Reviewed by Dietitian Madeline Peck, RDN, CDN
These totable midday meals are sure to help you power through an afternoon at work. Each serving of these simple, 10-minute lunches has at least 15 grams of proteinwhich can help support strong bones and muscle growth. Plus, protein can keep you feeling full for a longer period of time, so you won’t spend your day distracted by a growling stomach. Recipes like our Cucumber-Avocado Sandwich and our Lemon-Dill Tuna Salad are simple but tasty ways to shake up your break room routine.
01 of 15
Cucumber-Avocado Sandwich
This creamy, crunchy sandwich layers salty feta, crisp cucumber and silky avocado between slices of whole-wheat toast. A simple yogurt-feta spread adds richness and tang, while spinach and red onion bring freshness and bite, perfect for a quick lunch.
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02 of 15
Cheese Dreams with Tomatoes
Cheese Dreams are nostalgic open-faced cheesy toasts—simple, satisfying and perfect for lunch. This version is inspired by a family favorite: juicy tomato slices layered under melted Cheddar cheese on crisp whole-wheat toast. Toasting the bread first keeps it from getting soggy under the tomatoes. Watch out: The scalding cheese-and-tomato can burn the roof of your mouth if you’re not careful. I like to eat mine with a fork and knife to cool off each bite, but feel free to eat these however you choose.
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03 of 15
Lemon-Dill Tuna Salad
This lemon-dill tuna salad packs plenty of protein and gets a boost of flavor from sumac, a spice used in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and North African cooking that adds a citrusy touch, enhancing the lemon flavor without overshadowing the other ingredients. Serve this between two pieces of whole-wheat bread as a sandwich, or by itself with tender Bibb lettuce or crunchy celery sticks.
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04 of 15
Cucumber-Avocado-Tomato Sandwich
This tomato, cucumber and avocado sandwich is the perfect light and easy lunch. With a few fresh ingredients, you can have a satisfying meal in just 10 minutes. Creamy avocado and hummus provide plant-based protein and healthy fats, while juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers bring refreshing crunch and flavor. Layer it all on whole-grain bread for an extra boost of fiber, and you’ve got a quick and wholesome sandwich at the ready!
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05 of 15
The Only High-Protein Mason Jar Salad Formula You Need
Mason jar salads make for a convenient lunch that can easily be taken on the go or enjoyed at home. With just a few ingredients, you have a well-rounded lunch packed with fiber, protein and micronutrients that won’t spike your blood sugars. This nutritious Mason jar salad allows plenty of room for customization based on your preferences.
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06 of 15
Cucumber & Tomato Sandwich
This herby cucumber and tomato sandwich is crisp and refreshing, making the most out of summer’s produce bounty. Chives add a delicate onion flavor to the cream cheese, but dill or basil can be used in their place.
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07 of 15
Green Goddess Tuna Salad
Canned tuna makes this recipe convenient and pantry-friendly while also offering an impressive punch of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon, sardines or mackerel would work just as well in this quick recipe. Use the remaining herb sauce as a dressing for salads or grain bowls, as a spread on sandwiches or as a dip for vegetables. This recipe is easily doubled to make a big batch to meal-prep for the week. Serve on bread, in a wrap, over a bed of greens or scooped up with your favorite chips, crackers or cucumber slices.
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08 of 15
The Best Rotisserie Chicken Sandwich
This rotisserie chicken sandwich is flavored with a dressing inspired by muhammara—a Middle Eastern sauce made from roasted red peppers, breadcrumbs, walnuts and spices.
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09 of 15
Buffalo Chickpea Salad
We took all the flavors you know and love from Buffalo wings and used them in this plant-based chickpea salad. Celery adds a satisfying crunch, while blue cheese provides a cooling element to balance the spicy sauce. Serve on top of leafy greens or use as a sandwich filling.
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10 of 15
Get Your Greens Wrap
This healthy, quick wrap is packed with plenty of green vegetables—cucumber, sprouts and lettuce add crunch, avocado lends creaminess and edamame provides some plant-based protein.
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11 of 15
Pasta Salad with Vinaigrette Lunchbox
Pasta salad is a great take-along lunch with tons of opportunity to make it your own. Want to make it vegetarian? Pack olives in place of salami. Don’t love peppers? Try tomatoes instead! Be sure that you pack at least one container big enough to hold everything together once it’s mixed (about 1 1/2 cups).
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12 of 15
Loaded Cucumber & Avocado Sandwich
This loaded cucumber-and-avocado sandwich is filled with creamy avocado and crispy cucumbers. Ricotta cheese mixed with extra-sharp Cheddar adds flavor while sliced red peppers offer a splash of color.
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13 of 15
Quinoa Deli Salad
This healthy version of a deli salad combines hearty quinoa and chickpeas with small amounts of ham and mozzarella, so you get all of the flavor without overdoing it on the sodium. This healthy quinoa salad is great as dinner and doubles as a delicious lunch the next day.
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14 of 15
Chickpea Salad Sandwich
This vegan chickpea salad sandwich is lemony, bright and surprisingly delicious. It’s got all the flavors of a classic tuna salad sandwich—dill, lemon and a bit of garlic—but with chickpeas instead to add a vegan source of protein and a healthy boost of fiber. Celery brings a nice crunch.
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15 of 15
DIY Taco Lunchbox
Who doesn’t love a taco? While the tortillas most likely won’t be warm when you eat it, warming them first keeps them pliable for filling. If you’re missing the crunch of a hard taco, sub tortilla chips for the soft tortillas.
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