15 Low Cal High Protein Recipes

I’ve got 15 fantastic low-calorie, high-protein recipes that’ll keep you satisfied and energized. You can try the Lemon Butter Shrimp with Asparagus, which is quick and bursting with flavor. The Miso Salmon with Vegetables is another winner, perfect for a simple meal prep. If you’re in the mood for something different, give Pizza Chicken or Baked Chicken Tenderloins a go. And don’t miss the Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry for a tasty, protein-packed dinner. These options not only taste great but also fit beautifully into a healthy lifestyle. Stick around for even more delicious ideas!

Lemon Butter Shrimp With Asparagus

 Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus - this is an easy, light and healthy dinner option that can be on your table in 15 minutes. Buttery shrimp and asparagus flavored with lemon juice and garlic. #shrimp #healthy #onepan #lemonbuttershrimp | https://withpeanutbutterontop.com

Lemon Butter Shrimp with Asparagus is a delightful dish that packs a punch of flavor while keeping calories in check. I love how the shrimp cooks quickly, turning pink and tender, while the asparagus adds a lovely crunch. With garlic, spices, and a squeeze of lemon, it’s not just healthy; it’s incredibly satisfying. This dish is also perfect for low-carb diets, making it a great option for those watching their calorie intake. Trust me, you’ll enjoy every bite!

Miso Salmon With Vegetables

Close-up of sheet pan salmon and veggies.

After enjoying the bright flavors of Lemon Butter Shrimp with Asparagus, I’m excited to share another delicious dish that’s as simple as it’s nutritious: Miso Salmon with Vegetables.

Just whisk together miso paste, maple syrup, soy sauce, and rice vinegar for a quick marinade. Sheet pan meals simplify the cooking process and make cleanup a breeze!

Bake the salmon with broccoli, carrots, and asparagus for a healthy, protein-packed meal ready in under 30 minutes!

Pizza Chicken

Chicken crust pizza topped with cheese, tomato slices and fresh basil on a white plate.

If you’re craving a fun twist on traditional pizza, Pizza Chicken is the perfect solution!

I mix ground chicken with parmesan, seasonings, and an egg (if I want), then spread it out on a baking sheet.

After baking for 30 minutes, I top it with sauce and mozzarella before a quick bake.

It’s delicious, high-protein, and low-carb—what’s not to love?

This recipe is a great option for those seeking a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Baked Chicken Tenderloins

baked chicken tenders.

Baked chicken tenderloins are a go-to for me when I want a quick, healthy meal without sacrificing flavor. I marinate them in olive oil and spices, then season with paprika and Italian herbs. Baking at 400°F for about 20 minutes ensures they’re juicy and tender. Plus, they’re low in calories and high in protein—a healthy option perfect for meal prep or salads!

Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

overhead shot of the prepared healthy beef and broccoli stir fry recipe plated in a small bowl with white rice. Black chop sticks with purple flowers are resting on the side of the bowl.

Beef and broccoli stir fry is one of my favorite quick dinners, combining tender strips of beef with fresh, vibrant broccoli. I heat sesame oil in a skillet, cook the beef until browned, then add broccoli and a splash of water to steam. This dish is a classic Chinese-American meal that is loved by many and is perfect for busy weeknights. After a few minutes, I toss in soy sauce and serve it over rice for a delicious, protein-packed meal.

One Pot Vegetable Soup With Ground Beef

Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

When the weather turns chilly, I love whipping up a comforting one pot vegetable soup with ground beef. I sauté onion and garlic, then add lean ground beef, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Toss in diced tomatoes and beef broth, seasoning with Italian herbs. Ground beef cooks quickly and is the most convenient option for a hearty meal. In about 30 minutes, I’ve got a delicious, nutritious meal that warms me right up!

Vegan Egg Roll in a Bowl

After warming up with that hearty one pot vegetable soup, I love switching things up with a fresh and vibrant Vegan Egg Roll in a Bowl. It’s quick to make—just sauté smoky tofu, cabbage, and carrots with soy sauce and sesame oil. This dish combines the flavors of crispy egg rolls without the effort, making it a perfect weeknight meal. I serve it with crispy wonton strips and a sprinkle of green onions for that extra crunch. It’s deliciously satisfying!

Cheesy Vegan Tofu Scramble

taking some vegan tofu scramble with a fork with potatoes and toast behind it on the same plate

While I love a hearty breakfast, there’s something uniquely satisfying about a Cheesy Vegan Tofu Scramble that hits the spot.

I crumble extra firm tofu in a nonstick skillet, adding nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. Using a 14 oz block of organic extra firm tofu with turmeric for color and black salt for an ‘eggy’ taste, this dish is high in protein and low in calories—perfect for any meal of the day!

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Tacos

high protein breakfast tacos made from cottage cheese and topped with egg, pesto and more

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Tacos are a delicious way to kick off your day, combining high protein and low calories in a fun, handheld format. I love mixing low-fat cottage cheese with egg whites and baking them into crispy taco bases. Topping them with avocado, sriracha, or even a veggie mix creates a tasty breakfast that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Each serving of these tacos contains approximately 460 calories, 30g protein which makes them an excellent choice for a healthy breakfast. Enjoy experimenting with your favorites!

Chicken Fajita Wrap

If you’re looking for another hearty yet healthy meal, the Chicken Fajita Wrap is a fantastic option. I season strips of chicken with spices and lime juice, sauté them with onions and bell peppers, and blend a creamy avocado sauce. Cooking the chicken until golden brown adds a delicious depth of flavor to the dish. Wrapped in low-cal tortillas, each serving packs 40-47g of protein and is perfect for meal prep. Enjoy a delicious, satisfying bite!

Pork Kebabs

Top 10 Low-Calorie Kebab Recipes

Pork kebabs are a delicious and versatile option for anyone craving a hearty meal without the guilt. I love using lean pork loin, marinating it for flavor, and grilling it with vibrant peppers and onions. With 33.6-42g of protein per serving and low in carbs, they’re perfect for my healthy lifestyle. Additionally, pork souvlaki kebabs offer a great source of high protein at 42g per serving, making them an excellent choice for a nutritious meal. Plus, they’re quick to prepare and great for outdoor gatherings!

Coconut Tomato Shrimp

Creamy coconut shrimp with tomatoes, coconut milk, basil, and red pepper flakes in a black skillet.

Coconut Tomato Shrimp is one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something quick, flavorful, and packed with protein. I sauté onions in coconut oil, then add garlic and ginger for a fragrant kick. Chopped tomatoes release their juices, and after simmering with coconut milk, I toss in shrimp until they’re perfectly pink. This dish is not only delicious but also high in protein and ideal for various dietary preferences. It’s delicious over rice or zucchini noodles!

Chinese Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry

After enjoying the vibrant flavors of Coconut Tomato Shrimp, I often crave something with a bit of kick, like Chinese Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry. I marinate chicken in soy and oyster sauce, then stir-fry it with bell peppers and onions. With a touch of honey and black pepper, this dish delivers a satisfying protein boost in just 30 minutes. This recipe is easy to make and more delicious than take-out, making it a perfect choice for family meals.

Salmon Sushi Bake

When I want a fun twist on traditional sushi, I turn to Salmon Sushi Bake. This dish combines cooked sushi rice, shredded salmon, imitation crab, and a creamy Sriracha mayo blend, all baked to perfection. Topped with furikake and served with seaweed snacks, it’s packed with 45g of protein and is rich in omega-3s. It’s a delicious, healthier sushi experience! Sushi Bake is a creative twist on sushi that originated from social media platforms.

Chickpea Salad Sandwiches

Switching gears from a delightful Salmon Sushi Bake, I love to whip up Chickpea Salad Sandwiches for a quick, nutritious meal. I mash canned chickpeas and mix them with tahini, celery, and fresh dill. After chilling, I spread the mixture on whole grain bread, adding lettuce and tomato. These sandwiches aren’t only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber! The whole food plant-based diet associated with chickpeas contributes to improved health outcomes.