34 High-Protein Meals
34 High-Protein Meals
Read Time: 16 mins
34 High-Protein Meals
the Recipe Creator: This pressure-cooker pasta is delicious and super easy
the Recipe Creator: This pressure-cooker pasta is delicious and super easy. I like to serve it with a chopped salad and Italian dressing. —Virginia Butterfield, Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 472 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 775mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 31g protein. 4/34 Mighty Nice Curried Chicken with Rice 1 Review Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 1 hour Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This was one of the first chicken recipes I prepared for my husband more than 54 years ago. His exclamation? “Mighty
That’s how it got its name
nice!” That’s how it got its name. Sometimes I add extra broth to make more of the yummy sauce. —Kay Stansberry, Athens, Tennessee Nutrition Facts: 7 ounces cooked chicken with 1-1/2 cups sauce: 657 calories, 39g fat (15g saturated fat), 187mg cholesterol, 1210mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 4g fiber), 52g protein. 5/34 Zucchini-Wrapped Chicken Enchiladas 2 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Zucchini-Wrapped Chicken Enchiladas Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour 15 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: These cheesy zucchini wrapped chicken enchiladas are a protein lovers dream! You
will win your whole family over when you make this recipe
will win your whole family over when you make this recipe. It’s full of flavor, texture, and nutrients. Nutrition Facts: 2 enchiladas: 590 calories, 33g fat (18g saturated fat), 169mg cholesterol, 957mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 53g protein. 6/34 Keto Air-Fryer Meatballs 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Keto Air-Fryer Meatballs Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 40 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I have been following a keto diet for a year and a half and have lost 130 pounds. With this recipe for tasty air-fried keto meatballs, you
won’t miss the bread crumbs at all!
won’t miss the bread crumbs at all! I like to eat these saucy meatballs on their own, but they’re also great over zucchini noodles. —Holly Balzer-Harz, Malone, New York Nutrition Facts: 4 meatballs with 1/3 cup sauce: 404 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 162mg cholesterol, 799mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein. 7/34 The Best Beef Stew 34 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved The Best Beef Stew Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 2 hours 30 min Servings 6 servings (2-1/4 quarts) Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This stew is packed with protein
and has tons of flavor thanks to the herbs, red wine and balsamic vinegar
and has tons of flavor thanks to the herbs, red wine and balsamic vinegar. —James Schend, Dairy Freed Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 366 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 605mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat. 8/34 Five-Spice Chicken Lettuce Wraps 5 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Five-Spice Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 45 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: With this lettuce wrap, I get all the satisfaction without all the carbs. The
pickled carrots really make it feel special
pickled carrots really make it feel special. Use them on other sandwiches and wraps for an extra pop of flavor, crunch and color. —Stacy Schneidmiller, Beaumont, Alberta Nutrition Facts: 2 wraps: 236 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 625mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean meat. 9/34 Make-Ahead Spicy Olive Pasta Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 1 hour 25 min Servings 10 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This is a fancy version of my grandchildren’s favorite baked spaghetti. It feels like such a special dinner, and it’s so
cozy for winter
cozy for winter. It’s also jam packed with protein, so you will feel energized instead of weighed down. —Louise Miller, Westminster, Maryland Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 563 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 1104mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 33g protein. 10/34 Glazed Spatchcocked Chicken 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Glazed Spatchcocked Chicken Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 55 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: A few pantry items, such as mustard and preserves, inspired this recipe. Since then it has been the successful centerpiece for both small
weeknight meals and big parties
weeknight meals and big parties. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin Nutrition Facts: 5 ounces cooked chicken: 437 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. 11/34 Chorizo Burgers with Green Chile Aioli 2 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Chorizo Burgers with Green Chile Aioli Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Chorizo does all the work seasoning these burgers, and the aioli comes together in minutes. Wrap the juicy patties in lettuce for a keto version.
Don’t worry—the carb lovers in your home can still enjoy them on buns
Don’t worry—the carb lovers in your home can still enjoy them on buns. —Becky Woollands, North Ridgeville, Ohio Nutrition Facts: 1 burger: 677 calories, 56g fat (19g saturated fat), 145mg cholesterol, 1225mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 36g protein. 12/34 Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken Breasts 1 Review Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My husband is not crazy about chicken, but one of his favorite snacks is jalapeno poppers. So I created this fast
dinnertime recipe to give the chicken plenty of flavor
dinnertime recipe to give the chicken plenty of flavor. He loves it cooked this way, and best of all is the quick cooking with little cleanup! —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed chicken breast: 518 calories, 33g fat (15g saturated fat), 171mg cholesterol, 1150mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 51g protein. 13/34 Sheet-Pan Soy-Ginger Salmon with Veggies 1 Review Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Sheet-Pan Soy-Ginger Salmon with Veggies Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 40 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This salmon and veggie sheet-pan dinner is
packed with umami Asian flavors and is so easy to make
packed with umami Asian flavors and is so easy to make. It’s high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and so many other nutrients, but it’s so delicious! We like to serve it over brown rice or quinoa. —Pamela Gelsomini, Wrentham, Massachusetts Nutrition Facts: 4 ounces cooked salmon with 1 cup vegetables: 426 calories, 26g fat (5g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 627mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch. 14/34 Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup) Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 6 hours Servings 12 servings Go to Recipe
From the Recipe Creator: Pho is one of Vietnam’s most well-known dishes
From the Recipe Creator: Pho is one of Vietnam’s most well-known dishes. For many families, the cooking of the dish is a true labor of love and care. With its aromatic broth, slurpable rice noodles and many delicious garnish options, it is very easy to customize a bowl to suit your tastes. Did I mention it’s packed with protein too? —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup noodles with 3/4 cup broth and 4 ounces cooked beef: 507 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 1351mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 44g protein. 15/34 Spicy
min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator:
Pork Loin Alfredo 1 Review Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Spicy Pork Loin Alfredo Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 50 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This recipe is a quick and easy high-protein dinner but still has a lot of great flavor. From time to time I’ll add half a pound of sautéed mushrooms to the sauce just before serving. —Cheryl Erikson, Rock Hill, South Carolina Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 942 calories, 63g fat (37g saturated fat), 249mg cholesterol, 1638mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 49g protein. 16/34 Pressure-Cooker
Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat
Pot Roast with Asian Black Bean Sauce 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Pressure-Cooker Pot Roast with Asian Black Bean Sauce Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour 35 min Servings 10 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I love stir-fry with black bean sauce. This recipe takes that same delicious flavor and combines it with fork-tender pot roast. —Judy Lawson, Chelsea, Michigan Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 286 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 635mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat. 17/34
💡 Frequently Asked Questions
Did I mention it’s packed with protein too?
Answer coming soon. We are working on detailed responses to this common question.
⭐ Expert Tips
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Include seasonal or trendy variations to keep your meals exciting.
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Highlight prep shortcuts or time-saving techniques for busy cooks.
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Consider dietary restrictions and include substitution suggestions.
✅ Key Takeaways
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These dinner ideas are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying special occasions.
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Choose recipes that match your skill level and available kitchen tools.
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Presentation and taste both contribute to a memorable dining experience.
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