Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 10 Food Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Summer

      10 Food Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Summer

      Here are the popular flavors we think will be big this year, plus recipes to try these trends at home. Read More
    • 22 Vegetarian Lunches You Can Make in 10 Minutes

      22 Vegetarian Lunches You Can Make in 10 Minutes

      When you're short on time, you can still make a quick, healthy lunch that will help you power through the afternoon. Whether you prefer a simple grain bowl with lots of veggies, a slice of loaded avocado toast or a delish salad, there's something for you in this mix. You need just 10 minutes in the kitchen to pull together recipes like our Egg Tartine and Chickpea Salad Sandwich. Read More
    • What Is Taperakia? For These Greek Moms, Sending Meals to Their Kids is an Act of Love

      What Is Taperakia? For These Greek Moms, Sending Meals to Their Kids is an Act of Love

      Learn about the Greek practice of shipping adult children Tupperware containers of food, plus get their recipes to make at home. Read More
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See All Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See All Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See All Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See All Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See All Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See All Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See All Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Healthy Recipes
  3. Nutrient-Focused Diets
  4. Healthy High-Protein Recipes
  5. Healthy Recipes for the Best Protein Choices

Healthy Recipes for the Best Protein Choices

August 27, 2019
Skip gallery slides
Pin
3875390.jpg
Eat more good protein with our healthy recipes for the best protein choices.
Protein fills you up and keeps your satisfied longer. But what protein choices are the healthiest for you and for the environment? Lentils, beans, tofu, milk, eggs, chicken, yogurt, nuts and tuna are all healthy protein choices for you and the environment. Try our healthy recipes for the best protein choices today.
Start Slideshow

1 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Delicata Squash & Tofu Curry

3875390.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This easy tofu curry, made with pretty delicata squash and hearty greens, cooks up in one skillet. To speed up the prep, use bagged chopped kale. Delicata squash's thin skin is tender when it's cooked, so there's no need to peel--another time saver. Serve with quinoa or brown rice.

1 of 33

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Orange, Watercress & Tuna Salad

3757913.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This vibrant salad recipe contrasts flavor, texture and color--the velvety tuna steak is matched with crisp, peppery watercress and the floral tart-sweetness of blood oranges and aniseed. Blood oranges make the dish especially pretty--they're available December through March. If you can't find them, use any oranges that look good.

2 of 33

3 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tofu Tropic Smoothie

3757901.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Mango, pineapple and lime flavor this tropical smoothie. Silken tofu adds staying power.

3 of 33

Advertisement

4 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lentil Burgers

3757821.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Walnuts and fresh marjoram accent these vegan lentil burgers. Substitute oregano for marjoram if you like. Serve with a smear of whole-grain mustard and roasted sweet potato wedges.

4 of 33

5 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grilled Tuna with Olive Relish

3755320.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A simple relish of parsley and olives jazzes up grilled tuna. Make it a meal: Serve with grilled vegetables and steamed new potatoes.

5 of 33

6 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Smoky Black Bean Soup

3757666.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This will probably be the most hauntingly delicious black bean soup you've ever tasted. The coffee adds a slightly toasty, woodsy background note. The optional ham hock adds smoky, salty ham flavor. Serve with a mixed green salad or a grilled cheese sandwich with pickled jalapeños. Recipe by Joyce Hendley for EatingWell.

6 of 33

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Curried Cashew Burgers

3755364.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If you're looking for a veggie burger with a great “meaty” feel, these are the ones to try. The secret is toasted cashews, which give them amazing flavor as well as texture. The red lentils cook surprisingly fast, keeping the active time brief.

7 of 33

8 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Nicoise Egg Salad

3757955.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Green beans, tuna and olives make this Niçoise-style egg salad recipe substantial. Serve it over salad greens.

8 of 33

9 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken Waldorf Salad

4460815.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Leftover cooked chicken makes this chicken Waldorf salad, loaded with apples, grapes, celery and walnuts, a snap to assemble. If you use rotisserie chicken, keep in mind that it's salty and omit the salt in the dressing. Serve over watercress, with a chunk of whole-grain baguette.

  • Watch Video

9 of 33

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spicy Tunisian Grilled Chicken

4473514.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This spicy rub of coriander, caraway and hot pepper is lovely on grilled chicken, as we use it here, or try it on pork tenderloin or salmon. If you prefer your food less spicy, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper.

10 of 33

11 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Quick Chicken Cacciatore

3757977.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This version of the classic Italian recipe, chicken cacciatore, is done in half the time of most traditional versions, but is still full of rich flavor thanks to plenty of mushrooms, tomatoes and herbs.

11 of 33

12 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chocolate Raspberry Tofu Pie

3757596.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This chocolate raspberry tofu pie gets an amazing smooth, rich, creamy texture from pureed tofu. But no need to reveal that tofu is the secret ingredient--we're sure no one will guess.

12 of 33

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tandoori Tofu

3757388.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A tandoori-inspired spice rub and smokiness from the grill flavor these tofu “steaks.” While you're there, grill some vegetables, too, to serve alongside. Serve with: Grilled eggplant and cherry tomato skewers and brown basmati rice.

13 of 33

14 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Very Green Lentil Soup

5769651.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Lentils seem to go well with just about anything, and here they play well with a collection of greens and some cumin and coriander to add a gentle spicy note to this soup recipe. The result is a hearty winter soup with layers of flavor. Both French green lentils (available in natural-foods stores and specialty markets) and more commonly available brown lentils are delicious in this soup. The French green lentils hold their shape better when cooked, while brown lentils will start to break down a bit.

14 of 33

15 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

BBQ Tofu Sandwich

3757386.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Though vegetarian BBQ may be an oxymoron, once you take a bite of this delicious tofu sandwich topped with coleslaw and dill pickles you won't mind the contradiction. Serve with: Baked beans and corn on the cob.

15 of 33

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tofu au Vin

3757327.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You don't have to be a vegetarian to love this meat-free twist on the classic French dish coq au vin (chicken and mushrooms simmered in a red-wine sauce). Serve with: Whole-wheat egg noodles and sautéed spinach.

16 of 33

17 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Curried Salad with Egg & Cashews

3757652.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Here we toss fresh salad greens with a light and creamy dressing, then top with chopped hard-boiled egg, crunchy bell pepper, dried cranberries and toasted cashews for a satisfying vegetarian salad. Try this salad for a take-along lunch. To keep the salad greens from getting soggy, pack the greens, salad toppings and dressing in separate containers and toss them together just before eating.

17 of 33

18 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Breakfast Parfait

3756351.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A little low fat dairy and some vitamin-rich fruit and you've just started your day right, nutritionally speaking.

  • Watch Video

18 of 33

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Quick Tuna Burgers

3757670.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Turn a couple cans of tuna into a zesty tuna burger with this quick recipe. If you can't find good whole-wheat hamburger buns, whole-wheat English muffins are a great substitute. The burger mixture might seem a little soft going into the pan, but once the first side is cooked, you'll be able to flip them easily. Serve with steamed broccoli or sweet potato fries.

19 of 33

20 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Herbed Salsa with Grilled Chicken

3757757.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This fresh tomato salsa, which doubles as a marinade for grilled chicken, is packed with flavor from lots of fresh oregano, chives and cilantro. The salsa would also pair wonderfully with just about any meat, fish or tofu. Serve the chicken and salsa with beans and brown rice or over greens for a colorful salad. Recipe by Nancy Baggett for EatingWell.

20 of 33

21 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bean Burgers with Spicy Guacamole

3757211.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These bean burgers will even please carnivores. The cornmeal coating gives a pleasant crunch and smoked paprika, cumin, cilantro and guacamole add Southwestern flavor.

21 of 33

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spiced Eggplant-Lentil Salad with Mango

4545936.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Spiced eggplant, lentils and mangoes combine deliciously in this Indian-inspired vegetarian salad. Customize the spiciness of this by choosing mild, medium or hot versions of salsa, chili powders and curry powder. The flavor is even better when the salad is prepared ahead. Recipe by Nancy Baggett for EatingWell.

22 of 33

23 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Southwestern Three-Bean & Barley Soup

3934422.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Serve this zesty bean and barley soup garnished with chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, if desired.

  • Watch Video

23 of 33

24 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Quinoa & Smoked Tofu Salad

3873585.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We took the tangy fresh flavors of tabbouleh and paired them with smoky tofu and quinoa to create a main-dish salad that's perfect served on a bed of greens. This salad is jam-packed with heart-healthy ingredients--whole grains (quinoa), legumes (soy-based tofu) and plenty of vegetables.

24 of 33

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cumin-Scented Wheat Berry-Lentil Soup

3756482.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright note to this toothsome and hearty winter soup, perfect for a weeknight supper with a hunk of crusty bread. It freezes beautifully--you can keep individual portions in the freezer for healthy weekday lunches. For homemade vegetable broth, see Roasted Vegetable Stock at eatingwell.com.

25 of 33

26 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

TLT (Tofu, Lettuce & Tomato Sandwich)

3755853.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

With pickles, oven fries and a tall glass of minty iced tea, even the most devoted bacon fan won't remember what's missing in this smoky, spicy renovation of the sandwich favorite.

26 of 33

27 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken Shawarma

3757969.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Shawarma is a Middle Eastern sandwich made with sliced seasoned meat. This version features chicken, along with a cucumber-yogurt sauce, fresh tomato and crunchy romaine lettuce.

27 of 33

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Curried Red Lentil Soup

4589960.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This curried red lentil soup is inspired by the Indian side dish dal; the Hindi word means “split” and refers to the split peas or lentils used in its preparation. Fragrant ginger, curry, cinnamon and cumin add lots of rich flavor. Look for lentils and spices in bulk--you'll often get a better deal and you can buy just the amount you need.

28 of 33

29 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pineapple-Raspberry Parfaits

3756103.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You won't mind serving dessert on a busy weeknight after assembling these quick parfaits.

29 of 33

30 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sicilian Olive Chicken

4473515.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This saucy one-skillet chicken dish is full of tomatoes, spinach, olives and capers. Try Kalamata olives in place of the green Sicilians or a combination of both. Serve over whole-wheat egg noodles with a mixed green salad on the side.

30 of 33

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Hanoi-Style Tuna Patty Salad

3756821.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This tuna-patty-topped salad, featuring rice noodles, fresh herbs and lots of fresh vegetables, deliciously exemplifies the Vietnamese approach to healthy eating.

31 of 33

32 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Asparagus Salad Topped with Poached Eggs

4508329.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This asparagus salad topped with poached eggs is satisfying yet light, making it a nice option for lunch, brunch or even dinner with some crusty bread. Roasting brings out a toasty flavor in the asparagus. We like this salad with medium-set poached eggs so the yolks are still a little runny, but poach your eggs for the full 8 minutes if you prefer hard-set yolks.

32 of 33

33 of 33

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Banana-Cocoa Soy Smoothie

3756352.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

With plenty of protein from both tofu and soymilk, this banana-split-inspired breakfast smoothie will keep you satisfied until lunchtime.

33 of 33

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 33 Delicata Squash & Tofu Curry
    2 of 33 Orange, Watercress & Tuna Salad
    3 of 33 Tofu Tropic Smoothie
    4 of 33 Lentil Burgers
    5 of 33 Grilled Tuna with Olive Relish
    6 of 33 Smoky Black Bean Soup
    7 of 33 Curried Cashew Burgers
    8 of 33 Nicoise Egg Salad
    9 of 33 Chicken Waldorf Salad
    10 of 33 Spicy Tunisian Grilled Chicken
    11 of 33 Quick Chicken Cacciatore
    12 of 33 Chocolate Raspberry Tofu Pie
    13 of 33 Tandoori Tofu
    14 of 33 Very Green Lentil Soup
    15 of 33 BBQ Tofu Sandwich
    16 of 33 Tofu au Vin
    17 of 33 Curried Salad with Egg & Cashews
    18 of 33 Breakfast Parfait
    19 of 33 Quick Tuna Burgers
    20 of 33 Herbed Salsa with Grilled Chicken
    21 of 33 Bean Burgers with Spicy Guacamole
    22 of 33 Spiced Eggplant-Lentil Salad with Mango
    23 of 33 Southwestern Three-Bean & Barley Soup
    24 of 33 Quinoa & Smoked Tofu Salad
    25 of 33 Cumin-Scented Wheat Berry-Lentil Soup
    26 of 33 TLT (Tofu, Lettuce & Tomato Sandwich)
    27 of 33 Chicken Shawarma
    28 of 33 Curried Red Lentil Soup
    29 of 33 Pineapple-Raspberry Parfaits
    30 of 33 Sicilian Olive Chicken
    31 of 33 Hanoi-Style Tuna Patty Salad
    32 of 33 Asparagus Salad Topped with Poached Eggs
    33 of 33 Banana-Cocoa Soy Smoothie

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    EatingWell

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Recipe Index
    • Jobs
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    Sign Up
    Meredith© 2022 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All Right Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright EatingWell. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.eatingwell.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Healthy Recipes for the Best Protein Choices
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.