5 Delicious and Healthy Recipe Ideas!
Recently, I came across an inspiring YouTube video by Carolina, a holistic health coach, where she shares a week’s worth of healthy, protein-packed meals that can be made in under 35 minutes. Her approach to balanced eating is all about simplicity, nourishment, and delicious flavors, making healthy eating accessible and enjoyable. If you’re looking for quick and nutritious meal ideas to fuel your body, hit your protein goals, and feel energized, this guide—based on her video—will walk you through five fantastic meals that are both easy and flavorful.
5 Protein-Packed Meals in Under 35 Minutes
Eating nutrient-dense meals doesn’t have to be complicated. These recipes feature high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and fiber to keep you full, satisfied, and support overall wellness.
1. All-Green Quinoa Salad (15 Minutes)
This vibrant, plant-based meal is packed with protein from quinoa, avocado, and edamame, making it a nutrient powerhouse.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup edamame
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: Chicken sausage for an extra protein boost
Instructions
- If not pre-cooked, cook quinoa according to package instructions.
- In a bowl, mix quinoa, avocado, edamame, cucumber, basil, and parsley.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, season with salt and pepper.
- If adding chicken sausage, cook it in a pan until crispy, then slice thinly.
- Assemble in a bowl, top with crispy chicken sausage, and enjoy!
Why it’s great:
- 15-minute meal
- Plant-based protein
- Refreshing and packed with nutrients
2. Taco Bowl (34 Minutes)
Taco bowls are versatile, hearty, and full of protein. This version includes seasoned ground turkey, creamy sauce, and fresh veggies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 lb ground turkey or beef
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup black beans
- 1/4 cup corn
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Cook the rice in advance for quicker prep.
- In a pan, cook ground turkey with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt.
- Assemble a bowl with rice, turkey, black beans, corn, and avocado.
- Mix Greek yogurt with lime juice for a creamy dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the bowl, sprinkle with cheese, and enjoy!
Why it’s great:
- High-protein & fiber-rich
- Customizable with toppings
- Meal-prep friendly
3. Beetroot High-Protein Pasta (33 Minutes)
This beautiful pink pasta is loaded with plant-based protein from beets, nuts, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a great option for vegetarians.
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 cooked beet, blended into a puree
- 1/2 cup ricotta or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Boil pasta according to package instructions.
- Blend cooked beet, ricotta, olive oil, salt, and pepper into a creamy sauce.
- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce.
- Top with pumpkin seeds, Parmesan, and fresh mint for extra flavor.
Why it’s great:
- High in iron & fiber
- Creamy, cheesy, and nutritious
- Vegetarian-friendly
4. Fish Tacos with Mango-Cilantro Salsa (35 Minutes)
These zesty, flavorful tacos pair crispy air-fried salmon with a fresh mango-cilantro salsa, making them light yet satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 fillets of salmon (or any white fish)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 small tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup diced mango
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Season salmon with paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Air-fry or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes.
- Mix mango, cilantro, avocado, and lime juice for the salsa.
- Assemble tortillas with salmon, shredded cabbage, and mango salsa.
- Sprinkle feta cheese on top and serve!
Why it’s great:
- Light & refreshing
- Perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and savory
- Great for meal prep
5. High-Protein Greek Salad with Crispy Chicken Sausage (32 Minutes)
This crunchy, fresh Greek salad is topped with crispy chickpeas and oven-baked chicken sausage for a high-protein twist.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken sausages, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- 1/2 cup crispy roasted chickpeas
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Slice chicken sausage, toss with olive oil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta, and crispy chickpeas.
- Add the roasted chicken sausage and toss with balsamic vinaigrette.
Why it’s great:
- High-protein & fiber-packed
- No messy stovetop cooking
- Crispy and satisfying
Final Thoughts: Nourish Yourself with Easy, Protein-Packed Meals
These 5 high-protein meals prove that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and quick cooking methods, you can make nutritious, balanced meals that fuel your body and keep you energized.
Inspired by Carolina’s approach to health-conscious eating, this guide offers a week’s worth of flavorful, satisfying recipes. If you’re interested in learning more, check out the original video and grab the full grocery list and recipe guide in her Substack post.