A healthy lunch might be the best productivity hack: It provides you with the energy you need to power through that afternoon slump and ensures that you can finish up your day without feeling... hangry. So when it came to choosing our best healthy lunch ideas, we didn't just gather our lowest-calorie recipes. We put together a list of our best nutrient-packed dishes that contain plenty of satisfying ingredients (nuts! cheese! creamy spreads!) and are easy to make for lunch. In fact, most of them can be made in 30 minutes or less.
While we love a veggie-packed salad, that's not all you'll find on this list. Healthy sandwiches, cozy soups, grain bowls, pastas, toasts and more lunch faves can all be part of a healthy diet. "A balanced lunch can energize your body and help stabilize your blood sugar levels. Choosing a lunch rich in lean protein and fiber can help keep you full and satiated too," says Nutrition Lab Director Stefani Sassos. There's nothing that ruins healthy dinner plans faster than snacking all day because of an underwhelming lunch.
Picky eater? We included options for all kinds of eaters and dietary requirements. We included vegetarian and vegan options as well as gluten-free picks. No time? With a little bit of meal prep, you can get that healthy meal on your table even faster (or even completely ready to go in the fridge — make-ahead meals FTW!). And the best part about healthy lunching? Having room for healthy dessert, too.
1
Mason Jar Instant Noodle Soup
Load veggies and bouillon base into a mason jar for lunch that's ready whenever you are. Just add boiling water!
Get the Mason Jar Instant Noodle Soup recipe.
2
Fully-Loaded Veggie Sandwiches
No meat, no problem! This vegan sammie is stuffed with crunchy veggies, juicy tomatoes and two spreads for an ultra-satisfying bite.
Get the Fully-Loaded Veggie Sandwiches recipe.
RELATED: 85 Best Vegan Recipes for Lunch, Dinner and Beyond
3
Salmon Salad Tartines
Think beyond tuna — canned salmon is a tasty toast topper and comes with a hit of omega-3 fatty acids.
Get the Salmon Salad Tartines recipe.
RELATED: The Best Canned Foods To Keep In Your Pantry, According to a Nutritionist
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4
Snap Pea and Chicken Salad
This one-step recipe combines snap peas, shredded rotisserie chicken and onion with a lemony dressing.
Get the Snap Pea and Chicken Salad recipe.
5
Sweet Potato Breakfast Burritos
Brunch for lunch? We wouldn't say no, especially when you can make them ahead of time and and freeze up to 2 months.
Get the Sweet Potato Breakfast Burritos recipe.
RELATED: 36 Quick and Easy Breakfast Ideas to Start Your Day Off Right
6
Vegetarian Antipasto Salad
This bright, crowd-pleasing salad is loaded with everything good — tomatoes, chickpeas, cukes, and yes, those extra-small, extra-fun mozzarella balls — and as a bonus, can easily be made ahead.
Get the Vegetarian Antipasto Salad recipe.
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7
Creamy Kale Pasta
Shh... the creaminess comes from 1/2 cup of protein-packed cottage cheese.
Get the Creamy Kale Pasta recipe.
8
Green Goddess Sandwiches
Eggs aren't just for breakfast. The tasty orbs are the perfect way to pack protein into a vegetarian sandwich.
Get the Green Goddess Sandwiches recipe.
RELATED: 30 Best Egg Recipes That Are Healthy and Simple to Make for Any Meal
9
Poblano and Black Bean Loaded Baked Potato
Microwaving spuds before roasting cuts the cooking time in half so these can be ready by lunchtime.
Get the Poblano and Black Bean Loaded Baked Potato recipe.
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10
Air Fryer Salmon Flatbreads
Cut into bite-size pieces, one pound of salmon takes just six minutes to cook in the air fryer. Lunch is ready!
Get the Air Fryer Salmon Flatbreads recipe.
RELATED: 45 Healthy Air Fryer Recipes for Any Time of Day
11
Roasted Eggplant Veggie Burgers
To have homemade veggie burgers ready for lunch, prep them ahead of time, let cool, then wrap individually and freeze. When you're ready to eat, just roast 'em until warm.
Get the Roasted Eggplant Veggie Burgers recipe.
12
Greek Salad
With such a short ingredient list, this Mediterranean classic shines especially bright with quality produce. Use the ripest, juiciest tomatoes and crispest cucumbers you can find.
Get the Greek Salad recipe.
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13
Soba Noodle Salad with Shrimp and Ginger Vinaigrette
No one wants a soggy salad. This make-ahead recipe stays crunchy all day, right up until you drench it in a ginger vinaigrette, toss and enjoy.
Get the Soba Noodle Salad with Shrimp and Ginger Vinaigrette recipe.
14
Avocado and Tuna Salad Wrap
Avocado subs in for creamy mayo in this lightened-up take on a tuna salad sandwich. Throw some extra mixed greens into the equation and everyone will be happy.
Get the Avocado and Tuna Salad Wrap recipe.
15
Waldorf Chicken Salad
A power lunch mainstay, this all-time American favorite combines the best of our fresh pantry with a creamy mustard-based dressing. It's ready from scratch in under 20 minutes and is designed for easy meal prep at the start of the work week.
Get the Waldorf Chicken Salad recipe.
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16
Chickpea Pasta Salad in a Jar
Just flip it over, watch the dressing run down, and dig into this veggie-packed mason jar salad.
Get the Chickpea Pasta Salad in a Jar recipe.
17
Salmon Niçoise Salad
With olives, hard-boiled egg, potatoes and green beans, we figured out a formula for the classic salad that you can make ahead to pack on the go.
Get the Salmon Niçoise Salad recipe.
RELATED: 30+ Easy Salmon Recipes to Make for Dinner Tonight
18
Greek Salad Wraps
Finding a protein-packed vegetarian lunch option can be a challenge, but these chickpea-studded wraps are here to save the day. (Pro tip: If you're keeping close tabs on your fat and sodium numbers, dial down the amount of feta you use. A small amount still adds a ton of flavor.)
Get the Greek Salad Wraps recipe.
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19
Fiery Black Bean Soup
Charred veggies help dial up the naturally smoky flavor of black beans in this quick but extra-satisfying soup.
Get the Fiery Black Bean Soup recipe.
20
Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette
Hearty roasted squash and tangy tahini dressing make this simple salad into something crave-worthy. Plus, the contrasting bright colors make it a feast for the eyes as well.
Get the Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette recipe.
RELATED: 32 Easy Butternut Squash Recipes Perfect for Cozy Fall Dinners
