High protein dinner ideas are perfect for those looking to build muscle, support recovery, or simply enjoy a filling meal. Grilled chicken or turkey breast is a classic, offering lean protein that’s both versatile and satisfying. For variety, consider fish like salmon or tuna, which provide healthy omega-3 fatty acids along with protein. Beef or bison steaks, lean cuts like sirloin or flank steak, are another great option, providing a robust source of protein.
For a plant-based alternative, try lentils, quinoa, and chickpeas, which are rich in protein and fiber. Stir-fries with tofu, tempeh, or edamame paired with colorful vegetables and brown rice can make for a balanced, high-protein meal. Eggs are also a fantastic option—scrambled, poached, or as an omelet with spinach, mushrooms, and cheese. Pair these protein-rich ingredients with healthy sides like roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa, or a mixed green salad to create a nutritious, satisfying dinner.
High Protein Dinner Ideas
Here is a list of 100+ high-protein dinner ideas:
- Grilled Chicken Breast with Roasted Vegetables
- Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles
- Salmon with Quinoa and Asparagus
- Tofu Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers
- Grilled Steak with Sweet Potato Fries
- Chicken Fajitas with Avocado
- Lentil Soup with Spinach and Tomatoes
- Baked Cod with Brussels Sprouts
- Shrimp and Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry
- Chicken and Vegetable Skewers
- Beef and Bean Chili
- Eggplant Parmesan with Ground Turkey
- Baked Chicken Thighs with Roasted Garlic Broccoli
- Grilled Tuna Steaks with Greek Salad
- Chicken Caesar Salad (with Greek yogurt dressing)
- Vegetable and Tofu Buddha Bowl
- Chickpea and Spinach Curry
- Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
- Zucchini and Ground Turkey Casserole
- Baked Chicken with Quinoa and Roasted Vegetables
- Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Black Beans
- Spaghetti Squash with Marinara and Turkey Meatballs
- Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill
- Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Carrots
- Chickpea and Sweet Potato Stew
- Beef Stir-Fry with Bok Choy
- Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
- Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt Sauce
- Baked Tilapia with Lemon-Caper Sauce
- Ground Turkey and Black Bean Enchiladas
- Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles
- Salmon and Avocado Salad
- Chicken and Asparagus Stir-Fry
- Tofu Tacos with Avocado and Salsa
- Turkey Burger with Sweet Potato Fries
- Grilled Shrimp Salad with Avocado
- Baked Chicken with Pesto and Roasted Vegetables
- Vegetarian Black Bean and Quinoa Burrito Bowl
- Seared Tuna with Cucumber Noodles
- Lentil and Tomato Stew
- Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo (with cauliflower cream sauce)
- Vegetarian Protein-Packed Stir-Fry
- Grilled Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa
- Turkey and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
- Tofu Scramble with Spinach and Mushrooms
- Lamb and Veggie Stir-Fry
- Salmon with Spinach and Feta Cheese
- Chickpea and Tomato Salad with Feta
- Baked Cod with Steamed Broccoli
- Steak with Cauliflower Mash
- Cabbage and Beef Stir-Fry
- Chicken Parmesan with Zucchini Noodles
- Grilled Turkey Burgers with Avocado
- Vegetable and Chickpea Buddha Bowl
- Spicy Shrimp and Quinoa Bowl
- Beef and Vegetable Skewers
- Chicken and Spinach Lasagna
- Grilled Veggie and Chicken Salad
- Chickpea and Quinoa Patties
- Lamb Kebab with Hummus and Cucumber Salad
- Tofu and Edamame Stir-Fry
- Beef Burritos with Black Beans and Rice
- Zucchini and Eggplant Gratin with Chicken
- Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
- Grilled Salmon with Cucumber and Tomato Salad
- Pork Chop with Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes
- Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms
- Chicken Pesto Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles)
- Salmon with Avocado-Cucumber Salsa
- Lentil and Vegetable Salad
- Quinoa-Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
- Curry Spiced Shrimp with Coconut Rice
- Spaghetti Squash with Pesto and Chicken
- Spicy Black Bean and Corn Salad with Grilled Chicken
- Grilled Shrimp with Spinach and Feta Salad
- Tofu and Tempeh Buddha Bowl
- Turkey and Mushroom Meatloaf
- Roasted Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
- Vegetarian Cauliflower and Chickpea Curry
- Seared Steak with Sautéed Spinach
- Chicken and Avocado Salad
- Beef and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
- Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers
- Baked Salmon with Wild Rice and Green Beans
- Steak and Sweet Potato Hash
- Pork Tenderloin with Cabbage and Apples
- Chicken Fajita Bowl
- Baked Eggplant with Ground Turkey and Cheese
- Baked Tilapia with Broccoli and Sweet Potato
- Crispy Tofu with Spicy Peanut Sauce
- Stuffed Zucchini with Ground Turkey and Quinoa
- Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
- Roasted Chicken with Spinach and Ricotta Stuffing
- Grilled Pork with Cucumber and Tomato Salad
- Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers
- Eggplant and Lentil Curry
- Grilled Chicken Thighs with Quinoa and Veggies
- Salmon Cakes with Avocado Salsa
- Lentil and Beef Stuffed Peppers
- Grilled Shrimp and Veggie Skewers
- Spinach and Feta-Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Lamb and Vegetable Curry
- Grilled Salmon with Couscous
- Chickpea and Kale Salad
- Baked Tofu with Peanut Sauce and Veggies
- Grilled Mahi-Mahi with Mango Salsa
- Pork and Veggie Stir-Fry with Rice
- Shrimp and Avocado Salad
- Lentil and Carrot Stew
- Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tempeh
- Roast Chicken with Quinoa and Green Beans
- Grilled Chicken Skewers with Yogurt Sauce
- Baked Tofu with Spicy Thai Peanut Sauce
- Spaghetti Squash with Meatballs
These high-protein dinner ideas range from plant-based to meat and seafood dishes, offering a variety of flavors and options to suit different dietary preferences!
Recipe
1. Grilled Chicken Breast with Roasted Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for vegetables
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Meanwhile, toss the sliced vegetables with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Roast the vegetables in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until tender.
- Serve the grilled chicken with roasted vegetables.
2. Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 zucchinis, spiralized
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the meatballs bake, sauté the zucchini noodles in a pan with a little olive oil for 3-5 minutes until tender.
- Heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan and serve the meatballs over the zucchini noodles with sauce.
3. Salmon with Quinoa and Asparagus
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for asparagus
- 1 lemon, sliced
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rub the salmon fillets with olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
- Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven for 12-15 minutes.
- Serve the salmon with quinoa and roasted asparagus, garnished with lemon slices.
4. Tofu Stir-Fry with Broccoli and Bell Peppers
Ingredients:
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan and sauté tofu cubes until crispy on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and broccoli florets to the pan, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes (if using).
- Serve the stir-fry topped with sesame seeds.
5. Grilled Steak with Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients:
- 2 steaks (your choice of cut)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, sliced into fries
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for fries
- 1 teaspoon paprika for fries
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Rub the steaks with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Roast the fries in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve the grilled steaks with sweet potato fries.
6. Chicken Fajitas with Avocado
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 4 tortillas
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the chicken until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add the bell pepper and onion, and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
- Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Serve the chicken mixture on tortillas, topped with sliced avocado.
7. Lentil Soup with Spinach and Tomatoes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
- Add the diced tomatoes, lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 25-30 minutes until the lentils are tender.
- Stir in the spinach and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Serve hot.
8. Baked Cod with Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients:
- 2 cod fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for Brussels sprouts
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rub the cod fillets with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Roast the cod in the oven for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.
- Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven for 20 minutes.
- Serve the baked cod with roasted Brussels sprouts.
9. Shrimp and Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cauliflower rice
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the shrimp until cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the cauliflower rice, bell pepper, onion, and garlic for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the soy sauce and cooked shrimp.
- Serve hot.
10. Chicken and Vegetable Skewers
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 onion, cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the chicken and vegetables onto skewers.
- Brush with olive oil and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Serve with a side of quinoa or rice.
11. Beef and Bean Chili
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté the ground beef until browned.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
- Stir in the beans, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Add the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot with toppings like sour cream or shredded cheese.
12. Eggplant Parmesan with Ground Turkey
Ingredients:
- 2 eggplants, sliced into rounds
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Dip the eggplant slices into the beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Arrange the eggplant slices on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
- While the eggplant bakes, cook the ground turkey in a pan until browned. Add marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Layer the baked eggplant slices in a baking dish, topping each slice with turkey sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. Baked Chicken Thighs with Roasted Garlic Broccoli
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bunch broccoli, cut into florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for broccoli
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes until fully cooked.
- Toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve the baked chicken thighs with roasted garlic broccoli.
14. Grilled Tuna Steaks with Greek Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 tuna steaks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for salad)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the tuna steaks with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the tuna for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for desired doneness.
- In a bowl, combine the cucumber, red onion, tomatoes, olives, and feta.
- Drizzle the salad with olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Serve the grilled tuna steaks alongside the Greek salad.
15. Chicken Caesar Salad (with Greek yogurt dressing)
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup whole-wheat croutons
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Grill the chicken breasts until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Slice thinly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Toss the romaine lettuce with the dressing, Parmesan cheese, and croutons.
- Top the salad with the grilled chicken slices and serve.
16. Vegetable and Tofu Buddha Bowl
Ingredients:
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup steamed broccoli
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 avocado, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon peanut sauce (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the tofu cubes with olive oil and soy sauce. Bake for 25-30 minutes until crispy.
- In a bowl, layer the quinoa, steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, and sliced avocado.
- Top with the baked tofu, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of peanut sauce if desired.
17. Chickpea and Spinach Curry
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
- Stir in the curry powder, and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the chickpeas, diced tomatoes, coconut milk, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
- Serve with rice or quinoa.
18. Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 8 small tortillas
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through.
- In a bowl, mix the shredded cabbage with Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the tacos by placing the shrimp in tortillas, topping with the cabbage slaw, and garnishing with cilantro.
19. Zucchini and Ground Turkey Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 zucchinis, sliced
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a pan, sauté the ground turkey with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until browned.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a baking dish, layer the zucchini slices, turkey mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
- Top with Parmesan cheese and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly.
20. Baked Chicken with Quinoa and Roasted Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, bell peppers, zucchini)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for vegetables
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
- Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary, and roast for 20 minutes.
- Serve the baked chicken with quinoa and roasted vegetables.




