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These delicious high-protein meals will help you beat the midnight snack attack and keep you satisfied until breakfast. If you’re looking to lose weight, or simply want some satisfying dinner recipes for the month, these 23 meals deliver. With recipes featuring chicken, fish and red meat, plus plenty of high-protein plant-based options for meatless or “flexitarian” eaters, you’ll love the variety of protein-packed meals we’ve rounded up.
01of 23Bruschetta Chicken PastaView RecipeThis healthy chicken pasta recipe has 34 grams of protein and is jazzed up with traditional bruschetta toppers, including cherry tomatoes, garlic and basil. Multicolored cherry tomatoes look pretty, but you can use all one color of tomato too. Either way, you’ve got an easy weeknight dinner that’s ready in 25 minutes. We’ve called for spaghettini (thin spaghetti) in this recipe, but feel free to use your favorite shape of pasta.
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Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
View Recipe
This healthy chicken pasta recipe has 34 grams of protein and is jazzed up with traditional bruschetta toppers, including cherry tomatoes, garlic and basil. Multicolored cherry tomatoes look pretty, but you can use all one color of tomato too. Either way, you’ve got an easy weeknight dinner that’s ready in 25 minutes. We’ve called for spaghettini (thin spaghetti) in this recipe, but feel free to use your favorite shape of pasta.
02of 23Walnut-Rosemary Crusted SalmonView RecipeThis delicious main dish has 24 grams of protein per serving. Salmon and walnuts are both great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Pair this easy salmon recipe with a simple salad and a side of roasted potatoes or quinoa.
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Walnut-Rosemary Crusted Salmon
This delicious main dish has 24 grams of protein per serving. Salmon and walnuts are both great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Pair this easy salmon recipe with a simple salad and a side of roasted potatoes or quinoa.
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Spicy Noodles with Pork, Scallions & Bok Choy
04of 23Shrimp Cauliflower Fried RiceView RecipeCut down on carbs, pack in 30 grams of protein and amp up your veggie servings with this healthy cauliflower fried rice with shrimp, broccoli, bell peppers and garlic. Everything is cooked in one wok or skillet, but in stages, so each element keeps its integrity in the finished dish instead of being all mushed together—it may seem fussy, but it’s worth it and actually quite easy. Resist the urge to stir the cauliflower rice right away; letting it cook undisturbed for a few minutes allows it to brown and develop sweet, nutty flavors. This better-than-takeout healthy dinner comes together in just 25 minutes, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
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Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice
Cut down on carbs, pack in 30 grams of protein and amp up your veggie servings with this healthy cauliflower fried rice with shrimp, broccoli, bell peppers and garlic. Everything is cooked in one wok or skillet, but in stages, so each element keeps its integrity in the finished dish instead of being all mushed together—it may seem fussy, but it’s worth it and actually quite easy. Resist the urge to stir the cauliflower rice right away; letting it cook undisturbed for a few minutes allows it to brown and develop sweet, nutty flavors. This better-than-takeout healthy dinner comes together in just 25 minutes, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
05of 23Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili with Butternut SquashView RecipeThe sweetness of the butternut squash tames the kick from cayenne in this healthy turkey chili, making this easy crock pot chili just right for kids and adults alike, whether for weeknight dinners or tailgating parties. For those who prefer a spicier chili, just pass hot sauce at the table. This chili also freezes well, so save leftovers for hearty and healthy dinners and lunches for weeks to come.
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Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili with Butternut Squash
The sweetness of the butternut squash tames the kick from cayenne in this healthy turkey chili, making this easy crock pot chili just right for kids and adults alike, whether for weeknight dinners or tailgating parties. For those who prefer a spicier chili, just pass hot sauce at the table. This chili also freezes well, so save leftovers for hearty and healthy dinners and lunches for weeks to come.
06of 23Tofu & Vegetable Curry with Zucchini NoodlesView RecipeFor this quick Thai curry recipe, we’ve combined tofu and plenty of veggies with a flavorful sauce made with red curry paste, lime juice and coconut milk. Tofu and mushrooms help give this meal 16 grams of protein per serving. Serve the curry over lightly warmed zucchini noodles to get even more veggies in your weeknight dinner. Bonus: Everything is cooked in one skillet, so there’s only one pan to wash after dinner.
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Tofu & Vegetable Curry with Zucchini Noodles
For this quick Thai curry recipe, we’ve combined tofu and plenty of veggies with a flavorful sauce made with red curry paste, lime juice and coconut milk. Tofu and mushrooms help give this meal 16 grams of protein per serving. Serve the curry over lightly warmed zucchini noodles to get even more veggies in your weeknight dinner. Bonus: Everything is cooked in one skillet, so there’s only one pan to wash after dinner.
07of 23Sautéed Shrimp with Mango Salsa & Coconut Cauliflower RiceView RecipeShrimp and rice get a tropical makeover in this healthy 400-calorie dinner that packs in 27 grams of protein. Instead of rice, we’ve combined riced cauliflower and coconut milk for light coconut rice topped with spicy shrimp and a juicy mango-avocado salsa to cool it all down. Squeeze on some fresh lime juice before digging in to take this easy meal to the next level.
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Sautéed Shrimp with Mango Salsa & Coconut Cauliflower Rice
Shrimp and rice get a tropical makeover in this healthy 400-calorie dinner that packs in 27 grams of protein. Instead of rice, we’ve combined riced cauliflower and coconut milk for light coconut rice topped with spicy shrimp and a juicy mango-avocado salsa to cool it all down. Squeeze on some fresh lime juice before digging in to take this easy meal to the next level.
08of 23Creamy Fettuccine with Brussels Sprouts & MushroomsView RecipeSliced Brussels sprouts and mushrooms cook quickly and cling to the pasta in our fall version of pasta primavera. You’d never guess this meatless main is so high in protein, at 18 grams per serving. Look for presliced mushrooms to cut prep time. Serve with a tossed salad.
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Creamy Fettuccine with Brussels Sprouts & Mushrooms
Sliced Brussels sprouts and mushrooms cook quickly and cling to the pasta in our fall version of pasta primavera. You’d never guess this meatless main is so high in protein, at 18 grams per serving. Look for presliced mushrooms to cut prep time. Serve with a tossed salad.
09of 23Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore with PolentaView RecipeThis rustic stew cooks all day in the slow cooker so you can come home to a comforting, hot dinner. This one is packed with 38 grams of protein. Not a fan of polenta? Try this healthy chicken dinner over pasta instead.
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Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore with Polenta
This rustic stew cooks all day in the slow cooker so you can come home to a comforting, hot dinner. This one is packed with 38 grams of protein. Not a fan of polenta? Try this healthy chicken dinner over pasta instead.
10of 23Roasted Salmon with Smoky Chickpeas & GreensView RecipeIn this healthy salmon dinner, you’ll get a dose of greens and green dressing! Chowing down on 6 or more servings of dark leafy greens a week can help keep your brain in top shape. Thanks to the salmon and chickpea combo, you get 37 grams of protein in this meal.This dish features the Test Kitchen’s current go-to method for doctoring a can of chickpeas: spice them up and roast until crispy.
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Roasted Salmon with Smoky Chickpeas & Greens
In this healthy salmon dinner, you’ll get a dose of greens and green dressing! Chowing down on 6 or more servings of dark leafy greens a week can help keep your brain in top shape. Thanks to the salmon and chickpea combo, you get 37 grams of protein in this meal.
This dish features the Test Kitchen’s current go-to method for doctoring a can of chickpeas: spice them up and roast until crispy.
11of 23Skillet Eggs with Sausage & Tomato AioliView RecipeThis breakfast-for-dinner fried egg skillet is a no-brainer alternative to takeout when you’re rushed. The sausage and dark leafy greens are cooked in the same pan as the eggs, so cleanup is a cinch. Loading kale into this quick dinner recipe provides 16 grams of protein, some calcium as well as vitamins and fiber. Serve with whole-grain toast and simple tomato aioli for a weeknight dinner that’s ready in 20 minutes.
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Skillet Eggs with Sausage & Tomato Aioli
This breakfast-for-dinner fried egg skillet is a no-brainer alternative to takeout when you’re rushed. The sausage and dark leafy greens are cooked in the same pan as the eggs, so cleanup is a cinch. Loading kale into this quick dinner recipe provides 16 grams of protein, some calcium as well as vitamins and fiber. Serve with whole-grain toast and simple tomato aioli for a weeknight dinner that’s ready in 20 minutes.
12of 23Sesame Chicken Noodle BowlsView RecipeWhether you have celiac disease or are just watching your gluten intake, you’ll love this easy Asian-inspired bowl recipe that offers 25 grams of protein. Chunks of sesame chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and rice noodles are combined in broth with an orange and soy flavor that’s simply out of this world.
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Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowls
Whether you have celiac disease or are just watching your gluten intake, you’ll love this easy Asian-inspired bowl recipe that offers 25 grams of protein. Chunks of sesame chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and rice noodles are combined in broth with an orange and soy flavor that’s simply out of this world.
13of 23Taco-Stuffed Sweet PotatoesView RecipeTake taco night to a new level with sweet potato taco “shells.” Tender sweet potatoes pair perfectly with spicy taco meat, creamy cheese and crisp lettuce. Let everyone customize their taco potato with their favorite toppings. These babies offer 41 grams of protein.
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Taco-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Take taco night to a new level with sweet potato taco “shells.” Tender sweet potatoes pair perfectly with spicy taco meat, creamy cheese and crisp lettuce. Let everyone customize their taco potato with their favorite toppings. These babies offer 41 grams of protein.
14of 23Lentil Stew with Salsa VerdeView RecipeThis healthy vegetarian recipe is hearty and satisfying, offering 19 grams of protein. Don’t skip the parsley relish (salsa verde)—it’s easy to make and lends a tangy accent that balances the flavors of the lentil stew. We prefer French green lentils for this stew, as they don’t fall apart while cooking; however, regular brown lentils (found in most supermarkets) will also work.
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Lentil Stew with Salsa Verde
This healthy vegetarian recipe is hearty and satisfying, offering 19 grams of protein. Don’t skip the parsley relish (salsa verde)—it’s easy to make and lends a tangy accent that balances the flavors of the lentil stew. We prefer French green lentils for this stew, as they don’t fall apart while cooking; however, regular brown lentils (found in most supermarkets) will also work.
15of 23Honey-Garlic SalmonView RecipeA simple marinade of soy sauce, lime, honey and garlic adds tons of flavor to salmon with ease. Just a few ingredients make this quick and tasty recipe perfect for a busy weeknight. This dish offers 29 grams of protein. Serve with brown rice or quinoa and a green salad.
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Honey-Garlic Salmon
A simple marinade of soy sauce, lime, honey and garlic adds tons of flavor to salmon with ease. Just a few ingredients make this quick and tasty recipe perfect for a busy weeknight. This dish offers 29 grams of protein. Serve with brown rice or quinoa and a green salad.
16of 23Better-Than-Takeout Burgers with Sweet Potato FriesView RecipeThis healthy take on burgers and fries swaps in chopped mushrooms for some of the meat in the burger patties, to cut back on calories and saturated fat. But don’t worry, you still get 25 grams of protein in this burger.
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Better-Than-Takeout Burgers with Sweet Potato Fries
This healthy take on burgers and fries swaps in chopped mushrooms for some of the meat in the burger patties, to cut back on calories and saturated fat. But don’t worry, you still get 25 grams of protein in this burger.
17of 23Quinoa, Chicken & Broccoli Salad with Roasted Lemon DressingView RecipeRoasting lemons mellows their tartness and creates a layer of caramelized flavor that pairs well with the raw broccoli and savory quinoa in this healthy chicken dinner salad. Even better, the chicken and lemons roast on one sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze. This veggie-forward meal still offers 22 grams of protein per serving.
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Quinoa, Chicken & Broccoli Salad with Roasted Lemon Dressing
Roasting lemons mellows their tartness and creates a layer of caramelized flavor that pairs well with the raw broccoli and savory quinoa in this healthy chicken dinner salad. Even better, the chicken and lemons roast on one sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze. This veggie-forward meal still offers 22 grams of protein per serving.
18of 23Roast Pork, Asparagus & Cherry Tomato BowlView RecipeIn this healthy grain bowl dinner recipe, hummus may seem like an unconventional dressing ingredient, but here we thin it with some hot water to make a rich, creamy drizzle. This dish offers a hefty 33 grams of protein per bowl.
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Roast Pork, Asparagus & Cherry Tomato Bowl
In this healthy grain bowl dinner recipe, hummus may seem like an unconventional dressing ingredient, but here we thin it with some hot water to make a rich, creamy drizzle. This dish offers a hefty 33 grams of protein per bowl.
19of 23Five-Spice Turkey & Lettuce WrapsView RecipeBased on a popular Chinese dish, these fun wraps also make appealing appetizers for entertaining. Make it a meal: Serve with chile-garlic sauce and rice vinegar for extra zip; toss diced mango and strawberries with lime juice for a quick dessert. Even though this dish is light, it still offers you 26 grams of protein.
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Five-Spice Turkey & Lettuce Wraps
Based on a popular Chinese dish, these fun wraps also make appealing appetizers for entertaining. Make it a meal: Serve with chile-garlic sauce and rice vinegar for extra zip; toss diced mango and strawberries with lime juice for a quick dessert. Even though this dish is light, it still offers you 26 grams of protein.
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Vegetarian Taco Salad
21of 23Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Rotisserie ChickenView RecipeThis rich-tasting but better-for-you creamy chicken soup has a delicious chicken pot pie feel to it. We call for rotisserie chicken to streamline your prep time—look for a nice big one with lots of breast meat on it. Pair this comforting and easy soup recipe with a green salad, or, if you’re really hungry, a grilled cheese sandwich. It packs 23 grams of protein on its own.
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Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Rotisserie Chicken
This rich-tasting but better-for-you creamy chicken soup has a delicious chicken pot pie feel to it. We call for rotisserie chicken to streamline your prep time—look for a nice big one with lots of breast meat on it. Pair this comforting and easy soup recipe with a green salad, or, if you’re really hungry, a grilled cheese sandwich. It packs 23 grams of protein on its own.
22of 23Peppery Barbecue-Glazed Shrimp with Vegetables & OrzoView RecipeIn this healthy BBQ shrimp recipe, shrimp are seasoned with a peppery spice blend and served with zucchini, peppers and whole-grain orzo for a delicious and easy dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes. The shrimp and veggies are cooked in the same skillet, so cleanup is a snap too. This dish gives you a protein boost, with 30 grams per serving.
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Peppery Barbecue-Glazed Shrimp with Vegetables & Orzo
In this healthy BBQ shrimp recipe, shrimp are seasoned with a peppery spice blend and served with zucchini, peppers and whole-grain orzo for a delicious and easy dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes. The shrimp and veggies are cooked in the same skillet, so cleanup is a snap too. This dish gives you a protein boost, with 30 grams per serving.
23of 23Skillet Steak with Mushroom SauceView RecipeThis steak, broccoli rabe and pea dinner is a one-skillet meal that will be on your table in just 25 minutes and offers you 26 grams of protein. The pan drippings combine with mushroom, broth and grainy mustard to make a thick and delicious sauce.
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Skillet Steak with Mushroom Sauce
This steak, broccoli rabe and pea dinner is a one-skillet meal that will be on your table in just 25 minutes and offers you 26 grams of protein. The pan drippings combine with mushroom, broth and grainy mustard to make a thick and delicious sauce.
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