Are you struggling to find high-protein meals that actually feel right for summer? It’s not so easy! These high protein summer dinner recipes are perfect!

Most are too heavy, too hot, too cumbersome to prepare, boring, or just not summer-friendly.

That’s why I’ve rounded up 21 fresh, light, and seriously tasty high-protein dinners perfect for warm-weather nights. And the best part? They’re a hit with the whole family, not just those following a high-protein diet.

Get ready to whip up delicious burger bowls, Mediterranean flavors, creamy pastas, and easy one-pan chicken dishes that will make you feel like a total kitchen pro!

1. Cheeseburger Bowls

Source: allnutritious.com

Let’s start with a family favorite – cheeseburgers (with a difference).

This recipe offers all the fabulous flavors of a cheeseburger without the unhealthy grease. And, while it is high in protein, it is low in carbs – a win all round.

My fam LUV this dish – I make it at least once a week on summer nights.

Per Serving:

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

2. Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice and Tomatoes

Source: allnutritious.com

Chicken offers loads of protein, but can become boring if you run out of ideas to jazz it up.

Bring the great flavors of the Mediterranean to your table with chicken and zesty lemon-infused rice, fresh veggies, tangy tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese.

It’s a tasty, high-protein meal that’s also gluten-free.

Per Serving:

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

3. Prawn Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Source: allnutritious.com

Inviting guests over for dinner doesn’t mean having to forsake your protein goals or spend hours slaving in the kitchen.

My delicious prawn orzo with sun-dried tomatoes is perfect for al-fresco dining under the stars.

Think – juicy prawns, sautéed garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy orzo pasta all made quickly in one pan!

Per Serving:

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

4. Mediterranean Stuffed Salmon

Source: allnutritious.com

Salmon is another great choice for a fancy summer dinner. This Mediterranean stuffed salmon is a great high-protein, low-carb, and gluten-free option to please everyone!

My recipe delivers all the great flavors of sockeye salmon, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and tangy feta.

Ramp it up with a great choice of sides – I love to alternate between lemon garlic quinoa, grilled asparagus, Mediterranean salad, or garlic roasted potatoes.

Per Serving:

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

5. Mexican Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet

Source: allnutritious.com

Cook up a quick and tasty Mexican Fiesta that offers high protein and awesome flavors.

Being a one-pan meal, this recipe translates into fewer dishes to wash and less time in the kitchen, so get it going and join the others on the patio!

I spice up the chicken with paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper. The sweet potatoes add just the right amount of natural sweetness, while the cherry tomatoes and salsa bring the tang.

Serve with tortilla chips, cornbread, brown rice, and don’t forget the guacamole and sour cream.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 454
• Fats: 13g
• Protein: 41g
• Carbs: 45g
• Fiber: 14g
• Sugar: 7.5g

6. Chicken Corn Rice Bowls

Source: allnutritious.com

This is another one of my easy bowl recipes, perfect for a busy day. It’s also high in protein, low-calorie, and gluten-free.

This flavorful recipe combines delicious tender chicken, sweet corn, fluffy Basmati rice, and a zesty dressing. It’s easy to make and is great for dinner, an office lunch, or a snack on the go.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 434
• Fats: 13g
• Protein: 34g
• Carbs: 48g
• Fiber: 4.1g
• Sugar: 8.1g

7. Mediterranean Stuffed Salmon

Source: allnutritious.com

Cook to impress in just under 45 minutes – sounds impossible? It’s not with my delectable Mediterranean stuffed salmon recipe.

With a combination of  sockeye salmon, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and tangy feta, this gourmet dish delivers on high-protein, bold flavors, and vibrant colors.

I also like to vary it by using Atlantic salmon or trout fillets, both give high-end vibes at the dinner table.

Per Serving:

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

8. Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake

Source: allnutritious.com

Are you craving Mexican flavors? Don’t waste money at the take-out. This great chicken bake brings all the taste and none of the unhealthy elements.

Imagine tender seasoned chicken, zingy salsa fresca, and gooey Mozzarella cheese, baked and served with cauliflower rice or

zucchini noodles.

It’s a protein boost that’s ultra-delish. Best of all, leftovers can be stored safely in an air-tight container for a quick meal days after.

Per Serving:

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

9. Cottage Cheese Pasta

Source: allnutritious.com

Who can resist a great pasta?

To avoid relying on heavy cream, this innovative recipe uses a creamy marinara cottage cheese blend, which is also high in protein.

It’s the perfect healthy comfort food option that’s light enough for a summer dinner.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 368
• Fats: 12g
• Protein: 23g
• Carbs: 42g
• Fiber: 4.2g
• Sugar: 8.8g

10. Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan

Source: allnutritious.com

Packing an impressive 43g of protein per serving, this dish is your tasty secret weapon for hitting those protein goals.

You’ll love the Hawaiian vibe – chunks of juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, sweet pineapple, and a hint of tangy Hawaiian BBQ sauce, giving the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and smoky.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 399
• Fats: 11.7g
• Protein: 43g
• Carbs: 24g
• Fiber: 4.2g
• Sugar: 18g

11. Creamy Parmesan Chicken

Source: allnutritious.com

Dining on the patio under the stars on a warm summer evening?

The perfect dish is my creamy parmesan chicken – succulent chicken breasts coated in a velvety parmesan cream sauce, with hints of garlic, onions, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Serve it with a Caesar salad for a touch of summer freshness.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 409
• Fats: 28g
• Protein: 27g
• Carbs: 13g
• Fiber: 2.7g
• Sugar: 2.2g

12. Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Source: allnutritious.com

Let your slow cooker do all the hard work for you!

With minimal prep time, you can make tasty crockpot chicken tacos that don’t rely on frying or grilling, but bring all the flavors of a classic taco with a low carb count and a high boost of protein.

Top with mashed avocados, guacamole, sour cream, Greek yogurt, sliced lime, fresh chopped cilantro, or a combination of your faves.

Per Serving:

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

13. Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

Source: allnutritious.com

Chicken tenders are a comfort food staple, and excellent if you’re seeking something high protein.

This creamy bowl of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, orzo, and all the great Italian spices is an instant protein and mood-booster.

I love to make it when the family needs a mid-week pick-me-up.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 618
• Fats: 27g
• Protein: 40g
• Carbs: 54g
• Fiber: 4.6g
• Sugar: 9.4g

14. Baked Tuscan Chicken

Source: allnutritious.com

A Tuscan dinner setting glows with rustic charm – long wooden tables, flickering candles, and the scent of herbs drifting through warm evening air.

Create the mood in your own home with my delicious baked Tuscan chicken, filled with succulent chicken, creamy Parmesan and Mozzarella cheesy sauce, and punchy sun-dried tomatoes.

Pair it with a classic Chianti, a bold red with just the right balance of acidity and earthiness to enhance Italian dishes.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 471
• Fats: 32g
• Protein: 32g
• Carbs: 17g
• Fiber: 3.3g
• Sugar: 1.8g

15. One Pan Balsamic Chicken

Source: allnutritious.com

Are you craving something tangy, tarty and high-protein?

This easy-to-prepare one-pan recipe offers the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication in one meal.

Think – tender chicken breasts infused with the rich, tangy flavor of balsamic vinegar, topped with mozzarella and juicy grape tomatoes. Fabulous!

Per Serving:

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

16. Pineapple BBQ Chicken with Bacon

Source: allnutritious.com

Bacon is my all-time favorite for adding a smoky, savory, salty, umami element to any dish. Who can resist?

Paired with pineapple, you will delight the family with this high-protein tangy BBQ chicken dish that’s sooo delicious.

It’s a great recipe for a lazy summer dinner when you want to spend minimal time in the kitchen and achieve a maximum wow-factor.

Per Serving:

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

17. Creamy Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Source: allnutritious.com

When you’re tired of bland chicken, add a burst of fun with my creamy chicken with sun-dried tomatoes recipe. It’s high in protein and low in carbs.

The combination of chicken, heavy cream, and sun-dried tomatoes pairs nicely to create the ultimate comfort food, light and tasty, perfect for a summer dinner.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 387
• Fats: 24g
• Protein: 33g
• Carbs: 11g
• Fiber: 1.7g
• Sugar: 1.9g

18. Salmon Stir Fry

Source: allnutritious.com

It’s time to include some Asian flavors into your summer dining! Try this tempting salmon stir fry that brings classic sweet and umami flavors.

Crisp vegetables, fluffy rice, and heaps of salmon goodness will make this stir fry a top favorite at home.

You can vary the recipe and add finely chopped kale, broccoli, cabbage, or different colored peppers to give a boost of super greens and a splash of color.

Per Serving:

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

19. Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Source: allnutritious.com

Here’s a great way to make tacos a little bit healthier and, I can tell you that my taco-lovin’ kids will eat them up!

Sweet potatoes bring a new dimension, and I offer loads of toppings like Mozzarella, tomatoes, guacamole, and sour cream that people can mix and match to make each taco unique.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 465
• Fats: 21g
• Protein: 29g
• Carbs: 42g
• Fiber: 10g
• Sugar: 11g

20. Salmon Bowl

Source: allnutritious.com

If you’re serious about gaining muscle and not weight, this is the perfect dish – full of flavor, high in protein, and so easy to make.

Flaky salmon, fluffy rice, crunchy veggies, and an irresistible spicy sweet drizzle, will definitely keep them coming back for seconds.

You can substitute ingredients, but it works best with Basmati rice, soy sauce, and honey.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 906
• Fats: 41g
• Protein: 32g
• Carbs: 105g
• Fiber: 13g
• Sugar: 13g

21. Shrimp Avocado Salad

Source: chefsavvy.com

Lastly, a crave-worthy salad, ideal for a lazy summer dinner.

Kelly from Chef Savvy offers a divine recipe of salsa, corn, black beans, avocado, fresh lime juice, and spicy blackened shrimp, served with her special sweet and creamy honey jalapeño dressing!

I’m off to the kitchen to whip it up.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 167
• Fats: 8g
• Protein: 11.41g
• Carbs: 13.9g
• Fiber: 2.92g
• Sugar: 2.16g