Low-Calorie, High protein vegetarian Dinners for Summer.
Low-Calorie, High protein vegetarian Dinners for Summer.
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Here are some low-calorie, high-protein vegetarian dinner ideas perfect for summer — light, refreshing, and nutrient-packed meals that are easy to prepare:
1. Grilled Tofu & Veggie Skewers with Quinoa
Protein: ~20g | Calories: ~350
Ingredients:
Tofu (extra firm, pressed & cubed)
Bell peppers, zucchini, red onion
Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic
Quinoa (1/2 cup cooked)
Tips: Marinate tofu in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before grilling. Serve with a side of herbed quinoa.
2. Spicy Black Bean & Corn Lettuce Tacos
Protein: ~18g | Calories: ~300
Ingredients:
Black beans
Corn, tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño
Romaine or butter lettuce leaves
Greek yogurt for topping
Tips: Mash some beans to add creaminess; top with avocado slices for healthy fats.
3. Chickpea Cucumber Salad with Tahini Dressing
Protein: ~17g | Calories: ~280
Ingredients:
Canned chickpeas
Cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion
Tahini, lemon juice, garlic, parsley
Tips: Chill before serving. Add a sprinkle of hemp seeds or pumpkin seeds for extra protein.
4. Zucchini Noodles with Edamame & Peanut Sauce
Protein: ~22g | Calories: ~330
Ingredients:
Spiralized zucchini
Shelled edamame
Light peanut sauce (with soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger)
Tips: Serve cold as a noodle salad or warm as a stir-fry.
5. Cottage Cheese & Veggie Stuffed Bell Peppers
Protein: ~25g | Calories: ~320
Ingredients:
Low-fat cottage cheese
Spinach, mushrooms, onions
Bell peppers (halved and roasted)
Tips: Bake until golden on top. Can substitute ricotta or tofu if avoiding dairy.
6. Lentil & Roasted Vegetable Summer Bowl
Protein: ~20g | Calories: ~350
Ingredients:
Cooked lentils
Roasted eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper
Fresh herbs (mint, parsley), lemon vinaigrette
Tips: Serve cold or at room temperature. Great for meal prep.
7. Protein Pasta with Pesto & Arugula
Protein: ~25g | Calories: ~370
Ingredients:
Chickpea or lentil-based pasta
Homemade or store-bought pesto
Arugula, cherry tomatoes
Tips: Toss while warm to slightly wilt arugula. Add a few pine nuts for crunch.
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How to eat high protein low calories as a vegetarian?
To eat high-protein, low-calorie as a vegetarian, focus on lean, plant-based protein sources, limit oils and high-calorie extras, and build balanced meals. Here's a practical breakdown:
Top Vegetarian Protein Sources (Low-Calorie)
Food | Protein (per 100g) | Calories |
---|---|---|
Tofu (firm) | 10g | 145 |
Tempeh | 19g | 192 |
Seitan | 21g | 120 |
Lentils (cooked) | 9g | 116 |
Chickpeas (cooked) | 8.9g | 164 |
Edamame | 11g | 122 |
Cottage cheese (low-fat) | 11g | 81 |
Greek yogurt (low-fat) | 10g | 59 |
Chia seeds (2 tbsp) | 5g | 120 |
Hemp seeds (3 tbsp) | 10g | 170 |
Nutritional yeast (2 tbsp) | 8g | 60 |
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Smart Eating Strategies
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Prioritize protein in every meal
Add tofu, lentils, yogurt, or legumes as the main component—not just a side. -
Control carbs and fat portions
Limit oils, creamy dressings, heavy carbs (like white rice, pasta), and nuts if aiming for low-calorie. -
Use low-calorie cooking methods
Steam, grill, air-fry, or bake instead of frying. -
Add volume with veggies
Non-starchy vegetables (spinach, cucumber, zucchini, mushrooms, etc.) bulk up meals with minimal calories. -
Snack wisely
Choose snacks like Greek yogurt, roasted chickpeas, or a boiled egg (if ovo-vegetarian) over chips or sweets.Sample Daily Plan (Under 1500 Calories, ~90g Protein)
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Breakfast:
Greek yogurt + berries + chia seeds – 20g protein -
Lunch:
Lentil salad with veggies, tofu cubes, lemon dressing – 25g protein -
Snack:
Roasted edamame or cottage cheese – 15g protein -
Dinner:
Stir-fried tempeh with broccoli and zucchini over cauliflower rice – 30g proteinBonus Tips
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Use protein powders (plant-based) if needed—blend into smoothies.
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Meal prep so you don’t default to carb-heavy convenience foods.
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Track macros using apps like MyFitnessPal or Cronometer for balance.
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