Healthy Lunch Recipes

Brunch and lunch aren't just sandwiches and salads (though those can be great choices, too). Chefs offer wonderful lunch recipes that you can eat at home or take to work or school.

Rice salad with herbs and lemon dressing

Fresh herbs like mint and basil add a bright, refreshing flavor to this simple salad. Make this salad ahead of time: it'll be even better the next day!

Recipe: Rice salad with herbs and lemon dressing

Miso soup

Forget restaurant delivery and packaged food. This miso soup is easy to make, and it's only 115 calories per serving.

Recipe: Miso soup

Kale and Apple Salad

Kale, rich in antioxidants, is especially beneficial when eaten raw. Thin strips of kale are softened with a light lemon dressing and tossed with a savory-sweet mixture of apple, dates, almonds, and cheese. A touch of pecorino cheese adds a pleasant depth of flavor to this nutritious salad.

Recipe: Kale and Apple Salad

Vegetarian club sandwich

This tall sandwich, loaded with vegetables, is mouthwatering and delicious. Thanks to the rich avocado spread and smoked tofu, there's no need for bacon or cold meats.

Recipe: Vegetarian club sandwich

California Puffed Cereal Bowl

Even the most boring work lunch will brighten up with this sunny salad. Rice cereal, vegetables, and goat cheese create a delightful combination of flavor and texture.

Recipe: California Puffed Cereal Bowl

Vegetarian Chili in a Slow Cooker

Beans and vegetables give this meatless chili a rich flavor. The spiciness and a touch of hot sauce will give you a boost of energy.

Recipe: Vegetarian Chili in a Slow Cooker

Israeli couscous with cherries

Fresh cherries, parsley, red and green onions combine with Israeli couscous to create a fresh, colorful salad.

Recipe: Israeli couscous with cherries

Quinoa and Broccoli Bowl with Pork

This fresh, slightly spicy grain bowl is a fun lunchtime dish. Pork, quinoa, and sweet potato are filling yet light, so you won't feel sleepy while you work.

Recipe: Quinoa and Broccoli Bowl with Pork

Sweet potato toast with steak, roasted peppers, and arugula

Turn leftover steak into a vibrant low-carb lunch using baked sweet potato wedges stuffed with red bell pepper and zesty arugula.

Recipe: Sweet potato toast with steak, roasted peppers, and arugula

Vegetable noodle soup

Prepare your favorite childhood dish in less than 20 minutes.

Recipe: Vegetable noodle soup

We recommend

Egg salad in boats

Celery, radishes, romaine lettuce, and vegetable sprouts make this vegetarian dish healthy and crunchy. Don't forget the mustard—just a touch for a bold flavor!

Recipe: Egg salad in boats

Tuscan vegetable soup with beans and spinach

Ellie's soup is packed with vegetables, beans, and fresh herbs—a quick, healthy, and filling meal.

Recipe: Tuscan vegetable soup with beans and spinach

Macaroni and cheese with salami, artichokes and olives

This healthy and affordable lunch is inspired by the Italian antipasto. We love the tangy, garlicky flavor of soppressata—it's well worth the price!

Recipe: Macaroni and cheese with salami, artichokes and olives

Spicy Swiss chard soup

Make hot soup for dinner and take the leftovers to work the next day.

Recipe: Spicy Swiss chard soup

Crab salad with avocado and croutons

This fresh California-style salad makes a filling lunch or dinner. To keep the lettuce from getting soggy, pack the dressing separately and add it just before eating.

Recipe: Crab salad with avocado and croutons

Smoked salmon on lettuce leaves

If you love fish bagels, you'll love these smoked salmon and cream cheese boats—with lettuce instead of bagels.

Recipe: Smoked salmon on lettuce leaves

Chickpea Salad Sandwiches

Trisha loves chickpeas because their texture is similar to black-eyed beans, a popular ingredient in Southern cuisine. Rich in fiber and protein, Trisha pairs these beans with avocado, a little mayo, and lime juice for a light, fresh salad that's also incredibly filling.

Recipe: Chickpea Salad Sandwiches

Niçoise salad with tuna

This salad is loaded with briny olives, hearty tuna, tender potatoes, and green beans, but it's lighter than the classic version thanks to a low-fat homemade dressing.

Recipe: Niçoise salad with tuna

Fried Zucchini and Spinach Wraps

Grill or pan-fry the zucchini until tender. Layer the filling, alternating with raw peppers, spinach, store-bought hummus, and herbs for a nutritious, on-the-go lunch.

Recipe: Fried Zucchini and Spinach Wraps

Stuffed peppers with light filling

White rice, lentils, and ground beef combine for a filling gluten-free lunch.

Recipe: Stuffed peppers with light filling

Buddha's Bowl

Buddha bowls, or grain bowls, are a popular dish worth trying! This balanced, healthy lunch or dinner is packed with colorful vegetables, grains, and protein, and it's easy and fun to prepare. Experiment with different ingredients!

Recipe: Buddha's Bowl

Mini bean-filled sandwiches for school

Instead of cold cuts, top whole-grain pita with fresh vegetables, cheese, and hummus—this snack will make you love sandwiches all over again.

Recipe: Mini bean-filled sandwiches for school

Chicken noodle soup in a jar

Trisha's chicken soup is perfect for a weekday lunch. Pour it into individual jars with lids—perfect for taking on-the-go.

Recipe: Chicken noodle soup in a jar

Shrimp and Snow Pea Salad

For a unique salad, toss shrimp, radishes, and snow peas with sesame seeds and a rice vinegar vinaigrette.

Recipe: Shrimp and Snow Pea Salad

Leaf salad with cucumbers, tomatoes and chips

Ellie adds a homemade version of croutons to a salad of fresh herbs and lemon dressing.

Recipe: Leaf salad with cucumbers, tomatoes and chips



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