When planning a nutritious meal, we often focus on the main course—but High Protein Dinner Sides are just as important. These sides can help balance your plate by boosting your overall protein intake, making your meal more satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re building muscle, maintaining energy, or simply trying to eat healthier, adding protein to your sides supports your goals in a simple, tasty way.
High Protein Dinner Sides
High Protein Dinner Sides add extra nutrition and satisfaction to your meals. They help balance your plate with filling, muscle-supporting ingredients beyond the main course.
Grilled Tofu and Veggie Skewers
These colorful skewers are a great way to enjoy plant-based protein with a burst of flavor. Tofu absorbs marinades well, making it juicy and satisfying when grilled alongside bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions.
How to Make: Marinate tofu cubes in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes. Thread onto skewers with chopped vegetables and grill until golden.
Ingredients: Extra firm tofu, olive oil, garlic, bell peppers, zucchini, red onions, lemon juice, herbs
Per Serving: 260 calories, 10g carbs, 21g protein
Lentil and Feta Salad
This refreshing lentil salad packs a punch of protein and fiber while staying light and zesty. Feta adds a creamy, salty touch to each bite.
How to Make: Cook green or brown lentils until tender. Mix with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta, lemon juice, and olive oil.
Ingredients: Cooked lentils, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olive oil, lemon juice
Per Serving: 280 calories, 22g carbs, 15g protein
Cottage Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers aren’t just for meat fillings—cottage cheese makes them rich in protein and surprisingly creamy.
How to Make: Mix cottage cheese with chopped spinach, garlic, and herbs. Fill halved bell peppers and bake until the peppers are soft and filling is set.
Ingredients: Cottage cheese, bell peppers, spinach, garlic, oregano, black pepper
Per Serving: 190 calories, 11g carbs, 18g protein
Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl
This hearty and protein-packed side doubles as a light main. Quinoa and black beans create a complete protein with tons of flavor.
How to Make: Cook quinoa, mix with black beans, corn, cilantro, and lime juice. Serve warm or chilled.
Ingredients: Quinoa, canned black beans, corn, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt
Per Serving: 300 calories, 35g carbs, 13g protein
Greek Yogurt Cucumber Dip
This creamy dip is a high-protein, low-fat side that pairs perfectly with grilled meat or fresh veggies.
How to Make: Mix Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill. Chill before serving.
Ingredients: Plain Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt
Per Serving: 120 calories, 5g carbs, 11g protein
Egg and Spinach Muffins
Mini egg muffins are an easy, make-ahead side loaded with protein and veggies. Great with dinner or as a leftover snack.
How to Make: Beat eggs, stir in chopped spinach, cheese, and seasonings. Pour into muffin tins and bake until set.
Ingredients: Eggs, spinach, shredded cheese, black pepper, salt
Per Serving: 130 calories, 2g carbs, 10g protein
Tempeh Stir-Fry
Tempeh is a dense soy product with a nutty flavor that soaks up sauces well. A stir-fry version gives you a filling, protein-rich dinner side.
How to Make: Slice tempeh and pan-fry in sesame oil with broccoli, carrots, and soy sauce until browned.
Ingredients: Tempeh, broccoli, carrots, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic
Per Serving: 290 calories, 12g carbs, 19g protein
Chickpea and Avocado Mash
This creamy mash is like a protein-packed guacamole with a twist. Serve it with grilled meats, crackers, or pita.
How to Make: Mash canned chickpeas with ripe avocado, lime juice, garlic, and salt.
Ingredients: Canned chickpeas, avocado, garlic, lime juice, salt
Per Serving: 220 calories, 18g carbs, 10g protein
Baked Parmesan Zucchini Rounds
These crisp and cheesy zucchini slices are low in carbs but high in protein thanks to a parmesan coating.
How to Make: Slice zucchini, dip in egg wash, coat in parmesan, and bake until golden.
Ingredients: Zucchini, eggs, grated parmesan cheese, black pepper
Per Serving: 150 calories, 6g carbs, 12g protein
Edamame with Garlic and Chili
Edamame is a complete protein and makes for a quick, tasty side that’s both healthy and satisfying.
How to Make: Boil edamame pods, then sauté briefly in sesame oil with minced garlic and crushed red pepper.
Ingredients: Edamame pods, garlic, sesame oil, chili flakes, salt
Per Serving: 200 calories, 15g carbs, 17g protein
Conclusion
High protein dinner sides are a simple yet powerful way to make your meals more satisfying, balanced, and nutritious. Whether you’re aiming to build muscle, manage your weight, or just feel fuller longer, these sides offer the extra boost your dinner needs. From plant-based options to quick dairy and egg dishes, there’s something for every taste and lifestyle. Try mixing and matching these ideas to keep your meals exciting—and your body fueled!
I’m a Food Scientist with a passion for crafting delicious and innovative recipes. At Tasty Scroll, I blend science with creativity to develop dishes that are as enjoyable to make as they are to eat. Whether it’s perfecting textures, enhancing flavors, or experimenting with new ingredients, I love sharing my culinary discoveries with you. Join me on this flavorful journey let’s cook up something amazing together!