14 Easy High-Protein Dinner Recipes to Make in July

Medically reviewed by Madeline Peck, RDN, CDN

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward.

Protein is an important nutrient to keep the body healthy, and each of these easy dinners packs in at least 15 grams of protein per serving. They also highlight summer produce like zucchini and chickpeas, with fresh flavors that come together in just 30 minutes or less. Try our Lemon-Garlic Salmon & Broccoli Bowls and Chopped Italian Chickpea Salad for delicious dinners you’ll want to make all month long.

01 of 14

Honey-Mustard Chicken with Zucchini Is a High-Protein Dinner You’ll Love

Credit: Ali Redmond
Credit: Ali Redmond

Sweet, tangy honey-mustard dressing does double duty in this easy sheet-pan dinner, coating the chicken before broiling and serving as a simple finishing sauce. Tender chicken thighs roast alongside zucchini and bell pepper for a complete meal with minimal cleanup.

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02 of 14

No-Cook Black Bean Taco Bowls

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

These black bean taco bowls with lime crema are a refreshing no-cook meal that’s perfect for busy days. They 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. Enjoy these effortless bowls with the suggested toppings below, or customize them with your own favorites.

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03 of 14

Lemon-Garlic Salmon & Broccoli Bowls Are Ready in 30 Minutes

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward.
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward.

These salmon and broccoli rice bowls are an easy sheet-pan dinner paired with brown rice and a creamy lemon-dill sauce. Roasting the broccoli and salmon together keeps cleanup simple, while the bright, tangy sauce ties everything together for a balanced meal.

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04 of 14

High-Protein Skillet Gnocchi with Tomatoes & Spinach

Credit: Ali Redmond
Credit: Ali Redmond

This five-ingredient gnocchi dinner is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Shelf-stable gnocchi becomes golden and crisp in the pan before being tossed with a simple sauce of tomatoes, spinach and garlic. A dollop of creamy ricotta on top adds richness and balances the bright, savory flavors.

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05 of 14

Chopped Italian Chickpea Salad

Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist Phoebe Hauser.
Credit: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist Phoebe Hauser.

This chopped Italian-inspired salad combines crisp lettuce, creamy chickpeas, juicy tomatoes and sharp provolone in a zesty red-wine vinaigrette. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own for lunch yet versatile enough to serve alongside grilled chicken or fish.

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06 of 14

Salmon & Avocado Poke Bowl

Poke (pronounced poh-kay), the bite-size marinated fish salad famous in Hawaii, is so popular that it’s sold by the pound in supermarkets. Now it has crossed the Pacific to become the meal-in-a-bowl du jour, served in eateries from Los Angeles to New York. But it’s easy to make at home with this quick recipe. Sriracha and Chinese-style mustard add a touch of heat to the classic poke seasoning of soy sauce and sesame oil. Serving it over a brown rice salad makes it a meal.

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07 of 14

Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Skillet

Credit: Photographer: Alex Huang.
Credit: Photographer: Alex Huang.

This creamy garlic chicken-and-broccoli skillet dinner comes together in just 20 minutes. Tender chicken cutlets are paired with crisp-tender broccoli in a light garlic cream sauce. A splash of white wine adds depth, while fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor.

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08 of 14

High-Protein Caprese Chickpea Salad

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

This caprese chickpea salad is a fresh, protein- and fiber-packed, 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. It’s quick to prepare, colorful and bursting with summery flavor.

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09 of 14

5-Ingredient Avocado & Black Bean Salad

Credit: Ali Redmond
Credit: Ali Redmond

This Avocado & Black Bean Salad comes together in just 20 minutes with a handful of simple ingredients. The combination of fiber-rich beans and healthy fats from avocado makes this salad both satisfying and refreshing. It’s an easy option for potlucks, picnics and busy weeknights.

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10 of 14

Chopped Power Salad with Chicken

Credit: Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek
Credit: Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek

Enjoy this filling and colorful salad for lunch or dinner. The dressing gets made in the same bowl that the salad is tossed in, so the greens absorb every bit of flavor.

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11 of 14

No-Cook White Bean & Avocado Bowls

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward.
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward.

This no-cook bean and avocado bowl comes together in just 10 minutes, making it a great option for a quick lunch or light dinner. It’s an easy, satisfying way to enjoy a plant-forward meal with minimal prep.

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12 of 14

Pizza Bean Skillet

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong, Food Stylist: Ruth Skipworth.
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong, Food Stylist: Ruth Skipworth.

This one-pan vegetarian dinner captures all the savory, cheesy flavors of pizza in a hearty skillet of beans and vegetables. It’s quick enough for a weeknight and perfect for scooping up with crusty bread or serving over whole grains for a more filling meal.

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13 of 14

Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Julia Levy, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Julia Levy, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

These chicken Caesar salad wraps make for a quick, easy lunch or dinner. We like a mix of romaine and kale for texture and color, but you can use one or the other if you prefer. Romaine will not hold well once dressed, so we recommend making this wrap up to 1 day in advance or the leaves will get soggy. Parmesan crisps act as another crouton-like element—use store-bought crisps or make your own with our Parmesan Crisps recipe.

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14 of 14

High-Protein Chicken Wrap with Pesto

Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
Credit: Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

This high-protein chicken wrap is packed with fresh flavor and comes together in just 15 minutes. A quick vegan pesto made with basil, spinach and toasted nuts coats the chicken, adding bright herb flavor without cheese. Wrapped in whole-wheat tortillas with creamy avocado and fresh greens, these wraps make an easy lunch or light dinner.

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