30 High Protein Summer Recipes

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers

These succulent Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers are perfect for a summer cookout, offering a flavorful punch with every juicy bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Skewers

Cooking method:

1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Thread chicken onto skewers and place on the grill.
5. Cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until chicken is fully cooked.
6. Serve hot with your favorite summer sides.

Spicy Black Bean and Quinoa Salad

Packed with protein and zesty flavors, this Spicy Black Bean and Quinoa Salad is the perfect refreshing dish for a warm day.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and cooked
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 jalapeño, minced
• Juice of 2 limes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Cooking method:

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, bell pepper, onion, corn, and jalapeño.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to coat.
4. Stir in cilantro and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Greek Yogurt and Berry Parfait

This Greek Yogurt and Berry Parfait is a perfect way to enjoy a high-protein treat that feels indulgent yet healthy.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Greek yogurt
• 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 1/4 cup granola
• 1 tablespoon honey

Cooking method:

1. In a glass or bowl, layer Greek yogurt, a layer of mixed berries, and a sprinkle of granola.
2. Repeat the layers as desired.
3. Drizzle with honey before serving.

BBQ Lentil Sliders

These BBQ Lentil Sliders are a tasty and plant-based source of protein that's sure to satisfy any summer barbecue craving.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Slider buns
• Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles

Cooking method:

1. In a bowl, mix lentils, breadcrumbs, and BBQ sauce until well combined.
2. Form mixture into small patties.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook patties for 3-4 minutes on each side, until browned.
4. Serve on slider buns with optional toppings.

Citrus Grilled Shrimp

Bright and zesty, this Citrus Grilled Shrimp recipe is a delightful way to add a protein punch to your summer meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Juice and zest of 1 lime
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Add shrimp to the marinade and let sit for 15 minutes.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until opaque.
5. Sprinkle with lemon and lime zest before serving.

Tofu and Vegetable Stir Fry

This Tofu and Vegetable Stir Fry is a quick and easy dish that’s loaded with plant-based protein and vibrant veggies.

Ingredients:

• 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup snap peas
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

Cooking method:

1. In a pan, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat and add tofu cubes, cooking until golden.
2. Add ginger and vegetables, stir-frying for 5 minutes.
3. Add soy sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Chickpea and Avocado Wrap

Filled with protein-rich chickpeas and creamy avocado, this wrap is a simple and tasty summer meal option.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• Tortilla wraps
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a bowl, mash chickpeas and avocado together.
2. Stir in lemon juice, red onion, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread mixture onto a tortilla wrap and roll tightly.
4. Slice the wrap in half and serve with a side salad.

Herb-Crusted Salmon Fillets

These Herb-Crusted Salmon Fillets are oven-baked to perfection and packed with flavor and protein for a healthy summer dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread Dijon mustard over each salmon fillet.
3. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, parsley, salt, and pepper.
4. Press breadcrumb mixture onto each fillet.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 12-15 minutes.

Coconut Lime Chicken Thighs

Coconut and lime bring a tropical flair to these savory and juicy chicken thighs, making them a delightful protein-rich summer meal.

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken thighs
• 1 can coconut milk
• Juice and zest of 1 lime
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a bowl, mix coconut milk, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken thighs and marinate for at least 2 hours.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
5. Serve garnished with lime zest.

Turkey and Zucchini Meatballs

These Turkey and Zucchini Meatballs are a lean protein-packed option that's both juicy and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup grated zucchini
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine turkey, zucchini, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Form mixture into balls and place on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through.
5. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or over pasta.