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25 No-Cook Protein Ideas - Kathy Smith

25 No-Cook

PROTEIN IDEAS


You don’t need to fire up the stove for every protein-rich meal. With some smart prep (like cooking extra chicken or lentils on your meal prep days) and clever assembly techniques, you can create satisfying, protein-packed meals in minutes.
 
Today’s 25 no-cook recipes prove that “assembly-only” doesn’t mean compromising on nutrition or flavor. Whether you prefer animal-based or plant-based proteins, these recipes will help you hit your protein goals while keeping your cool – literally!
 
Think of it as a strategy, not a shortcut. By having protein-rich ingredients ready to go, you can assemble meals in minutes – perfect for busy weekday lunches, post-workout refueling, or those evenings when you want something simple and nourishing. 
 
Protein matters! As we age, our bodies become less efficient at processing protein, making it crucial to increase our intake for maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and overall vitality.
 
Current research recommends consuming 0.75 to 1 gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight, with some women over 65 potentially needing up to 1.3 grams per pound. Getting enough protein not only supports strong muscles and healthy bones but also helps stabilize blood sugar and keeps you feeling satisfied longer. Your body is hungry for more protein!
 
Boost your daily protein with today’s 25 no-cook, high-protein recipes that are perfect for busy days. These options include both animal-based and plant-based proteins to suit every dietary preference, from yogurt bowls to bean salads. 
 

Tuna Avocado Boats (35g Protein)

Ingredients:
1 can tuna in water (drained)
1 medium avocado
1 tbsp Greek yogurt
Lemon juice, salt, and pepper
Instructions: Mix tuna, yogurt, and seasonings. Scoop into avocado halves.

Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps (40g Protein per Wrap)

Ingredients:
3 oz rotisserie chicken breast (shredded)
1 large whole-grain tortilla
1 cup romaine lettuce
2 tbsp Caesar dressing (light)
1 tbsp grated Parmesan

Instructions: Layer ingredients in the tortilla, wrap tightly, and serve.

Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad (35g Protein)

Ingredients:
1 can tuna in water (drained)
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp chopped dill
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup diced celery

Instructions: Mix all ingredients and enjoy with crackers or lettuce wraps.

Egg Salad with Cottage Cheese (30g Protein)

Ingredients:
2 hard-boiled eggs (chopped)
1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Paprika and black pepper
Instructions: Mix ingredients together and serve with whole-grain crackers or cucumber slices.

Chicken & Hummus Lettuce Wraps (35g Protein)

Ingredients:
3 oz rotisserie chicken breast (shredded)
1/4 cup hummus
4 large lettuce leaves
1/4 cup shredded carrots

Instructions: Spread hummus on lettuce, layer chicken and carrots, and roll into wraps.

Smoked Salmon & Egg Plate (32g Protein)

Ingredients:
2 hard-boiled eggs (sliced)
2 oz smoked salmon
1/2 avocado
Lemon wedges

Instructions: Arrange ingredients on a plate and drizzle avocado with lemon juice.

Caprese Chicken Salad (30g Protein)

Ingredients:
3 oz cooked chicken breast (shredded)
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1/4 cup fresh mozzarella (cubed)
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 cup mixed greens

Instructions: Toss all ingredients together in a bowl.

Protein-Packed Egg Wrap (35g Protein)

Ingredients:
3 hard-boiled eggs (chopped)
1 large whole-grain tortilla
2 tbsp Greek yogurt
1 tbsp mustard
Spinach leaves

Instructions: Mix eggs, yogurt, and mustard. Spread on tortilla, add spinach, and roll.

Tuna & Quinoa Salad (35g Protein)

Ingredients:
1 can tuna in water (drained)
1/2 cup cooked quinoa (store-bought or pre-cooked)
1/4 cup diced cucumber
1 tbsp olive oil
Lemon juice and parsley

Instructions: Toss all ingredients together and serve.

Chicken Avocado Protein Bowl (40g Protein)

Ingredients:
3 oz rotisserie chicken breast (shredded)
1/2 avocado (sliced)
1 cup spinach
2 tbsp Greek yogurt
1 tbsp lime juice

Instructions: Layer spinach, chicken, and avocado. Drizzle with yogurt and lime.
These recipes are perfect for a quick, healthy, and high-protein meal. Let me know if you’d like substitutions or nutrition details!

Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Shake (30g Protein)

Ingredients:
1 scoop KS Wellness Collagen Protein (Chocolate)
1 cup almond milk
2 tbsp almond butter
1 tbsp chia seeds
Ice
Instructions: Blend until smooth.

Chickpea Avocado Salad (30g Protein)

Ingredients:
1 cup canned chickpeas (rinsed)
1 medium avocado
2 tbsp hemp seeds
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
Lemon juice, salt, and pepper

Instructions: Mash avocado, mix in chickpeas, and sprinkle with hemp seeds and nutritional yeast.

Greek Yogurt Parfait with Granola & Berries (35g Protein)

Ingredients:
1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
1/4 cup high-protein granola
1/2 cup mixed berries
1 tbsp chia seeds

Instructions: Layer yogurt, granola, and berries. Top with chia seeds.

Lentil & Quinoa Salad with Spinach (32g Protein)

Ingredients:
1 cup cooked lentils (store-bought)
1/2 cup cooked quinoa
1 cup spinach
2 tbsp tahini dressing

Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls (30g Protein for 3 balls)

Ingredients:
1 scoop KS Wellness Collagen Protein (Vanilla)
1/2 cup oats
2 tbsp peanut butter
1 tbsp flaxseed meal
Honey to taste

Instructions: Mix, roll into balls, and refrigerate.

Black Bean & Corn Salad with Avocado (30g Protein)

Ingredients:
1 cup black beans (cooked)
1/2 cup sweet corn
1 medium avocado
2 tbsp lime juice

Instructions: Toss all ingredients together.

Edamame Hummus & Veggie Wraps (30g Protein per Wrap)

Ingredients:
1/2 cup edamame hummus
1 large whole-grain wrap
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup baby spinach

Instructions: Spread hummus on wrap, layer veggies, and roll tightly.

Matcha Protein Shake (30g Protein)

Ingredients:
1 scoop KS Wellness Collagen Protein (Vanilla)
1 tsp matcha powder
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 frozen banana
Ice

Instructions: Blend all ingredients.

Tofu Poke Bowl (32g Protein)

Ingredients:
1/2 block firm tofu (cubed)
1/2 cup cooked brown rice
1/2 cup edamame
Soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds

Instructions: Combine tofu, rice, and edamame. Drizzle with sauce.

Almond & Pumpkin Seed Chia Pudding (30g Protein)

Ingredients:
1/4 cup chia seeds
1 cup almond milk
2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
1 tbsp almond butter

Instructions: Mix chia seeds and milk. Refrigerate until set, then top with seeds and almond butter.

Vegan Protein Smoothie Bowl (30g Protein)

Ingredients:
1 scoop vegan protein powder
1/2 cup frozen mango
1/2 cup frozen spinach
1 cup almond milk

Instructions: Blend thick, top with granola, chia seeds, and berries.

High-Protein Trail Mix (30g Protein per Serving)

Ingredients:
1/4 cup almonds
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup dried edamame
1 tbsp dried cranberries

Instructions: Mix and enjoy.

Cottage Cheese & Berry Bowl (35g Protein)

Ingredients:
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
1/2 cup blueberries
1 tbsp flaxseeds

Instructions: Combine and mix.

Cashew & Chickpea Lettuce Wraps (30g Protein)

Ingredients:
1/2 cup roasted chickpeas
1/4 cup cashews
4 large lettuce leaves
Tahini dressing

Instructions: Fill lettuce leaves with chickpeas, cashews, and drizzle dressing.

Vanilla Berry Collagen Smoothie (30g Protein)

Ingredients:
1 scoop KS Wellness Protein (Vanilla)
1/2 cup mixed berries
1 cup unsweetened oat milk
1 tbsp chia seeds
Ice

Instructions: Blend until creamy.


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