Health Diet

12 Meatless Meals That Have Lots of Protein

As editors, we love getting real feedback from #TeamSELF fans, whether it’s on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. During our last challenge, people were constantly asking us for more meat-free meal options. So, we listened! All 13 of the breakfast recipes are meat-free, as are all nine snack recipes. Many of the lunch and dinner recipes call for meat or fish, but the following 12 options are totally meat-free. Plus, they’re all totally delicious, energizing, and easy to make!

All of the recipes have a dietitian-approved balance of carbs, protein, and fat, in accordance with the current USDA dietary guidelines. We didn’t turn the recipes into a set meal plan, because we know that everybody has different needs, goals, and preferences when it comes to food. If you want personalized nutrition advice, consult a doctor or registered dietitian. If you want a better idea of how much you should be eating every day, the USDA recommends this calculator. And, if you’re looking for on-the-go snacks to keep you going all day long, here are our 13 favorite healthy snacks at the grocery store.

A quick note here: If you feel it’s necessary, it’s always OK to check with a doctor before trying a new meal plan. These recipes are meant to provide helpful guidance if you’re looking to learn new ways to eat healthy, but they aren’t for everyone. For some people, the healthiest thing to do is ignore calories and meal plans entirely. Like we said, food is personal and everybody is different. If these recipes work for you, that’s great! If they don’t, that’s also totally fine.

If you cook one of the recipes or have questions, post a photo on Instagram and tag @selfmagazine—we love a good food pic as much as you do, and we’re always here to help!


Green Curry Tofu Rice Bowl

Serves 1

Total time: 40 minutes
Active time: 10 minutes

Andrew Purcell, Carrie Purcell

This spicy rice bowl gets better as it sits, so consider throwing it together the night before and refrigerating.

Get The Recipe Here

Nutrition Per Serving: 516 calories, 19 g fat (2 g saturated), 64 g carbs, 14 g fiber, 25 g protein


Broccoli Cheddar Brown Rice Skillet

Serves 1

Total time: 25 minutes
Active time: 10 minutes

Andrew Purcell, Carrie Purcell

This meatless dinner is just decadent enough, thanks to a little bit of cheese.

Get The Recipe Here

Nutrition Per Serving: 543 calories, 22 g fat (8 g saturated), 60 g carbs, 9 g fiber, 25 g protein


Wilted Kale, Chickpea, and Quinoa Bowl With Tahini

Serves 2

Total time: 45 minutes
Active time: 10 minutes

Andrew Purcell, Carrie Purcell

Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds, and it’s perfect on grain bowls or sandwiches.

Get The Recipe Here

Nutrition Per Serving: 506 calories, 19 g fat (2 g saturated), 68 g carbs, 10 g sugar, 17 g fiber, 23 g protein


Kale, White Bean, and Goat Cheese Wrap

Serves 1

Total time: 10 minutes
Active time: 10 minutes

Andrew Purcell, Carrie Purcell

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If you want a warm lunch, you could heat this wrap in the microwave, toaster oven, or panini press.

Get The Recipe Here

Nutrition Per Serving: 526 calories, 21 g fat (7 g saturated), 62 g carbs, 7 g sugar, 15 g fiber, 23 g protein


Warm Swiss Chard and Farro Salad With Parmesan

Serves 1

Total time: 15 minutes
Active time: 15 minutes

Andrew Purcell, Carrie Purcell

This salad tastes great warm, but you can totally eat it cold.

Get The Recipe Here

Nutrition Per Serving: 507 calories, 19 g fat (7 g saturated), 56 g carbs, 16 g sugar, 6 g fiber, 27 g protein__


Marinated Pear and Fennel With Chickpeas

Serves 2

Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Active time: 10 minutes

Andrew Purcell, Carrie Purcell

As the fennel marinates in the fridge, it softens but doesn’t lose any flavor.

Get The Recipe Here

Nutrition Per Serving: 483 calories, 23 g fat (10 g saturated), 52 g carbs, 26 g sugar, 15 g fiber, 20 g protein


Sweet Potato Salad With Creamy Avocado Dressing

Serves 2

Total time: 15 minutes
Active time: 15 minutes

Andrew Purcell, Carrie Purcell

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This tangy, creamy sweet potato salad is made with an avocado-yogurt dressing that’s rich in protein and healthy fat.

Get The Recipe Here

Nutrition Per Serving: 531 calories, 20 g fat (7 g saturated), 67 g carbs, 14 g sugar, 18 g fiber, 21 g protein


Warm Spiced Chickpea and Broccoli Wrap

Serves 1

Total time: 15 minutes
Active time: 15 minutes

Andrew Purcell, Carrie Purcell

This wrap is equal parts creamy and crunchy, for a healthy and satisfying meal.

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Nutrition Per Serving: 541 calories, 19 g fat (7 g saturated), 69 g carbs, 9 g sugar, 16 g fiber, 25 g protein


Kale and Sweet Potato Parmesan Quesadilla

Serves 1

Total time: 15 minutes
Active time: 15 minutes

Andrew Purcell, Carrie Purcell

The ultimate weeknight comfort food for anyone who wants to keep things a little bit healthy.

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Nutrition Per Serving: 539 calories, 18 g fat (9 g saturated), 68 g carbs, 10 g sugar, 11 g fiber, 27 g protein


Cheesy Sweet Potato White Bean Bake

Serves 2

Total time: 1 hour
Active time: 10 minutes

Andrew Purcell, Carrie Purcell

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This meatless casserole has tons of comforting fall flavors.

Get The Recipe Here

Nutrition Per Serving: 537 calories, 22 g fat (10 g saturated), 59 g carbs, 10 g sugar, 12 g fiber, 28 g protein


Parmesan Cauliflower With Chickpeas and Pomegranate

Serves 1

Total time: 45 minutes
Active time: 10 minutes

Andrew Purcell, Carrie Purcell

The Parmesan-pomegranate combination makes for a salty-sweet sheet-pan dinner.

Get The Recipe Here

Nutrition Per Serving: 525 calories, 23 g fat (5 g saturated), 64 g carbs, 22 g sugar, 19 g fiber, 23 g protein


Brussels Sprouts, Black Bean, and Sweet Potato Hash

Serves 1

Total time: 45 minutes
Active time: 15 minutes

Andrew Purcell, Carrie Purcell

If you love eating breakfast for dinner, this fall-inspired hash is for you.

Get The Recipe Here

Nutrition Per Serving: 529 calories, 20 g fat (4 g saturated), 64 g carbs, 10 g sugar, 20 g fiber, 29 g protein