If you’re a vegetarian or just trying to cut down on meat, you’ll love these high-protein veggie snacks! They’re a great way to increase your daily protein intake and stay energized throughout the day. Of course they are delicious too!
Even if you’re not a vegetarian, these meatless snacks are delicious, nutritious, and easy to make.
Healthy vegetarian snacks with protein
Good news: Vegetarian snacks can be just as filling as snacks with meat (or eggs – which I left out of this summary so we can mix them up)! In fact, all of these snacks are packed with nutrients and flavor.
From no-bake protein balls to chia pudding and avocado hummus, this list has something for every type of snacking craving.
But let’s talk about it first Where the protein comes out!
Protein sources for vegetarians
For vegetarians (or those who just want to eat less meat), it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough protein in your diet. Fortunately, there are many meatless sources of protein, from plant-based proteins to dairy and grains.
Here are some healthy vegetarian protein sources:
- Legumes (black beans, kidney beans, navy beans, chickpeas/garbanzo beans, peas, lentils, etc.)
- Nuts (peanuts, almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts, etc.) and their nut butters
- Dairy products (cheese, green yogurt, etc.)
- Andean millet
- Oats (yes, oats contain protein in addition to carbohydrates!)
- Seeds (chia seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds etc.)
- Eggs (again, I left egg recipes out of this round-up as I think it’s nice to have some variety as eggs are usually already a staple in the vegetarian diet!)
As said, there are many options to choose from! And now for the high protein veggie snack ideas.
For more meal inspiration, check out this roundup of delicious and nutritious chickpea recipes!
Nutty protein granola bars
Granola bars are so easy to make at home, and this particular recipe has loads of goodies like nuts, seeds, dried fruit, oatmeal, peanut butter, and more. They’re crispy, chewy and full of flavor.
These nutty protein granola bars are a fabulous on-the-go snack, and they’re great for kids! You can also throw in some chocolate chips if that’s your thing. 🙂
Coconut Banana Chia Pudding
If you haven’t tried chia pudding yet, you’ll be delighted! It’s super creamy and tastes like dessert but without the refined sugar. You can also add any toppings you like, like raspberries and coconut flakes.
This recipe combines naturally sweet banana with creamy coconut milk and a drizzle of maple syrup for a little extra sweetness. It’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan, so everyone can enjoy it!
I love chia pudding as an easy snack, but it also makes a great light breakfast, especially since you can make it the night before!
No Bake Peanut Butter Snack Balls
Bliss Balls are the best grab-and-go snack when you need a little boost of energy! These Peanut Butter Oatballs are easy to make with no baking required.
They’re packed with chia seeds and dried cranberries, with a touch of honey for added sweetness. Feel free to swap out the dried cranberries for other dried fruits or even chocolate chips!
Avocado hummus with white beans
Imagine if hummus and guacamole had a baby. Lo and behold: this avocado hummus dip with white beans!
It’s creamy and healthy, with a bright lemon flavor. Plus, it assembles in minutes.
Enjoy with scruffy crackers, crunchy veggies, crusty bread, or even spread on a sandwich or wrap.
Sweet Potato Smoothie with Greek Yogurt
Looking to up your smoothie game? Try this Spiced Sweet Potato Smoothie!
You can make it with canned mashed sweet potatoes (frozen into cubes for an extra thick smoothie), or you can roast/microwave a sweet potato, mash and freeze.
Flaxseed and creamy Greek yogurt boost the protein content, and frozen sweet potatoes (plus warm spices and banana) add extra flavor.
Peanut Butter Granola Bars (no bake)
These homemade peanut butter granola bars are a real fANNEtastic food favorite dating back to the blog’s early days (2009!).
One of my long-time favorite recipes on my blog, these bars are not only delicious, they’re super easy to make (5 to 10 minutes!) and perfect for something healthy on the go – whether it’s at work, school or the great outdoors.
They’re crunchy, salty, a little sweet, and perfectly peanut buttery – a must-try recipe of mine if you’ve never tried it!
Vanilla Fig Protein Balls
If you’re a fan of Fig Newtons, you’ll love these homemade fig bites! They taste just like them, but with no refined sugar and no baking.
You simply toss the ingredients in a food processor and swirl away, then roll the mixture into balls! It’s a delicious combination of dried figs, nuts, flax and vanilla.
Whipped Ricotta Toast
Creamy whipped ricotta spread on toast with your favorite toppings – what better way?!
This is a super quick and easy snack and the only cooking required is toasting a slice of bread. Sign me up!
The blog post has 6 different flavor variations ideas including tomato basil, strawberry balsamic and savory avocado – something for every mood!
Cherry Almond Protein Snack Bites
These little no-bake snack balls taste like deliciously tart cherry pie! Made with dried cherries, walnuts and almonds, they make a perfect, slightly sweet snack.
They also make great on-the-go snacks – they stick together well and won’t make a mess in your car!
Mango chia pudding
Creamy chia pudding is delicious on its own, but the addition of light mango enhances it even more! This dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan snack only takes a few minutes to prepare.
Just pop it in the fridge for a few hours (or overnight) for the chia seeds to soften and the flavors to come together! Plus, chia seeds are nutrient powerhouses — they’re a great way to add protein and fiber to your daily diet.
Oatmeal Peanut Butter Power Cookies
See my favorite healthier power cookies! They’re packed with oatmeal, raisins, almond flour, ground flaxseed, and peanut butter flavor. They’re lightly sweetened with maple syrup to add just the right amount of sweetness.
They will satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping you full and energized. They make a great filling snack, and sometimes I even eat them for a quick and easy on-the-go breakfast. 😉
Chocolate Cashew Snack Balls
Chocolate lovers, this is for you! These no-bake date balls are packed with cocoa powder, shredded coconut, and cashews for a perfectly sweet — yet nutritious — snack.
These come together in minutes with just 5 essential ingredients. All you need is a food processor!
Muesli bar with red lentils
These granola bars have a unique twist: they’re made out of red lentils! I know this might sound a little strange at first, but I promise they’re delicious – the blog comments on the post can attest to that!
They’re made with almond butter, dried cherries, walnuts, and maple syrup for sweetness, and whole wheat flour and flax add even more staying power and nutrition.
Also, you can change the mix-ins (different nuts, dried fruit or chocolate, etc.) as you like!
I hope you enjoy these high protein vegetarian snacks. I know I love to prep them when the snack cravings strike!
What is your favorite high protein snack? Let me know in the comments!