30+ Cheap High Protein Vegan Meals
Sometimes it can feel tough to get enough protein while remaining on a vegan diet. It takes some know-how and experience, and it can get pricey if you are branching beyond beans. But this list is full of cheap high protein vegan meals to keep you on budget and strong and energized too!
How to Balance Vegan Proteins and a Strict Budget
Protein is essential for muscle repair, energy, and overall health but protein sources can never be limited to meat, eggs, or dairy in order to meet your needs. Beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, seitan, quinoa, whole grains, and even vegetables like spinach and broccoli can pack in the protein when you add them up.
Eating well on a budget can feel like a juggling act, especially when you’re trying to stick to a vegan or plant-based lifestyle. With rising grocery prices and the myth that vegan diets are expensive or lack protein, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Eating plant-based doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank or missing out on protein. As a seasoned vegan who sticks strictly to plant based foods or just looking to add more meatless meals to your week, this roundup will be sharing 30 cheap high-protein vegan meals that are easy to cook, wallet-friendly, and most importantly, delicious.
Tips For 30 Cheap High Protein Vegan Meals
- Use Whole Foods: There’s a big misconception that vegan diets are expensive, and it usually comes from relying too heavily on vegan cheeses, mock meats, and packaged foods. Focus mainly on whole food sources of protein like lentils, beans, tofu, tempeh, quinoa, and seeds. These foods aren’t just affordable, they’re also nutrient-dense and easy to build meals around.
- Buy in Bulk: Buying dry goods like lentils, chickpeas, black beans, brown rice, oats, and quinoa in bulk is one of the easiest ways to cut down on grocery costs. These items are shelf-stable, lasting for months. Invest in a few airtight containers to keep everything fresh, and consider shopping at local bulk stores or co-ops, which often have great prices.
- Cook in Batches and Meal Prep: Batch cooking is a game-changer for anyone trying to save money and eat better. Preparing big portions of stews, curries, soups, and casseroles saves both time and energy.
Cooking in batches helps to:
- Reduce food waste by using up ingredients before they spoil.
- Avoid last-minute takeout decisions.
- Always have a healthy, protein-rich option ready to grab.
Check out these cheap vegan breakfast ideas too.
30 Cheap High Protein Vegan Meals
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
Image credit: addictedtodates
These delicious vegan chocolate peanut butter oatmeal bars have peanut butter in every single layer. They’re no-bake and made using just 6 ingredients. Easily adaptable as gluten-free and refined sugar-free.
These vegan chocolate peanut butter oat bars are everything you could want from a snack. Layers of no-bake oat crust, homemade peanut butter caramel, and of course chocolate.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Image credit: addictedtodates
These chocolate peanut butter protein bars are so easy to make with just 8 ingredients and no baking. Layers of peanut nougat, peanut butter caramel, and dairy-free chocolate, they’re vegan, gluten-free, and so delicious.
These vegan chocolate peanut butter protein bars come together in just a few easy steps with minimal ingredients.
- Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Image credit: tastesoflizzyt
Start your morning right with these soft, chewy oatmeal breakfast cookies packed with rolled oats, ripe bananas, peanut butter, and just a touch of honey.
Naturally sweetened and easy to make, they’re perfect for busy mornings or a healthy snack on the go.Dairy-free, refined sugar-free. These cookies taste like a treat but fuel you like breakfast
- Vegan Couscous Salad With Chickpeas
Image credit: cheneetoday
This Vegan Couscous Salad with Chickpeas is the perfect plant-based dish for any occasion. Made with fluffy couscous, protein-packed chickpeas, crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh parsley.
It is tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic vinaigrette for a refreshing Mediterranean twist. Ideal for meal prep, picnics, or a light lunch, this salad is quick to make, completely dairy-free, and loaded with wholesome ingredients.
- Kung Pao Tofu
Image credit: xoxobella
Kung Pao tofu makes a wonderful vegan dinner recipe. If you love Chinese flavors you are going to love this vegan Kung Pao.
You don’t have to use chicken to make this. A vegetarian Chinese inspired dinner with tofu is just as good. If you are looking for a Chinese food tofu recipe, this is for you.
- Lentil Soup
Image credit: xoxobella
This is the best lentil soup recipe you can make if you want a rich and hearty flavor. It’s the recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds and thirds! It’s made with ingredients like vegetable broth, fresh lemon juice, brown lentils, and tomatoes, along with spices.
This is a warming and satisfying soup, and it’s also a nutritious choice thanks to the lentils as well as the vegetable content.
- Toasted Coconut & Cherry Quinoa Breakfast Cereal
Image credit: thesoccermomblog
This wholesome recipe combines fluffy quinoa with the rich crunch of toasted coconut flakes and the natural sweetness of dried cherries.
Lightly sweetened with maple syrup and finished with a splash of almond milk or yogurt, it’s a hearty, gluten-free, and protein-packed option perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunch.
- Four Bean Salad
Image credit: aussiehomecook
Fresh, colorful, and packed with protein, this Four Bean Salad is the perfect side dish for any meal or gathering. Made with green beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, and cannellini beans, it’s tossed in a zesty vinaigrette of olive oil, vinegar, red onion, and herbs.
It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and ideal for meal prep or potlucks. Serve chilled for a crisp, tangy bite every time.
- Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Balls
Image credit: thetastesoflife
These hazelnut protein balls are a delicious, healthy snack made with hazelnut meal, nut butter, raw cacao, maca powder, vanilla, salt, and dates. They’re perfect for an energy boost anytime, and they’re easy to make with only a handful of ingredients.
- Nettle Seeds Energy Protein Balls
Image credit: thetastesoflife
This nutrient-dense snack is easy to prepare, boosts natural energy, and supports your overall health with adaptogenic herbs and superfoods. Enjoy a delicious and satisfying treat that’s perfect for any time of day.
This nutrient-dense snack is easy to prepare, boosts natural energy, and supports your overall health with adaptogenic herbs and superfoods.
- Black-Eyed Peas Recipe
Image credit: whatagirleats
This hearty, plant-based twist on the Southern classic is packed with flavor and comfort. Simmered with onions, garlic, smoked paprika, bay leaf, and fresh herbs, these black-eyed peas are rich, savory, and totally meat-free. Perfect as a main dish or side especially with a slice of warm vegan cornbread.
- Chickpea Cookie Dough
Image credit: agratefulmeal
This Chickpea Cookie Dough is so delicious and packed with fiber and protein to keep you satisfied. It’s also much safer to eat than regular raw cookie dough.
This Chickpea Cookie Dough is delicious and safe to eat, but it’s also packed with nutrition thanks to the chickpeas that provide fiber, protein, and vitamins and minerals like folate and phosphorus.
- Quinoa Salad With Chickpeas And Feta
Image credit: dashfordinner
This light, protein-packed quinoa salad is bursting with Mediterranean flavor. Fluffy quinoa is tossed with tender chickpeas, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, red onion, and creamy feta cheese, then finished with a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect as a refreshing lunch, a hearty side dish, or a quick meal prep favorite.
- Instant Pot Lemon Tofu
Image credit: foodnservice
This Instant Pot Lemon Tofu is a quick and easy plant-based meal perfect for busy weeknights. Firm tofu is pressure-cooked in a tangy lemon-garlic sauce, soaking up all the citrusy goodness in just minutes. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or steamed veggies for a healthy, satisfying dish that’s both vegan and gluten-free.
- Vegan Lentil Curry
Image credit: wellfedbaker
This cozy vegan lentil curry is the perfect one-pot dinner for a cold evening. Hearty sweet potatoes and cooked lentils give this rich curry a soft and creamy texture that is perfect for serving with rice.
It’s a vegetable curry made from traditional Indian spices, tomatoes and creamy coconut milk that’s packed with flavor.
- Black Bean & Butternut Squash Chili
Image credit: healthygreenkitchen
Indulge in the rich, hearty flavors of fall with this vegetarian Black Bean & Butternut Squash Chili. A one-pot, nutrient-rich meal that’s easy to prepare, perfect for cozy, brisk evenings. Enjoy a blend of savory spices, tender butternut squash, and protein-packed black beans.
- Blueberry Overnight Oats
Image credit: healthygreenkitchen
Rolled oats, chia seeds, and Greek yogurt provide the fuel to keep you going. But it’s the fresh blueberries, crunchy walnuts, and maple syrup that provide the yum factor that keeps this easy breakfast from going stale. Low in sugar, gluten-free, and guilt-free, this is the breakfast you’ve been waiting for.
- Copycat Black Bean Quesarito Recipe
Image credit: theslowroasteditalian
This copycat Quesarito Recipe combines everything you love about the Taco Bell menu in one, easy-to-eat meal! Spicy black beans and rice wrapped in a blanket of gooey melted nacho cheese and chipotle sauce, all tucked in a grilled soft tortilla. This fast food favorite is outrageously delicious.
- Spicy Vegan Burger
Image credit: blackberrybabe
This Spicy Vegan Burger is an easy, delicious way to incorporate more plant-based protein into your diet. Topped with an easy spicy sauce, this burger is perfect whether you want to eat more plant-based protein or just a little less meat.
- No Bake Energy Balls with Chocolate Chips
Image credit: blackberrybabe
These No Bake Energy Balls with Chocolate Chips are the perfect bite-sized snack for busy days. Made with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, and mini chocolate chips, they’re naturally sweet, chewy, and packed with energy.
- Asparagus and Tofu Vegan Pad Thai
Image credit: whattohavefordinnertonight
This asparagus and tofu vegan pad thai is packed full of flavour, without the usual egg and fish sauce that a pad thai demands. The texture of the tofu works incredibly well.
Pad thai is a delicious, comforting noodle dish. If you haven’t tried it yet, then you need to because it is really tasty and makes the perfect dinner.
- No Bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Image credit: pamsdailydish
These no bake peanut butter protein bars are easy, delicious, and so healthy. Protein powder, peanut butter, honey, oats, and peanuts come together to create a nutritious, on-the-go meal or between meal snack that’s as delicious as it is good for you.
- Almond Butter Energy Balls
Image credit: theworktop
These are delicious almond butter snack balls that are healthy and easy to make. If you are after a paleo energy ball or a coconut flour ball, this recipe will suit your needs. This recipe is vegan and gluten free too.
- Hazelnut Chai Popsicles
Image credit: theworktop
These Hazelnut Chai Popsicles are perfect for summer and easy to make! They are made with hazelnut milk, which adds a light nutty taste. Warm up with the chai spices and cool off with the ice popsicles simultaneously. They are dairy free, gluten free and vegan.
- Easy Tofu Udon Stir Fry Recipe
Image credit: theveggieyaya
This quick and flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights! Made with chewy udon noodles, crispy tofu, colorful stir-fried veggies, and a savory homemade sauce, it’s a healthy and satisfying meal ready in no time.
Vegan-friendly and customizable with your favorite vegetables, it’s a go-to option for anyone craving Asian-inspired comfort food.
- Breakfast Buckwheat Bowl
Image credit: myplantbasedbowl
This breakfast buckwheat bowl is a hearty, spiced alternative to oatmeal. Buckwheat cooks to a tender texture in a mix of almond milk and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Pile on crunchy nuts, sweet bananas, and a splash of maple syrup for a nourishing, made-from-scratch breakfast bowl.
- Easy Nut Roast Recipe With Marmite and Cheese
Image credit: thislittlehome
This simple nut roast combines mixed nuts, rich Marmite for umami depth, and gooey cheese for a comforting, flavorful centerpiece. Perfect for Sunday roasts, meat-free holidays, or everyday dinners. Quick to make, easy to slice, and always satisfying.
- Almond Cherry Pepita Granola Bars
Image credit: eatfreshglow
These delicious bars are packed with toasted almonds, dried cherries, crunchy pepitas, and oats, all bound together with a touch of honey and almond butter. Perfect as a grab-and-go breakfast, healthy snack, or lunchbox treat. No refined sugar, gluten-free, and easy to make in just one bowl. A nutritious and satisfying snack for any time of day.
- Protein Pancakes
Image credit: myminichefs
These delicious, super fluffy Protein Pancakes are made without protein powder, but just a few wholesome ingredients that are packed with nutrients. Greek yogurt, wheat germ, ground flaxseed, whole wheat flour and bread flour create a protein loaded pancake recipe that makes an easy breakfast for everyone.
- Peanut Butter and Banana Protein Shake
Image credit: myminichefs
This creamy and delicious Peanut Butter and Banana Protein Shake is loaded with peanut butter, bananas, chocolate and protein powder. It’s so good that you’ll never know it makes a wholesome breakfast or lunch.
FAQ
How can I get enough protein on a vegan diet without supplements?
Whole foods like lentils, beans, tofu, quinoa, tempeh, and oats provide more than enough protein. Combine different sources throughout the day and you’ll easily meet your needs.
Can I store these vegan meals?
Absolutely. Most of the meals listed here are perfect for batch cooking and storing in the fridge or freezer. Just portion them out in containers and you’re set for the week.
Are plant-based proteins complete?
Not all, but you don’t need to worry about combining them in every meal. Your body will pool the amino acids throughout the day as long as you eat a variety of whole plant foods.
Conclusion
Eating high-protein vegan meals on a budget is not only possible, it is practical, satisfying, and downright tasty. By focusing on nutrient-dense whole foods, buying smart, and cooking at home, you’ll save money while nourishing your body.
Eating high-protein vegan meals on a budget doesn’t have to be complicated or boring. Once you find a few go-to ingredients like lentils, tofu, chickpeas, and oats, it gets way easier to whip up meals that actually fill you up and taste good too.
Vegan eating isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making choices that work for you, your health, and your budget. Do what you can, have fun with it, and don’t stress the rest
