Looking for some high-protein vegetables to add to your meal or snack? Keep reading because this article is for you!
When most people think of protein, they think of chicken, steak, turkey, and eggs. Did you know that vegetables are also jammed-packed with protein to help support our bodies? These naturally high-protein vegetarian foods are perfect to add to your diet – who knows, you may already be eating them regularly! Check out this list of 17 high protein vegetables that will help spice up snack time!
Did you know that high-protein foods are also great for weight loss and muscle gain? No matter what your objective is, you are sure to find a few that you love below!
This post ranks high-protein vegetables from highest protein to least amount of protein to help you easily understand!
17 High Protein Vegetables
1. Lentils
A full cup of broiled lentils has 18 grams of protein! If you’re stumped about how to get more lentils into your diet, be sure to check out this insanely quick Brussels sprouts and lentils recipe for your next snack or meal!
2. Broccoli Rabe (Rapini)
I will admit, broccoli rabe is growing on me. If you’re a fan, you’re in luck! One bunch of cooked broccoli rabe contains 17 grams of protein. If you’ve never had broccoli rabe, I highly recommend cooking it with a little olive oil and garlic!
3. Edamame
This is one of my favorite vegetables that I usually only eat when I am dining at restaurants. I clearly need to learn how to cook these at home because cooked edamame offers 17 grams of protein per cup!
4. Split Peas
One cup of split peas offers 16 grams of protein when cooked. Talk about getting a lot of protein in! I can honestly say that I’ve never tried split peas before, but I am very curious about them now!
5. Green Peas
While I have never been the biggest fan of green peas, maybe it’s time I start incorporating more into my diet! If you love green peas, you’re in protein luck! Did you know that there are 8 grams of protein in one cup of peas?!
6. Black Beans
Let’s be real, black beans taste great in burrito bowls, on nachos, and in soups and chilis. Did you know that a half cup of cooked black beans has 7 grams of protein?
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7. Spinach
If you’re a big spinach fan, you’ll find 5 grams of protein in spinach per cup cooked. This high-protein vegetable is perfect in salads or cooked with a little bit of garlic and olive oil!
8. Broccoli
Broccoli is personally my favorite vegetable! Did you know that 1 cup of broccoli has 4 grams of protein?
9. Potatoes
Who doesn’t love a baked potato? Did you know that a medium potato has 4 grams of protein?
10. Artichoke
Did you know that artichokes are super popular in California because they are grown there? You can find them on almost any restaurant menu! 1 medium-sized artichoke has 3 grams of protein!
11. Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts are another favorite in our home! 1 cup of cooked Brussels sprouts contains about 2.5 grams of protein. If you prefer raw Brussels sprouts, you can expect over 3 grams of protein per cup!
12. Asparagus
Asparagus is another veggie that tastes absolutely delicious when cooked with olive oil and a little bit of parmesan cheese. You’ll get 2.9 grams of protein per 1 cup of cooked asparagus.
13. Cauliflower
1 cup of raw cauliflower has 2 grams of protein. If you’re looking for a great snack idea, cauliflower dipped in hummus is bomb! On the contrary, if you prefer your cauliflower cooked, I highly recommend baking it in the oven with parmesan cheese and a little olive oil! The best part – one cup of cooked cauliflower has 3 grams of protein!
14. Kale
While Kale certainly isn’t my favorite vegetable, you are lucky if you enjoy it! 1 cup of cooked kale has 3 grams of protein and 1 cup of uncooked kale has 2 cups of protein. Kale is a great addition to salads and stir-fry!
15. Mushrooms
1 cup of sliced cooked white mushrooms (1-1/2 cups of sliced raw mushrooms) has 3 grams of protein. I’m not the biggest mushroom fan, but I can get behind throwing them in my vegetable stir-fry for a little extra protein!
16. Snow Peas
I love snow peas for snacking, especially in the summertime! 1 cup of raw snow peas has 2 grams of protein!
Sweet Corn
One cob of corn has 3 grams of protein. That perfect summer treat just jot a whole lot sweeter!
I cross-referenced google and The FDC website when pulling together this article for you! You can check out the nutritional content of other foods that you love on the FDC Website to help you find your perfect high-protein foods!
This post showed you some high-protein vegetables you can make for your next snack or meal!
Whether you are looking for high-protein vegetables to help gain muscle or lose weight, I hope these veggies opened your eyes to the possibilities. Just remember that no matter what, you should be cooking your FAVORITE high-protein vegetables! No one is trying to force themselves to eat foods that they don’t enjoy!
