10 Make-Ahead Healthy Lunch Ideas You Can Try Tonight

By Lauren Paige

We are so lucky that packed lunch has evolved beyond the typical soup or sandwich we used to rely on. There are so many fresh and nutrient-filled options that won’t break the bank or your diet. Stay on track and stress free with easy make ahead lunches guaranteed to bump the midday slump. Here are a few to get you started.

Photo Credit: Ambitious Kitchen

Chicken Quinoa Enchilada Meatloaf Muffins from Ambitious Kitchen

Heads up, this is not your mother’s meatloaf. Made with ground turkey or chicken, this mouthwater recipe packs a whole lot of flavor, spice, and protein into a healthy, two-bite package. These meatloaf muffins are topped with cheese and enchilada sauce so consider them miles from mainstream version of meatloaf.

Beef Pho to Go from A Dash of Dolly

Pho? To go? It’s a real thing and it’s really good for you. With a handful of healthy ingredients and a hearty pour of bone broth, this savory soup is perfect for quick midday fuel.

Photo Credit: The Creative Bite

BBQ Chicken Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls from The Creative Bite

For those days when you are craving a lunch that is hearty but healthy, these BBQ chicken bowls will hit the spot. Thanks to lean protein and crunchy roasted veggies, this recipe will keep you full and feeling good all the way through the 3 p.m. slump.

Vegan Pumpkin Black Bean Chili from Wholefully

Take your Meatless Monday lunch to a whole new level with this autumn-friendly vegan chili. This one-pot dish is great for your weekend meal prep and the combination of chunky pumpkin and creamy black beans is so hearty you won’t even miss the meat.

Photo Credit: Two Peas and their Pod

Greek Chicken Bowls from Two Peas and their Pod

This recipe is a healthy take one everyone’s favorite lunch wrap, the gyro. Loaded with veggies and lemony chicken it has all of your favorite Greek flavors in one big bowl.

Slower Cooker Beef Enchilada Stuffed Sweet Potatoes by All The Healthy Things

These are the sweetest tacos you’ll ever eat. Toss out your tortilla and slide a roasted sweet potato under some spicy shredded beef, top with your favorite salsa, and drizzle with cream cheese for a lunch that will make your mouth grateful for the mid-day boost of flavor.

Photo Credit: First and Full

Simple Pasta Salad with Bacon from First and Full

Say no to boring desk salads and say yes to this bowl full of flavor. This salad goes above and beyond with bacon, feta, and gluten-free pasta plus a tangy vinaigrette dressing. It will keep your tastebuds stirring till the very last bite.

Paleo Gyoza Meatballs from I Heart Umami

Meatballs meet Japanese potstickers in this freezer friendly, low carb and high protein meal prep on the go.

Photo Credit: Carmyy

Hoisin Glazed Salmon from Carmyy

Sweet and spicy salmon is a dinner favorite and also a dish that’s delicious on a salad for lunch the next day. Toss in some citrus and make it a no-heat lunch that can’t be beat!

Tuna Quinoa Salad from The Iron You

Press the upgrade button on the typical tuna salad with this protein and omega-3s packed lunch. The quinoa adds some awesome texture and the lemon juice and mint makes for an amazing flavor combo especially for an everyday tuna salad.