Sometimes, putting together a good meal is the best part of the day. Other times, it can simply feel like a box to check. One way to fit a balanced diet into a busy lifestyle is to rely on fewer ingredients, ones packed with more flavor and nutrients. If you’re in the market for satisfying, straightforward, and nourishing recipes, we’d recommend almost anything with protein at the core.
Whether you’re cooking for the whole family or meal-prepping for the week ahead, a protein-rich meal can make all the difference in your diet (and your schedule). Here are a few of our favorite recipes to keep you fueled for the joy ahead:
Perfect Roast Chicken
By Joanna Gaines—from Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines
This one-pan, make-ahead meal is pure protein and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Sausage, Gruyere, and Mushroom Strata
By Elizabeth Poett
A high-protein breakfast option, this strata combines mushrooms, sausage, and spinach for a delicious, meal-prep-ready dish.
White Bean Hummus
By Joanna Gaines—from Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines
For some vegan protein, our White Bean Hummus balances creaminess and richness in every bite. Pair with fresh crudités, try it on top of a burger, or serve alongside your favorite skewers to add extra nutrition to your dish.
Steak and Veggie Skewers
By Joanna Gaines—from Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines
Whether you whip these up on the grill or sear them in a pan, these layered and flavorful skewers are a bright and fun option for a high-protein main.
Eggs in Purgatory
By Carla Lalli Music
The heat from the tomatoes and the creaminess in the egg yolks make this dish an excellent source of protein without feeling too dense. Try it for breakfast or dinner!
Chicken Marsala
By Elizabeth Poett
Roast chicken with marsala wine creates rich flavor with a slight sweetness (plus, this recipe includes tips for tenderizing your chicken before cooking).
Weeknight Salmon
By Joanna Gaines—from Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines
A simple, delicious, and citrus-forward take on savory baked salmon that pairs perfectly with veggies of all kinds.
Rustic Garbanzo Bean Soup
By Elizabeth Poett
Chickpeas and chicken broth serve as the protein-rich base for this slightly spicy comfort food. Tip: Swap regular chicken broth for bone broth to nearly double the protein per serving!
Mom’s Bulgogi with Cucumber Kimchi Salad
By Joanna Gaines—from Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines
A classic from Jo’s mom, this dish mixes light and refreshing veggies with protein-packed bulgogi.
Coconut Shrimp Curry
By Samantha Seneviratne
By Joanna Gaines—from Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines
This one-pan, make-ahead meal is pure protein and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Sausage, Gruyere, and Mushroom StrataBy Elizabeth Poett
A high-protein breakfast option, this strata combines mushrooms, sausage, and spinach for a delicious, meal-prep-ready dish.
White Bean HummusBy Joanna Gaines—from Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines
For some vegan protein, our White Bean Hummus balances creaminess and richness in every bite. Pair with fresh crudités, try it on top of a burger, or serve alongside your favorite skewers to add extra nutrition to your dish.
Steak and Veggie SkewersBy Joanna Gaines—from Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines
Whether you whip these up on the grill or sear them in a pan, these layered and flavorful skewers are a bright and fun option for a high-protein main.
Eggs in PurgatoryBy Carla Lalli Music
The heat from the tomatoes and the creaminess in the egg yolks make this dish an excellent source of protein without feeling too dense. Try it for breakfast or dinner!
Chicken MarsalaBy Elizabeth Poett
Roast chicken with marsala wine creates rich flavor with a slight sweetness (plus, this recipe includes tips for tenderizing your chicken before cooking).
Weeknight SalmonBy Joanna Gaines—from Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines
A simple, delicious, and citrus-forward take on savory baked salmon that pairs perfectly with veggies of all kinds.
Rustic Garbanzo Bean SoupBy Elizabeth Poett
Chickpeas and chicken broth serve as the protein-rich base for this slightly spicy comfort food. Tip: Swap regular chicken broth for bone broth to nearly double the protein per serving!
Mom’s Bulgogi with Cucumber Kimchi SaladBy Joanna Gaines—from Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines
A classic from Jo’s mom, this dish mixes light and refreshing veggies with protein-packed bulgogi.
Coconut Shrimp CurryBy Samantha Seneviratne
Creamy with a slight kick, this coconut shrimp curry is high in protein with a homemade curry that folds right into the tropical coconut flavor.
Meals high in protein have a knack for being high in flavor, too. We hope this list of recipes serves you well as a guide to nourishing your body and palate. When you’re ready to bring it all together, we’ve got the serveware and cooking essentials to help you round out your spread.
Meals high in protein have a knack for being high in flavor, too. We hope this list of recipes serves you well as a guide to nourishing your body and palate. When you’re ready to bring it all together, we’ve got the serveware and cooking essentials to help you round out your spread.
More to Savor
Find more recipes to add to your weekly rotation:
