High Protein Low Calorie Dinners

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

Discover delicious and satisfying high protein low calorie dinners that will keep you on track with your health goals.

Marina Lowe

Created by

Marina Lowe

Last updated on 2025-12-24T13:48:37.120Z

These high protein low calorie dinners are perfect for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing flavor. Packed with nutrients and bursting with taste, these recipes will keep you full and satisfied.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • High in protein to fuel your body and keep you feeling full
  • Low in calories, perfect for weight management
  • Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for busy weeknights

Healthy Eating Made Easy

Eating healthy doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With these high protein low calorie dinners, you can enjoy meals that are both nutritious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Each recipe is designed to provide you with essential nutrients while keeping your calorie intake in check, making it easier to stay on track with your health goals.

By incorporating lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and wholesome grains, these dinners not only taste great but also support a balanced diet. You'll find that these meals are perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to whip up something delicious without the stress of extensive meal prep.

The Benefits of High Protein Meals

High protein meals are essential for anyone looking to build muscle, lose weight, or simply maintain a healthy lifestyle. Protein is a crucial macronutrient that helps repair tissues, supports immune function, and keeps you feeling full longer. This means that incorporating more protein into your dinners can help curb cravings and prevent overeating throughout the day.

In addition, high protein dinners can boost your metabolism, aiding in weight management. With these recipes, you can enjoy flavorful dishes while ensuring you get the protein your body needs to thrive. Whether you're an athlete or just starting your health journey, these meals will provide the nourishment you require.

Cooking with Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is key to creating flavorful and nutritious meals. In these recipes, you'll find vibrant vegetables, lean proteins, and wholesome grains that not only enhance the taste but also provide essential vitamins and minerals. Fresh ingredients contribute to better health and make your meals more enjoyable.

Moreover, cooking with fresh produce allows you to experiment with flavors and textures. Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables or incorporate seasonal ingredients to keep your meals exciting. The versatility of these recipes means you can customize them to suit your taste preferences while still adhering to your health goals.

Ingredients

Grilled Chicken Salad

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cups mixed greens
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Cilantro for garnish

Mix and match your favorite ingredients to create a meal that suits your taste!

Instructions

Grilled Chicken Salad Preparation

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through.

2. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese.

3. Slice the grilled chicken and place it on top of the salad. Drizzle with additional olive oil if desired.

Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl Preparation

1. In a medium saucepan, cook quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions.

2. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and mix in black beans, red bell pepper, and lime juice.

3. Serve in bowls topped with diced avocado and cilantro.

Enjoy your healthy and delicious dinners!

Grilled Chicken Salad Variations

This Grilled Chicken Salad is wonderfully versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping the feta cheese for a dairy-free alternative. Consider adding sliced bell peppers, carrots, or even avocado for extra creaminess. You can also experiment with different dressings to suit your taste.

For a more filling option, try adding a scoop of chickpeas or a handful of quinoa. This will not only enhance the protein content but also add a delightful texture to your salad. The variations are endless, ensuring you never get bored with this healthy dish.

Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl Tips

This Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl is a fantastic meal prep option. You can cook a larger batch of quinoa and black beans at the beginning of the week, making it easy to assemble quick lunches or dinners. Store the components separately in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and flavor.

To elevate this bowl, consider adding roasted vegetables such as sweet potatoes or zucchini. You can also top it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for added creaminess and flavor. This dish is not only nutritious but also highly adaptable to suit any palate.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare these meals ahead of time?

Yes, both the grilled chicken salad and quinoa bowl can be meal prepped and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Are these recipes suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! They store well and can be easily reheated.

→ What can I substitute for chicken?

Tofu, turkey, or chickpeas can be great alternatives for the chicken.

→ Can I make these recipes vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken from the salad and use vegetable broth for the quinoa bowl.

High Protein Low Calorie Dinners

Discover delicious and satisfying high protein low calorie dinners that will keep you on track with your health goals.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Marina Lowe

Recipe Type: Healthy & Light

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Grilled Chicken Salad

  1. 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  2. 4 cups mixed greens
  3. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  4. 1 cucumber, sliced
  5. 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  6. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  7. Salt and pepper to taste

Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl

  1. 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  2. 2 cups vegetable broth
  3. 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  4. 1 red bell pepper, diced
  5. 1 avocado, diced
  6. 1 lime, juiced
  7. Cilantro for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through.

2. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese.

3. Slice the grilled chicken and place it on top of the salad. Drizzle with additional olive oil if desired.

Step 02

1. In a medium saucepan, cook quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions.

2. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and mix in black beans, red bell pepper, and lime juice.

3. Serve in bowls topped with diced avocado and cilantro.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 8g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 30g