Trying to bulk up and maintain your weight? Enjoy a vegan diet with these nutritious, healthy, flavorful high-calorie vegan meals. They’re super easy to make!
Many of us are becoming vegan. And for a good reason.
Going vegan is better for our health, the environment, and of course, the animals.
But one consequence of going vegan can be weight loss. That’s because you’re eliminating high-calorie foods like meat and cheese.
And you’re eating more foods like kale and spinach. Now, these are great for your health.
But let’s face it: they are really low in calories. And they can make you lose weight like there’s no tomorrow.
So, what can you do to stop losing weight – or even gain some weight?
Add more High-Calorie Vegan Meals. And yes, they do exist – you just have to hunt for them.
That’s why I’ve done the hunting for you.
Today I’m sharing 23 High-Calorie Vegan Meals. Not only are they yummy, but they will also help you put on some weight.
So, let’s dive right in!
1. Chickpea Salad with Cucumbers & Tomato
Credit: allnutritious.com
Trying to put weight on a vegan diet doesn’t have to cost a ton of money. And my Chickpea Salad proves just that.
It’s bright, refreshing and full of flavor. Seasoned chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and herbs are tossed in a homemade vinaigrette.
The spices and acidity are totally on point. And it’s pretty satisfying.
That’s because of the chickpeas. Chickpeas are a pretty affordable source of plant-based protein.
Not only are chickpeas rich in protein, but they also contain a ton of fiber too. So, they’re good for your digestive system.
And they contain magnesium and potassium, which may promote heart health. So, eat up those chickpeas.
What I love most about this salad is that you eat it cold. So, you don’t have to wait in line at the microwave. Yay! Check out more high calorie meals here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 790
- Fats: 35g
- Protein: 29g
- Carbs: 97g
- Fiber: 20g
- Sugar: 23g
2. One Pot Hummus Pasta
Credit: alwaysusebutter.com
Do you hate spending time in your kitchen? This One Pot Hummus Pasta is for you.
It takes only 12 minutes, and it uses only pot. So, you’re not stuck washing a ton of pots and pans. Yay.
This Hummus Pasta is so easy to make yet so delicious. The hummus makes the pasta extra creamy.
Meanwhile, the olives add saltiness, and the sun-dried tomatoes add tang and sweetness. It’s a party in your mouth.
Besides containing a ton of protein, this dish is high in Vitamins A and C. So, it is excellent for your immune system.
And it provides a whopping 60% of your daily fiber needs. Now, that’s a whole lot of fiber!
What’s more, the leftovers taste great too. So, it’s suitable for meal prep.
Just be sure to store it in airtight food storage containers like this. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they’re also dishwasher safe too.
And if you’re not a fan of glass containers, these BPA-free plastic ones are good too.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 994
- Fats: 19g
- Protein: 36g
- Carbs: 171g
- Fiber: 15g
- Sugar: 9g
3. Ramen Noodles Stir Fry
Credit: budgetdelicious.com
Craving Chinese takeout? Have this Ramen Noodles Stir Fry instead.
It’s pretty easy to prepare, and it’s packed with flavor. The soy sauce and sesame oil add umami flavors.
And the garlic and onions add savory. Meanwhile, the rice vinegar adds acidity, and the sriracha and ginger add some heat.
What I love most about this Stir Fry is that it takes only 10 minutes to make. So, it’s even faster than takeout.
Now, this dish is pretty high in sodium. That’s because you’re using regular soy sauce.
But to cut down on the sodium level, you can use low sodium soy sauce instead. This one contains 70 percent less sodium than the original.
As an added bonus, it contains no MSG. Check out more healthy pantry recipes.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 823
- Fats: 31g
- Protein: 21g
- Carbs: 115g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
4. Ultimate Vegan Buddha Bowl
Credit: happykitchen.rocks
Buddha Bowls are all the rage right now. And for a good reason.
They’re super easy to make. Plus, they contain veggies, protein, grains, and healthy fats.
So, they’re a complete meal.
This Vegan Buddha Bowl is as good as they come. It has a beautiful array of textures and flavors.
The sweetness of the red beets and sweet potatoes balances the bitterness of the kale. And the creaminess of the avocado and black beans complement the tartness of the pomegranate seeds.
And the homemade Buddha dressing is so yummy and creamy. You’ll want to lick your spoon.
Besides adding flavor, pomegranate seeds are good for you too. They’re high in Vitamin E, which is essential for healthy skin.
And they contain antioxidants too. Besides adding them to Buddha Bowls, you can also add them to smoothies and salads. If you’d like to give them a try, you can get some here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 611
- Fats: 36g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 66g
- Fiber: 15g
- Sugar: 10g
5. Vegan Protein Salad Bowl
Credit: runningonrealfood.com
Are you trying to build some muscle? This Vegan Protein Salad Bowl will do just that.
It’s got not one but 5 great sources of plant-based protein. These are tofu, tempeh, chickpeas, hemp seeds, and sesame seeds.
Plus, the seeds add a nice boost of heart-healthy fats.
But besides being high in protein, this Salad Bowl tastes terrific. It’s nutty, savory, creamy, and crunchy – your taste buds will be so delighted.
And so will your tummy. That’s because one serving provides almost 100% of your daily fiber needs.
What a winning combination!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 619
- Fats: 33g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbs: 49
- Fiber: 24g
- Sugar: 6g
6. Arugula Pesto Pasta Meal Prep
Credit: mealpreponfleek.com
I love Italian dishes, as I’m sure many of you do too. However, a lot of Italian dishes contain cheese.
And on a vegan diet, cheese is an obvious No-No.
That’s where this Arugula Pesto Pasta Meal Prep comes in handy. It’s creamy, cheesy and full of Italian flavor.
Yet it doesn’t have an ounce of cheese in it. That’s because you’re using homemade vegan Pesto.
The pureed walnuts add creaminess, while the nutritional yeast adds cheesiness. Nutritional yeast is also pretty nutritious – pardon the pun.
Unlike many other plant sources, it is a complete protein. That means it provides all the amino acids that your body needs.
And it contains lots of B vitamins which promote brain health. It even has beta-glucan, which may boost your immune system.
Besides adding it to your sauces, you can add it to soups. You can even sprinkle it over your popcorn to get a pleasant cheesy taste. If you’d like to get some nutritional yeast, you can get some here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 635
- Fats: 34g
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 62g
- Fiber: 14.5g
- Sugar:
7. Vegan Sweet Potato & Black Bean Burrito Bowl
Credit: eatwithclarity.com
Are you looking for a vegan meal option for Taco Tuesday? This Burrito Bowl is a great option.
It contains a ton of Mexican flavors. You’ve got black beans, cilantro-lime rice, corn, avocado, and red bell peppers.
And it’s all topped with cashew queso. It’s so creamy and cheesy – you won’t miss the “real” stuff.
Making the cashew queso is easy. You want to start by soaking the cashews in boiling water.
Once they have soaked for 20 minutes, drain the water. Add the cashews and the rest of your ingredients to a high-speed blender.
The Vitamix is the gold standard of high-speed blenders. But this budget-friendly high-speed blender is a good option too.
Blend until smooth. Easy peasy.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 503
- Fats: 17.5g
- Protein: 14.5g
- Carbs: 64g
- Fiber: 13.6g
- Sugar: 5g
8. Hearty Vegan Stew Recipe
Credit: veggiesociety.com
When it’s freezing, you just want to hibernate. And you want to eat some stew.
This Hearty Vegan Stew is perfect for chilly nights. It’s smoky, rich, meaty, and oh, so comforting.
The jackfruit adds a nice meaty texture, while the red wine adds depths of flavor. You definitely don’t want to leave it out.
And the gnocchi is pillowy and soft.
Besides giving a meat texture, jackfruit is full of nutrition. It contains immune-boosting Vitamins A and C.
And it even contains magnesium and manganese, which are vital for strong bones. It also provides more protein than many other types of fruit.
What’s more, it may slow the aging of your skin. Besides using it in stews, you can use it in curries or soups.
You can even use it to make taco “meat.” If you’d like to try some jackfruit, you can get some here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 508
- Fats: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 116g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 6g
9. Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice
Credit: veggiesociety.com
Do you have a craving for some Chinese food? This Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice is sure to satisfy your cravings.
It has a lovely balance of umami, sweet, and savory. And since it doesn’t contain much heat, it’s good for the kiddos.
And the red bell peppers, green peas, and purple cabbage add lots of freshness – and nutrition. So, you can feel good eating this fried rice.
What’s more, this fried rice lasts 5 days in the fridge. So, it’s perfect for meal prep.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 839
- Fats: 6g
- Protein: 19g
- Carbs: 179g
- Fiber: 11g
- Sugar: 26g
10. Vegan Cheeseburger Wraps
Credit: makeitdairyfree.com
Time for some Vegan Cheeseburger Wraps. Yes, you read that right.
They look and taste amazing. Even meat-lovers will love it.
The meatless crumbles add a juicy, meaty texture. And the vegan Worcestershire sauce adds saltiness.
Meanwhile, the liquid smoke adds a lovely smoky flavor. And for the cheesiness, you’ll be using vegan cheese.
What I love most about this meal is that it takes just 30 minutes to make. So, it’s great for busy weeknight dinners.
And for extra calories, serve with fries or onion rings. Yum!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 566
- Fats: 22g
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 64g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 13g
11. Vegan Crispy Baked Tofu Burrito Bowl
Credit: eatwithclarity.com
Craving some Mexican food? This Vegan Crispy Baked Tofu Burrito Bowl is for you.
It’s full of Mexican flavors: Vegan Mexican rice, black beans, avocado, bell peppers, and tofu.
Yes, the tofu tastes pretty good too. That’s because of all the seasoning.
The Sriracha sauce makes it extra spicy. And the coconut sugar adds sweetness.
And the garlic powder and onion powder make it savory. Meanwhile, the corn starch makes the tofu nice and crispy.
If you weren’t a fan of tofu before, you will be now. And that’s a good thing.
It’s rich in protein which builds muscle. And it contains a ton of bone-building minerals like manganese, calcium, and phosphorus.
To make sure your tofu gets crispy, make sure you press your tofu. Wrap your tofu between two towels and placing a few books on it.
Or, to make it even easier, just use a tofu press. This tofu press is one of the best on the market.
It is mess-free and uses BPA-free plastic.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 543
- Fats: 21.1g
- Protein: 22.6g
- Carbs: 59g
- Fiber: 13.1g
- Sugar:
12. Spring Roll Bowls with Crispy Tofu
Credit: crowdedkitchen.com
Do you love spring rolls? Me too.
But all that work making them can be a pain. These Spring Roll Bowls with Crispy Tofu are an excellent alternative.
They are pretty much-deconstructed spring rolls. So, you have all the yummy tastes of a spring roll – without all the hassle.
These Spring Roll Bowls contain a ton of goodies. There’s crispy tofu, cucumbers, radishes, carrots, cabbage, mango, and avocados.
And it’s all tossed in a homemade sesame miso dressing. Then you top everything with peanuts and sesame seeds for some crunch.
To enhance the texture of the Bowl, you’’ be cutting your veggies really thin. To do this, you can simply use a mandolin. This mandolin slicer comes with protective gloves.
So, it’s safer on your hands.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 504
- Fats: 37.5g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 32.6g
- Fiber: 9.5g
- Sugar: 9.6g
13. Cauliflower Shawarma Buddha Bowl
Credit: oursaltykitchen.com
Looking for a vegan alternative to Chicken Shawarma? Try this Chicken, ahem, Cauliflower Shawarma Buddha Bowl.
It has tons of yummy flavors and textures. It’s tangy, spicy, sweet, crunchy, crispy, and creamy.
You’ll feel like you’re eating at a fine dining restaurant.
Besides being delicious, it’s nutritious too. One serving provides a whopping 1700% of your Vitamin A needs – that’s no typo.
And it provides more than 100% of your Vitamin C needs. And it is also rich in calcium which builds strong bones.
Who knew healthy eating could be so tasty?
Per Serving:
- Calories: 505
- Fats: 21g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 64g
- Fiber: 17g
- Sugar: 6g
14. Vegan Peanut Noodles
Credit: veggiesociety.com
I love having Ramen Noodles, as I’m sure many of you do too. They’re so easy to make.
And they’re perfect for slurping up…just saying.
These Vegan Peanut Noodles are perfect for the Ramen Noodle lover in you.
They’re so delicious. You’ve got crispy tofu, silky smooth Ramen noodles, and crunch cucumbers and bell peppers.
And they’re all tossed in a creamy peanut sauce. The maple syrup adds natural sweetness that is balanced the saltiness of the soy sauce.
And the red chili flakes add just the perfect amount of heat.
Now, this dish does take some time to make. In fact, it takes more than 2 hours.
But that’s because the pressing time for the tofu is 2 hours. So, it’s best to put your tofu in a tofu press in the morning.
Then place everything in the fridge. That way, when you come home from work, your tofu is ready to fry.
Just add some salt and tapioca (or cornstarch) to your tofu. This will help your tofu get crispy.
Then put your tofu in an air fryer and fry for 14 minutes. Don’t have an air fryer? You can get a good-quality air fryer at a reasonable price here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 762
- Fats: 40g
- Protein: 33g
- Carbs: 77g
- Fiber: 9g
- Sugar: 21g
15. Vegan Shepherds Pie
Credit: pickledplum.com
And talking about work, it can get kind of stressful. On those days, you just want to come home and chow on some comfort food.
And this Vegan Shepherd’s Pie is exactly what the therapist ordered. It’s creamy, savory, and oh so comforting.
And lentils, mushrooms, and mushroom stock add meatiness and umami flavors. Meanwhile, the mashed potatoes make it very filling.
Besides adding meatiness, mushrooms are good for you too. They are rich in B vitamins which are vital for your brain.
And they provide potassium which is essential for healthy blood pressure. They’re also rich in selenium, a powerful antioxidant.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 597
- Fats: 19.8g
- Protein: 18.5g
- Carbs: 90.4g
- Fiber: 13.1g
- Sugar: 4.6g
16. Quinoa Power Bowls
Credit: dishingouthealth.com
There are Power Bowls – and there are POWER BOWLS. This is definitely the latter.
The sweetness of the roasted butternut squash and the caramelized Brussels Sprouts balances the bitterness of the kale.
And the adobo sauce provides heat, while the maple syrup adds even more sweetness. Meanwhile, the creaminess of the avocado compliments the quinoa’s graininess.
It’s an explosion of flavor and tastes. You’ll definitely want this on your weekly rotation. Check out more healthy summer recipes.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 517
- Fats: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 67g
- Fiber: 14g
- Sugar: 14g
17. Mango Burrito Bowls
Credit: cookieandkate.com
Can’t decide whether to have Thai or Mexican? With these Mango Burrito Bowls, you can have both.
They’re vibrant, colorful, and, best of all, delicious. The mango adds a Thai spin to your classic Burrito Bowls.
Meanwhile, the cabbage adds crunchiness and extra nutrition. And the baked tofu is the icy on top of the cake, ahem, Burrito Bowls.
They’re nice and crispy. And the addition of the soy sauce adds umami.
Don’t have any mangos? You can use fresh pineapple instead.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 678
- Fats: 23.9g
- Protein: 26.8g
- Carbs: 90.1g
- Fiber: 10.9g
- Sugar: 33.6g
18. Peanut Stew Recipes with Soy Curls
Credit: veggiesociety.com
Want to visit another continent? Let’s try Africa.
This Peanut Stew is a game-changer for those cold winter nights. It’s hearty, creamy, and full of tropical flavors from coconut milk, peanut sauce, and peanuts.
And the soy curls add a nice
Yet it is good for you too because it contains dark leafy greens. Leafy greens not only reduce your risk of being overweight, but they also offer other health benefits.
The potatoes make it satisfying. And the soy curls add meatiness.
Besides adding texture, soy curls also add protein. Aside from using them in stews, you can also add them to stir-fries. If you need to get some soy curls, you can get some here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 657
- Fats: 44.7g
- Protein: 28.7g
- Carbs: 46.3g
- Fiber: 14.7g
- Sugar: 13.9g
19. Bali Bowl with Tempeh
Credit: quitegoodfood.co.nz
Ready to do some more traveling? Let’s explore Bali this time.
On the menu is sauteed tempeh made Bali-style. And it comes with fried peanuts, red rice, hot tomato sambal, and a cabbage-based salad.
Besides adding a nutty taste, tempeh is excellent for muscle building. That’s because it’s rich in protein.
It’s also good for your bones. That’s because it contains magnesium, calcium, and manganese.
And the red rice is pretty healthy too. Red rice contains more protein and fiber than white rice.
And it is packed with flavonoid antioxidants. So, it fights inflammation.
Besides using it in this Bali Bowl, you can also use it in meatless tacos. If you’d like to try some, you can get some here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 781
- Fats: 26g
- Protein: 29g
- Carbs: 114g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 16g
20. Roasted Broccoli Bowl
Credit: myquietkitchen.com
Do you avoid broccoli at all costs? This Roasted Broccoli Bowl may change your mind.
That’s because the broccoli is roasted instead of steamed. So, it tastes sweet instead of bitter.
And the sun butter sauce adds even more flavor. The maple syrup provides sweetness, and the soy sauce adds umami.
And the red pepper flakes add a bit of heat.
To make it more filling, you’ll be serving it with chickpeas and quinoa. Even though quinoa is grain-like, it contains a lot of protein.
And it’s rich in bone-building minerals, including manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus. And it doesn’t contain gluten.
If you’d like to try it, you can get some quinoa here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 595
- Fats: 18g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 82g
- Fiber: 18g
- Sugar: 19g
21. Winter Buddha Bowl
Credit: theawesomegreen.com
Are you suffering from the winter blues? This Winter Buddha Bowl is sure to cheer you up.
It’s a rainbow of colors and textures. You’ve got green leafy veggies, orange butternut squash, red pomegranate seeds, pink grapefruit, sauerkraut, puffy millet, and chickpeas.
And the homemade dressing complements the Bowl nicely. It’s creamy, tangy, savory, and has a bit of heat.
Besides being delicious, this salad is so nutritious. It provides 50% of your daily iron needs.
So it gives you energy. And it’s also rich in magnesium and Vitamin C.
So, it’s good for your bones and helps keep the doctor away. Yay!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 566
- Fats: 17g
- Protein: 17g
- Carbs: 93g
- Fiber: 21g
- Sugar: 15g
22. Thai Peanut Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl
Credit: whitneybond.com
Need another nutrient-rich dish? This Buddha Bowl is a great option.
It provides a whopping 880% of your daily Vitamin A needs. And it’s rich in potassium and iron.
But, best of all, it tastes great. After all, that’s what really matters, right?
Roasted sweet potatoes, fluffy quinoa, and carrots are served with a Thai peanut sauce. If it wasn’t so filling, you would go for seconds.
Best of all, this Buddha Bowl takes less than 30 minutes to make. So, it’s great for busy weeknight dinners.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 868
- Fats: 47g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 93g
- Fiber: 14g
- Sugar: 20g
23. Vegan Butternut Squash Curry
Credit: healthynibblesandbits.com
Do you like everything spicy? Then you’ll love this Vegan Butternut Squash Curry.
It’s creamy, smoky, spicy, and just plain delicious. And it even contains spinach.
The spinach lightens up the dish and provides extra nutrition. Spinach is rich in Vitamins A and C.
And it’s an excellent source of Vitamin K. In fact, just one leaf provides more than 50% of your daily Vitamin K needs.
It is also rich in carotenoids which promote eye health. So, eat up that spinach!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 507
- Fats: 20g
- Protein: 10.3g
- Carbs: 77.4g
- Fiber: 9.4g
- Sugar: 9g
23 High-Calorie Vegan Meals
On a plant-based diet or just need to eat more veggies? These High-Calorie Vegan Recipes are super delicious and are fun to make.
Ingredients
- 1. Chickpea Salad with Cucumbers & Tomato
- 2. One Pot Hummus Pasta
- 3. Ramen Noodles Stir Fry
- 4. Ultimate Vegan Buddha Bowl
- 5. Vegan Protein Salad Bowl
- 6. Arugula Pesto Pasta Meal Prep
- 7. Vegan Sweet Potato & Black Bean Burrito Bowl
- 8. Hearty Vegan Stew Recipe
- 9. Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice
- 10. Vegan Cheeseburger Wraps
- 11. Vegan Crispy Baked Tofu Burrito Bowl
- 12. Spring Roll Bowls with Crispy Tofu
- 13. Cauliflower Shawarma Buddha Bowl
- 14. Vegan Peanut Noodles
- 15. Vegan Shepherds Pie
- 16. Quinoa Power Bowls
- 17. Mango Burrito Bowls
- 18. Peanut Stew Recipes with Soy Curls
- 19. Bali Bowl with Tempeh
- 20. Roasted Broccoli Bowl
- 21. Winter Buddha Bowl
- 22. Thai Peanut Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl
- 23. Vegan Butternut Squash Curry
Instructions
- Scroll up to get a bunch of easy, yummy vegan recipes. Don't be afraid to get creative with the ingredients, you might discover a flavor you didn't know you liked.
- Get your shopping list going and make sure you've got all the ingredients.
- Get cooking and make your next High-Calorie Vegan Meal!
Notes
Which one of these recipes was your favorite? Let me know in the comment section or on Pinterest!