High Protein Dinner Bowls

Name: High Protein Dinner Bowls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked quinoa; 1 pound grilled chicken breast, sliced; 2 cups steamed broccoli; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 avocado, sliced; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

High protein dinner bowls are a nutritious and satisfying meal option, perfect for fueling your body with essential nutrients.

Created by

Stella Cameron

Last updated on 2025-12-24T18:15:46.687Z

High protein dinner bowls are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. They are perfect for anyone looking to increase their protein intake while enjoying a variety of flavors and textures.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Packed with lean proteins and fresh vegetables
Customizable with your favorite grains and dressings
Perfect for meal prep and easy weeknight dinners

      

Nutritional Benefits

High protein dinner bowls are an excellent way to meet your daily nutritional needs. The combination of grilled chicken and quinoa provides a substantial amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Quinoa is also a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a fantastic choice for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

In addition to protein, these bowls are loaded with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables. Broccoli is a powerhouse of vitamin C, K, and fiber, while cherry tomatoes offer antioxidants such as lycopene. Avocado adds healthy fats that support heart health and keep you feeling satiated longer.

Customizable Options

One of the standout features of high protein dinner bowls is their versatility. You can easily swap out the chicken for your favorite protein source, such as tofu, shrimp, or beans, depending on your dietary preferences. This makes it a simple recipe to adapt for various tastes and nutritional needs, making meal planning a breeze.

Moreover, you can change up the base grains. While quinoa is a great option, feel free to use brown rice, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative. The choice of dressing also plays a significant role in flavor, allowing you to experiment with different vinaigrettes, sauces, or homemade dressings to keep things interesting.

Meal Prep and Storage

High protein dinner bowls are perfect for meal prep. You can prepare each component in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, simply assemble your bowl with the desired ingredients. This not only saves time during the week but also ensures you have a healthy meal option on hand whenever hunger strikes.

When stored properly in airtight containers, these bowls can last in the refrigerator for up to four days. To maintain freshness, keep the dressing separate until you're ready to enjoy your meal. This way, your vegetables and grains won't become soggy, and you'll have a delicious, nutritious meal every time.

Ingredients

For the Bowls

2 cups cooked quinoa
1 pound grilled chicken breast, sliced
2 cups steamed broccoli
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, sliced

For the Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix and match ingredients as per your preference!

Instructions

Prepare the Quinoa

Cook the quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside to cool.

Grill the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill until fully cooked. Slice into strips.

Steam the Vegetables

Steam the broccoli until tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Make the Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

Assemble the Bowls

In each bowl, layer quinoa, grilled chicken, steamed broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and avocado. Drizzle with dressing.

Enjoy your protein-packed meal!

Serving Suggestions

These high protein dinner bowls can be served as a standalone meal or paired with a side of whole-grain bread or a light soup for a heartier dinner. If you're hosting friends or family, consider setting up a build-your-own bowl bar, where guests can customize their bowls with different proteins, grains, and toppings.

For an extra touch, garnish each bowl with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, which can add a burst of flavor and a pop of color. You can also sprinkle some seeds or nuts on top for added crunch and nutrition.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with your high protein dinner bowls. Try adding roasted sweet potatoes or zucchini for an earthy flavor, or incorporate seasonal vegetables for a fresh twist. You might also consider adding cooked lentils or chickpeas for a plant-based protein boost.

For a Mediterranean flair, you could include feta cheese, olives, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce. The possibilities are endless, making it easy to enjoy a different flavor profile each time you prepare these bowls.

Health Considerations

For those watching their sodium intake, consider using low-sodium chicken broth for cooking the quinoa or opting for fresh herbs and spices to flavor your chicken instead of salt. This will allow you to enjoy the flavors without compromising your health goals.

If you're following a specific diet such as keto or paleo, you can easily modify the ingredients to suit your needs. Substitute grains with lower-carb options like spiralized vegetables or cauliflower rice, and choose proteins that align with your dietary preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I meal prep these bowls?

Yes, these bowls are great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.

→ What other proteins can I use?

You can use turkey, shrimp, or even plant-based proteins like chickpeas or lentils.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free ingredients, this recipe is gluten-free.

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use a vegan dressing.