Protein is a trending nutrient, and this is for a good reason.
Variety is best when it comes to protein sources in your eating pattern.
And a high-protein meal doesn’t have to include meat, which typically comes at a higher price point.
Photo: Photographer / Jacob Fox, Food styling / Sue Mitchell, Food Styling / Kelsey Bulat
Eating plant-based can help your wallet and health, even if it’s just a few times a week.
Try these recipes, and for more budget- and beginner-friendly cooking tips and tricks, check outThrifty.
Use these to your advantage to cut down on dinnertime prep.
Plus, this recipe requires just three ingredients, not including basics like salt, pepper and oil.
Chickpea Salad Sandwich
This vegan chickpea salad sandwich is lemony, bright and surprisingly delicious.
Celery brings a nice crunch.
Topped with caramelized onions and slaw, they’re super-satisfying.
Cheesy Marinara Beans
This ooey-gooey dish has baked-pasta vibes but features protein-packed beans instead of noodles.
Look for dried corona beans, a larger, creamy white bean, at natural-foods stores or online.
Photography / Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling / Ruth Blackburn
Cannellini are a good substitute.
Serve with a green salad and toasted baguette.
This vegetarian soup recipe is full of aromatic vegetables, brown lentils and fresh spinach.
Photography / Nico Schinco, Food Styling / Frances Boswell, Prop Stylist / Paige Hicks
Sharp Cheddar cheese flavors the filling and adds a layer of ooey-gooey melted cheese on top.
Be sure to save some of the pasta-cooking water as it helps the sauce emulsify.
Store them in the fridge for up to 4 days to reheat on demand.
Spinach & Mushroom Quiche
This healthy vegetarian quiche recipe is as simple as it gets.
It’s a quiche without the fussy crust!
It’s filled with sweet wild mushrooms and savory Gruyere cheese.
Photography / Nico Schinco, Food Styling / Frances Boswell, Prop Stylist / Paige Hicks
Enjoy it for breakfast or brunch, or serve it with a light salad for lunch.
Rachel Marek
Jennifer Causey
Carolyn Hodges, M.S., RDN
