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Our 5 Favorite Healthy Pantry Lunches for the Weekday

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April 13, 2020
Photo Credit: Love and Lemons

If the first thing that comes to mind when you think of “pantry lunch” is boxed mac and cheese, think again. Staples such as canned beans and grains can easily be transformed into satisfying, healthy lunches without any need to run to the store. These workhorse recipes make use of items you likely have on hand at this very minute — quinoa, canned tuna, canned tomatoes, and more — and transform them into quick and easy lunches that are totally feel-good.

Best Lentil Soup from Love and Lemons

This curried lentil soup is creamy thanks to canned coconut milk and smoky thanks to a can of fire-roasted tomatoes. Make a pot at the start of the week and you’ll find the flavors will only get richer through the week.

Avocado tuna sandwich

Photo Credit: Simply Recipes

Avocado Tuna Salad from Simply Recipes

Canned tuna is a classic pantry staple and one that often gets overlooked. Here it gets an upgrade thanks to avocado and becomes something you’re sure to get excited about come lunchtime.

Marinated Chickpea Salad from Foodie with Family

Marinated a can or two of chickpeas with olive oil, lemon juice, and spices is an easy way to jazz them up. Serve the beans over cooked rice, salad greens, or simply on their own.

Little quinoa patties

Photo Credit: Epicurious

Little Quinoa Patties from Epicurious

These protein-rich patties are the perfect thing to make if you’ve got leftover quinoa lying around in your fridge. However, since quinoa is so quick to make, it’s just as easy to start with an uncooked bag.

Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Artichokes, and Olives from Two Peas & Their Pod

This pasta salad calls for a whole slew of pantry items such as oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, marinated artichokes, and olives. Skip the arugula if you don’t have it and use whatever short pasta shape you like.

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