10 High-Calorie Vegan Meals for Energy and Strength

Vegan meals can be both nutritious and calorie-dense, making them perfect for those looking to gain weight, build muscle, or stay energized throughout the day. Whether you need a post-workout meal or simply want to increase your daily calorie intake, these high-calorie vegan meals are satisfying, delicious, and packed with essential nutrients.

FAQs

Are high-calorie vegan meals healthy?

Yes! High-calorie vegan meals can be rich in healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and plant-based protein. Ingredients like avocados, nuts, seeds, and legumes provide essential nutrients without unhealthy additives.

Can I gain weight on a vegan diet?

Absolutely! By including calorie-dense foods like nut butters, whole grains, and plant-based oils, you can achieve a calorie surplus while maintaining a nutritious diet.

What are the best high-calorie vegan foods?

Some of the best high-calorie vegan foods include quinoa, lentils, tofu, avocado, coconut milk, and tahini. These ingredients help boost the calorie content of meals while offering valuable nutrients.

1. Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal

A warm bowl of oatmeal with peanut butter and bananas is an excellent high-calorie vegan breakfast. Oats provide slow-releasing energy, while peanut butter and bananas add healthy fats and natural sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 cups almond milk
• 2 tbsp peanut butter
• 1 ripe banana, sliced
• 1 tbsp flaxseeds
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook oats with almond milk over medium heat until thickened.
2. Stir in peanut butter and maple syrup.
3. Top with banana slices and flaxseeds.

Get the full recipe here.

2. Vegan Chickpea and Sweet Potato Curry

This flavorful curry is rich in plant-based protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats, making it a hearty high-calorie meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 1 sweet potato, diced
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil.
2. Add diced sweet potatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Pour in coconut milk and chickpeas, season with curry powder, and simmer until sweet potatoes are tender.

Get the full recipe here.

3. Avocado Toast with Hummus and Seeds

A simple, high-calorie snack or meal that combines the creaminess of avocado with the protein-packed goodness of hummus and seeds.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices whole-grain bread
• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 tbsp hummus
• 1 tbsp hemp seeds
• 1 tbsp sunflower seeds
• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Toast the bread and spread hummus evenly.
2. Mash avocado on top and sprinkle with seeds.
3. Add chili flakes for extra flavor.

Get the full recipe here.

4. Vegan Pasta with Cashew Cream Sauce

This creamy pasta dish is packed with healthy fats and protein, thanks to cashew-based sauce.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked pasta
• ½ cup cashews (soaked and blended)
• 1 cup plant-based milk
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Blend soaked cashews, plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, and garlic into a creamy sauce.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan and stir in the sauce.
3. Toss with cooked pasta and serve.

Get the full recipe here.

5. Lentil and Quinoa Buddha Bowl

This nutrient-dense meal combines lentils, quinoa, and veggies for a wholesome, high-calorie meal.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup cooked lentils
• ½ cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup mixed greens
• ½ avocado, sliced
• 1 tbsp tahini
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Arrange lentils, quinoa, and greens in a bowl.
2. Top with avocado slices.
3. Drizzle with tahini and lemon juice.

Get the full recipe here.

6. Vegan Tofu Stir-Fry with Rice

A protein-rich tofu stir-fry served with rice makes for a high-calorie and balanced meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice
• ½ block firm tofu, cubed
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp ginger, minced

Instructions:

1. Sauté tofu in sesame oil until golden brown.
2. Add vegetables, soy sauce, and ginger.
3. Serve over cooked rice.

Get the full recipe here.

7. Vegan Black Bean and Avocado Burrito

A high-calorie meal packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

Ingredients:

• 1 large tortilla
• ½ cup black beans
• ½ avocado, mashed
• ¼ cup corn
• 2 tbsp salsa
• 1 tbsp vegan cheese

Instructions:

1. Spread mashed avocado over the tortilla.
2. Add black beans, corn, salsa, and cheese.
3. Roll up and serve.

Get the full recipe here.

8. Nutty Vegan Smoothie

A calorie-packed smoothie that’s great for breakfast or post-workout refueling.

Ingredients:

• 1 banana
• 2 tbsp almond butter
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 tbsp flaxseeds
• 1 tbsp cacao powder

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Serve chilled.

Get the full recipe here.

9. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

A comforting and calorie-dense meal with lentils and creamy mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 2 potatoes, mashed
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and carrot in olive oil.
2. Add lentils and simmer.
3. Layer with mashed potatoes and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.

Get the full recipe here.

10. Coconut Milk Chia Pudding

A creamy, high-calorie dessert or snack rich in omega-3s and healthy fats.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 3 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a jar.
2. Refrigerate overnight and enjoy.

Get the full recipe here.

These high-calorie vegan meals are perfect for anyone looking to add more energy-dense foods to their diet. For more plant-based recipes, check out other delicious vegan meals.