Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
Looking for a nutritious lunch to help you get through your day? You’re in the right place! These easy meals take no more than 15 minutes to make, so they’re perfect for busier weekdays when you need something quick. Each serving also has at least 15 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber. Adequate protein intake can help you stay energized and maintain muscle and bone strengthwhile fiber can help support digestion and healthy weight maintenance. Try options like our Chickpea-Cucumber Sandwich and our Chopped Italian Chickpea Salad for a healthy lunch that will help you feel your best.
01 of 14
Chickpea-Cucumber Sandwich
Make this vegetarian sandwich whenever you need a quick and satisfying lunch. Chickpeas add plant-based protein and fiber, while strained yogurt adds calcium. Be sure to leave some chickpeas whole for the best texture.
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02 of 14
Chopped Italian Chickpea Salad
This chopped Italian-inspired salad combines crisp lettuce, creamy chickpeas, juicy tomatoes and sharp provolone in a zesty red-wine vinaigrette. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own for lunch yet versatile enough to serve alongside grilled chicken or fish.
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03 of 14
Cucumber & White Bean Sandwiches
This refreshing sandwich layers creamy smashed white beans with crisp vegetables and juicy tomato for a satisfying, fiber-rich lunch that comes together in just 15 minutes. A touch of dill pickle relish and Dijon adds tangy contrast, while avocado and mayo lend richness.
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04 of 14
High-Protein Cucumber Sandwich
This high-protein cucumber sandwich features a creamy spread made by whipping cottage cheese with white miso, soy sauce and rice vinegar. This mixture delivers a creamy boost of protein that pairs perfectly with sliced cucumbers, which add a crisp, fresh bite.
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05 of 14
Chickpea Grain Bowl with Feta & Tomatoes
This chickpea-farro grain bowl is a hearty dish that’s packed with plant-based protein, fiber and tons of fresh flavor. Farro, a whole grain with a nutty taste and chewy texture, forms the base and pairs perfectly with tender chickpeas and veggies. If you don’t have farro on hand, you can easily swap in quinoa, brown rice or barley.
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06 of 14
High-Protein Caprese Chickpea Salad
This caprese chickpea salad is a fresh, protein- and fiber-packed, plant-based twist on the classic Italian favorite. It combines creamy mozzarella pearls, juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant fresh basil with hearty chickpeas for a satisfying dish. A simple balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with a tangy-sweet finish. It’s quick to prepare, colorful and bursting with summery flavor.
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07 of 14
Spinach, Sun-Dried Tomato & Cucumber Sandwich
This protein-packed hummus sandwich features a topping of crisp veggies, feta cheese and sweet, tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Sun-dried tomatoes in oil have a soft texture that’s perfect for sandwiches. You can use dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes in their place, but you may have to rehydrate them in water to soften them first.
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08 of 14
No-Cook Black Bean Taco Bowls
These black bean taco bowls with lime crema are a refreshing no-cook meal that’s perfect for busy days. They feature hearty black beans, veggies and zesty toppings layered over crispy cabbage and lettuce. The lime crema adds a tangy, creamy finish that brings all the flavors together. Enjoy these effortless bowls with the suggested toppings below, or customize them with your own favorites.
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09 of 14
Avocado Tuna Salad Sandwich
This avocado tuna salad sandwich is the mash-up you’ve been waiting for! It takes classic tuna salad and adds a creamy twist with ripe avocado for a fresh, buttery flavor and texture. It’s the ideal upgrade to your usual tuna salad, and it’s sure to become your new favorite lunchtime sandwich for work or home.
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10 of 14
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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11 of 14
Gut-Friendly Veggie Sandwich
This high-fiber sandwich features a tangy yogurt spread for a probiotic boost, plus shaved asparagus for a healthy dose of prebiotics to support a healthy gut. Shaving is a great way to enjoy raw asparagus. To shave the asparagus, use a vegetable peeler to peel the spears lengthwise.
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12 of 14
Tuna Salad & Tomato Sandwich
This classic deli-style tuna sandwich is packed with protein and topped with a juicy slice of fresh tomato. This recipe makes one sandwich, but you can easily double or quadruple the recipe to make more. Sweet pickle relish adds a contrast of flavors to the mix, but if you prefer something less sweet, dill pickle relish can be used in its place.
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13 of 14
Salmon Salad–Stuffed Avocado
Good-quality canned salmon is high in protein and brain-loving omega-3 fatty acids. Mix it with pesto-spiked yogurt and pile it old-school style into a halved avocado for a quick healthy lunch.
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14 of 14
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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