20 Protein-Packed Veganuary Recipes (2024)

Thinking of eating plant-based this January? Here are 20 protein-packed Veganuary recipes to get you started!

Maybe you've heard of Veganuary before? Or maybe you haven't. Either way, it's cool.

Although I've been vegetarian for well over 25 years, I'm not vegan and probably never will be because: cheese. But I do like to try out new ways of eating, even if for a little while.

I do this primarily because I want to be able to answer questions about different ways of eating in an informed way when someone asks me about them, but also because you never know how you'll feel until you try. Case in point: I lasted approximately 5 minutes on a low-carb diet. But I tried!

What is Veganuary?

If you've been thinking of shifting towards more of a plant-based way of eating, Veganuary is a perfect time to try it out. Basically, you eat plant-based for the month of January, and see how you like it.

There are plenty of good reasons to eat more plants - they're packed with important nutrients, loaded with dietary fiber, and you won't find that many antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds anywhere else. Related: 9 Ways to Get More Vegetables in Your Diet (And Why You Should).

Eating more plant-based is also kinder to our planet (if it's done right - it's not a black and white issue by any means) and can be a really affordable way to eat.

If you're worried you'll be hungry all the time or are wondering where your protein will come from, worry not. I've got a Guide to Protein for Vegetarians and Vegans you can check out, and a couple of High Protein Vegetarian Meal Plans to get you started.

Looking for tasty Veganuary recipes?

If you're worried you'll end up eating weird hippy food, bland tofu, and buckets full of quinoa, fear not! I've put together a list of drool-worthy and protein-packed Veganuary Recipes to get your plant-based mojo flowing. Let's get into it!

1. Red Lentil Stew

This Red Lentil Stew Recipe is my go-to for getting a hearty plant-based meal on the table in under 30 minutes. It's easy, delicious, and my kids love it.

2. Air Fryer Tofu

Crispy and easyAir Fryer Tofufrom Sustainable Cooks is a speedy weeknight dinner. Made in the air fryer or in a skillet, this is the most delicious vegan recipe you can make in under 30 minutes.

3. Tempeh Tacos

Level up your Taco Tuesday the plant-based way! These Tempeh Tacos are packed with flavour and plant-based protein, and are sure to become a family favourite.

4. Vegan Green Lentil Bolognese

This tasty vegetarian and Vegan Green Lentil Bolognesefrom Happy Veggie Kitchen is the perfect weeknight dinner, packed with veggies and green lentils in a rich tomato sauce. This bolognese sauce is kid friendly and sure to win over anyone who tries it.

5. Vegan Chickpea Noodle Soup

Worried you'll miss out on comfort food classics like chicken noodle soup? Fear not! This Vegan Chickpea Noodle Soup is here to get you through the dark and dreary winter months.

6. Vegan Sloppy Joes with Lentils

If you're looking for a fun way to mix up your dinners, give these Vegan Sloppy Joes a try. They're quick to make, filled with flavour, and packed with plant-based protein.

7. Vegan Sheet Pan Fajita Bowls

These easy Vegan Sheet-Pan Fajita Fowls are sure to be a crowd pleaser. With zucchini, peppers, cauliflower, spicy roasted chickpeas, and a zippy chipotle-lime cashew cream, they’re a healthy, satisfying, and delicious meal.

8. Tempeh Teriyaki

If you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that takes less than 20 minutes to pull together, look no further than to this Tempeh Teriyaki. Made with homemade vegan teriyaki sauce (or store bought is fine too) this is one you'll come back to again and again.

9. Veggie Burger In A Bowl

Craving a burger but also in the mood for something a light, fresh, and crunchy? Check out the Veggie Burger In A Bowl! It uses my favourite homemade Chipotle Black Bean Burgers and a kick ass vegan burger sauce.

10. Chickpea Tacos

These delicious Chickpea Tacosfrom Recipes From A Pantry are flavourful, colourful and quick to whip up.It’s an easy vegetarian dinner that uses everyday pantry ingredients and is perfect for weeknight dinners!

11. Tempeh Bolognese

This easy veganTempeh Bolognesesauce is made with crumbled tempeh, nutritional yeast, and flavourful spices. Done in under 30 minutes but with all-day flavour and packed with plant-based protein, this vegetarian bolognese sauce is the perfect quick and healthy weeknight dinner.

12. Vegan Sweet and Sour Tofu

Skip the takeout and whip up a batch of this easy Vegan Sweet and Sour Tofu from Rhubarbarians instead!

13. Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps

Try these Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps with Spicy Sesame Tempeh! These crunchy vegan wraps are a healthy twist on a classic recipe, with tempeh for protein, a spicy sesame sauce for bold Asian flavours, and lots of crunch from fresh vegetables.

14. Sweet Potato, Chickpea, and Spinach Curry

For a cozy, stick-to-yer-ribs veganuary recipe, give this Sweet Potato, Chickpea, And Spinach Curry from Cook It Real Good a try!

15. Spicy Vegan Wraps

If you're worried about what to pack for lunch this Veganuary, give these Spicy Vegan Wraps a try! Made with chipotle hummus and sticks of fried tofu, they'll keep you satisfied through the afternoon.

16. Kung Pao Broccoli with Cashews

If you're looking for Veganuary recipes without tofu or beans, give Kung Pao Broccoli with Cashews from Food To Glow a try. It's packed with flavour, fiber, and a good amount of protein from the cashews.

17. Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Wraps

These Curried Cauliflower Chickpea Wraps are a healthy, spicy make-ahead meal! Easily vegan and gluten-free, made with warming Indian spices, these wraps are freezer-friendly to boot!

18. Red Lentil Dal

This Red Lentil Dal couldn't be easier to make. Made with a mix of red and white lentils and warming spices, this dish is perfect with a side of rice or naan bread.

19. Lentil Shepherd's Pie

No shepherds were harmed in the making of this Lentil Shepherd's Pie. The lentil filling comes together quickly on the stovetop or in your Instant Pot or slow cooker. Top with mashed potatoes and you're good to go!

20. Chickpea Fries

If you're looking for a high-protein vegan snack or game day appy for Veganuary, give these Chickpea Fries a try! They're easy to make, and delicious to eat.

This recipe collection was originally published January 4, 2019. It was last edited and updated on January 2, 2021.