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a recipe photo of Roasted Chickpea & Cauliflower Pitas with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

Say hello to springtime with these delicious and energizing lunch options that will help keep you fueled and feeling your best. Each of these dishes contains at least15 grams of protein per serving, which helps slow down digestion, keeping you feeling satisfied for longer. Plus,protein can supportmuscle growth and repair, bone health, healthy blood pressure and more. From hearty salads to nourishing bowls, each recipe is bursting with seasonal produce like crisp cabbage, sweet peas and tender asparagus. Recipes like our Roasted Chickpea & Cauliflower Pitas with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce and our 5-Ingredient Brie and Blackberry Jam Grilled Cheese are nutritious and delicious options perfect for welcoming the warmer weather.

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Roasted Chickpea & Cauliflower Pitas with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

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02of 24Green Goddess Tuna SaladJessica Ball, M.S., RDCanned 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 or in a wrap, over a bed of greens or scooped up with your favorite chips, crackers or cucumber slices.View Recipe

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Green Goddess Tuna Salad

Jessica Ball, M.S., RD

Overhead photo of Green Goddess Tuna Salad with tortilla chips

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 or in a wrap, over a bed of greens or scooped up with your favorite chips, crackers or cucumber slices.

03of 245-Ingredient Brie and Blackberry Jam Grilled CheesePhotography: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop stylist: Gabriel GrecoThis irresistible sandwich pairs creamy Brie cheese with a sweet-and-savory blackberry jam spread for the perfect ultra-quick lunch or dinner option. You can easily double the recipe using a medium pan, or use a sandwich press if you have one on hand.View Recipe

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5-Ingredient Brie and Blackberry Jam Grilled Cheese

Photography: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop stylist: Gabriel Greco

a recipe photo of the 5-Ingredient Brie & Blackberry Jam Grilled Cheese

This irresistible sandwich pairs creamy Brie cheese with a sweet-and-savory blackberry jam spread for the perfect ultra-quick lunch or dinner option. You can easily double the recipe using a medium pan, or use a sandwich press if you have one on hand.

04of 24A Bowl of Harira Is Like a Hug from Morocco during RamadanPhotographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop stylist: Gabriel GrecoHarira is a tomato-based soup featured at the center of many Moroccan tables during the month of Ramadan. It’s often enjoyed as part of iftar, or the meal served to break the fast each evening, along with dates, milk, hard-boiled eggs, semolina pancakes and chebakia (sesame cookies). This version features chickpeas, lentils, beef and noodles in a fragrant tomato broth, but there are endless variations on the soup.View Recipe

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A Bowl of Harira Is Like a Hug from Morocco during Ramadan

Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop stylist: Gabriel Greco

a recipe photo of the Harira served in a bowl

Harira is a tomato-based soup featured at the center of many Moroccan tables during the month of Ramadan. It’s often enjoyed as part of iftar, or the meal served to break the fast each evening, along with dates, milk, hard-boiled eggs, semolina pancakes and chebakia (sesame cookies). This version features chickpeas, lentils, beef and noodles in a fragrant tomato broth, but there are endless variations on the soup.

05of 24Creamy Pesto Shrimp with Gnocchi & Peas Is a 20-Minute DinnerPhotographer: Greg DuPree, Prop stylist: Shell Royster, Food stylist: Emily HallThis speedy dinner recipe combines shrimp with pillowy gnocchi, pesto and peas in a creamy sauce. Feel free to substitute the peas with other veggies such as broccoli or asparagus. For a bit of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper, or garnish with grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the savory flavor.View Recipe

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Creamy Pesto Shrimp with Gnocchi & Peas Is a 20-Minute Dinner

Photographer: Greg DuPree, Prop stylist: Shell Royster, Food stylist: Emily Hall

a recipe photo of Creamy Pesto Shrimp with Gnocchi & Peas

This speedy dinner recipe combines shrimp with pillowy gnocchi, pesto and peas in a creamy sauce. Feel free to substitute the peas with other veggies such as broccoli or asparagus. For a bit of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper, or garnish with grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the savory flavor.

06of 24Quick & Easy Baked Feta & Tomato Chickpeas (Packed with 20 Grams of Protein)Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lydia PursellThis simple baked feta casserole recipe turns cherry tomatoes, feta cheese and chickpeas into a hearty, protein-rich vegetarian meal. After baking, it creates a savory-sweet tomato–olive oil sauce ideal for slathering on pita bread. Feta cheese in brine melts more readily compared to dry, crumbled feta, so it’s worth seeking out. For a different take, replace the chickpeas with creamy white beans.View Recipe

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Quick & Easy Baked Feta & Tomato Chickpeas (Packed with 20 Grams of Protein)

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell

a recipe photo of the Baked Feta & Tomato Chickpeas

This simple baked feta casserole recipe turns cherry tomatoes, feta cheese and chickpeas into a hearty, protein-rich vegetarian meal. After baking, it creates a savory-sweet tomato–olive oil sauce ideal for slathering on pita bread. Feta cheese in brine melts more readily compared to dry, crumbled feta, so it’s worth seeking out. For a different take, replace the chickpeas with creamy white beans.

07of 24Crustless Spinach & Asparagus Quiche with GruyèrePhotography / Caitlin Bensel, Styling / Emily Nabors Hall / ulia BaylessThis light but filling crustless spinach-and-asparagus quiche features plenty of spring vegetables baked with richly flavored Gruyère cheese. Enjoy a slice for dinner with a salad on the side or as part of a simple spring brunch.View Recipe

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Crustless Spinach & Asparagus Quiche with Gruyère

Photography / Caitlin Bensel, Styling / Emily Nabors Hall / ulia Bayless

Crustless Spinach & Asparagus Quiche with Gruyere

This light but filling crustless spinach-and-asparagus quiche features plenty of spring vegetables baked with richly flavored Gruyère cheese. Enjoy a slice for dinner with a salad on the side or as part of a simple spring brunch.

08of 24Chicken Caesar SaladPhotographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh HoggleThis timeless chicken Caesar salad features a zesty dressing made with Greek-style yogurt. Our dressing calls for anchovy paste, which adds that signature savory flavor Caesar salad is known for. Any leftover anchovy paste can be used to enhance vinaigrettes, dips or sauces. You can use whole anchovies, if you prefer, but you’ll need to blend them or mash them with the flat side of a large chef’s knife before adding them to the dressing.View Recipe

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Chicken Caesar Salad

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

a recipe photo of the Chicken Caesar Salad

This timeless chicken Caesar salad features a zesty dressing made with Greek-style yogurt. Our dressing calls for anchovy paste, which adds that signature savory flavor Caesar salad is known for. Any leftover anchovy paste can be used to enhance vinaigrettes, dips or sauces. You can use whole anchovies, if you prefer, but you’ll need to blend them or mash them with the flat side of a large chef’s knife before adding them to the dressing.

09of 24Chicken Fajita QuesadillasPhotographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Addelyn Evans, Prop Stylist: Gabriel GrecoThese 5-ingredient quesadillas take just 10 minutes to make. Using pre-sliced onions and peppers plus a taco seasoning blend helps keep the ingredient list (and prep time) short. If you like a little heat, use pepper Jack cheese in the filling.View Recipe

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Chicken Fajita Quesadillas

Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Addelyn Evans, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

a recipe photo of the Chicken Fajita Quesadilla

These 5-ingredient quesadillas take just 10 minutes to make. Using pre-sliced onions and peppers plus a taco seasoning blend helps keep the ingredient list (and prep time) short. If you like a little heat, use pepper Jack cheese in the filling.

10of 24Farro Salad with Arugula, Artichokes & PistachiosPrecooked farro makes this dish come together in no time. And you can make it in the same bowl you serve it in, minimizing cleanup!View Recipe

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Farro Salad with Arugula, Artichokes & Pistachios

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Precooked farro makes this dish come together in no time. And you can make it in the same bowl you serve it in, minimizing cleanup!

11of 243-Ingredient Salmon & Veggie SandwichPhotographer: Carson Downing, Food stylist: Annie Probst, Prop stylist: Joseph WanekThis 3-ingredient salmon sandwich recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked veggies and salmon (you can also use canned salmon). Pulling out the insides of the bread makes a nice pocket for the filling. Use those bread pieces to make breadcrumbs or croutons.View Recipe

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3-Ingredient Salmon & Veggie Sandwich

Photographer: Carson Downing, Food stylist: Annie Probst, Prop stylist: Joseph Wanek

a recipe photo of the Salmon & Grilled Vegetable Sandwich

This 3-ingredient salmon sandwich recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked veggies and salmon (you can also use canned salmon). Pulling out the insides of the bread makes a nice pocket for the filling. Use those bread pieces to make breadcrumbs or croutons.

12of 24Chicken & Cabbage Bowls with Sesame DressingPhotographer: Rachel Marek, Prop stylist: Holly Dreesman, Food stylist: Gabriel GrecoFour convenience products are all you need to prepare these tasty bowls. A bag of shredded coleslaw serves as the base that’s topped with seasoned chicken strips, crunchy flavored almonds and a drizzle of sesame dressing. Leftover chicken can easily stand in for the chicken strips. Traditional cabbage coleslaw works well, as does broccoli slaw for a slightly different look and flavor.View Recipe

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Chicken & Cabbage Bowls with Sesame Dressing

Photographer: Rachel Marek, Prop stylist: Holly Dreesman, Food stylist: Gabriel Greco

a recipe photo of the Chicken & Cabbage Bowls with Sesame Dressing

Four convenience products are all you need to prepare these tasty bowls. A bag of shredded coleslaw serves as the base that’s topped with seasoned chicken strips, crunchy flavored almonds and a drizzle of sesame dressing. Leftover chicken can easily stand in for the chicken strips. Traditional cabbage coleslaw works well, as does broccoli slaw for a slightly different look and flavor.

13of 24Sweet Potato Grilled CheesePhotographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh HoggleThe crispy golden exterior of this sweet potato grilled cheese is thanks to mayonnaise, which spreads easily and browns more evenly than butter or oil. Roasted red onions and sweet potato rounds make up the filling, but you can roast the onion separately and use leftover roasted sweet potato if you have that on hand.View Recipe

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Sweet Potato Grilled Cheese

a recipe photo of the Sweet Potato Grilled Cheese

The crispy golden exterior of this sweet potato grilled cheese is thanks to mayonnaise, which spreads easily and browns more evenly than butter or oil. Roasted red onions and sweet potato rounds make up the filling, but you can roast the onion separately and use leftover roasted sweet potato if you have that on hand.

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Chicken, Spinach & Feta Wraps

Photographer: Grant Webster, Food Stylist: Addelyn Evans, Prop Stylist: Gabe Greco

a recipe photo of the Chicken, Spinach & Feta Wrap

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These Tajín Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw Are Ready in 15 Minutes

Greg DuPree

a recipe photo of the Tajín Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

16of 24This Crustless Caprese Quiche Is Ready in 2 Easy StepsPhotographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lydia PurcellThis light and fluffy crustless quiche is dotted with tomatoes, little bites of melty mozzarella and savory pesto. And the best part—it’s mixed, assembled and baked in a pie plate for easy cleanup. Enjoy as an easy breakfast or brunch option or serve for lunch or dinner with a mixed green salad on the side.View Recipe

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This Crustless Caprese Quiche Is Ready in 2 Easy Steps

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell

a recipe photo of the Crustless Caprese Quiche

This light and fluffy crustless quiche is dotted with tomatoes, little bites of melty mozzarella and savory pesto. And the best part—it’s mixed, assembled and baked in a pie plate for easy cleanup. Enjoy as an easy breakfast or brunch option or serve for lunch or dinner with a mixed green salad on the side.

17of 24Citrus Lime Tofu SaladThis veggie-packed salad has plenty of protein and fiber, so you’ll feel full and satisfied. Prep the ingredients ahead of time for an easy vegan lunch idea to pack for work.View Recipe

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Citrus Lime Tofu Salad

Citrus Lime Tofu Salad

This veggie-packed salad has plenty of protein and fiber, so you’ll feel full and satisfied. Prep the ingredients ahead of time for an easy vegan lunch idea to pack for work.

18of 24Grilled Blackened Shrimp TacosGive juicy shrimp tacos a Cajun flavor spin with spices and a quick sear on a hot grill. An easy avocado mash adds creaminess to cool off the spicy kick.View Recipe

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Grilled Blackened Shrimp Tacos

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Give juicy shrimp tacos a Cajun flavor spin with spices and a quick sear on a hot grill. An easy avocado mash adds creaminess to cool off the spicy kick.

19of 24Braised Lentils & Kale with Fried EggsPhotographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Shell RoysterThese braised lentils are cooked with tender kale and bathed in a fire-roasted tomato broth with an egg on top to pack in the protein. Microwaveable lentils need just a short time in the pan to finish cooking. If you have cooked or canned lentils on hand, you can use them in their place, but you may have to shave a few minutes off the cooking time so they don’t get too soft. We like how the soft, runny yolk coats the dish. If you want a harder yolk, cover the pan and add 2 or 3 minutes to the cooking time.View Recipe

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Braised Lentils & Kale with Fried Eggs

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

braised lentils kale and egg in a bowl with a fork

These braised lentils are cooked with tender kale and bathed in a fire-roasted tomato broth with an egg on top to pack in the protein. Microwaveable lentils need just a short time in the pan to finish cooking. If you have cooked or canned lentils on hand, you can use them in their place, but you may have to shave a few minutes off the cooking time so they don’t get too soft. We like how the soft, runny yolk coats the dish. If you want a harder yolk, cover the pan and add 2 or 3 minutes to the cooking time.

20of 24High-Protein Tuna & Chickpea Salad SandwichPhotographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh HoggleThis zesty tuna sandwich gets an extra boost of protein from chickpeas. Smashing some of the chickpeas into the tuna enhances the texture and helps hold the filling together. The combo of garlic and Sriracha adds a delightful kick, but feel free to opt for an alternative hot sauce of your preference or skip it altogether for a milder flavor.View Recipe

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High-Protein Tuna & Chickpea Salad Sandwich

a recipe photo of the High-Protein Tuna & Chickpea Salad Sandwich

This zesty tuna sandwich gets an extra boost of protein from chickpeas. Smashing some of the chickpeas into the tuna enhances the texture and helps hold the filling together. The combo of garlic and Sriracha adds a delightful kick, but feel free to opt for an alternative hot sauce of your preference or skip it altogether for a milder flavor.

21of 24The Best Chicken Salad Recipe for SandwichesPhotographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Shell RoysterWhat’s the key to the best chicken salad? Use punchy, flavorful ingredients that pack in the flavor, like zesty herbs, acidic lemon juice, sharp onion or shallots. This herbaceous chicken salad recipe is perfect sandwiched between two slices of whole-wheat country bread, but don’t stop there! Enjoy it with crackers, in a wrap or serve it on top of greens.View Recipe

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The Best Chicken Salad Recipe for Sandwiches

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

a recipe photo of the Chicken Salad served as a sandwich

What’s the key to the best chicken salad? Use punchy, flavorful ingredients that pack in the flavor, like zesty herbs, acidic lemon juice, sharp onion or shallots. This herbaceous chicken salad recipe is perfect sandwiched between two slices of whole-wheat country bread, but don’t stop there! Enjoy it with crackers, in a wrap or serve it on top of greens.

22of 24Black Bean-Quinoa BowlThis 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

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Black Bean-Quinoa Bowl

Black Bean-Quinoa Bowl

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.

23of 24Cabbage, 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

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Cabbage, Tofu & Edamame Salad

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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.

24of 24High-Protein Tex-Mex Chicken SoupPhotographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall , Prop Stylist: Julia BaylessMake this grab-and-go Tex-Mex–inspired soup when you have leftover chicken, or use rotisserie chicken for this easy meal-prep soup. The frozen pepper-onion mix adds flavor and saves time in the kitchen, while the black beans add fiber and protein. Combine everything but the broth ahead of time, then add it and heat it in the microwave when you’re ready to eat. If you don’t wish to travel with liquid broth or don’t have access to a microwave, you can use reduced-sodium bouillon instead and just add hot water.View Recipe

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High-Protein Tex-Mex Chicken Soup

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall , Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

a recipe photo of the High-Protein Tex-Mex Chicken Soup

Make this grab-and-go Tex-Mex–inspired soup when you have leftover chicken, or use rotisserie chicken for this easy meal-prep soup. The frozen pepper-onion mix adds flavor and saves time in the kitchen, while the black beans add fiber and protein. Combine everything but the broth ahead of time, then add it and heat it in the microwave when you’re ready to eat. If you don’t wish to travel with liquid broth or don’t have access to a microwave, you can use reduced-sodium bouillon instead and just add hot water.

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