16 Make-Ahead Lunch Ideas for Busy Days
The secret to eating a nutritious lunch every day? Having a nourishing meal that’s ready to eat – either served cold or needs a quick warm-up. These lunch ideas are perfect for busy days when you need something quick, easy, and delicious. From vibrant salads and protein-packed snack boxes, these recipes are all about simplicity and freshness. Whether you’re working from home, packing a lunch to-go, or just trying to beat the heat, these no-cook options have you covered. No more sad lunches!
Cowboy Caviar
Made with a colorful mix of fresh vegetables, two types of beans, and a tangy dressing, it’s hard to stop eating this dip! Serve with tortilla chips or crackers for a scoopable snack that everyone always adores. Add in diced cucumber for some extra veggies.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar.
Mediterranean Charcuterie Board
You can easily prep a Mediterranean snack spread that features meat, cheese, olives, pita, and veggies. Make your own hummus or lean on store-bought, and be sure to include a few veggies and something protein-rich.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Charcuterie Board.
Big Mac Salad
Skip the drive-thru and get the flavor you crave, at home. This recipe has Big Mac-inspired flavor in each bite, but with a lighter and fresher flavor. You can pack up the salad separate from the ground beef and simply heat up beef when you’re ready to eat.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad
You’ll love this Greek orzo pasta salad with bright, fresh flavors and satisfying, salty bites! It’s made with classic Greek ingredients like crunchy and crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, salty feta, and fresh dill. Everything is tossed with tender pasta and a red wine vinaigrette for a salad that’s utterly delicious and keeps well in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Greek Orzo Salad.
Best Chicken Salad
The best part of this rotisserie chicken salad recipe? The TEXTURE! Instead of big chunks of chicken and celery, everything is processed together into a pate-like texture that is absolutely perfect. It’s perfect scooped up with crackers and fresh vegetables, stuffed into tomatoes, or in between two slices of good bread for a classic sandwich. It’s one of my favorite lunches!
Get the Recipe: Best Chicken Salad.
Black Bean Hummus
Skip the canned chickpeas and make this hummus with black beans instead. It is creamy, delicious, and best of all easy! It’s a wholesome and homemade meal. Serve with plenty of veggies and tortilla chips or pita crackers for a balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Hummus.
Southwest Salad
The classic southwest salad gets a modern makeover! Greens are topped with spiced chickpeas, tomatoes, grilled chicken, sharp cheddar, guacamole, and tortilla chips so that each bite is full of flavor. You can make a few of the components ahead for an even quicker meal.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Salad.
Sticky Asian Turkey Meatballs
These turkey meatballs bring the best sweet and savory, sticky flavor to the table. Serve them over rice with sauteed cabbage and pack everything in individual portion containers and you can grab and heat in minutes!
Get the Recipe: Sticky Asian Turkey Meatballs.
Quinoa Black Bean Salad
This black bean quinoa salad recipe should be on the top of your recipes-to-make list! It’s light and bright, satisfying and nutritious, and loaded with plant-based protein and fiber, all with tons of layered flavor. Because it can be made ahead, it’s a great salad to get you through the week.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Quinoa Salad.
Mediterranean Dense Bean Salad
When you’re in the mood for a salad that’s incredibly delicious, fun to eat, and super nutritious, this garbanzo bean salad is what you’re going to want to make! Made with crunchy and fresh veggies, satisfying garbanzo beans, and a homemade vinaigrette, this salad can be prepped ahead for quick and healthy lunches. Add extra protein on the side if you need it.
Get the Recipe: Garbanzo Bean Salad.
Slow Cooker Turkey Squash Chili
This slow cooker butternut squash chili recipe is exactly what you need to make the next time you find yourself craving something nutritious, delicious, and super filling. It has a delicious sweet and savory flavor and is easily customizable when served with a variety of toppings.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Squash Chili.
Healthy Turkey Meatloaf
This healthy turkey meatloaf recipe is proof that comfort food can be both healthy and hearty! This lighter take on classic meatloaf also has some (not-so) secret veggies mixed right in, making it a delicious way to eat some extra veggies. It’s cheesy, juicy, super flavorful, and perfect for a comforting meal that’s easy to make and so versatile. Prep a side or two ahead for an easy-to-heat lunch.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Meatloaf.
Southwest Turkey Taco Bowls
Make these turkey taco bowls for whenver you crave Southwestern flavors. Top rice with ground turkey, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn kernels. Top with fresh toppings like salsa, shredded cheese, and chopped lettuce.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Turkey Taco Bowls.
Lemon Herb Chicken Patties
Ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, and a blend of herbs with a kiss of lemon make this chicken patty recipe a keeper. These are easy, delicious, and are versatile. You can make them into the star of a sandwich or wrap, or serve them with classic side options like steamed veggies or creamy mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Herb Chicken Patties.
Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowls
Give your ground turkey a tasty teriyaki flavor with this easy recipe. With carrots, onions, broccoli, and peas, this veggie-loaded dish is a great lunch that keeps well in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowls.
Crockpot Salsa Chicken
This easy chicken with salsa in the crockpot makes the best protein base and then can be turned into so many different options for lunch. It’s made with just a handful of ingredients and can be prepped in 2 minutes. Use cooked chicken for tacos, burrito bowls, salads, quesadillas, and more!
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Salsa Chicken.
