5 Plant-Based Protein Recipes
As the popularity of plant-based diets continues to rise, so does the demand for delicious and nutritious plant-based protein options.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these five recipes showcase the versatility and protein-rich goodness of plants. Packed with flavor and essential nutrients, these dishes are sure to satisfy your taste buds and support your fitness goals.
#1 Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers
Servings: 4 peppers (assuming 1 pepper per serving)
Approximate Nutritional Values per serving:
Protein: About 12-15 grams
Carbs: About 50-60 grams
Fats: About 5-8 grams
Ingredients:
4 bell peppers (any color)
1 cup quinoa, cooked
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup diced red onion
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the tops off the bell peppers or cut them in half and remove seeds.
In a large bowl, mix together quinoa, black beans, corn, tomatoes, red onion, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture and place them in a baking dish.
Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender.
Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired before serving.
#2 Lentil and Chickpea Curry
Servings: Approximately 4
Approximate Nutritional Values per serving:
Protein: About 15-20 grams
Carbs: About 50-60 grams
Fats: About 10-15 grams
Ingredients:
1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon grated ginger
can coconut milk
2 tablespoons curry powder
1 teaspoon turmeric
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Cooked rice or naan (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
In a large pot, sauté diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger until softened.
Add curry powder and turmeric, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add lentils, chickpeas, and coconut milk. Stir well to combine.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender and cooked through.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot over cooked rice or with naan, garnished with fresh cilantro.
#3 Vegan Chickpea Salad Sandwich
Servings: Approximately 4 sandwiches
Approximate Nutritional Values per serving (sandwich):
Protein: About 10-15 grams
Carbs: About 30-40 grams
Fats: About 15-20 grams
Ingredients:
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 Avocado (optional)
1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Whole grain bread or wraps
Lettuce, tomato slices (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
In a bowl, mash chickpeas with a fork or potato masher until mostly broken down.
Add vegan mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Mix well.
Stir in chopped celery, red onion, and avocado.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Spread the chickpea salad onto whole grain bread or wraps.
Add lettuce and tomato slices if desired, then assemble sandwiches or wraps.
#4 Tofu Stir-Fry with Vegetables
Servings: Approximately 4
Approximate Nutritional Values per serving:
Protein: About 15-20 grams
Carbs: About 15-20 grams
Fats: About 10-15 grams
Ingredients:
1 block firm tofu, drained and pressed
2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon grated ginger
Cooked brown rice or quinoa (optional, for serving)
Sesame seeds and green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Cut pressed tofu into cubes.
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add tofu cubes and cook until golden brown on all sides.
Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce (or tamari) with hoisin sauce. Pour over the tofu and vegetables, tossing to coat evenly.
Serve hot over cooked brown rice or quinoa.
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
#5 Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie
Servings: Approximately 1-2 (depending on size)
Approximate Nutritional Values per serving (assuming 2 servings):
Protein: About 15-20 grams
Carbs: About 30-40 grams
Fats: About 10-15 grams
Ingredients:
1 ripe banana
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 scoop vegan chocolate protein powder
A few dark chocolate chips (optional)
Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
In a blender, combine ripe banana, almond milk, peanut butter, cocoa powder, chia seeds, and vegan chocolate protein powder.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Add ice cubes if desired and blend again until well combined.
Pour into a glass, add a few dark chocolate chips (optional), and enjoy immediately.
These plant-based protein recipes not only cater to your nutritional needs but also delight your taste buds with a variety of flavors and textures. Whether you’re preparing for a physique competition or simply embracing a healthier lifestyle, these dishes showcase the abundance of delicious options available in the world of plant-based eating. Experiment with these recipes to discover new favorites and enjoy the benefits of incorporating more plant-based proteins into your diet. NATURAL BIKINI
Share this post:
More From Natural Bikini Summer 2024 Issue
Natural Bikini Magazine: Cover Story – 55 Years Young New IPL Masters Bikini Pro Terri Bartels WOWS In Arizona!
“It seemed like a lucky adventure. Like I won a golden ticket to the Wonka Factory!”
Natural Bikini Magazine: Alex Hackett Earns Pro Masters Bikini Title #2!
“It was such an honor! Honestly, I was just going out there and having fun, so it was surprising to hear I had won…”
New IPL Bikini Masters Pro Terri Bartels Lands Cover Of Natural Bikini Magazine
“The positive outcomes from getting out of my fitness comfort zone and venturing into this arena have been immense. The people who are part of the IPL continue to inspire me and, hopefully, I can reflect that to others who come after me.”
More Nutrition
SEAM Magazine – What Is Healthy Eating?
Eating healthily is one of those concepts that seem to have a clear definition, but in reality is quite complex.
INSPIRE Magazine – Mindful Eating: How to Transform Your Relationship With Food
By cultivating awareness around our eating habits, we can transform our relationship with food from one of guilt and anxiety to one of joy and nourishment.
VIGOROUS Magazine – How To Cook A Steak Like Your Favorite Restaurant
“You don’t need to marinate or mangle your steak. Just buy the best beef you can get and cook it properly.”
More From Natural Bikini Magazine
IPL Bikini Masters Pro Champion Christy Vaughn Lands Cover Of Natural Bikini Magazine
“Seeing myself on the cover of IPL’s Natural Bikini Magazine has giving me even more inspiration. This validates that my hard work, dedication and consistency in the gym has clearly paid off…”
New IPL Shape Open Pro Vianne Smith Lands Cover Of Natural Bikini Magazine
“Winning the Open Pro Card for Shape was an incredible experience that left me shaking. Seeing myself on the cover of Natural Bikini Magazine was a breathtaking moment, that I could have never imagined! I am excited for the next opportunity to step on stage as an IPL Pro!”
Natural Bikini Magazine – The Progression Of Reigning APEX Pro Bikini Champion, Amy Olivas
“I am currently just working on getting stronger and putting on more muscle!”