This Mediterranean rice bowl is ready in just 30 minutes, packed with colorful vegetables and bright flavors! It’s a satisfying plant-based dinner that’s both healthy and delicious, starring fluffy turmeric rice, seasoned chickpeas, and creamy tzatziki. A weeknight dinner homerun!

This easy rice bowl comes together in a flash! This fast dinner stars black beans and veggies with zingy cilantro lime ranch sauce.

Tips and swaps: For vegan, use Chipotle Sauce or this dairy free Cilantro Sauce. For more protein, add shredded chicken or Instant Pot shredded chicken.

This Greek chicken bowl recipe is an easy healthy meal ready in about 30 minutes! Enjoy flavorful turmeric rice, tender Greek chicken, crunchy veggies, and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Tips and swaps: For vegetarian or vegan, use the chickpeas in the recipe and Tahini Sauce.

This tuna rice bowl recipe is an easy dinner idea that’s ready in 20 minutes! A mashup of savory tuna, fresh cucumber, and spicy mayo makes a satisfying weeknight dinner that’s budget-friendly and high protein. 20 grams protein and less than $5 per serving!

This salmon rice bowl recipe stars marinated salmon, fresh veggies, spicy mayo and crunchy bits of fried onion! It’s irresistible.

Tips and swaps: For vegan, scroll down to Tofu Bowls.

This shrimp bowl recipe gets 5 stars! An easy lunch or dinner, it stars cilantro lime rice, black beans and chipotle ranch dressing.

Tips and swaps: For dairy free, use Chipotle Sauce or this dairy free Cilantro Sauce.

This tofu bowl with rice stars crispy tofu, fresh veggies, spicy mayo and crunchy bits of fried onion! A deliciously healthy vegan dinner to fill your day with plant-based goodness.

This burrito bowl recipe is a lightning fast easy dinner idea! Add veggies and drizzle with creamy chipotle ranch dressing.

Tips and swaps: Tips and swaps: For vegan, use Chipotle Sauce or dairy free Cilantro Sauce. For added protein, add shredded chicken or Instant Pot shredded chicken. You can also add sliced Pan Seared Chicken Breast.

This veggie power bowl makes an irresistibly healthy dinner or lunch! Serve roasted and fresh veggies with a whole grain and creamy sauce. Use one recipe coconut rice!

Tips and swaps: Add protein with Sauteed Shrimp or Baked Tofu.

Poke bowls are a classic Hawaiian recipe starring ahi tuna marinated in a flavorful poke sauce, rice, and lots of veggie topping ideas.

Tips and swaps: For vegan, make Vegan Poke Bowls.

In need of healthy lunch ideas? Try this easy veggie wrap recipe! Fill a tortilla with savory chickpea salad, colorful veggies, and a tasty spread, and you’ve got a lunch that will make everyone jealous!

This simple concept requires no cooking at all: layer a dollop of hummus with crunchy veggies and serve with pita wedges. It’s easily customizable and you can make it super basic or fancier with easy additions of ingredients. It takes just 5 minutes to make this Mediterranean-style meal that’s bursting with creamy, tangy, crunchy, fresh, and savory flavors.

Introducing Mediterranean Tuna Salad! Combine canned tuna with crunchy vegetables, feta cheese, olive oil and a punch of Dijon mustard for the most flavorful salad to hit your plate! Serve it with crackers as an easy lunch, or over greens with pita bread and olives.

Here’s a quick healthy lunch idea that’s always satisfying and works for nearly every diet.. Throw rice, veggies, and burrito fillings in a bowl and call it meal! You can make this one 15 minutes using packaged pre-cooked rice for easy assembly.

Here’s a genius healthy lunch idea that tastes far greater than the sum of its parts: Ricotta Toast! Spread ricotta cheese on toast, then load it up with sweet or savory toppings. Go basic with juicy ripe tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil, or hearty with tender smoked salmon, capers and fresh dill.

Here’s a healthy lunch idea that’s a bit unexpected, but surprisingly satisfying…Cottage Cheese Bowls! Sure, cottage cheese and pineapple or melon seems a little retro. So let’s dust off the concept and make a modern way to lunch. Top this high protein cheese with fresh berries or apple, cinnamon and drizzle of honey.

Here’s a customizable make-ahead recipe that works for healthy lunch or snack: Egg Muffins! Bake up scrambled eggs in muffin tin cups with healthy veggies, then refrigerate them for meals all week! The filling is packed with good stuff: loads of spinach, cottage cheese for healthy protein, and jarred red pepper.

Here’s a fun way to mix up lunch with a spin on a deli-style favorite: Salmon Salad! It’s a creamy, crunchy mix of tangy flavors: just like Tuna Salad but using canned salmon. The flavor is savory and satisfying, and this recipe has a healthy spin with less mayo. It takes just 5 minutes, and works with crackers, in lettuce wraps, in a sandwich, and more. 

When it comes to side dishes and lunch ideas, there’s nothing quite like the humble lentil. Introducing, our family favorite lentil salad recipe! This recipe takes everything that’s good about this protein-packed legume and makes it sing. The flavor pops with tangy and savory notes: tender lentils coated in zippy white wine vinegar Dijon dressing, with pops of crunchy cucumber and salty feta. 

We like to eat extremely simple at breakfast and lunch, so that we can spend our time and energy on dinner recipes. So here’s one of our favorite easy and health lunch tricks: this chickpea salad sandwich! It’s basically a vegetarian chicken salad sandwich. It’s so tasty, it’s become one of our most popular recipes!

Here’s a healthy lunch recipe you can mix up in minutes: White Bean Salad! It’s bursting with Mediterranean flavor from simple ingredients: bell pepper brings a crunch, parsley an herbaceous bite, and red wine vinegar brings a zing of acidity. Top with a sprinkle of feta, and it’s irresistibly tasty with minimal effort. Serve with pita wedges or crusty bread.

Here’s a recipe that’s an appetizer but works as a healthy lunch: Hummus Dip! Spread hummus in a lunch container, then top with cool cucumber, tomatoes, olives, artichokes and feta cheese. Each bite is a burst of tangy, bright and creamy flavor! It’s best with crunchy pita chips, but anything goes here. 

Here's a make-ahead healthy lunch idea that's great for hot lunch! Lentils are one of nature’s wonders: they’re full of protein, shelf stable for years, inexpensive, and make for some of the most satisfying filling meals. Try this simple Red Lentil Soup! It’s deliciously hearty, featuring aromatic vegetables, lemon and a hint of smoked paprika.

Here's an easy sandwich recipe that hits the spot: the Avocado Club! It's full of umami flavor and so satisfying that it surprised us both. The combination of smoky, rich, hearty, crunchy and savory is so irresistible…you’ll want to eat it all over again once it’s gone.

Here's a tasty healthy lunch salad: Edamame Salad! It mixes the hearty legume with fresh, crunchy veggies like corn and cucumber, crumbly feta cheese and a tangy red wine vinaigrette. It makes a burst of fun and fresh flavors that’s great as a side dish, or a protein-packed salad for lunches.

Here's a healthy lunch idea that takes minutes to put together: Smoked Salmon Toast! It's a simple toast of artisan bread loaded with fluffy whipped ricotta, smoked salmon, capers and fresh dill. The electric pink salmon is stunning against the delicate green dill fronds. Each bite is a burst of smoky, creamy, rich, briny, salty and fresh!

Here's a healthy lunch idea that will make you look forward to lunchtime: a stuffed bean burrito! This burrito is packed with flavor from Spanish rice (aka Mexican rice), seasoned black beans, peppers and onions, and mashed avocado. Even better, step it up with a zingy vegan sauce.

Tip: Remember to pack wraps in parchment or wax paper, since plastic can make them become soggy in the refrigerator.

Here’s a cozy make-ahead soup that’s made of healthy veggies that taste bright and restorative: this Chickpea Soup with Rice! It’s similar to a chicken rice soup, except it’s made with plant-powered chickpeas instead. Tender grains of rice make for a satisfying thick body to the turmeric and ginger-infused broth, with a punch of lemon zest to brighten each spoonful.

Though it looks a little like rice, orzo is actually a small pasta in the shape of rice! Experience the flavors of Greece in this lunch pasta salad recipe: salty feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and of course, powerhouse herbs like mint and dill! It’s one of our crowd favorite salad ideas.

Why not make up a batch of classic three bean salad for lunches? This one packs loads of plant-based protein and stays good in the fridge for days. It's an easy three bean salad that’s as simple as dump and stir. 

Need a healthy soup recipe that pleases everyone? Try this Kale Soup with White Beans! Hearty Tuscan kale, white beans and tomatoes float in a tangy broth flavored with oregano and fennel. It comes together in just 30 minutes and makes a huge pot that’s great for healthy lunches.

Here’s the most perfect egg salad recipe! It’s ultra creamy and savory, made with mayo and Greek yogurt to up the creaminess factor. It’s got just the right balance of fresh herbiness with savory Dijon mustard. Spread on bread or eat with crackers.

Here’s a genius idea for easy healthy lunches: this Ultimate Hummus Sandwich! That’s right: hummus on a sandwich. You don’t have to reserve hummus just for carrots and pita triangles! It works as a sandwich spread that’s full of plant-based protein to keep you full for hours.

This black bean pinwheel recipe is all about making a healthy lunch as fast as possible! The pinwheels are packed with healthy veggies rolled into a tortilla with a bit of hummus. Eat them plain or dip in salsa!

Last up in our healthy lunch ideas: try a make-ahead grain bowl! This quinoa bowl is one of our fan favorite recipes Why? This fresh bowl of delicious vegetables and easy chickpeas is smothered in a tangy lemon tahini sauce that's darn delicious. It's easy to make ahead and totally customizable to whatever veggies you have on hand!

Hello and welcome to the best quick healthy lunch idea: the Hummus Bowl! At it’s base, this simple concept requires no cooking at all: layer a dollop of hummus with crunchy veggies and greens. To make it more filling, add cooked rice (leftover or from a pre-cooked rice packet). It takes just 5 minutes to make this Mediterranean-style meal that’s bursting with creamy, tangy, crunchy, fresh, and savory flavors.

Here's one of our favorite easy lunch ideas...ever: the chickpea salad sandwich! It’s basically a vegetarian chicken salad sandwich, but uses chickpeas instead of chicken. It’s so tasty, it’s become one of our most popular recipes with readers. You can also serve it with crackers or as a lettuce wrap: or stuff it inside an avocado.

Here’s a healthy lunch to spice up your routine: avocado tuna salad! This spin swaps out the classic mayonnaise for nutrient-rich avocado. The flavor is so fresh and delicious, you may give up the mayo version altogether.

More serving suggestions: Eat with crackers or make into lettuce wraps

Need a 5 minute lunch? Cottage cheese on toast is an easy lunch idea or snack using this high protein cheese! Each toast has 15 grams protein.

Here's how to make the perfect Egg Salad Sandwich! It’s the best kind of basic. This is a sandwich you can sink your teeth into, that tastes like an elevated version of what you’re used to. It’s fresh and healthy, not the mayo-laden kind you can find at the store. Another secret? It’s stuffed with fresh herbs, to give you a beautiful pop of flavor.

Also try: Ultimate Fried Egg Sandwich (if you have stove access)

Here's a healthy lunch idea you can use as a "side" to any of our salads or sandwiches! This peanut butter dip is just 4 ingredients and somehow tastes like frosting. Greek yogurt, peanut butter, maple syrup and vanilla combine into the best dip for sliced green apples. Or dip any fruit you like--or pretzels, if you like the sweet and salty thing. Don't want peanut butter? Try our Cinnamon Fruit Dip instead.

Here’s an easy healthy lunch to spice up your routine: Mediterranean tuna salad! This spin adds crispy Mediterranean-style veggies and swaps out the classic mayonnaise for olive oil and vinegar. The flavor is so fresh and delicious, you may give up the mayo version altogether. Eat with gluten-free crackers or make it into lettuce wraps.

Here's a customizable make-ahead recipe that works for healthy lunch idea: Egg Muffins! Bake up scrambled eggs in muffin tin cups with healthy veggies, then refrigerate them for meals all week! This works as a grab-and-go breakfast, and it's perfect for kid lunch boxes. The filling is packed with good stuff: loads of spinach, cottage cheese for healthy protein, and jarred red pepper.

This Greek pasta salad recipe has fresh Mediterranean-style flavors and is totally crowd pleasing! It’s easy to whip up and great for picnics, cookouts, lunches, and more.

In need of lunch ideas? Try this easy veggie wrap recipe! Veggie wraps can be bland and boring, but this one is anything but. Fill a tortilla with savory chickpea salad, colorful veggies, and a tasty spread, and you’ve got a lunch that will make everyone jealous! Here’s how to build a veggie wrap that’s full of flavor.

This garbanzo bean salad is protein-packed and bursting with fresh flavors, perfect for a light lunch or side dish! Simple ingredients and a quick prep time make it an easy and healthy meal prep option.

Here’s a fun way to mix up lunch with a spin on a deli-style favorite: Salmon Salad! It’s a creamy, crunchy mix of tangy flavors: just like Tuna Salad but using canned salmon. The flavor is savory and satisfying, and this recipe has a healthy spin with less mayo. You can also class it up with fresh herbs and serve on a croissant. It takes just 5 minutes, and works with crackers, in lettuce wraps, in a sandwich, and more. Lunch just got tastier!

Avocado toast is standard healthy lunch fare, but for good reason: it's a genius way to eat an easy, filing meal! The only prep time involved is making toast and smashing on an avocado. Top with sea salt and then whatever fancy fixin's your heart desires. Here we showed it with a turmeric poached egg, but that's a little messy for the office. Try a hard boiled egg instead if you're eating a desk lunch! For a fun element, top with sliced green onions and Everything Bagel Seasoning.

Another favorite idea to accessorize with a healthy lunch? This healthy Greek yogurt ranch dip tastes just like the dip you can make with a packet of artificial seasonings, but it's made with all whole food ingredients. That's right: just plain Greek yogurt, shallot, garlic powder and dill. It comes together into the perfect dip for carrots and bell pepper strips!

Try this quick and easy White Bean Salad! It’s bursting with Mediterranean flavor from simple ingredients: bell pepper brings a crunch, parsley an herbaceous bite, and red wine vinegar brings a zing of acidity. Top with a sprinkle of feta, and it’s irresistibly tasty with minimal effort. We often lean on bean recipes for healthy lunches, and this simple mix hits it out of the park for us.

Here’s a genius healthy lunch idea that tastes far greater than the sum of its parts: Ricotta Toast! Spread ricotta cheese on toast, then load it up with sweet or savory toppings. Go basic with juicy ripe tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil, or hearty with tender smoked salmon, capers and fresh dill. Or go sweet with fruit, a drizzle of honey and cinnamon. Anything goes here!

We’re all about simple around here, especially recipes that are low effort and high impact. Salmon toast is just that: a simple toast of artisan bread loaded with fluffy whipped ricotta, smoked salmon, capers and fresh dill. The electric pink salmon is stunning against the delicate green dill fronds. Each bite is a burst of smoky, creamy, rich, briny, salty and fresh! 

Another great lunch recipe? The Avocado Club! It's full of umami flavor and so satisfying that it will surprise you. The combination of smoky, rich, hearty, crunchy and savory is so irresistible…you’ll want to eat it all over again once it’s gone.

This tuna wrap recipe is a fun, tasty way to mix up your lunch routine: no cooking required. It’s bursting with flavor, featuring a zingy tuna salad filling and fresh, crunchy veggies. Roll it all up in a tortilla and you’re ready for an easy healthy lunch or a simple, no-cook dinner. 

Let's move on to Pinwheels and Roll ups, a great way to make lunch more interesting! These Mexican-style pinwheels are stuffed with black beans and crunchy veggies, and seasoned with cumin and chili powder. They take no time to put together!

Here’s a trick for infusing veggies into our day to day: this Chopped Vegetable Salad! It’s a mix of sturdy veggies makes the best colorful mix, tossed with a red wine vinegar dressing and a sprinkle of feta cheese. This burst of flavor tastes great right away: and even better after a few days of marinating. It's perfect for lunches!

That’s right: hummus on a sandwich. You don’t have to reserve hummus just for carrots and pita triangles! It works as a sandwich spread that’s full of plant-based protein to keep you full for hours.  Throw it on bread with all your favorite crunchy veggies and it’s a lunch idea that couldn’t be easier to whip up. 

Burritos are perfect for lunch! You can easily prep the ingredients in advance and then roll them up for lunch. Make your burrito the night before and refrigerate until serving. This one is filled with Spanish rice and seasoned black beans and veggies. As a time saver, try Instant Pot Spanish Rice or just whip up a pot of white rice and mix it with salsa.

Here's the best tuna salad sandwich on the internet! It’s perfectly creamy, bright and tangy, with just the right crunch from the vegetables. Make your sandwich dreams come true with this recipe! You can also serve it as a lettuce wrap or with crackers.

Also try: Best Tuna Melt (if you have stove access)

This salmon sandwich recipe is bursting with flavor! Top the savory fish with feta crumbles and creamy dill sauce. Works great with salmon cooked the night before and is high protein!

Stuffed dates are the perfect "side" for a healthy lunch, and they need no cooking at all! They're incredibly easy to make, and the flavor of this simple pairing is outrageous. Pair the sweet caramel chewiness of Medjool dates with tangy, fluffy goat cheese, and the sweet-savory combo is out of this world. For plant based, use any nut butter (like our homemade nut butter!).

Here's a lunch idea you might not have considered: a tofu scramble! This tofu scramble has the same texture as scrambled eggs, but it’s 100% plant based. It actually saves very well as leftovers, and even tastes good cold. It's amazing how savory it tastes: and it's full of plant based protein. If you'd like, add the veggie saute: or just serve with sliced raw bell peppers!

Here’s a tasty lunch idea that doubles as a snack: Hummus Dip! Spread hummus on a platter or in a bowl, then top with cool cucumber, tomatoes, olives, artichokes and feta cheese. Each bite is a burst of tangy, bright and creamy flavor! It’s best with crunchy pita chips, 

Some of the best lunch recipes are Make-Ahead Salads, our next category! Don't forget about straight up egg or tuna salad! It's a great way to make a simple lunch without having to think much. Refrigerate for 3 to 5 days, refreshing the flavors as needed. Serve with pita bread, carrots and bell peppers for a simple no-think lunch idea!

Taco salad works to make ahead for lunches! Make up a batch of Vegan Walnut Taco Meat (or standard ground beef) and reheat it prior to serving. The Taco Salad Dressing takes just 2 minutes to stir together, and refrigerate it until serving. Add lettuce, a few crunchy veggies, and crushed tortilla chips, and you're set!

This kale quinoa salad is designed as a lunch idea that saves well! It's full of healthy ingredients: quinoa, kale, peppers, carrots: and then covered in a delicious, ultra tangy dressing! It’s so flavorful and keeps that flavor 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Our lunches just got way more exciting!

Here’s a pasta salad recipe that’s ultra versatile as an easy lunch idea: this Tortellini Salad! The tang of the artichoke, chewy pillowy pasta, zippy tomatoes, and peppery basil come together into a symphony of flavor! Even better, it stores up to 4 days in the fridge.

This lentil salad recipe takes everything that’s good about this protein-packed legume and makes it sing. The flavor pops with tangy and savory notes: tender lentils coated in zippy white wine vinegar Dijon dressing, with crunchy cucumber and salty feta. It stays flavorful in the fridge for days, making leftovers even better.

Bean salads are great for lunch: especially ones that improve over time! This one has a zingy dressing that covers all the beans in tangy goodness. Add fresh parsley and a little red onion, and it's an unexpectedly delicious lunch recipe that lasts for days in the fridge.

This antipasto salad works great as a make ahead salad for lunch! This combo between a pasta salad and Italian antipasti is loaded with zingy flavor: briny olives, tangy artichokes, and roasted peppers, contrasted with crunchy veggies and chewy pasta. Load it with fresh basil and there’s so much going on, you might not be able to stop eating it!

Here's a fun make-ahead lunch recipe: Edamame Salad! This salad mixes edamame with fresh, crunchy veggies like corn and cucumber, crumbly feta cheese and a tangy red wine vinaigrette. It makes a burst of fun and fresh flavors that’s great as a side dish, or a protein-packed salad for lunches. 

Here's another great make ahead lunch salad recipe: black bean salad!  It’s tangy and delicious, perfectly seasoned with cumin, garlic, and apple cider vinegar, and mixed with colored bell peppers, green onions and rice. 

Also try: Mexican Quinoa Recipe

It looks a little like rice, but orzo is actually a small pasta! It’s often used in Mediterranean diet recipes like Italian and Greek cuisine. All the flavors of Greece are in this orzo salad: salty feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and of course, powerhouse herbs like mint and dill! Leftovers save well and it's perfect for lunch ideas.

Let's move on to Make Ahead Soups as lunch recipes! Here are a few of our favorite soups that last well in the fridge for lunchtime all week long. Split pea soup is not only hearty and delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. Here we’ve used a trick to substitute for the traditional ham hock, leaving a smoky nuance to this healthy vegetarian soup.

If there’s one food that always satisfies, it’s a great lentil soup. Lentils are one of nature’s wonders: they’re full of protein, shelf stable for years, inexpensive, and make for some of the most satisfying filling meals. Got a bag of split red lentils? Here’s exactly what to make: this simple Red Lentil Soup! It’s deliciously hearty, featuring aromatic vegetables, lemon and a hint of smoked paprika.

Need a healthy soup recipe that pleases everyone? Try this Kale Soup with White Beans! Hearty Tuscan kale, white beans and kale float in a tangy broth flavored with oregano and fennel. It’s like a combination of all our favorite soup recipes in one bowl: comforting and full of bold Mediterranean-style flavors. It comes together in just 30 minutes and makes a huge pot that’s great for lunches.

What's cozier for lunchtime than a great tomato soup? The puree of tomatoes and tangy artichokes is based on a soup from one of our favorite local restaurants, and it's become a reader favorite. Garnish with homemade croutons and Parmesan cheese.

What makes this the best lentil soup? Let’s just say that everyone we’ve served it to immediately asks for the recipe…and seconds. This one is so full of hearty flavor, you’ll feel like you’re wrapped in a cozy hug. It saves well for lunch recipes and tastes even better reheated on day 2 or 3.

Also try: Hearty Lentil Stew or Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Last up in our best lunch ideas: Make Ahead Lunch Bowls! This tasty bowl features easy black beans, a trick to make a bland can of beans taste amazing in 5 minutes. Pair it with rice (or any whole grain) and colorful veggies. The kicker? A zingy cilantro lime ranch that you’ll want to bathe in. 

These seasoned lentils come out perfectly spiced and very moist, cooked with veggie broth, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano. They're so tasty, and filling with all the plant based protein! Make a big pot and eat off of them all week! Serve them with pita wedges, sliced tomatoes, and a dollop of Greek yogurt, and they're divine.

Also try: Instant Pot Lentils

This quinoa bowl is one of our fan favorite recipes Why? This fresh bowl of delicious vegetables and easy chickpeas is smothered in a tangy lemon tahini sauce that's darn delicious. It's easy to make ahead and totally customizable to whatever veggies you have on hand!

Also try: Mediterranean Couscous Bowls

Last up in our lunch recipes: the Salmon Bowl! Here tender, seasoned fish is offset with rice, crisp tender broccoli, and covered in an easy, creamy flavor popping sauce. Use smoked salmon for super simple prep! Try the Tahini Dressing or Miso Dressing, and prepare to be amazed. 

Let's end with a few healthy sweet treats for lunches! Try this peanut butter Energy Balls recipe! Any nut butter works here. Just mix a handful of simple ingredients together and bam! You’ve got an instant homemade snack that’s infinitely more delicious than store-bought granola bars or energy bites. Even better, they’ve got a good amount of protein and fiber for a tiny ball. 

Also try: No Bake Energy Bites

These healthy banana muffins are perfect for a healthy lunch component! Made with just oats and bananas in a blender, they've surprisingly got no flour and no refined sugar. These have been a fan-favorite for years and are perfect for adding to lunch boxes (kids love them, too!).

Here’s our favorite trick for healthy treats: Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars! These are everything you want in a treat: irresistible sweet peanut-y flavor, chewy texture, and a little drizzle of chocolate on top! This lunch box treat optimizes whole grain oats while hitting it big in the sweet, salty and satisfying department. 

One of our favorite vegetarian lunch ideas is chickpea salad! It’s like a vegetarian version of a chicken salad sandwich, but made using chickpeas. The chickpeas are smashed and mixed together with a bit of mayo, celery and green onions to make a savory spread. You can serve it as a sandwich, or eat it with crackers as a dip. It takes only a few minutes to whip up!

Welcome to one of the best best quick vegetarian lunch ideas: the Hummus Bowl! At it’s base, this simple concept requires no cooking at all: layer a dollop of hummus with crunchy veggies and greens (with optional pre-cooked rice). It takes just 5 minutes to make this Mediterranean-style meal that’s bursting with creamy, tangy, crunchy, fresh, and savory flavors.

This Mexican Pinwheel recipe is all about making a healthy lunch or family dinner recipes as fast as possible. While we often serve them for lunch, we've eaten them for dinner when we need it FAST. The pinwheels are packed with healthy veggies: bell peppers, spinach, and black beans. They're mixed with Mexican spices and rolled into a tortilla with a bit of hummus. Dip into salsa if you'd like!

Here's a customizable make-ahead recipe that works for healthy lunch idea: Egg Muffins! Bake up scrambled eggs in muffin tin cups with healthy veggies, then refrigerate them for meals all week! This works as a grab-and-go breakfast, and it's perfect for kid lunch boxes. The filling is packed with good stuff: loads of spinach, cottage cheese for healthy protein, and jarred red pepper.

Looking for an easy vegetarian lunch? Here’s one that’s super simple and totally customizable: lentil bowls! Lentils are one of the healthiest foods on the planet, so why not incorporate more of them into your everyday? This recipe results in perfectly seasoned, tender lentils. For lunch, eat them in a bowl meal: dollop with Greek yogurt or cashew cream and add pita wedges.

In need of vegetarian lunch ideas? Try this easy veggie wrap recipe! Veggie wraps can be bland and boring, but this one is anything but. Fill a tortilla with savory chickpea salad, colorful veggies, and a tasty spread, and you’ve got a lunch that will make everyone jealous! Here’s how to build a veggie wrap that’s full of flavor.

Try Cottage Cheese on Toast! This simple way to make a tasty lunch is not rocket science, but it’s incredibly satisfying every time. Spread this high-protein cheese onto a piece of toast, top with savory toppings, and enjoy! Here are a few of our favorite ideas for toppings: we like them all, but the smoked salmon toast is out of this world good.

Next up in our vegetarian lunch ideas: healthy banana bread muffins! Because they’re made mostly of oats and bananas, they’re basically like eating oatmeal and banana, to go! We’d serve these with peanut butter or almond butter to make them even more filling, then accessorize with some of the veggies and dips below. We freeze them and use them in our son's school lunch throughout the week: and snack on them ourselves too!

If there’s something we never tire of, it’s a good pasta salad. This easy bow tie pasta salad has become a favorite! Pair the chewy noodles with tomatoes, fresh herbs, and feta cheese, then swirl it with a quick and easy vinaigrette dressing. This one stays good in the refrigerator for days!

These hummus and veggie roll ups are one of our favorite simple concepts to make eating veggies fun and delicious! Simply spread hummus on a tortilla, add chopped broccoli, cauliflower and carrots, and roll it up! It sounds deceptively simple but tastes fantastic. We’d add a few other sides like a handful of almonds or apple slices. It’s one of our easy vegetarian lunch ideas that works for both kids and adults.

This is one of our favorite new vegetarian lunch ideas that we call “The Best Sandwich Ever”. Yes, it tastes like a healthy version of a Big Mac! What makes this coleslaw & Swiss melt sandwich so savory and delicious? Start with our best coleslaw ever, and add melty cheese on a salty pretzel bun, and the secret sauce: Russian dressing, the star ingredient in a Reuben sandwich. Bringing this to an office? Keep the components separate and then toast in a toaster oven: or microwave to melt the cheese!

Made mostly of almonds and tomatoes, it’s a super filling dip that you can serve with crackers to make a healthy lunch. One of our friends says he always has the ingredients for this dip on hand in his cupboard so he can stay healthy when hunger strikes! Again, this is a component of a delicious lunch: combine with veggies, crackers and cheese, a hard boiled egg, and fruit to make it into a full fledged vegetarian lunch ideas.

Here's an easy, healthy lunch idea that you can make in 5 minutes! It's plant based and starts with a can of chickpeas. Throw these chickpeas together with cucumber and red pepper, stir with olive oil and red wine vinegar, and you've got an incredible Mediterranean-style plant based salad that tastes like it took all day. Serve with pita triangles or crackers.

Here's a healthy lunch idea you can use as a "side" to any of our salads or sandwiches! This peanut butter dip is just 4 ingredients and somehow tastes like frosting. Greek yogurt, peanut butter, maple syrup and vanilla combine into the best dip for sliced green apples. Or dip any fruit you like--or pretzels for a sweet and salty twist!

Another great vegetarian lunch recipe? The Avocado Club! It's full of umami flavor and so satisfying that it will surprise you. The combination of smoky, rich, hearty, crunchy and savory is so irresistible…you’ll want to eat it all over again once it’s gone.

Introducing, our favorite lentil lunch salad recipe! This recipe takes everything that’s good about this protein-packed legume and makes it sing. The flavor pops with tangy and savory notes: tender lentils coated in zippy white wine vinegar Dijon dressing, with crunchy cucumber and salty feta. It stays flavorful in the fridge for days, making leftovers even better.

Here’s a healthy vegetarian lunch idea that’s a bit unexpected, but surprisingly satisfying! Sure, cottage cheese and pineapple or melon seems a little retro. So let’s dust off the concept and make a modern way to lunch. Top this high protein cheese with fresh berries or apple, cinnamon and drizzle of honey. Or, top with savory toppings like chickpeas and tomatoes.

This spin on the traditional Mediterranean chickpea dip might sound fun, but here’s the thing. It tastes even better than it sounds! Yep, we polished this one off extremely quickly because it’s just that good. Black beans, lime, tahini and a bit of smoked paprika make creamy dip magic. Add fresh veggies and gluten-free crackers for dipping.

Eggs are some of the most nutritious foods on the planet. And hard boiling them makes them perfect as vegetarian lunch ideas! Eggs have 75 calories each, and are packed with nutrients and 7 grams of protein. They’re especially helpful for vegetarian diets as a natural source of B12. Recent research has found that instead of avoiding boiled eggs for cholesterol reasons, eggs actually increase the good cholesterol the body needs. They’re recommended as an affordable and easy-to-eat source of high quality protein.

Here’s a fun homemade spread for dipping: Veggie Cream Cheese! Make this spread with fresh vegetables and it tastes even more incredible than the store-bought variety. Use it as a dip for vegetable sticks or gluten free crackers! It’s a great idea for kids, and you can even freeze it for use in lunch boxes.

Looking for a quick sandwich recipe that will knock your socks off? This Mediterranean veggie sandwich is fast to make and loaded with deliciousness. Top your bread with Garlic Herb White Bean Dip, then add red onion, shredded carrot, greens, and feta cheese, It’s one of those over the top tasty vegetarian lunch recipes that doesn’t require too much effort.

Try this quick and easy White Bean Salad! It’s bursting with Mediterranean flavor from simple ingredients: bell pepper brings a crunch, parsley an herbaceous bite, and red wine vinegar brings a zing of acidity. Top with a sprinkle of feta, and it’s irresistibly tasty with minimal effort. We often lean on bean recipes for healthy lunches, and this simple mix hits it out of the park for us.

Vegan banh mi is another one of those vegetarian lunch ideas that sounds fancy, but is actually pretty simple to put together! Whip up a batch of our ginger lime hummus the night before, and slice up some veggies for quick pickles. Day of, assemble your sandwich on a baguette at your workplace: all your coworkers will be jealous!

Of course, who could have a list of vegetarian lunch ideas without avocado toast! Avocado toast has now become ubiquitous, but what’s the harm in that? An avocado spread onto toast with just a sprinkle of salt can be one of life’s best treats. Here we’ve added a turmeric poached egg: but if you’re doing this as a desk lunch, use a hard boiled egg instead.

Here’s a trick for infusing veggies into our day to day: this Chopped Vegetable Salad! It’s a mix of sturdy veggies makes the best colorful mix, tossed with a red wine vinegar dressing and a sprinkle of feta cheese. This burst of flavor tastes great right away: and even better after a few days of marinating. It's perfect for lunches!

This healthy egg salad with basil one of our favorite easy vegetarian lunch ideas: it’s made with Greek yogurt, mayonnaise and Dijon mustard for big savory flavor. Adding dill or basil to your egg salad gives a fresh element that makes it easy to love. Serve with crackers or on bread as a sandwich.

Here's a lunch idea you might not have considered: a tofu scramble! This tofu scramble has the same texture as scrambled eggs, but it’s 100% plant based. It actually saves very well as leftovers, and even tastes good cold. It's amazing how savory it tastes: and it's full of plant based protein. If you'd like, add the veggie saute: or just serve with sliced raw bell peppers!

This kale quinoa salad is designed as a lunch idea that saves well! It's full of healthy ingredients: quinoa, kale, peppers, carrots: and then covered in a delicious, ultra tangy dressing! It’s so flavorful and keeps that flavor 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Lunch just got way more exciting!

This Mexican quinoa recipe is one of the few vegetarian lunch ideas in this list that requires making the night before. BUT, it’s so delicious and fun that we wanted to add it to the list: and it saves well for lunches throughout the week. Here, quinoa is tossed with black beans, veggies, and fajita seasoning to create a super flavorful and filling salad. It’s one of those lunch recipes that you can’t wait for lunch time so you can dig in! Another option: Caribbean Black Bean Salad

For the vegetarian lunch ideas above that called for some accessories: this cinnamon yogurt fruit dip is the perfect accompaniment! This yogurt dip is so easy to make, and super clean: it’s got just plain yogurt, maple syrup, cinnamon and vanilla. We love to serve it with green apple slices, bananas or strawberries.

This soup is a fan favorite and perfect for lunch meal prep! it's only 7 ingredients, plant-based, delicious, and just gets better over time. It's one of our top easy, healthy budget-friendly vegetarian lunch ideas! Make a big batch and eat off it all week.

This vegetarian lunch idea requires prep the night before, but is totally worth it: Kale Soup! Hearty Tuscan kale, white beans and kale float in a tangy broth flavored with oregano and fennel. It’s like a combination of all our favorite soup recipes in one bowl: comforting and full of bold Mediterranean-style flavors. It comes together in just 30 minutes and makes a huge pot that’s great for lunches.

Every vegetarian lunch needs a few treats, right? These homemade protein bars are a family and fan favorite. They’re full of big peanut butter and chocolate flavor, using your favorite protein powder and a few extra ingredients. It's a great way to infuse protein into your lunch.

This date snickers recipe is a delicious, homemade no bake treat made simply from Medjool dates, peanut butter, and chocolate! They’re great to keep on hand for snacking all week long, and fit many diets (gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan).

Just mix a handful of simple ingredients together and bam! You’ve got an instant treat for your vegetarian lunch that’s so much more delicious than store-bought granola bars or energy bites. Even better, they’ve got a good amount of protein and fiber for a tiny ball. We think they’re pretty darn perfect.

Here’s a colorful, fresh cold lunch idea that’s ideal for anytime: Mediterranean pasta salad! This instantly became a favorite with its zingy, bright flavors. Imagine: cool cucumber, juicy tomatoes and peppery arugula, mixed with chewy pasta and salty pops of feta cheese. Hearty sundried tomato gives it an even more irresistible quality to each bite. 

In need of cold lunch ideas? Try this easy veggie wrap recipe! Veggie wraps can be bland and boring, but this one is anything but. Fill a tortilla with savory chickpea salad, colorful veggies, and a tasty spread, and you’ve got a lunch that will make everyone jealous! Here’s how to build a veggie wrap that’s full of flavor.

This easy lentil salad recipe takes everything that’s good about this protein-packed legume and makes it sing! The flavor pops with tangy and savory notes, pairing tender lentils with a zippy white wine vinegar Dijon dressing, crunchy cucumber, fresh tomatoes, and salty feta. It stays flavorful in the fridge for days, making leftovers even better!

Here’s a cold lunch idea that’s fresh, delicious and ultra versatile: this deli-style Quinoa Salad! There are loads of ways to make a salad with this fluffy grain and after experimenting for years, we’ve found the one. This recipe is delightfully refreshing, a jumble of crunchy, colorful veggies, fluffy quinoa grains, and a zingy Dijon mustard vinaigrette.

Need a cold lunch in 5 minutes? Try Cottage Cheese on Toast! This simple way to make a tasty lunch is not rocket science, but it’s incredibly satisfying every time. Spread this high-protein cheese onto a piece of toast, top with savory toppings, and enjoy! Here are a few of our favorite ideas for toppings: we like them all, but the smoked salmon toast is out of this world good.

Here's one of our top cold lunch ideas: the Hummus Bowl! At it’s base, this simple concept requires no cooking at all: layer a dollop of hummus with crunchy veggies and serve with pita wedges. It’s easily customizable and you can make it super basic or fancier with easy additions of ingredients. It takes just 5 minutes to make this Mediterranean-style meal that’s bursting with creamy, tangy, crunchy, fresh, and savory flavors.

Here’s an easy sandwich recipe that hits the spot: the Avocado Club! It's full of umami flavor and so satisfying that it surprised us both. The combination of smoky, rich, hearty, crunchy and savory is so irresistible, you’ll want to eat it all over again once it’s gone.

This orzo pasta salad recipe is bursting with flavor and the perfect accessory for any meal. It stars the tender pasta grains with crunchy veggies, salty feta cheese, fresh herbs and a zippy vinaigrette dressing. The best part? It tastes great for days! Leftovers hold up well in the fridge, making it the perfect cold lunch to eat throughout the week.

Looking for the sandwich of your dreams? Try this chicken pesto sandwich! It starts with juicy grilled chicken. Throw it onto ciabatta bread, then top with baby arugula, soft fresh mozzarella cheese and juicy tomato slices. The crowning glory is a mound of bright green herbaceous basil pesto. 

Here's a cold lunch idea that’s basic but satisfies every time: Salmon Caesar Salad! Use pre-cooked, smoked, or canned salmon and purchased Caesar dressing to make it come together fast, along with crunchy romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes and crunchy croutons. Each bite is absolutely sublime.

Need a fun cold lunch salad? Here’s a recipe that works as both: this Hearty Farro Salad! Farro is an ancient grain with a chewy texture and nutty flavor that’s burst on the scene in the past few years. It’s great paired with juicy tomatoes, earthy mushrooms, feathery arugula, savory pops of cheese, and a zingy vinaigrette.

Adding avocado instead of mayo makes a deliciously creamy green sauce for chopped hard boiled eggs. Mix it with fresh chives and the zing of Dijon mustard, and it’s an absolute delight of a lunch idea or easy snack. Even our kiddos love it, which is a big win over here!

We’re all about simple around here, especially cold lunch recipes that are low effort and high impact. Salmon toast is just that: a simple toast of artisan bread loaded with fluffy whipped ricotta, smoked salmon, capers and fresh dill. The electric pink salmon is stunning against the delicate green dill fronds. Each bite is a burst of smoky, creamy, rich, briny, salty and fresh! 

Combine canned tuna with crunchy vegetables, feta cheese, olive oil and a punch of Dijon mustard for the most flavorful salad to hit your plate! Serve it with crackers as an easy cold lunch idea, or over greens with pita bread and olives. This one is so quick and versatile, it’s in our hall of fame of healthy meal ideas. Here’s how to make this tasty Mediterranean diet recipe.

That’s right: hummus on a sandwich. You don’t have to reserve hummus just for carrots and pita triangles! It works as a sandwich spread that’s full of plant-based protein to keep you full for hours. Throw it on bread with all your favorite crunchy veggies and it’s a lunch or snack that couldn’t be easier to whip up.

Here’s a genius trick that makes a healthy cold lunch with no cooking required. That’s right, no need to grab your pan and spatula. Try this Smoked Salmon Salad! It’s healthy, fresh, and 100% cook free. Imagine: savory smoked salmon, fresh greens, fluffy goat cheese dollops and a tangy shallot vinaigrette. It’s ideal for a fast lunch: it comes together in 15 minutes flat.

Here’s one of our favorite easy cold lunch ideas ever: this chickpea salad sandwich! It’s basically a vegetarian chicken salad sandwich (or chickpea tuna salad). It’s so tasty that it’s become one of our most popular chickpea recipes.

Looking for healthy cold lunch ideas? Here’s a salad that’s beautifully fresh and saves well for meals throughout the week: kale quinoa salad! It’s full of healthy ingredients: quinoa, kale, peppers, carrots: and then covered in a delicious, ultra tangy dressing! It’s so flavorful and keeps that flavor 3 to 4 days in the fridge.

If there’s something we never tire of for lunch, it’s a good pasta salad. They’re fun, delicious, and give us those carefree summer vibes. But sometimes they can take a while to make, especially if they have lots of ingredients. So this easy bow tie pasta salad has become a favorite! Pair the chewy noodles with tomatoes, fresh herbs, and feta cheese, then swirl it with a quick and easy vinaigrette dressing. 

One taste of this tuna salad sandwich, and it will become your go-to. Yes, tuna salad is something you can wing with the ingredients you have on hand. BUT! If you’re looking for the best tuna salad sandwich on the internet, you’ve come to the right place. It’s perfectly creamy, bright and tangy, with just the right crunch from the vegetables. 

For fast and easy meals, it’s smoked salmon to the rescue! This flavor-packed protein requires no cooking at all, which makes it ideal for quick lunches and dinners. When you just don’t have time to think, try this Smoked Salmon Sandwich! The bold flavors don’t give away it’s secrets: it takes less than 10 minutes to whip up.

Try this Shrimp Pasta Salad! This cold pasta salad is creamy and herby, with retro vibes of neighborhood picnics and family potlucks. It stars tender baby shrimp and pasta shells, tossed with a creamy dressing, fresh dill, peas and crunchy veggies. 

This Pesto Pasta Salad is one of our top cold pasta salad recipes, featuring chewy bowties with pops of fresh cherry tomatoes, tangy artichokes and peppery baby arugula. Make a batch of fresh basil pesto or grab some at the store, then mix it up in to a creamy dressing to cover everything. 

Need a quick and easy cold lunch idea? Try this Salmon Salad Sandwich, a spin on the classic tuna version! It’s irresistibly creamy and savory, and comes together in minutes. Spread it on bread for a quick lunch, or try it on a croissant for brunch. Either way, it’s hard to resist this hearty sandwich that requires no cooking at all. 

A cheap protein that requires no cooking and is pantry stable for years? Sign us up. This tuna wrap recipe is a fun, tasty way to mix up your lunch routine: no cooking required. It’s bursting with flavor, featuring a zingy tuna salad filling and fresh, crunchy veggies. Roll it all up in a tortilla and you’re ready for an easy healthy cold lunch idea.