15 High Protein Christmas Meals
Christmas meals don’t have to be heavy or overly rich—high-protein dishes can be just as festive, satisfying, and flavorful.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, preparing a cozy family meal, or looking to add more balanced options to your Christmas menu, these high-protein Christmas meals offer both nourishment and celebration.
Packed with lean meats, wholesome ingredients, and winter-inspired flavors, each recipe brings seasonal comfort without compromising nutrition.
This collection includes 15 delicious, protein-loaded meals that are perfect for Christmas week, Christmas Eve, or the big dinner itself.
1. Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast (High Protein)
This juicy roasted turkey breast delivers lean, high-quality protein with classic Christmas flavors. Seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and thyme, it’s a lighter holiday entrée that still feels festive and pairs perfectly with traditional sides.
Ingredients:
- Turkey breast
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Rub turkey with oil and herbs.
- Roast until golden and fully cooked.
- Rest before slicing.
2. High-Protein Christmas Chicken & Quinoa Bake
This hearty chicken and quinoa bake is packed with protein and festive flavor. Mixed with vegetables and light seasoning, it’s a wholesome Christmas dish perfect for a balanced holiday dinner or meal prep through the week.
Ingredients:
- Cooked chicken
- Quinoa
- Spinach
- Broth
- Cheese
- Seasoning
Instructions:
- Combine ingredients in a casserole dish.
- Add broth and cheese.
- Bake until cooked and bubbly.
3. Christmas Salmon with Garlic Dill Yogurt Sauce
Rich in protein and omega-3s, this roasted salmon is topped with a fresh garlic dill yogurt sauce. It’s light, elegant, and perfect for a healthier Christmas dinner that still feels luxurious.
Ingredients:
- Salmon fillets
- Greek yogurt
- Garlic
- Dill
- Lemon
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Roast salmon.
- Whisk yogurt, lemon, garlic, and dill.
- Serve with sauce on top.
4. Beef & Vegetable Christmas Skillet (High Protein)
This protein-loaded beef skillet is packed with vegetables, herbs, and savory holiday flavor. It’s a warm, comforting meal perfect for Christmas Eve or a post-holiday gathering. Quick to make and filling enough for a festive main dish.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Bell peppers
- Onions
- Garlic
- Spinach
- Seasoning
Instructions:
- Brown beef.
- Add vegetables and sauté.
- Season and simmer.
5. High-Protein Christmas Egg & Turkey Sausage Bake
This protein-rich holiday bake combines eggs, turkey sausage, spinach, and cheese for a hearty Christmas brunch or dinner. It’s flavorful, filling, and perfect for starting your holiday with a nutritious boost.
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Turkey sausage
- Spinach
- Cheese
- Milk
- Seasoning
Instructions:
- Whisk eggs and milk.
- Add sausage, spinach, and cheese.
- Bake until firm and golden.
6. Lemon Herb Christmas Cod Fillets (High Protein)
Light, flaky, and packed with lean protein, these lemon herb cod fillets make a bright and refreshing Christmas entrée. The simple seasoning and fresh citrus flavor pair beautifully with roasted vegetables or holiday grains.
Ingredients:
- Cod fillets
- Lemon
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Brush cod with lemon, oil, and garlic.
- Bake until flaky.
- Sprinkle parsley before serving.
7. High-Protein Christmas Turkey Chili
This hearty turkey chili is full of lean protein and warming spices that make it perfect for cold December nights. It’s a great make-ahead option for Christmas week or post-holiday comfort meals.
Ingredients:
- Ground turkey
- Beans
- Tomatoes
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chili seasoning
Instructions:
- Brown turkey.
- Add vegetables, beans, and tomatoes.
- Simmer until thick and flavorful.
8. Garlic Parmesan Christmas Shrimp Skillet
High in protein and big on flavor, this garlic parmesan shrimp skillet is a quick, festive dish perfect for Christmas dinners or appetizers. It’s buttery, savory, and absolutely delicious served over rice or pasta.
Ingredients:
- Shrimp
- Garlic
- Butter
- Parmesan
- Lemon
- Parsley
Instructions:
- Sauté shrimp in butter and garlic.
- Add parmesan and lemon.
- Garnish with parsley.
9. High-Protein Christmas Lentil & Chicken Stew
This hearty stew combines tender chicken and protein-packed lentils for a nutritious Christmas bowl. Warm spices and vegetables make it comforting, filling, and perfect for serving with crusty holiday bread.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast pieces
- Lentils
- Carrots
- Onion
- Broth
- Seasoning
Instructions:
- Sauté chicken and vegetables.
- Add lentils and broth.
- Simmer until thick and tender.
10. Festive Rosemary Garlic Steak Bites (High Protein)
Juicy and tender, these rosemary-garlic steak bites are a high-protein Christmas favorite. They cook quickly, pack incredible flavor, and pair perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or holiday rice dishes.
Ingredients:
- Steak cubes
- Garlic
- Rosemary
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Sear steak in butter and oil.
- Add garlic and rosemary.
- Cook until browned and tender.
11. High-Protein Christmas Chicken Meatballs
These juicy chicken meatballs are packed with protein and simmered in a light garlic-herb sauce. They’re festive, flavorful, and perfect for serving as a Christmas appetizer or pairing with mashed potatoes for a hearty main.
Ingredients:
- Ground chicken
- Egg
- Bread crumbs
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Seasoning
Instructions:
- Mix chicken with seasonings and egg.
- Form meatballs and bake or pan-sear.
- Simmer in garlic-herb sauce.
12. High-Protein Christmas Chickpea & Spinach Curry
This comforting plant-based curry delivers impressive protein thanks to chickpeas and spinach. Warm spices and a creamy base make it festive, nourishing, and perfect for serving over rice during the holiday season.
Ingredients:
- Chickpeas
- Spinach
- Onion
- Garlic
- Curry seasoning
- Tomato or coconut base
Instructions:
- Sauté onion and garlic.
- Add chickpeas and spices.
- Mix in spinach and simmer.
13. Baked Christmas Tofu with Honey Soy Glaze (High Protein)
Crispy baked tofu coated in a sticky honey soy glaze makes a delicious high-protein Christmas entrée. It’s festive, balanced, and perfect for vegetarian guests or lighter holiday meals.
Ingredients:
- Firm tofu
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Garlic
- Cornstarch
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Toss tofu in cornstarch and bake.
- Simmer honey-soy sauce.
- Coat tofu and serve.
14. High-Protein Christmas Beef Roast
Tender, juicy, and packed with protein, this Christmas beef roast is seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and black pepper. It’s a comforting, traditional-style holiday centerpiece perfect for big family gatherings.
Ingredients:
- Beef roast
- Garlic
- Rosemary
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Rub roast with herbs and oil.
- Roast until tender.
- Rest before slicing.
15. Christmas Cottage Cheese Protein Lasagna
This lighter, high-protein lasagna swaps traditional ricotta for cottage cheese, creating a creamy, protein-packed Christmas main dish. Layered with meat sauce and cheese, it’s festive, hearty, and perfect for holiday comfort food.
Ingredients:
- Cottage cheese
- Ground turkey or beef
- Tomato sauce
- Lasagna sheets
- Mozzarella
- Seasoning
Instructions:
- Cook meat sauce.
- Layer noodles, meat, and cottage cheese.
- Bake until bubbly and golden.
