When it comes to ensuring a balanced diet, protein intake is crucial, regardless of whether you’re a vegetarian, bodybuilder, or simply health-conscious. Having reliable high-protein side dishes at your disposal can be a game-changer. By having a few go-to options up your sleeve, you can guarantee that your meals are not only delicious but also nutrient-rich.
Having a stash of healthy sides on hand allows for greater flexibility and convenience. Whether you’re fueling up before a workout, looking for a satisfying snack on-the-go, or seeking to elevate your family dinners, these protein-packed options will be your trusted allies.
Indian Lentil Curry
In terms of nutritional information per serving, our dal recipe stands out with the following breakdown: 226 calories, 5g of fats, 14g of protein, 33g of carbohydrates, 16g of fiber, and only 3g of sugar. This impressive combination makes it a staple in Indian cuisine, as it is both filling and delicious. Moreover, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal way to incorporate a significant amount of protein into your diet. When it comes to serving, you can use our dal as a side dish for a more comprehensive Indian-style meal, such as a thali.
Pinto Beans
With just 196 calories per serving, this recipe for smoky tomato pinto beans is an excellent addition to any healthy meal. The nutritional breakdown reveals a satisfying balance of fats, protein, and carbohydrates: 6g of fats, 10g of protein, 25g of carbs, 6g of fiber, and only 1g of sugar. These nutritious little beans are essentially balls of pure protein, making them an ideal choice for those looking to stay full without overdoing it on calories.
Vegan Sprouted Lentil Salad
Each serving of this delightful cookie recipe offers a nutritious combination of macronutrients, including 168 calories, 4g of fat, 10g of protein, 24g of carbohydrates, and a satisfying 9g of dietary fiber. Moreover, the cookies contain only 4g of sugar, making them an excellent treat option.What’s more fascinating is that sprouted beans and lentils possess a unique ‘living’ quality, replete with beneficial compounds like chlorophyll and other micronutrients. These legumes are also exceptionally high in protein, making them an ideal addition to a balanced diet.Consider indulging in these scrumptious protein chocolate chip cookies as a post-meal treat!
Cauliflower Ham Casserole
The nutritional breakdown for this cauliflower and ham casserole per serving is impressive, boasting 358 calories, 26g of fats, 23g of protein, 10g of carbohydrates, 2g of fiber, and 4g of sugar. With these stats, it’s no wonder that this dish has gained a reputation as a high-protein, healthy side option. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to prepare in advance. Simply cook it up, freeze it, and reheat whenever you’re ready for a satisfying meal.
Vietnamese Shrimp Salad Rolls
With an impressive nutritional profile per serving, these Vietnamese shrimp salad rolls are not only a flavor sensation but also a healthy choice. Each roll boasts: 66 calories, 1g of fats, 9g of protein, 5g of carbs, 1g of fiber and just 2g of sugar. This makes them an excellent option for meal prep, whether you’re heading to the office or packing a snack for your next adventure. Enjoy them at home, on-the-go, or as a refreshing addition to your picnic spread – these shrimp salad rolls truly are a versatile and delicious treat.
Protein Corn Bread
With a nutritional profile that’s hard to beat, this wholewheat cornbread is an impressive alternative to traditional cornbread. A single serving packs 223 calories, along with 11.3g of fats, 10.2g of protein, and 21.2g of carbohydrates. The added bonus of 1.5g of fiber means you’ll feel satisfied without the guilt. And let’s not forget that sugar content is a blank slate – the perfect canvas for your creativity. Not only does it deliver on nutrition, but this cornbread also holds its own in terms of taste. Serve it up in bite-sized portions, complete with a pat of butter, and get ready to wow your guests. They’ll be clamoring for more!
Quinoa Tuna Salad
Combining the flavors of quinoa and tuna creates a culinary symphony. A serving size boasts an impressive nutritional profile: 270 calories, 9g of fat, 15g of protein, 34g of carbohydrates, and a respectable 4g of fiber, with only 5g of sugar. This delightful dish is elevated by the freshness of its accompanying vegetables, which add a burst of flavor and essential vitamins. To balance out this vibrant medley, sprinkle a generous amount of crumbled feta on top, allowing its creamy richness to counteract the brightness of the dish.
Crispy Fried Anchovies with Tartar
Each serving of these delectable crispy anchovies boasts an impressive 26 grams of protein, making them an excellent high-protein accompaniment to any meal. The satisfying crunch of the coating and the rich, fishy flavor combine to create a refreshing summer side dish that’s sure to please. Be liberal with the lemon and tartare sauce for added depth of flavor.
Tuna Pasta Salad
Combining the classic pasta salad with protein-rich tuna creates a culinary masterpiece that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Here are the nutritional highlights for each serving:
• Calories: 316
• Fats: 11g
• Protein: 16g
• Carbs: 39g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g
This tuna-infused pasta salad is an excellent choice for a side dish that can be made ahead of time and transported to gatherings, picnics or potlucks, offering a flavorful and protein-packed option.
Chicken Pasta Salad
The nutritional breakdown for this serving-sized pasta salad is as follows: 474 calories, 17g of fat, 30g of protein, and 52g of carbohydrates. Unfortunately, fiber content is not specified. Additionally, there are 4g of sugar present.For those seeking a more sophisticated take on the classic pasta salad, look no further. This dish shines with its vibrant vegetables and seasoned chicken, making it an ideal addition to any dinner party or special occasion. The best part? It can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your gathering. While it may not be the most portable option for a road trip, this healthy side dish is sure to impress.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
With a per-serving breakdown of 316 calories, 83g of fats, 59g of protein, and 37g of carbs, along with 2g of fiber and only 3g of sugar, this air fryer recipe offers a deliciously healthy take on traditional chicken wings. The versatility of the seasonings is yours to decide, but don’t miss out on the opportunity to try the Greek yogurt marinade for an added layer of flavor. When you’re done with these high-protein wings, be sure to explore other protein-packed chicken recipes that align with your dietary goals.
Instant Pot Refried Beans
Ditch the store-bought refried beans and take control of your culinary creations with this easy-to-make Instant Pot recipe. Not only is it healthier than the canned alternative, but it’s also packed with flavor. With a nutritional profile that boasts 181 calories per serving, this homemade version is a game-changer. Here are the details: 1g of fat, 11g of protein, 33g of carbohydrates, 8g of fiber, and only 2g of sugar. This recipe is perfect for Mexican night, pairing well with burritos, tacos, nachos, fajitas, and more. Simply serve it alongside your favorite dishes and enjoy the benefits of a homemade meal.
Eggplant Chickpea Stew
Lebanese Moussaka’s understated star is eggplant, but this recipe elevates it to new heights. Each serving boasts an impressive nutritional profile: 281 calories, 11g of fats, 15g of protein, and a satisfying 60g of carbs. The fiber content is particularly notable, clocking in at 16g, with only 15g of sugar. This vegan take on the classic dish doesn’t sacrifice flavor for nutrition, instead marrying rich Lebanese flavors with the health benefits of a plant-based diet. Whether you’re adhering to a vegan lifestyle or simply looking for a protein-packed meal option, this Moussaka is sure to please.
Turkish Style Borlotti Beans
This nutritious dish, known as Barbunya Pilaki or Turkish Style Borlotti Beans, is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. With its impressive nutritional profile, including 255 calories per serving, it’s an excellent option for a side dish or even a satisfying lunch on-the-go. The rich flavors and hearty beans are sure to leave you feeling full and content.What’s more, this dish is surprisingly quick to prepare – in just forty minutes, you can have a delicious and wholesome meal ready to devour.
Instant Pot Mexican Pinto Beans
Savoring each bite of your homemade baked beans just got a whole lot easier. By opting for the Instant Pot instead of canned alternatives, you’ll be indulging in a protein-rich, flavorful treat that’s surprisingly nutritious too. The best part? This side dish requires minimal effort from you, as the Instant Pot allows you to simply set it and forget it. When you return 25 minutes later, you’ll be greeted with a perfectly cooked batch of beans that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. With its impressive nutritional profile, boasting 257 calories, 5g of fats, 14g of protein, 41g of carbs, 10g of fiber, and only 3g of sugar per serving, you can feel good about what you’re putting in your body.
Mixed Bean Salad Balela
With a nutritional breakdown of 232 calories, 8g of fats, 10g of protein, 33g of carbohydrates, 10g of fiber, and 6g of sugar per serving, this Middle Eastern-inspired balela is an ideal choice for warm weather gatherings. Its refreshing cold salad and bold Arabic flavors make it perfect for kicking off your outdoor picnic season. This dish also doubles as a convenient meal prep option, as it cooks well in large quantities and retains its freshness for extended periods.
Spicy Baked Beans
With just 380 calories per serving, our final recipe is a healthier take on traditional baked beans. The nutritional breakdown looks like this: 9g of fats, 15g of protein, and 65g of carbohydrates, along with a decent dose of fiber at 14g and 18g of sugar. This slow-cooked delight is sure to impress your guests or provide a satisfying treat for yourself. But the real showstopper here is the bonus dessert option – a protein-packed banana bread that’s the perfect way to round off a meal.
