It’s always a good idea to have healthy lunch ideas that are unique, healthy, and delicious.
When you go to work every day, the temptation to eat fast food or go out to lunch with colleagues is always lurking. And once you go out to lunch, it’s incredibly challenging to make healthy choices simply because most restaurant menus are filled with high-calorie options. What can you do?
There are so many healthy lunch options available, and the internet is full of great healthy lunch recipes or ideas for a quick healthy lunch.
Eating healthy lunches plays a significant role in maintaining overall wellness and fueling the body with essential nutrients to power through the day. With busy lifestyles, preparing balanced meals may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is incorporating a variety of nutrient-dense ingredients to create satisfying and delicious dishes that cater to various dietary preferences.
By focusing on whole foods and prioritizing colorful fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains, it’s possible to create a myriad of tasty and nourishing lunches that can improve one’s health and energy levels.
On this list of easy healthy lunch ideas, we’ve included hearty salads, delicious wraps and sandwiches, savory soups, easy meal prep lunches, and even some amazing Asian bowl healthy lunch ideas.
Let’s dive in and check out this huge list of healthy lunch recipes and healthy lunch ideas.
Filling Hearty Salads
Source: natashaskitchen.com
1. Asian Chopped Salad
Asian chopped salad is loaded with crunchy goodness.
Veggies include red cabbage, green cabbage, red bell pepper, carrot, sugar snap peas, onion, and cilantro.
Source: spendwithpennies.com
2. Classic Chicken Salad
We love that we can use leftover rotisserie chicken to make a classic chicken salad.
Chicken salad can be eaten on its own or on a sandwich with tomato slices and bread.
Source: frommybowl.com
3. Vegan Soba Noodle Salad
A recipe for soba noodle salad with peanut sauce is just what you need to have a flavorful light lunch.
This recipe calls for buckwheat noodles, but you could actually use whatever type of pasta you like.
You can make this salad as a mason jar salad, too.
Source: tastykitchen.com
4. Ranch Dressing Chicken Garden Salad
It’s hard to beat a simple green salad with garden veggies for a lunch idea. We love this one that also has a healthy serving of grilled chicken breast.
You can use whatever type of lettuce you like, and don’t forget the avocado.
Source: ambitiouskitchen.com
5. Chickpea Greek Salad
Salads are great healthy lunch ideas, and we are in love with all of the Greek recipes on this list.
Veggies include bell pepper, red onion, tomatoes, kalamata olives, and cucumbers.
Source: damndelicious.net
6. Greek Chicken Salad
How does a Greek chicken salad sound? This one is made with juicy chicken thighs.
The tzatziki dressing is made with Greek yogurt, buttermilk, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and fresh dill.
Source: cookingclassy.com
7. Italian Pasta Salad
We love a loaded pasta salad, and this recipe delivers. With mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese, it has tons of flavor.
Salami gives this salad a nice Italian flavor.
Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com
8. Quinoa Spinach Salad
Quinoa is loaded with protein, and the spinach in this salad is antioxidant-rich.
Cucumber, red bell pepper strips, red onion, and crumbled Greek feta cheese (or goat cheese) add exceptional flavor and color.
Source: themediterraneandish.com
9. Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad
All of the flavors of the Mediterranean are in this orzo pasta salad.
Capers and kalamata olives add tons of flavor, and Greek feta cheese and lemon zest make the flavors explode.
Source: littlespicejar.com
10. Grilled Shrimp Salad
You can cook up a batch of grilled shrimp for dinner and use the leftover shrimp to make this salad the next day for a healthy lunch.
Romaine lettuce, corn, bell pepper, cucumber, tomato, and avocado add color and flavor.
Source: peasandcrayons.com
11. Shrimp Taco Salad
Sauteed shrimp makes this tasty salad a wonderfully flavorful lunch.
For salad dressing, you can use avocado salsa, honey sriracha lime dressing, or tomato salsa. This salad can also be a burrito bowl.
Source: therecipecritic.com
12. Beef Taco Salad
A classic ground beef taco salad with cherry tomatoes and fresh vegetables can work as either a light dinner or a filling lunch.
Sandwiches, Rolls, and Wraps
Source: thewoksoflife.com
13. Lemongrass Chicken Banh Mi Sandwich
Banh mi is a delicious Vietnamese sandwich, and it’s chock-full of protein, fresh veggies like carrots, and herbs.
The marinade for the chicken thighs (or chicken breast) is flavored with red pepper flakes fresh lemongrass.
Source: olivemagazine.com
14. Vietnamese Chicken Summer Rolls
When it comes to juicy chicken, chicken thighs are the way to go. These light summer rolls are perfect for lunch.
Source: recipetineats.com
15. Easy Tzatziki Greek Chicken Gyros
Few things are as satisfying as a light chicken sandwich, and these easy chicken gyros are packed with protein and flavor.
You can make homemade tzatziki sauce or buy some at the store.
Source: cookieandkate.com
16. Vietnamese Salad Rolls Served With Peanut Dipping Sauce
These spring rolls are full of rice vermicelli, butter lettuce, red cabbage, cucumbers, carrots, onion, and jalapeno pepper. The fresh mint and cilantro make them delicious.
Source: spicysouthernkitchen.com
17. Beef and Bean Burritos
Classic burritos are easy to make and the best part is that you can change things up for some variety.
You can make a chicken black bean burrito, for example, if you want something different from ground beef.
Source: spendwithpennies.com
18. Egg Salad Sandwich
An egg salad for a cold lunch is super filling and so easy to make.
You can make your eggs in advance and even use an egg cooker to make it that much easier.
Source: myfarmhousetable.com
19. Tuna Melt Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Do you love a grilled cheese sandwich? If so, you’re going to adore this grilled cheese with an extra kick of heart-healthy protein.
The recipe calls for white bread, but you can use whole wheat bread. Serve this with a cup of tomato soup.
Source: culinaryhill.com
20. Turkey Pinwheels
Whether for our own lunches or as a party appetizer, pinwheels hit the spot.
You can make these in advance and keep them whole or slice them up.
Source: portandfin.com
21. Szechuan Chicken Spicy Mayo Lettuce Wraps
Szechuan chicken is a beloved recipe, and this lettuce wrap recipe makes the most of it.
You can use store-bought spicy mayonnaise or make the sauce in the recipe.
Source: recipetineats.com
22. Chicken Shawarma
This chicken recipe is made with juicy chicken thighs, and the spices send it over the top: garlic, cumin, coriander, cardamom, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
The yogurt sauce made with Greek yogurt and lemon juice is creamy and zingy.
Simple Make-Ahead Soups
Source: skinnytaste.com
23. Light Cream of Broccoli Soup
Just because you’re eating a healthy diet doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a creamy soup and this cream of broccoli soup delivers.
This lightened-up version of cream of broccoli soup made with reduced-fat sour cream is swoon-worthy.
Source: therecipecritic.com
24. Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Sometimes you want a thick and creamy soup, and the flavors of Italy won’t disappoint you.
This tortellini sausage soup is full of delectable pork sausage, carrots, kale, and tortellini with three kinds of cheese.
Source: cookingclassy.com
25. Creamy Mexican Corn Soup
You can use frozen or canned corn to make this hearty corn and black bean chowder with chicken.
We love all of the veggies in this soup, including black beans, tomatoes, and corn. The Mexican spices are cumin and chili powder. This soup is full of savory goodness.
Source: averiecooks.com
26. Chicken Tortilla Soup
We love a big old pot of steaming chicken tortilla soup. The best thing about a pot of soup is that it can serve you for multiple meals.
Serve this with Monterey Jack cheese and chunks of avocado.
Source: suebeehomemaker.com
27. Beef Cabbage Barley Soup
The savory beef broth is what makes this soup so flavorful, but the veggies are really the star of the show.
Use cabbage slaw, carrots, onion, and mushrooms to make this pot of savory soup.
Source: connoisseurusveg.com
28. Vegetarian Mushroom Barley Soup
Vegan and vegetarian meal ideas are easy to find, but we love it when we find a savory creamy soup that is plant-based and an easy lunch idea.
This soup gives you plenty of protein thanks to the cashews.
Source: shewearsmanyhats.com
29. Sweet Potato Soup
Sweet potatoes are so good for you, and this sweet potato recipe is perfect for a cold day.
The coconut milk makes this sweet potato soup so creamy and adds its own hint of exotic flavor. You can add a block of lower-fat cream cheese to make this soup even creamier.
You can use this same recipe to make butternut squash soup.
Source: themodernproper.com
30. Coconut Curry Lentil Soup
Coconut flavors are always a delight, and we love soups that bring these tropical flavors.
This soup has garlic, fresh ginger, onion, kale, sweet potatoes, and chicken broth. Use vegetable broth to make it vegan.
Source: cafedelites.com
31. Creamy Potato and Ham Soup
A creamy ham and potato soup is pure comfort food. And this recipe doesn’t even have heavy cream.
Use cooked ham for this soup recipe, and chicken broth and milk for flavor and creaminess.
Hearty Asian Bowl Meals
Source: pinchofyum.com
32. Korean Beef Steak Rice Bowl
With a rainbow of colored bell peppers, greens, scallions, and Korean BBQ steak, this bowl is a meal fit for a king (or queen!).
The spicy sesame dressing is made with sesame oil, brown sugar, sambal oelek, ginger, mirin, and soy sauce.
Source: panningtheglobe.com
33. Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowl
This Asian-inspired bowl is the ultimate fusion food because it brings sliced avocado into the mix.
Serve the salmon and spinach over a bed of basmati rice, sushi rice, or brown rice.
Source: tablefortwoblog.com
34. Cold Noodles Served With Peanut Butter Sauce
We love it when Asian dishes call for peanut butter. This recipe is full of dark brown sugar, toasted sesame seeds, ginger, garlic, and rice noodles.
The chili garlic sauce adds just the right amount of kick. You can also use almond butter to make this recipe.
Source: simplyrecipes.com
35. Vietnamese Noodle Chicken Bowl
This chicken and vermicelli noodles bowl can be either a light lunch or a refreshing dinner.
Loaded with spices like fresh mint leaves and fresh cilantro, this bowl is brimming over with flavor.
Easy Meal Prep Lunches
Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com
36. Coconut Curry Chicken and Rice One Pot Meal
You will love this Thai-inspired recipe that is so easy to make. You need chicken breast to make this recipe.
The spices are curry powder, coriander, minced ginger, and garlic. Use basmati rice or brown rice to make this delicious meal.
Source: thedashleyskitchen.com
37. Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs
Honey garlic meatballs are to die for, and these are incredibly easy to make for lunch. With honey, brown sugar, garlic, and ketchup, these meatballs have a delicious sauce.
You can cook these meatballs in the slow cooker, too.
Source: bestofvegan.com
38. Feta and Spinach Quiche with Cauliflower Crust
Who knew you could create the perfect quiche with a cauliflower crust? This quiche is absolutely magical.
You can even use vegan feta cheese and parmesan cheese to make this a plant-based meal.
Source: hookedonheat.com
39. Mediterranean Chicken Patties
These delicious Mediterranean chicken burgers can be served on hamburger buns for lunch or on a bed of fluffy basmati rice.
The garlic, dried mint, cumin, coriander, red chili powder, and fresh lemon juice make these patties utterly unique.
Source: lecremedelacrumb.com
40. Creamy Spinach and White Chicken Lasagna
Lasagna made with cooked chicken breast, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and spinach? We’re in!
You can use either half and half or whole milk to make this chicken recipe super creamy.
Source: spendwithpennies.com
41. Easy Meat Lasagna
Lasagna can be a time-consuming meal, so we were delighted to find this easy lunch recipe.
With mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, and parmesan cheese, this recipe has all of the melty cheesiness you love about lasagna.
Source: damndelicious.net
42. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
A sheet pan meal is like magic in the kitchen. These creative meals are basically the oven equivalent of one-pot dishes.
Serve these chicken fajitas with guacamole or diced avocado, salsa, sour cream, and tortillas for a full meal.
Source: wellplated.com
43. Vegan Stuffed Bell Peppers
Anytime we can stuff red bell peppers, it’s a happy lunch. These peppers are full of robust Italian flavors and they’re a protein-rich meal thanks to the quinoa. Quinoa is famously rich in protein.
Ingredients include lentils, quinoa, Italian seasoning, fresh basil, and cashew cream.
Source: saltandlavender.com
44. Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers
For this recipe, use different colors of bell pepper to make your meal super colorful.
This recipe is full of delicious cheddar cheese, basmati rice, seasoned ground beef, and tomato sauce. You can use ground turkey if you like.
Source: olivetomato.com
45. Baked Chicken Breast Marinated Greek Souvlaki
In Greek, the term “souvlaki” means meat on a skewer. In other words, these are a sort of Greek chicken kabob.
You can cook this chicken lunch recipe on the grill, but this recipe gives instructions for baking the skewers in the oven.
Source: lecreamedelacrumb.com
46. Sheet Pan Meal Prep Balsamic Chicken and Vegetables
Sheet pan healthy lunch ideas always make life in the kitchen much easier, and this recipe does not disappoint.
Chicken breast, carrots, baby red and gold potatoes, and grated parmesan cheese have won our hearts.
Source: themediterraneandish.com
47. Vegetable Frittata
Frittata makes an excellent breakfast or brunch recipe, but it’s also a spectacular light lunch.
The eggs add a ton of protein, and you can use whatever veggies you like, including sweet potato.
Source: jocooks.com
48. One Pot Spanish Rice and Chicken
This recipe for Spanish chicken and rice calls for chicken thighs, but you can use chicken breast.
Don’t omit the green olives. They make this chicken recipe so flavorful. You can also make this recipe in the slow cooker.
Source: jessicagavin.com
49. Italian Meatballs
There are so many things you can do with a batch of meatballs. Besides pasta dishes, you can also make meatball sandwiches for lunch.
These Italian meatballs are made with lean ground beef and parmesan cheese.
Do you love bento boxes or a packed lunch? Check out this video for easy healthy lunch ideas, healthy lunch recipes, and easy healthy lunches for work.
Our 50+ BEST Healthy Lunch Ideas (+Classic Chicken Salad)
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup olive oil mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1 sliced scallion
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1 tsp. fresh dill
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Chill, then serve it on bread slices.
Notes
Organize all the required ingredients.
Enjoy the food.
Nutrition
- 35+ Leftover Turkey Recipes - November 23, 2023
- Turkey Salad Recipe - November 23, 2023
- Turkey and Dumplings - November 23, 2023
Related Posts:
