17 Unique Dinner Ideas You Can Make For a Family With Cancer.
When a family is facing a cancer diagnosis, maintaining a healthy diet becomes more important (and harder!) than ever.
Good nutrition can help support your body through treatments, strengthen your immune system, and improve your overall well-being. Plus, this family is going to need ENERGY in spades!
Finding high-protein meals that are both nutritious and delicious can be extremely challenging during a crisis diagnosis. According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center “The most important thing is to make sure you get the calories and protein you need to keep your body strong during your treatment.”Time and money are HUGE obstacles for families facing cancer.
If you’re looking for a way to help a family going through cancer, here are our favorite healthy high protein dinner ideas so you can deliver balanced, delicious meals that are easy to prepare, nourishing, and packed with nutrients to support their journey.
Heads up: If you have a friend, neighbor, or someone you work with who has been diagnosed with cancer and you want to do something meaningful for the family but you have no idea what to do or how to proceed… The Support Squad Care Kit: 13 Genuine Ways to Help a Family with Cancer is packed full of thoughtful and practical ways to help that ANYONE can do.
Because when you ask a family with cancer “do you need anything?”, they’ll almost always say no. Why?
- They have NO clue what they need, how you can help, or what would make this any easier for them.
- They’re drowning in this situation trying to manage a complicated, terrifying diagnosis and it’s hard to see anything beyond that.
These are useful ways to help that will give the family the extra support they need without having to figure out a lot of complicated details.
Meal Prep Quick Tips:
- Drop off your meal in a disposable pan (you can grab one at the dollar store). This way you don’t have to worry about losing your dish. And they don’t have to worry if they don’t return it.
- Cover with a disposable lid or tin foil.
- Write the directions and any important information on the lid. (example: “Everything’s cooked. Just heat @ 350 degrees until hot, sprinkle the cheese on top and melt in the oven. That’s it!”)
- Not sure how to saute, or season meals for someone with cancer? Cooking with chemo can help…
1.Chicken Salad with a Twist
How about a light and refreshing chicken salad? Use grilled chicken (I grab a pack of boneless skinless chicken and chop it into chunks, then I season it with this for some seriously amazing chicken). Need a quicker version? Grab a rotisserie chicken and chop it up.
Then add green leaf or romaine lettuce mixed with a variety of colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots and bell peppers. You can also add a handful of spinach or arugula for an extra dose of greens.
For a twist, include some fresh berries (strawberries or blueberries) or Honey Crisp apples.
Finally, you can add a little extra protein by tossing in chunks of cheese (I love block Mozzarella for this), or shredded cheese.
Top it off with a simple dressing (hint: I use this one but with balsamic vinegar…)
2. Pasta Primavera
Pasta primavera is a great way to incorporate a variety of different vegetables into the dish.
Sauté a colorful mix of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, and asparagus in olive oil, and toss them with the cooked pasta.
You can add some grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein (I grab a pack of boneless skinless chicken and chop it into chunks, then I season it with this for some seriously amazing chicken). Need a quicker version? Grab a rotisserie chicken and chop it up.
Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, lemon and fresh basil for a burst of flavor.
3. Turkey Burgers
Turkey burgers are a leaner and flavorful alternative to traditional beef burgers. They’re quick and easy to make using this recipe…
Then you can grill or pan-fry them and serve them on hamburger buns with your favorite toppings—think lettuce, tomato, avocado, pickles. You can even pair your burger with a side of sweet potato fries (quick and easy in the air fryer) or a simple salad.
4. Chicken Noodle Soup
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. Add that to the fact that it’s healing and is full of ingredients to help boost your immune system… chicken noodle soup is a no brainer.
This homemade soup can be made in 30 minutes if you use a rotisserie chicken…Soothing soup that’s perfect for days when they need something easy on the stomach. Hint: Throw in some whole grain crackers with cheese and a few apples to round out this meal.
5. Chicken Fajitas
Chicken fajitas are a quick and easy dinner option that’s packed with flavor. Sauté strips of chicken breast with bell peppers and onions in a mix of chili powder, cumin, and paprika.
They can serve the fajita mix in tortillas with toppings like guacamole, salsa, and a sprinkle of cheese.
6. Fancy Ramen
Elevate your ramen game with a healthy, homemade version. Incorporate a protein source like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu, and top with a soft-boiled egg.
Here’s our favorite recipe for a delicious, upgraded version of this incredible soup…
7. Chicken with Vegetable Medley
Roasting a whole chicken is a fantastic way to create a hearty meal that can serve multiple purposes. Season your chicken with herbs like rosemary, thyme, and garlic, then roast it alongside root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips. You throw the whole meal in a slow cooker to make it even easier.
The vegetables will soak up the flavors from the chicken, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. Need an easier option? Rotisserie chicken is a versatile and QUICK dinner option that creates a healthy dinner in minutes. Tender chicken you can easily pair with a vegetable medley.
Sautee a mix of your favorite vegetables—such as squash, zucchini, spinach, carrots, snap peas and asparagus—and serve them alongside the chicken. A simple salt and black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice can enhance the flavors.
8. Pork Fried Rice
Pork fried rice is a satisfying dish that can become a complete meal if you do it right. Sauté diced pork tenderloin (great for leftovers from a previous meal) with vegetables like peas, carrots, and green onions.
Scramble in an egg for added protein and flavor, and season. Here’s our favorite recipe…
9. Grilled Pork Chops with a Side Salad
Grilled pork chops make for a hearty and flavorful meal. Season the pork chops with a mix of herbs and spices, then grill them to perfection.
Serve with a simple side salad made from a bag of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. You can also add a serving of quinoa (whole grains) or white or brown rice for some extra fiber and nutrients.
10. Stir-Fry
Stir-fry is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit their tastes and dietary needs. Choose a protein like chicken, shrimp, or even lean meats like steak (chicken stir fry is my family’s favorite).
Stir-fry the meat with a colorful array of vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots. Use a mix of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for seasoning, and serve over white rice.
Here’s a great recipe that takes less than 30 min…
Want to kick it up a notch? Sliced apples with peanut butter on the side would be amazing with this!
11. Charcuterie Board Dinner
It doesn’t have to be a bunch of weird fancy meats that no one has ever heard of. A charcuterie board can be a fun dinner that gives everyone different options. Include a variety of lean proteins like turkey slices, ham, roast beef and grilled chicken.
Add an assortment of cheeses, whole grain crackers, fresh fruit, and nuts. Pair with a side of olives and pickles for extra flavor. This meal is perfect for grazing and can be easily tailored to preferences. You can even add some pieces of dark chocolate or a few chocolate covered strawberries.
Here’s a ton of ideas for these boards…
12. Street Tacos with Turkey Meat
Turkey Street tacos are just as delicious as ground beef but way healthier… Here’s the best recipe we’ve found (bonus it’s quick)…Packed with tons of protein and Mexican flavors that pop in your mouth, this is a delicious dinner.
Make sure to add a pack of tortillas and lots of toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, shredded cheese, diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Add sour cream, guacamole and salsa. Serve with a side of black bean and rice.
Hint: You can also include tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole.
13. Shrimp or Chicken Lo Mein
Shrimp or chicken lo mein is a comforting dish that can be made using asian noodles and plenty of vegetables.
Sauté shrimp with a mix of broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas. This dish is both satisfying and nutrient-dense, making it perfect for dinner. Plus, it can feed a whole lot of people (or makes for leftovers the next day).
Here’s a recipe that takes 20 minutes to make…
14. Lemon Chicken with Vegetable Medley
This is a bright, healthy and flavorful dish: Easy chicken piccata with pasta with fresh veggies. Here is the healthier version which uses chicken broth and less butter (plus it’s sooooo good!)…
Serve alongside a medley of roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, carrots, red onion and green beans.
15. Turkey Meatloaf with Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Turkey meatloaf is a lean and delicious alternative to traditional meatloaf. Mix ground turkey with finely chopped onions, garlic, breadcrumbs, and a blend of herbs and spices.
Bake it until it’s cooked through and pair it with a side of mashed sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, providing a nutrient boost along with the comforting flavor.
But we highly recommend you combine the two and get this incredible sweet potato turkey meatloaf…
16. Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Ham
A classic comfort food like macaroni and cheese may be just what they need. And when you add ham you turn it into a full meal. This dish can be paired with a simple green salad to add some fresh vegetables.
You can find the best recipe for baked mac and cheese with ham here…
17. BLT Pasta Salad
This probably doesn’t have enough protein to make the list, but I included it because the family you’re cooking for is going to LOVE THIS!
BLT pasta salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that combines the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with the heartiness of pasta. Using pasta as the base, and mixing in crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, and chopped lettuce and an easy greek yogurt dressing.
You can get the full recipe here…
These high protein dinner recipes are designed with a variety of nutritious, delicious meals that will support their health and well-being during a cancer journey.
The key to maintaining a healthy diet during cancer treatment is flexibility. their needs and preferences may change from day to day.
If they need more meal ideas you can find our 7 day meal plan for cancer patients here…The most important thing is to ensure they’re nourishing their body with wholesome foods that they enjoy.
P.S. If you have a friend, neighbor, or someone you work with who has been diagnosed with cancer and you want to do something meaningful for the family but you have no idea what to do or how to proceed… The Support Squad Care Kit: 13 Genuine Ways to Help a Family with Cancer is packed full of thoughtful and practical ways to help that ANYONE can do.
Because when you ask a family with cancer “do you need anything?”, they’ll almost always say no. Why?
- They have NO clue what they need, how you can help, or what would make this any easier for them.
- They’re drowning in this situation trying to manage a complicated, terrifying diagnosis and it’s hard to see anything beyond that.
These are useful ways to help that will give the family the extra support they need without having to figure out a lot of complicated details.
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