Going gluten-free doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor—or protein. Whether you’re gluten-sensitive, managing celiac disease, or simply choosing a gluten-free lifestyle, hitting your protein goals is still easy with the right recipes.
Here are three quick, gluten-free, high-protein meals you can make in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, post-workout fuel, or meal prep.
1. Lemon Herb Salmon with Quinoa & Spinach
Macros (per serving): ~450 calories | 42g protein | 34g carbs | 15g fat
Ingredients (2 servings):
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2 salmon fillets (~6 oz each)
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1 cup cooked quinoa (naturally gluten-free)
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2 cups baby spinach
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Juice of 1 lemon
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp dried dill
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Salt & pepper to taste
Directions:
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Season salmon with garlic, dill, salt, and pepper.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook salmon 4–5 minutes per side.
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Sauté spinach in the same pan for 2 minutes until wilted.
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Plate salmon with quinoa and spinach, drizzle with lemon juice.
👉 Pro tip: Cook extra quinoa and use it as a base for multiple gluten-free meals during the week.
2. Chicken Fajita Lettuce Wraps
Macros (per serving): ~390 calories | 40g protein | 12g carbs | 18g fat
Ingredients (2 servings):
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2 medium chicken breasts (~8 oz total), sliced
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 green bell pepper, sliced
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½ onion, sliced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp chili powder
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1 tsp cumin
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Salt & pepper to taste
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6 large butter lettuce leaves (as wraps)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook chicken strips until browned (6–7 minutes).
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Add peppers and onion, season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until veggies soften.
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Spoon mixture into lettuce leaves and serve as wraps.
👉 Gluten-free win: Using lettuce instead of tortillas keeps this light, fresh, and completely gluten-free.
3. Greek Yogurt & Berry Protein Bowl
Macros (per serving): ~320 calories | 32g protein | 28g carbs | 6g fat
Ingredients (1 serving):
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1 cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened, gluten-free)
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1 scoop vanilla whey or plant-based protein powder (certified gluten-free)
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½ cup blueberries
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½ cup strawberries, sliced
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1 tbsp chia seeds or flax seeds
Directions:
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In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt with protein powder until smooth.
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Top with fresh berries and sprinkle chia seeds for fiber and omega-3s.
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Enjoy cold for a quick, high-protein breakfast or snack.
👉 Pro tip: Double the recipe for an easy meal-prep breakfast that lasts 2–3 days.
Final Thoughts
Eating gluten-free doesn’t mean giving up quick, delicious, or protein-rich meals. These three recipes prove that you can enjoy salmon, chicken, and even a sweet protein bowl without worrying about gluten.
With just a few clean ingredients and 30 minutes or less, you’ll be able to fuel your body, stay energized, and hit your protein targets—all while staying gluten-free.
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