Plant Protein: Vegetarian-Friendly, Protein-Packed Recipes [Part1]

We all know that protein is essential for muscle growth and fat loss, but you may not know that your protein doesn't always have to come from animal sources. Plants can be a great source of clean protein—you just have to know what kinds to buy. If you're tired of constantly firing up the grill for chicken breasts and turkey burgers, try something new!

Use these six protein-filled, plant-based recipes to add some new flavors and protein sources to your diet. They'll help fuel your transformation and keep you feeling healthy and energized!

1. Quinoa Salad

This is one of my favorite summer salads to bring to barbecues or to pot-luck parties. It also serves well for weekly meal planning! This dish isn't your average green side salad, but has a healthy dose of protein, complex carbs and good-for-you fats. Pair it with lean meat for a complete meal.

Ingredients

    1 cup uncooked, dry Quinoa
    1 cup shelled, frozen Edamame
    1 Red Bell Pepper
    1/4 cup chopped Cilantro
    1 Lime
    1 tbsp Olive Oil
    1/2 tsp each of Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cumin, and Paprika
    Salt and Pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins

    1/2 cup cooked Black Beans
    1/2 Red Onion, chopped
    1 Tomato, chopped
    1/2 Cucumber, chopped
    1/4 cup Hummus

Directions

1. Bring 2 cups of water and 1 cup dry quinoa to a rolling boil. Boil for 2 minutes.
2. Reduce to a simmer and cover. Allow to cook for another 15 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
3. In a separate small saucepan, boil frozen edamame in water for 5 minutes, or until fully cooked.
4. Once quinoa and edamame are fully cooked, add all ingredients in a large bowl and mix until all flavors are incorporated.

2. Stacked Portabellas

This is a filling, hearty veggie dish! Even though there's no meat, you'll still need a knife and fork to dig into this meal.

Ingredients

    2 large Mushroom Portabella Caps rinsed clean and dried
    1 cup cooked Quinoa
    1/2 cup crumbled Tempeh
    1/2 Onion, diced
    1 cup Spinach
    1 Tomato, sliced
    2 tbsp shredded Almond Cheese or Fat-free Mozzarella
    1 tbsp Olive Oil
    1/2 tbsp each of Paprika, Cumin, Garlic Powder, and Onion Powder
    Sea Salt and Black Pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Turn on oven to high broil.
2.  Heat olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat.
3. Add onion and tempeh to pan and saute for 2-3 minutes, or until onion begins to soften.
4. Add quinoa, spices, salt and pepper and saute a few more minutes.
5. On a baking sheet, place portabello mushrooms brushed lightly with olive oil.
6. Stack mushroom caps with spinach, quinoa mixture, sliced tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
7. Broil for 5 minutes.

3. Mexican Style Protein Bowl

Give yourself a break from grilled meat and throw these ingredients together for an easy and tasty alternative to the usual. You'll get all the flavor of a Mexican-restaurant meal without the fried fat and unhealthy calories!

Ingredients

    1/2 cup cooked Brown Rice
    1/3 cup cooked Black Beans
    2 heaping spoonfuls of Salsa
    1/4 sliced Avocado

Optional Add-ins

    2 tbsp plain Fat-free Greek Yogurt
    Your favorite go-to Hot Sauce

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine all ingredients.
2. Enjoy!

Credit_Jillian Beck