Healthy Living

Whether your goal is to stay energized, support healthy digestion or maintain muscle and bone strength, prioritizing high-protein meals can be a big help.  Each of these dishes offers at least 15 grams of protein per serving to help you stay satisfied. From easy casseroles and skillets to hearty soups and salads, these filling dinner recipes are clicked on most by EatingWell readers. Flavorful and nutritious recipes like our fan-favorite Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan and Broccoli-Cheddar Butter Beans are sure to become staples on your dinner table.

01 of 20

Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan

This chicken pasta combines lean chicken breast and sautéed spinach for a meal that’s garlicky, lemony and best served with a little Parm on top. I call it “Mom’s Skillet Pasta,” and she called it “Devon’s Favorite Pasta.” Either way, it’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner we created together and scribbled on a little recipe card more than a decade ago, and it remains in my weekly dinner rotation to this day. It’s a simple dinner the whole family will love.

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02 of 20

Chickpea Casserole with Spinach & Feta

This Chickpea Casserole is a cozy, one-pan meal that’s both hearty and wholesome. Tender spinach, nutty chickpeas and brown rice are bound together with a touch of cream cheese and finished with tangy feta. Fresh dill, nutmeg and lemon juice brighten the flavors, while a hint of red pepper adds gentle heat. Baked until bubbling and topped with lemon zest, it’s a dish that feels comforting yet vibrant.

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03 of 20

Broccoli-Cheddar Butter Beans

These broccoli-Cheddar butter beans are a cozy dish that will remind you of broccoli-Cheddar soup, but in a convenient skillet. Tender butter beans add creaminess and plant-based protein, making the dish filling enough for a main course. Broccoli florets bring color, while sharp Cheddar cheese melts in for that classic flavor. Everything comes together in one pan, creating a thick texture that’s perfect for scooping up with crusty bread.

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04 of 20

Marry Me White Bean Soup

This Marry Me White Bean Soup borrows inspiration from the beloved Marry Me Chicken recipe with a combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cream and Parmesan. Here, those same flavors are transformed into a hearty, soul-warming vegetarian soup with white beans taking center stage. Finished with basil and extra cheese, it’s cozy, crowd-pleasing and sure to win hearts at the table.

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05 of 20

Halupki (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

These comforting stuffed cabbage rolls, known as halupki, are a staple in many Eastern European kitchens, often served for family dinners and holidays. Here, a blend of beef and pork keeps the filling juicy, while ketchup, tomato paste and condensed tomato soup create a rich, familiar sauce as the rolls bake. They’re perfect for a cozy dinner!

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06 of 20

Easy White Bean Skillet

This easy white bean skillet brings together pantry staples and fresh greens for a comforting plant-based meal. Sweet onion, tomatoes and garlic form a rich, savory base for creamy white beans. A handful of spinach adds freshness and color, and a sprinkle of Parmesan ties everything together with salty richness. Served alongside toasted whole-wheat baguette slices for dipping, it’s a fast, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a simple weekend supper.

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07 of 20

High-Protein Black Bean Salad

In this high-protein salad, black beans take center stage. As the main source of plant-based protein, they make the salad satisfying, with their creamy texture pairing perfectly with sweet potato, crisp veggies and a citrusy dressing. It’s an easy, filling option for lunch or dinner—especially for those looking to add more plant-powered protein to their diet.

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08 of 20

Chicken Cutlets with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce (Marry Me Chicken)

Though a chicken cutlet may be a chicken breast cut in half, this recipe shows how to make chicken cutlets with double the deliciousness. A jar of sun-dried tomatoes does double duty for this healthy dinner idea. The flavorful oil they're packed in is used to sauté the chicken, and the tomatoes go into the cream sauce.

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09 of 20

One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta

Make this cheesy ground chicken pasta recipe for a busy weeknight dinner. Serve with a simple side salad and a glass of red wine.

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10 of 20

High-Protein Lemon Chicken Orzo

This lemon chicken orzo is a true weeknight classic—comforting and bursting with fresh flavor. Tender bites of chicken, orzo pasta and a bright, creamy broth come together in a one-pot meal. This dish is perfect for busy evenings when you want something cozy.

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11 of 20

Lemony Orzo & Tuna Salad with Broccoli

This pasta-salad and tuna-salad mashup gets a boost of color and texture from broccoli. Plenty of Kalamata olives add a briny bite. Be sure to monitor the pasta-cooking carefully, as orzo can go from al dente to mush in a minute. If in doubt, drain it a little early—it’ll soften further in the lemon dressing.

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12 of 20

High-Protein Caprese Chickpea Salad

This caprese chickpea salad is a fresh, protein- and fiber-packed, plant-based twist on the classic Italian favorite. It combines creamy mozzarella pearls, juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant fresh basil with hearty chickpeas for a satisfying dish. A simple balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with a tangy-sweet finish. It’s quick to prepare, colorful and bursting with summery flavor.

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13 of 20

High-Protein Balsamic Chicken Orzo

This High-Protein Balsamic Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavor-packed one-skillet meal that balances protein with tender veggies and pasta. A finishing drizzle of balsamic and a sprinkle of chives add brightness, making each bite delicious. With minimal cleanup, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners.

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14 of 20

Chickpea Grain Bowl with Feta & Tomatoes

This chickpea-farro grain bowl is a hearty dish that’s packed with plant-based protein, fiber and tons of fresh flavor. Farro, a whole grain with a nutty taste and chewy texture, forms the base and pairs perfectly with tender chickpeas and veggies. If you don’t have farro on hand, you can easily swap in quinoa, brown rice or barley.

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15 of 20

Sheet-Pan Lemon-Pepper Chicken with Broccoli & Potatoes

This sheet-pan lemon-pepper chicken dinner is packed with flavor and comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. A zesty lemon-mustard marinade infuses the chicken, while baby potatoes and broccoli roast until golden and tender. Everything’s finished with a drizzle of pan juices and a pinch of crushed red pepper for a hint of heat, if desired.

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16 of 20

Sheet-Pan Salmon with Sweet Potatoes & Broccoli

The vibrant combo of cheese, cilantro, chili and lime—inspired by Mexican street corn—makes this salmon sheet-pan dinner burst with flavor.

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17 of 20

Rotisserie Chicken, Mushroom & Rice Casserole

This casserole is a hearty dish perfect for a cozy weekend at home. Tender shredded rotisserie chicken is combined with earthy mushrooms, fluffy rice and a creamy sauce that brings everything together. A layer of melted cheese on top adds a golden, bubbly finish.

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18 of 20

Garlic Butter–Roasted Salmon with Potatoes & Asparagus

This one-pan salmon and potatoes recipe is a healthy and satisfying weeknight dinner. Melted garlic butter coats the salmon and vegetables, adding depth of flavor and richness to the dish.

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19 of 20

No-Cook Black Bean Taco Bowls

These black bean taco bowls with lime crema are a refreshing no-cook meal that's perfect for busy days. They feature hearty black beans, veggies and zesty toppings layered over crispy cabbage and lettuce. The lime crema adds a tangy, creamy finish that brings all the flavors together. Enjoy these effortless bowls with the suggested toppings below, or customize them with your own favorites.

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20 of 20

Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli Skillet

This creamy garlic chicken-and-broccoli skillet dinner comes together in just 20 minutes. Tender chicken cutlets are paired with crisp-tender broccoli in a light garlic cream sauce. A splash of white wine adds depth, while fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor.

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Naturally sweet and full of fiber and other nutrients, dates make a healthy and delicious base for these snack recipes. From our make-ahead Iced Lemon Cookie Energy Balls to our simple 4-ingredient Mini Chocolate-Dipped Date-Apple Bites, we have something for everybody to enjoy. Next time you’re grocery shopping, make sure to never leave dates off your list.

01 of 14

Peanut Butter & Date Granola Bars

These homemade granola bars could not be easier to make. Dates, peanut butter and honey create the glue that keeps everything sticking together. Toasting the hazelnuts gives these bars a fragrant, nutty flavor and helps loosen their skins, which can lend a bitter flavor if left on. If you don’t want to use hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews or pecans can be used in their place.

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02 of 14

Mini Chocolate-Dipped Date-Apple Bites

This easy, four-ingredient snack features dates stuffed with peanut butter and apples for a bite that will remind you of a caramel apple. A thin layer of dark chocolate adds the perfect amount of sweetness. Any nut butter works well here—try almond or cashew for a different flavor.

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03 of 14

Iced Lemon Cookie Energy Balls

Next time you have a Girl Scout Cookie craving, try these healthier no-bake cookies instead. Their bright and lemony flavor is balanced by sweetness from Medjool dates, and they're held together with millet and almond meal. Keeping the dough chilled and dusting your hands with confectioners' sugar will keep them from sticking to your hands while you shape them.

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04 of 14

Anti-Inflammatory Energy Balls

Drawing inspiration from the flavors of Cherry Garcia, these chocolate-cherry date energy balls are a tasty tribute to the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor named after Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead. Packed with chunks of dark chocolate and dried tart cherries, they’re not only delicious but also contain polyphenols, a nutrient found in cherries that can help suppress inflammation.

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05 of 14

3-Ingredient Chocolate & Almond Butter Dates

These stuffed dates can be an easy dessert or snack when you're craving something sweet. We love the mild flavor of almond butter, but natural peanut butter would be a nice substitute. A flaky sea salt like Maldon elevates the flavor. Be sure to sprinkle the salt over the dates before the chocolate has set.

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06 of 14

Happy Smoothie

This happy smoothie blends blueberries, strawberries and kefir for a creamy, lightly tangy drink with natural sweetness from Medjool dates that makes a mood-boosting morning meal. Almond butter adds richness, while a touch of vanilla rounds out the flavor. It comes together in minutes for a quick breakfast or snack.

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07 of 14

Peanut Butter Granola Bars

These no-bake granola bars are a simple snack made with just a handful of pantry staples. Naturally sweetened with dates and held together with creamy peanut butter, they come together quickly in the food processor, no oven required.

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08 of 14

Sweet Potato Brownie Bites

These sweet potato brownie bites deliver rich chocolate flavor in a perfectly sized package. Dates and sweet potato add natural sweetness and moisture to eliminate the need for any added sugars. Cocoa powder and a hint of espresso powder (if you like) deepen the chocolaty flavor. Baked in a mini muffin pan, they’re easy to portion, quick to cool and just right for snacking.

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09 of 14

Key Lime Pie Energy Balls

These Key lime energy balls are a bright and zesty snack that captures all the flavors of classic Key lime pie in one bite. Made with dates, cashews, coconut and fresh Key lime juice, they offer a sweet and tangy pick-me-up with a tropical finish. Easy to make, these grab-and-go energy balls are the perfect quick afternoon snack or pre-breakfast bite.

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10 of 14

Chocolate–Peanut Butter Energy Bars

Dates provide all the sweetness you need for these no-bake energy bars. Each square serves up a hearty dose of protein—thanks to peanut butter and peanuts—as well as fiber from rolled oats. Kids will love the chewy bites with crunchy nuts.

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11 of 14

Blueberry-Lemon Energy Balls

If you're looking for a midday pick-me-up, these blueberry-lemon balls come together in minutes and make a perfect on-the-go snack. Walnuts add a boost of plant-based protein and help keep you energized, while a bit of maple syrup adds sweetness.

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12 of 14

Coconut Fruit & Nut Bars

With just five ingredients, these simple, no-bake energy bars are tastier than any bars you can buy! Dates, cashews, almonds and coconut whir up in the food processor for an easy homemade version of a Larabar. Pack one up for a healthy snack for work, or send some off with your kids for an energizing snack before soccer practice.

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13 of 14

Crunch Bar–Inspired Energy Balls

To emulate a Crunch Bar, we packed this energy ball with crispy puffed brown rice cereal inside a milk-chocolaty, chewy center. A dark-chocolate drizzle adds more intense chocolate flavor. Cashew butter has a mild, neutral flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients, but you can substitute any nut butter if you prefer.

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14 of 14

Raspberry-Mango Chia Seed Smoothie

This creamy smoothie delivers sweet tropical flavors, with frozen mango blending with fiber-rich raspberries and coconut milk for a thick, frosty base. Greek yogurt adds protein and tang to keep you satisfied, while dates add natural sweetness and fiber. With just a quick spin in the blender, you’ll have a refreshing, nutrient-packed smoothie ready to sip.

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