50 Clean Eating High Protein Recipes to Try for Better Health

Nourishing meals built around quality protein keep energy steady and cravings in check. The dishes below rely on simple, minimally processed ingredients and smart cooking methods like baking, grilling, and simmering. Rotate them through your routine to add variety while supporting muscle repair, healthy hormones, and a happy gut.

1. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Breast

Marinating chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and a handful of fresh herbs keeps the meat juicy without extra fat. Grill or sear until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, then let it rest so the juices redistribute. Serve with roasted vegetables or tuck into whole-grain pita for a balanced plate.

2. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad Jars

Layering ingredients in jars prevents soggy greens and makes lunch grab-and-go. Protein-rich chickpeas mingle with crisp veggies, herbs, and a light olive-oil vinaigrette. Shake before serving and pour onto a plate or eat straight from the jar.

3. Teriyaki Baked Tofu Steaks

Pressing tofu removes excess water, allowing the soy-ginger marinade to soak in. Baking at 400°F caramelizes the sauce without deep frying. Pair the tender steaks with brown rice and steamed edamame for a plant-powered meal.

4. Black Bean & Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

Combining quinoa with black beans delivers a complete amino acid profile. Season with cumin, smoked paprika, and diced tomatoes for extra depth. Bake until the peppers soften and the tops turn golden.

5. Spicy Shrimp and Avocado Bowl

Quick-cooking shrimp make this dish weeknight-friendly. Sauté with chili powder and garlic, then pile over cauliflower rice for extra veggies. Creamy avocado balances the spice while adding healthy fats.

6. Turkey & Spinach Egg Muffins

Whisk eggs with lean ground turkey, wilted spinach, and a sprinkle of parmesan. Bake in a silicone muffin pan for easy release. The portable bites keep well in the fridge and reheat in seconds.

7. Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Swapping mayo for protein-rich Greek yogurt lightens the classic salad. Add celery, grapes, and toasted almonds for crunch and sweetness. Spoon the mixture into crisp lettuce cups for a refreshing handheld lunch.

8. Lentil & Sweet Potato Curry

Red lentils cook quickly and break down to thicken the sauce. Coconut milk adds creaminess while warm spices like turmeric and coriander create depth. Serve with steamed basmati or scoop up with whole-grain naan.

9. Cilantro Lime Salmon Foil Packs

Foil packets lock in moisture, ensuring flaky fish every time. Place salmon on a bed of zucchini ribbons, drizzle with lime juice, and seal. Bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes and enjoy minimal cleanup.

10. Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes

Blending oats, eggs, and cottage cheese produces light pancakes rich in casein protein. A touch of vanilla and cinnamon boosts flavor without added sugar. Top with fresh fruit and a drizzle of pure maple syrup.

11. Almond Butter Overnight Oats

Soaking rolled oats in almond milk overnight softens them without cooking. Stir in chia seeds for extra protein and fiber. Grab the jar in the morning and add a spoonful of almond butter for staying power.

12. Edamame Pesto Zoodles

Blending shelled edamame with basil, garlic, and lemon makes a protein-forward pesto. Toss with spiralized zucchini for a light, gluten-free base. Finish with toasted pine nuts for crunch.

13. Garlic Rosemary Pork Tenderloin

Lean pork tenderloin absorbs flavor quickly from a simple garlic-rosemary rub. Roast at high heat for a short time to prevent dryness. Rest before slicing to keep every bite succulent.

14. Miso Ginger Seared Tuna

A quick sear locks in moisture while leaving the center tender. A miso-ginger glaze provides umami without added sugar. Pair with steamed broccoli or a seaweed salad for a light yet filling entrée.

15. Butternut Squash & White Bean Soup

Puréed squash brings natural sweetness and fiber, while cannellini beans add plant protein. Simmer everything in vegetable broth until flavors meld. A splash of almond milk makes the soup silky without heavy cream.

16. Buffalo Cauliflower & Tempeh Wrap

Tempeh cubes soak up spicy buffalo sauce alongside roasted cauliflower florets. Roll the mixture with shredded romaine and diced celery for classic wing flavors minus the grease. A drizzle of yogurt-based ranch cools things down.

17. Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry

Slicing beef thinly against the grain keeps it tender. A quick soy-sesame sauce thickened with arrowroot coats every bite. Serve over brown rice for a balanced macro profile.

18. Pumpkin Seed Crusted Cod

Pounded pumpkin seeds create a gluten-free breading packed with magnesium and healthy fats. Bake until the fish flakes easily and the crust turns golden. A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the mild cod.

19. Ricotta Spinach Stuffed Chicken

Slicing a pocket into chicken breasts allows space for a cheesy spinach filling that stays moist while baking. Season with Italian herbs and top with crushed tomatoes. Each serving offers over 30 grams of protein and plenty of iron.

20. Red Lentil Pasta Primavera

Pasta made from red lentils bumps up protein and fiber compared with wheat varieties. Toss with sautéed asparagus, peas, and bell peppers for a veggie-laden plate. A sprinkle of parmesan rounds things out.

21. Coconut Lime Turkey Meatballs

Ground turkey stays tender thanks to coconut milk in the mix. Baking instead of frying keeps fat in check. Simmer finished meatballs in a zesty lime sauce and serve over jasmine rice.

22. Chickpea & Tahini Power Bowl

Roasting chickpeas with paprika delivers crunch that rivals croutons. Build a bowl with quinoa, raw veggies, and a lemon-tahini dressing. The combination offers a complete plant-protein profile and lasting satiety.

23. Sesame Ginger Baked Halibut

Halibut’s firm texture holds up well in the oven. Brushing with a light sesame-ginger sauce adds flavor without heavy breading. Pair with steamed bok choy for an easy weeknight dinner.

24. Peanut Chicken Lettuce Cups

Sauté chicken breast with garlic, then toss in a homemade peanut sauce sweetened with a touch of honey. Serve in lettuce leaves for crunch instead of carb-heavy wraps. Top with shredded carrots and green onions for texture.

25. Greek-Style Bison Burger

Bison is naturally lean yet rich in iron. Season patties with oregano, garlic, and onion powder, then grill to medium. A dollop of tzatziki replaces ketchup and keeps flavors bright.

26. Mushroom and Pea Frittata

Whisked eggs bake up fluffy around sautéed mushrooms and sweet peas. A splash of milk makes the texture silky, while a sprinkle of goat cheese adds tang. Enjoy warm or chilled for meal prep.

27. Spiced Yogurt Marinated Lamb Chops

Greek yogurt tenderizes lamb while a blend of cumin and coriander adds warmth. Grill or broil until medium-rare for maximum juiciness. Rest the chops before serving alongside grilled vegetables.

28. Smoked Paprika Seitan Skewers

Seitan provides nearly 20 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving. Marinate in smoked paprika, olive oil, and garlic, then grill for a charred exterior. Serve over couscous with a squeeze of lemon.

29. White Bean & Kale One-Pot

One-pot cooking makes cleanup simple while allowing flavors to meld. Cannellini beans simmer with diced tomatoes and aromatics until creamy. Chopped kale stirred in at the end adds greens without overcooking.

30. Pesto Shrimp Spaghetti Squash

Roasting spaghetti squash until strands pull away easily creates a low-carb pasta stand-in. Toss with basil pesto and sautéed shrimp for quick protein. A sprinkle of parmesan finishes the dish.

31. Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Chili

Ground turkey keeps the chili lean, while sun-dried tomatoes lend deep umami flavor. Simmer with beans, onions, and chili powder for at least 30 minutes. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

32. Broiled Sirloin with Chimichurri

Broiling cooks steak quickly while creating a flavorful crust. Fresh chimichurri made with parsley, garlic, and red wine vinegar cuts through the richness. Serve with roasted sweet potato wedges.

33. Curry Roasted Chickpea Tacos

Roasting chickpeas in curry powder delivers crispy texture and bold spice. Pile them into warm tortillas with crunchy slaw. A quick yogurt sauce cools each bite while adding extra protein.

34. Almond Crusted Tilapia

Ground almonds mixed with parsley and lemon zest form a nutty crust. Bake the fish at 400°F until opaque and flaky. The coating provides healthy fats and fiber without refined breadcrumbs.

35. Quark Berry Breakfast Bowl

Quark is a European dairy product with cottage cheese-level protein and yogurt-like tang. Top with fresh berries and a sprinkle of flaxseed for omega-3s. It’s a refreshing change from standard yogurt bowls.

36. Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes

Brown lentils mimic ground meat when simmered in tomato sauce and spices. Spoon the mixture onto toasted whole-grain buns for comfort food sans animal products. Add diced bell peppers for color and crunch.

37. Ginger Garlic Tempeh Buddha Bowl

Tempeh’s nutty flavor shines after a quick marinade in ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. Pan-sear until crispy edges form. Arrange over rice with roasted carrots, spinach, and sliced radish for texture variety.

38. Chili Lime Chicken Thighs

Skin-on thighs stay juicy while the fat renders, crisping the exterior. A mixture of lime zest, chili powder, and honey forms a sticky glaze. Serve with corn salad or grilled zucchini.

39. Greek Yogurt Protein Smoothie Bowl

Blending frozen berries with Greek yogurt and a scoop of whey or plant protein powder creates an ice-cream-like texture. Pour into a bowl and add crunchy toppings. It doubles as breakfast or a post-workout snack.

40. Cajun Spiced Redfish

Coating redfish with a homemade Cajun rub adds heat without breading. Pan-sear in a bit of avocado oil until blackened edges develop. A quick squeeze of lemon lifts the smoky flavors.

41. Spaghetti Squash Turkey Bolognese

Ground turkey simmers with crushed tomatoes, onions, and oregano for a lighter Bolognese. Serve over roasted spaghetti squash strands to cut carbs and add extra vegetables. A dusting of parmesan seals the deal.

42. Herb Quinoa Stuffed Portobellos

Portobello mushrooms act as edible bowls for fluffy quinoa mixed with basil and parsley. Bake until the caps soften and the filling heats through. Serve with a crisp side salad for a meatless entrée.

43. BBQ Jackfruit & Black Bean Nachos

Young jackfruit shredded and tossed in BBQ sauce offers a pulled-pork texture. Layer over baked tortilla chips with black beans for added protein. Finish under the broiler with a sprinkle of cheese or nutritional yeast.

44. Pistachio Crusted Chicken Tenders

Grinding pistachios with oat flour creates a vibrant, nutrient-dense coating. Bake the tenders until crunchy instead of frying. A lemon yogurt dip keeps the meal fresh and zesty.

45. Tofu & Veggie Sheet-Pan Dinner

Marinating tofu in tamari and rice vinegar infuses flavor before roasting. Spread on a sheet pan with mixed vegetables for hands-off cooking. Serve over millet or quinoa to soak up the juices.

46. Honey Mustard Salmon Cakes

Canned or cooked salmon combines with oat flour, eggs, and herbs for easy patties. Pan-sear until crisp outside and tender inside. A light honey mustard sauce compliments the rich fish.

47. Protein-Packed Shakshuka

Eggs poached directly in spiced tomato sauce pick up flavor while staying runny. Adding chickpeas boosts protein and fiber. Scoop with whole-grain pita or enjoy straight from the skillet.

48. Moroccan Chickpea & Eggplant Stew

Warm spices like cumin, cinnamon, and paprika give the stew depth. Cubed eggplant soaks up the aromatic broth while chickpeas supply protein. Serve over couscous or brown rice.

49. Lemon Dill Cottage Cheese Dip & Veggie Platter

Whipping cottage cheese in a food processor turns it silky. Blend with fresh dill, lemon zest, and garlic for a savory dip. Pair with raw veggies for a high-protein snack that travels well.

50. High-Protein Chocolate Chia Pudding

Mix chia seeds with almond milk, cocoa powder, and a scoop of chocolate protein powder, then refrigerate overnight. The seeds swell, creating a pudding-like texture without cooking. Top with fresh berries for antioxidants and color.