51 High Protein Dinner Ideas For Weight Loss

  • By: Ann Williams
  • Time to read: 8 min.

high protein dinner ideas

Watching your calorie intake and eating delicious protein filling meals can be the key to successful weight loss. In this article, we’ll explore 51 high protein dinner ideas that not only satisfy your taste buds but also support your health goals.

Protein is an essential macro nutrient that helps keep you feeling full and supports muscle maintenance while shedding those unwanted pounds.


High Protein Ideas For Dinner

Let’s dive into these nutritious and easy-to-make dinner options.

Please note: The protein amount can change, depending on ingredients used and portion size.

 

  1. Grilled Chicken Breast with Quinoa Salad

Grilled Chicken Breast with Quinoa Salad

Protein: 30g per serving.

A delicious meal featuring grilled chicken breast seasoned with herbs and served with a refreshing quinoa salad, packed with veggies and a light vinaigrette.

Work this meal into your meal prep and meal planning to save time and money. For more information, click on – Meal Prep for Beginners

BBC GoodFood Recipe

 

  1. Baked Salmon with Roasted Vegetables

Baked Salmon with Roasted Vegetables

Protein: 25g per serving.

This nutritious dinner consists of succulent baked salmon seasoned with lemon and dill, paired with a colorful assortment of roasted vegetables.

 

  1. Tofu Stir-Fry

Protein: 20g per serve.

A vegetarian delight, this tofu stir-fry showcases marinated tofu, vibrant vegetables, and a savory stir-fry sauce served over a bed of steaming jasmine rice.

 

  1. Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles

Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles

Protein: 25g per serving.

These flavorful turkey meatballs are served with zucchini noodles and topped with a rich marinara sauce for a low-carb and high-protein option.

 

  1. Lentil Curry

Protein: 15g per serve.

A comforting and aromatic lentil curry made with an assortment of spices and served over fluffy basmati rice or with whole wheat naan.

 

  1. Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Brown Rice

Protein: 20g per serving.

Succulent grilled shrimp seasoned with garlic and lemon, threaded onto skewers and served with a side of wholesome brown rice.

 

  1. Baked Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes

Protein: 25g per serving.

Tender and juicy baked chicken thighs served with roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned to perfection for a hearty and protein-packed meal.

You also might be interested in this article – High Protein Foods 

 

  1. Black Bean Burrito Bowl

Protein: 20g per serve.

A vegetarian burrito bowl featuring black beans, corn, avocado, salsa, and lime-infused rice, offering a burst of flavors and plant-based protein.

 

  1. Baked Cod with Asparagus

Baked Cod with Asparagus

Protein: 25g per serving.

Delicate and flaky baked cod served alongside tender asparagus spears, creating a light and nutritious dinner.

 

  1. Chickpea and Spinach Stew

Protein: 15g per serving.

A hearty stew made with chickpeas, spinach, tomatoes, and aromatic spices, perfect for a satisfying and protein-rich vegetarian meal.

EatingWell Recipe

 

  1. Grilled Steak with Broccoli

Protein: 35g per serve.

A classic favorite, this grilled steak is paired with steamed broccoli, creating a high-protein dinner idea option.

 

  1. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast

Protein: 30g per serving.

Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a mixture of spinach and feta cheese, baked to perfection, and served with a side of roasted vegetables.

For more chicken protein ideas, visit – 23 High Protein Dinners With Chicken

 

  1. Quinoa Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Protein: 20g per serving.

Portobello mushrooms stuffed with a delectable quinoa mixture, baked until tender, and served with a balsamic glaze for a delightful vegetarian dish.

 

  1. Grilled Pork Chops with Cabbage Slaw

Grilled Pork Chops with Cabbage Slaw

Protein: 25g per serve.

Juicy grilled pork chops paired with a crunchy and tangy cabbage slaw, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

 

  1. Chickpea and Avocado Salad

Protein: 15g per serving.

A light and refreshing salad featuring chickpeas, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a zesty lemon dressing, making it a perfect protein-rich option for a quick dinner.

 

  1. Baked Ziti with Lean Ground Beef

Protein: 25g per serving.

A comforting baked ziti casserole with lean ground beef, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, providing a hearty and satisfying meal.

 

  1. Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Protein: 20g per serve.

This quick and easy stir-fry combines succulent shrimp, crisp broccoli, and a savory stir-fry sauce, served over fluffy jasmine rice.

 

  1. Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Bowl

Protein: 15g per serving.

A nourishing bowl filled with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a drizzle of tahini sauce, providing a well-rounded and protein-packed meal.

You might also be interested in – Breakfasts High In Protein

 

  1. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken with Asparagus

Protein: 30g per serving.

Tender and flavorful grilled chicken seasoned with lemon and herbs, served with a side of grilled asparagus for a wholesome dinner option.

 

  1. Lentil and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

Protein: 20g per serving A vegetarian twist on the classic shepherd’s pie, featuring lentils, sweet potatoes, and a medley of vegetables, creating a hearty and protein-rich meal.

For ways to add extra vegetables, see this helpful article – How To Easily Add More Vegetables To Your Diet

 

  1. Baked Cod with Lemon and Herbs

Baked Cod with Lemon and Herbs

Protein: 25g per serve.

A light and fresh baked cod dish infused with lemon and herbs, accompanied by a medley of steamed vegetables.

 

  1. Coconut Curry Chickpea Stew

Protein: 20g per serving.

A delightful coconut curry stew featuring chickpeas, mixed vegetables, and aromatic spices, served over a bed of basmati rice or with naan bread for a flavorful and protein-rich meal.

 

  1. Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

Protein: 30g per serving.

Creamy Alfredo sauce combined with tender chicken and crisp broccoli, served over fettuccine or your choice of pasta.

 

  1. Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce

Protein: 25g per serving.

Flavorful Greek chicken souvlaki, marinated in Mediterranean spices and served with a refreshing tzatziki sauce and pita bread.

 

  1. Vegetarian Chili with Kidney Beans

Protein: 15g per serving.

A hearty and protein-rich vegetarian chili made with kidney beans, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices.

 

  1. Teriyaki Salmon with Broccoli

Protein: 25g per serving.

Succulent teriyaki-glazed salmon fillets paired with steamed broccoli, creating a flavorful and healthy dinner option.

 

  1. Mexican Quinoa Skillet

Protein: 20g per serve.

A one-pan Mexican quinoa skillet featuring black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado, offering a delicious plant-based protein option.

 

  1. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Protein: 25g per serving.

Classic beef and broccoli stir-fry with tender slices of beef, crisp broccoli florets, and a savory sauce served over steamed rice.

 

  1. Stuffed Bell Peppers with Lean Ground Turkey

Protein: 25g per serving.

Bell peppers stuffed with a mixture of lean ground turkey, quinoa, and vegetables, baked to perfection for a nutritious and protein-rich meal.

 

  1. Seared Tuna Steak with Mango Salsa

Protein: 30g per serving.

A refreshing seared tuna steak paired with a vibrant mango salsa, offering a delightful blend of flavors and a healthy dose of protein.

 

  1. Chickpea and Kale Salad

Protein: 15g per serving.

A nutritious kale salad featuring chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a zesty lemon dressing, making it a perfect protein-rich option for a quick dinner.

 

  1. Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops

Protein: 20g per serving.

Succulent scallops seared to perfection in a lemon garlic butter sauce, served with your choice of vegetables or rice.

AberdeensKitchen Recipe

 

  1. Chicken and Vegetable Fried Rice

Protein: 25g per serving.

A satisfying and protein-packed fried rice dish made with diced chicken, a medley of vegetables, and scrambled eggs.

Make extra serves for lunch. Here are some more ideas – Make High-Protein Lunches

 

  1. Moroccan Spiced Chickpeas with Couscous

Protein: 15g per serve.

A flavorful Moroccan-inspired dish featuring spiced chickpeas served over fluffy couscous, garnished with fresh herbs.

 

  1. Stuffed Chicken with Spinach and Ricotta

Protein: 30g per serving.

Chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy mixture of spinach and ricotta, baked until tender and served with a side of roasted vegetables.

Check out the article – 21 High Protein Dinners With Eggs

 

  1. One-Pot Quinoa and Chicken

Protein: 20g per serving.

A convenient and nutritious one-pot meal with quinoa, tender pieces of chicken, and a medley of vegetables, offering a complete and protein-rich dinner.

 

  1. Baked Italian Herb Salmon

Protein: 25g per serving.

Succulent salmon fillets seasoned with Italian herbs and baked to perfection, served with a side of steamed vegetables.

 

  1. Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry

Protein: 20g per serving.

A flavorful Thai-inspired stir-fry featuring tofu, bell peppers, and Thai basil in a savory sauce, served over jasmine rice.

 

  1. Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Pineapple Salsa

Protein: 30g per serving.

Grilled pork tenderloin served with a refreshing pineapple salsa, creating a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors.

 

  1. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Protein: 15g per serving.

A vibrant and nutritious Mediterranean salad featuring chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice.

 

  1. Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp

Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp

Protein: 20g per serving.

Juicy grilled shrimp marinated in a zesty lemon herb sauce, served with a side of your choice of vegetables or salad.

 

  1. Baked Italian Herb Chicken

Protein: 25g per serving.

Tender and flavorful baked chicken seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, served with roasted vegetables or a side salad.

 

  1. Thai Peanut Tofu Stir-Fry

Protein: 20g per serving.

A delectable Thai-inspired stir-fry featuring tofu, colorful vegetables, and a savory peanut sauce, served over jasmine rice.

 

  1. Greek Quinoa Salad with Feta

Protein: 15g per serving.

A refreshing Greek-inspired quinoa salad with feta cheese, olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a lemon-oregano dressing.

 

  1. Balsamic Glazed Salmon with Roasted Vegetables

Protein: 25g per serving.

Succulent balsamic-glazed salmon served with an assortment of roasted vegetables, creating a wholesome and flavorful dinner.

 

  1. Spicy Black Bean and Quinoa Salad

Protein: 20g per serving.

A zesty and protein-rich black bean and quinoa salad with corn, tomatoes, avocado, and a spicy lime dressing.

 

  1. Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt Sauce

Grilled Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt Sauce

Protein: 30g per serving.

Tender and flavorful grilled lamb chops served with a refreshing mint yogurt sauce, accompanied by your choice of roasted vegetables or couscous, creating a protein-rich and elegant dinner option.

 

  1. Chicken Fajita Bowl

Protein: 25g per serve.

A bowl of sizzling chicken fajita strips served with colorful bell peppers, onions, and your choice of rice or quinoa.

Make some smaller serves for protein snacks. For more ideas visit – What Snacks Are High In Protein?

 

  1. Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Quinoa

Protein: 20g per serving.

Succulent shrimp sautéed in a lemon garlic butter sauce, served with fluffy quinoa and a side of steamed vegetables.

 

  1. Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken with Asparagus

Protein: 30g per serving.

Grilled chicken glazed with honey mustard sauce, served alongside tender asparagus spears for a delicious and protein-packed meal.

 

  1. Grilled Halibut with Mango Salsa

Protein: 25g per serving.

Top the grilled halibut fillets with a refreshing mango salsa, served with your choice of steamed vegetables or a side of wild rice, providing a delicious seafood meal.

 

**Note:** The protein amounts mentioned for each meal are approximate and can vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

 

Conclusion

High Protein Ideas For Dinner

Incorporating new high protein dinner ideas into your weight loss journey can not only keep you feeling full and satisfied but also support muscle maintenance and overall health.

The 51 dinner ideas listed above offer a diverse range of flavors, textures, and cuisines, ensuring you’ll never get bored on your quest for protein dinner ideas.

Always consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional to tailor your dietary choices to your specific needs and goals.

Start experimenting in the kitchen and enjoy these delicious, high-protein dinners that will nourish your body and promote your weight loss success.

Happy and healthy eating!


Extra Reading And Resources

Check out more helpful weight loss tips, articles and high protein food ideas.

15 Bad Habits For Weight Loss To Be Aware Of

Best High Protein Foods At Trader Joe’s To Buy

What Foods Are Low Calorie? 20 Delicious Foods & Snacks