20+ High-Protein, Low-Carb Dinners That Satisfy

Finding satisfying and delicious dinner options that are both high in protein and low in carbs can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be.

These high-protein, low-carb recipes are designed to keep you full, nourish your muscles, and support your health goals. By using nutrient-dense ingredients like lean meats, fish, and fresh vegetables, these meals provide the perfect balance of protein and healthy fats while keeping carbs to a minimum.

Whether you’re following a low-carb diet or simply looking for healthier alternatives, these meals will help you maintain energy levels and stay on track with your fitness goals.

From savory chicken and shrimp dishes to flavorful vegetarian options, these 20+ recipes are perfect for any occasion. Here are the first five meals to get you started on your low-carb, high-protein journey.

1. Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salad

This grilled chicken paired with a refreshing avocado salad makes for a light yet satisfying dinner. It’s packed with protein and healthy fats, keeping you energized throughout the evening.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 2 avocados (diced)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1/4 cup red onion (sliced)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
3. In a bowl, combine diced avocados, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and lemon juice. Toss to combine.
4. Slice the grilled chicken and serve over the avocado salad.

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2. Beef and Mushroom Stir-Fry

This beef and mushroom stir-fry is full of flavor and protein, making it a perfect low-carb dinner option. It’s quick to make and great for a satisfying, nutritious meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean beef (sliced thin)
• 2 cups mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp ginger (grated)

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook until browned.
2. Add garlic, ginger, mushrooms, and red bell pepper to the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in soy sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Serve hot with a side of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

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3. Lemon Herb Salmon with Roasted Asparagus

This lemon herb salmon paired with roasted asparagus is a deliciously healthy meal, full of protein and low in carbs. The fresh herbs and lemon bring a burst of flavor to the salmon.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 2 cups asparagus (trimmed)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Drizzle olive oil over the salmon fillets, then season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
2. Place asparagus on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Roast the salmon and asparagus in the oven for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is cooked through.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

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4. Chicken and Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry

This chicken and cauliflower rice stir-fry is a low-carb alternative to traditional fried rice, with tender chicken and veggies providing a satisfying protein boost.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts (diced)
• 2 cups cauliflower rice
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1/2 cup carrots (diced)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp green onions (chopped)

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
2. Add carrots, peas, and cauliflower rice to the pan. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in soy sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve.

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5. Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles

This shrimp and zucchini noodles dish is a light and satisfying low-carb dinner option, with shrimp providing a high-protein base and zucchini noodles keeping it fresh and nutritious.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2 zucchinis (spiralized)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh basil (chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and cooked through.
2. Add garlic to the pan and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in zucchini noodles and sauté for 2-3 minutes until tender.
4. Drizzle with lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

6. Grilled Turkey Burgers with Avocado

These grilled turkey burgers are lean and packed with protein. Paired with creamy avocado, they provide a satisfying and healthy meal, perfect for those looking to reduce carbs without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1/4 cup grated zucchini (optional, for moisture)
• 1/4 cup onion (chopped)
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 avocado (sliced)
• Lettuce leaves for wrapping

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine ground turkey, grated zucchini, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Form into burger patties.
3. Grill the patties for 5-6 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
4. Serve each patty on lettuce leaves with slices of avocado.

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7. Eggplant and Ground Beef Casserole

This eggplant and ground beef casserole is hearty, low in carbs, and high in protein. The eggplant acts as a perfect substitute for pasta, making it a delicious, filling, and nutritious meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium eggplants (sliced)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup marinara sauce (low-carb)
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sauté ground beef in olive oil over medium heat until browned. Add marinara sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. In a baking dish, layer sliced eggplant, beef mixture, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

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8. Grilled Shrimp and Avocado Lettuce Wraps

These shrimp and avocado lettuce wraps are a light, flavorful, and protein-packed low-carb meal. The fresh ingredients make for a refreshing and satisfying dinner option.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 avocado (diced)
• 1/2 cup cucumber (diced)
• 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Lettuce leaves for wrapping

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked through.
2. In a bowl, combine diced avocado, cucumber, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Place grilled shrimp and avocado mixture in lettuce leaves and serve immediately.

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9. Lemon Garlic Chicken with Roasted Vegetables

This lemon garlic chicken is perfectly paired with roasted vegetables, making it a satisfying high-protein, low-carb dinner option that’s both healthy and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup cauliflower florets
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season chicken breasts with lemon zest, juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast the chicken and vegetables (cauliflower and broccoli) on a baking sheet for 25-30 minutes, turning the vegetables halfway through.
4. Serve the chicken with the roasted vegetables.

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10. Salmon and Broccoli Foil Packets

This salmon and broccoli foil packet dinner is an easy, low-carb meal that’s full of protein. The fish is perfectly cooked in its own juices, and the broccoli is tender and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon (sliced)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh dill (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place each salmon fillet on a sheet of foil. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, and place lemon slices on top.
3. Add broccoli around the salmon, drizzle with a little more olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Fold the foil to seal the packet and bake for 15-20 minutes until the salmon is cooked through.
5. Garnish with fresh dill before serving.

11. Spicy Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps

These spicy tuna salad lettuce wraps are a healthy, protein-packed option that’s full of flavor. The crunchy lettuce paired with the creamy, spicy tuna makes for a satisfying low-carb meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can tuna (drained)
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
• 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lettuce leaves for wrapping

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix tuna, mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Spoon the tuna salad into lettuce leaves.
3. Serve immediately for a light, refreshing meal.

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12. Grilled Chicken with Spinach and Feta Stuffing

This grilled chicken breast is stuffed with a flavorful spinach and feta mixture, providing a protein-packed dinner that’s low in carbs but full of taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup spinach (chopped)
• 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a pan, sauté spinach until wilted, then mix with feta cheese.
3. Slice a pocket into each chicken breast and stuff with the spinach and feta mixture.
4. Rub olive oil, salt, and pepper on the chicken, then grill for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

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13. Baked Zucchini Lasagna

This zucchini lasagna swaps pasta for thin zucchini slices, making it a delicious low-carb, high-protein dinner. The ground beef and cheese filling provide a satisfying, hearty meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 zucchinis (sliced into thin strips)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup marinara sauce (low-carb)
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a pan, cook ground beef until browned. Add marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. In a baking dish, layer zucchini slices, ground beef mixture, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

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14. Garlic Butter Shrimp with Asparagus

This garlic butter shrimp with asparagus is quick, easy, and packed with protein. It’s a flavorful, low-carb dish that makes for a great dinner option.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 bunch asparagus (trimmed)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat butter in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and shrimp to the pan, cooking for 2-3 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
3. Add asparagus to the pan, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until tender.
4. Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve immediately for a quick, tasty meal.

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15. Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry

This beef and vegetable stir-fry is a simple and nutritious low-carb meal. It’s high in protein from the beef and filled with colorful vegetables for added nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb flank steak (sliced thin)
• 1 bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 onion (sliced)
• 1 zucchini (sliced)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp ginger (grated)

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add sliced beef to the pan and cook until browned.
3. Add bell pepper, onion, and zucchini to the pan, cooking for 4-5 minutes.
4. Stir in soy sauce and grated ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes.
5. Serve immediately with a side of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

16. Grilled Steak with Avocado Salsa

This grilled steak is perfectly paired with a fresh avocado salsa, adding a light, refreshing twist to a classic protein-packed dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 steaks (your choice of cut)
• 1 avocado (diced)
• 1 tomato (diced)
• 1/4 red onion (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp cilantro (chopped)
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Season steaks with salt and pepper.
2. Grill steaks for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked to your preferred doneness.
3. In a bowl, combine avocado, tomato, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Slice the grilled steak and top with the avocado salsa. Serve immediately.

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17. Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

This chicken and broccoli casserole is a creamy, satisfying low-carb meal packed with protein. It’s a hearty dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
• 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
5. Serve and enjoy!

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18. Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry with Chicken

This cauliflower rice stir-fry with chicken is a low-carb, protein-packed dish that is quick, easy, and loaded with vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts (diced)
• 2 cups cauliflower rice
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1/2 cup carrots (diced)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 garlic clove (minced)

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
2. Add peas, carrots, and garlic to the pan, cooking for 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in cauliflower rice and soy sauce, cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
4. Serve hot for a light, flavorful meal.

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19. Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Garlic Butter

These grilled shrimp skewers with garlic butter are flavorful and easy to prepare. The shrimp provides high protein, while the garlic butter adds rich, delicious flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread shrimp onto skewers, brush with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
4. In a small pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice.
5. Drizzle the garlic butter over the grilled shrimp and serve.

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20. Spaghetti Squash with Chicken Alfredo

This low-carb version of chicken Alfredo uses spaghetti squash instead of pasta, creating a delicious, protein-packed, and creamy meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 spaghetti squash
• 2 chicken breasts (grilled and sliced)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice spaghetti squash in half, remove seeds, and roast for 30-40 minutes until tender.
2. While the squash is roasting, heat olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add heavy cream to the pan, bringing it to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
4. Scrape the roasted squash with a fork to create noodles. Top with chicken slices and Alfredo sauce.
5. Serve immediately.

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21. Baked Cod with Lemon and Dill

This baked cod with lemon and dill is a light, protein-rich meal that’s perfect for a low-carb dinner. The lemon and dill enhance the delicate flavor of the cod.

Ingredients:

• 2 cod fillets
• 1 lemon (sliced)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place cod fillets on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Top with lemon slices and fresh dill.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the fish is flaky and cooked through.
5. Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.