You're subscribed!
17 Tasty Recipes Packed With Plant Proteins
Harness the (delicious) power of plants.
Let me be totally honest with you — I’m not a vegetarian, and I can’t typically make it through the day without rummaging through my cheese drawer. That being said, love plant-based proteins, and I always try to incorporate them into my diet. I keep a healthy stash of quinoa, lentils, chia seeds, flaxseed, beans and nuts to accompany whatever fresh veggies I have on-hand. I also love pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, chickpeas, wild rice, edamame and farro. The difficult thing is turning these nutrition powerhouses into delicious meals. That’s where these 17 recipes — including options for breakfast, lunch, snack time and dinner — come in handy.
BREAKFAST
Quinoa Avocado Toast
Quinoa Avocado Toast Breakfast
Serve Mom a hearty breakfast this Mother's Day. This quinoa avocado toast recipe includes grilled corn, fresh herbs, goat cheese and chili oil.
Avocado and quinoa combine for a satiating, protein-packed toast topper that’s sure to jumpstart your day.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Avocado Toast
Orange and Pepita Granola
Heather Crosby
Pumkin seeds and almonds are the star of this nutritious, homemade cereal.
Get the Recipe: Orange and Pepita Granola
Banana Bread Quinoa Cereal
unknown
I’ll bet you’ve never thought of eating quinoa for breakfast — especially disguised by the scrumptious flavors of banana bread. This concoction's so delicious, even the kids will be on board.
Get the Recipe: Banana Bread Quinoa Cereal
LUNCH
Kale and Chickpea Salad
Looking for a salad that will actually stay with you? Thanks to the protein profiles of chickpeas and kale, this one’s your match. I’m giving it bonus points for the Brussels sprouts, which provide additional protein.
Get the Recipe: Kale and Chickpea Salad
Winter Grain Salad
Winter Grain Salad
Try this healthy yet hearty dish packed with greens, squash, fresh herbs and a punchy vinaigrette that can be served as a main dish or a side dish at a big holiday feast. [Get the recipe>>](http://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/entertaining/winter-grain-salad?syc=applenews_hgtv-christmas-dinner-recipes-for-the-novice-host)
Make the base of this salad with the protein pal of your choice: quinoa, farro or bulgar wheat. Then revel in the utter greatness of this recipe, which includes edamame, greens and squash (all protein sources!).
Get the Recipe: Winter Grain Salad
Farro Spoon Salad
Photo courtesy of The Proprietors Bar & Table.
Farro and sunflower seeds provide plant-based protein in this light, refreshing salad, which features zesty lemon vinaigrette.
Get the Recipe: Farro Spoon Salad
SNACK TIME
No-Bake Energy Bites: 5 Ways
The base for all five variations of these energy bites includes chia seeds, ground flaxseed and peanut butter, all sources of protein that give you — you guessed it — energy.
Homemade Hummus
You've probably gathered by now that chickpeas are a great source of plant protein. Chickpeas equal hummus. Homemade hummus equals better hummus.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Hummus
Fruit, Nut and Seed Bars
You’re going to thank me for this one around 3 p.m. when the protein power of nuts and seeds courses through your body like a shot of espresso.
Get the Recipe: Fruit, Nut and Seed Bars
DINNER
Turkish Red Lentil Soup
Where are my lentil ladies and gents? This soup’s for you.
Get the Recipe: Turkish Red Lentil Soup
Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash
Looking for a healthy dish that plates beautifully for guests? These protein-and-nutrient-stuffed beauties will do just the trick.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash
Turkey, White Bean and Kale Soup
Leftover Turkey Soup with Kale
Add bacon to a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until brown. Drain the bacon and remove all but 1 teaspoon of rendered bacon fat. Add the olive oil and the onion. Cook the onion for 3-5 minutes or until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and cook 1-2 minutes more or just until the garlic is slightly softened and fragrant. Add about a cup of chicken stock and use the edge of a wooden spoon to deglaze the bottom of the pan. Add the remaining stock, beans, turkey, kale, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, stirring occasionally, and then reduce heat to medium-low. Continue cooking the soup at a simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the bay leaves and serve warm with a sprinkling of the crisp bacon bits.
Photo by: Sam Henderson
Sam Henderson
Obviously, this option isn’t vegetarian, but if you eat meat, this recipe is a must-try. The flavor is spectacular, and cannellini beans and kale deliver a powerful protein punch.
Get the Recipe: Turkey, White Bean and Kale Soup
Five Bean Soup
Hortus Ltd./Mark Fonville
Beans are one of my favorite, healthy go-tos, and as such, so is bean soup. This vegetarian option combines all the benefits of five different types of beans — and if you need more convincing, check the price of beans at the supermarket. (They’re a budget-friendly buy!)
Get the Recipe: Five Bean Soup
12 Garden-Fresh Alternatives to Fast Food
See All PhotosFirst things first — ditch the fast food.
