Sometimes I wish I was the kind of person who could eat whatever I wanted without feeling like a high-maintenance eater. A night out would be so much easier if I didn’t have to ask about gluten-free alternatives or meat-free versions on the menu. But finally, after years of trial, error, bites, and swallows, I learned what makes my body feel (and look) better. It turns out that my body thrives when my meals are centered around low-carb, high-protein vegetarian recipes.
While there are certainly more options in today’s restaurant world, I’ve always preferred cooking at home and discovering recipes that meet my nutritional needs (not to mention tailor-made taste buds!). Admittedly, this remains a challenge.
The best vegetarian protein sources
Before we get into the low-carb, high-protein vegan recipes I’ve found, I wanted to share a cheat sheet with some of my go-to vegan protein sources that might help you on your plant-based eating journey:
Chickpeas: Nearly 11 grams protein/35 grams carbohydrate per cup (cooked)
cheese (an unaged paneer made from curds and acid): 21 g protein/3.5 g carbs per 3.5 oz.
Tofu: 8g protein/3.5g carbs per 2 oz serving
Black beans: 19 g protein/40 g carbs per cup (cooked)
Lentils: Approximately 18 grams protein/approximately 40 grams carbohydrate per cup (cooked)
Egg: 6g protein/0.6g carbohydrate per egg (cooked)
Tempeh (a fermented soy product): 34g protein/13g carbohydrate per cup
halloumi (a pickled cheese originating from Cyprus): 7 g protein/0 g carbs per 1 oz.
16 Low-Carb High-Protein Vegan Recipes
When I was asked to share my favorite low-carb, high-protein vegetarian recipes, I welcomed the opportunity to dig into my diet archives. As a vegetarian, I find that recipes usually hit the two-thirds mark for me: super low carb and plant-based, but almost no protein, or they are vegetarian, with lots of protein, but high in carbs . Like I said, it was a challenge, albeit a lot of fun.
With all of that in mind, here are my favorite recipes (you’ll see many of the proteins listed above). Think: 1) high in protein, 2) low in carbs, 3) completely vegetarian. let’s start.
Cheese kebab
Why we love it: Do you think kebabs are only suitable for hanging outdoors in summer? Think again. These Indian cheese kebabs are quick to assemble, and garam masala, cumin, and chili powder add a delicious and spicy kick. They are delicious all year round.
Hero ingredients: The cheese has a protein punch added to it.
Charred Cabbage with Cashew Cream
Why we love it: That’s right, cabbage is the latest “unsexy” vegetable we’ve made cool again. Camille did a great job grilling the cabbage until it was caramelized and charred. It pairs perfectly with plant-based tahini cashew cream.
Hero ingredients: As Camille says, the charred cabbage brings energy to the main characters.
Spicy Watermelon and Feta Salad
Why we love it: This super easy recipe brings a romantic outdoor vibe to your life. While I recommend serving it with a more satisfying main course, the feta cheese works well to boost the protein content and make the dish more well-rounded.
Hero ingredients: The final basil garnish adds the perfect freshness.
Crispy Torn Halloumi Salad
Why we love it: This salad has it all. Texture, color, and protein. This is a delicious lunch staple that combines creamy avocado, crunchy cucumber, and lots of herbs.
Hero ingredients: What are you doing if you stop adding crispy halloumi to every salad you make from now on (well, fresh is delicious too)?
Asparagus Frittata with Goat Cheese and Spring Vegetables
Why we love it: Frittata is the ultimate recipe for cleaning out your fridge. Add the last leg of vegetables to the pan. In this recipe, it’s filled with tons of spring vegetables (think: mushrooms, baby potatoes, and onions) and topped off with creamy, tangy goat cheese. This is a perfect breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Hero ingredients: Add fresh herbs at the end. They add so much flavor and make the end result even more amazing.
Caramelized Onions and Spinach Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Why we love it: Of course, any vegetarian has eaten portobello mushrooms. But trust me: this is nothing like the rubbery, watery “mushrooms” of yore. Mozzarella, Parmesan cheese and crispy bread crumbs make this dish special.
Hero ingredients: These toasted bread crumbs create the perfect crunch.
Avocado Caprese Salad
Why we love it: A gorgeous combination of perfectly ripe avocado, tomatoes at their peak, freshly torn basil and creamy burrata cheese, topped with a generous pinch of flaky salt. It’s Caprese with the volume turned up—you’re going to love it.
Hero ingredients: Avocado deserves it. While it’s not a staple in classic caprese, I will be adding it to all my Italian-style salads from now on.
green shakshuka
Why we love it: Traditional shakshuka features a spicy tomato sauce. But in the spirit of changing ingredients often, this version relies on spinach and cream for a vibrant, fresh texture. If your refrigerator needs a good cleaning, this is the recipe for you.
Hero ingredients: Cumin, coriander, and paprika are the ultimate spice trio.
Spicy Türkiye Egg Breakfast Bowl
Why we love it: Türkiye eggs are trending in social spaces, on all platforms I find myself on. But these aren’t just fleeting moments—they deserve a permanent spot in your breakfast and lunch rotation. A simple, spicy Greek yogurt base topped with perfectly poached eggs. Obviously, crispy toast (of your choice) is the perfect meal replacement.
Hero ingredients: This recipe is your reason to learn how to perfect poached eggs.
Mediterranean Kale Salad
Why we love it: If your salad game is looking a little bland, shake things up with this Mediterranean-inspired salad. Crunchy chickpeas, creamy avocado, and crisp veggies—not to mention a whole dollop of feta cheese. Yes, this is a perfect food rich in protein.
Hero ingredients: Ditch it and get honey tahini instead. You will pour it on everything from now on.
Smoked Spicy Cauliflower Salad
Why we love it: This is my go-to salad for lunch. Smoky and spicy cauliflower (hot sauce, honey, and paprika give it all the flavor) is easy to prepare ahead of time. I just reheat it in the air fryer and toss it on top of the other salad ingredients. Feta cheese, chickpeas, and avocado make this salad even more satisfying.
Hero ingredients: After eating this salad, you won’t want to eat cauliflower any other way.
Roasted Honey Squash with Hot Honey, Pecans and Rosemary
Why we love it: Roasted honeydew squash, stuffed with crispy pecans, rosemary and drizzled with hot honey. This vegetarian dish is an absolute standout. (It looks beautiful captured on camera—your Instagram will thank you.)
Hero ingredients: Hot honey makes everything taste better. Drizzle it on your pizza and you’ll see what I mean.
Vegan Black Bean Sweet Potato Chili
Why we love it: On a cold day, nothing warms your bones like a hearty chili. We love how the sweetness of the honey and sweet potato pairs perfectly with the spiciness of the paprika.
Hero ingredients: It’s all about the ingredients. If you want to limit your carb intake, stick to radishes, grated cheese, avocado, and herbs.
Fall Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Why we love it: Unlike the usual boring boring sweet potato recipes, Camille’s sweet potatoes really shine with the unique addition of goat cheese, pomegranate seeds, and tahini. Well, sweet potatoes are not Exactly With the lowest carbs, but the chickpeas and tahini add a high dose of protein, we think this recipe needs a spot on the list.
Hero ingredients: A squeeze of lemon before serving – perfect.
Scallion Goat Cheese Quiche
Why we love it: Quiche: It’s not just for breakfast anymore. Satisfy your craving for a hearty meal with this low-carb vegetable quiche tossed with creamy goat cheese.
Hero ingredients: Incredible Edible Eggs: High in protein, low in carbs.
Black Bean Pineapple Salsa Lettuce Boats
Why we love it: A protein- and fiber-rich meal, snack, or app that combines a few simple ingredients like a can of black beans, red bell peppers, cilantro, and the key to the dish, sweet, juicy pineapple.
Hero ingredients: Adobo chili sauce adds a smoky and spicy flavor to the dish.
