Protein-Maxxing with Turkey and Dairy

June 23, 2026

By Gretchen Westdal Centers

You can’t go into a grocery store, restaurant, coffee shop or even a gas station without noticing that pushing protein is a big food trend. And while protein-filled chips, cookies, cereal, coffee… the list goes on, can be great in a pinch. There’s no replacing the real deal. Whole foods that are nutrient-dense, locally sourced and satiating. June is Turkey and Dairy month. And both are options that are filled with protein and vital nutrients that keep you feeling fuller, longer — and are versatile enough to incorporate into your summer meals. We’re featuring recipes that not only impress and delight but also offer a substantial amount of protein so you can reach your health goals. 

 

One Pot Pasta Skillet | Iowa Pork 

Now in summer, one doesn’t always yearn for a warm pasta dish. But we promise you this One Pot Pasta Skillet is worth it. It’s an easy weeknight meal that features the mouthwatering combination of lean pork loin, roasted red peppers, bright tomato sauce and melty, decadent cream cheese — all topped with fresh garden basil that will have you going for a second serving. Pork loin is an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential B vitamins like thiamin and niacin, and selenium, which supports a healthy immune system. Plus, the ease of making the dish is another reason not to skip. Between sports practices, evening chores or sitting on the porch with a good book, you don’t want to waste precious time in the kitchen. In under 30 minutes, you can have a well-balanced meal that brings everyone to the table. 

Get the recipe here: One Pot Pasta Skillet

 

 

Homemade Blueberry Lavender Lemon Yogurt Ice Pops |
U.S. Dairy 

What’s better than dessert? How about a dessert that also creates a fun and hands-on summertime activity for kids who might be “booooored.” The next time you hear the two dreaded words indicating their imaginations have been tapped out, reach for this Homemade Blueberry Lavender Lemon Yogurt Ice Pop recipe. A trip to the store for ingredients and supplies, followed by making it together in the kitchen, will give you a memory-making activity that beats any screen. Lemon and blueberry are the perfect summer combo — citrus and sour meeting subtly sweet — and lavender is a delightful, sophisticated surprise. It all comes together when the tart-yet-creamy and deceptively healthy Greek yogurt enters the mix. Greek yogurt is packed with probiotics that promote gut health and is significantly higher in protein than traditional yogurt, helping stabilize blood sugar levels and potentially keeping moods happier. Freeze overnight and enjoy the next day!

Get the recipe here: Homemade Blueberry Lavender Lemon Yogurt Ice Pops

 

 

Tempeh and Turkey Power Balls | Soy Foods Council 

The versatility of these Tempeh and Turkey Power Balls is incredible. Not only do they have hidden veggies — shallot and carrot — nestled into the protein-packed tempeh and turkey, but they also work in a variety of summertime dishes. Maybe you include them in a bowl-style meal, surrounded by couscous, spinach, cherry tomatoes and feta? Or they can serve as your meatballs for spaghetti night. You can even enjoy them as a midday snack if you’re feeling sluggish. The turkey, tempeh and tofu will leave you feeling fuller for longer because they are complete proteins rich in amino acids. And, as a fermented soy product, tempeh is rich in prebiotics, which feed beneficial gut bacteria. It also provides a substantial amount of iron and manganese, which are crucial for energy production and bone health. Its mild flavors are ideal for customizing to whatever meal you need a protein source for, and it freezes well, so you can make a double batch for future use. 

Get the recipe here: Tempeh and Turkey Power Balls

 

 

 

Turkey-Vegetable Hash Brown Quiche | Incredible Edible Egg 

For many families, the summer is a time when rules bend, and schedules are a little more lackadaisical. That’s why this Turkey-Vegetable Hash Brown Quiche is a perfect dish for any time of day. The quiche is well-rounded, easy to prep and reheat, so it can be enjoyed whenever hunger strikes. Swapping out the traditional flour crust for shredded hash browns gives you a surprising, golden, crunchy base that gives it an inventive, mouthwatering twist. Inside, it's packed with lean turkey, colorful veggies and fluffy eggs. This dish is a true nutritional powerhouse, delivering high-quality complete protein to support muscle repair. That combined with the essential vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber from the fresh vegetables, you’ve got a sneakily healthy meal that wows. 

Get the recipe here: Turkey-Vegetable Hash Brown Quiche 

 

 

 

 

Athenian Beef Meatloaf with Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce |
Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.  

When you think of meatloaf, you might picture a heavy winter comfort food — but this Athenian Beef Meatloaf completely flips the script for summer. Infused with Mediterranean flavors like garlic, oregano, and feta, and paired with a refreshing, chilled cucumber-yogurt sauce, it’s a bright and zesty dish perfect for warm June evenings. Lean beef takes center stage as an excellent source of high-quality protein. It’s then topped off with the homemade cucumber yogurt sauce that not only adds a cool, creamy contrast but also provides an extra boost of muscle-building protein and bone-strengthening calcium from the Greek yogurt. It’s a clever, nutrient-dense spin on a classic that will leave you feeling fueled without feeling weighed down.

Get the recipe here: Athenian Beef Meatloaf with Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce

 

 

 

Baked Sesame Turkey Tenders | Iowa Turkey Federation 

Skip the drive-thru and the greasy frying oil this summer with a crunchy, homemade alternative that kids and adults alike will crave. These Baked Sesame Turkey Tenders offer the satisfying texture of traditional chicken strips, with a nutritious, flavorful twist. By using turkey tenderloins, you get an exceptionally lean source of protein that is naturally rich in selenium — a potent antioxidant that supports thyroid function — and B-vitamins like niacin and B6, which help convert your food into sustained energy for the endless outdoor activities that summer allows. The nutty sesame seed coating adds a delightful crunch while providing heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber and essential minerals such as magnesium and zinc. Baked to golden perfection in just a few minutes, they are perfect for dipping alongside a crisp garden salad.

Get the recipe here: Baked Sesame Turkey Tenderloins