Lunchtime can be a challenging meal to plan for, especially when faced with deadlines and errands. However, skipping lunch can lead to unhealthy snack choices later in the day. To combat this, it’s essential to have a variety of delicious and healthy lunch ideas to choose from. Whether you’re looking for high-protein options, pasta, beans, grains, salads, quick and easy lunches, plant-based options, or grab-and-go choices, this list has got you covered.
For those aiming to increase their protein intake, there are several options available. From a rotisserie chicken sandwich to a cucumber cottage cheese toast, there are many ways to incorporate protein-rich foods into your midday meal. Other high-protein lunch ideas include egg salad sandwiches, sardine tartines, and Southwest shrimp quinoa bowls, ensuring that you stay satisfied and energized throughout the afternoon.
Pasta, beans, and grains are versatile ingredients that can form the basis of a nutritious lunch. Protein-packed pasta salads, tuna macaroni salads, and farro salads with roasted vegetables provide a hearty and flavorful option for lunchtime. Three-bean salads, wild rice salads, and millet tabbouleh salads are other plant-based choices that are both delicious and nutrient-dense.
Salads are a classic lunch option that can be filling and satisfying. From a classic Cobb salad to a Greek salad or a salmon salad with a lemony Dijon-caper vinaigrette, there are numerous variations to suit different tastes. Additionally, Mediterranean snack plates, avocado toast with beans, and chickpea “tuna” sandwiches are plant-based alternatives that offer a healthy, flavorful twist on traditional lunch options.
Quick and easy lunches are perfect for days when time is tight. Sunflower butter and grape sandwiches, hard-boiled eggs with cheese and fruit, and grilled cheese sandwiches with added vegetables are simple yet satisfying choices. For those on the go, Mediterranean snack plates, avocado toast, and plant-based options like butternut squash quesadillas or vegan penne alla vodka are convenient and tasty solutions.
For those who need make-ahead desk lunches, copycat crispy chicken and cabbage salads, nicoise grain bowls, or loaded sweet potatoes are delicious options that can be prepared in advance and brought to work. Grab-and-go lunches, such as Greek yogurt with granola, hummus cups with pretzels, or tortillas with eggs, cheese, and arugula, are convenient choices for busy days. Overall, having a variety of lunch options available can help you stay on track with your health and nutrition goals while enjoying delicious and satisfying meals throughout the week.
