Summer is here! Which means we want to spend more time outside enjoying the sunshine and less time in the kitchen!

These summer high protein dinners are perfect for those lazy nights when you just don’t have the energy to cook.

Easy, delicious, nutritious and, most importantly, pack protein.

1. Greek Chicken Orzo

Another Greek recipe but this one cooked in a pan. It’s simple, delicious and yet packs 42 grams of protein.

With all the refreshing flavors and olive, it feels like a truly comforting meal but without the guilt.

Perfect for those summer evenings when the family is hungry.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 553
• Fats: 22.8g
• Protein: 42g
• Carbs: 45g
• Fiber: 1.6g
• Sugar: 5g

2. Fajita Chicken Casserole

Seasoned chicken with melted mozzarella and colorful bell peppers baked into an easy casserole. This high-protein, low-carb dish is naturally gluten-free and ideal for hectic weeknights.

When you’re stuck in a dinner rut, this one-pan meal is the answer. Juicy chicken combines with crisp vegetables and bubbly cheese for a satisfying dish that practically cooks itself.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 363
• Fats: 13g
• Protein: 49g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fiber: 2.5g
• Sugar: 3.8g

3. Caprese Chicken Bake

I LUV the freshness of a Caprese salad – the combo of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil is irresistible.

Adding these flavors to chicken creates a fabulous dish that’s so easy to make, packed with protein, and low-carb. Your oven does all the work, and you get to enjoy the compliments after dinner.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 445
• Fats: 18.9g
• Protein: 58.6g
• Carbs: 9.2g
• Fiber: 1.3g
• Sugar: 6.8g

4. Prawn Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Source: allnutritious.com

Prawns are another great dish for a dinner party, giving a coastal summer vibe without the need for complicated prep. They’re quick to cook, full of flavor, and always feel a little fancy on the plate.

This recipe offers juicy prawns, sautéed garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy orzo pasta. It’s bold, savory, a little spicy, and a little tangy. Perfect with crispy garlic bread!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 676
• Fats: 35g
• Protein: 36g
• Carbs: 56g
• Fiber: 4.4g
• Sugar: 6.9g

5. Baked Shrimp and Broccoli Foil Packs

Perfectly seasoned shrimp and tender broccoli cooked together in convenient foil packets. High-protein, Paleo, gluten-free, and dairy-free for easy weeknight meals.

My go-to solution for busy days when I need quick meal prep options! These baked foil packets require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor – ideal for hectic weeknights or relaxed weekends.

Each serving combines perfectly cooked broccoli with expertly seasoned shrimp, enhanced by aromatic garlic, bright lemon, and carefully balanced spices that create a restaurant-quality experience with zero cleanup hassle.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 385
• Fats: 15g
• Protein: 40g
• Carbs: 27g
• Fiber: 8.9g
• Sugar: 5.8g

6. Lazy Pesto Chicken Bake

When I want to relax but have a hungry clan to feed, out comes this lazy recipe.

It requires minimal effort, no fancy cooking skills, and uses basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or fridge – less stress, and no rushing to the store.

Impress with a tempting dish of tender chicken cooked in rich, herby basil pesto, all topped with gooey mozzarella cheese.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 347
• Fats: 18.3g
• Protein: 40.1g
• Carbs: 2.5g
• Fiber: 0.3g
• Sugar: 0.7g

7. Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad

Source: allnutritious.com

What I LUV about this dish is how the cottage cheese brings a unique, creamy texture to the chicken. It’s a chicken salad with a twist.

The tang of banana peppers, the crunch of celery, and the mild oniony notes bring this simple dish to life. It’s also packed with protein and only takes about 15 minutes to prepare.

I make this at least once a week in summer – it’s just so perfect for a relaxed meal on the patio.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 316
• Fats: 15g
• Protein: 38g
• Carbs: 9.1g
• Fiber: 2.2g
• Sugar: 4.1g

8. Mediterranean Stuffed Salmon

Source: allnutritious.com

Planning a dinner for guests on a summer night doesn’t mean you must slave in the kitchen while everyone sips cocktails on the patio!

I find that salmon always brings an upmarket feel to the table, and my Mediterranean stuffed salmon is soooo easy to make in under 45 minutes.

It’s a tasty combination of sockeye salmon, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and tangy feta. Serve with a side of grilled asparagus or garlic-roasted potatoes for those who are not watching their diet.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 234
• Fats: 11g
• Protein: 29g
• Carbs: 5.1g
• Fiber: 1.4g
• Sugar: 0.9g

9. One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Source: allnutritious.com

Are you planning a dinner for friends and having second thoughts about slaving in the kitchen?

My one-pan balsamic chicken brings together effortless cooking and bold, sophisticated flavor – no one will guess it took you minutes, not hours!

Rich, aromatic, and beautifully balanced with juicy tomatoes and fresh basil, it’s tangy, wholesome, healthy, and tastes like summer on a plate.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 608
• Fats: 30g
• Protein: 63g
• Carbs: 19g
• Fiber: 1.5g
• Sugar: 14g

10. Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake

Source: allnutritious.com

When the fam is craving Mexican flavors – don’t waste money on unhealthy takeouts.

My Salsa fresca chicken bake is easy to make and is always a hit with friends and family.

You need – tender chicken breasts spiced with cumin, paprika powder, garlic powder, red chili pepper flakes (skip for those who don’t like the heat), and black pepper.

Bake with a tomato mix of cherry tomatoes, white onion, jalapeño (or bell peppers), and cilantro, all topped with melty cheese.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 377
• Fats: 11g
• Protein: 58g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fiber: 2.2g
• Sugar: 4g

11. Cheeseburger Bowls

Source: allnutritious.com

Who doesn’t love a burger, but as a Mom, you probably want to stay away from greasy takeouts!

The answer – this awesome cheeseburger bowl recipe that combines everything you love from a delicious and indulgent cheeseburger. It’s also perfect for those wanting a low-carb meal.

It also makes a great vegetarian dish if you replace the ground beef with seasoned plant-based meat or roasted mushrooms.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 516
• Fats: 35g
• Protein: 35g
• Carbs: 15g
• Fiber: 3.7g
• Sugar: 7.1g

12. Pineapple BBQ Chicken with Bacon

Source: allnutritious.com

For me, pineapple and chicken make a great pairing. That’s why I LUV this recipe.

Pineapple BBQ chicken is great to make when you’re feeling lazy. It’s also gluten-free and offers a great protein boost.

The combination of BBQ sauce, cheese, and grilled crispy bacon brings a balance of sweet, smoky, and savory to every bite. It’s my summer showstopper –  bold, juicy, and totally crave-worthy.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 465
• Fats: 15g
• Protein: 45g
• Carbs: 36g
• Fiber: 1.5g
• Sugar: 28g

13. Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Source: allnutritious.com

I LUV my crockpot – it does all the hard work for me, and I can relax with the family (or indulge in some me-time)!

If you’re craving tacos but don’t have the time, try my crockpot chicken tacos. They bring all the fabulous taco flavors with minimal effort. Plus, there’s no unhealthy, messy grilling or frying.

When the chicken is done, add a generous spoonful to each tortilla and top with avocado mash, sour cream, lime slices, and fresh cilantro.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 201
• Fats: 9.4g
• Protein: 21g
• Carbs: 15.5g
• Fiber: 10.7g
• Sugar: 2.6g

14. Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan

Source: allnutritious.com

When I don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this recipe comes to the rescue.

With chunks of juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, sweet pineapple, and a hint of tangy Hawaiian BBQ sauce, this dish is the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and smoky.

And, to make things even faster – it’s a one-sheet pan meal!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 399
• Fats: 24g
• Protein: 43g
• Carbs: 24g
• Fiber: 4.2g
• Sugar: 18g

15. Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole

Source: allnutritious.com

This casserole is the perfect dish for a lazy summer night dinner.

It brings the spicy kick of buffalo sauce, the tenderness of chicken, and the rich, natural sweet taste of sweet potatoes, a perfect trio!

I also add broccoli for a delicious and refreshing crunch, and to pack it with essential nutrients to keep your family strong and healthy.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 443
• Fats: 22g
• Protein: 35g
• Carbs: 29g
• Fiber: 6.8g
• Sugar: 6.5g

16. Baked Salmon with Avocado Mash

Source: allnutritious.com

If the kids overindulged in unhealthy foods over the weekend, here’s an easy-to-prepare, super-healthy supper to get back on track.

My baked salmon with avocado mash is moist, flaky, refreshing, slightly zesty, and will tempt even the most fussy eater. It’s also gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, and Whole30.

For an added burst of freshness, serve with pan-fried greens or a garden salad.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 463
• Fats: 6.4g
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fiber: 7.5g
• Sugar: 1.6g

17. Chicken Burrito Casserole

Source: allnutritious.com

Are you running out of ideas to make a chicken dish that the family will love?

Try my chicken burrito casserole – it’s a one-dish wonder that brings “burrito” filled with Mexican flavors, without the hassle.

Imagine the flavors of a zesty burrito combined with the cozy satisfaction of a casserole. Each bite is a burst of flavor mixed with the warmth and comfort of a homemade meal.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 521
• Fats: 24g
• Protein: 34g
• Carbs: 43g
• Fiber: 8.9g
• Sugar: 4.1g

18. Baked Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

Source: allnutritious.com

Craving Italian flavors? This baked pesto mozzarella chicken is cheesy, savory, earthy, and garlicky.

It combines three main simple ingredients: chicken, pesto, and mozzarella. May sound simple, but it’s an elegant dish that you can serve for a special occasion or make for a lazy summer dinner.

I love how the gooey mozzarella and sweet, roasted cherry tomatoes top it all off.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 549
• Fats: 31g
• Protein: 57g
• Carbs: 9.1g
• Fiber: 2.2g
• Sugar: 3.7g

19. Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice and Tomatoes

Source: allnutritious.com

First up, some Greek inspo! While this is not a traditional Greek dish, it brings all the fabulous flavors of the Mediterranean into your kitchen in just one pan.

Combining juicy, seasoned chicken, lemon-infused rice for a zesty touch, fresh veggies, and creamy feta cheese, it’s a delightful choice for a summer dinner. 

Per Serving:

• Calories: 660
• Fats: 29g
• Protein: 53g
• Carbs: 48g
• Fiber: 7.7g
• Sugar: 3.8g

20. Buttered Cod

Source: allnutritious.com

My favorite way to prepare cod is with loads of creamy butter and garlic. Delicious!

This healthy dish is ready in only 16 minutes, providing a quick, easy, protein-packed, nutritious meal for the family.

Try to buy wild-caught cod, as it has a better flavor and texture than farmed-raised cod. Serve with a side of fragrant rice pilaf or low-carb cauliflower rice.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 297
• Fats: 19g
• Protein: 31g
• Carbs: 1.2g
• Fiber: 0.3g
• Sugar: 0.3g

21. Salmon Stir Fry

Source: allnutritious.com

This tangy, tasty Asian salmon dish is going to bring some sunshine to your dinner table. And, it’s a fabulous healthy option packed with high protein.

Think – crisp veggies, soft flaky salmon, and fluffy rice, in a sweet, umami stir-fry. It’s fun and easy to make, perfect for a lazy summer dinner.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 488
• Fats: 29g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 31g
• Fiber: 4.6g
• Sugar: 19g