7 Delicious Vegan Protein Options

When you choose a vegan diet, one of the largest concerns is making sure you get enough protein in your diet. That can be accomplished easily with these 7 Delicious Vegan Protein Options. A vegan diet doesn’t mean you can’t have yummy healthy foods that fulfill all of your dietary needs. These options can be used in multiple ways to create dishes that will have your taste buds happy, and your protein needs satisfied.

7 Delicious Vegan Protein Options

• Quinoa: This grain substitute is also a very high protein food that is perfect for use in a vegan diet. Not only does it absorb most flavors easily, it can be blended with veggies, fruits or even tofu for a great high protein one dish meal. Substitute quinoa nearly anywhere you would put rice, except this has a heartier texture and great protein benefit. Soak and rinse the quinoa before cooking to help get rid of any bitterness it may have.
• Nuts: Almost any nut is going to be a great choice. Not only can you eat nuts as a snack, cashews are widely used in vegan dishes due to their creamy texture. They can become a gravy, cheese or even ground in a salad dressing offering flavor, texture and the protein you need in hidden ways. Almonds, peanuts, pistachios and macadamia nuts are also great choices that can easily go throughout your menu plan or easily be eaten alone.   I make my own almond nut milk which is so much better than what you can buy in the store.
• Greens: Collard Greens, Kale, Spinach, Mustard Greens and Turnip Greens all have higher protein than other vegetables and make great substitutes for protein in your diet. Whether dropping into salads, stir fry or a smoothie all make great choices when you are looking to pack some more protein into your vegan diet.  You can drop spinach or chard into this already high protein Lentil Soup Recipe.
• Beans: Kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans and garbanzo beans are the most popular but nearly any bean is going to pack high protein. Beans can be cooked and added to soups and stews or mashed together to create “burgers”. Garbanzo beans are great for pureeing and creating hummus with for dipping.  Check out this really yummy recipe for black bean burgers to check out!
• Tofu: this classic soybean product is the most infamous vegan protein. Use it for tofu scrambles for breakfast, cubed and added to various curries, soups or other dishes and even deep fry. Tofu takes on the flavors around it, so is best when marinated or highly seasoned.  Look for organic varieties to know you won’t be getting GMO’s.  How to Prepare and use Tofu is a great post which also has a marinade recipe to go with it.
• Peanut Butter: This is the most beloved of all protein sources for not just vegans, but anyone who loves yummy food. Peanut butter is great in everything from smoothies and sandwiches to creating sauces to go on vegetables or with tofu.
• Chia Seeds: This highly popular food is found in more and more products these days. Chia seeds are high in protein, antioxidants and have a multitude of tasty recipes to give your menu just the punch of flavor you need.  Check out my Banana Cream Chia Seed Pudding Recipe.

Just because you have chosen a vegan diet doesn’t mean you won’t have great vegan protein options. Grab the yummy goods and build a delicious menu plan that satisfies everyone in your home.   Be sure to stop by our  main dish vegan recipes section.