10+ Protein Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals

Protein is an essential part of a healthy diet, helping to build and repair tissues and keep you feeling full. These recipes not only provide you with the protein your body needs, but they also offer delicious flavors and easy preparation methods. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, there’s a variety of tasty options to explore.

Incorporating high-protein meals into your cooking routine can be both fun and rewarding. You can enjoy tasty dishes that help fuel your day while also meeting your nutritional goals.

Get ready to discover a range of recipes that will delight your taste buds and support your healthy lifestyle.

1) Chicken Lo Mein

Chicken Lo Mein is a tasty dish that you can easily make at home. It combines chicken with vegetables and noodles, giving you a protein-packed meal. This dish is not only delicious but also healthier than takeout.

You can make it in about 30 minutes, perfect for a quick dinner. Use fresh veggies like bell peppers and carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 3 tsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1/4 tsp cornstarch
• 1/8 tsp baking powder
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers and carrots)
• 8 oz lo mein or spaghetti noodles

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions and drain.
2. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add sliced chicken and cook until browned.
4. Stir in soy sauce, cornstarch, and vegetables.
5. Cook until vegetables are tender.
6. Toss in cooked noodles and mix well.
7. Serve warm and enjoy your Chicken Lo Mein!

2) Pan Seared Shrimp

Pan seared shrimp is a quick and tasty dish. It’s full of protein and takes only a few minutes to prepare. You can enjoy it with sides like roasted veggies or a fresh salad.

To make this dish, you’ll need some simple ingredients. Start by drying the shrimp with a paper towel. This helps them cook better. Then, season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Cook the shrimp in a hot skillet with a little butter for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Make sure they turn pink and opaque.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Garlic powder, to taste
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel.
2. Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the butter to the skillet.
5. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.

3) Vegetable Crustless Quiche

A Vegetable Crustless Quiche is a tasty and healthy breakfast option. It is simple to make and packed with nutrients. You can fill it with your favorite vegetables for added flavor.

Eggs form the base, providing protein and richness. Many people enjoy adding ingredients like spinach, bell peppers, and onions. You can also use cheese for extra creaminess.

This dish is gluten-free and great for meal prep. It’s perfect for brunch or a light dinner. You can eat it warm or cold, making it very versatile.

Ingredients

• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (or milk alternative)
• 1 cup chopped vegetables (e.g., spinach, bell peppers, onions)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together.
3. Stir in the chopped vegetables and cheese.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until set.

4) French Onion Chicken Soup

French Onion Chicken Soup is a delicious and hearty dish. It combines tender chicken with caramelized onions, creating a rich flavor. This high-protein meal is perfect for dinner and is sure to satisfy.

To make this soup, you’ll start by cooking the onions until golden brown. Then, add chicken and broth, allowing the flavors to meld together. Top it off with cheese, and let it melt for a comforting finish.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 4 large onions, sliced
• 4 cups bone broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup grated cheese (like Gruyère)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 25 minutes.
3. Add chicken breasts and bone broth. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Simmer for 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
5. Serve hot, and top with melted cheese. Enjoy!

5) Lemongrass Chicken Noodle Bowls

Lemongrass chicken noodle bowls are a vibrant dish filled with flavors. The marinated chicken thighs bring a rich taste while the fresh veggies add crunch. This meal is satisfying and healthy.

To start, you will need vermicelli noodles, which are light and perfect for this dish. You’ll mix them with fresh herbs and crisp vegetables for a refreshing touch. Drizzling some nuoc cham sauce adds a nice kick.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs
• Lemongrass
• Vermicelli noodles
• Fresh herbs (like mint and cilantro)
• Crisp vegetables (like carrots and cucumbers)
• Nuoc cham sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken thighs in lemongrass and other spices for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook the vermicelli noodles according to package instructions.
3. Grill or sauté the marinated chicken until cooked through.
4. Assemble the bowl with noodles, chopped veggies, and herbs.
5. Drizzle nuoc cham sauce on top and enjoy!

6) Marry Me Chicken

Marry Me Chicken is a delicious dish packed with protein. You can enjoy it for dinner, and it’s sure to impress anyone you serve it to. The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a favorite.

This recipe is simple and quick to make. You can have it ready in about 30 minutes. Each serving has around 30 grams of protein, making it a nutritious option.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 3/4 cup chicken bone broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup whole milk cottage cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat the chicken until golden brown.
3. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and cottage cheese.
4. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15 minutes until cooked through. Enjoy!

7) Grilled Salmon Quinoa Bowl

The Grilled Salmon Quinoa Bowl is a delicious way to enjoy a healthy meal. It is full of protein and good fats. This bowl combines grilled salmon with quinoa and fresh vegetables for a satisfying dish.

Start by cooking your quinoa according to the package instructions. While it cooks, season your salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Grill the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for about 5-7 minutes on each side.

Once everything is ready, assemble your bowl. Place quinoa at the bottom and top it with grilled salmon, cucumber slices, and avocado. Drizzle with a simple dressing of olive oil and lemon juice for added flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 salmon fillets
• Salt and pepper
• 1 lemon
• 1 cucumber
• 1 avocado
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook quinoa as directed.
2. Season salmon and grill at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes per side.
3. Slice cucumber and avocado.
4. Assemble by layering quinoa, salmon, cucumber, and avocado.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.

8) Protein-Packed Smoothies

Protein-packed smoothies are a great way to start your day or refuel after a workout. They are quick to make and you can customize them with your favorite ingredients.

You can blend fruits, yogurt, and even vegetables for a tasty drink. Adding protein powder or Greek yogurt boosts the protein content.

Consider a Mango-Almond Smoothie. This delicious option brings in healthy fats and fiber. Another great choice is the Anti-Inflammatory Cherry-Spinach Smoothie, which is refreshing and full of nutrients.

Ingredients for Mango-Almond Smoothie

• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup frozen mango
• 2 tablespoons almond butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Add almond milk to the blender.
2. Add banana, mango, and almond butter.
3. Blend until smooth and enjoy!

Ingredients for Cherry-Spinach Smoothie

• 1 cup low-fat yogurt
• 1 cup frozen cherries
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 tablespoon honey

Cooking Instructions

1. Put yogurt, cherries, spinach, and honey in the blender.
2. Blend until well mixed.
3. Pour into a glass and serve!

9) High-Protein Lentil Salad

This High-Protein Lentil Salad is a tasty, healthy option for any meal. Lentils are packed with protein and are very filling. You can easily mix them with fresh veggies for added crunch.

To make it even better, add some feta cheese and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. This will give your salad extra flavor and richness.

You can also prep this salad ahead of time. It makes a perfect meal for busy days or picnics. Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or dressings too.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked masoor dal (brown lentils)
• 1 cup chopped mixed vegetables (like bell peppers and cucumbers)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook lentils according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils and chopped vegetables.
3. Add feta cheese.
4. In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt and olive oil.
5. Pour dressing over the salad and mix well.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

10) Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Cottage cheese pancakes are a tasty and protein-packed breakfast option. They are easy to make and have a fluffy texture that you will love. With just a few ingredients, you can whip these up in no time.

These pancakes typically have around 20 grams of protein per serving. This makes them a filling choice that can keep you energized throughout the day.

You can serve them with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey for added flavor. They are also great for meal prepping, so you can enjoy them any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup oats
• Optional: a pinch of salt and vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. In a blender, combine cottage cheese, eggs, and oats. Blend until smooth.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat (approximately 350°F or 175°C).
3. Pour batter in small amounts onto the skillet.
4. Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden brown.
5. Enjoy!