15 Delicious Lunch Ideas You Can Prep Ahead
If you find yourself trying to figure out what to eat for lunch or you’re trying to cut back on your lunch spending, these are the recipes for you! These ideas will keep you full and energized throughout your day. Grab your ingredients, prep, and enjoy your lunches this week!
Spinach Salad with Bacon Dressing
Crisp baby spinach meets the ultimate flavor booster—warm, smoky bacon dressing. This salad perfectly balances fresh and indulgent, with crunchy bacon bits, tender greens, and a rich, tangy vinaigrette that ties it all together.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Salad With Bacon Dressing.
Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad
This vibrant, restaurant-worthy salad is as delicious as it is gorgeous. The combination of slightly bitter radicchio and endive, tender shredded chicken and a bright, zesty dressing makes for a refreshing yet satisfying meal. It’s packed with crunch and sweetness, making it the perfect no-cook lunch to elevate your midday routine.
Get the Recipe: Radicchio Endive Chicken Salad.
Mediterranean Dense Bean Salad
Loaded with protein-packed chickpeas, fresh veggies, and a zippy Mediterranean-inspired dressing, this garbanzo bean salad is as nutritious as it is flavorful. Every bite is a mix of creamy beans, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tangy feta cheese, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Garbanzo Bean Salad.
Tex Mex Chicken Pasta Salad
This Tex-Mex twist on pasta salad is bursting with bold flavors. It combines juicy chicken, al dente pasta, crisp veggies, and a zesty dressing that packs a punch. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or need a quick, satisfying dish, this no-fuss recipe delivers the perfect balance of spice, crunch, and creaminess in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Chicken Pasta Salad.
Cowboy Caviar
This vibrant dip doubles as a salad or topping for tacos and wraps made with black beans, corn, bell peppers, and a tangy lime dressing. Whether you serve it with tortilla chips or eat it straight from the bowl, one bite, and you’ll be hooked! I love to serve it over diced cucumbers for lunches.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar.
Sesame Avocado Asian Chicken Salad
This Asian-inspired chicken salad is packed with bold flavors and fresh textures. Juicy shredded chicken, creamy avocado, and crisp greens are tossed in a nutty sesame dressing for a refreshing yet satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Avocado Asian Chicken Salad.
Greek Potato Salad with Green Beans
Forget the mayo—this Greek potato salad is all about bright Mediterranean flavors! Tender potatoes and crisp green beans are tossed with a zesty olive oil dressing, briny olives, and fresh herbs. It’s a light yet hearty dish perfect for meal prep. Add a protein for a satisfying lunch.
Get the Recipe: Greek Potato Salad with Green Beans.
Street Corn Kale Salad
This salad takes inspiration from classic Mexican street corn and turns it into a nutritious, flavor-packed meal. Sweet, charred corn, crunchy kale, and a creamy, tangy yogurt lime dressing bring the perfect mix of spice and zest. It’s a vibrant, satisfying dish that proves salads can be anything but boring.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Elote Street Corn Kale Salad with Spicy Yogurt Lime Dressing.
Italian Tuna White Bean Salad
This Italian tuna and white bean salad has protein and Mediterranean flavors. Flaky tuna, creamy cannellini beans, fresh herbs, and a zippy vinaigrette make for a light yet filling dish that comes together in minutes. Serve it on toast, in lettuce cups, or straight from the bowl!
Get the Recipe: Italian Tuna White Bean Salad.
Arugula Watermelon Salad with Feta
Sweet, juicy watermelon meets peppery arugula and salty feta in this ultra-refreshing salad tossed with a light citrus dressing. Serve it as a side or a light lunch – just add a protein like grilled chicken or garbanzo beans.
Get the Recipe: Arugula Watermelon Salad with Feta.
Brussels Sprout Salad
Who knew Brussels sprouts could be so crave-worthy? Shaved Brussels sprouts create the perfect crunchy base for this fresh, flavorful salad. It is tossed with nuts, cheese, and a tangy dressing, making this dish equally nutritious and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprout Salad.
Green Goddess Salad
Fresh, vibrant, and flavorful, this green Goddess salad is the ultimate way to eat your greens. Crisp lettuce, crunchy veggies, and a creamy, herb-packed dressing come together for a dish that is as nutritious as it is delicious. Enjoy it as a light lunch or a side.
Get the Recipe: Green Goddess Salad.
Greens with Kumquats and Pomegranate
This stunning salad celebrates fresh, bold flavors. Peppery greens are balanced by sweet, tangy kumquats and bursts of juicy pomegranate, creating a scrumptious dish. It’s light yet flavorful and perfect for a refreshing lunch or an elegant side.
Get the Recipe: Greens with Kumquats and Pomegranate.
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad Recipe
This Greek-inspired orzo salad is a Mediterranean dream! Tender orzo, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and briny feta are tossed in a zesty dressing for a dish that is bursting with fresh flavors. Whether you serve it as a main or a side, it’s the perfect no-cook meal for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Greek Cucumber Salad.
Lemon Kale Salad
Simple, bright, and nutritious, this lemon kale salad is a fresh take on leafy greens. Massaged kale is softened and infused with a tangy lemon dressing, then topped with breadcrumbs and cheese for added texture and flavor. It’s the perfect balance of hearty and refreshing! Add a protein or grain on the side.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Kale Salad.
