20 delicious prep lunch ideas, both hot and cold, packed with nutrients to keep you energized all afternoon.
Sunday is Meal Prep Day in our house. One of my biggest time savers and healthy eating strategies that I recommend is to take time over the weekend to plan what you’ll be eating for breakfast and lunch throughout the week. People often talk about weekly dinner meal plans, but let’s not forget about these other two important meals of the day!
Whether you’re at home with the little ones, at your desk in the office, or eating out of the car on the go, I’ve compiled a list of healthy and delicious lunch ideas to get you through your week. Not only are they more exciting than turkey on wheat, but they’re packed with nutrients that give you long-lasting energy to get you through the day.
Frequently asked Questions:
Is Lunch Good For Losing Weight?
Skipping meals doesn’t really help with weight loss. Instead, you should eat low-calorie foods that are high in protein and fiber to help you feel full so that you can lose overall calories for the day.
What is the healthiest thing I can eat for lunch?
Try to eat a balanced lunch that includes at least one vegetable and one protein, along with other nutrient-dense foods.
How far in advance can I prepare a packed lunch?
You can cook your lunch for a whole week! If you pack them in airtight containers, you can keep them refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Eat it, like it, share it!
Have you tried any of these recipes? Next time you make one, take a picture and share it with your social networks! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your dish.
20 healthy make-ahead lunch ideas
Mediterranean tuna salad sandwich
The lunchtime classic gets a major upgrade with this Mediterranean Tuna Salad Sandwich made with Kalamata olives, roasted peppers and fresh basil.
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Authentic Lebanese falafel wrap
This light and fluffy authentic falafel recipe is made with chickpeas, parsley and spices, then drizzled in a creamy tahini sauce.
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Greek brown rice salad
This brown rice salad gets a Greek twist with cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, creamy feta and Kalamata olives.
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Pen
Chicken Shawarma Pita with Tahini Garlic Sauce
A Quick and Easy Chicken Shawarma Marinade – Lemon and yogurt tenderize the lean chicken breasts while fresh garlic, parsley and spices add tons of flavor.
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Pen
Spelled tabbouleh with jalapeño vinaigrette
A twist on the traditional dish, spelled adds an extra chewy texture to this tabbouleh that pairs perfection with the slightly tangy jalapeño vinaigrette.
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Turkey Chili with Black Beans
With sweet and smoky flavors sure to win over any cook, this freezable turkey chili is sure to impress!
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Taco salad bowls with ground beef
These taco salad bowls are filled with seasoned ground beef, creamy avocado, fresh veggies and crunchy tortilla chips.
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Pen
Lebanese Quinoa Chicken Salad
This high-protein quinoa salad is loaded with tender chunks of Lebanese shish tawook chicken, crispy veggies and fresh herbs, which are then tossed with lemon and olive oil.
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Pen
Hummus and Hushwee Pinwheels
Hummus is spread on a flour tortilla and topped with hushwee (mixture of meat and pine nuts), tomatoes and feta, then wrapped tightly and sliced. These flavorful hummus and hushwee pinwheels are perfect for stuffing into lunch boxes or serving as a party appetizer or after-school snack.
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Pen
Sausage, kale and white bean soup
This quick and easy one-pot soup recipe is made with sausage, hearty kale, and creamy white beans. The perfect solution for a cold day!
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Cereal bowls with chicken and vegetables
This protein-rich bowl of chicken and roasted vegetable cereal is drizzled with a creamy tahini dressing and packed with flavor.
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Curried Chicken Salad with Apples
Sweet apples, crispy celery and juicy chicken breasts come together in this delicious and healthy salad with curry flavors and creamy yogurt.
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Slow cooker chicken curry
Warm curry flavors and coconut milk add flavor and moisture to lean chicken breasts to make this recipe a delicious one-pot meal.
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Pen
Lebanese rice bowls with hummus
These Lebanese rice bowls are topped with seasoned beef, garlic hummus, cucumber yogurt sauce and more. The Ultimate Meal in a Bowl!
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Asparagus Pasta Salad
This Asian-inspired pasta salad is made with fresh asparagus and tossed in a creamy, flavorful peanut dressing made with lime juice, garlic, and ginger.
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Chicken Tawook Fattoush Salad
My family’s favorite Lebanese salad is made into an entree with tender, juicy chicken tawook and crispy, za’atar-scented baked pita chips.
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Farro Greek Salad with Feta and Dill
Chewy farro is thrown together with classic Greek flavors like fresh dill, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese to create this healthy and delicious whole grain salad.
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Pen
Shaved chicken sandwich with chipotle mayo
This hearty whole wheat sandwich is made with shaved chicken, baby arugula, and a chipotle mayonnaise. The perfect recipe for lunch, dinner or a picnic to go!
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Pen
Sausage pesto pasta with caramelized onions and peas
This easy 20 minute pasta recipe is made with Italian sausage, basil pesto, caramelized onions and sweet green peas. Kid-friendly and popular, this sausage pasta recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
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Pen
California Avocado BLT Sandwich
Wholemeal toast is topped with Sabra’s sea salt and crushed pepper spread, creamy avocado, crispy bacon and ripe tomatoes in this BLT sandwich recipe.
