15+ High Protein Vegan Side Dishes You Must Make
As a vegan, I am always looking for high-protein side dishes. It can be a challenge to find good sides online that are both vegan and high in protein. I know this because this happened to me when I began my journey as a vegan.
I remember going to vegan meetups and potlucks, and being so excited to see all the delicious food options, only to be disappointed when I realized that most of the dishes were either high in carbs or low in protein.
That’s why I decided to share a list of 12 delicious and nutritious side dishes that will help you meet your daily protein needs.
These recipes are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. So, let’s get started!
High-Protein Vegan Side Dishes:
- Teriyaki Tempeh lettuce wraps
- Protein-packed mashed potato
- Roasted green beans
- Quinoa falafel
- Harissa green beans & spiced chickpeas
- Chickpea edamame salad
- Tofu &vegetable stir-fry
- Stuffed sweet potato
- Sauteed kale
- Sauteed mushrooms
- Selten & black bean stir-fry
- Coconut curry lentils
Teriyaki Tempeh Lettuce Wraps
Going with Teriyaki Tempeh Lettuce wraps is a delicious and easy way to get your protein. The tempeh is high in protein, and the lettuce wraps are low in carbs.
There are a variety of things you can put in your lettuce wrap, but to keep up with the protein content, I would suggest adding some grilled tempeh, avocado, and tomato. You could also add a high-protein sauce like tahini or peanut sauce.
Protein-packed Mashed Potato
This is a great side dish for any meal. It’s high in protein and low in carbs. They are packed with nutrients and fiber and are very filling.
To make this dish, you will need:
- One large potato, peeled and diced
- One cup of vegetable broth
- Half a cup of unsweetened almond milk
- Two tablespoons of tahini
- One teaspoon of salt
- Pepper to taste
This dish is best warm. Also, if you want it creamy, you could add more almond milk.
Roasted Green Beans
These are a great side dish for any meal. They are high in protein and low in carbs. They are also high in fiber and nutrients.
Green beans are a great way to add some protein to your vegan diet. I like to make this with mushrooms and walnuts, it is not only delicious, but it is also simple to make.
To make the dish, start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, wash and trim the green beans, and slice the mushrooms.
In a bowl, mix the green beans, mushrooms, walnuts, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes.
Quinoa Falafel
I love quinoa falafel, they are so delicious and high in protein.
Some ingredients you will need for this dish include diced red onions, chickpeas, clove cumin, chili powder, and salt to taste.
To bulk it up you can also add some chopped kale or spinach. I like to add a high-protein tahini sauce to mine.
To make the falafel, start by cooking the quinoa according to package instructions. Once it is cooked, add all of the ingredients into a food processor and pulse until it forms a dough.
Form the dough into small balls, and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 40-60 minutes. Serve with a high-protein tahini sauce and enjoy!
Harissa Green Beans & Spiced Chickpeas
If you’re looking for a high-protein vegan side dish, look no further than harissa green beans and spiced chickpeas. Both dishes are packed with protein and flavor, making them the perfect addition to any meal.
To make harissa green beans, start by heating some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the green beans and cook until they’re slightly softened about 5-10 minutes.
Then add the harissa sauce and cook until everything is hot and bubbly.
To make spiced chickpeas, start by heating some olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chickpeas and cook until they’re slightly softened about 10-15 minutes.
Then add the spices and cook until everything is hot and bubbly. Add both ingredients together, and you have a delicious high-protein side dish.
Chickpea Edamame Salad
This is a high-protein vegan salad that is perfect for any meal. It’s packed with protein and flavor and is very easy to make.
Edamame and chickpea go well together because they have a similar texture. This salad also has a high-protein tahini sauce that ties everything together.
To make this salad, start by cooking the edamame and chickpeas according to package instructions. Once they’re cooked, add them to a large bowl along with the diced tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro.
Dress the salad either with a high-protein tahini sauce or your favorite vegan salad dressing. Serve chilled, and enjoy!
Tofu & Vegetable Stir Fry
This is another high-protein vegan stir fry that is the perfect side for any meal.
The key to making a good stir fry is to use high-quality tofu. I like to use extra-firm tofu that has been pressed and drained.
To make this dish, start by heating some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced tofu and cook until it’s slightly browned. Then add the vegetables and cook until they’re slightly softened.
Once everything is cooked, add the sauce of your choice and cook until it’s heated through. Serve hot, and enjoy!
Stuffed Sweet Potato
This is great when you want something filling and nutritious. It is also a versatile dish because you can stuff the potatoes with whatever you like.
My go-to stuffing for sweet potatoes is black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. But you can also use lentils, quinoa, or tofu.
To make this dish, start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then wash the sweet potatoes and poke a few holes in them with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes or until the potato has slightly browned.
You can enjoy your sweet potato as is or use a dressing, I like to use a hummus dressing because it’s high in protein.
Sauteed Kale
Kale is a powerhouse of nutrients and is very high in protein. It’s also a great vegan side dish because it’s so versatile.
You can sautee kale with just about anything. I like to sautee mine with garlic, olive oil, and a little bit of salt.
To make this dish, start by heating some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the kale and cook until it’s slightly wilted. Then add the garlic and cook for a minute or two. Season with salt to taste and enjoy!
Sauteed Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a great way to add some extra protein to your vegan diet. They’re also a great source of antioxidants, and they’re low in calories and carbs.
To make sauteed mushrooms, start by heating some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and saute until they’re cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For extra flavor, I like to include some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also add some garlic or onion for extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
Selten & Black-Bean Stir Fry
This is a high-protein vegan stir fry that is perfect for any meal. Selten is a high-protein plant that is often used in vegan and vegetarian dishes.
To make this dish, start by heating some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced Selten and cook until it’s slightly browned. Then add the black beans and cook until they’re heated through.
The key to making a good stir fry is to use high-quality seitan. I like to use a Selten that has been well-seasoned and has a firm texture.
This dish is so flavorful that you don’t need to add much else. But if you want, you can add some garlic or onion for extra flavor.
Coconut Curry Lentils
This dish is also a great vegan side dish, plus it’s so versatile. You can serve it over rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice.
To make this dish, start by cooking the lentils according to the package directions. Once they’re cooked, add them to a large bowl along with the diced tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro.
Coconut is not used in coconut curry lentils. In fact, the name of this dish is a little bit misleading, but don’t let that stop you from trying it! The coconut flavor comes from coconut milk, which gives the dish a creamy and delicious flavor.
FAQ
What is a good protein side dish?
Many high-protein vegan side dishes would make a great addition to any meal. Some of our favorites include stuffed sweet potatoes, sauteed kale, Selten & black-bean stir fry, and coconut curry lentils.
What are some good high-protein foods for vegans?
Some great high-protein vegan foods include beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, nuts, and seeds. Vegans can also get high-quality protein from leafy greens like kale and spinach.
How do I make high-protein vegan side dishes?
Most high-protein vegan side dishes are very easy to make. Many of them only require a few simple ingredients and can be made in just a few minutes. However, one of the easiest high-protein vegan side dishes to make is sauteed kale.
Conclusion:
So those are 12 high-protein vegan side dishes that are perfect for any meal. I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful! Thanks for reading!
15+ High-Protein Vegan Side Dishes You Should Try
Ingredients
- Teriyaki Tempeh lettuce wraps
- Protein-packed mashed potato
- Roasted green beans
- Quinoa falafel
- Harissa green beans & spiced chickpeas
- Chickpea edamame salad
- Tofu &vegetable stir-fry
- Stuffed sweet potato
- Sauteed kale
- Sauteed mushrooms
- Selten & black bean stir-fry
- Coconut curry lentils
Instructions
- Select the recipe that best suits your dish and preferences.
- Gather the ingredients required to complete the selected recipe.
- Make your rice dish in 25 minutes or less!