20 Low-Calorie, High-Protein Dinners Ready in 20 Minutes or Less

Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD

Do you want to spend only 20 minutes in the kitchen before enjoying a delicious and nutrient-rich dinner? These dinner recipes—like Salmon Tacos with Pineapple Salsa, and Mozzarella, Basil & Zucchini Frittata—will make that a reality! Each dish is low in calories and has at least 15 grams of protein per serving to help you feel full and satisfied. And since they boast such quick cook times, you’ll have plenty of time to spare to enjoy a relaxing evening. 

01 of 20

Salmon Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

An easy-to-make slaw served on the side of these salmon tacos makes for a filling and fast weeknight dinner. If you prefer more heat in these fish tacos, simply add a pinch or two of chipotle chile powder or cayenne with the chili powder.

View Recipe

02 of 20

Bean & Veggie Taco Bowl

Simple brown rice and black beans serve as the backdrop for sautéed veggies and taco toppings!

View Recipe

03 of 20

Mozzarella, Basil & Zucchini Frittata

This vegetable-studded frittata recipe is one of the quickest meals you can make. Make it for dinner with a tossed salad and a slice of olive oil-drizzled crusty baguette.

View Recipe

04 of 20

BBQ Shrimp with Garlicky Kale & Parmesan-Herb Couscous

In the U.S., dry whole-wheat couscous has been partially cooked, making it a quick-cooking (5 minutes!) whole-grain weeknight dinner champ. And when you buy peeled shrimp, plus a bag of pre-chopped kale and bottled barbecue sauce, the savings in prep time helps to get this healthy dinner done in a jiff.

View Recipe

05 of 20

Old Bay Salmon with Lemony Mashed Peas

Cooking butter until it browns adds a toasty, nutty flavor to this easy skillet salmon recipe. Here it gives Old Bay-rubbed salmon a chef-worthy finish—not bad for 20 minutes!

View Recipe

06 of 20

Walnut-Rosemary Crusted Salmon

Credit: Photography: Carson Downing, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop stylist: Gabe Greco
Credit: Photography: Carson Downing, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop stylist: Gabe Greco

Salmon and walnuts are both great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Pair this easy baked salmon with a simple salad and a side of roasted potatoes for dinner winner.

View Recipe

07 of 20

Sweet & Sour Chicken with Broccoli

In less time than it takes to order takeout, you can have this saucy dish on the table. Toasted ramen noodles make for a tasty, crunchy topping.

View Recipe

08 of 20

Green Salad with Edamame & Beets

Credit: Katie Webster
Credit: Katie Webster

This big salad is a feast for the eyes and an everyday way to incorporate nutrient-rich beets and plant-based protein from edamame (green soybeans). If you’re not a fan of cilantro, mix in freshly chopped basil or dill instead.

View Recipe

09 of 20

Veggie Wrap with Cilantro Hummus

These healthy multigrain wraps are filled with mixed greens, chopped cucumber, tomato and red onion, as well as feta cheese and a homemade cilantro hummus.

View Recipe

10 of 20

Pan-Seared Steak with Crispy Herbs & Escarole

This restaurant-worthy steak dinner takes just 20 minutes to prepare. Cooking herbs in the pan with the steak releases their aroma, infusing it into the meat while creating a crispy garnish. After the steaks and herbs are pan-seared, the escarole is cooked in the same skillet, so this healthy dinner requires minimal cleanup too.

View Recipe

11 of 20

Penne with Tuna & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Need a quick pasta dish that’s flavorful and colorful? This penne pasta dinner-for-two combines leeks, baby spinach, tuna and sun-dried tomatoes—and it’s ready in just 20 minutes!

View Recipe

12 of 20

20-Minute Creamy Chicken Skillet with Italian Seasoning

Credit: Jason Donnelly
Credit: Jason Donnelly

Chicken cutlets cook quickly and are highlighted with a creamy sauce made with tomatoes, zucchini and Italian seasoning. This recipe is sure to become a new weeknight favorite the whole family will love. Serve it with whole-wheat pasta or rice to make it a meal.

View Recipe

13 of 20

Cucumber-Avocado-Tomato Sandwich

Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Pricilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
Credit: Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Pricilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

With just a few fresh ingredients, you can have a satisfying meal in just 10 minutes. Creamy avocado and hummus provide plant-based protein and healthy fats, while juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers bring refreshing crunch and flavor. Layer it all on whole-grain bread for an extra boost of fiber, and you’ve got a quick and wholesome sandwich at the ready!

View Recipe

14 of 20

Quick Shrimp Puttanesca

Because refrigerated fresh pasta cooks much faster than dried pasta, this Italian-inspired pasta dish will be on the table lickety-split! Puttanesca, traditionally made with tomatoes, olives, capers, anchovies and garlic, gets shrimp here for extra protein, and artichoke hearts to boost the vegetable servings (and the fiber!).

View Recipe

15 of 20

Teriyaki-Glazed Cod with Cauliflower Rice

This recipe comes together fast with just three ingredients you can always have on hand in your freezer and fridge. Store-bought teriyaki glaze makes a great marinade for cod that doubles as a sauce for the cauliflower rice.

View Recipe

16 of 20

One-Pot Garlicky Shrimp & Broccoli

Credit: Diana Chistruga
Credit: Diana Chistruga

Shrimp and broccoli cook quickly in this easy, one-pot recipe, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Serve this healthy shrimp recipe over whole grains or rice.

View Recipe

17 of 20

One-Skillet Bourbon Chicken

Credit: Photography / Antonis Achilleos, Styling / Christine Keely, Ali Ramee
Credit: Photography / Antonis Achilleos, Styling / Christine Keely, Ali Ramee

Bourbon chicken gets coated in a slightly sweet-spicy sauce for a flavorful dinner that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

View Recipe

18 of 20

Rainbow Grain Bowl with Cashew Sauce

This vibrant grain bowl is packed with nutrients to keep you full for hours. Look for precooked lentils in the refrigerated section of the produce department or pick up a can near other canned beans.

View Recipe

19 of 20

BBQ Chicken Tacos with Red Cabbage Slaw

This zippy, creamy slaw is so good you might find yourself making it for other sandwiches. Still, it pairs beautifully with the tangy pulled chicken for an incredibly quick dinner you can make even on your busiest nights. To save even more time, use a preshredded coleslaw blend.

View Recipe

20 of 20

Mini Meatloaves with Green Beans & Potatoes

Credit: Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Props: Hannah Greenwood
Credit: Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Props: Hannah Greenwood

This healthy meatloaf recipe and side dishes are all made in the oven on two sheet pans so that everything’s ready for the dinner table at the same time. The potatoes go into the oven first to start roasting, while the mini meatloaves and green beans are prepped and added to the oven partway through.

View Recipe

Original Source:

https://www.eatingwell.com/low-calorie-high-protein-20-minute-dinners-12034538