You don't even have to be a vegetarian to enjoy them.
Vegetarian eating isn't for everyone, but if you're trying to eat less meat OR you're going meatless for the long haul, getting enough protein is super important.
Of course, how much protein you need differs from person to person depending on your size, activity level, and whatever your health and fitness goals might be. For these meals, we made sure each had at least 15 grams as a good place to start when you're cutting meat (aka a big source of protein) out of your diet.
1. Portobello Stuffed Pizza
Listen, I've never met a portobello mushroom I didn't like, but adding provolone and ricotta pretty much guarantees I'm going to eat at least three of these in one sitting. Get the recipe here.
2. Vegan Pulled “Pork” Mushroom Sandwich
Toss some thinly sliced shiitake and baby portobello mushrooms in BBQ sauce and you've got a delicious and chewy sandwich filling. Arugula and dill pickles balance out the sweetness of the BBQ sauce, and I don't know about you, but I'm kind of like, "Pulled pork, who?" Get the recipe here.
3. Ginger Sesame Tempeh Vegan Lettuce Wraps
Crunchy romaine + pan-friend tempeh = the perfect hot summer day meal. Get the recipe here.
4. Avocado, Cucumber, Goat Cheese Sandwich
It is never a bad time for a sandwich, especially one with a satisfying crunch. Also, you can sneak in some egg whites for added protein. Get the recipe here.
5. Barbecue Chickpea and Cauliflower Pizza
A hearty twist on the sweet and tangy classic. And you can even sub in your favorite BBQ sauce instead of going homemade to make it easier. Get the recipe here.
6. Easy Vegan Gluten Free Falafel with Tahini Sauce
The magic is in soaking dried chickpeas instead of going canned. Totally worth it, promise. Get the recipe here.
7. Cheesy Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Poached Eggs
Can anything with egg and cheese *ever* disappoint? Get the recipe here.
8. Quinoa Taco Bowl
Taylor Miller / BuzzFeed
This super simple bowl has avocados, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, radishes, and jalapeños — and is good hot or cold, making it a perfect for packing leftovers for tomorrow's lunch, too. Get the recipe here.
9. Sweet and Spicy Quinoa Beet Burgers with Mango and Sprouts
Beet burgers are supremely underrated as a meat alternative, and it's almost too pretty to eat. Almost. Get the recipe here.
10. Creamy Coconut Mac and Cheese with Broccoli
Coconut milk is the magic ingredient for an extremely creamy — but vegan! — twist on mac and cheese. Get the recipe here.
11. Southwestern Veggie Hummus Wraps
Loaded with southwestern hummus and tons of veggies, this wrap will become a go-to favorite when you need something quick and easy. Get the recipe here.
12. Grilled Mexican Lentil Quesadilla
Pureeing lentils with a little bit of salsa mimics refried beans and will keep you full, so they're basically a quesadilla game-changer. Get the recipe here.
13. 15-Minute Soba Noodle Salad
Soba noodles, veggies, and a four-ingredient sauce made of things you *probably* already have in your pantry are all you need to throw together this salad. Get the recipe here.
14. Power Quinoa Kale Salad
This nourishing salad is made with white beans and roasted butternut squash, and topped with golden raises and sunflower seeds — and with 25 grams of protein per serving, you'll never doubt salad's ability to keep you full again. Get the recipe here.
15. Instant Pot Spaghetti with "Meaty" Marinara
The ~meaty~ sauce is made of veggie or tofu crumbles, but you can also skip them if you'd rather a straight marinara. Totally up to you. Get the recipe here.
16. Crockpot Korean Quinoa Bowl with Chickpeas, Carrots and Potatoes
With crushed red pepper, paprika, and maple syrup, the sauce is flavorful but not too spicy, for any of my fellow wimps out there. Get the recipe here.
17. Nutty Power Summer Rolls
You can skip the dipping sauce because these things have almond butter and peanuts directly in the roll. Summer roll hacks. Get the recipe here.
18. Spanish Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
If you've never stuffed and baked a pepper before, what are you waiting for??? Load 'em up with quinoa, black beans, corn, and a ton of smoky spices. Get the recipe here.
19. Sweet Potato and Lentil Cakes With Lemony Avocado Sauce
Serve on a bed of spinach or arugula for a savory and nutty summer dinner. Get the recipe here.
Get more Goodful inspiration on Instagram and YouTube.
Read more:
• 13 Easy Vegan Recipes To Make When It's Hot As Heck Outside
• 16 Tweets That'll Make You Cackle Bitterly If You're A Vegetarian
• 13 Easy Lentil Recipes To Try Now That Soup Season Is Officially Over
