Most of us could use more protein in our meals, which is why we’re excited about these protein-packed lunches that will leave you feeling satisfied until dinner time.
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Speedy Salmon Patties
I combine seven easy ingredients for this salmon patty recipe. When I was a girl growing up on the farm, my mom often fixed these when we were late in the field. These salmon cakes are also tasty with chopped green peppers added to the mixture. —Bonnie Evans, Cameron, North Carolina
Go to Recipe
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Tuna Cheese-Waffle Sandwiches
I love cheddar waffles (or chaffles) as well as tuna salad sandwiches. Combining the two makes for an incredible lunchtime stack. The dill pickles in both the waffles and salad add extra crunch and flavor. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
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Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles
I love quick and bright meals like this one-skillet wonder. The way it tastes, you’d think it takes a lot more effort, but it goes from prep to dinner table in half an hour. The recipe works well with any light fish, or even shrimp. —Tammy Brownlow, Dallas, Texas
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Greek Chicken Pasta
This hearty main dish has great Mediterranean flavor. I left out the olives, and my family still loved it. —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York
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Copycat Southwest Chicken Salad
My husband and I ordered and devoured this salad from Applebee’s three separate times before we finally asked the waitress for the dressing ingredients. She kindly shared the recipe with us, and now I whip up this hearty main-dish salad with its tangy sauce often. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
You’ll also love these high-protein salads.
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Hawaiian Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps
We love this easy slow-cooker recipe on Sunday afternoons. It’s equally comforting and light for lunch or dinner. We serve ours with sweet potato oven fries and roasted green beans. —Arlene Rakoczy, Gilbert, Arizona
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Cinnamon Whiskey BBQ Chicken Wraps
Chicken, bacon, cheese and an amazing barbecue sauce make this a family favorite! The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. —Jolene Martinelli, Fremont, New Hampshire
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Cafe Rio Copycat Pork Bowls
My friends are big fans of Cafe Rio’s sweet pork tacos, so I came up with this version to eat in the comfort of our own homes. Serve the pork in flour tortillas or taco shells, or enjoy it on its own. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
Don’t forget the snacks!
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Buffalo Chicken Crunch Wraps
My daughter-in-law loves Buffalo chicken, so I came up with this easy-to-make crunch wrap using all the same flavors and grilled it in a panini press. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a hot, crunchy pocket of spicy, cheesy chicken ready for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend lunch. The wraps are fantastic served with extra blue cheese dressing or sour cream for dipping. We also enjoy them served with fresh veggies, like shredded lettuce or sliced cucumbers. —Theresa Ravencraft, Marysville, Ohio
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Sesame Pork Roast
My trick to making a tasty roast that’s pull-apart tender is marinating a boneless cut of pork in a tangy sauce overnight before cooking it slowly the next day. It’s unbeatable. —Sue Brown, San Miguel, California
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Breaded Pork Chops
These traditional pork chops have a wonderful home-cooked flavor like the ones Mom used to make. The breading makes them crispy outside and tender and juicy inside. Why not treat your family to some breaded pork chops tonight? —Deborah Amrine, Grand Haven, Michigan
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Easy Chicken Fried Rice
After my first child was born, I needed meals that were satisfying and fast. This easy chicken fried rice is now part of our regular dinner rotation. — Alicia Gower, Auburn, New York
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Bean ‘n’ Burger Pockets
This recipe started out as an alternative to baked beans—just for a change of taste. One day, I decided to add ground beef and other ingredients. Now it’s a main dish we enjoy often.—Gwen Parsons, Boring, Oregon
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Chorizo Burgers with Green Chile Aioli
Chorizo does all the work seasoning these burgers, and the aioli comes together in minutes. Wrap the juicy patties in lettuce for a keto version. Don’t worry—the carb lovers in your home can still enjoy them on buns. —Becky Woollands, North Ridgeville, Ohio
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Shrimp Cobb Salad
This shrimp cobb salad is quite healthy. I often use a grill pan, but you can simply saute, too. Feel free to use any greens you like. — Nicholas Monfre, Hudson, Florida
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Air-Fryer Bacon Cheeseburgers
This juicy burger only takes minutes to cook in your air fryer. I enjoy topping it with crispy bacon and my special fry sauce. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
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Easy Chicken Alfredo
This dish’s classic sauce is almost as simple as opening a jar but tastes so much better. The easy chicken Alfredo recipe can be on the table in less than 30 minutes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Strawberry Poppyseed Salad with Chicken
This salad is hard to beat when it comes to color, flavor and nutrition! It makes for a wonderful side on a summer day. Diane Sahley — Lakewood, Ohio
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Pressure-Cooker Thai Sweet Chili Pork Bowls
Grab that bottle of Sriracha! This Thai pork dish is a standout weeknight meal you won’t want to miss. My pressure cooker does the hard stuff, but I still get the props. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
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Air-Fryer Loaded Pork Burritos
Air-fryer burritos are quick and easy—the perfect dinner for the whole family. Don’t be afraid to load your tortillas with pork, beans, cheese and rice. —Fiona Seels, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Pressure-Cooker Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwiches
I lived in Florida for a while and loved the pork served there, so I went about making it for myself! The flavorful meat makes amazing Cuban sandwiches, but you can use it in traditional pulled pork sandwiches and tacos, too. —Lacie Griffin, Austin, Texas
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Tropical Chicken Cauliflower Rice Bowls
This tropical favorite is a delicious and healthy dinner with tons of flavor! You can substitute regular rice for the cauliflower rice if desired. —Bethany DiCarlo, Harleysville, Pennsylvania
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Copycat Chicken Salad
This recipe is incredibly easy to make, and your family will love it. The sweet pickle relish gives it its signature taste. I like to use a thick, crusty oat bread for this sandwich. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
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Chicken Verde Quesadillas
I used the corn, peppers and zucchini in my fridge to create these quick and easy quesadillas. Dollop with sour cream and you’re good to go. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
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PB&J Pork Sandwiches
I came up with this recipe for one of my daughters who loves peanut butter and pork! The result has become a favorite—kids and grown-ups alike often request it for dinner. —Jill Cox, Lincoln, Nebraska
Up Next: High-Protein Breakfasts
Originally Published: April 21, 2023
