26 High Protein Lentil Recipes
Lentils are one of the most versatile, nutritious, and budget-friendly foods around. These petite legumes are packed with plant-based protein, making them an excellent choice for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to eat less meat. Just one cooked cup of lentils provides over 17 grams of protein, making them more protein-rich than some other plant proteins like quinoa.
Lentils are also loaded with key nutrients like fiber, folate, iron, and magnesium. They are low glycemic and digested slowly, which helps stabilize blood sugar. Plus, they are affordable, easy to prepare, and pair well with a variety of flavors and ingredients.
Each of these protein-powered lentil meals will keep you feeling full and provide a healthy plant-based dose of iron, fiber, and other key nutrients.
The majority of these recipes can be frozen for later use. If you know you’re not going to be able to cook dinner for a while, then make a batch of these recipes and enjoy them as freezer meals for dinner on the table ASAP.
Small Batch Lentil Soup (Serves 2-3)
Small Batch Lentil Soup! A scaled-down version of my 5-star lentil soup recipe. This one is just as delicious and perfect for serving 1-3 people.
Marinated Lentil Salad
Marinated Lentil Salad! French green lentils tossed with herbs and a bright lemon dressing. A must for vegan meal prep and easy meals throughout the week.
Spicy Coconut Curry Lentils
Spicy Coconut Curry Lentils! These lentils are the perfect quick weeknight meal. Curried lentils in a tomato coconut sauce, ready in just 30 minutes! Vegan and Gluten-free.Â
Vegan Lentil Tacos
Vegan Lentil Tacos! These are the BEST swap for ground meat tacos with the same amount of protein and half the fat!
Spicy Red Lentils and Rice
Spicy Red Lentils and Rice! If you love Indian dal, you’ve gotta try this healthy, vegan and gluten-free dish. Spiced lentils in a savory curry sauce served with rice.
Red Lentil Soup
Red Lentil Soup! This red lentil soup recipe is both vegan and gluten-free! A healthy, low-fat soup that’s cozy and simple and packed with 18g of plant-based protein per serving.
Spicy Thai Green Curry Soup with Lentils
If you love green curry, then you’ve gotta try this healthy Thai green curry soup option. Loaded with plant-based protein, vegan and easily gluten-free, this healthy soup is ready in less than 40 minutes.
Vegan Lentil Bolognese
Healthy lentil bolognese! You’ve gotta try this vegan lentil bolognese made with mushrooms, carrots, tomatoes, and lentils.
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Instant Pot Lentil Soup! This vegan lentil soup recipe is perfect for fall and winter. Healthy, delicious and so easy to put together! Throw everything in the pressure cooker and dinner is ready.
Lentil Nicoise Salad
Easy Lentil Nicoise Salad! You will love this protein packed plant-based meal. Potatoes, vegetables, seasoned lentils, green beans and a shallot dressing. Gluten-Free and Vegan.
Lentil Walnut Taco Meat
Lentil Walnut Vegan Taco Meat! Looking for a healthy filling for tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more? Try this vegan lentil walnut taco meat. Delicious!
Vegan Lentil Masala
Vegan Lentil Masala! This lentil dish is so delicious and SO healthy! Vegan and gluten-free and perfect for weeknights. Lentils in a creamy masala sauce.
Vegan Lentil Nachos with Easy Cheese Sauce
Vegan lentil Nachos with quick cheese sauce. Taco lentil filling, simple cashew cheese sauce, roasted squash, guacamole and more! Vegan and gluten-free.
Eggplant Lentil Bolognese
This roasted eggplant bolognese is one of my very favorite recipes. Inspired by a trip to Italy, this recipe is full of rich flavors and consists of an oh, so good sauce. Whenever you’re craving some pasta, this recipe is the perfect fit!Â
Instant Pot Tacos With Lentil Walnut Taco Meat
Instant Pot Lentil Walnut Tacos! You’ve gotta try these vegan tacos. Lentil and walnut taco filling cooked in the Instant Pot, the perfect weeknight dinner!
Spinach Lentil Lasagna
Vegan Spinach Lasagna with Cashew Ricotta! This is the best dairy-free lasagna recipe; and packed with plant-based protein thanks to two special ingredients.
Lentil Tacos with Roasted Cauliflower
Lentil Tacos with Roasted Cauliflower and Creamy Avocado Herb Sauce. These vegan lentil tacos are packed with SO much flavor!
Slow Cooker Lentil Lasagna Soup
Slow Cooker Lentil Lasagna Soup! You will love this hearty, healthy slow-cooker lasagna soup made vegetarian with lentils. Easily vegan using dairy-free ricotta.Â
Red Lentil Curry Soup
Curry, ginger, sweet potatoes, and lentils make up the tasty flavors of this comforting soup. Great enough to enjoy any time of the year whenever you’re craving something extra cozy with a little bit of spice.Â
Spinach EnchiladasÂ
Just use vegan cheese in this enchiladas recipe for an easy and delicious recipe! Did you know lentils could be used for this classic Mexican dish? Serve these enchiladas whenever you’re looking for something full of flavor and family-friendly!Â
Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
The Ultimate Lentil Shepherd’s Pie! A rich and hearty vegan lentil stew topped with homemade mashed potatoes. Perfect as a vegan main for Thanksgiving and Christmas!
Rice Burrito Bowl
You’re going to love these delicious rice burrito bowls! Made with rice, avocado, roasted sweet potatoes, and fresh herbs, this delicious meal is perfect for an easy lunch or dinner.
Lentil Sloppy Joes + Video
Our favorite high-protein sandwich! BL asks for this one weekly! Filled with vegetables and yummy lentils.
Greek Lentil and Potato Salad
Greek Lentil and Potato Salad! This side salad is perfect for summer. Lentils, herbed potatoes and vegetables in a lemon dressing. A must-try! Vegetarian, easily vegan.
Moroccan Lentil Soup
Moroccan Lentil and Chickpea Soup! If you like healthy, spicy food- you’ve gotta try this one out. Lentils, chickpeas and brown rice in a spicy tomato and harissa broth.
Turmeric Red Lentil Soup
Made with the golden ingredient known as turmeric, this red lentil soup is succulent and delicious. Made with fragrant spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cumin, this soup is packed with flavor and comforting ingredients you will love.
Lentil, Potato and Sausage Stew
Craving something a little extra and comforting? This stew is made with vegan sausage and tender potatoes and lentils. The combination of these ingredients creates a delicious hearty stew that is healthy and full of ingredients that will warm you up on any day.