1. Salmon with Veggies
This dish is great without any dressing. But if you like it saucy, feel free to add a sauce or dressing. You’ll also be adding some fresh lemon. The lemon keeps your salmon nice and fresh. And the Vitamin C in the lemons prevents your veggies from turning brown. And it’s made with avocado oil for extra calories and heart-healthy fats. This is an absolutely fabulous high-calorie lunch that’s high in protein and good for muscle growth.
2. Chicken Shawarma Quinoa Bowl
The chicken breasts, chickpeas, and quinoa contain tons of protein. And as you know, protein is vital for building those muscles. But nutrition aside, this dish is super yummy. The chicken breasts are marinated in warm spices like cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, and cayenne pepper. You’re also adding avocadoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce. So this dish is not only yummy but healthy too.
3. Herb Chicken Couscous
The chicken breasts are juicy-tender and full of Mediterranean flavor. That’s because you’re marinating the chicken breast in olive oil and Mediterranean spices like oregano and basil. The zucchini, red onions, red bell peppers, and yellow bell peppers add more Mediterranean flavor. You’re also cooking your couscous in vegetable broth for added flavor.
4. Crockpot Chicken
It contains a ton of calories yet very few carbs. So you won’t want to hit the sack after you eat it. But let’s stop talking about nutrition; the taste really matters. This Crockpot Chicken is super addictive. That’s because you’re topping your chicken with ranch, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Can it get any better than this? Yes! You’re adding crispy bacon, too, and green onions. So you’re getting ooey-gooey cheesiness and crispy bacon in one bite. This chicken takes about 6 hours to cook in the slow cooker. And you may be out doing errands or working while you make it.
5. Chickpea Salad
It’s spicy, tangy, and just plain delicious. And chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, parsley, and cumin add some Mediterranean flavors. So you may be wondering where most of the calories are coming from. They’re actually coming from the olive oil. Just one tablespoon has 119 calories. And it’s rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.It also contains antioxidants that combat inflammation. To get the most health benefits, it’s best to use extra-virgin olive oil.
6. Keto Pork Pie
You can eat it with your hands, and it’s traditionally eaten cold. So you don’t need a microwave to warm it up. It’s made with a yummy, savory minced pork filling. The nutmeg, sage, and beef bone stock add warmth, earthiness, and richness. Best of all, this Pie is filling yet low in carbs. That’s because you’re using almond flour to make your pie crust. Almond flour is low in carbs yet rich in heart-healthy fats. And it’s great for crusting your meat or thickening your stews.
7. Vegan Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich
You’re using pulled Jackfruit as your pork. Pulled Jackfruit has a nice meaty texture and looks just like pulled pork. Now, don’t get too excited – Jackfruit doesn’t taste like meat. However, your pulled pork has a lovely BBQ taste because you add vegan BBQ sauce and smoked paprika. This vegan sandwich is great for school meal prep.
8. Chicken Legs Chickpeas and Quinoa
It’s full of aromatic spices like cinnamon, turmeric, and coriander. So it tastes good and makes your kitchen smell good too. The red pepper flakes provide some heat, and the dried cranberries add zing. You’ll definitely want these Chicken Legs on your weekly meal rotation. And you’re serving these with chickpeas and quinoa. So you’re getting lots of plant-based protein too.
9. Mushroom Carnitas Bowl
This Mushroom Carnitas Bowl had me fooled. Looking at it, you would think it’s steak. That’s because you’re using Portobello Mushrooms, which have a meaty look and texture. You’re also grilling your Portobello Mushrooms. So, they have nice grill marks. But appearance aside, these Mushroom Carnitas are pretty flavorful. And you’re serving them with roasted corn, tomatoes, black beans, avocados, olive, vegan pepper jack cheese.
10. Red Kidney Bean Burger Bowl
These Red Kidney Bean Burgers are full of flavor from the cumin and chili. So they have some kick, but too much. And unlike some veggie burgers, they don’t fall apart. Yay! Making these veggie burgers is relatively easy. Start by draining and rinsing your canned red kidney beans. Then dry them as much as possible. This is key to making sure they don’t crumble. Mash your beans in a bowl and set them aside. Next, add bell pepper, scallions, parsley, garlic cloves, and spices to a food processor.
11. Carrot Cake Overnight Oatmeal
Tired of eating eggs and bacon in the morning? Change things up with this Carrot Cake Overnight Oatmeal with a few simple ingredients. It has all the delicious flavors of Carrot Cake. That’s because you’re adding carrots, raisins, cream cheese, and pumpkin pie spice. And we can’t forget those pecans for that nice bit of crunch. Plus, you’re adding Medjool dates for natural sweetness.
12. Chicken Farro Salad
During the summer, you want to enjoy something light, like a salad. But when you’re on a high calorie diet, you don’t want your salad too light, if you know what I mean. This dish is light, refreshing, and bursting with sweetness. That’s because you’re adding oranges, red onions, and beets. You’re also throwing in some broccoli for good measure. The sweet and savory chicken breasts add a nice boost of protein.
13. Vegan Protein Salad
With this Vegan Protein Salad, you don’t have to worry about that. That’s because one bowl of this salad provides 40 grams of protein. That’s as much protein as 7 large hard-boiled eggs! You’re getting all this protein from vegan foods like tempeh, chickpeas, tofu, and hemp seeds. As an extra bonus, you’re getting a boatload of fiber. In fact, you’re getting almost 100% of your daily fiber requirements.
14. Honey Garlic Chicken
The honey garlic sauce makes the chicken sweet, savory, and sticky. You’ll definitely be licking your fingers. And you can’t have Chinese food without some rice. So we’re serving up some brown rice too. Brown rice is a good source of complex carbs. It contains more fiber than white rice and is broken down more slowly. So you don’t have substantial sugar spikes. And it contains manganese which builds strong bones.
15. Salmon and Leek Risotto
This dish is not only good for your heart but your taste buds too. There’s flaky-tender salmon. And you’re cooking risotto with fish stock, leeks, and butter. So you get lots of buttery seafood flavors. Finally, you’re adding shredded Parmesan cheese.
16. Instant Pot Spicy Chicken
It’s nicely seasoned with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder. You’re also adding mild salsa sauce for even more Mexican flavors. Like it spicier? Kick things up a notch or two with this Salsa From Hell – yes, that’s the actual name of the salsa. To tone down the heat, you’ll be adding sweet bell peppers and creamy red kidney beans.
17. Chicken Avocado Salad
This dish is a refreshing spin on Classic Chicken Salad. It’s creamy and tastes fantastic. Instead of the mayo, you’re using avocado and yogurt. So you’re getting all the creaminess, but with lots of nutrients. Avocadoes provide lots of heart-healthy fats and fiber. Meanwhile, yogurt offers lots of calcium. Yay! Want to boost the protein even more? You can use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt.
18. Piri Piri Chicken
In case you don’t know, Piri Piri Chicken is chicken made with – drumroll please – sauce made from Piri Piri peppers. So it’s definitely spicy! But spiciness aside, this dish is quite easy to make. That’s because you’re cooking a whole chicken on a sheet pan. You’re also adding sweet potatoes and green beans.
19. Chicken Thighs with Broccoli Salad
You’re pan-frying them with garlic, kosher salt, and white wine. So your chicken is moist and super flavorful. You’re also serving the chicken thighs with salad. And this ain’t no ordinary salad. The salad is packed with broccoli, mung beans, red split lentil sprouts, sporing onions, avocado, radishes, pumpkin seeds, and fresh herbs.
20. One Pot Cream Mushroom Chicken Pasta
You get all the yumminess of an entire pasta dish – minus all the dirty pots and pans. This pasta dish is as good as they come. That’s because you’re sauteing your onions, garlic, and mushrooms in chicken grease. So you’re getting tons of savory flavors. Then you add chicken broth and heavy cream before adding your pasta. So your pasta is not only creamy but savory too. Once the pasta is al dente, you throw in some spinach for mama’s sake.
21. Sloppy Joe Casserole
You’re smothering browned ground beef and farfalle pasta with Manwich sauce, chicken broth, corn, and diced tomatoes. And you’re adding Velveeta cheese and cheddar cheese. Bake for 15 minutes, and out comes … casserole perfection. You’ll definitely want seconds – good thing you’re on a high calorie diet.
22. Chicken Alfredo Pasta
This Chicken Alfredo Pasta does double duty. You can have it for a healthy meal prep or a fancy date night. That’s because it looks and tastes like you ordered it at a fine Italian restaurant. The pasta is bathed in a rich, creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce. And it’s garnished with fresh parsley. Best of all, this meal prep, ahem date night dinner, takes just 20 minutes to make.
23. Beef Ragu
It’s hearty, comforting, and off-the-walls delicious. The beef is nice and tender, and it’s simmered in a tomato sauce along with carrots, celery, and onions. So it not only tastes good but smells great too. You’re also adding polenta, which balances the acidity of the stew. With a Beef Ragu like this, you’ll look forward to all those chilly days.
24. Beef Stroganoff
It’s creamy, soothing, and the beef just melts in your mouth. Yum! What’s remarkable is how inexpensive this Beef Stroganoff is. Traditional Beef Stroganoff is made with thinly sliced sirloin steak, which is quite pricey. However, this Beef Stroganoff is made with chuck steak, which is cheaper.
25. Crockpot Pork Chops
Time for some more homestyle comfort food. Don’t you just love eating high-calorie meals? And you can’t get more comforting than this dish. You have juicy pork chops bathed in a creamy, dreamy mushroom sauce packed with garlic and caramelized onions. They’re also tender mini gold potatoes.