Easy Healthy High Protein Dinner Recipes in New York

Eating healthy, high protein meals is important for New Yorkers looking to maintain a balanced diet. Protein helps build and repair muscles while also keeping you feeling full and satisfied. The good news is, whipping up nutritious, protein-packed dinners doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. There are plenty of easy healthy recipes options using simple ingredients that can be made in under 30 minutes.

Benefits of High Protein Meals

Including high protein foods in your diet has many excellent health benefits:

-Builds and repairs muscle tissue
-Boosts metabolism and supports potential weight loss
-Keeps you feeling fuller for longer compared to fat or carbs
-Provides sustainable energy and reduces fatigue
-Supports bone health and strength
-Improves skin, hair, and nail condition
-Lowers blood pressure and risks for cardiovascular disease

Getting enough protein should be a priority, especially at dinnertime when the body needs proper nutrition to recover from the day.

Easy High Protein Dinner Recipe Ideas
Whipping up a healthy high protein meal is simple with the right ingredients and recipes. Here are some delicious, nutritious recipe ideas the whole family will love:

Sheet Pan Lemon Chicken with Potatoes and Broccoli

-Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-Potatoes, chopped
-Broccoli florets
-Olive oil
-Lemon juice
-Garlic
-Salt and pepper

Place chopped veggies and chicken on a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper then bake until the chicken is cooked through. Easy and satisfying.

Protein per serving: 38g
Turkey Lettuce Wrap Tacos

-Ground turkey
-Lettuce leaves
-Shredded cheese
-Salsa
-Greek yogurt
-Taco seasoning

Cook ground turkey in a skillet with taco seasoning. Serve in lettuce leaf “shells” topped with cheese, salsa, and Greek yogurt.

Protein per serving: 23g
Simple Veggie and Tofu Stir Fry

-Firm or extra firm tofu, cubed
-Broccoli, carrots, onion, etc.
-Olive oil
-Soy sauce or coconut aminos
-Rice

Stir fry chopped veggies in oil. Add cubed tofu and sauce. Serve over a bed of cooked brown rice or quinoa.

Protein per serving: 22g
Baked Salmon with Asparagus

-Salmon fillets
-Asparagus spears
-Lemon
-Garlic
-Dijon mustard
-Salt and pepper

Place salmon and asparagus on a sheet pan. Mix mustard, lemon juice, garlic, and seasonings then brush over the top. Bake until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Protein per serving: 32g
Portobello Mushroom Veggie Burgers

-Grilled portobello caps
-Whole grain bun
-Lettuce, tomato, onion
-Avocado
-Greek yogurt sauce

Grill portobello mushroom caps until tender. Serve on a whole wheat bun topped with veggies and tangy Greek yogurt sauce.
Protein per serving: 19g
Lentil and Quinoa Chili

-Dry lentils
-Dry quinoa
-Chopped tomatoes
-Onion, garlic, chili powder
-Kidney beans
-Vegetable broth

Simmer the lentil-quinoa mixture together with veggies and seasonings in broth until thick and flavorful. Top with avocado and green onion.

Protein per serving: 19g
Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake

-Cooked pasta – penne, rigatoni
-Cooked chicken, chopped
-Steamed broccoli florets
-Low fat milk
-Shredded cheddar cheese
-Garlic powder, salt, pepper

Combine pasta, chicken, broccoli and seasonings. Pour into a casserole dish, top with cheese and milk then bake until hot and bubbly.

Protein per serving: 43g
Tips for Adding More Protein

If you’re looking for ways to easily increase the protein content in your meals, these tips can help:

Choose Leaner Cuts of Meat: Select lean beef, pork, lamb and skinless poultry which offers more protein per serving compared to higher-fat options.

Have Eggs: Eggs are an inexpensive, versatile high protein food. Enjoy them scrambled, hard boiled, baked into dishes, as omelets and more.

Use Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt contains double the protein of regular yogurt. Use it as the base for salad dressings, smoothies, parfaits or substitute for mayo or sour cream.

Add Beans, Lentils & Peas: Beans, lentils and peas pack a major protein punch. Enjoy them as burger patties, mixed into pasta sauces, stews, chili, rice bowls and more.

Include Nuts and Seeds: An easy way to sprinkle extra protein into meals or snacks. Try nut-based pestos, nutty stir fries, salads with nuts and seeds or homemade trail mixes.

Consider High Protein Grains: Swap out white rice or regular pasta for high protein whole grains like quinoa, farro, buckwheat, amaranth and chickpea pasta.

Have Protein Powder on Hand: Whey and plant-based protein powders can effortlessly boost the protein content of smoothies, yogurt bowls, oatmeal and baked goods.

Most Asked Questions About High Protein Meals
How much protein should I eat at dinner?

Experts recommend eating 25-30g of protein per meal. Consuming protein throughout the day, including at dinner, helps stimulate muscle growth and repair.

What are high protein vegetarian dinner recipes? 
Great plant-based protein options for dinner recipes include tempeh, tofu, edamame, lentils, chickpeas, beans, nuts, seeds, quinoa and high protein whole grains.

What are some easy high protein dinner recipes?
Easy high protein dinner recipes include sheet pan chicken fajitas, turkey meatloaf muffins, crispy baked salmon fillets, southwestern quinoa bowls and simple shrimp and veggie stir fries.

How can I add more protein to simple recipes? 
Easy ways to add protein include topping dishes with Greek yogurt, eggs, crumbled feta or Parmesan cheese, nuts, seeds, beans or sautéed tofu or shrimp.

What are high protein foods for dinner? 
Some of the best high protein foods to include in dinner recipes are lean meats like chicken, beef and pork, seafood, eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, tofu, edamame, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds and quinoa.

What are the healthiest high protein foods? 
Some of the healthiest high protein dinner options are fatty fish like salmon, tuna and trout, chicken and turkey breast, grass-fed beef, eggs, Greek yogurt, beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, buckwheat and spirulina.

Enjoy Satisfying, Nutritious High Protein Meals
Whipping up healthy dinners with generous amounts of protein doesn’t have to be complicated. There are limitless easy recipe ideas that use simple, real food ingredients. Getting into the habit of building meals around lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats provides the body with sustained energy and supports overall wellbeing.