If you're looking for an easy, balanced meal to make after a busy workday, this minute dish is it. Start by cooking the protein-packed cheesy spinach quinoa, which boasts fresh greens and shredded Gruyère. Next, cook the salt-and-pepper-seasoned chicken breasts in a large skillet, serve the quinoa alongside, and you're good to go!

Meatballs: One could argue there are few protein bites that are more appealing than piping-hot balls of ground meat. Case in point: these lamb meatballs are better. They are spiced with garlic, paprika, and cumin and served in a chicken broth with Swiss chard and orzo. A dollop of yogurt completes this Middle Eastern-inspired meal in a bowl.

You've seen plenty of sheet pan dinner recipes , and this curry salmon supper works the same way. Think of it as a curried Caprese salad with salmon instead of mozzarella. Serve the fillets over rice and top each plate with blistered grape tomatoes and fresh basil.

Whether you're cutting back on carbs , trimming your grocery bill, or looking to get dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes, this high protein meal fits the bill. It pairs perfectly seared pork chops with a peppery arugula and stone fruit salad.

Don't have peaches? Use plums or nectarines. Yes, mole often takes a whole day to prepare, but it takes only seconds to pull a jar of it off your grocer's shelf.

This recipe transforms that store-bought mole sauce into a delicious dressing for protein-packed quinoa, black beans, and pumpkin seeds. This recipe coats protein-rich salmon fillets with a glaze of chili sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. After a quick sear, serve atop fluffy brioche burger buns with a crisp watercress salad.

In just 25 minutes, you have a delicious, healthy meal for four. Ribollita pronounced ree-bohl-LEE-tah is Italian comfort food at its finest.

This Tuscan-style soup is packed with good-for-you vegetables collard greens, black-eyed peas, and tomatoes plus plenty of Parmigiano-Reggiano, a surprisingly good source of protein too.

While turkey burgers aren't always the most flavorful option, these burgers are anything but bland thanks to chili powder and black pepper. A homemade lime mayo, ripe avocado slices, and chopped onion add even more flavor to the burgers, while crispy oven fries complete the meal.

This showstopper of a steak dinner can be cooked entirely on the stovetop. If you prefer the grill, cook the beef outdoors while you follow the procedure for the rest of the meal that's ready in just 30 minutes. Sure, you could wake up to this frittata-like dish for breakfast—or turn to it as a high protein dinner served warm or at room temperature.

Looking for a vegetarian option? Omit the chorizo and substitute another vegetable like diced green and red bell peppers or sliced zucchini. Two kinds of cheese—ricotta and mozzarella—along with squash puree and baby spinach give this meatless lasagna heft.

And that's not even the best part: This lasagna cooks in the slow cooker, so there's no hot oven blasting for hours. Serve with a green salad for a deceptively easy meal that's as inexpensive to prepare as it is tasty. Expand your seafood repertoire with this recipe for broiled bass.

This white fish boasts a mild flavor and smooth, buttery texture, and it's deliciously moist and flaky with a tasty miso glaze.

It's served alongside a slaw of red cabbage, red bell pepper, and sliced jalapeños topped with a soy-and-lime dressing. Almond flour stands in for panko to coat chicken cutlets in this recipe, but you won't miss any crispness or flavor because sesame seeds add earthy notes along with some crunch.

The crispy chicken pairs with a lemony arugula and Brussels sprouts salad that offsets the juicy cutlets. Get your chili fix—and plenty of protein—with this flavorful recipe.

It gets a Southwestern flare from poblano peppers and chili powder, along with a hearty base of onion, carrots, peppers, and beans. Top with Greek yogurt and shredded cheese for more protein, plus sliced avocado and whatever else you crave.

These veggie burgers prove you don't need meat to get your protein fix. Instead, you'll find chickpeas, spicy harissa, panko, lemon juice, herbs, and spices.

Set the burgers on brioche buns, top with smashed avocado, sliced tomatoes, red onion, and lettuce, and dinner is served! This simple vegan stir fry boasts plenty of protein thanks to tofu.

Toss in additional veggies to up the nutritional content, and feel free to swap out the white rice for brown rice for more protein. Easily customizable to suit your preferences and what's in the fridge , you can throw this together in about 30 minutes. A half-dozen veggies give this vegetarian dish plenty of protein and other key nutrients.

Our favorite thing about this game-day classic is you can toss ingredients in a slow cooker and, after about 5 hours, it's time to eat! As you may have guessed, this salad is packed with protein-rich superfoods.

It pairs sunflower seeds and lentils with zucchini, greens, and golden raisins. Even the dressing—a versatile, fresh, sunflower seed vinaigrette—is loaded with nutrients. Beneath a layer of buttery, creamy mashed potatoes—that, believe it or not, deliver on the protein front—you'll find a mean vegetable-enriched ground beef filling made with mushrooms and tomato paste.

Though more time-consuming than most, this hearty English meat-and-potatoes meal is worthy of a spot on your winter dinner rotation. Wild rice has more protein than the oft-lauded brown rice, which is reason alone to give this dish a try.

It also features mushrooms and dried cranberries for a dash of sweetness. Serve alongside just about any meat or fish dish, or snack on it solo when you're feeling a bit peckish. Grains tend to get a bad rap, but whole grains, like the farro used here, are quite healthy and pack plenty of protein.

This hearty soup also features a rich Parmesan-infused broth, carrots, celery, white beans, and kale. The homemade Parm crisps add a savory touch and a much-needed crunch to this nutritious meal.

These meat-free tacos certainly don't lack protein thanks to tofu and a crumbled goat cheese topping. Chili powder and store-bought salsa deliver a burst of flavor you won't want to miss. No need for takeout here! This garlicky hoisin beef is just as good as your favorite restaurant meal, and it's loaded with protein.

Hoisin sauce is typically used in Cantonese cooking and has a fragrant aroma and taste that pairs well with the sirloin steak. Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising. Use profiles to select personalised advertising.

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Use limited data to select content. List of Partners vendors. The chili powder, chipotle, ancho, and cayenne combine into firestorm of heat, tempered only by the enhanced sweetness of fresh pineapple rings grilled in pork juices. Check out the video on how to make it.

The lettuce is grilled. The high-protein halloumi cheese is grilled. The tomatoes and pita are even grilled. And the recipe is right here. Inspired by everyone's favorite tailgate food, this inventive recipe from Cast Iron Keto isn't your average chicken dinner.

The chicken breasts are stuffed with jalapeño and two different kinds of cheese, each of which bring extra filling power to the dish. And it's all wrapped up in a couple strips of bacon.

Topped with chili sauce, sesame oil, and liquid aminos, this flavorful fish recipe from The Big Man's World strikes a perfect balance between sweet and spicy.

And even though it sounds gourmet, you can cook it in just 10 minutes, so it's a quick and easy option that tastes chef-ier than it actually is. That's right—a pan , not a pot. You'll enjoy plus grams of protein per serving from the chicken, plus a hearty does of vegetables AND oodles and oodles of deliciousness.

Check it out here. This flavorful garlic shrimp and quinoa recipe from Well Plated is made with just one skillet, so it doesn't require a ton of cleanup. Plus, shrimp are one of the leanest protein sources around, and quinoa is also high in protein as far as grains are concerned, so it's a great choice for a filling dinner.

Okay, maybe this one is obvious, but this is like no steak dinner you've ever had before—let alone cooked. You make everything—the steak, the garlic spinach, and the sauteed mushrooms—all in one pan.

All protein. Less mess. Get after it. Aside from the chewy couscous or quinoa if you prefer it , this is a no-cook recipe, so it's ideal for scorching end-of-summer days when you don't want to turn on your oven. But even in cooler weather, this salad from Hurry The Food Up is an easy, colorful way to get in some vegetarian protein.

It also makes for a great meal-prep lunch that you don't have to heat up. This fast fish dish loads up on protein, features a scattering of heart-healthy nuts, and tastes really good with boiled potatoes and a simple salad. Check out how to make it here. This recipe from The Castaway Kitchen combines both bacon and sausage in one dinner.

The Brussels sprouts brings some green to your plate, along with the anti-inflammatory power of turmeric. These Sloppy Joes call for ground turkey instead of ground beef, making it a lighter version of one of the manliest comfort foods around.

This version from The Iron You also sneaks in some vegetables by adding mushrooms and onions to the mix. Adjust the spices to your liking, and turn it up a notch with extra chili powder. Move over, Taco Tuesday: Fajita Friday is here with this simple recipe from The Lean Green Bean. Shrimp and black beans bring the protein, and you can top 'em off with your-go to fajita fixings like guac and salsa.

Serve over brown rice or wrapped up in a soft tortilla. It's hard to believe this decadent dish from A Saucy Kitchen is vegan— and high in protein.

The secret is the chickpea pasta, which is having a moment right now. Try a brand like Banza; buy it here. Almond milk, tomato paste, and vegan parmesan bring the creamy sauce together.

This one-pan meal from Primavera Kitchen pairs ground beef with onions, bell pepper, zucchini, and asparagus. It's filling enough to eat on its own; you can also pair it with whole-grain pasta or cauliflower rice. Created by Health Starts In The Kitchen , this decadent lasagna gets its protein from hot Italian sausage, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese.

It cuts back on the carbs by subbing lasagna noodles for ribbons of zucchini, so it's filling without being absurdly heavy. Mushrooms give the dish an extra boost of vegetables. This recipe from The Fitchen is made with tomatoes, spinach, and avocado, and it only takes 15 minutes to whip up.

While it's technically a breakfast dish, this scramble doubles a quick dinner option whether you're a vegetarian, vegan, or a meatless Monday devotee, or even none of those things. This recipe from Macheesmo advocates for keeping the salmon simple: basically, salt, pepper, and a little olive oil are all you need.

Add flavorful mix-ins to the lentils, such as onion, celery, carrot, and capers. And crab—jumbo lump—which is loaded with protein. Not to mention a whole sea's worth of deliciousness. The recipe?

The farro, along with high-protein eggs and cannellini beans, contribute to the whopping 24 grams of protein per bowl. You can feel good about serving up our recipe for Cedar Plank Salmon with Nicoise Relish for dinner. Fatty fish like salmon offer a great source of omega-3 fats!

This type of healthy fat is linked to a ton of health benefits, including lowering our risk of heart disease. We love omelettes for a quick, easy and nutritious meal!

With 21 grams of protein, this Homestyle Greek Omelette makes for a delicious portion of protein on your plate. Have leftover turkey and sweet potato from Sunday night dinner?

Kale, soft-boiled eggs and cherry tomatoes make for an irresistible nutrient-dense dish. Pro tip: Complement the earthiness of the kale by sautéing mushrooms with the pancetta.

Skip the take-out and instead try this flavourful Pad Thai recipe for a healthier alternative. Fresh ginger, cilantro lime and Thai chillies give delicious bright flavours to the dish. This dinner takes 10 minutes to pull together. For easy swaps towards a healthier dinner, opt for a whole grain English muffin instead of the bagel, and choose light mayonnaise and cheese.

Nutrition per serving: cal, 29 g pro, 22 g carb, 5 g fiber, 6 g sugars 0 g added sugars , 17 g fat 5. Add almonds for crunch, avocado for healthy fat, tomatoes for a juicy dose of vitamins, and your favorite greens to up the fiber for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Nutrition per serving: cal, 27 g pro, 11 g carb, 5 g fiber, 3 g sugars 0 g added sugars , 22 g fat 2. Serve up this hearty seafood stew with crusty bread for the ultimate party pleaser.

Fresh herbs like basil and parsley bring a bed of mussels to life along with vibrant tomatoes and white wine for crazy delicious flavor, protein, and just a few carbs. Nutrition per serving: cal, 25 g pro, 15 g carb, 2 g fiber, 3. This one-pan wonder will have dinner on the table in no time with just a few simple ingredients.

Nutrition per serving: cal, 27 g pro, g carb, g fiber, g sugars g added sugars , g fat g sat fat , mg chol, mg sodium Get the recipe ». Want a delicious meal without having to turn on the oven?

These summer rolls fit the bill, and they boast 13 g of protein and 12 g of carbohydrates. Featuring passionfruit, shrimp, cilantro, mint, avocado, and shrimp, they are a great choice. Nutrition per serving: About cal, 4. This incredibly straightforward dinner comes together in minutes and uses fresh herbs and tomato to bring brightness to cheese-covered shrimp and crispy torn bread crumbs.

Nutrition per serving: cal, 33 g pro, 23 g carb, 2 g fiber, 3 g sugars 0 g added sugars , Zest up your weeknight chicken cutlet with a limey, coconutty, and savory side of slaw. This dinner will be on the table in just 20 minutes and packs a ton of flavor and protein with very few carbs.

Nutrition per serving: cal, 31 g pro, 11 g carb, 3 g fiber, 5. We like frittatas so much, that we added them twice to this list of high-protein, low-carb meals.

This iteration features artichokes and spinach for a briney taste. It comes together in just 40 minutes and yields eight servings, with calorie per serving.

It boasts 11 g of protein and 7 g of carbohydrates—so go ahead and have two slices. Nutrition per serving: About cal, Add even more protein to your day with this gluten-free twist on bagels and lox featuring almond and buckwheat flours, sunflower seeds, smoked salmon, and cottage cheese.

A whopping 27 g of protein, 34 g of carbohydrates, and 7 g of fiber make this a nutritious meal. Nutrition per serving : cal, 27 g pro, 34 g carb, 7 g fiber, 4. Balance your macros.

On a 2,calorie diet, this will look like g of carbohydrates, 67 g of fat, and g of protein per day. As Harris-Pincus mentioned, we can only use around 25 to 30 g of protein per meal to maximize muscle growth and repair, so stick to this number.

Focus on fiber. Seek out meals that have at least half of the total carbs from fiber, when possible, Harris-Pincus says. If each carbohydrate-based food you eat is also high in fiber, you will be full and need to consume fewer calories overall—which leads to weight loss.

Karla Walsh is a Des Moines, Iowa-based freelance writer, editor, freelance writing coach and level one sommelier who balances her love of food and drink with her passion for fitness or tries to, at least!

She has over 15 years of professional experience covering food, wine, travel, nutrition, health, fitness, psychology, beauty, relationships and beyond. The Healthiest Fast Food Menu Items. The 7 Healthiest Cheeses to Eat Right Now. Health Facts You Didn't Know About Black Tea.

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Nutrition per serving: cal, 23 g pro, 15 g carb, 4 g fiber, 3 g sugars, 17 g fat 5 g sat fat , mg sodium Get the recipe ».