30 High-Protein Recipes for Every Meal of The Day

If you’re trying to find ways to introduce more protein into your daily diet, these high-protein recipes can help you do it. 

After all, protein is an integral part of any well-balanced diet. But it’s not always easy to consume the right amount.

But whether you’re a fan of fish or chicken, beans and avocados, there’s something here for you. 

Easy High-Protein Meals

There are plenty of reasons to increase your protein intake. But it’s not always obvious what to eat on a high-protein diet.

That’s why I made this list of high-protein recipes.

From breakfast to dinner, I found some truly tasty meals. And no, it’s not all egg whites and Greek yogurt!

1. Feta and Spinach Pancakes

Do you need more protein, but you aren’t a huge meat eater? No problem!

With just six ingredients, you can whip up these cheesy, filling, and flavor-packed pancakes. 

Ready in 30 minutes, each one has more than 30 grams of protein. So heat up the griddle and whip up a hot stack.

2. Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie

High-protein meals don’t mean you can’t enjoy something sweet and a little decadent. Just take it from this peanut butter banana smoothie.

It’s proof you can satisfy your sweet tooth and sneak in this muscle-building nutrient.

Plus, it requires only five ingredients – peanut butter, bananas, milk, honey, and ice. And it only takes 5 minutes.

3. Savory Cottage Cheese Bowls

Cottage cheese may not be the most exciting way to get your protein, but you can easily jazz it up and give it a lot more flavor. 

Feel free to add whatever you like to your cottage cheese bowl, but I stick pretty closely to this recipe. The scallions and cucumbers add a delightful herb flavor. 

The bell peppers, tomatoes, and pistachios add crunch, a slight sweetness, and a little taste of garden freshness. Overall, it’s an excellent combination. 

4. Salmon Patties

There’s no denying that salmon patties are good for you and are absolutely overflowing with protein. 

You can make them even healthier (and tastier) by cooking them in the air fryer. Preparing them this way is effortless and takes less than 30 minutes.

Season them just right, throw them in the air fryer, then serve them with homemade aioli dipping sauce.

5. White Chicken Chili

In the fall and winter, few things are more delicious than a hot, steaming bowl of chili. And this white chili is a 100% crowd-pleaser.

The chicken is so tender and the broth is thick and flavorful. All the add-ins – northern beans, white corn, chile peppers, etc. – are on point, too.

Add your favorite toppings and it gets even better!

6. Protein-Packed Mac and Cheese

When you think of macaroni and cheese, you probably think of carbs. But this protein-packed version will change that!

It’s supremely creamy and cheesy, just like it should be. Each serving has a whopping 26 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber, too.

Plus, it sneaks in broccoli and spinach with nobody complaining. Hurray for healthy, homemade comfort food!

7. Greek Chicken Power Bowls

Greek chicken power bowls have a lot going on. And yet, they take only 30 minutes to make.

Each bowl is packed with all kinds good for you and good tasting foods. Chicken, chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers, and more. 

They’re so full of protein, they’ll keep you energized all day long. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this!

8. Garlic Shrimp with Quinoa

If you’re looking for a low-calorie, low-fat meal that’s also high in protein, you’ll love garlic shrimp with quinoa. 

It takes only 30 minutes to pull together four servings.

Between the tender, perfectly marinated shrimp and the fluffy quinoa, it’s hard to know what tastes best. 

9. Black Bean and Lentil Soup

Want to get more protein without breaking the bank? You need more high protein dinners just like this!

Black beans and legumes are an economical source of this macronutrient. Toss them in a soup and it’s a one-pot meal that feeds the whole family.

It’s meatless, super yummy, and budget-friendly.

10. Chicken Stroganoff

When I need protein, but crave comfort food, I turn to chicken stroganoff. It’s an oldie but a goodie that always hits the spot. 

Tender bits of chicken give the creamy sauce a big protein boost. Served over egg noodles, you get a whopping 70 grams of it in total.

Simple and cozy, it’s a quick high protein dinner the whole family will love.

11. Creamy High Protein Mushroom and Spinach Pasta

Rich, creamy, tasty, and cheesy, this dish is naturally vegetarian-friendly. And, it happens to be packed with protein. 

But how is that possible without meat? I’ll let you in on a little secret. The sauce has silken tofu!

Pair it with chickpea pasta and you have a comforting and gluten-free high protein meal.

12. Cowboy Chili

Cowboy chili is smoky and perfectly spicy. 

With its lean ground beef, juicy stewed tomatoes, and stick-to-your-ribs pinto beans, this dish is perfect for those long, cold fall and winter nights.

13. Marry Me Chicken

I admit, the name may sound absurd. But after one bite, you’ll want to marry whoever made this dish!

The chicken is juicy and succulent. Then there’s the bacon which is salty, crunchy, and perfect as bacon always is. 

With the creamy herb and parmesan cheese sauce, it’s good enough to make you cry. Do yourself a favor and make it tonight.

14. Chicken Alfredo

Fettuccine alfredo may not seem like a high protein meal, but think again!

When you pile it high with chicken, mushrooms, and buttery sauce, the protein starts to add up quickly.

With 35 grams per serving, it’ll definitely be enough to fill you up and keep you that way for quite some time. Plus, it’s incredible! 

15. Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Have your dishes been a little blah lately? Spice things up with this protein-rich, fun, and flavorsome chicken casserole. 

It’s got all the components of jalapeno poppers. Except it comes packed with shredded chicken, extra veggies, more cheese, and a pretzel topping.

As a dip or a dish, you can’t go wrong!

16. John Wayne Casserole

If there’s one man in Hollywood who knew about getting enough protein, it was John Wayne. And his famous casserole is full of it!

There’s biscuit mix, ground beef, mayo, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and so much more. It doesn’t get much heartier or protein-packed.

One thing is for sure, no one will feel hungry after this casserole.

17. Avocado and White Bean Sandwich

Here’s a vegan high protein meal to power you through a busy afternoon.

It has a powerhouse of plant-based protein on whole grain bread. You get nutrient dense goodies like creamy avocado, white beans, and artichoke hearts.

And the cheese? With a sprinkle of nooch, you don’t need it. It gives it a cheesy flavor with an extra dose of vitamin and protein.

18. Buffalo Chicken Wraps

These buffalo chicken wraps are where it’s at!

Each warm tortilla hugs juicy chunks of buffalo chicken, salty bacon, fresh tomatoes, and zesty ranch dressing.

You’ll get plenty of protein and even more flavor in every bite. It’s the sandwich wrap your lunches have been missing.

19. Lentil Burgers

Craving a juicy burger but trying to eat less red meat? Ditch the beef for a lentil patty. 

These tiny legumes are a protein powerhouse you can eat on the cheap. When seasoned just right, they create one tasty burger

Just slap the patty on a bun and pile it high with all your favorite veggies. Then sink your teeth in!

20. Sloppy Joes

I don’t care how much you love Sloppy Joes, you haven’t truly had a great Sloppy Joe until you’ve had a Trisha Yearwood Sloppy Joe. 

These things are some of the tastiest sandwiches you’ll ever put in your mouth. 

Perfectly seasoned and containing kidney beans, ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and more, these stop just short of being heavenly.  

21. Quinoa Black Bean and Corn Salad

I love the versatility of this salad. It’s a high protein dinner, lunch, side, and snack that’s quick and portable. Bring it to a cookout, picnic, potluck, or just the office.

Between the quinoa and the black beans, it’s got a ton of protein. It’s rife with colorful veggies in a zippy lime vinaigrette, too.

Clean eating and plant-based, it’s a crowd-pleaser proving vegan food is great.

22. 15 Bean Soup

You can probably already guess that anything that has 15 beans in it will be positively packed with protein. You’d be right.

This soup also has ham, onions, plenty of herbs, and a ton of flavor. You can easily enjoy it any time of year, but it’s ideal for fall and winter. 

23. Cottage Cheese Toasts

By itself, toast doesn’t have a ton of protein, but it becomes an entirely different story if you pile it high with cottage cheese and fresh veggies. 

Plus, it’s super easy to make and shouldn’t take you longer than 5 minutes, which is great for busy mornings.

24. Chicken Waldorf Salad

Is there anything better than chunky, creamy chicken salad? Maybe, but not a lot!

With walnuts, golden raisins, celery, grapes, apples, lemon juice, and chicken, this recipe for chicken salad is one of my all-time favorites. 

Once you add in the homemade dressing, it’s over.

25. High-Protein Enchilada Scrambled Eggs

Breakfast or dinner, you can’t go wrong with this vegetarian dish. It’s a quick and light meal that packs a ton of protein into a few ingredients. 

Enchilada sauces, adobo seasoning, and cheese make the fluffy eggs taste like enchiladas. But the best part is there’s zero tortilla rolling. 

You get all the flavor you want in a 5 minute gluten-free and low-carb meal.

26. Clam Chowder

Clam chowder has to be really, really good for me to enjoy it. And I crave this recipe, so that’s saying a lot!

Maybe it’s the bacon, or the chopped onions and potatoes. Perhaps it’s the herby and umami rich broth. Whatever it is, I love it. 

Trust me, you’ll crave this New England clam chowder too.

27. Chocolate Lentil Protein Muffins

Lentil muffins may not sound super appetizing at first, but honestly, you can’t even taste the lentils beneath the banana, honey, chocolate chips, vanilla, and cocoa powder. 

These taste like any other fluffy, delicious chocolate muffins you’ll try, but thanks to the lentils, they have a lot more protein than most. 

28. Lasagna

Some folks seem surprised when I present lasagna as a high-protein recipe. But with all the meat and cheese, it’s absolutely packed. 

Ready in about an hour, it requires only seven ingredients. Plus, it serves a crowd. 

So there’s plenty for seconds tonight and leftovers for later. Meal prepping doesn’t get any better than that!

29. Lentil Salad

If you’re looking for a protein-heavy meal that you can make in 15 minutes or less without cooking a single thing, check out this recipe for lentil salad. 

All you’ll have to do is rinse and drain your lentils, then add all your other veggies and herbs.

Mix everything up nicely and serve it by itself or with your favorite lean meat. 

30. Cheeseburger Meatloaf

You’ve probably had meatloaf a lot in your life, but have you ever tried cheeseburger meatloaf? 

It has all the same great things you love about meatloaf but also includes lots and lots of shredded cheddar cheese. 

It tastes phenomenal, and I think it’s a lot prettier than regular meatloaf, as well. And, of course, it’s meatloaf, so there’s no lack of protein.