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.
Fluffy quinoa tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta in a lemon vinaigrette.
Estimated: 180 calories, 8g protein
Pan-fried chickpeas with garlic, onions, and bell peppers.
Estimated: 200 calories, 10g protein
Hearty soup made with green lentils, carrots, celery, and onions.
Estimated: 220 calories, 12g protein
Steamed edamame tossed with sesame seeds and a light soy dressing.
Estimated: 190 calories, 16g protein
Mixed black beans, corn, avocado, and a touch of lime.
Estimated: 210 calories, 9g protein
Tofu cubes marinated and grilled with bell peppers and onions.
Estimated: 160 calories, 14g protein
Ground lentils mixed with spices and shallow-fried.
Estimated: 200 calories, 11g protein
Blanched broccoli florets with toasted almonds and a light dressing.
Estimated: 170 calories, 7g protein
Peppers filled with a mix of brown rice, tomatoes, and cheese.
Estimated: 220 calories, 10g protein
Creamy pudding made with chia seeds and almond milk.
Estimated: 180 calories, 8g protein
Fresh tuna cubes seared and served with wasabi mayo.
Estimated: 210 calories, 22g protein
Thick cauliflower slices grilled with olive oil and spices.
Estimated: 150 calories, 6g protein
Soft dumplings made with spinach and ricotta cheese.
Estimated: 180 calories, 12g protein
Spiced roasted chickpeas wrapped in a lettuce leaf.
Estimated: 190 calories, 10g protein
Fresh cherry tomatoes filled with mozzarella balls.
Estimated: 150 calories, 9g protein
Pan-fried shrimp in garlic and mixed herbs.
Estimated: 220 calories, 24g protein
Thick slices of haloumi cheese grilled to perfection.
Estimated: 200 calories, 18g protein
Tempeh marinated in a soy sauce glaze and grilled.
Estimated: 190 calories, 15g protein
Homemade beef jerky cut into bite-sized pieces.
Estimated: 250 calories, 30g protein
Grilled eggplant slices rolled with ricotta and spinach filling.
Estimated: 170 calories, 11g protein
Traditional guacamole recipe with added whey protein.
Estimated: 180 calories, 10g protein
Thin slices of ham and cheese rolled and sliced into pinwheels.
Estimated: 210 calories, 18g protein
Cashew nuts roasted with chili and lime.
Estimated: 180 calories, 6g protein
Patties made from fresh salmon, breadcrumbs, and herbs.
Estimated: 230 calories, 26g protein
Paneer cubes marinated in green herbs and grilled.
Estimated: 220 calories, 14g protein
Hollowed zucchini halves filled with a savory ricotta mix.
Estimated: 180 calories, 12g protein
Chicken wings marinated in a spicy rub and baked.
Estimated: 230 calories, 20g protein
Lean turkey and cheese slices wrapped in crispy lettuce.
Estimated: 210 calories, 18g protein
Firm tofu cubes marinated in a spicy sauce and baked.
Estimated: 190 calories, 14g protein
Marinated beef and broccoli pieces grilled on skewers.
Estimated: 240 calories, 22g protein
An oven-baked mixture of eggs, mushrooms, and spinach.
Estimated: 200 calories, 18g protein
Grilled chicken pieces mixed with a light salad.
Estimated: 230 calories, 26g protein
Balls made of peanut butter, oats, and protein powder.
Estimated: 210 calories, 12g protein
Fresh asparagus roasted with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Estimated: 170 calories, 8g protein
Scrambled egg whites with spinach and tomatoes.
Estimated: 150 calories, 14g protein
Cabbage slaw with Greek yogurt and sunflower seeds dressing.
Estimated: 160 calories, 7g protein
Roasted pumpkin seeds mixed with dried fruits and nuts.
Estimated: 210 calories, 10g protein
Large mushrooms filled with a savory spinach and feta mixture.
Estimated: 190 calories, 8g protein
Boiled eggs mashed with light mayo and herbs, served in lettuce cups.
Estimated: 170 calories, 12g protein
Grilled chicken skewers served with a peanut sauce.
Estimated: 230 calories, 18g protein
Rustic chickpeas roasted with garlic and Parmesan.
Estimated: 210 calories, 9g protein
Spiced turkey meatballs served with a tangy sauce.
Estimated: 220 calories, 20g protein
Almonds roasted with rosemary and sea salt.
Estimated: 200 calories, 8g protein
Marinated tempeh roasted until golden.
Estimated: 190 calories, 15g protein
Herbed chickpea balls deep fried to perfection.
Estimated: 210 calories, 9g protein
Posted by: Matt Irving on 08/13/2023
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