Protein is a vital macronutrient that plays numerous essential roles in maintaining overall health. It serves as a building block for bones, muscles, cartilage, and skin, and is crucial for repairing tissues, oxygenating the body, and facilitating digestion. ([piedmont.org](https://www.piedmont.org/living-real-change/why-is-protein-important-in-your-diet)

While animal products are well-known sources of protein, many vegetables also offer significant protein content, making them excellent choices for those seeking plant-based options. Here are some high-protein vegetables to consider incorporating into your diet:

1. **Edamame**: These young soybeans provide about 18.5 grams of protein per cup when cooked. ([healthline.com]
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/19-high-protein-vegetables

2. **Lentils**: A cup of cooked lentils contains approximately 17.9 grams of protein. ([healthline.com]
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/19-high-protein-vegetables

3. **Pinto Beans**: Offering around 15.4 grams of protein per cooked cup, pinto beans are a nutritious addition to meals. ([healthline.com]
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/19-high-protein-vegetables


4. **Chickpeas**: Also known as garbanzo beans, chickpeas provide about 14.5 grams of protein per

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/19-high-protein-vegetable cup. ([healthline.com]
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/19-high-protein-vegetables

5. **Mung Beans**: These beans offer approximately 14.2 grams of protein per cooked cup. ([healthline.com]
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/19-high-protein-vegetables

6. **Fava Beans**: A cooked cup of fava beans contains about 12.9 grams of protein. ([healthline.com]
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/19-high-protein-vegetables

7. **Lima Beans**: Providing around 11.6 grams of protein per cooked cup, lima beans are both versatile and nutritious. ([healthline.com]
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/19-high-protein-vegetables

8. **Green Peas**: These peas offer about 8.6 grams of protein per cooked cup. ([healthline.com]
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/19-high-protein-vegetables


9. **Quinoa**: Although technically a seed, quinoa is often classified as a whole grain and provides approximately 8 grams of protein per cooked cup. ([healthline.com]
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/19-high-protein-vegetables

10. **Wild Rice**: This grain offers about 6.5 grams of protein per cooked cup. ([healthline.com]
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/19-high-protein-vegetables

​Incorporating these high-protein vegetables into your diet can help meet your nutritional needs, especially for those following plant-based diets or seeking to reduce meat consumption. They not only contribute to protein intake but also provide a range of other essential nutrients that support overall health.