20 Mediterranean Diet Dinners with 20+ Grams of Protein

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.

In serious need of some healthy dinner inspo? These high-protein, Mediterranean diet recipes are the fresh ideas you’ve been looking for. With 20+ grams of protein per serving, these dinners can help promote muscle repair, satiety and more—all while following one of the healthiest eating patterns around. Try our High-Protein Lemon Chicken Orzo with Cabbage or our Sheet-Pan Salmon with Broccoli for a tasty meal that’s good for you, too.

01 of 20

One-Pot High-Protein Chicken, Cabbage & White Bean Soup

Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein.

Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein.

This one-pot chicken, cabbage and white bean soup is the kind of meal you’ll want on repeat. A splash of lemon keeps the broth bright, and a dollop of basil pesto stirred in at the end adds rich, herby flavor that makes the soup taste special. Easy enough for weeknights and even better as leftovers, this soup proves that simple ingredients can still be delicious.

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02 of 20

High-Protein Lemon Chicken Orzo with Cabbage

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.

This High-Protein Lemon Chicken Orzo with Cabbage is comfort food with a twist. Tender, golden chicken cutlets rest on a bed of creamy orzo swirled with sweet, melting cabbage, shallots and garlic, all brought to life with fresh lemon zest and juice. Pecorino and a touch of half-and-half give the dish a risotto-like texture, while chives add a final pop of freshness. It’s a complete one-pan meal that’s perfect for nights when you want something cozy and satisfying.

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03 of 20

Chicken, Broccoli & Quinoa Casserole

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Chelesa Zimmer , Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower.

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Chelesa Zimmer , Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower.

This cozy Chicken, Broccoli & Quinoa Casserole delivers everything you love about a classic cheesy chicken-and-broccoli dish, with a modern, fiber-filled twist. Nutty quinoa stands in for rice or pasta, soaking up a creamy sauce. Tender bites of broccoli add color, while Colby-Jack cheese melts into a perfectly gooey topping that turns golden under the broiler.

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04 of 20

Garlic-Miso Chicken Soup

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.

This chicken-miso soup is a nourishing bowl that’s fresh and comforting. Sweet carrots, tender chicken and plenty of spinach simmer in a light broth, then get a savory boost from umami-rich white miso stirred in at the end. Ready in under an hour, it’s the kind of recipe that feels good on a chilly evening or anytime you’re craving something warm and satisfying.

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05 of 20

Maple-Miso Chicken Thighs, Brussels Sprouts & Spaghetti Squash

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.

This sheet-pan dinner brings together a trio of cold-weather favorites. Roasted spaghetti squash gets tossed with a maple-miso glaze that clings to each strand, creating a noodle-like base that’s topped with juicy chicken thighs and caramelized Brussels sprouts that are roasted alongside. Easy enough for a weeknight yet special enough for company, this sheet-pan wonder delivers cozy comfort with a fall, veggie-forward feel.

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06 of 20

High-Protein Balsamic Chicken Orzo

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

This High-Protein Balsamic Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavor-packed one-skillet meal that balances protein with tender veggies and pasta. A finishing drizzle of balsamic and a sprinkle of chives add brightness, making each bite delicious. With minimal cleanup, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners.

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07 of 20

Sheet-Pan Salmon with Broccoli

Ali Redmond

Ali Redmond

Fresh, fast and full of flavor, this sheet-pan salmon with broccoli is a healthy weeknight winner. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and support heart health. A zesty mix of lemon, garlic and olive oil brings brightness to both the tender salmon and the roasted broccoli. Everything roasts together quickly, so cleanup is minimal and dinner is on the table in no time.

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08 of 20

High-Protein Lemon Chicken & Rice Skillet

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Huff, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Huff, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

This one-pan chicken and rice skillet packs in protein, greens and flavor for a complete meal that comes together with minimal fuss. It’s a weeknight dinner that’s satisfying and delicious. And the best part? Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.

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09 of 20

Broccoli-Cheddar Butter Beans

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

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

These broccoli-Cheddar butter beans are a cozy dish that will remind you of broccoli-Cheddar soup, but in a convenient skillet. Tender butter beans add creaminess and plant-based protein, making the dish filling enough for a main course. Broccoli florets bring color, while sharp Cheddar cheese melts in for that classic flavor. Everything comes together in one pan, creating a thick texture that’s perfect for scooping up with crusty bread.

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10 of 20

Thai Sweet Chili Salmon Bowls

Food: Sammy Mila, Photos: Jason Donnelly, Props: Breanna Ghazali

Food: Sammy Mila, Photos: Jason Donnelly, Props: Breanna Ghazali

These Thai sweet chili salmon bowls are a flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for two. For best results, use 1-inch-thick salmon pieces—thicker cuts may not cook fast enough, and the glaze can burn under the broiler. The salmon is served over fluffy rice with crisp coleslaw for crunch and balance. It’s a colorful bowl that hits all the sweet, spicy and savory notes.

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11 of 20

Balsamic Chicken Thighs with Arugula-Tomato Salad

Food: Sammy Mila, Photos: Jason Donnelly, Props: Breanna Ghazali.

Food: Sammy Mila, Photos: Jason Donnelly, Props: Breanna Ghazali.

This easy chicken dinner is a flavor-packed dish where juicy chicken thighs are cooked until golden, then coated in a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze. They’re served over a crisp arugula and tomato salad. It’s a simple dinner for two that tastes delicious and comes together quickly.

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12 of 20

Chicken & Sweet Potato Enchilada Skillet

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 sweet potato–chicken enchilada skillet is a hearty, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chunks of sweet potato and shredded chicken combine with store-bought enchilada sauce for a flavorful shortcut. Corn tortilla wedges are stirred in, soaking up the sauce and giving the dish a comforting, casserole-like texture.

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13 of 20

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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14 of 20

Chicken Alfredo Bake

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 chicken Alfredo bake is a comforting, creamy casserole that combines tender chicken breast, whole-wheat pasta and a silky homemade Alfredo sauce, all baked together until golden and bubbly. The sauce coats every bite with ooey-gooey goodness, making it a hit with both kids and adults. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers the next day. Serve it with a simple green salad or roasted veggies for an easy, satisfying meal.

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15 of 20

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 Baked Feta, Tomato & White Bean Skillet is the perfect dish 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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16 of 20

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 brunch or 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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17 of 20

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. Using store-bought pesto helps speed up prep without sacrificing flavor.

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18 of 20

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 chickpea-farro 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. If you don’t have farro on hand, you can easily swap in quinoa, brown rice or barley.

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19 of 20

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 cod and vegetables recipe is a simple, flavorful meal where everything cooks together on one pan for 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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20 of 20

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.

This canned tuna rice bowl is a quick, flavor-packed meal combining a pantry staple and fresh ingredients. 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. It’s easy to customize and comes together in minutes—perfect for a satisfying lunch or weeknight dinner.

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Original Source:

https://www.eatingwell.com/mediterranean-diet-dinner-recipes-20-grams-of-protein-11884971