30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (2024)

Chronic inflammation can drag you down, from upsetting your stomach to making it hard to sleep. The good news is that you can help tamp down inflammation by enjoying lots of healthy fats, fruits, veggies, whole grains and legumes. These dinners, which boast at least 15 grams of protein per serving, are low in calories and packed with good-for-you ingredients. Lean on dinners like our Cheesy Spinach-Zucchini Lasagna and Red Lentil Soup with Saffron when you need a delicious, satisfying meal at the end of the day.

01of 30

Frittata with Asparagus, Leek & Ricotta

View Recipe

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (1)

Serve this spring-vegetable-loaded frittata with an arugula salad and a hunk of crusty bread. Tip: This recipe cooks quickly, so be sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go.

02of 30

Cheesy Spinach-Zucchini Lasagna

View Recipe

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (2)

Thanks to jarred marinara sauce and oven-ready lasagna noodles, this labor-of-love kind of meal can be ready in about an hour.

03of 30

Gochujang-Glazed Salmon with Garlic Spinach

View Recipe

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (3)

Gochujang, a Korean red chile paste, and honey give this salmon a little bit of sweetness and a whole lot of spice.

04of 30

Chickpea Pasta with Mushrooms & Kale

View Recipe

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (4)

Loading up your pasta with vegetables like the kale and mushrooms here is not only delicious, it also makes the meal more satisfying.

05of 30

Red Lentil Soup with Saffron

View Recipe

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (5)

This hearty red lentil soup uses spices common in Persian cuisine: turmeric, cumin and saffron. Enjoy it with a warm baguette or steamed rice.

06of 30

Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Carrots & Broccoli

View Recipe

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (6)

In this easy and healthy dinner recipe, sweet and savory baked honey-garlic chicken thighs come with a side of veggies that cook on the same sheet pan as the chicken. The honey-soy-garlic marinade for the chicken does double duty as an irresistible sauce to drizzle over everything. Lining your baking sheet with foil will protect your pan from the sticky honey-soy-garlic sauce, so cleanup will be a breeze too. If you can't find small carrots, cut medium carrots in half lengthwise.

07of 30

Smothered Black Soybean Burgers

View Recipe

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (7)

These flavor-packed burgers get tang from kimchi, umami from soy or fish sauce and heat from gochugaru. Topped with caramelized onions and slaw, they're super-satisfying.

Cheesy Marinara Beans

View Recipe

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (8)

This ooey-gooey dish has baked-pasta vibes but features protein-packed beans instead of noodles. Look for dried corona beans, a larger, creamy white bean, at natural-foods stores or online. Cannellini are a good substitute. Serve with a green salad and toasted baguette.

09of 30

Roasted Tofu & Broccoli with Peanut-Curry Sauce

View Recipe

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (9)

Pressing the tofu before roasting rids it of some excess moisture for crispy results. If you have the time, let it sit for more than 10 minutes—the longer it's pressed, the better!

10of 30

Lemony Shrimp, Kale & Potato Salad

View Recipe

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (10)

Hearty kale and potatoes put a seasonal spin on a Greek-style salad featuring feta, olives and cherry tomatoes. Russet potatoes absorb flavor like a sponge, making them a great choice for salads with flavorful vinaigrettes like this one.

11of 30

Avocado Tuna Spinach Salad

View Recipe

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (11)

Avocado adds creaminess while sunflower seeds provide texture and crunch in this easy tuna-spinach salad.

12of 30

Wild Rice Waffles with Chicken Tenders

View Recipe

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (12)

Because these waffles reheat so well, you can skip feeling like a short-order cook—slinging them out one at a time—and prep them all ahead. Paired with chicken tenders you bread in advance and a sweet-and-spicy maple butter, you have a winning brunch, with minimal fuss.

13of 30

Chickpea & Beef Burgers with Whipped Feta

View Recipe

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (13)

Chickpeas add fiber to this blended burger, but the real joy here is the light and fluffy feta sauce that tops the whole shebang.

14of 30

Salmon Caesar Salad

View Recipe

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (14)

This easy Caesar salad subs creamy Greek yogurt and buttermilk for the traditional egg yolks and olive oil and mixes in mildly bitter radicchio in addition to classic romaine. Using just a small amount of flavorful Parmigiano-Reggiano shaves calories and sodium too.

15of 30

Sweet Potato, Kale & Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

View Recipe

These hearty kale salads hold up well for 4 days, making them perfect for meal-prep lunches. To keep the ingredients from getting soggy, dress this salad and top it with peanuts just before serving. For a delicious vegan option, swap in roasted tofu for the chicken breast (see Associated Recipes).

16of 30

Baked Halibut with Brussels Sprouts & Quinoa

View Recipe

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (16)

Fish plus two sides? It seems fancy but this healthy dinner comes together in just 30 minutes.

17of 30

Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Chili

View Recipe

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (17)

Sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with this simple chili recipe. Add one more chipotle pepper if you want to spice up this healthy sweet potato recipe.

18of 30

Turkey, Pesto & Broccoli Pasta

View Recipe

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (18)

This easy pasta recipe is a weeknight dinner lifesaver. While shelf-stable pesto will work here, we prefer the fresh flavor and more vibrant color of refrigerated pesto. Look for it in the refrigerated section of your supermarket, near the fresh pasta and marinara sauce.

19of 30

Chicken Parmesan & Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

View Recipe

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (19)

Chicken Parm gets a fun low-carb and gluten-free twist with these cheesy stuffed peppers with chicken and quinoa. Serve with a salad for a healthy dinner that's easy to prep too.

20of 30

Crispy Lemon-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Roasted Potatoes & Carrots

View Recipe

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (20)

Panko breadcrumbs make this healthy lemon-garlic chicken super-crispy on the outside, while a bit of mayonnaise amps up the juiciness of the thighs. And everything--including fingerling potatoes and carrots--cooks on one sheet pan, so this healthy dinner is super-easy to prep and clean up after too. You can swap out the potatoes and carrots for other vegetables, such as broccoli and parsnips, but just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

21of 30

Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Salmon

View Recipe

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (21)

Wondering what to do with leftover salmon? This is a delicious and easy way to turn it into another weeknight-friendly, quick dinner. Don't forget to reserve some pasta water--its starch thickens the lemon-garlic pasta sauce and makes it silky-smooth.

22of 30

Spinach & Artichoke Dip Pasta

View Recipe

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (22)

If you've ever wanted to make a meal out of warm spinach and artichoke dip, this creamy pasta is for you. And here's what's almost as good as the flavor of this comforting dish: the fact that this healthy dinner takes just 20 minutes to prepare.

23of 30

Salt & Vinegar Sheet-Pan Chicken & Brussels Sprouts

View Recipe

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (23)

A strong vinegar, like malt or sherry, gives this baked chicken recipe a pucker factor reminiscent of salt-and-vinegar chips. Everything cooks on one pan, making this chicken sheet-pan dinner perfect for weeknights when you want big results for little effort (so, pretty much every weeknight!).

24of 30

BBQ Shrimp with Garlicky Kale & Parmesan-Herb Couscous

View Recipe

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (24)

In the U.S., dry whole-wheat couscous has been partially cooked, making it a quick-cooking (5 minutes!) whole-grain weeknight dinner champ. And when you buy peeled shrimp, plus a bag of prechopped kale and bottled barbecue sauce, the savings in prep time helps to get this healthy dinner done in a jiff.

25of 30

California Turkey Burgers & Baked Sweet Potato Fries

View Recipe

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (25)

Inspired by an option at the West Coast chain In-N-Out Burger, this turkey burger recipe keeps the carbs in check with a lettuce wrap instead of a bun. The side of sweet potato fries bakes while you prep the burgers, so this entire healthy dinner is ready in under 30 minutes.

26of 30

Kale, Sausage & Pepper Pasta

View Recipe

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (26)

This healthy sausage and kale pasta recipe cooks in one skillet, so there's only one pot to clean! Try it with any greens you have in the fridge, such as chard or spinach.

27of 30

Ginger-Tahini Oven-Baked Salmon & Vegetables

View Recipe

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (27)

The tahini sauce does double duty in this healthy salmon recipe, serving as a glaze for the fish and also as a drizzle for the entire dish at the end of cooking. The green beans are cooked just slightly in this recipe, to still be crisp. If you like your green beans tenderer, look for thinner beans or haricot verts in the grocery store; they'll cook more quickly. This sheet-pan dinner recipe is not only delicious--it also comes together with just 25 minutes of active prep time, and there's only one pan to clean up afterwards!

28of 30

Salmon Burgers with Quick Pickled Cucumbers

View Recipe

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (28)

These healthy salmon burgers call for canned salmon, which makes them an economical and easy dinner. The quick-pickled cucumbers in this recipe are a great introduction to the world of pickling. If you enjoy them, you can make additional batches by following Steps 1 and 2.

29of 30

Hearty Chickpea & Spinach Stew

View Recipe

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (29)

This satisfying stew comes together in a snap. Mashed chickpeas add body to the broth, and tomato paste adds a savory note without piling on the sodium. To simplify the prep, look for chopped fresh onion and shredded carrot or a soup starter mix in the produce section.

30of 30

Sheet-Pan Sesame Chicken & Broccoli with Scallion-Ginger Sauce

View Recipe

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (30)

In this healthy sheet-pan chicken recipe, meaty bone-in chicken thighs and broccoli florets are tossed with sesame oil and roasted on the same pan for a delicious and easy dinner with minimal cleanup. While the chicken and broccoli cook, whip together the simple scallion-ginger sauce. The sauce would also be wonderful spooned over salmon, tofu or grain bowls; it is easily doubled or tripled!

30 Anti-Inflammatory Dinners That Are High in Protein (2024)

FAQs

What are anti-inflammatory foods with protein? ›

Preferred Protein Sources

Legumes/beans: lentils, chickpeas, adzuki beans, etc. Plant-based products: tempeh, tofu, peas, protein-based meat substitutes. Avoid products containing wheat gluten, as known as Seitan. Fresh fish: wild fish is preferred; limit to three servings per week.

What protein is best for inflammation? ›

Protein-Rich Foods

The most anti-inflammatory proteins come from plants, such as legumes, and from fish rich in omega-3 fats, says Dr. Ricker.

What meat is best for anti-inflammatory? ›

In fact, pasture-raised chickens, pigs, lambs, and cows have higher levels of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids and lower levels of pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids than corn-fed animals. Research even shows less disease among people who opt for meat from grass-fed animals over conventional.

What are 3 foods that fight inflammation? ›

Foods you should eat to help fight inflammation
  • Nuts and seeds. Studies have found that consuming nuts and seeds is associated with reduced markers of inflammation and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
  • Some oils and fatty fish. ...
  • Coffee, cocoa and green tea.
Dec 7, 2023

What protein promotes inflammation? ›

C-reactive protein is a marker for inflammation, and its levels increase during bacterial infection (66).

What foods flush out inflammation? ›

An anti-inflammatory diet should include these foods:
  • tomatoes.
  • olive oil.
  • green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards.
  • nuts like almonds and walnuts.
  • fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines.
  • fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges.
Mar 26, 2024

What is the #1 anti-inflammatory carb? ›

These include whole grains like buckwheat, oats, quinoa and bulgur, and starchy vegetables like potatoes. A 2022 systematic review published in Nutrients found that replacing refined grains with whole grains can have a significant effect in reducing at least one inflammatory marker.

What is the strongest natural anti-inflammatory? ›

  1. Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids , which are abundant in fatty fish such as salmon or tuna, are among the most potent anti-inflammatory supplements. ...
  2. Curcumin. ...
  3. S-adenosylmethionine. ...
  4. Zinc. ...
  5. Green tea. ...
  6. Frankincense. ...
  7. Capsaicin. ...
  8. Cat's claw.

What drink kills inflammation? ›

Ginger contains a compound called gingerol which is a powerful anti-inflammatory. This makes ginger tea the ideal drink for anyone suffering from chronic inflammation. Whilst plain ginger tea is a popular option, you could also opt for lemon and ginger or a spiced ginger tea if you like your drinks a little sweeter.

What 10 foods fight inflammation and joint pain? ›

10 foods that fight inflammation
  • Wild-caught fish.
  • Spices like turmeric.
  • Unprocessed olive oil.
  • Vegetables (aim for a rainbow of colors on your plate)
  • Garlic.
  • Walnuts.
  • Seeds and nuts.
  • Fruits.
Jan 18, 2023

How do you flush inflammation out of your body? ›

You can reduce chronic inflammation by making lifestyle changes, Tolbert says.
  1. Eat anti-inflammatory foods. ...
  2. Quit smoking. ...
  3. Limit or avoid alcohol. ...
  4. Avoid inflammatory foods. ...
  5. Practice stress management techniques. ...
  6. Maintain a healthy weight. ...
  7. Exercise regularly. ...
  8. Practice good sleep hygiene.

Is chicken or beef less inflammatory? ›

Some research shows red meat being less inflammatory, but there might be people who react to red meat differently and flare up. There's no good reason for most people to cut out red meat due to their concern of inflammation.

Is Steak good for inflammation? ›

There's evidence that diets high in red meat and processed meats may contribute to inflammation. Diets higher in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein may help lower inflammation. Eating red meat in moderation and as part of a diet higher in plant-based foods may promote better health.

What meat is best for arthritis? ›

Meat & Seafood: Opt for Lean Meats and Fatty Fish

It's a great substitute for red meat, which has been linked to increased inflammation. Chicken and turkey are also great choices. Meat lovers should buy leaner cuts, such as sirloin, flank or tenderloin. Processed meats are high in sodium, sugar and preservatives.

How can I reduce my inflammatory protein? ›

Healthy eating tips to help reduce inflammation
  1. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. ...
  2. Choose high-fiber carbohydrates. ...
  3. Eat more fiber. ...
  4. Choose plant-based and leaner animal protein sources. ...
  5. Be conscious of your fat sources. ...
  6. Reduce the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in the diet. ...
  7. Reduce your sugar intake. ...
  8. Limit or avoid alcohol.
Nov 16, 2023

What proteins are elevated in inflammation? ›

CRP is a protein that your liver makes. Normally, you have low levels of c-reactive protein in your blood. Your liver releases more CRP into your bloodstream if you have inflammation in your body. High levels of CRP may mean you have a serious health condition that causes inflammation.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Fr. Dewey Fisher

Last Updated:

Views: 5824

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (42 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Fr. Dewey Fisher

Birthday: 1993-03-26

Address: 917 Hyun Views, Rogahnmouth, KY 91013-8827

Phone: +5938540192553

Job: Administration Developer

Hobby: Embroidery, Horseback riding, Juggling, Urban exploration, Skiing, Cycling, Handball

Introduction: My name is Fr. Dewey Fisher, I am a powerful, open, faithful, combative, spotless, faithful, fair person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.