10 Low-Carb High-Protein (25g) Lunch Recipes

Maintaining a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet throughout the day is made easier with delicious and satisfying lunch options. This article provides ten lunch recipes that are not only packed with at least 25 grams of protein but are also low in carbs to help you stay energized and focused. From refreshing salads to hearty bowls and wraps, these recipes are designed to be both nutritious and simple to prepare.

1. Grilled Chicken Salad with Avocado and Feta

A classic lunch option, this grilled chicken salad is elevated with the addition of creamy avocado and salty feta cheese. It is a nutrient-dense meal that is both filling and flavorful.

Nutrient	Amount
Protein	35g
Carbs	10g
Fat	20g
Calories	360

Ingredients:

• 6 oz grilled chicken breast, sliced
• 3 cups mixed greens
• 1/2 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil and lemon juice dressing

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and grilled chicken.
2. Top with sliced avocado and crumbled feta cheese.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice dressing and toss to combine.

2. Tuna-Stuffed Avocados

This simple and quick recipe requires no cooking and is perfect for a light yet satisfying lunch. The combination of protein-rich tuna and healthy fats from avocado will keep you full for hours.

Nutrient	Amount
Protein	28g
Carbs	9g
Fat	22g
Calories	340

Ingredients:

• 1 large avocado, halved and pitted
• 1 can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp chopped red onion
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Scoop out a small amount of the avocado flesh to create a larger well.
2. In a bowl, mix the tuna, Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, red onion, and parsley.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Fill the avocado halves with the tuna salad mixture.

3. Steak Fajita Power Bowl

This deconstructed fajita bowl is a flavorful and satisfying meal that is packed with protein and vegetables. It is a great way to use up leftover steak.

Nutrient	Amount
Protein	30g
Carbs	15g
Fat	18g
Calories	340

Ingredients:

• 5 oz cooked steak, sliced
• 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (mixed colors)
• 1/4 cup sliced onions
• 1 cup cauliflower rice, steamed
• 2 tbsp salsa
• 1/4 avocado, sliced

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, sauté the bell peppers and onions until tender.
2. Serve the sliced steak, sautéed vegetables, and avocado over a bed of cauliflower rice.
3. Top with salsa.

4. Shrimp and Avocado Salad

A light and refreshing salad that is perfect for a warm day. The combination of shrimp, avocado, and a zesty lime dressing is both delicious and nutritious.

Nutrient	Amount
Protein	26g
Carbs	12g
Fat	15g
Calories	290

Ingredients:

• 6 oz cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup diced cucumber
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the shrimp, avocado, cucumber, and cilantro.
2. Drizzle with lime juice and season with salt and pepper.
3. Toss gently to combine.

5. Salmon Salad with Mixed Greens

This recipe uses canned salmon for a convenient and affordable source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It is a simple and elegant lunch that can be prepared in minutes.

Nutrient	Amount
Protein	28g
Carbs	8g
Fat	18g
Calories	300

Ingredients:

• 1 can (5 oz) salmon, drained
• 3 cups mixed greens
• 1/4 cup sliced cucumber
• 2 tbsp lemon vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. Place the mixed greens and cucumber in a bowl.
2. Top with the canned salmon.
3. Drizzle with lemon vinaigrette.

6. Chicken and Cashew Lettuce Wraps

These lettuce wraps are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy a low-carb lunch. The combination of ground chicken, cashews, and a savory sauce is sure to please.

Nutrient	Amount
Protein	30g
Carbs	12g
Fat	20g
Calories	350

Ingredients:

• 6 oz ground chicken
• 1/4 cup chopped cashews
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 4-5 large lettuce leaves (iceberg or butter lettuce)

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook the ground chicken until browned.
2. Stir in the cashews, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
3. Spoon the chicken mixture into the lettuce leaves.

7. Turkey and Bacon Club Lettuce Wraps

A low-carb take on the classic club sandwich, these lettuce wraps are a satisfying and portable lunch option.

Nutrient	Amount
Protein	28g
Carbs	6g
Fat	18g
Calories	290

Ingredients:

• 4 oz sliced turkey breast
• 2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/4 avocado, sliced
• 2-3 large lettuce leaves
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise or Greek yogurt

Instructions:

1. Lay out the lettuce leaves and spread with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
2. Layer the turkey, bacon, and avocado on top.
3. Roll up the lettuce leaves to create wraps.

8. Pesto Chicken and Vegetable Skewers

These colorful and flavorful skewers are perfect for meal prepping. They can be enjoyed cold or reheated for a quick and easy lunch.

Nutrient	Amount
Protein	27g
Carbs	8g
Fat	16g
Calories	280

Ingredients:

• 6 oz chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped zucchini
• 2 tbsp pesto
• Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions:

1. Toss the chicken cubes with pesto.
2. Thread the chicken, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini onto the skewers.
3. Grill or bake until the chicken is cooked through.

9. Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Asparagus

A simple and elegant one-pan meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a pre-prepped lunch. The lemon and herbs add a fresh and vibrant flavor to the chicken and asparagus.

Nutrient	Amount
Protein	30g
Carbs	7g
Fat	15g
Calories	280

Ingredients:

• 6 oz chicken breast
• 1 cup asparagus spears
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried herbs (thyme, rosemary)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the chicken and asparagus with olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Squeeze lemon juice over the top before serving.

10. Spicy Ground Turkey and Cabbage Stir-fry

This quick and easy stir-fry is a great way to use up leftover vegetables. The combination of spicy ground turkey and crunchy cabbage is both satisfying and flavorful.

Nutrient	Amount
Protein	28g
Carbs	10g
Fat	16g
Calories	300

Ingredients:

• 6 oz ground turkey
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1/4 cup chopped onions
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tsp sriracha or other chili sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook the ground turkey until browned.
2. Add the onions and cabbage and cook until the cabbage is tender.
3. Stir in the soy sauce, sriracha, and sesame oil.

References

[1] EatingWell. “14 Low-Carb Lunches That Are High in Protein.” https://www.eatingwell.com/low-carb-high-protein-lunch-recipes-8654719

[2] Prevention. “18 Healthy High-Protein, Low-Carb Meal Ideas to Keep You Fueled.” https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/g30705839/high-protein-low-carb-meal-ideas/