Quick and Easy Low Carb High Protein Meals

Eating low carb and high protein doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. If you’ve ever stared at your fridge, wondering how to make dinner that’s healthy but still tasty, only to end up eating cereal at 8 PM because it was “easy,” you’re not alone.

Many people think eating low carb means sacrificing flavor or spending hours in the kitchen—but that’s simply not true.

Whether your goal is weight loss, building lean muscle, or maintaining energy throughout the day, high protein meals that are low in carbs can make a huge difference.

They keep you full longer, stabilize blood sugar, and give your body the nutrients it needs to stay energized. The trick is smart planning, quick cooking methods, and creative flavor combinations.

In this guide, I’m sharing 12 quick and easy low carb, high protein meals that anyone can make—even if your cooking skills peak at boiling water.

These meals are packed with protein, low in carbs, and most importantly, fun to make and eat. I’ll also include step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and a FAQ section to answer your burning questions.

Amazon Gear for Low-Carb, High-Protein Meal Prep I Recommend

Want to Make Low-Carb, High-Protein Meals Fast and Easy?
Eating protein-rich, low-carb meals doesn’t have to be complicated.

The right kitchen tools make meal prep quicker, easier, and more enjoyable — helping you stay consistent and see results. Below are my top Amazon picks for high-protein cooking at home.

ProductWhy You’ll Love ItShop Now
Premium Food Processor / BlenderChop, puree, and blend ingredients for quick high-protein meals, sauces, and smoothies.Check Price on Amazon
Non-Stick Cast Iron Skillet or Ceramic PanPerfect for cooking lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy low-carb dishes with minimal oil.View on Amazon
Digital Food Scale (High-Precision)Track portions and protein intake accurately for every meal.Shop Now
Glass Meal Prep Container SetMakes prepping multiple protein-packed meals simple, portion-controlled, and ready to grab.Buy on Amazon
Stainless Steel Multi-Purpose Cooker or Air FryerCook proteins quickly and evenly, from chicken breasts to salmon, with less fat.See Details

These premium kitchen essentials make low-carb, high-protein meal prep faster, more efficient, and more enjoyable — keeping you on track for weight loss, muscle maintenance, and energy.

1. Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini Noodles

This is the perfect meal if you love pasta but want to skip the carbs. Juicy chicken breasts cooked in garlic butter, paired with tender zucchini noodles, make for a comforting yet healthy dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium zucchinis
  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, pepper, paprika
  • Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

How to make it:

  1. Spiralize the zucchinis and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
  2. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
  4. Remove chicken and let it rest while sautéing garlic for 1 minute.
  5. Toss zucchini noodles in the skillet for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but not mushy.
  6. Slice the chicken and place it on top of the noodles. Add parmesan and fresh herbs.

Tips:

  • Spiralize zucchinis ahead of time and store in the fridge for 2–3 days.
  • For extra flavor, add cherry tomatoes or a splash of white wine to the zucchini noodles.
  • Don’t overcook the zucchini; you want it al dente, not soggy.

2. Turkey and Avocado Lettuce Wraps

A simple, crunchy, and satisfying alternative to sandwiches. Perfect for lunch or dinner on busy days.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 1/2 diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • Salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder
  • Large lettuce leaves (Romaine or Butter lettuce)
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Lime juice and cilantro for garnish

How to make it:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
  2. Add ground turkey and season with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Cook until browned.
  3. Wash and separate lettuce leaves.
  4. Spoon turkey mixture into lettuce leaves, top with avocado slices, a squeeze of lime, and fresh cilantro.

Tips:

  • Prep turkey mixture in advance for quick weekday lunches.
  • Add shredded cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
  • For a spicier version, sprinkle some chili flakes or hot sauce on top.

3. Salmon with Garlic Lemon Asparagus

A simple, elegant, and protein-packed dinner that’s ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

  • 2 salmon fillets
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Lemon juice, salt, pepper

How to make it:

  1. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Season salmon with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook 4–5 minutes per side until crispy outside and tender inside.
  3. Remove salmon and add garlic and asparagus to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until bright green and tender.
  4. Serve salmon alongside asparagus, finish with fresh lemon juice.

Tips:

  • Don’t overcook salmon; it should flake easily with a fork but remain moist.
  • You can also roast asparagus in the oven at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.
  • Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or toasted almonds for extra flavor and texture.

4. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

A classic stir-fry that’s quick, customizable, and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound lean beef, thinly sliced
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

How to make it:

  1. Marinate beef in soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic for 10–15 minutes.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet or wok, stir-fry beef until browned, then remove from pan.
  3. Add broccoli to the skillet, stir-fry for 4–5 minutes.
  4. Return beef to pan, toss with broccoli, and cook 2 more minutes.
  5. Optional: Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.

Tips:

  • Cut broccoli into uniform pieces for even cooking.
  • For extra flavor, add a splash of rice vinegar or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for lunch the next day.

5. Egg and Veggie Scramble

A versatile, protein-packed meal perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup diced mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup bell peppers
  • Handful of spinach
  • Olive oil, salt, pepper
  • Cheese (optional)

How to make it:

  1. Whisk eggs with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté mushrooms and bell peppers until tender.
  3. Add spinach and eggs, stirring gently until scrambled.
  4. Top with cheese if desired and serve immediately.

Tips:

  • Add leftover meats like chicken, turkey, or sausage for extra protein.
  • Use non-stick pans for easy cleanup.
  • This scramble is also perfect for meal prep; store in containers and reheat gently.

6. Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

A creamy, high-protein twist on classic chicken salad.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 cup chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • Salt and pepper

How to make it:

  1. In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add chicken, celery, and red onion. Stir until evenly coated.
  3. Chill for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
  4. Serve over lettuce, in avocado halves, or with cucumber slices.

Tips:

  • Greek yogurt adds protein while keeping the salad creamy.
  • Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika.
  • Great for meal prep; stores in the fridge for up to 3 days.

7. Shrimp and Cauliflower “Grits”

A Southern-inspired low-carb comfort meal that’s surprisingly easy.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cauliflower florets
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • Salt, pepper, parsley

How to make it:

  1. Steam cauliflower until tender, then mash with butter and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Sauté shrimp in olive oil with garlic for 3–4 minutes until pink.
  3. Serve shrimp over cauliflower mash and garnish with parsley.

Tips:

  • Add a splash of cream to the cauliflower mash for extra richness.
  • Try smoked paprika on shrimp for a deeper flavor.

8. Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Pasta

Comfort food minus the carbs.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup almond flour
  • Garlic powder, salt, pepper
  • 2 zucchinis
  • Sugar-free tomato sauce

How to make it:

  1. Mix turkey, egg, almond flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs.
  2. Bake meatballs at 400°F for 15–20 minutes.
  3. Spiralize zucchini and sauté in olive oil for 3–4 minutes.
  4. Serve meatballs over zucchini noodles with tomato sauce.

Tips:

  • Freeze extra meatballs for easy dinners later.
  • Add fresh basil or oregano for a flavor boost.

9. Tuna Stuffed Bell Peppers

Crunchy, satisfying, and ready in minutes.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans tuna, drained
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • 1/4 cup diced celery
  • Salt, pepper
  • 2 bell peppers

How to make it:

  1. Mix tuna, Greek yogurt, mustard, celery, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cut bell peppers in half and remove seeds.
  3. Stuff mixture into bell peppers and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes or serve raw.

Tips:

  • Top with paprika or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
  • Swap tuna for canned salmon for variety.

10. Baked Cod with Spinach and Tomatoes

Light, quick, and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cod fillets
  • Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 2 cups spinach

How to make it:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Place cod on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season.
  3. Add tomatoes and spinach around fish.
  4. Bake for 12–15 minutes until cod is flaky.
  5. Serve with lemon juice.

Tips:

  • Add capers or olives for extra Mediterranean flavor.
  • Pair with cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower for a complete meal.

11. Chicken Fajita Bowl

All the Tex-Mex flavor without the tortilla.

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • Olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper
  • Avocado, cheese, Greek yogurt or salsa

How to make it:

  1. Season chicken with spices and sauté in olive oil until cooked.
  2. Sauté peppers and onions until tender.
  3. Assemble bowls with chicken, peppers, onions, avocado, cheese, and Greek yogurt.

Tips:

  • Serve over cauliflower rice for extra volume without carbs.
  • Great for meal prep—store components separately to keep fresh.

12. Cottage Cheese and Veggie Bowl

Quick, protein-packed, and no-cook.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • Sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes
  • Olive oil, salt, pepper, herbs
  • Optional: smoked salmon, leftover chicken

How to make it:

  1. Combine cottage cheese with veggies and drizzle olive oil.
  2. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
  3. Add protein extras if desired.

Tips:

  • Perfect for a snack or light dinner.
  • Can be prepared in under 5 minutes.

FAQ – Low Carb High Protein Meals

Q1: Are these meals suitable for weight loss?
Yes! High protein keeps you full, and low carb helps manage insulin and blood sugar, making these meals great for fat loss.

Q2: Can I meal prep these meals?
Absolutely. Many recipes like turkey meatballs, chicken salad, and stir-fries can be made in advance and stored for 3–4 days.

Q3: Can I swap ingredients?
Yes! You can substitute proteins (chicken, turkey, salmon) or low-carb veggies based on preference. Just maintain the low carb-high protein balance.

Q4: Are these meals family-friendly?
Most definitely. You can adjust spice levels or add more veggies to suit children or picky eaters.

Q5: How long do these meals take to cook?
Most meals are ready in 20–30 minutes, some even under 10 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

Eating low carb and high protein doesn’t mean boring meals or long cooking times. These 12 meals are quick, flavorful, and perfect for anyone trying to stay healthy without sacrificing taste.

With a little prep, some smart swaps, and a pinch of creativity, you can enjoy satisfying, nutritious meals that support your goals.

Remember, healthy eating is not a punishment—it’s a lifestyle. Keep things simple, try new flavors, and enjoy every bite. Your body—and your taste buds—will thank you.

suzana

suzana

Suzana is the founder of BasedWorkouts.com, a fitness enthusiast dedicated to helping others achieve their health and wellness goals through practical, results-driven guidance.

With a passion for strength training, home workouts, and sustainable weight loss, she creates content that empowers people of all fitness levels to take control of their journey.

Whether you're a beginner or getting back on track, Suzana shares clear, effective workout routines, fitness tips, and motivational advice to help you stay focused and see real progress.

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