50 Protein-Packed Recipes For Your Whole30 Diet

POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Surviving a Whole30 diet is by no means easy. During the month-long elimination plan, you're asked to give up all grains, sugar, dairy, alcohol, and legumes. There's no cheating, no manipulating traditional junk foods into something compliant like a cauliflower crust pizza. And to be honest, without a plan — and plenty of meal prep! — you're probably going to fail. Despite this grim outlook, it mostly comes down to your mental game and your willingness to get into the kitchen. These good-for-you recipes will help aid your quest, and help make the month fly by. Chances are you'll want to keep on making them, long after the diet ends.

Overnight Breakfast Casserole
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Take 20 minutes for prep the night before, set your slow cooker to low while you sleep, and wake up to the smell of eggs and bacon cooking in the kitchen. This hearty low-carb breakfast casserole will energize you with its high protein content and keep you full, helping prevent any mindless snacking.

Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Bundles
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Bundles

Asparagus and salmon combine their superfood powers to create one delicious and nutritious breakfast that offers more than 10 grams of protein per serving. An added bonus: these quick and easy bundles are a breeze to make in advance.

Prosciutto and Melon
Flickr user quinnanya

Prosciutto and Melon

For a high-protein meal when you're in a bind for time, the sweet and savory combination of honeydew wrapped in prosciutto can't be beat. Keeping these two staples on hand in your fridge will make it so you can always enjoy a breakfast that deliciously supports your Whole30 plan.

Broccoli Slaw Breakfast
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Broccoli Slaw Breakfast

This filling breakfast is ridiculously easy to put together — especially if you get your hands on some Trader Joe's broccoli slaw. The good-for-you-dish contains 300 percent of your recommended daily vitamin C, 27 percent of your recommended fiber, and over 14 grams of protein.

Gingerbread Chia Pudding
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Gingerbread Chia Pudding

Spice up your chia pudding with some ginger, cinnamon, and cloves — this recipe makes it taste like a gingerbread man. To make it a true Whole30 recipe, be sure to leave out the maple syrup and top with fresh fruit instead of raisins.

Turkey Sausage Muffins
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Turkey Sausage Muffins

At 150 calories and 12 grams of protein, these turkey sausage muffins are smarter than any fast-food egg option you'll find before work. This is another recipe that's easy to bake ahead of time and grab when you head out the door — just be sure to omit the cheddar cheese!

Green Detox Smoothie
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Green Detox Smoothie

While smoothies are a grey territory when it comes to Whole30, sometimes only a smoothie will do. Instead of a heavy breakfast, try subbing in this recipe for a green detox smoothie instead. Full of antioxidants and vitamins, it's also has a good amount of plant-based protein and fiber, which will help keep you satisfied until lunch.

Tomato Frittata
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Tomato Frittata

Scrambled egg, a sprinkle of diced bacon, and a drop of ghee all bake right into a tiny tomato ramekin for a savory tomato frittata with just the right hint of natural sweetness.

Egg in an Avocado
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Egg in an Avocado

With just a few ingredients and almost no prep time, start the day with a satisfying egg in an avocado. Between the eggs and avocado, this high-protein, full-of-fiber dish also contains lots of omega-3 fatty acids.

Baked Eggs in Ham
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Baked Eggs in Ham

Pop in a batch of these protein-heavy eggs in ham shells when you wake up, and enjoy a hot, hearty, and quick breakfast before you leave for work. They're tasty during the workweek but special enough to serve at a healthy weekend brunch where you're in need of a Whole30 offering.

The Clear-Skin Smoothie
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

The Clear-Skin Smoothie

One of our favorite Whole30 smoothies also does double duty by helping breathe some new life into your skin. Our clear-skin smoothie containing vitamin-E-rich spinach and avocado, as well as grapes that contain anti-inflammatory antioxidants.

Breakfast Bowl
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Breakfast Bowl

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, this low-carb, 335-calorie breakfast bowl takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and feels like you've treated yourself to a beautiful brunch at a neighborhood hot spot. It will fill you up, fuel your morning, and keep you satisfied until lunch.

Cauliflower Porridge
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Cauliflower Porridge

If you find yourself missing warm, creamy oatmeal, you'll love this recipe for cauliflower porridge. Sub fresh almond milk for the soy and be sure to leave out the maple syrup. What you're left with is a Whole30 breakfast that will be in heavy rotation.

Avocado and Egg Breakfast
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Avocado and Egg Breakfast

This avocado and hard-boiled egg breakfast is an easy throw-together recipe that will fill you up with protein and fiber, keeping you surprisingly full. Anyone on a Whole30 plan who's always on the go needs this recipe in their life.

Coconut Chia Pudding
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Coconut Chia Pudding

Mix together the ingredients the night before, pop your jar in the fridge, and look forward to coconut chia pudding the next day. High in anti-inflammatory omega-3s, this sweet, chia-filled treat is a make-ahead recipe that will save you time, fill you up on fiber, and help you de-bloat. The fresh mango adds natural sweetness to the dish, which won't leave you wanting for honey or additional sweetener.

Roasted Veggies With Easy Fried Egg
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Roasted Veggies With Easy Fried Egg

This roasted veggie and egg recipe is delicious any time of day and is a great way to make use of whatever's left over in your crisper. All you need is veggies and an egg to throw together an inexpensive meal that supports your goals.

Egg White Frittata
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Egg White Frittata

Classic Mediterranean ingredients like peppers, onion, and spinach bring texture, flavor, and nutrition to this frittata recipe, while egg whites provide a hefty amount of protein. Just be sure to omit the feta cheese to make sure it's Whole30-approved. This low-calorie frittata is quick enough to come together on a weekday morning but elegant enough to serve to friends at a special weekend brunch.

Easy Baked Chicken
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Easy Baked Chicken

Five ingredients and 20 minutes is all you need to make our baked chicken recipe.

Garlic Lemon Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Garlic Lemon Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits

If your ultimate comfort food tends to be Southern fried, this clean-eating recipe will curb (and satisfy) those greasy cravings. This easy-to-follow Whole30 shrimp and cauliflower grits recipe comes together in 45 minutes and weighs in well under 300 calories per serving due to its sky-high protein content — one serving offers 29.8 grams.

Creamy Cauliflower Soup
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Creamy Cauliflower Soup

Loaded with fiber and vitamins, this immunity-boosting cauliflower soup also supports healthy digestion — a win-win combination. It's also a great dish to serve to a group with a mix of dietary preferences, since it's gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.

Rockfish With Peach Salsa
POPSUGAR Photography | Susannah Chen

Rockfish With Peach Salsa

What we love about this recipe for rockfish with peach salsa is how versatile it is; the salsa works just as well on chicken or pork.

Stuffed Peppers
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Stuffed Peppers

With just a few ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you can enjoy a fresh, clean meal with more than 30 grams of protein. You'll be glad to know these satisfying Whole30 stuffed peppers are under 300 calories per serving, making it a perfect light supper after an evening workout.

Shrimp Over Spaghetti Squash
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Shrimp Over Spaghetti Squash

High in protein but low in calories, roasted shrimp over spaghetti squash "noodles" is a healthful option for those craving the comforting flavors of traditional scampi. You'll love the crunchiness of the bed of squash against the texture of the simple roasted shrimp.

Carrot and Cabbage Detox Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Carrot and Cabbage Detox Salad

Colorful detox rainbow salad will add some brightness and flavor to a day of detox. The water content in romaine works to hydrate your body, while the high fiber content in the red cabbage and carrots aids in healthy digestion. All these veggies are readily available, so you can make this recipe a staple in your clean diet all year.

Czech-Spiced Meatballs
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Czech-Spiced Meatballs

A creative blend of traditional Czech spices and fresh herbs gives these nutritious, protein-packed pork meatballs their delicious flavor, while just one egg and a little mustard act as the binder that holds these balls together.

Salmon With Crispy Cabbage and Kale
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Salmon With Crispy Cabbage and Kale

Get your greens in with this easy one-pan meal of salmon with cabbage and kale.

Pumpkin Bisque
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Pumpkin Bisque

Even if you've decided to cut back on dairy for your Whole30 plan, it's possible to warm up with a creamy bowl of hot soup that doesn't lay on the cream or calories too heavily. This light pumpkin-coconut bisque will curb your dairy cravings and keep you on track.

Carrot Fettuccine
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Carrot Fettuccine

Satisfy your pasta cravings with carrot fettuccine. The "pasta" ribbons are made using a simple vegetable peeler and are sautéed with mushrooms, red peppers, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil for a Whole30-approved bowl of comfort.

Chicken Tortilla-Less Soup
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Chicken Tortilla-Less Soup

This fresh and spicy tortilla-less soup is full of fresh produce and weighs in at fewer than 200 calories per satisfying serving. It's high in vitamin C and protein, so anyone who loves Mexican-inspired flavors will find a new favorite healthy dinner in this oh-so-easy recipe — perfect for entertaining!

Paleo Pad Thai
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Paleo Pad Thai

This Whole30-friendly riff on classic pad thai has over 300 percent of your recommended vitamin C and vitamin A for the day, more than 50 percent of your calcium, and over 30 percent of your iron. Everything about this recipe — especially its tangy and creamy dressing — will make you want to dig in for seconds . . . or thirds.

Brick Chicken With Charred Lemons
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Brick Chicken With Charred Lemons

This recipe for brick chicken is sure to become a staple in your Whole30 diet. While the everyday seasonings are simple (garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs), the flavors combine into something completely its own.

Spicy Sweet Potato Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Spicy Sweet Potato Salad

This spicy sweet potato salad can serve as a special side or stand alone as a hearty dinner. High-fiber sweet potatoes can regulate blood sugar and help you lose weight, while a spicy, antioxidant-rich red pepper and jalapeño dressing ties everything together.

Warm Artichoke and Mushroom Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Camilla Salem

Warm Artichoke and Mushroom Salad

For your next lunch, make a big bowl of bright Spring flavors. Our artichoke and mushroom salad offers loads of health benefits, including fiber and B vitamins. The recipe is simple enough for busy weeknights, too.

Cauliflower "Rice" Stir-Fry
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Cauliflower "Rice" Stir-Fry

This grain-free cauliflower "rice" stir-fry has zero cholesterol, is low in sodium, and offers your entire daily recommended intake of vitamin A and vitamin C in just one meal. This nutrient-dense recipe is filling, delicious, and full of fresh, bright flavors.

Coconut Curry Butternut Squash Soup
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Coconut Curry Butternut Squash Soup

Thick and creamy butternut squash soup with curry and coconut milk is warming and subtly sweet. Light coconut milk contains 68-percent less fat than the regular stuff, significantly cutting the calories of this tasty soup! Just be sure to skip the yogurt garnish.

Zucchini Noodles
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Zucchini Noodles

Instead of a big bowl of garlicky pasta, cook up these zucchini noodles aglio e olio (garlic and oil).

Seaweed Chips
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Seaweed Chips

Craving the crunch of potato chips but on a Whole30 diet? Welcome these seaweed chips to your snack-time rotation. They're cholesterol-free and high in vitamin A, and seven of these spicy seaweed chips are only 42 calories.

Babaganoush
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Babaganoush

This lightened-up version of the traditional eggplant dip babaganoush eliminates olive oil from traditional recipes but not at the price of flavor or texture. This Middle Eastern recipe is a great alternative when you're craving hummus on a Whole30 plan.

Carrot Chips
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Carrot Chips

Aside from a healthy dose of vitamins A and C and fiber, carrots contain antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of cancer and also improve your immune system. The entire batch of these carrot chips contains just 79 calories and offers four grams of filling fiber.

Kabocha Squash Fries
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Kabocha Squash Fries

Believe us when we say, these kabocha squash fries are addicting. As in, you better make two batches or your guests are going to be very mad at you. To make sure it's Whole30 approved, be sure to skip out on the Greek yogurt dipping sauce.

Cucumber Cups With Tapenade
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Cucumber Cups With Tapenade

Missing crackers on the Whole30? Try these cucumber cups with tapenade. The one-bite snack has a satisfying crunch but also has the hydrating benefits of cucumber.

Kabocha Squash Hummus
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Kabocha Squash Hummus

For an alternative to traditional hummus (which, unfortunately, isn't allowed on a Whole30 plan), look to kabocha squash hummus for inspiration. It's high in vitamin A from the squash and brings healthy fats from the tahini and olive oil to your table.

Baked Kale Chips
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Baked Kale Chips

Light, crispy, and nutty, with the perfect amount of salt to complement the subtle taste of kale, you'll have a hard time not reaching for another and another of these kale chips. Dress it up with your favorite herbs or spices.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

High in plant sterols and phytochemicals, pumpkin seeds aid in lowering cholesterol and are also a good source of protein, fiber, potassium, and magnesium. Roast yours with a little coconut or olive oil, and season with salt.

Brussels Sprouts Chips
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Brussels Sprouts Chips

Looking for a high-fiber and low-calorie salty snack? It's time to whip up a batch of crispy brussels sprouts chips made from the roasted veggie's leaves.

Avocado With Sunflower Seeds
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Avocado With Sunflower Seeds

Dice a quarter of a creamy avocado and sprinkle with salted sunflower seeds for a crunchy kick.

Banana Chips
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Banana Chips

A little sweet, a little crunchy, and a little spicy. What's not to love about these three-ingredient cinnamon banana chips?

Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Skewers
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Skewers

Elegant enough for a special event and simple enough for a weekday snack, these bacon and brussels sprouts skewers keep portion control in check — each is just over 150 calories and offers more than 10 grams of protein.

Guacamole
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Guacamole

Thank goodness — guacamole is a definite yes on the Whole30 plan. Just be sure to skip the chips and serve alongside fresh veggies instead.

Spinach Chips
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Spinach Chips

Craving something a little different than kale chips? Try these baked spinach chips. They're delicate, light, and crispy, but they also come with a built-in handle, which makes them even more fun to nosh. One serving is just 75 calories.