80+ Healthy Lunch Ideas for Work
These healthy lunch ideas are not just going to save you money, they’re going to fuel your body. While it may be tempting, especially when you’re busy, to grab something from a nearby restaurant for lunch daily, but you are doing your body and wallet a huge disservice by doing that.
So let’s change that!
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You can find some really great healthy lunch ideas for work that will not only be tasty, but healthy, almost obliterating the midday slump that usually comes with improperly fueling your body.
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Healthy Lunch Ideas to Take to Work
Sometimes you just feel so crunched for time that you grab a burger or pizza on your lunch break. I get it.
Listen, we all know I’m all about realistic nutrition where pizza is always on the menu. However, that’s a once in a while sort of thing, not an everyday occurrence.
Focus on fueling your body in a healthy way, especially midday before the afternoon slump hits.
There are several healthy lunches that you can take to work. Whether you opt for a salad, a cold lunch, or even a delicious soup, you will be feeding your body what it really craves – nutrition.
If you’re needing a little extra help, check out my Real Food Real Life Nutrition Guide, and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram.
Basic Healthy Lunch Ideas
The majorty of these lunch recipes are great for meal prep where you make it once and eat a healthy lunch all week.
If you want something more simple here are some basic lunch ideas:
- Simple salad: base of leafy greens, accessory veggies (carrots, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers), complex carb (sweet potato, rice, quinoa), protein, dressing, healthy fat (1/4 avocado, cheese, nuts).
- Sandwich with a side salad or soup.
- Veggies and dip (like this balsamic beet dip).
- Bento box style (think adult Lunchables).
Healthy Chicken Lunch Ideas
If its chicken you crave for lunch this week, there are several recipes to choose from. Craving soup? We have you covered. Want a sandwich? We have that too. Check out these awesome healthy chicken lunch ideas.
Thai Chicken Veggie Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce
If you love spiralized vegetable pasta then you're going to love this Thai Chicken Veggie Noodle Salad. It's made with a creamy peanut sauce that is quick and easy to whip up. Made with zoodles, carrot noodles, plus more veggies this healthy salad recipe is full of goodness! Perfect for work lunches or a quick dinner idea.
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Chicken Zoodle Soup
This healthy chicken zoodle soup recipe is a gluten-free soup twist on a comfort food classic. It's the perfect way to add in an extra serving of vegetables in a tasty way for beginners.
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Cauliflower Chicken Fried Rice
A quick and easy chicken fried cauliflower rice recipe uses cauliflower rice instead of white rice, healthing up this popular Chinese dish by adding in more vegeteables.
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Rotisserie Chicken Tacos
Need an easy and healthy way to use up rotisserie chicken leftovers? These gluten free rotisserie chicken tacos are AMAZING! They're quick and customizable for a simple family dinner in 5 minutes fast!
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Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad With Fresh Rosemary
Cranberry walnut chicken salad with fresh rosemary, is a delicious and light lunch or dinner. Chunks of breast meat are tossed with plump, dried cranberries, tart and crunchy Granny Smith apples, walnuts, and fresh rosemary. If you like chicken salad, you’ll love this one! I love chicken salad.
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Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Instant Pot chicken burrito bowl with chicken, beans, rice, and corn. Customize each chicken bowl with fresh Mexican burrito toppings.
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Grilled Chicken Asparagus Salad
Grilled Chicken Asparagus Salad is a delicious and easy dinner that is perfect for any night! This salad packs flavor from so many great ingredients like chicken, bacon, spinach goat cheese, and asparagus. The chicken is marinated in lemon basil vinaigrette which is used to dress the salad.
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Chicken Salad BLT
Looking for an amazing sandwich? Check out this Chicken Salad BLT from www.drugstoredvas.net. It’s basically the perfect sandwich recipe.
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Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad With Fresh Rosemary
Cranberry walnut chicken salad with fresh rosemary, is a delicious and light lunch or dinner. Chunks of breast meat are tossed with plump, dried cranberries, tart and crunchy Granny Smith apples, walnuts, and fresh rosemary. If you like chicken salad, you’ll love this one! I love chicken salad. You …
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Instant Pot Carnitas Chicken
Instant Pot Carnitas Chicken is pulled chicken with citrus and oregano. Use this healthy chicken thigh recipe in tacos, burrito bowls, salads, and more. Perfect for meal prep and lunches!
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Authentic Style Kung-Pao Chicken
This Kung-Pao recipe dazzles! This delicious and easy chicken dish is full of punchy flavor and balanced spiciness, not to mention being Keto / low carb!
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Greek Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe
This Greek Chicken Salad Wraps recipe is chocked full of flavor and has no mayonnaise, making it a lighter and healthier version of chicken salad.
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Healthy Cobb Salad Recipe with Chicken (Keto, Low Carb)
Cobb salads are often labeled unhealthy because of the oversized restaurant ones. This healthy Cobb salad recipe with chicken is a great low carb meal for one.
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Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad
Enjoy berry season with a crunchy Strawberry Poppy Seed Pecan Chicken Salad packed with strawberries, celery, pecans and so simple and whips up in minutes!
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Chicken Hummus Naan Wraps
An easy chicken wrap recipe you can throw together in just 15 minutes for a quick & healthy dinner or lunch. Featuring simple ingredients like shredded chicken, hummus, chopped fresh veggies, a homemade red wine vinaigrette, and crumbled cheese all piled onto a piece of soft & chewy naan bread (Indi…
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Best Curry Chicken Salad Recipe with Grapes
This curry chicken recipe with grapes recipe is unmatched. Made with glazed pecans and sweet plump green grapes for a sweet and salty combo you’ll love.
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Confetti Chicken Quinoa Salad
This easy and healthy recipe for confetti chicken quinoa salad is full of both color and flavor. It’s like a party in your mouth. Dairy and gluten-free.
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Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe
My best rotisserie chicken salad recipe using rotisserie chicken and fresh dill, perfect for a chicken salad sandwich! Easy and delicious!
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Dill Pickle Chicken Salad (Whole30, Low Carb)
This Dill Pickle Chicken Salad recipe is Whole30, Paleo & Low Carb, made with tender chicken, crunchy pickles, red onion, fresh dill, mayo and garlic.
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Shredded Buffalo Chicken Meal Prep
Pressure cooker shredded buffalo chicken is paired with roasted cauliflower and a raw shredded brussel sprout salad to make an easy meal prep option. This low carb meal prep lunch idea has minimal active cooking and will last the whole week.
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Japanese Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
This Teriyaki Chicken Bowl is absolutely Irresist-A-Bowl! Tender juicy chicken, glistening in tasty sauce, alongside Asian coleslaw and creamy avocado. All atop a bed of hot rice. Yum!
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Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Burgers with Avocado Basil Aioli
Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Burgers will be your new favorite healthy chicken burger recipe! Made with only a few simple ingredients, packed with flavor, and topped with delicious avocado basil aioli. An easy and healthy paleo, Whole30, low-carb, and gluten-free recipe.
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad
Chopped chicken bacon ranch salad made with fresh veggies, chicken, bacon, avocado, and tossed with ranch dressing. Super easy to make, comes together in 30 minutes, and is loaded with veggies, protein, and healthy fats. Perfect for BBQs, picnics, potlucks, or just a simple lunch or light dinner.
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Guacamole Chicken Salad
Mexican inspired guacamole chicken salad is easy to make for a delish lunch! Eat as a sandwich, a melt with cheese, with crackers or as a salad with beans!
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Chicken Tikka Kebabs
These chicken tikka kebabs make a great addition to any party food table, or served up with a simple salad and some dips for a light lunch.
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Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Salad
This refreshing Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Salad features mouth-watering lemongrass chicken, rice noodles, fresh herbs and crunchy veggies in a spicy dressing.
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Healthy Vegan Lunch Ideas
If you are following a vegan diet, there are several different recipes to choose from. Stave off food boredom while still eating a healthy lunch at work with these awesome recipes.
Easy Vegan Burrito Bowl with Black Beans and Fajitas
This Vegan Burrito Bowl Recipe combines seasoned black beans and fajita veggies for an oil-free & totally delicious Chipotle-style feast. You need just 6 ingredients and 20 minutes.
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Vegan Chickpea Curry Salad (Oil-Free)
This vegan curry chickpea salad is quick, easy, and versatile. Serve it as a sandwich, salad, or wrap. #veganrecipes #veganchickpeasalad
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Easy Vegan Instant Pot Chili
For this comforting veggie chili, use pantry ingredients plus whatever veggies you have on hand, fresh, canned, or frozen.
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Smoked Tofu & Hummus Buddha Bowl
Indulge with this smoky and savory Buddha Bowl. The combination of smoked tofu, hummus, and turmeric rice makes for a perfect vegan lunch (or dinner!)
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Speedy Vegan Burrito
The new vegan burrito is here, paving the way and setting the standard. Mega quick and perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
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Balsamic Chickpea Quinoa Salad
Loaded with plant-based protein and soaked in a tangy balsamic dressing this chickpea quinoa salad recipe makes a tasty meal or a wonderful side dish! If you love quick, simple throw together meals than this vegan quinoa salad is for you.
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Vegan Burritos with Black Rice and Lentils
Vegan Burritos made with nutty black rice, lentils, veggies, and vegan cheese is a hearty sandwich. Recipe includes variations for a variety.
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Vegan Rice Salad with Pecans and Apple
I love this autumnal vegan rice salad- it’s so simple to make and is great hot or cold. It’s filled with flavours of citrus, pecans and dill.
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Chickpea Carrot Salad Sandwich
This delicious and healthy Chickpea Carrot Salad Sandwich is a scrumptious blend of seasoned chickpeas and veggies – and it’s vegan-friendly, too.
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Fresco Vegan Sofritas Tacos
This copycat recipe for vegan Chipotle sofritas tacos uses tofu in an delicious sauce with roasted tomatoes and poblano pepper.
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Vegan Garlic Teriyaki Tofu
This vegan Garlic Teriyaki Tofu is perfect for beginners! You will find step-by-step instructions in the article for this easy Japanese weeknight dinner recipe!
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Vegan Egg Roll in a Bowl
This vegan egg roll in a bowl recipe is a meatless take on a delicious meal. Ready in just 10 minutes, this crowd pleasing recipe is a sure winner.
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Apple Avocado Quinoa Salad
Apple Avocado Quinoa Salad is a filling, refreshing, protein-rich, gluten-free and vegan salad. The nuttiness from the quinoa and nuts, creaminess from the avocado and the crunch from the apple, its a perfect light meal option.
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Delicious Vegan Crab Salad
Get ready to have your mind blown with this delicious vegan crab salad, light, full of flavour & a perfect as a canapé, salad or sandwich filler. Ideal make ahead lunch or fancy starter. Here at Yum HQ we love that this salad can be perfect for any occasion or simple lunch.
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Easy Vegan Green Bean Curry
This vegan green bean curry is an easy, nutritious and hearty dinner recipe! Comforting, but healthy, high-protein and full of flavor!
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Vegan Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas
This tasty vegan Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is made with chickpeas for a superb high-protein side dish, salad or full meal. Enjoy with fresh lemon juice.
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Vegan Italian Pasta Salad
This vegan “cheesy” Italian pasta salad makes a great light lunch/dinner that you can enjoy warm or cold. Perfect to take with you to school and work.
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Roasted Cauliflower Veggie Soup
This dairy free, Whole30 recipe for roasted cauliflower soup is perfect for dinner. It's a great way to add to a meatless Monday and to eat more vegan recipes. The key? Roasting the vegetables first.
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Easy Tomato Cucumber Salsa Quinoa Salad
Tomato cucumber quinoa salad that is paired with some refreshing salsa. A perfect light summer meal, and is super flavorful yet really easy to make !
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Vegan Asian Broccoli Mushroom Tofu Stir-fry
Super flavorful Asian inspired stir-fry featuring crispy tofu, crunchy broccoli & tender mushrooms ! This healthy vegan dish is ready under 30 mins.
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Baked Pesto Tofu
Basil pesto is tossed with tofu that has been seasoned and roasted with simple spices for a savory dish that is practically effortless.
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Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup
Easy vegan broccoli cheese soup made with broccoli, onion, coconut milk, cashews, nutritional yeast, and vegetable broth for a comforting and healthy dairy free soup. Only 25 minutes for an easy weeknight meal, appetizer, or side dish. Low carb, paleo, and Whole30. This post is sponsored in partners…
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Easy and healthy Millet vegetable salad recipe
Quick, simple, vegan, and gluten-free millet salad recipe with the goodness of vegetables (broccoli, sweet corn, and carrots). Have this millet salad for breakfast or lunch or dinner!
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Vegan chickpeas salad
A vegan Indian style chickpeas salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and onions, with lemon-olive oil dressing.
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InstantPot Enchilada Rice Bowl
InstantPot Enchilada Rice is easy, healthy and delicious one pot wonder dish. Perfect for weeknight dinner and meal prep, this wholesome recipe is Glutenfree, Vegan complete meal in a bowl.
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Curried Chickpea Salad Sandwiches
These Curried Chickpea Salad Sandwiches make for a simple lunch recipe that’s easy and healthy! They’re flavored with Indian spices, vegan, and gluten free.
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Vegan Pasta Salad
An easy and quick Vegan Pasta Salad recipe that takes less than 20 minutes to be ready. It’s made of simple ingredients that make it healthy, colorful and tasty.
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Fiesta Quinoa Salad
Fiery, sweet and tangy fiesta Quinoa Salad is our GOTO make ahead salad that we can’t stop raving about. Make it today and you will know why! #ministryofcurry #quinoasalad
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5-minute Vegan Tuna Recipe
Quick and easy recipe for vegan tuna. Perfect for a plant based sandwich filling, or scoop it onto a salad for a healthy lunch.
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Vegan Pesto Pasta with Broccoli and Avocado
Our freshly made Vegan Pesto combined with Broccoli and Avocado and served with a good quality pasta, is the perfect weekday meal.
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Spinach and Quinoa Vegan Meal Prep Bowls
These vegan meal prep bowls are loaded with quinoa, spinach, carrots, almonds, and a delicious ginger/garlic/soy dressing! Ready in only 30 minutes, and this recipe makes 4 meals. These vegan meal prep bowls make an
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Beet Poke Bowl
Plant based poke bowl is a great no-cook summer lunch idea. Using leftover rice and roasted beets. Loaded with colorful veggies and a spicy sauce.
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Other Healthy Lunch Ideas to Take to Work
Making lunch for work doesn’t have to be complicated, nor does it have to be boring. These fantastic ideas are great for lunches and fantastic when making your meals ahead.
Build Your Own Healthy Nourish Bowl
Looking for a balanced, nutritious, delicious and easy to make meal idea? Learn how to build a healthy nourish bowl – great for lunch, dinner and meal prep!
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Turkey Cheddar Lunch Roll Ups
Turkey Cheddar Lunch Roll Ups make the best lunch, appetizer or snack that everyone will love! These are fun and perfect to add to your kid’s lunchbox!
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Curry Potato Leek Soup
This comforting soup recipe has a delicious twist. Dairy free curry potato leek soup is made with minimal ingredients making it easy to make!
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Butternut Squash Chili
This healthy butternut squash turkey chili recipe is an easy fall dinner recipe that is high in protein and full of fiber. It's perfect for healthy meal prep lunches or dinners.
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Bacon Cauliflower Chowder
Bacon Cauliflower Chowder is gluten-free and keto-friendly and loaded with salty bacon, cream cheese, cauliflower, and seasoning for a delicious chowder recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
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Veggie Wraps Recipe
Veggie wraps are the perfect grab and go lunch. These quick and easy vegetable wraps are made with minimal ingredients and effort. Perfect for kids lunch box or as after school snack.
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Instant Pot Quinoa Salad with Feta
Over the holidays, my brother-in-law’s girlfriend made this super amazing quinoa salad. I’m the first to admit that I’m not a fan of the superfood, but the way that L made it was absolutely wonderful. As in everyone enjoyed it, even my picky eaters. Why? Because it had cucumbers, feta, and tomatoes …
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Quick And Easy Instant Pot Spinach Rice Recipe
Easy Instant Pot spinach rice is a healthy meal that I love to make for my family for lunch box meals. Full of nutritious ingredients and filling protein, this meal helps my loved ones power through their busy days. Making this spinach rice recipe in an Instant Pot turns it into a quick meal that I …
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Instant Pot Curried Quinoa Pilaf
One minute Instant Pot Curried Quinoa Pilaf – Pulav is my recipe for a go-to weeknight dinner. Well, I am sure that you knew that you could make quinoa in 1-minute in your Instant Pot, but did you know you could make a complete meal in 1-minute? Yes, one minute is what it takes for this yummilicious…
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Tangy Veggie Wrap
A refreshing and tangy summer veggie wrap that’s easy to make and perfect for on the go – ideal for bbqs, picnics or make ahead work lunches.
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Satisfying Spinach Tomato Quesadillas
Sometimes you’ve just gotta treat yourself. Do something you love. Buy something you want. Or, if you’re like us – eat some cheese! If cheese was better for us then we’d live off it – but it’s not so we don’t! However, like most things in life – it’s great in moderation. Chuck in some pesto (basil h…
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Easy Veggie Quesadillas with a Melted Mozzarella and Cheddar Combo
I need no excuse to make veggie quesadillas. No excuse at all. But when I have one, it’s even better. And the justification for these quesadillas is great – I need a way to show off this unbelievable red pesto! It was a surprise hit last week, and we’ve been making it again and again – for pasta, on…
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Breakfast Egg Muffins – Perfect For Lunches too!
Delicious and Healthy Breakfast Egg Muffins. Simple recipe, great taste. Low carb and high in protein. Perfect as a full meal or filling snack.
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The Best Chopped Salad Recipe
This Tuscan Chopped Salad Recipe is incredibly healthy and delicious with my special homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
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Avocado Pesto Pasta with Beets, Corn, Goat Cheese & Arugula
Light yet decadent, this pesto pasta with goat cheese, golden beets, avocado, and corn is just as delicious cold as it is warm. #pasta #avocado #pesto
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Simple Thai-Style Leftover Turkey Green Curry
Why go with a leftover casserole? Grab a can of coconut milk and make a flavorful green curry! No turkey? No problem! Any protein will shine!
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Winter Kale Salad
Tender kale, roasted squash, and healthy candied pecans come together with a maple thyme vinaigrette to make this hearty salad. This winter kale salad makes a perfect lunch or dinner during the col…
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Kale White Bean Salad with Tuna
Kale white bean salad with tuna is a fresh and vibrant salad with apple, celery and a simple, creamy tahini dressing.
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Mexican Mason Jar Salad
Mexican Mason Jar Salad is going to be your NEW ” TO – GO ” Lunch. Make them ahead and enjoy your meals with ease.
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Salmon Salad Sandwiches
A creamy lemon and dill mixture combines with canned salmon to make these easy Salmon Salad Sandwiches. A delicious meal that’s ready in 10 minutes!
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Mediterranean Chickpea & Tuna Salad
An easy, simple, nutritious and delicious Mediterranean recipe for chickpea & tuna salad that comes together in just 10 minutes!
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Mashed Avocado + White Bean Lettuce Wraps
These vegetarian lettuce wraps are the lunch recipe to get out of the same old, same old. The combination of avocado and white beans and lots of flavor!
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Black Bean Soup with Baby Greens
This hearty & delicious black bean soup is vegan & gluten free, loaded with veggies and greens and tastes very similar to Panera bread black bean soup.
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Roasted Eggplant Sandwich with Olive Tapenade
Ready to take a bite of a roasted eggplant sandwich packed with lots of whole plant ingredients. This vegan sandwich is full of flavor.
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Lavash Wrap with Roasted Veggies
Assorted roasted vegetables with hummus, lettuce and tomato are wrapped in a a thin bread to create this irresistible Lavash Wrap Sandwich.
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Salmon Salad
This delicious and fresh salmon salad is a quick and easy recipe that can be served as a main course salad or as a sandwich filling. Ready in 20 minutes.
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Tuna Pasta Salad
This tuna pasta salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that can be enjoyed as a main or as a side for picnics, cookouts and potlucks. Made without mayonnaise.
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With all these choices, there is something here that will not only keep you satisfied but also help you to stay healthy. A bonus? You’ll maintain energy levels up all day long.
Happy lunching!
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