10 High Protein Meals That Are Simple and Delicious
Looking to boost your meals with more protein without sacrificing flavor? We’ve put together a list of 10 simple and delicious high-protein recipes that are not only easy to whip up but taste great too. These meals are perfect for anyone wanting to fuel their body with nutritious goodness while keeping things tasty and satisfying!
Greek Yogurt Parfait with Berries
This Greek Yogurt Parfait with Berries is a delightful way to pack in protein while enjoying a refreshing treat. It’s creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy from the yogurt, perfectly balanced by the natural sweetness of fresh berries. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it a great choice for breakfast or a snack.
Layering yogurt, berries, and a crunchy topping creates a beautiful dish that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. It’s customizable too, so you can use your favorite fruits and toppings. Let’s make this delicious parfait!
Ingredients
- 2 cups Greek yogurt
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1/2 cup granola
- Honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
Instructions
- In a glass or bowl, start by adding a layer of Greek yogurt at the bottom.
- Next, add a layer of mixed berries, followed by a sprinkle of granola.
- Repeat the layers until the glass is filled, finishing with a layer of berries on top.
- If desired, drizzle honey or maple syrup over the top for added sweetness.
- Serve immediately for a fresh and healthy treat!
Salmon with Avocado Salsa
This salmon with avocado salsa is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of grilled salmon with the fresh and creamy taste of avocado. It’s simple to prepare and packed with protein, making it a perfect choice for a healthy meal any day of the week.
The vibrant salsa adds a refreshing twist, balanced with a hint of citrus. Each bite is a perfect blend of smoky, zesty, and creamy elements. If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or stovetop pan over medium-high heat.
- Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the salmon for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and flaky.
- While the salmon is cooking, prepare the avocado salsa by combining diced avocado, cucumber, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, and jalapeño in a bowl. Gently mix to combine.
- Once the salmon is ready, top each fillet with a generous scoop of the avocado salsa and serve immediately.
Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Peppers
Turkey and spinach stuffed peppers are a tasty and nutritious dish that’s easy to whip up on a busy weeknight. Packed with protein from the ground turkey and loaded with vitamins from the spinach, these peppers offer a wholesome meal that feels comforting and satisfying.
The combination of flavors is delightful, with the sweetness of the bell peppers balancing the savory filling. Plus, they are simple to make, requiring just a bit of chopping and mixing before they hit the oven.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Place them upright in a baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped spinach, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the turkey. Mix well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the turkey mixture and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious stuffed peppers!
Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew
This Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew is a cozy and hearty dish that’s packed with protein and flavor. It combines the earthiness of lentils with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, creating a comforting meal that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for a chilly day, this stew is not only delicious but also super easy to make!
With a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this nutritious meal in no time. It’s great for batch cooking and keeps well in the fridge, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Serve it with your favorite crusty bread for a satisfying dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown), rinsed
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, and carrot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the diced sweet potatoes, rinsed lentils, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils and sweet potatoes are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley, alongside crusty bread.
Pesto Zoodle Salad with Grilled Shrimp
Pesto Zoodle Salad with Grilled Shrimp is a delightful and fresh dish that’s perfect for a light meal. This recipe combines spiralized zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” with a vibrant basil pesto, adding a burst of flavor that’s both herbaceous and nutty. The grilled shrimp provides a nice touch of protein, making this salad satisfying without being heavy.
Simple to prepare, this salad is ready in just about 30 minutes. It’s a great choice for a quick lunch or dinner, especially on warm days when you want something refreshing. With its bright colors and delicious taste, this dish not only looks good but also feels good to eat!
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Zoodles: Spiralize the zucchinis into noodles and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix zucchini noodles with basil pesto until well coated. Add halved cherry tomatoes and toss gently.
- Serve: Plate the zoodle salad and top with grilled shrimp. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Egg and Black Bean Breakfast Tacos
Egg and black bean breakfast tacos are a quick, tasty way to kickstart your day. These tacos are packed with protein and flavor, making them a satisfying meal for breakfast or even brunch. The creamy scrambled eggs blend perfectly with the hearty black beans, while fresh veggies add a crunchy texture.
Making these tacos is simple and can be done in just a few minutes. You can customize them to your liking by adding your favorite toppings, like avocado or salsa. These breakfast tacos are not only delicious but also nutritious, keeping you fueled throughout the morning.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 small tortillas
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Avocado slices (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell peppers, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour the eggs into the skillet with the vegetables, stirring gently until scrambled and cooked through.
- Add the black beans to the skillet, mixing everything together until heated through.
- Warm the tortillas in a separate pan or microwave. Fill each tortilla with the egg and bean mixture.
- Top with fresh cilantro and avocado slices if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Grilled Chicken Quinoa Bowl
This Grilled Chicken Quinoa Bowl is not just tasty but packed with protein, making it a great choice for any meal of the day. The combination of juicy grilled chicken, fluffy quinoa, and fresh veggies creates a satisfying and nutritious dish that’s easy to whip up.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, combine quinoa and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy and liquid is absorbed.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium heat. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a bowl, mix the diced bell pepper, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and jalapeño.
- Assemble the Bowl: In serving bowls, layer cooked quinoa, sliced grilled chicken, and the vegetable mix. Drizzle with lemon juice and additional olive oil if desired. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry is a tasty and satisfying dish that packs a protein punch. It’s quick to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The tender beef pairs perfectly with the crunchy broccoli, all coated in a flavorful sauce that brings everything together.
This dish is not just nutritious; it’s also loaded with vibrant flavors that will please everyone at the table. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin, sliced thinly
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine sliced beef, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant. Then, add broccoli, bell pepper, and onion. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Add the Beef: Push the vegetables to the side and add the marinated beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Mix the vegetables and beef together. Pour in the oyster sauce and stir well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Chickpea and Feta Salad
This Chickpea and Feta Salad is a light and refreshing dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. Combining creamy feta with crunchy vegetables and hearty chickpeas, it makes for a delicious and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for a quick lunch or a side dish for dinner.
The tangy feta cheese adds a nice contrast to the chickpeas and fresh veggies, creating a delightful taste experience. Ideal for meal prep, this salad stays fresh in the fridge and can be customized with your favorite ingredients!
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for later use!
Cottage Cheese Pancakes with Berries
Cottage cheese pancakes are a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite. They are fluffy, packed with protein, and have a slightly tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of fresh berries. This recipe is super simple, making it perfect for a quick morning meal or a leisurely brunch with friends.
With their soft texture and the added burst of flavors from the berries, these pancakes are sure to please everyone at the table. Top them with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness, and you have a yummy dish that is both nutritious and satisfying!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Butter or oil for cooking
- Maple syrup or honey, for serving
Instructions
- Combine the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, rolled oats, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Heat the Pan: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil.
- Cook the Pancakes: Pour about 1/4 cup of the batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side, until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Stack the pancakes on a plate, top with fresh berries, and drizzle with maple syrup or honey. Enjoy!