10+ High Protein Recipes to Fuel Your Day

High protein recipes can be a great way to meet your nutritional goals while enjoying delicious meals. These recipes not only satisfy your hunger but also help you feel energized throughout the day. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or family, high protein dishes can be both tasty and beneficial.

From hearty dinners to quick snacks, there are plenty of options to explore. High protein foods can support muscle growth, keep you feeling full, and provide important nutrients. So, let’s dive into some exciting recipes that highlight the richness of protein in your meals!

1) Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken is a tasty and healthy option packed with protein. The zesty lemon and fresh herbs make it flavorful and bright. This dish is great for lunch or dinner.

To make this dish, start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The lemon marinade includes olive oil, garlic, and herbs like oregano and basil. It’s simple and adds plenty of flavor.

Grill the chicken to get those nice char marks. Cook it until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety and the best texture.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the chicken in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
4. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

2) Spicy Black Bean Quinoa Bowls

Spicy black bean quinoa bowls are a tasty and healthy meal option. They are packed with protein and fiber, making them perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

To make these bowls, you’ll combine cooked quinoa with black beans and your favorite spices. This adds flavor and nutrition. You can also top them with fresh veggies like avocado and cilantro.

These bowls are versatile, so feel free to customize them with your preferred toppings. Adding a squeeze of lime juice can enhance the taste even more.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 can black beans (15 oz)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 avocado, diced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water and cook according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat black beans over medium heat with cumin and chili powder.
3. Combine cooked quinoa and spiced beans in a bowl.
4. Top with diced avocado and cilantro.
5. Serve with lime wedges.

3) Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

This Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is a delicious way to enjoy a high-protein meal. It’s quick to make and packed with flavor, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

You will need shrimp, fresh veggies, and a tasty honey garlic sauce. The combination of sweet and savory is sure to please your taste buds.

Here’s what you will need:

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
2. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes.
4. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, and garlic. Pour over the shrimp and veggies.
5. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until everything is coated and heated through.

4) Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken

This dish is a delicious way to enjoy chicken while packing in protein and flavor. The combination of spinach and feta cheese creates a tasty filling that you’ll love.

You can easily prepare this meal for a cozy night in or when you want to impress guests. The juicy chicken paired with the creamy filling makes every bite special.

For a twist, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or other favorite herbs. This recipe is simple and perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon instant minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 (16 ounce) bag of spinach (frozen works great)
• 1 cup feta cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the spinach in olive oil and garlic until wilted.
3. Mix in the feta cheese and season.
4. Stuff the chicken breasts with the spinach mixture.
5. Place in a baking dish and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.

5) Smoky Lentil and Sausage Stew

Smoky lentil and sausage stew is a hearty dish that’s perfect for a cozy evening. This meal combines sweet and savory sausage with tender lentils and vibrant vegetables. The smoky flavor gives it a unique twist that you’ll love.

You can easily whip this up in one pot, making clean-up a breeze. It’s not only delicious but also packed with protein thanks to the lentils and sausage, keeping you full and satisfied.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until soft.
2. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned.
3. Stir in the lentils, broth, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes at 200°F (95°C).
5. Check the lentils for doneness, then serve hot.

6) Thai Peanut Tofu Wraps

Thai peanut tofu wraps are a tasty and high-protein meal option. They feature crispy baked tofu, crunchy veggies, and a rich peanut sauce. You can enjoy them as a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner.

To make these wraps, start by preparing your tofu and baking it until it’s golden and crispy. While the tofu is baking, chop colorful veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and cucumbers.

Once everything is ready, layer the veggies and tofu in a wrap. Drizzle with the flavorful peanut sauce for a delicious finish.

Ingredients

• 1 block of firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 bell pepper
• 1 carrot
• 1 cucumber
• Tortillas or wraps
• ¼ cup peanut sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Press and cube the tofu. Marinate in soy sauce for 10 minutes.
3. Bake tofu for 25-30 minutes until crispy.
4. Chop the veggies.
5. Assemble the wrap with tofu, veggies, and drizzle with peanut sauce. Enjoy!

7) Roasted Chickpea Salad

Roasted chickpea salad is a tasty and nutritious dish. It combines crunchy roasted chickpeas with fresh veggies. This salad is great for lunch or as a side dish.

You’ll need cooked chickpeas, your choice of vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, and spices. The roasted chickpeas add protein and flavor. This salad is also gluten-free and full of healthy ingredients.

You can enjoy it as is, or add a dressing to make it creamier. This recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

• 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup chopped vegetables (like bell peppers and zucchini)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the chickpeas with olive oil and spices.
3. Spread chickpeas on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
5. Mix with chopped vegetables. Enjoy!

8) Quinoa and White Bean Chili

Quinoa and white bean chili is a tasty and healthy dish packed with protein. The combination of quinoa and white beans makes it filling and nutritious. You can easily make this chili in a slow cooker or an Instant Pot.

To begin, sauté some onions, garlic, and bell peppers for flavor. Then, add cooked quinoa, white beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Season it with spices like cumin and chili powder for a kick.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours in a slow cooker or in the Instant Pot for about 6 minutes on high pressure. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper in a pot.
2. Add quinoa, white beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
3. Stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 6-8 hours. If using an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.

9) Baked Salmon with Dill

Baked salmon with dill is a flavorful, healthy option for dinner. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for any night of the week. The combination of fresh dill and lemon brightens up the salmon nicely.

You can use a yogurt-based dill sauce to add a creamy touch. This sauce is easy to whip up while the salmon is baking. Your family will love the tender, flaky texture of the fish.

To make this dish, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. It’s not only delicious but also packed with protein. Enjoy this dish paired with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place a baking sheet on the counter.
3. Put the salmon on the baking sheet.
4. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the salmon.
5. Sprinkle the salmon with dill, salt, and pepper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.

10) Zucchini Noodles with Turkey Bolognese

Zucchini noodles, also known as zoodles, are a fun and healthy twist on pasta. They are low in carbs and high in nutrients. This dish pairs perfectly with turkey bolognese for a protein-packed meal.

To make this recipe, start with fresh zucchini. You can spiralize them into noodle shapes.

Next, cook turkey with onions, garlic, and tomatoes for a savory sauce.

This meal is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. You can enjoy it for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Spiralize the zucchinis to create noodles.
2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add onion and garlic, then sauté them until they are soft.
4. Add ground turkey and cook until it is browned.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Then, simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Serve the sauce over zucchini noodles and garnish with basil if desired.