High-Protein Dairy-Free Vegetarian Meal Plan

Proteins

  • Firm tofu For tofu scramble, savory oatmeal
  • Extra-firm tofu For tofu jerky
  • Tempeh For breakfast sandwich, snack strips
  • Seitan For skewers
  • Chickpeas (canned or dry) For roasted chickpeas, hummus
  • Black beans (canned or dry) For breakfast bowl, chocolate protein dip
  • Lentils (red, green, or brown) For breakfast bowl, veggie muffins
  • Edamame (frozen) For snack with sea salt
  • Eggs (if consumed) For lentil breakfast bowl

Nuts and Seeds

  • Hemp seeds For trail mix, toppings, protein boost
  • Chia seeds For overnight oats, pudding
  • Flaxseeds (ground) For egg replacement, energy balls
  • Pumpkin seeds For trail mix, breakfast bowl, roasted snack
  • Sunflower seeds For trail mix, avocado topping
  • Almonds For trail mix
  • Cashews For cashew cream, cashew cheese
  • Peanut butter or almond butter For energy balls, stuffed dates, toppings

Grains

  • Rolled oats For overnight oats, energy balls, savory oatmeal
  • Quinoa For breakfast bowl, protein cups
  • Whole grain bread For tempeh sandwich, avocado toast
  • Chickpea flour For pancakes
  • Oat flour For lentil veggie muffins

Dairy Alternatives

  • Soy milk For overnight oats, smoothies, breakfast bowls
  • Pea milk (optional) Alternative to soy milk
  • Plant-based protein powder For smoothies, overnight oats, energy balls
  • Nutritional yeast For tofu scramble, savory dishes, cheese substitute
  • Coconut cream For creamy sauces

Produce

  • Avocados For breakfast bowls, avocado toast, snack
  • Spinach For breakfast bowls, lentil muffins
  • Bell peppers For breakfast bowls, vegetable sticks, skewers
  • Tomatoes For breakfast bowls, sandwiches, skewers
  • Carrots For vegetable sticks, lentil muffins
  • Celery For vegetable sticks
  • Cucumbers For vegetable sticks
  • Bananas For smoothies, pancake toppings
  • Berries (fresh or frozen) For overnight oats, smoothies, breakfast bowls
  • Lemons For avocado toast, dressings, cashew cheese
  • Medjool dates For stuffed dates snack
  • Zucchini For lentil veggie muffins
  • Apples For dipping in chocolate protein dip

Pantry Items

  • Nutritional yeast For cheese flavor, protein boost
  • Olive oil For cooking, roasting
  • Coconut oil For pancakes, baking
  • Maple syrup For sweetening breakfast items, marinades
  • Vanilla extract For overnight oats, pancakes, energy balls
  • Spices (turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, etc.) For flavoring various dishes
  • Everything bagel seasoning For avocado topping
  • Sea salt For all recipes
  • Black pepper For all recipes
  • Hot sauce For breakfast bowls (optional)
  • Soy sauce or tamari For tempeh marinade, tofu jerky
  • Tahini For dipping sauce
  • Cocoa powder For chocolate protein dip
  • Baking powder For pancakes, muffins
  • Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or apricots) For trail mix
  • Dark chocolate chips (optional) For energy balls, trail mix
  • Vegetable broth For savory oatmeal
  • Liquid smoke For tofu jerky

Meal Prep Tips

  1. Batch cook proteins: Prepare tofu, tempeh, and legumes in larger quantities to use throughout the week.
  2. Pre-portion snacks: Make energy balls, trail mix, and roasted chickpeas ahead of time and store in individual containers.
  3. Overnight preparation: Set up overnight oats and chia puddings the evening before for quick grab-and-go breakfasts.
  4. Chop vegetables in advance: Wash and cut vegetables for the week to make meal assembly faster.
  5. Freeze extras: Many items like energy balls, muffins, and pancakes freeze well for longer storage.
  6. Cook grains in batches: Prepare quinoa and other grains in larger quantities to use in multiple recipes.
  7. Label and date: Keep track of when you prepared items to ensure freshness.
  8. Plan your week: Decide which recipes you'll make each day to ensure you have all ingredients ready.

Shopping Tips

  • Buy in bulk: Items like oats, seeds, and nuts are often cheaper in bulk sections.
  • Seasonal produce: Choose fruits and vegetables that are in season for better flavor and value.
  • Check labels: When buying plant-based alternatives, check protein content and ingredients list.
  • Frozen options: Frozen berries and edamame are convenient and often more affordable than fresh.
  • Pantry staples: Stock up on non-perishable items when they're on sale.
  • Specialty stores: Asian markets often have tofu, tempeh, and seitan at better prices than regular supermarkets.