10 High-Protein Vegetables That Are Filling & Nutritious

Here are 10 of the highest protein vegetables you can eat, plus some helpful tips on how to bump up your protein intake when you're following a plant-based diet.

Other veggies, like spinach and artichokes, also contain a relatively high concentration of protein and can help boost your overall protein intake.

One cup1 of lentils provides 17.9 grams of protein, which is nearly 30% more protein than what's found in two large eggs2.

Like lentils, kidney beans are rich in protein. They're also an excellent source of folate, a vitamin that's especially important during pregnancy as it plays important roles in fetal development3. One cup of kidney beans covers 58%4 of your daily folate needs. 

Green peas are an underrated vegetable that deserve some room on your plate. Not only are peas rich in protein, but 1 cup covers over 20%5 of your needs for vitamins A, C, and K, plus the B vitamins folate and thiamine. 

Black beans are a good choice if you're trying to increase your protein intake. They pair well with a number of foods and can add texture and flavor to your favorite recipes while boosting the nutritional value. Black beans are especially high in magnesium6, a mineral that's crucial for stress regulation.

Just 1 cup of edamame contains more protein than 2 cups of milk8. The same serving covers over 100% of your daily folate needs and 52% of your needs for vitamin K9, a nutrient that's necessary for bone health and blood clotting. 

Even though peanuts are commonly considered a nut, they're actually a legume. Peanuts and peanut butter are high in protein and, unlike most other vegetables, they pair well with both sweet and savory ingredients. In addition to protein, peanuts are a good source11 of magnesium, folate, and vitamin E, which functions as a powerful antioxidant12 in the body. 

It's also an excellent source14 of a number of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, iron, and magnesium. 

You may have never tried fava beans, but you'll likely become a fan once you taste them. These protein-packed beans have a buttery taste and creamy texture. Plus, they're rich in15 minerals like magnesium, copper, potassium, and zinc. 

This spring vegetable is surprisingly high in protein, packing in over 4 grams per cup16. It's high in protective flavonoid antioxidants17 and is a rich source of vitamins A, C, K, and folate. 

Artichokes are known for their high fiber content, which is a nutrient that's lacking in most people's diets. One cup of artichoke hearts provides 9.69 grams of fiber18, which covers 34% of the daily value (DV) for fiber. In addition to fiber, artichokes contain plant-based protein plus vitamins C and K, folate, and minerals like magnesium and potassium.  

If you'd like to boost your plant-based protein intake, here are some of the highest protein vegetables you can eat:

Protein researcher and professor at McMaster University Stuart Phillips, Ph.D., agrees. He believes that most people should be taking in at least 1.2 g/kg (0.54 g/lb) of protein per day. In order to meet those needs, he encourages those on plant-based diets to pay special attention to protein. "I like to try and encourage people to think about protein at all meals," Phillips tells mindbodygreen. 

So, as long as you're consuming a varied diet that provides all of the amino acids your body needs on a daily basis, you're good to go! 

Lentils, black beans, green peas, peanuts, and spinach are just a few examples of vegetables that are high in protein. Incorporating these and other plant-based protein sources into your meals and snacks can help you hit your protein goals and feel your best.