21 Meals That Are Surprisingly High in Protein (2024)

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When we think about high-protein meals, we typically think of chicken breast and egg whites, with a side of steamed broccoli. Not the most flavorful food, but definitely high in protein! But, lucky for you, these meals are delicious, nutritious, and all of them have a surprising amount of protein in them showing you that nutritious can be delicious.

Easy Shredded Chicken Nachos

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Nachos may not be what you think of first for a high-protein meal, but the combination of chicken, beans, and cheese make for a satisfying meal with more than 50 grams of protein! Add fresh toppings for flavor, color, and crunch.
Get the recipe: Easy Shredded Chicken Nachos

Shrimp Linguine with Lemon Garlic Breadcrumbs

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Not only is this shrimp linguine easy to make with simple ingredients, it is also packed with almost 30 grams of protein and incredible flavor. It might not sound like a weeknight meal but it’s ready in 30 minutes!
Get the recipe: Shrimp Linguine with Lemon Garlic Breadcrumbs

Grilled Chicken Thighs

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Once you have tried this recipe for grilled chicken thighs you will never go back. Prep them ahead of time so that they can marinate, and when you cook them you will be delighted at this flavorful, juicy, and tender chicken with about 30 grams of protein per thigh.
Get the recipe: Grilled Chicken Thighs

Furikake Salmon

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Looking for a fresh and new salmon recipe? This crunchy furikake salmon is for you. Tender, flaky salmon is topped wtih a crispy panko and furikake topping for some added flavor and texture. Each serving has almost 40 grams of protein.
Get the recipe: Furikake Salmon

Turkey Burger Sliders

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The ground turkey is mixed with a few pantry staples that result in a delicious, nutritious, and super easy summer dinner that’s always a big hit. Each slider has about 15 grams of protein!
Get the recipe: Turkey Burger Sliders

Salmon Caesar Salad

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Not only is this Caesar salad with salmon a nutritious and delicious meal, but it’s incredibly easy to make and ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner meal. Each serving has more than 30 grams of protein.
Get the recipe: Salmon Caesar Salad

Easy Ground Turkey Tostada

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Your family is going to love these easy turkey tostadas. Crunchy tostada shells are topped with a layer of refried beans, turkey taco meat, queso fresco, and pickled red onions for a meal that’s made with just 5 ingredients and ready in 20 minutes. Two tostadas have more than 35 grams of protein!
Get the recipe: Easy Ground Turkey Tostada

Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa

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This easy dinner is perfect for a busy weeknight, as it can be prepared in under 25 minutes and is packed with fresh, nutritious, and delicious ingredients.Cook up your favorite white fish and top with a homemade mango salsa for a meal light and easy dinner.Each serving has more than 20 grams of protein.
Get the recipe: Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa

Chicken Fajita Quesadillas

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Made up of simple ingredients, this chicken quesadilla fajita is incredibly flavorful, includes all the components you need in a meal (protein, produce, carbs, and flavor), and comes together in less than 30 minutes – it’s the perfect weeknight dinner meal. Each serving has a whopping 50 grams of protein.
Get the recipe: Chicken Fajita Quesadillas

Lemon Pepper Shrimp

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This lemon pepper shrimp recipe is sure to become a weeknight dinner fave and there’s a lot to love. It’s full of butter-y, lemon-y, pepper-y flavor (YUM!); it’s ready in about 10 minutes; and it’s made with simple ingredients.Shrimp cooks SO quickly and has nearly 45 grams of protein per serving.
Get the recipe: Lemon Pepper Shrimp

Black Bean Quesarito (Taco Bell Inspired)

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This Taco Bell menu item is a mash up between a quesadilla and a burrito. So essentially you make a quesadilla and then turn it into a burrito. YUM! It has more than 50 grams of vegetarian protein, but it’s pretty filling, you may only need a half!
Get the recipe: Black Bean Quesarito

Bacon and Egg Cups

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Perfect for a make-ahead breakfasts, these bacon and egg cups are completely customizable and they have 8 grams of protein per cup. Pair a few with some toast or fresh fruit.
Get the recipe: Bacon and Egg Cups

Harissa Chicken Thighs

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Harissa chicken thighs are a spicy, flavorful chicken dish with a complex flavor, made using harissa chile paste. Pair them with some roasted veggies and a quick salad for a delicious dinner! Each thigh has about 20 grams of protein.
Get the recipe: Harissa Chicken

Moroccan Spiced Ground Lamb Tacos

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There are so many delicious flavors going on in these ground lamb tacos – we have Moroccan-inspired spiced lamb,whipped lemon feta dip, crunchy shredded cabbage, and bright pickled red onions – all rolled up in a charred corn tortilla.Each taco has about 10 grams of protein.
Get the recipe: Moroccan Spiced Ground Lamb Tacos

Crispy Parmesan Baked Cod

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This baked cod with panko is loaded with crunchy textures, buttery flavors, and tender, flaky fish and only takes about 20 minutes, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Each serving has about 30 grams of protein.
Get the recipe: Crispy Parmesan Baked Cod

Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad

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This salad has something for everyone! Spicy buffalo chicken, crunchy veggies, and of course some creamy ranch dressing to cool it down and bring it all together. This salad comes together in 15 minutes and has almost 20 grams of protein.
Get the recipe: Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad

Creamy Chicken Ramen Noodles

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You will love these creamy chicken ramen noodles with a protein boost! The egg and broth impart a creamy chicken flavor with more than 20 grams protein.
Get the recipe: Creamy Chicken Ramen Noodles

Fajita Chicken Burrito

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Need a new weeknight dinner? Meet these quick and easy fajita chicken burritos! They have a delicious combination of a fajita-inspired chicken, cheese, rice, and beans for a yummy and filling burrito that the whole family will love. Each burrito has about 40 grams of protein.
Get the recipe: Fajita Chicken Burrito

Cheesy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet

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This ground turkey taco skillet has so much going for it! It’s incredibly tasty with classic taco flavors that everyone loves, cheese, and some veggies. It’s ready in just 15 minutes, making this easy taco skillet dinner a great weeknight meal with more than 40 grams of protein. Serve with plenty of dippers.
Get the recipe: Cheesy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet

Grilled Chicken Grain Bowls

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These meal prep Chicken Grain Bowls are a healthy and nutritious meal for warmer weather. They are full of delicious grilled vegetables and honey garlic marinated chicken, and all you have to do is pull them out of the fridge and eat!The filling combination of quinoa and chicken have more than 20 grams of protein.
Get the recipe: Grilled Chicken Grain Bowls

Balsamic Bruschetta Chicken

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This gluten-free balsamic chicken marinade makes the juiciest seasoned chicken topped with homemade bruschetta that tastes like summer in every bite! Serve with a simple veggie and French bread for a meal that has almost 50 grams of protein.
Get the recipe: Balsamic Bruschetta Chicken