If you’re working on building muscle and/or losing weight, protein can be your best friend! Even if you’re just maintaining a healthy weight, protein is still a very important part of a healthy diet.
Proteins are made up of “building blocks” called Amino Acids, which your body uses to build and repair muscles and bones. Your body also uses them as an energy source.
On average, adults should aim for about 46g-56g each day. Most people will get enough protein through the foods they eat, and will not need to supplement. But if you’re actively lifting weights or doing high-intensity cardio, adding extra protein-rich foods to your diet is definitely a good idea to help your body maintain its protein balance as it works to build and repair your muscles.
In my house, one of our FAVOURITE high-protein meals is souvlaki! It’s healthy, incorporates tons of veggies, can be eaten in a wrap or kabob or salad, and…it’s yummy!
This Chicken Souvlaki Salad recipe contains a whopping 48g of protein, which makes up 54% of the meal’s energy source. Give this a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Chicken Souvlaki Salad
- 3 cloves garlic (minced, for marinade)
- 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice (for marinade)
- 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil (for marinade)
- 1 tsp oregano (dried, for marinade)
- 1/2 tsp salt (for marinade)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (for marinade)
- 681 gm chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
- 2 cucumbers (peeled, cubed, for salad)
- 1/2 cup red onion (sliced vertically, for salad)
- 3/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled, for salad)
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives (pitted, sliced, for salad)
- 3 medium tomatoes (cored, cubed, for salad)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain, fat-free, for tzatziki)
- 1/4 cup cucumber (peeled, grated, for tzatziki)
- 1 tsp white wine vinegar (for tzatziki)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (for tzatziki)
- 1/4 tsp dill (dried, for tzatziki)
- 1/4 tsp sea salt (for tzatziki)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (for tzatziki)
- 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper (optional, for tzatziki)
-
Place chicken in gallon-size bag with the garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, sea salt, and pepper. Seal and mix. Place in fridge to marinate for a few hours (not too long because the lemon juice will start breaking down the chicken).
-
Peel the cucumbers, quarter and slice them. Place in a large bowl. Slice your onion and cube your tomatoes – place in the bowl with the cucumbers. Add feta and olives.
-
Grill or broil chicken breasts 5 minutes on each side or until cooked through (temperature of chicken should be 165F). I cook mine a little longer if they are large. Cut chicken into 1 inch cubes and add it to your bowl.
-
In a small bowl, combine yogurt and remaining ingredients and mix for your tzatziki sauce. Pour the sauce over the veggies and chicken, mix well, and enjoy!
*************************************************************************************************************************************
Want more recipes like this delivered right to your inbox every month?
Sign up now for the Meal Plan Metamorphosis membership!
Put your meals on autopilot with a full month’s meal plan, complete with recipes, grocery list, meal prep guide, and more!
PLUS boost your fitness with VIP bonuses! Join now!
*************************************************************************************************************************************