37 Vegetables Ranked by Protein Content
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Some people think of protein as being a chicken breast or a shake. Protein comes from vegetables too! Vegetables have been around a long time and some people eat them with no thought as to which ones have the most protein. Below are the vegetables with the most protein. The one that shocked me the most is at the bottom.
To be clear about how this works — we’re going from worst to best, so number 37 is at the bottom of the protein barrel and number 1 is the one you actually want on your plate. If you’re in a hurry, scroll straight to the bottom.
But honestly the middle of the list is where some of the more interesting surprises show up. A lot of the vegetables people assume are protein powerhouses ranked lower than expected, and a few that nobody talks about for protein ended up higher than they had any right to be.
Ranking Vegetables with the Least to Most Protein
#37. Cucumber
⚡ Getting a protein score of 0, except for here! It has a negligible amount and a ton of water.
It has a decent amount of skin, containing some antioxidants as well as vitamin K. Cucumbers are great for hydration. The cucumbers that have the least amount of seeds and the mild flavor are English Cucumbers. If they are pickled, they have probiotics too.
🥒 Quick Facts
- Trace protein — very low density, mostly water
- High water content makes it hydrating and filling at low calories
- Skin contains antioxidants and vitamin K — don’t always peel it
- English cucumbers have fewer seeds and milder flavor
- Best used as a refreshing base or volume filler, not a protein source
