11 High-Protein Vegetarian Dinners for Better Heart Health

Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD

Make one of these flavorful, high-protein dinners tonight. Vegetarian ingredients like beans, legumes, dairy, whole grains and vegetables give these meals at least 15 grams of protein per serving. These nourishing mains can help you feel full for longer, support healthy digestion and promote bone health. Plus, they are low in saturated fat and sodium, making them great options for a heart-healthy eating pattern.

One reader called our Roasted Root Veggies & Greens over Spiced Lentils “super satisfying and filling!” And recipes like our Stuffed Sweet Potato with Hummus Dressing and Creamy Fettuccine with Brussels Sprouts & Mushrooms are sure to become favorites for a weeknight dinner.

01 of 11

Roasted Root Veggies & Greens over Spiced Lentils

Credit: Ali Redmond
Credit: Ali Redmond

This earthy bowl of lentils is topped with leftover roasted root veggies from a large batch for an easy weeknight dinner. Keep it vegan or add a drizzle of plain yogurt for extra richness.

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02 of 11

Stuffed Sweet Potato with Hummus Dressing

Credit: Ali Redmond
Credit: Ali Redmond

Hearty yet simple to prepare, this stuffed sweet potato with black beans, kale and hummus dressing is a fantastic 5-ingredient lunch for one!

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03 of 11

Chickpea Pasta with Mushrooms & Kale

Credit: Greg DuPree
Credit: Greg DuPree

Loading up your pasta with vegetables like the kale and mushrooms here is not only delicious, it also makes the meal more satisfying.

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04 of 11

Chickpea & Quinoa Grain Bowl

Credit: Robby Lozano
Credit: Robby Lozano

It seems grain bowls have as many variations as there are stars in the sky, and there is no wrong way to build one! But we prefer to keep things classic and simple with hummus, quinoa, avocado and loads of veggies!

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05 of 11

Creamy Fettuccine with Brussels Sprouts & Mushrooms

Sliced Brussels sprouts and mushrooms cook quickly and cling to the pasta in our fall version of pasta primavera. Look for presliced mushrooms to cut prep time. Serve with a tossed salad.

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06 of 11

Buttermilk Fried Tofu with Smoky Collard Greens

Dipping tofu in buttermilk makes the coating stick for a crispy pan-fried tofu, reminiscent of fried chicken. Spicing up the collards with paprika coats them with smoky flavor while keeping this dish vegetarian. And this quick, easy and healthy dinner comes together in just 25 minutes, so it’s great for busy weeknights.

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07 of 11

High-Protein Pasta with Peas

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

This one-pot pasta with peas is packed with plant-based protein and a healthy dose of fiber. The chickpea pasta is cooked with vibrant green peas and tossed with fragrant basil and a rich pesto sauce for fresh flavor in every bite. Nutty toasted pine nuts provide the perfect crunch, adding depth and texture.

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08 of 11

Lemony Linguine with Spring Vegetables

Instead of cooking pasta in a huge pot of water, here we use just 3 1/2 cups for this one-pot pasta recipe. When the pasta is al dente, most of the water has evaporated and the bit that’s left is thickened with the starch that cooks off the pasta. With just a few add-ins like lemon and Parmesan cheese, you have a delicious silky sauce. Want to use up your veggie stash in the freezer? Swap in 8 ounces frozen spinach for fresh.

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09 of 11

Rainbow Grain Bowl with Cashew Sauce

This vibrant bowl is packed with nutrients to keep you full for hours. Look for precooked lentils in the refrigerated section of the produce department.

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10 of 11

Lentil Burgers

Walnuts and fresh marjoram accent these vegan lentil burgers. Substitute oregano for marjoram if you like. Serve with a smear of whole-grain mustard and roasted sweet potato wedges.

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Florentine Lasagna Roll-Ups

Credit: Photography / Fred Hardy, Styling / Ruth Blackburn / Audrey Davis
Credit: Photography / Fred Hardy, Styling / Ruth Blackburn / Audrey Davis

Think portion control with these individual lasagna roll-ups. Leftovers are great for lunch the next day.

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Original Source:

https://www.eatingwell.com/high-protein-heart-healthy-vegetarian-dinner-recipes-12034540