Healthy lunch recipes are all about combining the right ingredients to fuel your afternoon without weighing you down. Think of colorful veggies, lean proteins, whole grains, and tasty dressings that bring everything together. These meals are designed to be easy to prepare, whether you're packing them for work or enjoying them at home.
Healthy Lunch Ideas
From crisp salads and hearty soups to wraps filled with vibrant fillings, there's a wide variety to keep your taste buds happy and your body energized. Eating a nutritious lunch not only keeps you feeling fuller longer but also helps in making healthier food choices throughout the day.
Deviled Egg Salad
This Deviled Egg Salad is a clever twist that simplifies the joys of traditional deviled eggs into a dish that's both hearty and a breeze to prepare. It transforms a beloved classic into something uniquely satisfying, with a mix that’s both rich in flavor and texture.
Perfect for anyone looking to whip up something quick without sacrificing taste or quality. It's a great choice for meal preps or gatherings, ensuring a delightful culinary experience in every bite.
Ingredients:
- Eggs (large)
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- Apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- Hot sauce (Sriracha suggested)
- Paprika (sweet or smoked, based on preference)
- Salt and pepper
- Celery
- Green onion (also known as scallions)
Pesto Orzo Salad with Spinach
This Pesto Orzo Salad with Spinach is a refreshing creation perfect for any summer occasion. Ready in just about 15 minutes, it's ideal for those balmy evenings, picnics, or any gathering. Add it to your meal prep for a week of nutritious lunches, or enjoy it as a flavorful side that complements any main dish. This salad’s versatility and delicious taste make it a must-try for anyone seeking a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- Orzo (a small, rice-shaped pasta)
- Spinach (nutritious leafy green lettuce)
- Grape or cherry tomatoes (for freshness and a bit of sweetness)
- Fresh mozzarella cheese (adds a salty and cheesy component)
- Basil (for extra freshness)
- Pesto (the main flavor component, can be store-bought or homemade)
Spinach Quinoa Salad with Feta and Lemon Vinaigrette
This Spinach Quinoa Salad with Feta and Lemon Vinaigrette is a sheer delight for anyone seeking a fusion of nutritious and zesty flavors wrapped in a simple dish. Quick and easy to whip up in just 20 minutes, this salad is not just a treat to your taste buds but a colorful, nutrient-packed side or main that promises satisfaction at any meal.
Ingredients:
Salad Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1.5 cups chickpeas (from a can, drained & rinsed)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumbers, diced
- 1.5 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
- ¼ cup almonds, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- ¼ cup feta cheese
Lemon Vinaigrette Ingredients:
- ¼ cup olive oil (extra virgin)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Juice of 1 medium lemon
- Salt & pepper to taste
Greek Chicken Pasta Salad
For a dish that truly celebrates the spirit of the Mediterranean, look no further than this Greek Chicken Pasta Salad. With its harmonious combination of perfectly seasoned grilled chicken, al dente pasta, and a rainbow of crunchy vegetables, topped with creamy feta cheese, this salad stands out as a healthy yet robust meal option.
Main Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Farfalle pasta
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Red onion
- Pepperoncini
- Kalamata olives
- Feta cheese
Dressing Ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Dijon mustard
- Dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper
Southwest Quinoa Salad
The Southwest Quinoa Salad is a cheerful festival in a bowl, a side dish that's as wholesome as it is appetizing. With the nutty hints of quinoa that playfully absorb every ounce of the zesty chili lime dressing, each spoonful is a little celebration of texture and taste. Red bell pepper adds a satisfying crunch, while sweet corn and hearty black beans bring both sweetness and substance to every bite.
Ingredients:
- Olive Oil
- Fresh Garlic
- Quinoa (white or red)
- Low Sodium Vegetable Broth
- Canned Corn (or fresh boiled/grilled corn on the cob)
- Black Beans
- Red Bell Pepper
- Green Onions
- Fresh Cilantro
- Lime Juice (for dressing)
- Honey (for dressing)
- Chili Powder (for dressing)
- Cumin (for dressing)
- Salt (for dressing)
- Black Pepper (for dressing)
Crispy Chicken Wrap
Sink your teeth into the Crispy Chicken Wrap, where each bite offers a mix of textures and flavors that please the palate. Enjoy the succulent chicken encased in a crispy, golden breadcrumb shell, paired with crisp lettuce, tangy onions, and rich cheese.
Hugged by a soft tortilla, every mouthful balances out with a lush avocado spread, creating a meal that stands out for both its simplicity and deliciousness. Perfect for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner, this wrap has all the makings of a go-to favorite.
Ingredients:
Crispy Chicken Layer:
- 1 medium chicken breast, butterflied, room temperature
- ½ cup flour, GF or regular
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs, GF if needed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 medium egg, beaten
- 4 strips bacon, thick cut is preferred
- 1-2 tablespoon olive oil, for cooking
For The Wraps:
- 2 burrito size tortillas, flour or corn
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- ½ red onion, sliced, or white onion
- 2-3 leaves Romaine lettuce, or other leafy green lettuce
- 2-4 slices Cheddar cheese, shredded, or Monterey, Provolone
- ⅔ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Avocado Spread:
- 2 medium avocados, mashed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, or substitute cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice
- 1 pinch fine sea salt or kosher salt, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon sour cream, or Greek yogurt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Pizza Dippers for School Lunch
Update the school lunch routine with these delightful Pizza Dippers! A hit among kids and a breeze for parents, this interactive meal combines the fun of dipping with the beloved flavors of pizza. It's a creative way to encourage even the pickiest of eaters to look forward to their midday meal.
Ingredients:
- Pepperoni slices
- Cheese cubes (your choice of cheese)
- Crackers
- Greek pita flatbread or your choice of flatbread
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Super Easy Ham Roll Ups
Perfect for a speedy lunch or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, Super Easy Ham Roll Ups are the go-to solution for any quick meal need. They are a joy to prepare and loved by both children and adults alike. Ensuring convenience and taste in every bite. These wraps come together in just a few minutes with minimal ingredients, making them an excellent choice for any last-minute dining situation.
Ingredients:
- Baby arugula
- Spring greens
- Ham slices
- Cheese
- Tortillas
Chicken Greek Salad Wrap Sandwich
Dip into a universe where the Chicken Greek Salad Wrap Sandwich awaits, an offering that combines health with taste in an easy lunchtime option. Perfect for outdoor meals or a quick, nutritious choice, it brings together the bright flavors of summer. This wrap makes the most out of leftover chicken. Turning it into a meal that's both satisfying and convenient, sure to be a new go-to in your recipe collection.
Ingredients:
- Chicken (use what's on hand, be it leftover, from a rotisserie, canned, or even precooked shrimp as a different take)
- Lavash bread or any flatbread (options include low-carb, gluten-free, whole wheat, or simply lettuce leaves for a crunchier option)
- Components for a Greek salad (common picks include tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, feta cheese, accented with a Greek dressing)
Chickpea Thai Quinoa Salad
Ready for a taste that brings excitement to your table? Look no further than the Chickpea Thai Quinoa Salad! This dish is a celebration of wholesome ingredients, perfectly mixing the unique flavors of quinoa with the robustness of chickpeas, all highlighted by the crisp freshness of assorted veggies.
Ingredients
- Quinoa (any color, rinsed)
- Chickpeas (canned, drained, and rinsed)
- Cabbage (red, green, or white)
- Carrot
- Cilantro (alternative options include parsley, mint, or Thai basil)
- Creamy Peanut Butter (opt for natural versions without added sugars or fats)
- Vegetable Broth
- Tamari (or, for a gluten-free option, liquid aminos or coconut aminos)
- Lime Juice (fresh preferred)
- Maple Syrup (or your choice of sweetener like agave nectar, brown sugar, coconut sugar, or date syrup)
- Rice Wine Vinegar (or apple cider vinegar can be used)
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder
- Sriracha (optional, for those who enjoy a bit of spice)
