30 High-Protein Dinners That Aren't Chicken

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

Chicken is often touted as one of the best sources of protein you can eat—but it’s not the only one. These dinners are packed with at least 15 grams of protein per serving from other nutrient-rich foods like seafood, beef and pork, tofu and legumes to help you feel full and energized for longer. So step aside, chicken, because recipes like our High-Protein Spaghetti Squash Caprese and our Ground Turkey Fajita Bowls are too good not to make for dinner tonight.

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High-Protein Spaghetti Squash Caprese

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Pheobe Hausser, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf.

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Pheobe Hausser, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf.

Here’s a fun twist on the classic Italian salad—combining traditional caprese ingredients with tender strands of roasted spaghetti squash. The squash is tossed with juicy plum tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant fresh basil and great northern beans for a boost of plant-based protein. A drizzle of balsamic glaze ties the dish together with a sweet-tangy finish.

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02 of 30

Maple-Mustard Salmon with Veggies

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

Here, salmon is coated in a sweet and tangy maple-mustard glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it broils. Surrounding the tender fish is a mix of seasonal vegetables, including broccoli and potatoes, that roast to perfection.

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Marry Me White Bean Salad

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

This Marry Me White Bean Salad is a bright, flavor-packed dish that’s hard not to fall for. Pulling inspiration from Marry Me Chicken, the tender white beans are tossed with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil and a creamy dressing that soaks into every bite. It’s quick to throw together and perfect for meal prep, picnics or pairing with grilled meats.

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04 of 30

Ground Turkey Fajita Bowls

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

This ground turkey rice bowl is a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Lean ground turkey is cooked with savory seasonings like chili powder, cumin and oregano before being tossed with pico de gallo. The mixture pairs well with brown rice and sautéed onions and peppers to create a hearty dinner.

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Unstuffed Zucchini Casserole

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

This hearty dinner takes all the flavors of classic stuffed zucchini and turns them into an easy casserole. Instead of hollowing and stuffing each zucchini, everything is layered in one dish for a quick, no-fuss dinner. A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top melts into a bubbly, golden layer that ties it all together.

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Black Bean & Pepper Jack Quiche

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.

This black bean quiche with pepper jack cheese is perfect for a light dinner. The creamy egg filling is packed with fiber-rich black beans, sweet peppers and spicy pepper jack cheese for a flavorful kick. If you want to tame the heat, Monterey Jack cheese can be used in its place. Serve it with a simple green salad or fresh salsa on the side.

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Canned Tuna Rice Bowl

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.

Flaky chunks of tuna combine with tangy kimchi and sit atop warm brown rice, paired with crunchy cucumbers, creamy avocado and toasty nori. A drizzle of Sriracha mayo brings everything together.

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Baked Feta, Tomato & White Bean Skillet

Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food stylist: Marianne Williams, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food stylist: Marianne Williams, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

This skillet dinner is perfect for scooping up with your favorite toasted whole-grain bread. Juicy cherry tomatoes burst as they roast, mingling with creamy white beans to create a flavorful base. Chunky pieces of feta cheese are nestled into the skillet and baked until warm and soft. The result is a savory, creamy mix with tangy bites of feta in every bite.

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09 of 30

Roasted Eggplant Parmesan

Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Grennwood.

Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Grennwood.

This eggplant Parmesan is a comforting version of the classic Italian dish that’s simple to make. Slices of eggplant are layered with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It’s perfect as a vegetarian main course and pairs well with pasta, crusty bread or a salad.

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10 of 30

Salmon, Pesto & Tomato Pasta

Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali.

Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali.

This salmon, pesto and tomato pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The rich, flaky salmon pairs beautifully with sweet cherry tomatoes and pesto for a fresh and balanced dinner.

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Chickpea Grain Bowl with Feta & Tomatoes

Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali.

Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali.

This grain bowl is a hearty dish that’s packed with plant-based protein, fiber and tons of fresh flavor. Farro, a whole grain with a nutty taste and chewy texture, forms the base and pairs perfectly with tender chickpeas and veggies.

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12 of 30

One-Skillet Garlicky Salmon & Green Beans

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.

Here, salmon pieces are marinated and cooked to tender, flaky perfection. Fresh green beans are cooked in the same pan, soaking up the sweet and savory pan sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

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Sheet-Pan Lemon-Garlic Cod with Roasted Vegetables

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.

This sheet-pan recipe is a simple, flavorful meal with easy cleanup. The cod is nestled in a foil packet, so the herbed butter and juices keep the fish tender and moist while the vegetables roast beautifully.

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No-Cook Black Bean Taco Bowls

Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.

Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.

These satisfying bowls feature hearty black beans, veggies and zesty toppings layered over crispy cabbage and lettuce. The lime crema adds a tangy, creamy finish that brings all the flavors together.

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Lemony Orzo & Tuna Salad with Broccoli

Leigh Beisch

Leigh Beisch

This pasta-salad and tuna-salad mashup gets a boost of color and texture from broccoli. Plenty of Kalamata olives add a briny bite, which pairs perfectly with the lemony dressing.

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Soy-Ginger Salmon & Sesame Cabbage Slaw

Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.

Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.

Salmon is quickly marinated in a mixture of tamari, fresh ginger and hot pepper sauce, giving it a bold, savory kick with a touch of heat. The crisp cabbage slaw, tossed with a sesame dressing, adds a refreshing sweet and savory contrast to the salmon.

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High-Protein Caprese Chickpea Salad

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

This caprese chickpea salad is a plant-based twist on the classic Italian favorite. It combines creamy mozzarella pearls, juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant fresh basil with hearty chickpeas for a satisfying dish. A simple balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with a tangy-sweet finish.

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Lemony Salmon Rice Bowl with Feta, Cucumber & Tomato Salad

Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Grennwood.

Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Grennwood.

Flaky broiled salmon is drizzled with a zesty lemon dressing that brightens the entire dish. It’s served over a bed of fluffy brown rice, which absorbs the citrusy flavors. A crisp salad of cucumber, cherry tomatoes and feta cheese brings creaminess and a refreshing crunch.

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Ginger-Soy Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp

Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.

Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.

Thinly sliced zucchini offers a crisp and refreshing base, while the sauce (made with ginger, soy and lime juice) adds bold and bright flavors. Precooked shrimp make this meal fast and convenient—just toss everything together and serve! It’s a fresh, protein-packed bowl that comes together in minutes.

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Sheet-Pan Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini & Potatoes

Photographer Victor Protasio, food stylist Chelsea Zimmer, and prop stylist Hannah Greenwood.

Photographer Victor Protasio, food stylist Chelsea Zimmer, and prop stylist Hannah Greenwood.

Juicy turkey meatballs are seasoned with spinach and feta cheese, then roasted alongside tender chunks of zucchini and crispy golden potatoes. A creamy, cooling yogurt dip at the base ties everything together.

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Panzanella with Burrata & Tuna

Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.

Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.

Juicy tomatoes, ciabatta and thinly sliced onion form the heart of this refreshing salad. Creamy burrata adds richness, while high-quality canned tuna packed in oil brings savory depth. The oil from the tuna can is used to dress the salad, infusing it with extra flavor and tying all the ingredients together.

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Broccoli, Tomato & White Bean Quiche

Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Grennwood.

Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Grennwood.

This veggie-packed quiche is made without a crust, so it’s much quicker to prepare than a traditional quiche. The blend of tender roasted broccoli, juicy cherry tomatoes and creamy white beans creates a filling, protein-rich meal that’s both comforting and nourishing.

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Sheet-Pan Salmon with Bok Choy & Rice

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Styling: Josh Hoggle.

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Styling: Josh Hoggle.

Tender salmon fillets roast alongside crisp-tender bok choy, soaking up the savory miso glaze as they cook. A bed of rice catches all the delicious flavors, turning into the perfect base for this five-ingredient dinner.

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Spaghetti with Mushrooms, Spinach & Ricotta

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Styling: Josh Hoggle.

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Styling: Josh Hoggle.

Earthy mushrooms, spinach and garlic flavor the pasta alongside whole-milk ricotta that creates a creamy sauce. You can elevate the flavor even more by using wild mushrooms for a deeper savory flavor and finishing with a squeeze of lemon to brighten everything up.

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Fajita-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

These fajita-stuffed portobello mushrooms are the mash-up you’ve been waiting for! This flavorful vegetarian dish fills roasted portobello mushroom caps with fajita-style veggies and black beans, giving them a boost of fiber and protein. Top it off with melted cheese and strained (Greek-style) yogurt for a satisfying dinner.

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Honey Salmon with Potatoes & Spinach

Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco.

Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco.

With only five ingredients, this salmon dinner comes together fast without sacrificing flavor. The salmon is seared to a golden crust and glazed with honey for a sweet and savory finish. Tender roasted potatoes and garlicky spinach round out the plate.

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High-Protein Cheeseburger Salad

Photographer: Hannah Hufham, Food Stylist: Marianne Williams , Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee

Photographer: Hannah Hufham, Food Stylist: Marianne Williams , Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee

This cheeseburger salad is a fun twist on a classic burger. It features a crisp base of chopped iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, pickles and juicy cherry tomatoes. A melty cheeseburger patty is served warm on top, along with a tangy ketchup-mayo pickle sauce that ties all the flavors together.

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High-Protein Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet

Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

This ground beef and sweet potato skillet is a fast, hearty meal made with just five simple ingredients (not counting oil, salt and pepper) for a flavorful one-pan dinner. The sweet potatoes cook until tender, soaking up the savory flavors from the beef and veggies.

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Marry Me Quiche

Photographer: Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Photographer: Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

This savory dish, inspired by the beloved Marry Me Chicken, features the same delicious ingredients in the form of a crustless quiche! Sun-dried tomatoes bring a deep, tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with creamy goat cheese and spinach.

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High-Protein Pasta Salad

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Crunchy cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers and red onions are all mixed together in a heart-healthy vinaigrette for a dish that is as delicious as it is eye-catching. Chickpea pasta, whole chickpeas and fresh mozzarella pearls add to the dish’s protein.

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Original Source:

https://www.eatingwell.com/high-protein-dinner-recipes-that-arent-chicken-11804598