5 Quick Healthy Lunch Ideas
Making and preparing lunch can be time-consuming - leaving many to either rush through their lunches or frequently order unhealthy foods. But with a bit of guidance and practice, meal preparation can be stress-free and even fun. Here are 5 quick, easy, and delicious lunches to try out.
1. Vegan Caesar Salad
Homemade caesar salad doesn’t need to include croutons full of gluten and dressing made with egg yolk, anchovies, and parmesan. Check out this incredible vegan caesar salad from OhSheGlows that features chickpea croutons, kale and romaine greens, and protein-heavy cashew-based sauce. If you soak the cashew and make the croutons at the beginning of the week, making your salad will only take a few minutes each day.
2. Egg Salad Sandwich
If you’re looking for a super quick and healthy lunch option, try out this egg salad sandwich recipe from Good Housekeeping. Replacing the mayonnaise with yogurt gives this sandwich a healthy upgrade. With only a handful of ingredients and a little over 10 minutes of your time, you can have a tasty and healthy egg salad to add to pumpernickel or your favorite whole grain bread. The egg salad can be stored in your fridge for 3-4 days, so you can have a delicious lunch for later in the week with little to no preparation time.
3. Pesto Pasta
This pesto recipe from Minimalist Baker can be made in only 5 minutes and goes great on your favorite pasta - and, it’s vegan. This pesto recipe replaces the classic blend of garlic, basil, and cheese, and gives it a heart-healthy twist. The cheese is replaced with nutritional yeast and the walnuts packed with antioxidants, are used in place of the usual pine nuts. In addition to pasta, this pesto is perfect for salads or roasted vegetables.
4. Oil-Free Roasted Vegetables
Tired of cooking your vegetables the same, boring way, or eating them raw? Jane from Cook for Health Coach created this delicious oil-free roasted vegetable recipe that takes only 10 minutes of active time to make. If you like zucchini, baby bella mushrooms, bell peppers, and tomatoes, then this is the dish for you. Try out this roasted vegetable recipe for your next lunch.
5. Steamed Brussels Sprouts Salad
This brussels sprouts recipe we created can be made in only 6 minutes. It’s incredibly quick and a far healthier way to prepare brussels sprouts than baking or frying. Try pairing these brussels sprouts with some cooked chickpeas and a drizzle of lemon juice for a delicious quick and satisfying dish. Check out the recipe here.
Lunch should be about enjoying your food and not spending your time making it. While ordering in or taking out can certainly be easy it’s not the healthiest choice or the most economical. Hopefully trying out these options will give you more time to enjoy your lunch hour and leave some money in your wallet. If you’re interested in trying some other delicious, healthy meals? Check out some of our health-conscious recipes.