We’re a tad obsessed with protein, aren’t we? And while it can be tempting to dive into the world of diet food filled with various forms of protein powder (I just saw protein powder fudge – no thanks!) in everything, it’s also really easy to eat delicious meals that naturally have a good amount of protein in them. Protein needs will vary person to person, but these high protein meals all have at least 20 grams of protein per serving. What are you trying first?
1. Shredded Chicken Nachos
You’re going to love these cheesy shredded chicken nachos! They are loaded with layers of crunchy chips, shredded salsa chicken, beans, and two layers of cheese. After a quick broil, it’s time to top with the perfect nacho toppings your heart desires. Each hefty serving has more than 50 grams of protein!
2. Shrimp Linguine
You are going to love this shrimp linguine recipe! It’s perfect for a special dinner at home, but fast enough to make for a delicious weeknight dinner as well. This shrimp and linguine starts with a base of chewy linguine, is topped with buttery garlic shrimp, and finished with crunchy garlic breadcrumbs for big time flavor and texture in each bite. Each serving has more than 28 grams of protein.
3. Grilled Chicken Thighs
Our favorite chicken thighs start with my grilled chicken thigh marinade that’s made with just a handful of basic ingredients and gives the chicken great flavor and color. Each thigh has more than 30 grams of protein.
4. Furikake Salmon
Baked furikake salmon starts with flaky salmon, a soy mayo mixture which keeps the fish super tender, and then the crunchy panko furikake topping. YUM. Each serving has about 40 grams of protein.
5. Turkey Burger Sliders
These turkey burgers are mixed with a few pantry staples that result in a delicious, nutritious, and super easy summer dinner that’s always a big hit. Grab your favorite slider buns and burger toppings and fire up the grill.
6. Salmon Caesar Salad
This Caesar salad with salmon is a nutritious and delicious meal, and it’s incredibly easy to make and ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner meal that’s both light and satisfying. Each serving has more than 30 grams protein.
7. Ground Turkey Tostadas
Crunchy tostada shells are topped with a layer of refried beans, turkey taco meat, queso fresco, and pickled red onions for a meal that’s made with just 5 ingredients and ready in 20 minutes. Two tostadas have more than 35 grams of protein.
8. Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa
This easy dinner is perfect for a busy weeknight, as it can be prepared in under 25 minutes and is packed with fresh, nutritious, and delicious ingredients. Three tacos have almost 25 grams of protein.
9. Chicken Fajita Quesadilla
Made up of simple ingredients, this quesadilla fajita is incredibly flavorful, includes all the components you need in a meal (protein, produce, carbs, and flavor), and comes together in less than 30 minutes. Each quesadilla has almost 50 grams of protein!
10. Lemon Pepper Shrimp
This lemon pepper shrimp recipe is sure to become a weeknight dinner fave and there’s a lot to love. It’s full of butter-y, lemon-y, pepper-y flavor (YUM!); it’s ready in about 10 minutes; and it’s made with simple ingredients. Serve over rice with a simple veggie. Each serving has about 45 grams of protein.
11. Black Bean Quesarito
Yes this black bean quesarito is a Taco Bell copycat! Because who doesn’t want to make a bean burrito out of a cheese quesadilla?! It just makes sense and turns out it’s totally delicious, incredibly easy, and a really (really!) filling meal. This vegetarian meal has more than 50 grams of protein! (You might want to start with half!) 🙂
12. Bacon and Egg Cups
The entire family will love these bacon and egg cups! They are a delicious and easy breakfast idea and are easy to customize it to suit your personal tastes. Plus, they are packed with protein, each egg cup has 8 grams of protein.
13. Harissa Chicken
Harissa chicken thighs is a spicy, flavorful chicken dish with a complex flavor, made using harissa chile paste. It is versatile, and you can easily control the heat level so everyone can enjoy it! Each serving has almost 20 grams of protein.
14. Ground Lamb Tacos
There are so many delicious flavors going on – we have Moroccan-inspired spiced lamb (that is succulent and rich and delicious); whipped lemon feta dip (IYKYK); crunchy shredded cabbage; and bright pickled red onions – all rolled up in a charred corn tortilla. We’re leaning on Moroccan inspiration in taco form for a fusion meal that’s oh-so-yummy and uh, it’s pretty easy too! Each serving has 33 grams of protein.
15. Parmesan Baked Cod
This parmesan baked cod has a crispy crust made of panko bread crumbs, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese, garlic, and lemon zest. This baked cod with panko is loaded with crunchy textures, buttery flavors, and tender, flaky fish and only takes about 20 minutes, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Each serving has 30 grams of protein.Â
16. Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad
This buffalo salad is loaded with crunchy veggies, cool ranch dressing, and spicy buffalo chicken! YUM! It uses a shortcut so it comes together in just 15 minutes. Each salad has almost 20 grams of protein, add more chicken if you need more than that!
17. Creamy Chicken Ramen Noodles
Everyone loves these creamy chicken ramen noodles with egg! The broth has creamy chicken flavor and a rich texture (just like when you get ramen from a ramen shop!) and the two ingredients that give it amazing flavor? Also happen to add a boost of protein and fat. Each serving has more than 23 grams of protein.
18. Fajita Chicken and Rice Burrito
Meet these quick and easy fajita chicken burritos! We’re wrapping up a delicious combination of a fajita-inspired chicken, cheese, rice, and beans for a yummy and filling burrito that the whole family will love. This healthy chicken burrito recipe also comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight meals. Each burrito has 41 grams of protein.
19. Ground Turkey Skillet
This ground turkey taco skillet has so much going for it! It’s incredibly tasty – we’ve got classic taco flavors, a healthy dose of cheese, and even a few veggies thrown in there, plus it’s ready in just 15 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips and mini bell peppers. Each serving has almost 45 grams of protein.
20. Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
This crockpot chicken and gravy recipe is a great choice for weeknights when you want something comforting, filling, and delicious – without a lot of prep time to make it happen. It’s a simple recipe with juicy chicken with the perfect texture in a savory sauce served over tender egg noodles. Each serving has more than 33 grams of protein.
21. Salmon Sliders with Caper Aioli
This salmon sliders recipe is a deliciously tasty dinner that has all of the flavors you want in a flavorful meal – sweet, salty, acidic, and rich. Combine them all in one sandwich and each bite is perfection! I love this for a quick dinner as the meal can really be served all on its own (we’ve got your nutrition bases covered – vegetable, protein, carb, and flavor!) or serve it with your favorite simple side. Don’t skip the sauce for salmon sliders as it’s loaded with flavor and totally elevates the sandwich. Each slider has almost 12 grams of protein.
Did you like this recipe? Please leave a review and let me know what you thought! I appreciate it so much.