Only Have 20 Minutes for Lunch? Try One of These Healthy Options

Beth Lipton is a writer and certified health coach. She is a contributing editor at Clean Plates.

It’s noon, and you’re starving—but your to-do list is insane and it’s not going to accomplish itself. We got you. Here are some lightning-fast healthy lunches you can put together and put away in 20, so you can get on with your day.

Tuna and Avocado Wraps

It’s like your fave sushi roll, minus the rice and on-the-go. Mix a can of tuna (or wild salmon) with mayo, avocado, scallion, jalapeño, lime juice, and a couple of other quick ingredients, wrap in nori (or romaine) and chow forth. Vegetables, protein, healthy fats—these little wraps have it all.

Photo Credit: She Likes Food

Mediterranean Chopped Salad Pitas

Salad or sandwich? If you can’t decide, look no further than this refreshing salad-stuffed vegetarian pita. With romaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, chickpeas, olives and feta, and the simplest vinaigrette, it comes together in a sec in one bowl and really satisfies.

Cold Peanut Zucchini Noodles

We love cold sesame noodles, but not the crash that follows from eating a bowlful of empty carbs. Enter this 7-ingredient plant-based wonder dish. You get to slurp up noodles (of the zucchini variety) covered in rich peanut sauce, with none of the post-lunch drag.

Photo Credit: Blissful Basil

Avocado and Heirloom Tomato Toast with Balsamic Drizzle

Just when we thought we’d had avocado toast every-which-way, along comes one that combines it with the classic Caprese salad. The recipe calls for a hearty seeded bread, which sounds awesome—we’d also like to try it on a gut-health-friendly sourdough.

Loaded Smoked Salmon Non-Bagel

Take endive leaves (or cucumber slices), slather with cream cheese (regular or a non-dairy variety, like Kite Hill), top with smoked salmon and sprinkle with everything-bagel seasoning. Creamy, salty, crunchy—you won’t miss the bagel.

Hungry for More?

• Brown Bag Like a Champ with 5-Ingredient Lunches
• 7 Make-Ahead Ideas for a Healthy Breakfast
• 5 Fast Recipes for Easier, Healthier Weeknight Dinners