15 High-Protein Holiday Recipes for Special Occasions You’ll Love

You're looking for high-protein holiday recipes to make your special occasions more enjoyable and nutritious. You'll find dishes like Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast and High Protein Eggnog Cheesecake that incorporate protein-rich ingredients.

These recipes will help you create a guilt-free and delicious holiday meal, but that's just the beginning - you'll want to explore the full list to discover more options.

1. Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast

Tender turkey breast smothered in a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze.

Ingredients

• 1 (4-6 pound) turkey breast
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the turkey breast in a shallow baking dish and brush the cranberry glaze all over the turkey.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the turkey breast.
5. Bake the turkey for 20 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

2. Protein Packed Christmas Cookies

Indulge in protein-packed Christmas cookies for a healthier holiday treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup protein powder
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, oats, protein powder, coconut sugar, and baking soda.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the peanut butter, honey, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
5. Fold in the chopped nuts.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Holiday Quinoa Salad Bowl

A nutritious and flavorful quinoa salad perfect for the holidays.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup mixed greens
• 1 cup roasted turkey breast
• 1/2 cup diced apple
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and cook according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, mixed greens, roasted turkey breast, diced apple, and crumbled feta cheese.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
4. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.
5. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy.

4. Baked Salmon Recipes

Delicious salmon baked with herbs and lemon.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 lemons
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the salmon fillets.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic.
6. Place a lemon slice on top of each salmon fillet.
7. Sprinkle parsley over the salmon fillets.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through.
9. Serve hot and enjoy.

5. High Protein Eggnog Cheesecake

Rich and creamy eggnog cheesecake with a high-protein twist.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 pounds cream cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 cup eggnog
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Mix crust ingredients and press into a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add eggs one at a time.
4. Mix in almond milk, eggnog, protein powder, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour cheesecake batter into prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes.
6. Cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
7. Release springform pan sides and slice to serve.

6. Christmas Morning Omelette

Fluffy and flavorful omelette perfect for Christmas morning.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup diced ham
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and a pinch of salt until well combined.
2. Heat the butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the diced ham, bell peppers, and onion to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are tender.
4. Pour the whisked eggs over the cooked vegetables and ham in the skillet.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the eggs.
6. Cook the eggs until the edges start to set, then use a spatula to gently fold the omelette in half.
7. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the cheese is melted and the eggs are almost set.
8. Slide the omelette out of the skillet onto a plate and serve hot.

7. Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Tender chicken breasts stuffed with a savory spinach filling.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, feta cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach mixture.
5. Close the incision and secure with toothpicks if needed.
6. Brush the outside of the chicken with olive oil.
7. Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through.
8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

8. New Year's Eve Sliders

Mini beef burgers served on small buns with festive toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 4 small hamburger buns
• Lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Cheese
• Pickles

Instructions

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
3. Use hands to mix the ingredients until just combined.
4. Divide the mixture into 4 equal parts and shape into small patties.
5. Grill the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
6. Split the small hamburger buns in half and toast on the grill.
7. Assemble the sliders by spreading a small amount of mayonnaise or ketchup on the bottom bun, followed by a cooked patty, lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles, and finally the top bun.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy.

9. Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Classic green bean casserole with a crispy fried onion topping.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh or frozen green beans
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/2 cups French-fried onions
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch green beans for 5 minutes.
3. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms in butter until tender.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, and salt.
5. Add the cooked green beans, sautéed onion and mushrooms to the bowl and stir well.
6. Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. Sprinkle French-fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the onions are golden brown.

10. Roasted Turkey and Gravy

Classic roasted turkey with savory gravy.

Ingredients

• 1 (12-14 pound) whole turkey
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup turkey gravy mix
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Rinse and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
3. Rub the melted butter, olive oil, garlic, thyme, and sage all over the turkey.
4. Season the turkey with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
6. Roast the turkey for about 4-4 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. While the turkey is cooking, prepare the gravy by mixing the chicken broth and turkey gravy mix in a small bowl.
8. When the turkey is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes.
9. Strain the turkey drippings from the roasting pan into a saucepan and discard any excess fat.
10. Add the prepared gravy mixture to the saucepan with the turkey drippings and whisk until smooth.
11. Bring the gravy to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
12. Serve the roasted turkey with the homemade gravy.

11. Holiday Protein Smoothie Bowl

A delicious and nutritious holiday protein smoothie bowl made with frozen berries and vanilla protein powder.

Ingredients

• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup fresh blueberries

Instructions

1. Combine protein powder, frozen berries, almond milk, and Greek yogurt in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Add honey and blend until well combined.
3. Pour the smoothie into a bowl.
4. Top with sliced almonds, shredded coconut, and fresh blueberries.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy.

12. Chicken and Vegetable Kabobs

Grilled chicken and colorful vegetables come together in a healthy kabob dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 1 onion
• 2 zucchinis
• 2 yellow squash
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and set aside.
3. Cut the bell peppers, onion, zucchinis, and yellow squash into 1-inch pieces.
4. Thread the chicken and vegetables onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
5. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
6. Brush the garlic mixture onto both sides of the chicken and vegetables.
7. Grill the kabobs for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, or until the chicken is cooked through.
8. Serve hot and enjoy.

13. Protein Rich Christmas Fudge

Rich and creamy fudge with a high-protein twist.

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup protein powder of choice
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
3. In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, protein powder, and confectioners' sugar, mixing until smooth.
4. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
5. Pour the melted butter into the yogurt mixture and stir until combined.
6. Fold in the chopped nuts and dark chocolate chips.
7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and refrigerate until set.
8. Cut into small squares and serve.

14. Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

Delicious roasted chicken and vegetables perfect for holidays.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken
• 2 carrots
• 2 potatoes
• 1 large onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
4. Peel and chop the carrots, potatoes, and onion.
5. Mince the garlic and mix with olive oil.
6. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and arrange the vegetables around it.
7. Brush the vegetables with the garlic and olive oil mixture.
8. Roast in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
9. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

15. High Protein Holiday Truffles

Creamy treats packed with protein for a guilt-free holiday indulgence.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, almond butter, and honey. Mix until well combined.
2. Add vanilla protein powder and mix until a dough forms.
3. Fold in chopped nuts and dark chocolate chips.
4. Use a small cookie scoop to form truffles, about 1 inch in diameter.
5. Place truffles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
7. Melt coconut oil and dip each truffle into the oil, then roll in additional chopped nuts or cocoa powder if desired.
8. Refrigerate for an additional 10 minutes to set the coating.
9. Serve chilled and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Conclusion

You'll love these 15 high-protein holiday recipes, perfect for special occasions. Notably, about 70% of Americans prioritize protein intake during holidays. With dishes like Cranberry Glazed Turkey Breast and High Protein Eggnog Cheesecake, you can indulge guilt-free, meeting your protein needs and enjoying delicious meals with family and friends.