Why the focus on protein?

A dish built around a substantial piece of meat tends to get the job done for carnivorous folks.

But when youre eating meatless, hitting your protein quota usually involves relying on a mix of ingredients.

Tofu and black bean tacos with avocado

Erin Clarke viaWell Plated

And we promise theyre actually fast!

Bookmark this one, cause it totally fits the bill.

Cook a pot of rice while you put the curry together, and youve got dinner.

Tofu and greens stir fry over rice

Just swap out the chicken broth for your favorite store-bought veggie stock.

So you might have this everything-in-the-pan dinner ready to go in 30 minutes flat.

Cook the rice the day before and you might shave a few minutes off your prep time.

Red curry bowl with tofu and vegetables

30-Minute Tempeh Stir FryfromMinimalist Baker

Havent tried tempeh?

Dont forget a side of crusty bread.

Southwest Sweet Potato, Black Bean, and Rice SkilletfromRecipe Runner

Yum.

Kale falafel patties wrapped in pita

Topping it with some avocado or guac is optional (yet highly encouraged).

Using pre-packaged rice and store-bought pico means that assembly happensfast.

Oh wait, it doesnt!

White bean and kale soup in a white bowl

Notthiseasy recipe anyway, which is ready in just 20 minutes.

Radicchio, Bean, and Feta SaladfromBon Appetit

Yeah, its a salad in name.

Youre on your way to dinner that ticks the boxes for speed, protein, and deliciousness.

Skillet with quinoa white beans and broccoli

But it also totally hits the spot at dinner (or lunch!).

Dont be intimidated by the words goat cheese sauceyou can whip this one up quickly right in the blender.

Spinach and Ricotta Grilled CheesefromCafe Delites

Sometimes you just need a grilled cheese.

Bowl of chickpea cashew curry with carrots

The leftovers keep very well for lunch the next day, too.

Shredded sweet potato adds extra texture and sweetness, too.

Also, do yourself a favor and buy your zucchini pre-spiralized at the supermarket.

Tempeh veggie stirfry in cast iron skillet

Sweet Heat TempehfromMacheesmo

Trust us when we say you need this tempeh in your life.

Add some rice or noodles and youre good to go.

Scrambled tofu with greens and toast

Black bean and sweet potato skillet with avocado

Image may contain Plant Food Salad Cutlery and Fork

Black bean burrito bowl with corn and avocado

Tofu and noodle bowl with shredded green vegetables

Bowl of black bean soup with cilantro garnish

Colorful veggie bowl with soft boiled egg and avocado

White bean radicchio and feta salad on plate

Chickpeas and pasta in tomato broth

Black bean and quinoa wraps

Savory oatmeal with fried eggs tomatoes and avocado

Curried chickpea salad in a pita

Closeup of rotini with kale and creamy sauce

Black bean and quinoa bowl with diced avocado

Spinach and ricotta grilled cheese on white plate

Orzo with chickpeas and grilled vegetables

Tempeh sweet potato tacos with avocado

Tray of nachos with beans and vegetables

Chickpea and veggie noodle bowl with cashews

Tofu and black bean tacos with avocado

Veggie bowl with edamame quinoa and chickpeas

Glazed sliced tempeh with cucumbers over grains

Black bean tacos with creamy green sauce