28+ Easy High Protein Vegan Lunch Recipes for Busy Days

Eating a high-protein vegan lunch doesn’t have to be boring or complicated.

Whether you’re fully plant-based or simply looking to add more vegan meals to your rotation, there are countless delicious recipes that pack a powerful protein punch.

From hearty grain bowls and vibrant salads to savory stir-fries and creative plant-based “meat” alternatives, these 28+ high protein vegan lunch recipes offer nourishing, satisfying options that will keep you energized throughout the day.

Discover how easy and flavorful it can be to fuel your body with plant-powered protein!

28+ Easy High Protein Vegan Lunch Recipes for Busy Days

With these 28+ high protein vegan lunch recipes, you’ll never run out of tasty and nutritious ideas to keep your meals exciting and well-balanced.

Incorporating a variety of beans, legumes, grains, tofu, tempeh, and fresh veggies, these recipes prove that vegan lunches can be both protein-packed and delicious.

Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking fresh daily, these dishes will support your health goals and satisfy your taste buds.

Lentil and Quinoa Salad

Lentil and quinoa salad is a hearty, protein-packed vegan lunch that combines two complete plant-based proteins for a nutritious and satisfying meal.

It’s loaded with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing, making it perfect for a light yet filling lunch.

Ingredients:

• Cooked lentils
• Cooked quinoa
• Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• Cucumber (diced)
• Red onion (finely chopped)
• Fresh parsley
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils and quinoa.
2. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and chopped parsley.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss gently to combine and serve chilled or at room temperature.

This salad is a balanced meal packed with plant protein, fiber, and fresh flavors, making it an excellent choice for a wholesome vegan lunch.

Chickpea and Spinach Curry

Chickpea and spinach curry is a flavorful and protein-rich vegan lunch option.

The creamy, spiced sauce pairs perfectly with nutrient-dense chickpeas and fresh spinach, creating a comforting yet healthy meal.

Ingredients:

• Canned chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
• Fresh spinach
• Onion (chopped)
• Garlic and ginger (minced)
• Coconut milk
• Curry powder
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
2. Add curry powder and stir for a minute to release the spices.
3. Add chickpeas and coconut milk, simmering until the sauce thickens.
4. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Season with salt and pepper and serve with rice or flatbread.

This curry is rich in protein and antioxidants, making it a nourishing and satisfying vegan lunch choice.

Tofu and Veggie Stir-Fry

Tofu and veggie stir-fry is a quick, high-protein vegan lunch recipe packed with colorful vegetables and crispy tofu cubes.

It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite veggies and sauces.

Ingredients:

• Firm tofu (cubed)
• Broccoli florets
• Bell peppers (sliced)
• Carrots (julienned)
• Garlic (minced)
• Soy sauce or tamari
• Sesame oil
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Press and cube tofu, then pan-fry in sesame oil until golden and crispy.
2. In the same pan, sauté garlic, broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots until tender-crisp.
3. Add tofu back to the pan and pour in soy sauce or tamari, tossing to coat evenly.
4. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with rice or noodles.

This stir-fry is a protein-rich, vibrant lunch full of texture and flavor, ideal for a quick and healthy vegan meal.

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Bowl

Black bean and sweet potato bowl is a hearty and protein-packed vegan lunch that combines the earthiness of black beans with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes.

It’s a balanced meal loaded with fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein.

Ingredients:

• Cooked black beans
• Roasted sweet potatoes (cubed)
• Cooked quinoa or brown rice
• Avocado slices
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime juice
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Roast sweet potato cubes tossed in olive oil until tender and caramelized.
2. In a bowl, combine cooked black beans and quinoa or brown rice.
3. Add roasted sweet potatoes and avocado slices.
4. Drizzle with lime juice and garnish with fresh cilantro.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This bowl is a filling, nutrient-dense lunch option perfect for fueling your afternoon with plant-based protein and healthy fats.

Tempeh and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Tempeh and broccoli stir-fry is a protein-rich vegan lunch featuring marinated tempeh cubes sautéed with crisp-tender broccoli and a savory sauce.

It’s quick to prepare and packed with umami flavor.

Ingredients:

• Tempeh (cubed)
• Broccoli florets
• Garlic (minced)
• Soy sauce or tamari
• Maple syrup or agave
• Sesame oil
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Marinate tempeh cubes in a mixture of soy sauce, maple syrup, and garlic for at least 15 minutes.
2. Heat sesame oil in a pan and sauté marinated tempeh until browned.
3. Add broccoli florets and cook until tender-crisp.
4. Sprinkle red pepper flakes if desired for some heat.
5. Serve hot, optionally with steamed rice or noodles.

This stir-fry delivers a satisfying combination of textures and flavors while providing a powerful protein boost for a nutritious vegan lunch.

Edamame and Quinoa Salad

Edamame and quinoa salad is a vibrant and refreshing high-protein vegan lunch packed with shelled edamame, cooked quinoa, and fresh vegetables.

It’s light but filling, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.

Ingredients:

• Cooked quinoa
• Shelled edamame (steamed)
• Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• Cucumber (diced)
• Red bell pepper (diced)
• Fresh mint and parsley
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine cooked quinoa and steamed edamame in a large bowl.
2. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and chopped herbs.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
4. Season with salt and pepper, then toss gently to combine.

This salad is a protein-packed, refreshing lunch that’s easy to make and full of bright flavors and textures.

Vegan Burrito Bowl

Vegan burrito bowl is a flavorful and protein-packed lunch featuring seasoned black beans, brown rice, and fresh veggies.

It’s a satisfying and balanced meal perfect for plant-based eaters seeking a hearty option.

Ingredients:

• Cooked black beans
• Brown rice
• Corn kernels
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced avocado
• Chopped cilantro
• Lime juice
• Taco seasoning

Instructions:

1. Season black beans with taco seasoning and heat through.
2. Cook brown rice and let it cool slightly.
3. Assemble the bowl with rice, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado.
4. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

This bowl offers a delicious mix of textures and flavors, delivering a protein-rich and filling vegan lunch.

Spicy Peanut Tofu Bowl

Spicy peanut tofu bowl is a creamy and savory vegan lunch loaded with crispy tofu cubes and fresh vegetables tossed in a zesty peanut sauce.

It’s a protein-dense meal bursting with bold flavors.

Ingredients:

• Firm tofu, cubed and pan-fried
• Cooked quinoa or rice
• Shredded carrots
• Sliced cucumber
• Peanut sauce (peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, sriracha)
• Chopped peanuts for garnish

Instructions:

1. Pan-fry tofu cubes until golden and crispy.
2. Combine quinoa or rice with shredded carrots and cucumber in a bowl.
3. Toss tofu and vegetables with peanut sauce.
4. Garnish with chopped peanuts before serving.

This bowl is a perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and spicy elements, providing a filling and flavorful vegan lunch.

Mediterranean Chickpea Bowl

Mediterranean chickpea bowl is a fresh and protein-packed vegan lunch featuring chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and a tangy lemon dressing.

It’s light, nutritious, and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• Cooked chickpeas
• Diced cucumbers
• Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• Kalamata olives
• Red onion (thinly sliced)
• Fresh parsley
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, red onion, and parsley.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
3. Toss gently and serve chilled or at room temperature.

This bowl offers a burst of Mediterranean flavors with plenty of plant-based protein, making it a satisfying and healthy vegan lunch.

Vegan Buddha Bowl

Vegan Buddha bowl is a colorful and nutrient-dense lunch packed with a variety of plant-based proteins, veggies, and grains.

This bowl offers a satisfying combination of textures and flavors, perfect for a wholesome vegan meal.

Ingredients:

• Cooked quinoa or brown rice
• Roasted chickpeas
• Steamed kale or spinach
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Sliced avocado
• Tahini dressing

Instructions:

1. Roast chickpeas with olive oil and spices until crispy.
2. Prepare quinoa or brown rice and steam kale or spinach.
3. Roast sweet potatoes until tender.
4. Assemble the bowl with grains, roasted chickpeas, greens, sweet potatoes, and avocado slices.
5. Drizzle with tahini dressing before serving.

This Buddha bowl is loaded with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a nourishing and balanced vegan lunch option.

Vegan Tempeh Salad Bowl

Vegan tempeh salad bowl is a protein-rich lunch featuring marinated tempeh, fresh vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette.

It’s a quick and tasty meal that’s perfect for plant-based eaters.

Ingredients:

• Tempeh, cubed and marinated in soy sauce and maple syrup
• Mixed greens
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber slices
• Red bell pepper
• Balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. Marinate tempeh cubes and pan-fry until golden brown.
2. Combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper in a bowl.
3. Top with cooked tempeh cubes.
4. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and serve.

This bowl is a flavorful and satisfying lunch that delivers plenty of vegan protein and fresh vegetables.

Spicy Black Bean and Corn Bowl

Spicy black bean and corn bowl is a zesty vegan lunch option filled with protein-packed black beans, sweet corn, and fresh veggies.

The bowl is topped with a tangy lime dressing that adds brightness to every bite.

Ingredients:

• Cooked black beans
• Cooked brown rice or quinoa
• Corn kernels
• Diced red onion
• Chopped cilantro
• Jalapeño (optional)
• Lime juice
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Combine black beans, rice or quinoa, corn, red onion, and cilantro in a bowl.
2. Add diced jalapeño for some heat, if desired.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice.
4. Toss gently and serve.

This bowl provides a perfect blend of protein, fiber, and fresh flavors, making it a delicious and energizing vegan lunch.

Vegan Chickpea Power Bowl

Vegan chickpea power bowl is a nutritious and protein-packed lunch that combines hearty chickpeas with fresh veggies and grains for a filling and delicious meal.

This bowl is perfect for a wholesome plant-based lunch.

Ingredients:

• Cooked chickpeas
• Cooked quinoa or brown rice
• Diced cucumber
• Cherry tomatoes
• Sliced avocado
• Fresh parsley
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine cooked chickpeas and quinoa or brown rice in a large bowl.
2. Add diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and avocado slices.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss everything gently and garnish with fresh parsley.

This bowl offers a great balance of protein, healthy fats, and fresh flavors, making it a satisfying vegan lunch option.

Vegan Peanut Noodle Bowl

Vegan peanut noodle bowl is a creamy and flavorful lunch filled with protein-rich noodles, crunchy vegetables, and a spicy peanut sauce.

It’s a quick, easy, and satisfying vegan meal.

Ingredients:

• Cooked soba or rice noodles
• Shredded carrots
• Sliced bell peppers
• Edamame (shelled)
• Peanut sauce (peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, maple syrup, sriracha)
• Chopped peanuts and green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare noodles and rinse with cold water to cool.
2. In a bowl, toss noodles with shredded carrots, bell peppers, and edamame.
3. Pour peanut sauce over the mixture and toss to coat evenly.
4. Garnish with chopped peanuts and green onions before serving.

This bowl offers a delicious mix of creamy, crunchy, and spicy flavors, perfect for a high-protein vegan lunch.

Vegan Tempeh Buddha Bowl

Vegan tempeh Buddha bowl is a hearty and protein-rich lunch option featuring marinated tempeh, roasted vegetables, and nutritious grains.

It’s a colorful and wholesome meal that fuels your day.

Ingredients:

• Tempeh, cubed and marinated in soy sauce and garlic
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Steamed broccoli
• Cooked quinoa
• Fresh spinach or kale
• Tahini dressing

Instructions:

1. Marinate tempeh cubes and pan-fry until golden and crispy.
2. Roast sweet potatoes until tender and caramelized.
3. Steam broccoli until crisp-tender.
4. Assemble the bowl with quinoa, tempeh, roasted sweet potatoes, broccoli, and greens.
5. Drizzle with tahini dressing and serve.

This bowl combines a variety of textures and flavors, providing a balanced and protein-packed vegan lunch option.

Vegan Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Vegan Mediterranean grain bowl is a vibrant and protein-rich lunch featuring wholesome grains, chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and tangy Mediterranean flavors.

It’s perfect for a satisfying and nutrient-packed vegan meal.

Ingredients:

• Cooked farro or quinoa
• Cooked chickpeas
• Diced cucumbers
• Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• Kalamata olives
• Fresh parsley and mint
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine cooked farro or quinoa and chickpeas in a bowl.
2. Add cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, and chopped herbs.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss gently and serve chilled or at room temperature.

This bowl bursts with fresh, bright flavors and provides a hearty dose of plant-based protein, perfect for a wholesome vegan lunch.

Vegan Spicy Peanut Tempeh Bowl

Vegan spicy peanut tempeh bowl is a bold and flavorful lunch option featuring crispy tempeh cubes tossed in a spicy peanut sauce with fresh vegetables and grains.

It’s packed with protein and perfect for those who enjoy a little heat.

Ingredients:

• Tempeh, cubed and pan-fried
• Cooked brown rice or quinoa
• Shredded carrots
• Sliced bell peppers
• Peanut sauce (peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, sriracha)
• Chopped peanuts and cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Pan-fry tempeh cubes until golden and crispy.
2. Toss cooked rice or quinoa with shredded carrots and bell peppers.
3. Add tempeh and drizzle with spicy peanut sauce.
4. Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro.

This bowl combines spicy, savory, and crunchy elements, making it a delicious and protein-packed vegan lunch choice.

Vegan Black Bean and Avocado Bowl

Vegan black bean and avocado bowl is a simple, high-protein lunch packed with creamy avocado, protein-rich black beans, and fresh veggies.

It’s a quick and easy meal full of vibrant flavors and textures.

Ingredients:

• Cooked black beans
• Diced avocado
• Cherry tomatoes
• Chopped red onion
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime juice
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine black beans, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro in a bowl.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste and toss gently.

This bowl offers a creamy, fresh, and protein-packed vegan lunch that’s both nutritious and delicious.

Vegan Kale and White Bean Bowl

Vegan kale and white bean bowl is a nutrient-dense, protein-rich lunch featuring hearty white beans and vitamin-packed kale.

This bowl is perfect for a wholesome, satisfying plant-based meal.

Ingredients:

• Cooked white beans
• Chopped kale
• Cooked quinoa or brown rice
• Roasted cherry tomatoes
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Massage kale with olive oil and lemon juice until tender.
2. Roast cherry tomatoes until blistered and soft.
3. In a bowl, combine cooked white beans, quinoa, kale, and roasted tomatoes.
4. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then toss gently.

This bowl is rich in protein and fiber, with fresh and roasted flavors that make it a hearty and energizing vegan lunch.

Vegan Thai Tofu Bowl

Vegan Thai tofu bowl is a vibrant and protein-packed lunch featuring crispy tofu, fresh vegetables, and a tangy peanut dressing.

It’s perfect for a flavorful and nourishing vegan meal.

Ingredients:

• Firm tofu, cubed and pan-fried
• Cooked jasmine rice or brown rice
• Shredded cabbage
• Sliced cucumber
• Carrot ribbons
• Peanut dressing (peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, maple syrup)

Instructions:

1. Pan-fry tofu cubes until golden and crispy.
2. Prepare rice and slice vegetables.
3. Assemble the bowl with rice, tofu, cabbage, cucumber, and carrots.
4. Drizzle with peanut dressing and serve.

This bowl combines crunchy, creamy, and tangy elements to create a satisfying and protein-rich vegan lunch.

Vegan Southwest Quinoa Bowl

Vegan southwest quinoa bowl is a flavorful and filling lunch packed with protein-rich quinoa, black beans, corn, and zesty spices.

It’s a perfect plant-based meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients:

• Cooked quinoa
• Black beans
• Corn kernels
• Diced red bell pepper
• Chopped cilantro
• Lime juice
• Avocado slices
• Cumin and chili powder

Instructions:

1. Toss cooked quinoa with black beans, corn, bell pepper, and chopped cilantro.
2. Season with lime juice, cumin, and chili powder.
3. Top with avocado slices before serving.

This bowl offers a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and bold southwestern flavors, ideal for a quick and wholesome vegan lunch.

Vegan Lentil Taco Bowl

Vegan lentil taco bowl is a hearty and protein-packed lunch that combines seasoned lentils with fresh veggies and zesty toppings.

It’s a delicious plant-based twist on classic taco flavors.

Ingredients:

• Cooked lentils
• Cooked brown rice or quinoa
• Diced tomatoes
• Corn kernels
• Chopped lettuce
• Avocado slices
• Taco seasoning
• Lime juice

Instructions:

1. Season cooked lentils with taco seasoning and warm through.
2. Assemble the bowl with rice or quinoa, seasoned lentils, tomatoes, corn, and lettuce.
3. Top with avocado slices and drizzle with lime juice.

This bowl is a satisfying and flavorful vegan lunch option that’s packed with protein and fiber to keep you full and energized.

Vegan Mediterranean Farro Bowl

Vegan Mediterranean farro bowl is a nutrient-rich lunch featuring chewy farro, protein-packed chickpeas, and fresh Mediterranean vegetables.

It’s a wholesome and tasty meal perfect for any day.

Ingredients:

• Cooked farro
• Cooked chickpeas
• Cucumber (diced)
• Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• Kalamata olives
• Red onion (thinly sliced)
• Fresh parsley
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine cooked farro and chickpeas.
2. Add diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, and parsley.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then toss gently to combine.

This bowl is full of fresh Mediterranean flavors and offers a balanced, protein-rich vegan lunch.

Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Bowl

Vegan BBQ jackfruit bowl is a flavorful and protein-rich lunch featuring shredded jackfruit in tangy BBQ sauce, served with wholesome grains and fresh veggies.

It’s a tasty plant-based alternative to pulled “meat” bowls.

Ingredients:

• Canned young green jackfruit (drained and shredded)
• BBQ sauce
• Cooked brown rice or quinoa
• Coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage
• Sliced avocado
• Fresh cilantro

Instructions:

1. Sauté shredded jackfruit with BBQ sauce until heated through and slightly caramelized.
2. Assemble the bowl with cooked rice or quinoa, BBQ jackfruit, and coleslaw mix.
3. Top with avocado slices and garnish with fresh cilantro.

This bowl offers a delicious balance of smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors, making it a satisfying vegan lunch packed with plant-based protein.

Vegan Spicy Chickpea Bowl

Vegan spicy chickpea bowl is a bold and protein-packed lunch featuring crispy roasted chickpeas tossed in flavorful spices, paired with fresh vegetables and grains.

This bowl delivers a satisfying crunch and plenty of plant-based protein.

Ingredients:

• Cooked chickpeas
• Olive oil
• Smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder
• Cooked quinoa or brown rice
• Sliced cucumbers
• Cherry tomatoes
• Fresh cilantro
• Lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Toss chickpeas with olive oil and spices, then roast until crispy.
2. Prepare quinoa or rice and let cool slightly.
3. Assemble the bowl with quinoa, roasted chickpeas, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes.
4. Garnish with cilantro and drizzle with lemon juice.

This bowl is packed with bold flavors and textures, making it a delicious and energizing vegan lunch option.

Vegan Mushroom and Barley Bowl

Vegan mushroom and barley bowl is a hearty, protein-rich lunch with earthy mushrooms and chewy barley, complemented by fresh herbs and a tangy dressing.

It’s a comforting plant-based meal that’s filling and nutritious.

Ingredients:

• Cooked pearl barley
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Baby spinach
• Chopped parsley
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar

Instructions:

1. Sauté mushrooms with garlic in olive oil until golden.
2. Cook barley according to package instructions.
3. Toss barley with mushrooms, spinach, and parsley.
4. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil before serving.

This bowl offers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures, perfect for a wholesome vegan lunch.

Vegan Tempeh Taco Bowl

Vegan tempeh taco bowl is a flavorful and protein-packed lunch featuring spiced tempeh, fresh vegetables, and a zesty avocado crema.

It’s a vibrant and satisfying plant-based meal inspired by classic taco flavors.

Ingredients:

• Tempeh, crumbled
• Taco seasoning
• Cooked brown rice or quinoa
• Black beans
• Corn
• Diced tomatoes
• Avocado
• Lime juice
• Cilantro

Instructions:

1. Cook tempeh with taco seasoning until browned and flavorful.
2. Assemble the bowl with rice or quinoa, tempeh, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
3. Blend avocado with lime juice to make crema and drizzle over the bowl.
4. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

This bowl is bursting with bold flavors and offers a perfect balance of protein and freshness for a filling vegan lunch.

Conclusion

High protein vegan lunches are the perfect way to combine nutrition and flavor without relying on animal products. These 28+ recipes showcase the versatility and richness of plant-based ingredients, delivering meals that are hearty, vibrant, and full of essential nutrients. Embrace these creative recipes to enjoy lunches that nourish your body, support your lifestyle, and leave you feeling energized and fulfilled every day.