You want to eat plenty of muscle-building protein. You want to eat clean. You know, in your heart of hearts, that cooking your own food is the way to go.
But you don't want to spend all night in your kitchen dirtying up the leaning tower of dishes.
I know how you feel. That's why I've gathered 43 of the best high protein recipes that ANYONE can cook. There's breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, plus options for a variety of diets.
Check out the recipes and grab the links below.
High Protein Breakfast Recipes
1. Strawberry S'Mores Crepes with Chocolate Almond Butter
Some mornings call for breakfast that’s a little more like dessert. With these high protein crepes, you don’t have to give up on gains while you indulge your sweet tooth. Fresh strawberries, a few mini marshmallows, and chocolate almond butter make this sweet treat a fun weekend breakfast. Get the full recipe »
2. Sausage and Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole
This massive breakfast casserole will last you all week. Filled with protein from eggs and sausage, it also gets a nutritious (and filling) boost from dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes, and coconut oil. Cook this up on a weekend and you won’t have to worry about your workday mornings. Get the full recipe »
3. High Protein Overnight Oats
This versatile “no-cook” recipe is as perfect for breakfast as it is post-workout. You can make this whole batch (or even double it!) in under 10 minutes and you’ll have plenty of muscle-building oatmeal to get through the week. Get the full recipe »
4. Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos
Although this is more template than recipe, make-ahead breakfast burritos are a convenient way to eat healthy on the go. These meal-prep friendly burritos are freezer-friendly and customizable. For added protein, sneak in extra egg whites, beans, or meat. Add some avocado slices for healthy fat just before eating. Get the full recipe »
5. Turkey and Sweet Potato Hash
There’s no savory weekend breakfast quite as decadent as a hash. This version calls for lean ground turkey and sweet potatoes to keep the macros in check. A nice sunny side up egg and a pinch of goat cheese would really take this one over the top! Get the full recipe »
6. 2-Minute Omelet in a Mug
Ok, you had a busy weekend and forgot to meal prep breakfast. You’re just gonna have to go to McDonald’s, right? Nice try! This 2 minute mug omelet is a healthy choice for busy mornings. It’s also more of a template than a recipe, so feel free to add your favorite ingredients and mix it up day to day. Get the full recipe »
High Protein Lunch Recipes
7. Chili Lime Salmon Salad
This summery salad will brighten any lunch. If you’ve been relying on boring fast food salads, the fresh flavors of this chili lime salmon salad will be a welcome relief. You can pre-dress the spinach or you can keep all the components separate for a meal-prep-ready lunch full of protein and omega-3s. Get the full recipe »
8. Simple Poached Egg and Avocado Toast
Here’s a fast, fresh lunch idea that will keep you full without causing a mid-day crash. Fresh herbs, shaved parmesan, and cherry tomatoes elevate this simple meal above typical lazy lunches. There’s even some pointers for perfecting your egg poaching technique. Get the full recipe »
9. High Protein Balsamic Steak & Pasta Salad
This high protein pasta salad is a far cry from its mayo-laden counterparts. Lean sirloin and asparagus make for a diet-friendly lunch that’s perfect for making ahead. Get the full recipe »
10. Skinny Tuna Melt
This leaner version of the comfort food classic is the perfect protein-packed lunch. At only 230 calories per opened face sandwich, you can afford to eat two! That will get you to a grand total of 56g of protein –not bad for an easy lunch! Get the full recipe »
11. Copycat Qdoba Chicken
This recipe unlocks the secret to burrito worthy chicken pieces. Simply marinade 2lbs of chicken and then you have nearly a week’s worth of tasty lunch options. Of course you can imitate your favorite chain’s burrito or bowl, but this would also work well on salads or in sandwiches. Get the full recipe »
12. Avocado Chicken Salad
You're just 4 ingredients away from a fast, healthy lunch. Avocado and yogurt are the perfect substitutes for mayo in this easy chicken salad recipe. Serve it open face on top of an english muffin or rolled inside of a wrap. This recipe is perfect for leftovers from crock pot chicken or rotisserie. Get the full recipe »
13. Bodybuilder's Steak & Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Thanks to Muscle & Strength chef Sarah Kesseli, you can indulge in all the mouthwatering flavor of a cheesesteak sandwich. Stuffed with grilled sirloin steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and pepper jack cheese, you can bet this packs all the flavor (and a fraction of the fat) of its Philly counterpart. Get the full recipe »
14. 3-Ingredient BBQ Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Chicken breasts + sweet potatoes. Ok, it’s not exactly cutting edge bodybuilding fare. This simple recipe gets maximum flavor from minimal ingredients. Shredded chicken breast is mixed with your favorite BBQ sauce and then stuffed into baked sweet potatoes for an easy lunch. Consider using a slow cooker (crock pot) here for chicken breast that can be easily shredded with a fork. Get the full recipe »
High Protein Dinner Recipes
15. Clean Kung Pao Chicken
Sweet. Spicy. Delicious. Simple stir-frys are perfect for weeknight dinners. This one only dirties one pan and comes together in just a few minutes' prep time. Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili paste and sriracha. Get the full recipe »
16. Roast Chicken Breasts with Garbanzo Beans, Tomatoes, and Paprika
Get ready to wow your guests with this deceptively simple protein-packed dinner. I’ve tested this with boneless breasts and it works just as well, so don't worry if that's all you have on hand. With whole cherry tomatoes and canned chickpeas, you’ll have this in the oven in no time. There's a bonus recipe included: shred any leftover chicken breasts for pita sandwiches the next day! Get the full recipe »
17. Crock Pot Chicken Taco Soup
When I hear people say that healthy cooking is too hard and too expensive, I can’t help but think of this crockpot staple. This hearty dinner is a cross between chili and soup. There’s no prep work involved, just place all of the (mostly canned) ingredients in the crock pot and come home to a filling, healthy dinner. The beer can be subbed for chicken broth if that better fits your macros/lifestyle. Get the full recipe »
18. Simple Turkey Chili
With your fireplace crackling and football on the TV, it can only mean one thing. It's chili season. This flavorful, lean turkey chili is perfect for cold nights. It tastes even better the next day, so feel free to double the recipe for meal prep! Get the full recipe »
19. Bodybuilder's Double Beef & Bacon Cheeseburger
Burger night is back thanks to M&S Chef Sarah Kesseli! This cheesy double-decker has 53g of protein and less than a third the fat of typical bacon cheeseburgers. Throw these patties on the grill and then dive in! Get the full recipe »
20. Bean, Kale, and Egg Stew
A simple, comforting vegetarian recipe with 30g protein per serving? It's too good to be true, right? The creative minds at the Food Network kitchen present this hearty stew of beans, kale, and eggs. Unlike many meat-based stews, this one can be on the table in about 30 minutes. Get the full recipe »
21. Grilled Skirt Steak with Poblano-Corn Sauce and Salsa
This simple steak recipe cleverly uses poblano peppers and corn to make both a cream sauce and a chunky salsa topping. This trick keeps the ingredient count low, making this southwestern dish quick to prepare next time you’re craving steak! Get the full recipe »
22. Greek Marinated Chicken
Whether you're enjoying warm weather at the grill or stuck inside heating the oven for warmth, this easy chicken recipe is a winning dinner. Marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of Greek yogurt and Greek spices yields a moist, flavorful meal. This would pair well with lemon orzo or wild rice and a fresh green salad on the side. Get the full recipe »
23. 20-Minute Light Mongolian Beef
This stir-fry classic is healthier than take out and almost as fast! Throw in some vegetables like broccoli and snap peas and serve over rice for a complete dinner. Get the full recipe »
24. One Skillet Chicken Cacciatore
I admit it. I can't resist a one-skillet recipe. This one packs a ton of flavor in one simmering skillet. Jarred tomato sauce means there's not too much work to prep this dish. You could use a frozen onion and pepper blend to save even more time. This would be decadent served over mashed potatoes, but perfectly comforting paired with rice. Get the full recipe »
25. Thai Turkey Burgers
Trying to fuel your goals when all your friends are cooking hot dogs on the grill? Try these Thai turkey burgers instead! Green curry paste and fish sauce give these lean burgers an exotic flavor boost. Top them with sliced avocado and fresh slaw before devouring one on a whole wheat bun. Get the full recipe »
26. Soy-Ginger Flank Steak
A soy-ginger marinade adds tons of rich flavor to lean flank steak. Once the marinade has worked it's magic, the sliced steak only needs 15 minutes in the pan. It's perfect for satisfying a steak craving without having to fire up the grill. Get the full recipe »
27. Easy Oven Fajitas
Fajitas shouldn't be hard, but they can be difficult if you don't have a large cast iron griddle. Oh, and a commercial grade vent hood to whisk away the smoke! These oven-baked fajitas simplify the process. Coat the chicken in fajita seasoning and then toss it in the oven mixed with your peppers and onions. Soon you'll have a huge pan of fillings for your choice of tortilla. Get the full recipe »
28. Slow Cooker Carnitas Bowl with Pineapple Broccoli Slaw
These colorful bowls pack plenty of flavor and protein. A hearty pork loin gets a flavorful spice rub and a quick sear before going right into a crock pot for simple cooking. As the pork cooks and becomes fork-shredding-tender, prepare the pineapple broccoli slaw. Serve in bowls over rice or quinoa. Get the full recipe »
29. Penne Rosa with Shrimp
Greek yogurt is the secret ingredient in this creamy, shrimp pasta. It replaces traditional heavy cream to boost protein and lower fat. Full of mushroooms, spinach, and parmesan cheese, this recipe has plenty of flavor and nutrients. Get the full recipe »
30. Epicurean Bodybuilder's Mac and Cheese
While most mac and cheese recipes are only fit for waist gains, this bodybuilder-friendly recipe fuels your muscle gains instead! Sometimes cravings for comfort kick in and only a cheesy, gooey pasta dish will satisfy them. This meatless recipe packs 41g of protein per serving, but if you must have more, chicken sausage would be a good addition. Get the full recipe »
31. Slow Cooker Chicken Provencal
If you've got 10 minutes to spare before work, then you can come home to a delicious, lean dinner. This crock pot Italian dinner is as clean as it is easy. Top with grated parmesan or mozzarella and serve with rice and/or a slice of crusty, whole grain bread. Get the full recipe »
32. Roasted Broccoli with Shrimp
This nutrient-rich dinner only dirties one pan and comes together in just a few minutes. It's the perfect healthy, weeknight meal. Note: if you don't keep whole spices, you can use half the amount of ground spices instead. Get the full recipe »
33. Chicken Teriyaki
Chicken Teriyaki is a weeknight classic. You'll want to keep this recipe on hand for a lean, high protein dinner. The marinade doubles as a sauce, saving time and ingredients. Prepare some steamed vegetables while your chicken cooks and you'll have a complete dinner! Get the full recipe »
34. Asian Farro Medley and Salmon
High in protein and omega-3’s, this Asian inspired salmon dish delivers in nutrition and taste. Farro is an ancient grain with a nutty flavor and satisfying, chewy texture. You can find it at most major supermarkets and some places, like Trader Joe’s, even sell a quick cooking variety. While your farro cooks, there’s time to make the sauce and give the salmon a quick sear. Get the full recipe »
35. Fig Balsamic Roasted Pork Tenderloin
Tired of chicken breasts? Try the other white meat! Pork tenderloin has plenty of protein and not much fat. This easy recipe is coated with ready made fig butter before being roasted in the oven. Try it with roasted vegetables and potatoes on the side. Get the full recipe »
36. Baked Orange Chicken Meatballs
These fast, lean meatballs come with a Chinese takeout twist. Swapping chicken for fattier meats and baking them in an oven makes for a healthy alternative. While they bake, whip up the orange marmalade glaze and get ready to dig in! Get the full recipe »
37. Skirt Steak, Baby Bok Choy, and Zucchini Stir-Fry
Prep your skirt steak and veggies because this flavorful stir-fry moves fast! A high heat sear keeps the steak tender and a simple, flavorful sauce ties the ingredients together. This would be perfect served over rice or a bed of mixed greens. Get the full recipe »
38. Sausage & Peppers Baked Ziti
With turkey sausage and cottage cheese, you can be sure you’re getting plenty of protein in this lean pasta bake. Frozen peppers and onions add plenty of flavor but no extra prep time. As a bonus, you’ll have this satisfying meal on the dinner table in about 30 minutes! Get the full recipe »
39. Whole Chicken in a Crock Pot
Anyone seeking easy high protein meals needs a recipe for whole crock pot chicken. A simple spice rub and one onion is all it takes to create a flavorful whole chicken. Once it's done cooking, you can eat the pieces whole or save them for use in recipes throughout the week. As a bonus, you can use the leftover chicken bones to make an easy crock pot chicken stock! Get the full recipe »
High Protein Dessert Recipes
40. Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies
Nothing satisfies a sweet tooth better than brownies. These decadent brownies contain a chocolate triple threat of chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, and chocolate egg whites. Then each brownie gets chocolate frosting AND a chocolate peanut butter drizzle. You won't believe you're eating a low calorie treat with 14g of protein! Get the full recipe »
41. Cookie Dough Protein Shake
This shake is best described as "liquid cookie dough." Garnishing this creamy protein shake with oats and chocolate chips really seals the deal. Tip: if you don't have maple extract (like most people...), sub real maple syrup for the extract and some of the sweetener. Get the full recipe »
42. Cinnamon Roll Protein Oatmeal
Lacking the time (and self control) to make a whole pan of cinnamon rolls? Try this cinnamon roll protein oatmeal next time you have a craving. There's even a cream cheese swirl to add freshly frosted flavor. Get the full recipe »
43. Birthday Cake Protein Bites
Jen Jewell dropped by the M&S Headquarters and revealed a shocking secret: she's addicted to sprinkles! She shared her go-to sweet treat when she needs a colorful fix —birthday cake protein bites. These easy cookies can be baked or eaten as small bites after setting in the fridge. Either way, it's a great way to satisfy a cookie craving. Get the full recipe »
Posts
0 comments: