When you’re trying to stay on top of your health goals like weight loss or muscle building so the dinner can feel like a bit of a challenge.
You’re craving something delicious but also need to keep things light on the carbs and heavy on the protein.
8 High-Protein, Low-Carb Dinners to Make Tonight
So, if you’re looking for ways to make tonight’s dinner both healthy and satisfying, I’ve got you covered with 8 easy ideas. Let’s dive in!
1. Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salad
Okay, let’s kick things off with a simple and classic dinner idea. Grilled chicken is a great source of lean protein, and paired with an avocado salad, it becomes a filling and nutritious meal.
What you need:
- Chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- Olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder
- Avocado
- Mixed greens (spinach, arugula, kale)
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Lemon for dressing
How to make it:
- Season your chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Grill it on medium heat for 6-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
- In a bowl, toss together avocado, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber. Squeeze some fresh lemon over the top and toss.
- Serve the grilled chicken alongside the salad.
This dish is packed with lean protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the avocado, and it’s light on carbs. It’s also refreshing and quick, which makes it the perfect post-workout meal or a simple dinner after a busy day.
2. Zucchini Noodles with Turkey Meatballs
Zucchini noodles (aka “zoodles”) are a game-changer for anyone trying to cut back on carbs.
They’re light, easy to prepare, and can be paired with just about any protein you love. These turkey meatballs add a hearty touch without the carb overload.
What you need:
- Ground turkey (lean)
- Egg
- Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
- Zucchini (for zoodles)
- Olive oil
- Marinara sauce (sugar-free)
How to make it:
- Combine the ground turkey, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Form into small meatballs and bake them in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.
- While the meatballs are baking, spiralize the zucchini to create your zoodles. Sauté them in a pan with a little olive oil for 2-3 minutes.
- Warm the marinara sauce in a small pot and pour it over the cooked meatballs.
- Serve the turkey meatballs on a bed of zucchini noodles with marinara sauce on top.
This dish is low in carbs and high in protein, thanks to the turkey meatballs. The zucchini noodles give you that pasta vibe without the carb overload, and the marinara sauce ties it all together.
3. Salmon with Cauliflower Rice
Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. When paired with cauliflower rice, you get a nutrient-packed meal that’s super satisfying but won’t weigh you down.
What you need:
- Salmon fillets
- Olive oil
- Lemon
- Salt and pepper
- Cauliflower rice (store-bought or homemade)
- Garlic and onion powder
How to make it:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Season the salmon with olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon slices. Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes or until cooked to your liking.
- In a skillet, heat some olive oil and sauté the cauliflower rice with garlic and onion powder for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Serve the baked salmon over the cauliflower rice with a squeeze of lemon on top.
This dinner packs in tons of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, while keeping the carbs to a minimum. It’s flavorful and filling, and you won’t feel sluggish afterward.
4. Shrimp Stir-Fry with Veggies
This shrimp stir-fry is one of those meals that’s so easy to throw together, but it feels like you’re eating something special. Plus, shrimp is a lean protein that cooks super quickly, making this a great option for busy nights.
What you need:
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Bell peppers (any color)
- Broccoli florets
- Soy sauce (low-sodium)
- Olive oil
- Garlic and ginger (optional)
How to make it:
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté shrimp until they’re pink and cooked through. Set them aside.
- In the same pan, toss in the bell peppers and broccoli, cooking for 4-5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the shrimp back in and drizzle with soy sauce and a pinch of ginger or garlic for extra flavor.
- Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
This stir-fry is high in protein from the shrimp, low in carbs, and full of vibrant veggies. It’s one of those dishes that’s super customizable—you can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand!
5. Beef and Broccoli
If you’re a fan of takeout-style food but want to keep things healthy, then beef and broccoli is your go-to. It’s a high-protein, low-carb dream, and it’s full of savory flavor.
What you need:
- Lean beef (sirloin or flank steak)
- Broccoli florets
- Soy sauce (low-sodium)
- Garlic
- Olive oil
How to make it:
- Slice the beef into thin strips and sauté in olive oil until browned. Set aside.
- In the same pan, toss in the broccoli and sauté until tender.
- Add the beef back to the pan, pour in some soy sauce, and stir everything together.
- Cook for another 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through.
This dish is high in protein, low in carbs, and packed with iron and vitamin C from the beef and broccoli. It’s a quick, healthy dinner you can whip up in under 30 minutes.
6. Eggplant Lasagna
For all the lasagna lovers out there, this is your chance to enjoy a comforting meal without the carbs. Eggplant replaces the noodles, giving you a low-carb alternative while still delivering that rich lasagna flavor.
What you need:
- Eggplant (sliced into thin rounds)
- Ground beef or turkey
- Marinara sauce (sugar-free)
- Mozzarella cheese
- Ricotta cheese
- Garlic and herbs (basil, oregano)
How to make it:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Slice the eggplant and bake the rounds for 10-12 minutes to soften them up.
- In a skillet, cook your ground meat with garlic and herbs until browned. Stir in the marinara sauce.
- Layer the eggplant rounds, meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella in a baking dish. Repeat until all ingredients are used up.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This low-carb lasagna is creamy, cheesy, and full of protein, and it’s a perfect way to enjoy the comfort food you love without all the carbs.
7. Chicken Fajitas Lettuce Wraps
If you’re craving Mexican food but want to keep things healthy, chicken fajitas in lettuce wraps are a fantastic option. They’re full of flavor, low in carbs, and packed with protein.
What you need:
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Bell peppers
- Onions
- Taco seasoning (low-carb)
- Romaine lettuce (for wrapping)
- Lime
How to make it:
- Slice the chicken and veggies. Sauté the chicken in a pan with taco seasoning until cooked through.
- Add the peppers and onions, and cook until softened.
- Spoon the fajita mixture into lettuce leaves and squeeze lime juice over the top.
These wraps are fun to eat, light, and super satisfying. The chicken and veggies give you plenty of protein, while the lettuce keeps it low-carb.
8. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are a great way to enjoy a hearty, protein-packed dinner while keeping the carbs low. You can stuff them with lean meats, veggies, and a little cheese for an all-in-one meal.
What you need:
- Bell peppers
- Ground turkey or beef
- Cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option)
- Salsa
- Cheese (optional)
How to make it:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- Cook the ground turkey or beef with cauliflower rice and salsa.
- Stuff the peppers with the meat mixture, top with cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes.
These stuffed peppers are an easy and delicious way to get protein and fiber without the carbs.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—8 high-protein, low-carb dinners you can make tonight that are not only easy but delicious and satisfying.
By focusing on lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of veggies, you’ll stay on track with your goals without feeling deprived.
Whether you’re looking for quick meals or something a little more indulgent, these recipes have got you covered. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a healthy, fulfilling dinner tonight!
