20 delicious make-ahead lunch ideas, both hot and cold, that are packed with nutrition to give you energy all afternoon long.
Sundays are meal prep days in our house. One of my biggest time savers and healthy eating strategies I recommend is to take time on the weekend to plan out what you are having for breakfast and lunch throughout the week. People often talk about weekly meal plans for dinner, but we shouldn’t forget about those other two important meals of the day!
Whether you’re at home with little ones, sitting at your desk in the office, or eating from the car on the go, I’ve put together a list of healthy and delicious make-ahead lunch ideas to get you through your week. Not only are they more exciting than turkey on wheat, but they are packed with nutrients to give you long lasting energy to get you through your day.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is eating lunch good for weight loss?
Skipping meals isn’t actually helpful in losing weight. Instead you want to eat low calorie foods that are high in protein and fiber to keep you feeling full so you can have an overall calorie loss for the day.
What is the healthiest thing I can eat for lunch?
Try eating a balanced lunch that includes at least one veggie and a protein, along with other nutrient dense foods.
How far in advance can I make a packed lunch?
You can meal prep your lunches for an entire week! If you pack them in airtight containers, you can keep them refrigerated at the ready for up to 5 days.
Eat It, Like It, Share It!
Did you try any of these recipes? The next time you make one, snap a picture and share it to your socials! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your dish.
20 Healthy Make-Ahead Lunch Ideas
Mediterranean Tuna Salad Sandwich
10 minutes
The lunchtime classic gets a major upgrade with this Mediterranean Tuna Salad Sandwich made with kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and fresh basil.
Try: Mediterranean Tuna Salad Sandwich Pin
Authentic Lebanese Falafel Wrap
25 minutes
This light and fluffy authentic falafel recipe is made with chickpeas, parsley and spices then drizzled in a creamy tahini sauce.
Try: Authentic Lebanese Falafel Wrap Pin
Greek Brown Rice Salad
50 minutes
This brown rice salad is given a Greek twist with cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, creamy feta, and Kalamata olives.
Try: Greek Brown Rice Salad Pin
Chicken Shawarma Pita with Tahini Garlic Sauce
40 minutes
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.
Try: Chicken Shawarma Pita with Tahini Garlic Sauce Pin
Spelt Tabbouleh with Jalapeño Vinaigrette
15 minutes
A twist on the traditional dish, spelt gives this tabbouleh an added chewy texture that pairs perfection with the slightly spicy jalapeño vinaigrette.
Try: Spelt Tabbouleh with Jalapeño Vinaigrette 
Turkey Black Bean Chili
55 minutes
Sweet and smoky flavors that will be sure to beat any cook off, this freezer friendly turkey chili is sure to impress!
Try: Turkey Black Bean Chili Pin
Taco Salad Bowls with Ground Beef
20 minutes
These taco salad bowls are piled high with seasoned ground beef, creamy avocado, fresh veggies and crunchy tortilla chips.
Try: Taco Salad Bowls with Ground Beef Pin
Lebanese Quinoa Chicken Salad
35 minutes
This protein-packed quinoa salad is filled with tender chunks of Lebanese Shish Tawook Chicken, crisp veggies and fresh herbs then tossed with lemon and olive oil.
Try: Lebanese Quinoa Chicken Salad Pin
Hummus and Hushwee Pinwheels
25 minutes
Hummus is spread on a flour tortilla and topped with hushwee (meat and pine nut mixture), tomatoes and feta then wrapped tightly and sliced. These flavor-packed hummus and hushwee pinwheels are perfect for stashing in lunchboxes or serving as a party appetizer or after-school snack.
Try: Hummus and Hushwee Pinwheels Pin
Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup
30 minutes
This fast and easy one-pot soup recipe is made with sausage, hearty kale and creamy white beans. The perfect solution for a cold day!
Try: Sausage, Kale, and White Bean Soup 
Grain Bowls with Chicken and Vegetables
40 minutes
This protein-packed chicken and roasted veggie grain bowl is drizzled with a creamy tahini dressing and bursting with flavor.
Try: Grain Bowls with Chicken and Vegetables Pin
Curried Chicken Salad with Apples
5 minutes
Sweet apples, crunchy celery and juicy chicken breasts combine with curry flavors and creamy yogurt in this delicious and healthy salad.
Try: Curried Chicken Salad with Apples Pin
Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
4 hours 10 minutes
Warm curry flavors and coconut milk add flavor and moisture to lean chicken breasts to make this recipe a delicious one-pot dish.
Try: Slow Cooker Chicken Curry Pin
Lebanese Rice Bowls with Hummus
25 minutes
These Lebanese rice bowls are topped with seasoned beef, garlicky hummus, cucumber yogurt sauce and more. The ultimate meal-in-a-bowl!
Try: Lebanese Rice Bowls with Hummus 
Asparagus Pasta Salad
15 minutes
This Asian inspired pasta salad is made with fresh asparagus and tossed in a creamy, flavor-packed peanut dressing made with lime juice, garlic, and ginger.
Try: Asparagus Pasta Salad Pin
Chicken Tawook Fattoush Salad
25 minutes
My family’s favorite Lebanese salad becomes a main dish with tender, juicy chicken tawook and crispy za’atar-scented baked pita chips.
Try: Chicken Tawook Fattoush Salad 
Farro Greek Salad with Feta and Dill
15 minutes
Chewy farro is tossed together with classic Greek flavors like fresh dill, kalamata olives and feta cheese to create this healthy and delicious whole grain salad.
Try: Farro Greek Salad with Feta and Dill Pin
Shaved Chicken Sandwich with Chipotle Mayo
5 minutes
This hearty, whole grain sandwich is made with shaved chicken, baby arugula and a chipotle mayo. The perfect recipe for lunch, dinner or a picnic to go!
Try: Shaved Chicken Sandwich with Chipotle Mayo Pin
Sausage Pesto Pasta with Caramelized Onions and Peas
25 minutes
This easy, 20 minute pasta recipe is made with Italian sausage, basil pesto, caramelized onions, and sweet green peas. Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing, this sausage pasta recipe is sure to be a new favorite.
Try: Sausage Pesto Pasta with Caramelized Onions and Peas Pin
California Avocado BLT Sandwich
15 minutes
Whole grain toast is topped with Sabra’s sea salt and cracked pepper spread, creamy avocado, crispy bacon and ripe tomatoes in this BLT sandwich recipe.
Try: California Avocado BLT Sandwich 
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