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

Your Account

Account

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

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Cooking Light Diet
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Real Cost of Healthy Food

      Today, more Americans than ever—a staggering 50 million people—are experiencing hunger. EatingWell examines the barriers to getting healthy food and what is being done to help. Read More Next
    • 15 Easy Citrus Vinaigrettes That Will Make You Love Salad Again

      Read More Next
    • 22 Comforting Irish Recipes That Are Perfect for St. Patrick's Day

      Read More Next
  • 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
    • Family Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

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

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

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

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Cooking Light Diet
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home Chevron Right
  2. Healthy Recipes Chevron Right
  3. Nutrient-Focused Diets Chevron Right
  4. Healthy High-Protein Recipes Chevron Right
  5. High-Protein Dinner Recipes Chevron Right
  6. 37 High-Protein, Low-Calorie Recipes for Dinner Tonight

37 High-Protein, Low-Calorie Recipes for Dinner Tonight

August 31, 2020
Skip gallery slides
Pin

Make a delicious dinner with one of these high-protein, low-calorie recipes. These recipes are packed with at least 15 grams of protein per serving, thanks to ingredients like chicken, fish and tofu. And to keep these low-calorie meals filling, we pair  protein with plenty of fiber-rich vegetables for staying power. Recipes like our Salmon Caesar Salad and Caprese Turkey Burgers are healthy and bold in flavor.

Start Slideshow

1 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breasts

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Feta cheese, roasted peppers, spinach and more flavors from the Mediterranean fill these easy stuffed chicken breasts. Browning the chicken in a skillet before baking gives it a beautiful golden color, and finishing it in the oven ensures that this healthy baked chicken recipe cooks evenly throughout. Source: EatingWell.com, November 2019

1 of 37

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Roasted Salmon with Spicy Cranberry Relish

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This ruby-red cranberry relish recipe gets refreshing crunch from apple and celery. It's also delightful alongside a roast chicken or pork loin. Source: EatingWell Magazine, December 2019

2 of 37

3 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Air-Fryer Pork Chops

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These crispy breaded air-fryer pork chops don't require a lot of oil to create a deep-fried crispy crust. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside roasted veggies. Want to double the recipe? Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to cook the pork chops in batches, but that's easy to do. Source: EatingWell.com, December 2019

3 of 37

Advertisement

4 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Baked Turkey Meatballs with Roasted Red Peppers & Polenta

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These healthy turkey meatballs take a little more time, but the recipe yields enough extra meatballs and polenta for three other meals (see Associated Recipes). Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Winter 2020

4 of 37

5 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chicken Hummus Bowls

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The spiced chicken atop these bowls is ready fast with the help of the broiler. Serve with warm whole-wheat pita for scooping up extra hummus at the bottom of the bowl. Source: EatingWell Magazine, September 2020

5 of 37

6 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Linguine with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This easy pasta recipe is an excuse to buy wild mushrooms, available at many grocery stores these days. Or if you prefer white buttons, those will work well too. The creamy linguine is ready in 40 minutes, so it's quick enough for an easy weeknight recipe but it feels fancy enough for entertaining. Source: EatingWell Magazine, October 2019

6 of 37

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pizza-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Skip the dough and stuff all of your favorite pizza toppings into spaghetti squash boats for a fun and healthy dinner that'll please the whole family. We love the combination of mushrooms, bell peppers, pepperoni and mozzarella, but feel free to mix it up with your favorite pizza ingredients. You could throw in a bit of chopped cooked broccoli, for example, or add some olives or chopped artichoke hearts. And of course feel free to omit the pepperoni to make the dish vegetarian. Round out the meal with a simple salad. Source: EatingWell.com, September 2019

7 of 37

8 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Salmon Caesar Salad

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This easy Caesar salad subs creamy Greek yogurt and buttermilk for the traditional egg yolks and olive oil and mixes in mildly bitter radicchio in addition to classic romaine. Using just a small amount of flavorful Parmigiano-Reggiano shaves calories and sodium too. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June 2020

8 of 37

9 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Caprese Turkey Burgers

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If you're a fan of caprese salads, you'll love this healthy turkey burger recipe. The patties are seasoned with Italian spices, then topped with juicy tomatoes drizzled with balsamic, fresh basil and fresh mozzarella. We've doubled down on the basil in this recipe by mixing it into the mayo and using whole leaves to top the burger, but if you prefer less basil flavor, you can swap out the basil leaves for spinach or arugula. Serve this summery burger with a simple side salad for a healthy dinner that's full of fresh flavors. Source: EatingWell.com, June 2019

9 of 37

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Grilled Flank Steak with Tomato Salad

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Cutting the steak immediately after cooking breaks all the rules on meat cookery, but in this recipe we do it intentionally in order to capture the juices and incorporate them into the dressing. Serve this grilled flank steak recipe with crusty bread to soak up the deliciousness. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June 2020

10 of 37

11 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Cut down on carbs and amp up your veggie servings with this healthy cauliflower fried rice with shrimp, broccoli, bell peppers and garlic. Everything is cooked in one wok or skillet, but in stages, so each element keeps its integrity in the finished dish instead of being all mushed together--it may seem fussy, but it's worth it and actually quite easy. Resist the urge to stir the cauliflower rice right away; letting it cook undisturbed for a few minutes allows it to brown and develop sweet, nutty flavors. This better-than-takeout healthy dinner comes together in just 25 minutes, so it's perfect for busy weeknights. Source: EatingWell.com, October 2019

11 of 37

12 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Buttermilk Fried Tofu with Smoky Collard Greens

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Dipping tofu in buttermilk makes the coating stick for a crispy pan-fried tofu, reminiscent of fried chicken. Spicing up the collards with paprika coats them with smoky flavor while keeping this dish vegetarian. And this quick, easy and healthy dinner comes together in just 25 minutes, so it's great for busy weeknights. Source: EatingWell Magazine, October 2019

12 of 37

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Yucatán-Style Pulled Pork (Cochinita Pibil)

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Traditionally, this Yucatán-style pork is cooked all day in a pit, but a pressure cooker gets it on the table much quicker. Cooking the pork wrapped in banana leaves is optional but adds an authentic grassy note. Source: EatingWell Magazine, May 2020

13 of 37

14 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Grilled Cajun Jambalaya

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Every one of the ingredients used in this grilled spin on a Louisiana favorite is awesome with some charred flavor. Plus, using a grill cuts down on the cleanup for this Cajun jambalaya recipe. Even the rice gets some smokiness from grilled tomatoes. Also known as the Holy Trinity, the combo of bell pepper, onion and celery (which here we swapped for celery seed) is used to flavor Cajun and Creole dishes like gumbo and this jambalaya. No skewers? Use a grill basket instead. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June 2020

14 of 37

15 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Baked Fish & Kale Lavash Wraps

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Controlling moisture is key to avoiding soggy lavash in this recipe, so be sure to squeeze as much liquid from the greens as possible. Look for lavash with large sandwich wraps at the grocery store. We prefer the flakier texture of rectangular lavash--the round ones are more like big flour tortillas and bake up a little gummy. Source: EatingWell Magazine, May 2020

15 of 37

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Spinach-Mushroom Frittata with Avocado Salad

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Frittatas are like omelets, only easier--and they taste great hot, warm or cold. This vegetable-packed version is spiked with Mediterranean flavor and paired with a cool salad of lemony cucumbers and tomatoes with creamy avocado. This easy recipe is perfect for brunch, lunch or dinner! Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Summer 2019

16 of 37

17 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sausage-Spiked Meatloaves

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This Italian meatloaf riff uses sausage to boost its flavor. When you're already cooking meatloaf, it's not much more effort to prep a second meatloaf. The extra one makes a delicious day-after meal (see Tip for ideas for the leftovers) or freeze it for another time. Source: EatingWell Magazine, December 2019

17 of 37

18 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chili-Rubbed Chicken with Coconut Rice & Mango Salsa

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This recipe is great for meal prep. Divide the salsa, rice and chicken among 4 food-storage containers and you've got 4 days of ready-made meals in your fridge. Source: EatingWell Magazine, May 2020

18 of 37

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Forbidden Rice & White Kimchi Steak Salad

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This steak salad doesn't feature a typical dressing, but tangy kimchi, savory pan-fried shallots and lemon juice pack it with flavor. Forbidden rice helps add more color and nutrition to this tangy dish. Source: EatingWell Magazine, March 2020

19 of 37

20 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chilean Lentil Stew with Salsa Verde

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This healthy vegetarian recipe is hearty and satisfying. Don't skip the parsley relish (salsa verde)--it's easy to make and lends a tangy accent that balances the flavors of the lentil stew. We prefer French green lentils for this stew, as they don't fall apart while cooking; however, regular brown lentils (found in most supermarkets) will also work. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Fall 2019

20 of 37

21 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chopped Salad with Chicken & Avocado-Buttermilk Dressing

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This herb-loaded green goddess-inspired dressing gets a color boost from creamy avocado. Make a double batch of this healthy salad dressing to keep on hand for salads throughout the week. Source: EatingWell Magazine, March 2020

21 of 37

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Baked Halibut with Brussels Sprouts & Quinoa

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Fish plus two sides? It seems fancy but this healthy dinner comes together in just 30 minutes. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Winter 2020

22 of 37

23 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Chili

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with this simple chili recipe. Add one more chipotle pepper if you want to spice up this healthy sweet potato recipe. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Winter 2020

23 of 37

24 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Scallion-Ginger Beef & Broccoli

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Whip up a chef-quality stir-fry recipe at home. This beef and broccoli stir-fry packs in more vegetables and nearly halves the calories of what you would find in a restaurant. And this healthy dinner takes just 30 minutes to prep, so it's about as quick as takeout too. Ginger, which adds a lively kick to this stir-fry, has long been touted for its power to settle stomachs. But that's not its only superpower: preliminary research suggests it may improve blood sugar and inflammation too. Source: EatingWell Magazine, September 2019

24 of 37

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Piled-High Greek Vegetable Pitas

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The bright, fresh flavors of the Mediterranean come alive in these easy vegetarian pitas. Give yourself enough time to make the roasted vegetables called for in the recipe--or make them a day or two in advance for a healthy meal that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. These pitas would also work well with whatever leftover cooked veggies you have on hand. No need to warm the roasted veggies up; this recipe tastes great chilled or at room temperature. Source: What to Eat with Diabetes 2019

25 of 37

26 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chicken Parmesan & Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Chicken Parm gets a fun low-carb and gluten-free twist with these cheesy stuffed peppers with chicken and quinoa. Serve with a salad for a healthy dinner that's easy to prep too. Source: EatingWell.com, October 2019

26 of 37

27 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Easy Spicy Salmon Cakes

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Looking to add some interest to an easy dinner recipe? Five-spice may be your new best friend. What is five-spice powder? A mixture of these five spices: cinnamon, clove, fennel, star anise and Szechuan peppercorns. (There are regional recipes in China that include more spices, including white pepper, nutmeg and orange peel.) It adds a distinct warm flavor to these healthy salmon cakes. Source: EatingWell Magazine, November 2019

27 of 37

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Carrots & Broccoli

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this easy and healthy dinner recipe, sweet and savory baked honey-garlic chicken thighs come with a side of veggies that cook on the same sheet pan as the chicken. The honey-soy-garlic marinade for the chicken does double duty as an irresistible sauce to drizzle over everything. Lining your baking sheet with foil will protect your pan from the sticky honey-soy-garlic sauce, so cleanup will be a breeze too. If you can't find small carrots, cut medium carrots in half lengthwise. Source: EatingWell.com, October 2019

28 of 37

29 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Spicy Noodles with Pork, Scallions & Bok Choy

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These spicy noodles are inspired by a Chinese dish called Ants Climbing a Tree, named for the way the small pieces of ground pork (the "ants") cling to the noodles (the "tree"). The twist in these healthy noodles comes from adding vegetables like scallions and bok choy. Source: EatingWell Magazine, November 2019

29 of 37

30 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Black Bass with Sautéed Vegetables & Cioppino Jus

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Black bass has a delicate flavor that begs to be paired with something bold, like the cioppino-inspired jus in this healthy seafood recipe. The jus takes some time to make but we promise it's worth it. You'll have some left over: do as our editor-in-chief did and try it as a bloody mary base. Or use it to make risotto or a seafood stew. Source: EatingWell Magazine, October 2019

30 of 37

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Salt & Vinegar Sheet-Pan Chicken & Brussels Sprouts

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A strong vinegar, like malt or sherry, gives this baked chicken recipe a pucker factor reminiscent of salt-and-vinegar chips. Everything cooks on one pan, making this chicken sheet-pan dinner perfect for weeknights when you want big results for little effort (so, pretty much every weeknight!). Source: EatingWell Magazine, October 2019

31 of 37

32 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Greek Salmon Salad

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If mixed salads fail to fill you up, try this hearty Greek salmon salad recipe, which calls for bulking up a traditional bed of mixed greens with roasted vegetables and protein-rich salmon. Leftovers make it a breeze to put together this delicious Mediterranean salad. Here we suggest two recipes you could meal-prep ahead of time--Lemon-Roasted Mixed Vegetables and Sweet & Spicy Roasted Salmon--but you can use whatever roasted veggies you have on hand and pick up a precooked salmon fillet from the deli counter at your grocery store. This healthy salad would also be good with chicken. Serve it for an easy dinner or pack it up for lunch. Source: What to Eat with Diabetes 2019

32 of 37

33 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Polenta Bowls with Roasted Vegetables & Fried Eggs

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You really can't beat creamy polenta with a fried egg on top--unless you add some roasted veggies, as we've done in this hearty and healthy meal in a bowl. Serve these bowls for a satisfying brunch, lunch or dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. Feel free to swap (or add) in other veggies, such as broccoli, to customize your bowls according to what's in season or what you have on hand. Source: EatingWell.com, April 2019

33 of 37

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Steak Enchilada Bowls with Sweet Potato Rice

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You won't miss the regular rice in these hearty bowls, which feature sweet potato "rice" that's quickly made in your food processor. The simple swap means a welcome burst of color and flavor, plus way more vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium. This quick and easy recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite. It takes about half an hour to prep, but you can make it even faster by swapping in store-bought sweet potato rice. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Fall 2019

34 of 37

35 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Green Beans

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This easy lemon-garlic chicken recipe calls for cutlets, which cook in less than 10 minutes! Can't find them? Make your own from chicken breasts. Place each breast on a cutting board and, with your knife parallel to the board, slice into the skinny side of the chicken breast in a single smooth motion. The side of green beans is cooked right in the same pan as the chicken, so this 20-minute easy, healthy dinner is not just a snap to prepare--the cleanup is a cinch too. Source: EatingWell Magazine, October 2019

35 of 37

36 of 37

Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Mediterranean Ravioli with Artichokes & Olives

View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Store-bought spinach ravioli and a handful of basic pantry items are all you need to get a healthy dinner on the table in 15 minutes. Ingredients like oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives and toasty pine nuts help to build big flavor fast. If you can't find frozen artichokes, swap in a 15-ounce can (just be sure to drain and rinse them well). Source: EatingWell.com, June 2019

36 of 37

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

37 of 37