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Photo: Photography / Antonis Achilleos, Styling / Christine Keely, Ali Ramee
Get your fill of protein from sources like chicken, seafood and beef in these healthy high-protein summer meals. Recipes like our Sheet-Pan Shrimp Fajitas and One-Pan Cilantro-Lime Chicken are delicious dinners that include amazing summer flavors from citrus, fresh veggies and mouthwatering marinades. The protein in these meals will keep you full and satisfied as you tackle all of your summer activities.Each recipe includesat least 15 grams of protein per serving, so you can make sure you’re eating enough of the filling nutrient thatcan support healthy hair and nails, and digestion. If you’re using the summer to build muscle with resistance training, adding more protein to your meals may help you reach your goals.
Get your fill of protein from sources like chicken, seafood and beef in these healthy high-protein summer meals. Recipes like our Sheet-Pan Shrimp Fajitas and One-Pan Cilantro-Lime Chicken are delicious dinners that include amazing summer flavors from citrus, fresh veggies and mouthwatering marinades. The protein in these meals will keep you full and satisfied as you tackle all of your summer activities.
Each recipe includesat least 15 grams of protein per serving, so you can make sure you’re eating enough of the filling nutrient thatcan support healthy hair and nails, and digestion. If you’re using the summer to build muscle with resistance training, adding more protein to your meals may help you reach your goals.
01of 33Sheet-Pan Shrimp FajitasView RecipePhotographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Lydia PurcellFajitas make an excellent weeknight meal. These come together faster than ever, using quick-cooking shrimp and veggies all on one sheet pan so you can focus on family rather than cleanup.
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Sheet-Pan Shrimp Fajitas
View Recipe
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell
Fajitas make an excellent weeknight meal. These come together faster than ever, using quick-cooking shrimp and veggies all on one sheet pan so you can focus on family rather than cleanup.
02of 33Cheesy Spinach-Zucchini LasagnaView RecipeGreg DuPreeThanks to jarred marinara sauce and oven-ready lasagna noodles, this labor-of-love kind of meal can be ready in about an hour.
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Cheesy Spinach-Zucchini Lasagna
Greg DuPree
Thanks to jarred marinara sauce and oven-ready lasagna noodles, this labor-of-love kind of meal can be ready in about an hour.
03of 33Skillet Caprese Chicken Casserole for TwoView RecipeBrie PassanoAll the flavors of a caprese salad—mozzarella, tomatoes and basil—are featured in this one-skillet dinner. The addition of chicken and pasta adds depth and heartiness to this tasty meal. This recipe was adapted from our popularSkillet Caprese Chicken Casseroleto serve two instead of six.
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Skillet Caprese Chicken Casserole for Two
Brie Passano
All the flavors of a caprese salad—mozzarella, tomatoes and basil—are featured in this one-skillet dinner. The addition of chicken and pasta adds depth and heartiness to this tasty meal. This recipe was adapted from our popularSkillet Caprese Chicken Casseroleto serve two instead of six.
04of 33One-Pan Cilantro-Lime ChickenView RecipePhotography / Antonis Achilleos, Styling / Christine Keely, Ali RameeA simple marinade of lime juice, zest and spices like cumin and chili powder creates quick flavor in this juicy cilantro-lime chicken. Slice the chicken and enjoy over salad greens, in a taco or with rice.
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One-Pan Cilantro-Lime Chicken
Photography / Antonis Achilleos, Styling / Christine Keely, Ali Ramee
A simple marinade of lime juice, zest and spices like cumin and chili powder creates quick flavor in this juicy cilantro-lime chicken. Slice the chicken and enjoy over salad greens, in a taco or with rice.
05of 33Garlicky Grilled Steak & Kale SaladView RecipeCharlotte and Johnny AutryA bright lemon, garlic and tarragon vinaigrette coats this salad topped with grilled steak. Since the grill is already fired up, we throw on some bread for homemade croutons.
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Garlicky Grilled Steak & Kale Salad
Charlotte and Johnny Autry
A bright lemon, garlic and tarragon vinaigrette coats this salad topped with grilled steak. Since the grill is already fired up, we throw on some bread for homemade croutons.
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Chicken-Quinoa Bowl with Strawberries & Pecans
Charlotte & Johnny Autry
07of 33Cod Fish TacosView RecipePhotographer / Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist / Kay Clarke, Food Stylist / Emily Nabors HallLet your oven do the work for these quick and simple cod fish tacos. Broiling the cod allows the fish to stay moist and flake easily once finished. Hot sauce adds a punch of acidity and mild heat, while sour cream makes a creamy slaw that adds crunch to the taco.
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Cod Fish Tacos
Photographer / Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist / Kay Clarke, Food Stylist / Emily Nabors Hall
Let your oven do the work for these quick and simple cod fish tacos. Broiling the cod allows the fish to stay moist and flake easily once finished. Hot sauce adds a punch of acidity and mild heat, while sour cream makes a creamy slaw that adds crunch to the taco.
08of 33Chicken Caprese SandwichView RecipePhotographer / Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist / Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist / Christine KeelyThis chicken caprese sandwich has all the classic flavors of a caprese salad with an added boost of protein from grilled chicken. Using store-bought grilled chicken makes assembly quick and easy. This sandwich for one is made in a skillet but would work equally well in a panini press if you have one on hand.
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Chicken Caprese Sandwich
Photographer / Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist / Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist / Christine Keely
This chicken caprese sandwich has all the classic flavors of a caprese salad with an added boost of protein from grilled chicken. Using store-bought grilled chicken makes assembly quick and easy. This sandwich for one is made in a skillet but would work equally well in a panini press if you have one on hand.
09of 33Chopped Salad with Chicken & Creamy Chipotle DressingView RecipePhotography / Jennifer Causey, Styling / Melissa Gray / Kay ClarkeThis chopped salad with chicken is smoky and zesty thanks to the creamy chipotle dressing. Cilantro adds a pop of freshness to each bite.
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Chopped Salad with Chicken & Creamy Chipotle Dressing
Photography / Jennifer Causey, Styling / Melissa Gray / Kay Clarke
This chopped salad with chicken is smoky and zesty thanks to the creamy chipotle dressing. Cilantro adds a pop of freshness to each bite.
10of 33Sheet-Pan Poblano-&-Corn Chicken FajitasView RecipePhotographer / Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist / Christine Kelly, Food Stylist / Karen RankinThese sheet-pan poblano-and-corn chicken fajitas are seasoned with mild ancho chile powder, paprika and cumin. The chicken and vegetables cook on a sheet pan under the broiler so you can forget working over a hot stove or grill to get dinner on the table fast. Plus, with only one pan, cleanup is a breeze!
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Sheet-Pan Poblano-&-Corn Chicken Fajitas
Photographer / Antonis Achilleos, Prop Stylist / Christine Kelly, Food Stylist / Karen Rankin
These sheet-pan poblano-and-corn chicken fajitas are seasoned with mild ancho chile powder, paprika and cumin. The chicken and vegetables cook on a sheet pan under the broiler so you can forget working over a hot stove or grill to get dinner on the table fast. Plus, with only one pan, cleanup is a breeze!
11of 33Chicken Casserole with Pineapple, Peppers & RiceView RecipePhotography / Kelsey Hansen, Styling / Sammy MilaPrecooked brown rice adds a boost of protein and fiber to this healthy casserole—versions of which are sometimes called “Hawaiian Chicken”—while also saving prep time. Pineapple and red bell pepper provide color throughout the dish and lend a sweet flavor to counterbalance the fresh ginger and soy sauce.
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Chicken Casserole with Pineapple, Peppers & Rice
Photography / Kelsey Hansen, Styling / Sammy Mila
Precooked brown rice adds a boost of protein and fiber to this healthy casserole—versions of which are sometimes called “Hawaiian Chicken”—while also saving prep time. Pineapple and red bell pepper provide color throughout the dish and lend a sweet flavor to counterbalance the fresh ginger and soy sauce.
12of 33One-Pot Shrimp with Tomatoes & FetaView RecipeJason DonnellyThanks to quick-cooking shrimp, this one-pot meal comes together in record time. Tomatoes add a burst of color and acidity, while chopped basil brings freshness. Serve over pasta or whole grains.
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One-Pot Shrimp with Tomatoes & Feta
Jason Donnelly
Thanks to quick-cooking shrimp, this one-pot meal comes together in record time. Tomatoes add a burst of color and acidity, while chopped basil brings freshness. Serve over pasta or whole grains.
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Spicy Chicken Pasta with Peppers & Onions
Kelsey Hansen
14of 33Loaded Vegetable QuicheView RecipeWill DickeyThis tender vegetable quiche is packed with produce, including onions, spinach and mushrooms. The Parmesan does double duty, providing cheesiness as well as saltiness. Sliced tomatoes make a lovely topping.
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Loaded Vegetable Quiche
Will Dickey
This tender vegetable quiche is packed with produce, including onions, spinach and mushrooms. The Parmesan does double duty, providing cheesiness as well as saltiness. Sliced tomatoes make a lovely topping.
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Pesto Salmon
16of 33Key West-Inspired ChickenView RecipeJason DonnellyChicken breast is marinated in soy sauce, citrus and honey and then grilled as a nod to the tropical Key West chicken. A garnish of chopped cilantro and orange slices keeps it sweet and refreshing.
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Key West-Inspired Chicken
Chicken breast is marinated in soy sauce, citrus and honey and then grilled as a nod to the tropical Key West chicken. A garnish of chopped cilantro and orange slices keeps it sweet and refreshing.
17of 33Hot Honey Grilled ShrimpView RecipeJason DonnellyShrimp are coated in sweet heat thanks to hot honey and Sriracha. If you want to take the heat down a notch, use regular honey instead.
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Hot Honey Grilled Shrimp
Shrimp are coated in sweet heat thanks to hot honey and Sriracha. If you want to take the heat down a notch, use regular honey instead.
18of 33Chickpea & Beef Burgers with Whipped FetaView RecipeJohnny & Charlotte AutryChickpeas add fiber to this blended burger, but the real joy here is the light and fluffy feta sauce that tops the whole shebang.
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Chickpea & Beef Burgers with Whipped Feta
Johnny & Charlotte Autry
Chickpeas add fiber to this blended burger, but the real joy here is the light and fluffy feta sauce that tops the whole shebang.
19of 33Skillet Chicken with Orzo & TomatoesView RecipeVictor ProtasioIn this one-skillet Mediterranean chicken recipe, chicken thighs are infused with lemon, garlic and herbs and paired with orzo that’s perfectly al dente. Charred tomatoes and onions add full flavor to complete this easy Mediterranean dinner.
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Skillet Chicken with Orzo & Tomatoes
Victor Protasio
In this one-skillet Mediterranean chicken recipe, chicken thighs are infused with lemon, garlic and herbs and paired with orzo that’s perfectly al dente. Charred tomatoes and onions add full flavor to complete this easy Mediterranean dinner.
20of 3315-Minute Broiled Cod with Tomatoes & Herbed MayonnaiseView RecipeBrie PassanoCod broils quickly in this healthy dinner recipe that’s done in only 15 minutes. Sliced tomatoes on top give it a pop of color, while your favorite chopped herbs flavor the mayonnaise that tops the fish.
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15-Minute Broiled Cod with Tomatoes & Herbed Mayonnaise
Cod broils quickly in this healthy dinner recipe that’s done in only 15 minutes. Sliced tomatoes on top give it a pop of color, while your favorite chopped herbs flavor the mayonnaise that tops the fish.
21of 33Pesto Chicken Quinoa BowlsView RecipeThis pesto chicken quinoa bowl is packed with herbs from the basil pesto and the Italian spice mix and gets a slight kick of heat from the red pepper. If you enjoy the flavor profile, this dish can also be made with orzo in place of quinoa.
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Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowls
This pesto chicken quinoa bowl is packed with herbs from the basil pesto and the Italian spice mix and gets a slight kick of heat from the red pepper. If you enjoy the flavor profile, this dish can also be made with orzo in place of quinoa.
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Balsamic Chicken Pasta Bake with Zucchini Noodles
23of 33Cheesy Zucchini QuicheView RecipeThis cheesy crustless zucchini quiche has plenty of leeks and zucchini enveloped in a light custard. Feta and fontina cheeses add a rich depth of flavor. Serve it for brunch or anytime you have extra zucchini on hand.
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Cheesy Zucchini Quiche
This cheesy crustless zucchini quiche has plenty of leeks and zucchini enveloped in a light custard. Feta and fontina cheeses add a rich depth of flavor. Serve it for brunch or anytime you have extra zucchini on hand.
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Easy Shrimp Tacos
25of 33Salmon Caesar SaladView RecipeThis easy Caesar salad subs creamy Greek yogurt and buttermilk for the traditional egg yolks and olive oil and mixes in mildly bitter radicchio in addition to classic romaine. Using just a small amount of flavorful Parmigiano-Reggiano shaves calories and sodium too.
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Salmon Caesar Salad
This easy Caesar salad subs creamy Greek yogurt and buttermilk for the traditional egg yolks and olive oil and mixes in mildly bitter radicchio in addition to classic romaine. Using just a small amount of flavorful Parmigiano-Reggiano shaves calories and sodium too.
26of 33Grilled Flank Steak with Tomato SaladView RecipeCutting the steak immediately after cooking breaks all the rules on meat cookery, but in this recipe we do it intentionally in order to capture the juices and incorporate them into the dressing. Serve this grilled flank steak recipe with crusty bread to soak up the deliciousness.
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Grilled Flank Steak with Tomato Salad
Cutting the steak immediately after cooking breaks all the rules on meat cookery, but in this recipe we do it intentionally in order to capture the juices and incorporate them into the dressing. Serve this grilled flank steak recipe with crusty bread to soak up the deliciousness.
27of 33Strawberry-Balsamic Spinach Salad with ChickenView RecipeBlaine MoatsA quick blender vinaigrette does double duty as dressing for this strawberry spinach salad and, with the addition of ketchup and strawberry preserves, as a barbecue sauce for the tenders.
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Strawberry-Balsamic Spinach Salad with Chicken
Blaine Moats
A quick blender vinaigrette does double duty as dressing for this strawberry spinach salad and, with the addition of ketchup and strawberry preserves, as a barbecue sauce for the tenders.
28of 33Goddess Veggie Bowls with ChickenView RecipeDark green lacinato kale contrasts with the warm tones of bell peppers and tomatoes in these hearty chicken and veggie bowls.
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Goddess Veggie Bowls with Chicken
Dark green lacinato kale contrasts with the warm tones of bell peppers and tomatoes in these hearty chicken and veggie bowls.
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Roasted Salmon Caprese
30of 33Bruschetta-Topped Crispy Baked ChickenView RecipeA fresh tomato-and-basil topping on panko-crusted chicken cutlets makes an easy meal for family or casual entertaining.
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Bruschetta-Topped Crispy Baked Chicken
A fresh tomato-and-basil topping on panko-crusted chicken cutlets makes an easy meal for family or casual entertaining.
31of 33Pan-Seared Steak with Crispy Herbs & EscaroleView RecipeThis easy dinner takes just 20 minutes to prepare, meaning that seared steak can be a weeknight meal. Cooking herbs in the pan with the steak releases their aroma, infusing it into the meat while creating a crispy garnish. After the steaks and herbs are pan-seared, the escarole is cooked in the same skillet, so this healthy dinner requires minimal cleanup too.
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Pan-Seared Steak with Crispy Herbs & Escarole
This easy dinner takes just 20 minutes to prepare, meaning that seared steak can be a weeknight meal. Cooking herbs in the pan with the steak releases their aroma, infusing it into the meat while creating a crispy garnish. After the steaks and herbs are pan-seared, the escarole is cooked in the same skillet, so this healthy dinner requires minimal cleanup too.
32of 33Sheet-Pan Chicken & ShrimpView RecipeThis Creole-inspired variation of a shrimp boil can be made in the oven on just one baking sheet. A medley of spices gives this healthy dish of chicken, sausage and veggies a rich, complex flavor. Bonus: This easy sheet-pan dinner requires just 20 minutes of active prep time.
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Sheet-Pan Chicken & Shrimp
This Creole-inspired variation of a shrimp boil can be made in the oven on just one baking sheet. A medley of spices gives this healthy dish of chicken, sausage and veggies a rich, complex flavor. Bonus: This easy sheet-pan dinner requires just 20 minutes of active prep time.
33of 33Pan-Seared Halibut with Creamed Corn & TomatoesView RecipeFor this healthy fish recipe, you steep corncobs in milk; the resulting “stock” boosts the intensity of made-from-scratch creamed corn, plus extra starch from the corn contributes to its thick texture. This recipe calls for halibut—line-caught from the Pacific Ocean is the most sustainable option. Can’t find it? Swap in Pacific cod or U.S. farmed tilapia instead. Serve this summery combination of seared fish, corn, tomatoes and basil for weeknight family dinners or to company on the weekends.
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Pan-Seared Halibut with Creamed Corn & Tomatoes
For this healthy fish recipe, you steep corncobs in milk; the resulting “stock” boosts the intensity of made-from-scratch creamed corn, plus extra starch from the corn contributes to its thick texture. This recipe calls for halibut—line-caught from the Pacific Ocean is the most sustainable option. Can’t find it? Swap in Pacific cod or U.S. farmed tilapia instead. Serve this summery combination of seared fish, corn, tomatoes and basil for weeknight family dinners or to company on the weekends.
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