8 High-Protein Vegetarian Dishes for a Healthy Lifestyle

Eating vegetarian doesn’t mean missing out on protein! Sure, plants don’t always pack as much protein as chicken, beef, or pork—but you can still whip up plenty of high-protein meals using plant-based foods. The best part? Plant proteins bring more than just protein—they come loaded with extra nutrients that keep your body happy and healthy. So, whether you’re already vegetarian, just curious, or want to add more meatless meals to your week, we’ve put together 8 tasty, high-protein vegetarian dishes to help you fuel your lifestyle (and your cravings!).

And here’s a little bonus tip: a super easy way to boost both protein and other nutrients is by starting with gluten-free, high-fibre breads made with seeds, grains, and much more—all in one! That’s exactly what we do at Queen St. Bakery! Our breads aren’t just convenient and packed with nutrition—they’re also the perfect base for creating flavourful, filling dishes. Ready to see how our Superfood products can take your meals to the next level? Keep scrolling—we’ve got some delicious ideas waiting for you!

High-Protein Vegetarian Meal Ideas

1. Lentil Meatballs 

Who says meatballs have to be made with meat? Lentils can totally steal the spotlight—they’re the star of this recipe! These little lens-shaped legumes are not only packed with protein but also bring fibre, iron, potassium, antioxidants, and even prebiotics that keep your gut happy. Bonus: they’re low in saturated fat and sodium, making them a heart-healthy choice too. 

When it comes to lentil meatballs, they make the perfect base for a tasty, hearty, “meatless” bite. For extra crunch (and a boost of fibre), you can roll them in breadcrumbs made from Queen St. Bakery’s high-fibre bread—like our Chia Classic Loaf or White Bread & Millet Seed Loaf. Then serve them up however you’re feeling—go classic with marinara and pasta, or switch it up with lightly toasted Queen St. Bakery bread for the ultimate cozy comfort meal. Either way, you’ve got a protein-packed dish that’s delicious, filling, and super fun to make! 

2. Black Bean Burgers 

Calling all burger lovers—this one’s for you! Black beans make an awesome base for a hearty, flavour-packed veggie burger. They’re a versatile plant protein and full of fibre, so don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to burger. And here’s the best part: you can build it up with Queen St. Bakery’s Artisan Hamburger Buns—loaded with 16g of fibre and 5g of protein. That means your bun is doing some heavy lifting too, adding extra nutrition right along with your black bean patty.

Want to take it over the top? Pile on avocado slices, red onions, and a dollop of homemade vegan mayo. Then, add a side of crispy baked sweet potato fries and boom—you’ve got a wholesome, filling burger combo that can totally rival (and maybe even beat) your local burger spot. 

3. Gluten-Free Bread Paninis 

Craving bread but want to dress it up a little? Enter: gluten-free paninis! Queen St. Bakery’s sliced bread is the perfect base for any high-protein vegetarian panini you’re dreaming of—whether you’re going for something savory or just keeping it simple. Pile on grilled veggies, hummus, and plant-based cheese, then toast until golden and perfect. The result? A hearty, flavor-packed sandwich that’s totally customizable to your cravings. For peak cozy vibes, pair it with a warm bowl of tomato soup on a chilly day—it’s like wrapping yourself in a blanket, but in food form! 

 

Comfort Food Redefined 

Speaking of comfort—let’s shake things up! We’re here to give your go-to comfort foods a fun new twist with high-protein vegetarian eats that feel familiar but bring something fresh to the table. Think cozy classics, but upgraded in ways you might not have tried before. Ready to meet your new comfort food faves? Check them out below! 

4. Vegetarian Bolognese 

Love a good bolognese? We get it—it’s a total fan favorite when it comes to hearty, comforting meals. So here’s our Queen St. Bakery twist: a vegetarian bolognese made with lentils and mushrooms. Packed with fibre, loaded with protein, and still bringing all the cozy vibes you crave. 

Where would Queen St. Bakery come in? Easy! Add our Everything Bagels on the side as garlic butter–toasted slices (perfect for dipping or just enjoying on their own). But if you’re not looking to do extra work to make sides (we get it, don’t worry!), you can crumble our bread right into the sauce as a thickener or sprinkle it as the cherry on top for bonus crunch.

5. Spinach and Cheese Sandwich Bake 

You’ve probably heard of pasta bakes (they’re famous for being easy and delicious). But have you ever tried a sandwich bake? Well, now you have! This one’s for all the bread lovers out there (aka basically everyone). Just grab some Queen St. Bakery bread and layer it in a baking dish with sautéed spinach and plant-based cheese. Want to spice things up? Toss in mushrooms, roasted peppers, or whatever tasty extras you’re craving. Bake it until golden, gooey, and melty, and boom—you’ve got yourself a cozy, high-protein vegetarian meal that feels like pure comfort food. Bonus: it makes enough for leftovers, so you can enjoy it again the next day. Easy, satisfying, and totally crave-worthy! 

Protein-Packed Snacks and Sides 

Looking for snacks and sides to round out your meals? We’ve got you covered! From quick bites to tasty add-ons, this list is packed with protein-powered vegetarian snacks that are anything but boring. And of course, we made sure to keep it all gluten-free with Queen St. Bakery in the mix—because snacks deserve a glow-up from our Superfood Products too! 

6. Zucchini Fritters 

Zucchini fritters = the ultimate crispy, golden snack we couldn’t leave off the list. They’re a total family favorite and so easy to whip up that you’ll want them for breakfast, lunch, or anytime a crunchy craving hits. The best part? They’ve got that perfect balance of soft inside + crispy outside that makes every bite irresistible. And they’re high in protein and vegetarian, exactly what we are looking for!

To snack them up, try topping with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, or go big on flavor with a side of tzatziki or aioli for dipping. To bring Queen St. Bakery into the mix, use our 1-for-1 Superfood Baking Flour to get your fritter batter ready before pan-frying to golden perfection. Or, take things up a notch with our newest Supergrain Sourdough Bread—layer your fritters on top for a nutrient boost, complete with gut-friendly probiotics and prebiotics. (Want to learn more about our newest product? Take a peek at our blog, Your Guide to Probiotics, Prebiotics & Our Supergrain Sourdough Bread, for all the tasty details!)

7. Chickpea Salad Sandwiches 

Meet the vegetarian twin of chicken salad: chickpea salad! Chickpeas are a total win—they’re packed with protein, high in fibre, and make for a hearty, satisfying filling. Bonus: they’re naturally gluten-free, so no worries if that’s on your mind.

Now for the build: stack your chickpea salad between slices of Queen St. Bakery’s nutrient-packed Superfood Breads (go with our White Bean & Millet Seed Loaf or Chia Classic Loaf—the choice is yours!). Upgrade your sandwich by tossing in some crunchy cucumbers, peppers, or even shredded carrots for freshness and texture to give it that extra oomph. The result? A light, refreshing sandwich that works perfectly as a snack but easily levels up to a full-on meal. 

8. Gluten-Free French Toast 

To wrap this list up, we couldn’t skip a classic: French toast! And yes—it can be gluten-free and just as delicious. With Queen St. Bakery’s nutrient-packed Superfood Bread (certified gluten-free and full of goodness), you’ve already got the perfect base. Just dip each slice into a mix of milk, eggs, and cinnamon, then cook until golden and toasty.

Want to make it extra snackable? Cut your slices into strips for French toast sticks—perfect for kiddos (or let’s be real, adults too) to dip and enjoy. Top them off with a dollop of yogurt, a handful of fresh berries, and a drizzle of maple syrup for that finishing touch. Because honestly—who can say no to bread disguised as dessert for breakfast?

 

Ingredient Substitutions for High-Protein Cooking 

You’re probably wondering—wasn’t that the end of the list? Well, not quite! Think of this as our little P.S. moment. Instead of wrapping up, we wanted to leave you with some easy substitutions to keep high-protein cooking going in the simplest way. That way, you can pack protein into all kinds of meals without even thinking twice. Let’s dive in!

Gluten-Free Croutons and Breadcrumbs 

What’s the secret star in croutons and breadcrumbs? You guessed it—bread! And not just any bread… Queen St. Bakery bread! The beauty of it? It’s super versatile and can sneak into all kinds of meals while bringing along a boost of nutrients. Think beyond fibre and protein—we’re talking calcium, iron, and even Omega-3s, all thanks to our Superfood ingredient power.

So, where can you use it? Easy! Toss cubes of our bread into the oven for crunchy croutons to top your salads and soups, or blitz them into breadcrumbs to upgrade your baked dishes. Want more? Try sprinkling them over casseroles or stirring them into hearty veggie soups for that cozy, satisfying bite. Who knew bread could do so much and pack in plant-powered protein without the meat? Queen St. Bakery did.

Creative Use of Superfood Ingredients 

You’ve probably noticed us saying superfood a lot, right? To keep it simple, superfoods are just nutrient-rich foods that pack extra health benefits. We love them so much, we bake them right into our breads! Think chia seeds, protein-packed grains like millet, and beans like white or fava beans  (hint: you’ll even see them in the names of our products). If you want to dive deeper, check out our blog What is a Superfood? (& why do we use them?) to see what and why we chose to include them in our products.

Here’s the best part: most of the superfoods we use are loaded with protein, which is why they fit perfectly into all the meals we’ve been talking about. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack, there’s always a way to sneak them in.

And here’s where it gets really fun: get creative! Crumble superfood ingredients or better yet, our loaves over smoothie bowls, mix them into salads, or try them in ways you wouldn’t expect. If you’re worried it might be “too weird,” don’t be! Your superfood creativity is unstoppable—and we’re cheering you on! With superfoods, nothing is too bold or too playful. 

Wrapping it Up

And there you have it! High-protein vegetarian dishes don’t have to be boring, especially when you bring Queen Street Bakery’s gluten-free products into the mix. From sandwiches to paninis, lentil meatballs to a vegetarian bolognese—there are so many tasty ways to whip up high-protein, plant-based dishes that hit the spot. 

What’s the magic? Pairing our superfood-packed products with plant proteins creates meals that are balanced, flavorful, and totally fun to make. Need a little more convincing? Take a peek at our products and see how easy it is to get some into your pantry! 

So go ahead—get creative with superfoods, mix it up, and let your kitchen be the playground for tasty, balanced vegetarian dishes. Your taste buds (and your body!) will thank you! 

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This article was written by Claudia Lo, MHSc(c) & reviewed by Alicia Lang, RD, MHSc.