Close

Photo: Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman

a recipe photo of the Cucumber Sandwich with Cotija and Lime

Looking for new recipes to switch up your regular lunch routine?  These lunches are ready in 10 minutes or less, making them perfect for busier days when you need an easy meal. They’re alsofully vegetarianso you’ll get a boost of tasty veggies in every serving. Our readers have loved these recipes so much that they’ve earned four- and five-star reviews. Try options like our Cucumber Sandwich with Cotija & Lime or our Mixed Greens with Lentils & Sliced Apple for a quick and flavorful vegetarian lunch.

01of 17Cucumber Sandwich with Cotija & LimePhotographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Holly DreesmanThis easy vegetarian cucumber sandwich draws flavor inspiration from elote, the Mexican street corn dish. Instead of corn, we flavor cucumber slices with cotija cheese, lime and cilantro for a tasty filling. Cotija cheese, a salty, crumbly Mexican cheese, is similar in flavor and texture to feta cheese, which can be used as a substitute. Arugula adds a peppery flavor, but any tender greens will work well here.View Recipe

01of 17

Cucumber Sandwich with Cotija & Lime

Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman

This easy vegetarian cucumber sandwich draws flavor inspiration from elote, the Mexican street corn dish. Instead of corn, we flavor cucumber slices with cotija cheese, lime and cilantro for a tasty filling. Cotija cheese, a salty, crumbly Mexican cheese, is similar in flavor and texture to feta cheese, which can be used as a substitute. Arugula adds a peppery flavor, but any tender greens will work well here.

View Recipe

02of 17Falafel Tabbouleh Bowls with TzatzikiMeal-prepping a week’s worth of lunches doesn’t need to take hours in the kitchen. These Greek-inspired meal-prep bowls can be prepared in just 10 minutes and only require 4 ingredients—greens, falafel, tabbouleh and tzatziki. We love going to our local specialty grocery store for fast shortcut ingredients like these. The high-fiber falafel and tabbouleh will help to keep you feeling satisfied all afternoon.View Recipe

02of 17

Falafel Tabbouleh Bowls with Tzatziki

7473649.jpg

Meal-prepping a week’s worth of lunches doesn’t need to take hours in the kitchen. These Greek-inspired meal-prep bowls can be prepared in just 10 minutes and only require 4 ingredients—greens, falafel, tabbouleh and tzatziki. We love going to our local specialty grocery store for fast shortcut ingredients like these. The high-fiber falafel and tabbouleh will help to keep you feeling satisfied all afternoon.

03of 17Mixed Greens with Lentils & Sliced AppleThis salad with lentils, feta and apple is a satisfying vegetarian entree to whip together for lunch. To save time, swap in drained canned lentils—just make sure to look for low-sodium and give them a rinse before adding them to the salad.View Recipe

03of 17

Mixed Greens with Lentils & Sliced Apple

4548014.jpg

This salad with lentils, feta and apple is a satisfying vegetarian entree to whip together for lunch. To save time, swap in drained canned lentils—just make sure to look for low-sodium and give them a rinse before adding them to the salad.

04of 17Mascarpone & Berries ToastCreamy mascarpone is delightful when topped with mixed berries and mint for this bright-tasting, easy and healthy toast.View Recipe

04of 17

Mascarpone & Berries Toast

Mascarpone & Berries Toast

Creamy mascarpone is delightful when topped with mixed berries and mint for this bright-tasting, easy and healthy toast.

05of 17Open-Face Goat Cheese Sandwich with Tomato & Avocado SaladThis simple lunch comes together in just 10 minutes, making it a great option for busy days.View Recipe

05of 17

Open-Face Goat Cheese Sandwich with Tomato & Avocado Salad

Open-Face goat cheese sandwich with tomato & avocado salad

This simple lunch comes together in just 10 minutes, making it a great option for busy days.

06of 17Vegetarian Niçoise SaladThis vegetarian take on a traditional Niçoise salad omits the fish and piles on plenty of vegetables.View Recipe

06of 17

Vegetarian Niçoise Salad

6352796.jpg

This vegetarian take on a traditional Niçoise salad omits the fish and piles on plenty of vegetables.

07of 17Cabbage, Tofu & Edamame SaladCraving crunch? Bite into this salad loaded with crisp red cabbage, edamame, bamboo shoots and chow mein noodles. This salad is slightly sweetened with baked tofu, mandarin oranges and sesame vinaigrette.View Recipe

07of 17

Cabbage, Tofu & Edamame Salad

5571059.jpg

Craving crunch? Bite into this salad loaded with crisp red cabbage, edamame, bamboo shoots and chow mein noodles. This salad is slightly sweetened with baked tofu, mandarin oranges and sesame vinaigrette.

08of 17Black Bean-Quinoa BowlPhotography: Carson Downing, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabe GrecoThis black bean and quinoa bowl has many of the usual hallmarks of a taco salad, minus the fried bowl. We’ve loaded it up with pico de gallo, fresh cilantro and avocado plus an easy hummus dressing to drizzle on top.View Recipe

08of 17

Black Bean-Quinoa Bowl

Photography: Carson Downing, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabe Greco

Overhead view of a white bowl of Black Bean-Quinoa Bowl recipe on a reddish brown tile tabletop

This black bean and quinoa bowl has many of the usual hallmarks of a taco salad, minus the fried bowl. We’ve loaded it up with pico de gallo, fresh cilantro and avocado plus an easy hummus dressing to drizzle on top.

09of 17Pistachio & Peach ToastThis fruity toast is great when you have leftover ricotta cheese—plus it comes together in just 5 minutes.View Recipe

09of 17

Pistachio & Peach Toast

5633992.jpg

This fruity toast is great when you have leftover ricotta cheese—plus it comes together in just 5 minutes.

10of 17Hearty Tomato Soup with Beans & GreensGarlicky kale and creamy white beans elevate simple canned tomato soup into a 10-minute lunch or dinner that really satisfies. Use a soup with tomato pieces for a heartier texture.View Recipe

10of 17

Hearty Tomato Soup with Beans & Greens

6208753.jpg

Garlicky kale and creamy white beans elevate simple canned tomato soup into a 10-minute lunch or dinner that really satisfies. Use a soup with tomato pieces for a heartier texture.

11of 17Chopped Salad with Sriracha Tofu & Peanut DressingPrep four days' worth of high-protein vegan lunches using just four easy ingredients from your local specialty grocery store, including a veggie-heavy salad mix as a base. Because this salad mix is hearty, you can dress these bowls up to 24 hours before serving to allow the flavors in this healthy chopped salad to marry. If you can’t find a hearty mix, go with broccoli slaw or shredded Brussels sprouts.View Recipe

11of 17

Chopped Salad with Sriracha Tofu & Peanut Dressing

7082902.jpg

Prep four days' worth of high-protein vegan lunches using just four easy ingredients from your local specialty grocery store, including a veggie-heavy salad mix as a base. Because this salad mix is hearty, you can dress these bowls up to 24 hours before serving to allow the flavors in this healthy chopped salad to marry. If you can’t find a hearty mix, go with broccoli slaw or shredded Brussels sprouts.

12of 17Egg Salad Lettuce WrapsWe love the retro vibe of these egg salad lettuce wraps. Iceberg lettuce makes a perfect low-carb swap for bread to serve the egg salad.View Recipe

12of 17

Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps

5241956.jpg

We love the retro vibe of these egg salad lettuce wraps. Iceberg lettuce makes a perfect low-carb swap for bread to serve the egg salad.

13of 17Strawberry-Mango-Banana SmoothieMaking fruit smoothies at home saves time and money. For this easy smoothie, combine strawberries, mango and banana with a bit of cashew butter and ground chia seeds for body and richness.View Recipe

13of 17

Strawberry-Mango-Banana Smoothie

6440441.jpg

Making fruit smoothies at home saves time and money. For this easy smoothie, combine strawberries, mango and banana with a bit of cashew butter and ground chia seeds for body and richness.

14of 17

Egg Salad Avocado Toast

5872985.jpg

15of 17Roasted Veggie & Hummus Pita PocketsThese satisfying and tasty pita-pocket sandwiches are packed with roasted veggies and greens. A spread of hummus adds creaminess and keeps everything from falling out.View Recipe

15of 17

Roasted Veggie & Hummus Pita Pockets

4576575.jpg

These satisfying and tasty pita-pocket sandwiches are packed with roasted veggies and greens. A spread of hummus adds creaminess and keeps everything from falling out.

16of 17Strawberry-Chocolate SmoothieThis creamy, rich strawberry-chocolate smoothie will satisfy you when you’re in the mood for chocolate. It’s almost like having dessert for breakfast.View Recipe

16of 17

Strawberry-Chocolate Smoothie

Strawberry-Chocolate Smoothie

This creamy, rich strawberry-chocolate smoothie will satisfy you when you’re in the mood for chocolate. It’s almost like having dessert for breakfast.

17of 17Cucumber, Tomato & Arugula Salad with HummusTomatoes, cucumber, red onion and feta top arugula in this quick Greek-inspired salad. Served with whole-wheat pita and prepared hummus, it makes a filling, yet healthy lunch.View Recipe

17of 17

Cucumber, Tomato & Arugula Salad with Hummus

Hummus & Greek Salad

Tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and feta top arugula in this quick Greek-inspired salad. Served with whole-wheat pita and prepared hummus, it makes a filling, yet healthy lunch.

Jessica Ball, M.S., RD

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!OtherSubmit

Tell us why!