Recipes

Simplified High-Protein Dinners: A 5-Ingredient Weekly Meal Plan

Author : Yotam Ottolenghi
Published Time : 2025-12-12
This weekly meal plan provides a collection of high-protein dinner recipes, each requiring a maximum of five ingredients. It emphasizes the importance of balanced and satisfying meals, especially during busy periods like the holiday season, helping to minimize grocery lists and food waste.

Effortless Nourishment: Your Guide to Simple, High-Protein Weeknight Meals

Sunday: Succulent Garlic-Herb Chicken with Sides

Prepare a flavorful and complete meal in just 30 minutes. Juicy chicken thighs, seasoned with garlic and thyme, are a rich source of protein. Served alongside fiber-rich rice and crisp green beans, this dish offers a well-rounded and nutritious option, aligning with healthy eating patterns.

Monday: Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Pasta

Enjoy a hearty vegetarian meal that doesn't compromise on protein. This spaghetti dish features ricotta cheese and whole-wheat pasta, providing 16 grams of protein per serving. The addition of frozen spinach and mushrooms boosts fiber content, supporting digestive health. Pair it with a simple mixed green salad.

Tuesday: Honey-Glazed Salmon with Root Vegetables

Experience a quick and healthy dinner ready in 35 minutes. Pan-seared salmon, glazed with honey and garlic, is packed with omega-3 fatty acids known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Accompanied by tender potatoes and fresh spinach, this meal is both delicious and satisfying.

Wednesday: Hearty Stuffed Sweet Potato with Hummus

A customizable and nutritious option for any night, this dish features a baked sweet potato generously filled with black beans and drizzled with a creamy hummus dressing. It delivers an impressive 22 grams of fiber, promoting gut health, and can be easily scaled to feed one or more.

Thursday: Flavorful Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Chickpeas

This simple vegetarian soup is perfect for meal prepping. Made with just three ingredients—roasted red pepper soup, chickpeas, and spinach—it offers a robust 26 grams of protein per serving. Serve it warm with toasted whole-wheat baguette slices for a comforting and complete meal.

Friday: Zesty Shrimp Tacos with Fresh Slaw

Whip up these vibrant and quick shrimp tacos in only 15 minutes. Fast-cooking shrimp provides excellent protein and omega-3s, while a chili-lime seasoning adds a refreshing kick. Top with a crunchy cabbage slaw and slices of avocado for extra healthy fats and a burst of flavor.