The Best High Protein Sides For Dinner Tonight



high protein foods

Getting enough protein to hit your daily macros can be tough, especially if you're traveling or short on time. Fortunately, there are several high side protein sides that you can pair with your main dish to hit your protein goals.



If you're unsure of what those goals are, check out this simple chart to figure out the amount of protein needed to achieve your goals.



Body Weight (lbs) Protein Intake for Building Muscle (g/day) Protein Intake for Maintaining Muscle (g/day)
130 - 150 104 - 120 78 - 90
150 - 170 120 - 136 90 - 102
170 - 190 136 - 152 102 - 114
190 - 210 152 - 168 114 - 126
210 - 230 168 - 184 126 - 138
230 - 250 184 - 200 138 - 150
250 - 270 200 - 216 150 - 162
270 - 290 216 - 232 162 - 174
290 - 310 232 - 248 174 - 186


Here are some of the best side dishes I've tried, along with their estimated protein content and calories. Among these, is your new favorite high protein side dish to go with burgers, hot dogs, and much more.



  • Quinoa Salad

    Fluffy quinoa tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta in a lemon vinaigrette.
    Estimated: 180 calories, 8g protein

  • Chickpea Stir-Fry

    Pan-fried chickpeas with garlic, onions, and bell peppers.
    Estimated: 200 calories, 10g protein

  • Lentil Soup

    Hearty soup made with green lentils, carrots, celery, and onions.
    Estimated: 220 calories, 12g protein

  • Edamame Salad

    Steamed edamame tossed with sesame seeds and a light soy dressing.
    Estimated: 190 calories, 16g protein

  • Black Bean Salad

    Mixed black beans, corn, avocado, and a touch of lime.
    Estimated: 210 calories, 9g protein

  • Grilled Tofu Skewers

    Tofu cubes marinated and grilled with bell peppers and onions.
    Estimated: 160 calories, 14g protein

  • Spicy Lentil Patties

    Ground lentils mixed with spices and shallow-fried.
    Estimated: 200 calories, 11g protein

  • Broccoli Almond Salad

    Blanched broccoli florets with toasted almonds and a light dressing.
    Estimated: 170 calories, 7g protein

  • Stuffed Bell Peppers

    Peppers filled with a mix of brown rice, tomatoes, and cheese.
    Estimated: 220 calories, 10g protein

  • Chia Seed Pudding

    Creamy pudding made with chia seeds and almond milk.
    Estimated: 180 calories, 8g protein

  • Seared Tuna Bites

    Fresh tuna cubes seared and served with wasabi mayo.
    Estimated: 210 calories, 22g protein

  • Cauliflower Steaks

    Thick cauliflower slices grilled with olive oil and spices.
    Estimated: 150 calories, 6g protein

  • Spinach Ricotta Dumplings

    Soft dumplings made with spinach and ricotta cheese.
    Estimated: 180 calories, 12g protein

  • Roasted Chickpea Wraps

    Spiced roasted chickpeas wrapped in a lettuce leaf.
    Estimated: 190 calories, 10g protein

  • Mozzarella Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

    Fresh cherry tomatoes filled with mozzarella balls.
    Estimated: 150 calories, 9g protein

  • Garlic Herb Shrimp

    Pan-fried shrimp in garlic and mixed herbs.
    Estimated: 220 calories, 24g protein

  • Grilled Haloumi

    Thick slices of haloumi cheese grilled to perfection.
    Estimated: 200 calories, 18g protein

  • Soy Glazed Tempeh

    Tempeh marinated in a soy sauce glaze and grilled.
    Estimated: 190 calories, 15g protein

  • Beef Jerky Bites

    Homemade beef jerky cut into bite-sized pieces.
    Estimated: 250 calories, 30g protein

  • Grilled Eggplant Roll-Ups

    Grilled eggplant slices rolled with ricotta and spinach filling.
    Estimated: 170 calories, 11g protein

  • Protein-packed Guacamole

    Traditional guacamole recipe with added whey protein.
    Estimated: 180 calories, 10g protein

  • Ham and Cheese Pinwheels

    Thin slices of ham and cheese rolled and sliced into pinwheels.
    Estimated: 210 calories, 18g protein

  • Spiced Cashews

    Cashew nuts roasted with chili and lime.
    Estimated: 180 calories, 6g protein

  • Salmon Cakes

    Patties made from fresh salmon, breadcrumbs, and herbs.
    Estimated: 230 calories, 26g protein

  • Herb Marinated Paneer

    Paneer cubes marinated in green herbs and grilled.
    Estimated: 220 calories, 14g protein

  • Ricotta Stuffed Zucchini Boats

    Hollowed zucchini halves filled with a savory ricotta mix.
    Estimated: 180 calories, 12g protein

  • Baked Chicken Wings

    Chicken wings marinated in a spicy rub and baked.
    Estimated: 230 calories, 20g protein

  • Turkey and Cheese Lettuce Wraps

    Lean turkey and cheese slices wrapped in crispy lettuce.
    Estimated: 210 calories, 18g protein

  • Spicy Tofu Bites

    Firm tofu cubes marinated in a spicy sauce and baked.
    Estimated: 190 calories, 14g protein

  • Beef and Broccoli Skewers

    Marinated beef and broccoli pieces grilled on skewers.
    Estimated: 240 calories, 22g protein

  • Mushroom and Spinach Frittata

    An oven-baked mixture of eggs, mushrooms, and spinach.
    Estimated: 200 calories, 18g protein

  • Grilled Chicken Salad

    Grilled chicken pieces mixed with a light salad.
    Estimated: 230 calories, 26g protein

  • Peanut Butter Protein Balls

    Balls made of peanut butter, oats, and protein powder.
    Estimated: 210 calories, 12g protein

  • Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan

    Fresh asparagus roasted with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
    Estimated: 170 calories, 8g protein

  • Egg White Scramble

    Scrambled egg whites with spinach and tomatoes.
    Estimated: 150 calories, 14g protein

  • Protein-Rich Slaw

    Cabbage slaw with Greek yogurt and sunflower seeds dressing.
    Estimated: 160 calories, 7g protein

  • Pumpkin Seed Trail Mix

    Roasted pumpkin seeds mixed with dried fruits and nuts.
    Estimated: 210 calories, 10g protein

  • Spinach and Feta Stuffed Mushrooms

    Large mushrooms filled with a savory spinach and feta mixture.
    Estimated: 190 calories, 8g protein

  • Egg Salad Cups

    Boiled eggs mashed with light mayo and herbs, served in lettuce cups.
    Estimated: 170 calories, 12g protein

  • Chicken Satay

    Grilled chicken skewers served with a peanut sauce.
    Estimated: 230 calories, 18g protein

  • Garlic Parmesan Chickpeas

    Rustic chickpeas roasted with garlic and Parmesan.
    Estimated: 210 calories, 9g protein

  • Turkey Meatballs

    Spiced turkey meatballs served with a tangy sauce.
    Estimated: 220 calories, 20g protein

  • Spiced Almonds

    Almonds roasted with rosemary and sea salt.
    Estimated: 200 calories, 8g protein

  • Roasted Tempeh

    Marinated tempeh roasted until golden.
    Estimated: 190 calories, 15g protein

  • Falafel Balls

    Herbed chickpea balls deep fried to perfection.
    Estimated: 210 calories, 9g protein


Matt Irving is the CEO of Super Easy Tech, LLC.
 
Matt is the founder of Fueling Food, Make It Super Easy, and Super Easy CRM. He is a beast of a software engineer, blogger, and gamer. Feel free to connect on any of the platforms listed below.

Posted by: Matt Irving on 08/13/2023

     


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