15 High-Protein Healthy Recipes
Maintaining a balanced diet while ensuring you’re getting enough protein is essential for building and repairing muscles, keeping you energized, and supporting overall health.
Whether you’re an athlete or simply looking to eat healthier, high-protein meals are crucial for sustaining long-term energy and satiety.
These 15 high-protein healthy recipes are not only delicious but also packed with the right amount of protein to support your dietary needs.
From lean meats and legumes to plant-based options, these recipes are easy to prepare and perfect for any meal of the day.
1. Grilled Chicken and Quinoa Salad
This grilled chicken and quinoa salad is a wholesome meal packed with lean protein and fiber-rich quinoa. The fresh veggies and zesty dressing elevate this nutritious dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup quinoa (cooked)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cucumber (sliced)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and grill for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
- In a bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Slice the chicken and add it to the salad. Toss and serve.
2. Lentil and Chickpea Stew
Packed with plant-based protein, this hearty lentil and chickpea stew is full of flavor and fiber, making it a satisfying and nutritious option for any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lentils (rinsed)
- 1 can chickpeas (drained)
- 2 carrots (chopped)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, sauté the onion and carrots for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the lentils, chickpeas, vegetable broth, cumin, and season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender. Serve hot.
3. Spicy Tofu Stir-Fry
This spicy tofu stir-fry is a delicious vegetarian dish, packed with protein from tofu and loaded with colorful veggies for a healthy, flavor-packed meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 block firm tofu (pressed and cubed)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté tofu cubes until golden brown on all sides.
- Add the broccoli and bell pepper to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in soy sauce and sriracha sauce, cook for another minute, and serve.
4. Turkey and Spinach Meatballs
These turkey and spinach meatballs are a high-protein, low-fat meal that’s perfect for any day. The spinach adds extra nutrients to the lean turkey, making them both healthy and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup spinach (chopped)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the turkey, spinach, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
5. Greek Yogurt and Fruit Parfait
This Greek yogurt and fruit parfait is a delicious and protein-packed breakfast or snack. It combines creamy Greek yogurt with fresh fruit and a sprinkle of granola for extra texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup granola
- 1/2 cup mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries)
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
Instructions:
- In a glass, layer Greek yogurt, mixed berries, and granola.
- Drizzle with honey if desired.
- Serve immediately as a refreshing and nutritious snack.
6. Black Bean and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
These black bean and quinoa stuffed peppers are a plant-based protein-packed dish, full of fiber and delicious flavors. They are easy to prepare and make for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers (tops cut off and seeds removed)
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, and cumin.
- Stuff the peppers with the mixture, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender.
7. Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa
This grilled salmon is rich in protein and healthy fats, topped with a fresh and tangy avocado salsa. It’s a light and flavorful meal that’s ready in no time.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 avocado (diced)
- 1/4 cup red onion (chopped)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Drizzle the salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- In a bowl, mix the diced avocado, red onion, and lime juice. Top the grilled salmon with the avocado salsa and serve.
8. Egg White and Veggie Scramble
This egg white and veggie scramble is a light, high-protein breakfast or snack. It’s packed with vegetables and protein from egg whites, making it a healthy choice for any time of day.
Ingredients:
- 4 egg whites
- 1/2 cup bell peppers (chopped)
- 1/4 cup spinach (chopped)
- 1/4 cup onion (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and sauté the bell peppers, spinach, and onion for 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Add the egg whites to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and scramble until cooked through.
- Serve hot for a light, protein-packed meal.
9. Chicken and Avocado Salad
This chicken and avocado salad is loaded with protein from the grilled chicken and healthy fats from the avocado, making it a perfect meal for any time of day.
Ingredients:
- 2 grilled chicken breasts (sliced)
- 1 avocado (diced)
- 1 cup mixed greens
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and grilled chicken slices.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Toss gently and serve immediately for a fresh, healthy salad.
10. Turkey and Spinach Lettuce Wraps
These turkey and spinach lettuce wraps are a low-carb, high-protein option for lunch or dinner. They’re packed with protein from the turkey and nutrients from the spinach.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 cups spinach (chopped)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 head Romaine lettuce (for wraps)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the ground turkey until browned.
- Add the spinach, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and cook until the spinach wilts.
- Spoon the turkey and spinach mixture onto the lettuce leaves and wrap. Serve immediately.
11. Grilled Chicken and Veggie Skewers
These grilled chicken and veggie skewers are an easy and delicious high-protein option for a camping trip or backyard BBQ. Packed with lean chicken and colorful vegetables, they make for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts (cubed)
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 zucchini (sliced)
- 1/2 onion (chopped)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the chicken, bell pepper, zucchini, and onion onto skewers.
- Brush with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill for 8-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, turning occasionally.
12. Baked Tofu with Peanut Sauce
Baked tofu with peanut sauce is a savory, protein-packed dish that’s perfect for a plant-based meal. The crispy tofu combined with the creamy peanut sauce creates a delicious and satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 block firm tofu (pressed and cubed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss tofu cubes with olive oil, soy sauce, and sesame oil, then spread them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until crispy. Mix peanut butter and honey, then drizzle over the baked tofu and serve.
13. Spicy Tuna Salad
This spicy tuna salad is high in protein and easy to prepare. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or snack and can be served with crackers or as a wrap.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans tuna (drained)
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup red onion (chopped)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine tuna, sriracha, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and red onion.
- Stir until well mixed.
- Serve with crackers, as a sandwich, or on a bed of lettuce.
14. Egg and Avocado Breakfast Bowl
This egg and avocado breakfast bowl is a simple, high-protein meal that’s perfect for a healthy start to the day. The creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the protein-packed eggs.
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs (scrambled or fried)
- 1/2 avocado (sliced)
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the eggs to your liking (scrambled or fried).
- In a bowl, layer the quinoa, cooked eggs, and sliced avocado.
- Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.
15. Cottage Cheese and Pineapple Bowl
This simple cottage cheese and pineapple bowl is a refreshing, protein-packed snack or light meal. The combination of creamy cottage cheese and sweet pineapple makes for a delicious, balanced option.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup pineapple (diced)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine cottage cheese and pineapple.
- Stir in chia seeds if desired for extra fiber.
- Serve immediately for a quick and refreshing snack.