Macro Friendly Dinner Recipes
Last Updated on January 16, 2021 by Rachel
Macro friendly dinner recipes that are high in protein and low to moderate in fat and carbs. These macro recipes for weight loss are perfect for those counting macros or following a IIFYM lifestyle.
Counting macros or following a IIFYM lifestyle has become a very popular way of eating for those who are looking to lose weight or live a healthier lifestyle.
If you are new to macro counting be sure to check out this post on Macro Counting 101.
While macro counting allows for a lot of food flexibility it sometimes can be hard to to think of easy macro friendly meals – especially dinner recipes that the whole family will love.
What is a macro friendly meal?
Those following a macro friendly diet are counting the number of macronutrients they eat each day: protein, fat, and carbs. Since fat and carbs are more calorically dense – it is typically a lot harder to hit your protein goal for the day.
So to be considered “macro friendly” a meal is typically higher in protein and low to moderate in fat and carbs.
Related: Macro Food List
Can you eat anything if it fits in your macros?
For a lot of people the allure of following a macro based or IIFYM diet is that nothing is “off limits” as long as it fits in your macros for the day.
The problem with this way of thinking is that if the macros are similar for a candy bar vs. an apple with peanut butter – not only would you not be getting the same nutrition – the apple with peanut butter will fill you up a lot longer.
So yes – you can eat anything as long as it fits in your macros for the day. However, I personally recommend sticking to whole foods 80% of the time and leaving 20% for the fun foods.
All of the recipes I share below are whole foods based so you can save some room in your macros for dessert. Enjoy!
Macro Friendly Dinner Recipes
Macro Friendly Dinner Recipes
Bruschetta Baked Chicken
Protein: 40 | Fat: Fat: 7 | Carbs: 6
This bruschetta baked chicken is so simple yet delicious. If you love tomatoes this recipe is for you!
Slow Cooker Lean Beef Stew
Protein: 26 | Fat: 7 | Carbs: 20
This beef stew is the perfect crock pot recipe! Set it and forget it for the perfect macro friendly meal!
Low Carb Turkey Burgers with Homemade Warm Relish
Protein: 23 | Fat: 13 | Carbs: 10
Turkey burgers are a great way to get in your protein and I love this recipe that uses homemade warm relish.
Lazy Girl’s Cheese-Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf
Protein: 30 | Fat: 13 | Carbs: 15
This cheese stuffed turkey meatloaf is SO easy to make - cheese and meatloaf! YUM!
Greek Yogurt Parmesan Chicken
Protein: 40 | Fat: 5 | Carbs: 2
This Greek Yogurt Parmesan Chicken only takes a few minutes to make! Your whole family will love this chicken!
Easy Authentic Tortilla Soup
Protein: 35.2 | Fat: 7.2 | Carbs: 19.9
This chicken tortilla soup recipe is super quick and easy to make and is very diet/ macro friendly.
Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Protein: 37 | Fat: 6 | Carbs: 22
This warm and comforting soup is light and guilt free so you can have a huge bowl. Kept crustless, you’ve got the option to add your own biscuit or crusty bread if you’ve got the room!
HEALTHY FISH STICKS & TARTAR SAUCE
Protein: 24 Fat: 1 Carbs:
These healthy fish sticks with homemade tartar sauce are a family favorite! They are gluten-free, dairy-free, and easily made Paleo.
Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice in Foil Packets
Protein: 37 | Fat: 9 | Carbs: 19
These Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice in Foil Packets are amazing! The perfect meal prep recipe. The best part is that the clean up is a cinch!
Buffalo Chicken Skewers
Protein: 19 \ Fat: 9 \ Carbs: 0
You will love these Buffalo Chicken Skewers. Great for summer on the grill or year round on the indoor rill.
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets 7 Ways
Protein: 27 | Fat: 5 | Carbs: 0
You will love these air fryer chicken nuggets with 7 different options for seasonings.
Jalapeno Popper Chicken
Protein: 36 | Fat: 15 | Carbs: 26
This jalapeno popper chicken will be a family favorite for sure! I love fun recipes like this - plus it's loaded with protein!
Rosemary Dijon Mustard Pork Loin Roast
Protein: 21 Fat: 12 Carbs: 0
If you like rosemary you will enjoy this juicy pork loin roast! Make this at the beginning of the week and have your lunches all set for work. No worrying about what to make each night for the next day.
Instant Pot Chili No Beans
Protein: 10 | Fat: 7 | Carbs: 11
This healthy Instant Pot Chili without beans is ready in 30 minutes. Enjoy it warm for a quick and easy dinner that the whole family will enjoy!
White Chicken Chili
Protein: 31 | Fat: 4 | Carbs: 10
Make this White Chicken Chili Recipe in the Pressure Cooker, Instant Pot, or the slow cooker Crock pot. It is an easy high protein, low carb and low fat dinner that you will love.
Oven-Baked Salmon with Lemon Pepper
Protein: 28 | Fat: 6.5 | Carbs: 0
A healthy fish recipe that takes 1 minutes to prep and 20 to bake - a perfect dinner for anyone waiting a protein filled dish that pairs perfectly with a salad or roasted veggies.
Low Carb Zucchini Lasagna
Protein: 30 | Fat: 8 | Carbs: 12
You will love this Low Carb Zucchini Lasagna! If you are missing traditional lasagna this macro friendly version will hit the spot.
Sesame Chicken with Broccoli
Protein: 36 | Fat: 10 | Carbs: 4
Skip the takeout and make this macro friendly version of your favorite takeout! This sesame chicken with broccoli is loaded with protein and low on fat and carbs.
Orange Maple Glazed Salmon
Protein:60 | Fat: 11 | Carbs: 34
This orange-glazed maple salmon is the perfect combo of sweet and tangy. You will love your salmon prepared this way.
Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash
Protein 37 | Fat 13 | Carbs 16
This version of Million Dollar Spaghetti Squash tames down the calories and carbohydrates while boosting nutritional content with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from spaghetti squash.
