Whether you eat lunch at home these days while WFH or take it with you, having a healthy (and tasty!) lunch that you feel good about can sometimes make or break your day.
To help, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite breakfast recipes to help you get through the day and keep you full enough to avoid mindless snacking come at 3 p.m.
They may require more planning than going through the drive-thru or ordering, but they’re also easier on your waistline and your wallet.
Soups
Recipe: Tomato soup with chickpeas and lentils
This Indian-inspired vegetarian soup is easy to make in your slow cooker in the morning if you’re an early riser. Or make it ahead of time – and it freezes well.
Recipe: Black Bean Soup with Charred Poblano Pepper
Looking for something quick and filling? This soup is for you. It prepares in less than half an hour and is packed with flavor from poblano pepper, paprika and cumin.
Recipe: Mexican Chicken Lime Soup
This Mexican-inspired soup features zesty lime, fresh radishes, and a zesty twist of jalepeño. And everything is ready for lunch in just 25 minutes.
Salads
Recipe: Raw Kale Salad with Pine Nuts, Currants + Kalamata Olives
If you think salad means iceberg lettuce, it’s easy to break out of the rut by using the kale superfood. It features many different flavors and a satisfying crunch!
Recipe: California Cobb Kale Salad
If you enjoy a classic Cobb, try our California Kale Cobb. To save time at lunchtime, chop your kale and cook the bacon ahead of time.
Recipe: Red Cabbage Salad with Capers and Raisins
The flavor of this simple salad develops in the refrigerator overnight, so make it the night before and you’ll be rewarded with a delicious lunch full of brain-healthy antioxidants.
Chicken
Recipe: Easy Chicken Salad
This chicken salad is ideal when you’re out of ideas, but are looking for something the whole family can eat in a short amount of time. It features chunks of chicken mixed with Greek yogurt, tangy dried cranberries, crispy Granny Smith apples and rosemary.
Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Salad Wrap
When making wraps, it’s best to use fresh meats rather than processed meats. Try this delicious lunch of shredded chicken (use a rotisserie chicken to save time).
Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Chili
Once your ingredients are prepped and sautéed, this chili only takes an additional 45 minutes to simmer. So it’s doable if you’re working from home, or you can always finish it in your slow cooker and take it back the next day to get you through the week.
Beef
Recipe: Beef and Avocado Taco Salad
When you’re craving taco salad, don’t go to the drive-thru. Try this healthy version with grass-fed beef, cumin and chili powder, on a bed of mixed greens and red cabbage.
Recipe: Bison Burgers Stuffed and Wrapped in Lettuce
If you’re trying to cut carbs, try these bison burgers without buns for a change. Once prepared, you can throw them on the grill or grill them.
Recipe: Spicy Beef Chili with Butternut Squash
If you use prepackaged diced butternut squash, this flavorful chili can be made in time for a hearty lunch. You can also prepare your onions and peppers the day before to save even more time.
Fish
Recipe: Fish Tacos in 5 Minutes
These tacos are perfect for lunch because they come together so quickly. Use any firm white fish, thawed or fresh. Try flounder, cod, snapper or tilapia.
Recipe: Fish Chowder
This fish chowder makes lots of leftovers. Make it for dinner one night, then the rest stays good for lunches in the fridge for five days.
Recipe: Cold Asian Noodle Salad with Salmon
This Asian-inspired dish hits the spot when the temptation for takeout presents itself. Chilled noodles are topped with cucumber, salmon and a delicious garlic sauce.
Vegetarian
Recipe: Eggless Tofu Salad Sandwich
Whether you’re vegetarian or not, this egg-free tofu salad is a tasty lunch — with customizable toppings, depending on your mood or what you have on hand.
Recipe: Macaroni and Cheese
Of course, it takes longer than that supplied in a box. But you won’t regret it and your kids (or you!) will swallow it anyway.
Recipe: Sandwich on a stick
If you’re feeling lazy (or pressed for time), this recipe is essentially a deconstructed sandwich. But sometimes you just need to present something differently to make it new and fun.
