create a rich and satisfying meal.

The stew features a colorful mix of carrots, potatoes, and lentils, all cooked in a flavorful broth. It's not just filling; it's also packed with protein, making it a great choice for vegetarians and vegans. The fresh parsley on top adds a nice touch, enhancing both the flavor and presentation.

Serve this stew with some crusty bread for dipping, and you have a complete meal that everyone will love. It’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or spices.

Ingredients

• 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, carrots, and potatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the lentils, cumin, and smoked paprika. Mix well to combine.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until lentils and vegetables are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and alongside crusty bread.

Zesty Lentil Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette

This zesty lentil salad is a colorful and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any meal. The vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, combined with protein-packed lentils, makes it a fantastic choice for vegetarians and vegans alike. The salad is topped with a refreshing lemon vinaigrette that adds a bright flavor, making it a delightful option for lunch or dinner.

The main ingredients include cooked lentils, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and mixed greens. Each bite is bursting with freshness, and the lemon vinaigrette ties everything together beautifully. This salad is not just tasty; it’s also filling and packed with nutrients.

Perfect for picnics or meal prep, this salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good toss before serving, and you’re ready to enjoy a delicious, healthy meal!

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 2 cups mixed greens
• 1/4 cup corn (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, mixed greens, corn, and parsley.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days for flavors to meld.

Lentil Tacos With Avocado Salsa

Lentil tacos are a fun and tasty way to enjoy a plant-based meal. They are packed with protein and flavor, making them a great choice for vegetarians and vegans alike. The image shows delicious tacos filled with seasoned lentils, topped with fresh avocado salsa, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cilantro. The colorful presentation on a vibrant tablecloth adds to the appeal, inviting you to dig in!

This recipe is simple and quick, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. The combination of lentils and avocado provides a satisfying texture and taste, while the fresh toppings bring a burst of freshness. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the Lentils: In a medium pot, combine lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Drain any excess liquid.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Season the Lentils: Add cooked lentils to the skillet along with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Warm the Tortillas: In a separate pan, warm the corn tortillas for a few seconds on each side until pliable.
5. Assemble the Tacos: Spoon the lentil mixture onto each tortilla. Top with diced avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro.
6. Serve: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos and enjoy!

Spicy Lentil Chili For A Cozy Night

Spicy lentil chili is the perfect dish for a cozy night in. This hearty meal is packed with protein and flavor, making it a favorite among vegetarians and vegans alike. The vibrant colors of the chili, with red and green peppers, lend a warm and inviting look to your dinner table.

In the image, you can see a bowl of rich, spicy lentil chili topped with fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes. The chili is served alongside fluffy cornbread, which is perfect for dipping. A slice of lime adds a zesty touch, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make. Gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils (any color)
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Lentils: Rinse the lentils under cold water and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add the Spices: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir well to coat the vegetables.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
5. Season: Taste the chili and add salt and pepper as needed. If you like it spicier, feel free to add some hot sauce!
6. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges and cornbread on the side.

Lentil And Quinoa Salad With Tahini Dressing

This Lentil and Quinoa Salad is a colorful and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any meal. The vibrant mix of lentils, quinoa, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tahini dressing makes it both satisfying and healthy. Each ingredient brings its own flavor and texture, creating a delightful experience with every bite.

The salad features earthy lentils and fluffy quinoa as the base. You can see diced tomatoes, crunchy bell peppers, and creamy avocado, all beautifully arranged in a bowl. The tahini dressing drizzled on top adds a nutty richness that ties everything together. Fresh herbs like cilantro enhance the flavor, making this dish a refreshing choice.

Not only is this salad visually appealing, but it’s also packed with protein, making it a great option for vegetarians and vegans. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite veggies. Serve it as a main dish or a side, and enjoy the burst of flavors!

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup cooked green lentils
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa and lentils.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, bell peppers, avocado, green onions, and cilantro. Mix gently to combine.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Drizzle the tahini dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
5. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Lentil And Kale Soup For A Nutrient Boost

Lentil and kale soup is a fantastic way to pack in nutrients while enjoying a warm, comforting meal. This soup is not only rich in protein from the lentils but also loaded with vitamins from the kale and carrots. The vibrant colors of the ingredients make it visually appealing, and the aroma while cooking is simply irresistible.

The combination of lentils and kale creates a hearty dish that is perfect for any time of the year. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, this soup fits the bill. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite spices and herbs.

Let’s get started with this delicious recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
2. Add the diced carrots and cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
5. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped kale until wilted.
6. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.

Delicious Lentil Peanut Stew

Lentil peanut stew is a warm and hearty dish that brings together the rich flavors of lentils and peanuts. This stew is perfect for anyone looking for a filling meal that packs a protein punch. The creamy texture and nutty taste make it a favorite among vegetarians and vegans alike.

The image showcases a bowl of this delightful stew, garnished with fresh cilantro and crunchy peanuts. A side of fluffy white rice complements the dish, making it even more satisfying. The vibrant colors of the stew, along with the green herbs, create an inviting presentation that is sure to please.

This recipe is not just delicious; it’s also simple to make. You can whip it up in no time, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Chopped peanuts for garnish

Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water and set aside.
2. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the lentils, coconut milk, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, peanut butter, soy sauce, cumin, and paprika. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the stew is too thick, you can add more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts. Enjoy with a side of rice!