Food
7 High-protein Recipes Big on Flavour
Updated on April 7, 2026
Everyone is talking about protein right now — and for good reason. We’re seeing more protein-packed food and drinks pop up on café menus, social media and in cookbooks. These healthy, flavourful lunch and dinner recipes will keep you full and satiated, with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, too!
Flank Steak Salad with Crispy White Beans
If you’re looking to lower your red meat consumption but don’t want to go cold turkey, this salad is perfect for you. White kidney beans are baked with herbs and garlic to crispy perfection, and added to a bed of arugula with marinated flank steak. Since beans are a plant-based protein, you don’t need as much meat to feel satisfied.
Recipe: Flank Steak Salad with Crispy White Beans
Cumin Lime Black Bean Burgers
It’s hard to believe that rolled oats and flaxseed are blended into this homemade black bean burger. These healthy ingredients are pulsed together in a food processor along with lime juice, olive oil and seasonings. The high-protein burger mixture is then shaped into patties and simply cooked in a skillet.
Recipe: Cumin Lime Black Bean Burgers
Za’atar Salmon and Tahini
This recipe from the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen has an unlikely but delicious pairing of flaky fish and creamy tahini. The salmon skin is left on which offers an extra protein boost. Tahini, a paste made from toasted, ground sesame seeds, is also a great source of the nutrient.
Recipe: Za’atar Salmon and Tahini
Hummus With Soujok-Spiced Beef
Make hummus a complete meal by pumping up the protein with a succulent meat topping. This recipe uses Soujok, an Armenian-inspired spicy sausage with red pepper paste. Sprinkle on some crunchy nuts and serve it with pita bread for dipping.
Recipe: Hummus With Soujok-Spiced Beef
Salmon, Tuna and Plantain Poke Bowl with Nori and Wiri Wiri Mayo
Fresh and flavourful, this bowl of goodness is a protein-lover’s dream. Edamame, wasabi peas and sushi-grade tuna and salmon are placed atop black rice, an uncommon yet excellent ingredient that has more protein and fibre than brown or white rice.
Recipe: Salmon, Tuna and Plantain Poke Bowl with Nori and Wiri Wiri Mayo
Shea McGee’s Herby Chicken Meatballs and Rice
This Dutch oven meal is layered with flavour. The meatballs are formed with ground chicken, milk and panko breadcrumbs, and the rice is simmered with chicken stock — a higher protein option than cooking rice with water. Crumbling feta at the end is a tasty note that sneaks in some more nourishment.
Recipe: Shea McGee’s Herby Chicken Meatballs and Rice
Confit Tandoori Chickpeas
Another fantastic meal from bestselling cookbook author Yotam Ottolenghi with chef Noor Murad! Serve these slow-cooked, tandoori-spiced chickpeas with Greek yogurt and lime wedges. Swap out yogurt with a non-dairy alternative for a completely vegan — but still high protein — dish.
Recipe: Confit Tandoori Chickpeas