10+ High Protein Low Carb Recipes to Keep You Energized and Satisfied

If you’re looking for meals that help you feel full and support your health, high protein low carb recipes are a solid choice. These meals focus on protein-rich foods and keep carbs lower, which can help with energy and weight management.

High protein low carb recipes give you the nutrients you need without extra carbs that can cause energy crashes. You don’t need to give up flavor or satisfaction either—lots of dishes include fresh veggies and tasty ingredients that actually make cooking fun.

Ingredients

• Protein sources (chicken, fish, tofu, eggs)
• Low-carb vegetables (leafy greens, mushrooms, cauliflower)
• Healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts)
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, herbs, spices)

Cooking Instructions

1. Pick your protein and veggies.
2. Wash and chop as needed.
3. Cook your protein (bake, grill, or sauté—whatever you like).
4. Cook veggies until tender, either by sautéing or roasting.
5. Combine everything, season, and serve warm.

1) Baked Salmon & Leek Parcel

This baked salmon and leek parcel is a simple, tasty way to get a high-protein, low-carb meal. The parcel locks in flavor, keeping the salmon moist and the leeks soft.

You’ll notice a creamy touch from mascarpone or sour cream, making the dish smooth without piling on carbs. The mild, sweet leeks play so well with rich salmon.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (skin on or off)
• 250g leeks, thinly sliced
• 85g mascarpone or 3 tbsp sour cream
• 1 tbsp chopped dill (optional)
• 1/2 lemon, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lay out two pieces of parchment paper.
3. Place leeks on each, then a salmon fillet on top.
4. Spread mascarpone or sour cream over the salmon.
5. Add lemon slices, dill, salt, and pepper.
6. Fold parchment to seal the parcel.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until salmon is cooked through.

2) Keto Pizza with Cauliflower Crust

You can make pizza without all the carbs by swapping in cauliflower for the crust. It’s a clever way to keep your meal high in protein and low in carbs.

The crust comes together by mixing grated cauliflower with eggs and cheese. Bake it until golden and crispy, then pile on low-carb toppings like cheese, pepperoni, or veggies.

Making your own crust means you skip the gluten and refined carbs. Cauliflower sneaks in fiber and nutrients, so it’s a win-win.

Ingredients

• 10 ounces grated cauliflower
• 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Steam or microwave cauliflower until soft, then squeeze out any extra water.
3. Mix cauliflower with egg, cheese, and spices.
4. Press onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and shape into a circle.
5. Bake crust for 20 minutes until golden and firm.
6. Add toppings and bake another 10-15 minutes.

Learn more about this recipe at Low Carb Cauliflower Crust Pizza.

3) Tarragon Mushroom & Sausage Frittata

This Tarragon Mushroom & Sausage Frittata is a solid pick when you want a high protein, low carb meal. It cooks up quickly and brings together fresh tarragon and savory sausage.

You get protein from eggs and sausage, plus mushrooms for fiber and a nice, earthy bite. The frittata works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—whatever fits your schedule.

Try tossing some asparagus on top for a pop of green. Mustard and garlic punch up the flavor without adding carbs.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 150-200g chestnut mushrooms, sliced
• 2-3 pork sausages, removed from casings
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 6 large eggs
• 1 tsp dried or fresh tarragon
• 2-3 asparagus spears, trimmed (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium.
3. Cook mushrooms and garlic until soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up as you go.
5. Beat eggs with tarragon, salt, and pepper. Pour over sausage mix.
6. Arrange asparagus on top if you’re using it. Let it cook without stirring for 2 minutes.
7. Move skillet to oven and bake 10-12 minutes until eggs set.
8. Let cool a bit before slicing.

Find more details on this recipe here.

4) Peanut Chickpea Protein Bowl

This peanut chickpea protein bowl is a tasty way to get protein with fewer carbs. Crispy chickpeas meet fresh cabbage slaw and brown rice, all tied together with a creamy peanut sauce.

You can throw this bowl together quickly, making it great for lunch or dinner. The crunchy chickpeas give it texture, and the peanut sauce brings a rich, nutty vibe.

Ginger and garlic boost the flavor without extra calories. Adjust the spice as you like—just add more or less sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 (14.5 oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 head red cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1/2 tsp grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss chickpeas with a little oil and salt, then bake 20-25 minutes until crispy.
3. Mix peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, garlic, and ginger for the sauce.
4. Combine brown rice and shredded cabbage in a bowl.
5. Top with crispy chickpeas and drizzle with peanut sauce.
6. Serve warm or cold, your call.

For more details, check this peanut chickpea protein bowl recipe.

5) High-Protein Marry Me Chicken

You’ll love this High-Protein Marry Me Chicken for a creamy, low-carb meal. Chicken, cottage cheese, and broth pack in the protein, while sun-dried tomatoes and cream bring the flavor.

It cooks up in about 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner. Serve it with steamed veggies or a light salad.

The sauce keeps the chicken moist and juicy. You get a great balance of protein and fats—without the carb overload.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3/4 cup chicken bone broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup whole milk cottage cheese
• 2 Tbsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 Tbsp olive oil

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan on medium.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until browned and done (about 6-7 minutes per side).
3. Set chicken aside.
4. In the same pan, cook garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1 minute.
5. Add bone broth, cream, and cottage cheese. Stir it up.
6. Simmer sauce about 5 minutes till it thickens.
7. Return chicken to pan, spoon sauce over, and heat through.
8. Serve warm (aim for 165°F/74°C).

6) White Bean & Smoked Sausage Skillet

This dish brings protein without loading you up on carbs. Smoked sausage adds a punchy, smoky flavor that works so well with creamy white beans.

Kale or other greens add color and nutrients. You cook sausage first, then toss in garlic, beans, and kale.

It’s easy to swap in your favorite sausage or beans. Serve with crusty bread if you want, or just eat it straight from the pan.

Ingredients

• 12-14 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups chopped kale
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a big skillet over medium.
2. Add sausage and cook until browned.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add beans and kale, cook until kale wilts.
5. Season and serve warm.

Learn more about this recipe at the Best White Bean & Smoked Sausage Skillet Recipe – Delish.

7) Avocado Crab Boats

Avocado crab boats are a fun way to enjoy a high-protein, low-carb meal. Just halve some ripe avocados—they make perfect little bowls for the crab salad.

The crab mix is creamy and fresh, making it a lovely light lunch or dinner. Add mayo and lemon juice to the crab for flavor, then bake or broil just a bit to warm the tops.

They’re quick to prep and surprisingly satisfying. If you want something special with almost no effort, this one’s for you.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 cup crab meat
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your broiler to 400°F (200°C).

2. Cut the avocados in half. Scoop out a bit of flesh to make the cavity bigger.

3. Mix crab meat, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

4. Spoon the crab mix into the avocado halves.

5. Place them on a baking sheet. Broil for 3-5 minutes.

6. Serve warm.

Learn more about stuffed avocados with crab here.

8) Chili Lime Shrimp

Chili lime shrimp is a seriously fast way to get protein without much fuss or carbs. You can whip it up in about 10 to 15 minutes, so it’s perfect if you’re hungry and impatient (aren’t we all sometimes?).

The shrimp gets a punchy, bright flavor from lime juice and a bit of chili.

This dish stands on its own, but you could toss it over cauliflower rice or a salad if you want something extra. It works well for keto, Whole30, or low-carb folks.

You only need a handful of ingredients. The cooking part? Super simple.

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss the shrimp with olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Spread the shrimp out on a baking sheet.

4. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and look cooked through.

5. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving, if you like.

Enjoy your easy, high-protein chili lime shrimp! If you want more tips, check out this chili lime shrimp recipe.

9) Kimchi Cauliflower Fried Rice

Kimchi Cauliflower Fried Rice is a fun, spicy way to keep things high-protein and low-carb. Instead of regular rice, you’ll use cauliflower rice, which keeps the carbs in check.

Kimchi brings a spicy, tangy kick that really wakes up the dish.

You can toss in your favorite protein, like tofu, chicken, or eggs. It cooks up crazy fast, so it’s a good pick for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 10 ounces frozen cauliflower rice
• 1/2 cup kimchi
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp diced onion
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter or oil
• 1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
• Protein of your choice (eggs, chicken, tofu)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat butter or oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).

2. Add onion and garlic, and cook until they’re soft.

3. Stir in the cauliflower rice and cook for 5 minutes.

4. Add kimchi and tamari, and mix well.

5. Cook your protein in another pan, then add it in.

6. Stir everything together until it’s hot.

7. Serve warm and dig in!

10) Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti

Cottage cheese baked ziti is kind of a secret weapon for high-protein, low-carb eating. Instead of loading up with heavier cheeses, you use cottage cheese—it keeps things creamy but not too heavy.

You’ll get a bubbly, cheesy top and soft pasta underneath.

It’s easy to throw together and works well for meal prep. Add lean ground beef or some fresh spinach if you want extra protein or a little green.

If you want a step-by-step guide, check out this Healthy Baked Ziti with Cottage Cheese recipe.

Ingredients

• 8 oz low carb pasta
• 1 cup 2% cottage cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 lb lean ground beef (optional)
• 1 cup shredded part skim mozzarella
• Fresh spinach (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Boil the pasta until it’s al dente. Drain it well.

3. Brown the ground beef in a skillet. Season it however you like—salt, pepper, maybe a dash of garlic?

4. In a baking dish, mix the cooked pasta, cottage cheese, marinara sauce, browned beef, and spinach.

5. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top.

6. Bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. Pull it out when the cheese looks lightly browned and bubbly.