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
4.50 stars average
10 minutesminutes
The lunchtime classic gets a major upgrade with this Mediterranean Tuna Salad Sandwich made with kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and fresh basil.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Sausage Pesto Pasta with Caramelized Onions and Peas
5 stars average
25 minutesminutes
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.
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.
18 thoughts on “20 Healthy Make-Ahead Lunch Ideas”
My mouth is now watering big time! I’m right there with you: I feel so much more organized if I can at least have ideas for Matt and my breakfasts and lunches throughout the week. That way I can spend less time prepping for the following day and more time with him in the evenings. :) This is a phenomenal list!
One of my goals for this year is to start prepping more meals ahead of time. Lunch can be challenging because I never know where I am going to be or what I will be doing, so these are great ideas. Thank you so much for including my recipe!
Here is an area where I need some good inspiration. I plan my daughter’s lunch for school – is she packing, buying at school, what does she need and want, etc. My Husband has a complimentary provided at work and there is a salad bar so he gets a nice salad for lunch every day. But me? I don’t even think of me! I left a full time job outside the home and am now on my own from home – and I do not plan my lunches well at all. So I love these ideas and will be looking to incorporate some. Really, it’s just as easy as making sure I have some lean protein and wraps and veggies available, or having enough to toss into a salad or making up a batch of quinoa that I can use all week. Thanks for the reminder to think about ALL meals. (smacks head)
Yes I think so often moms and wives put ourselves last (and even stay at home dads!) It’s important to fuel us or as I like to think of it – put on our air mask before helping others so that we are our best selves. :)
My mouth is now watering big time! I’m right there with you: I feel so much more organized if I can at least have ideas for Matt and my breakfasts and lunches throughout the week. That way I can spend less time prepping for the following day and more time with him in the evenings. :) This is a phenomenal list!
haha YES exactly! You nailed it!!
They all look delicious! But I will definitely try the quinoa salad with cherries and pistachios… omnom. Thanks for sharing!
One of my goals for this year is to start prepping more meals ahead of time. Lunch can be challenging because I never know where I am going to be or what I will be doing, so these are great ideas. Thank you so much for including my recipe!
Yes lunch really is hard – I totally get it. Keep it up and keep me posted!!
Absolutely love this round-up! I need inspiration to get me out of the “typical lunch rut.” These all look fabulous!
I’m so glad Katherine! Enjoy!
This is such a fabulous round up! LOOOOVE all these ideas! Great idea for a post!
Oh I’m so glad Sophia! Happy New Year!
Here is an area where I need some good inspiration. I plan my daughter’s lunch for school – is she packing, buying at school, what does she need and want, etc. My Husband has a complimentary provided at work and there is a salad bar so he gets a nice salad for lunch every day. But me? I don’t even think of me! I left a full time job outside the home and am now on my own from home – and I do not plan my lunches well at all. So I love these ideas and will be looking to incorporate some. Really, it’s just as easy as making sure I have some lean protein and wraps and veggies available, or having enough to toss into a salad or making up a batch of quinoa that I can use all week. Thanks for the reminder to think about ALL meals. (smacks head)
Yes I think so often moms and wives put ourselves last (and even stay at home dads!) It’s important to fuel us or as I like to think of it – put on our air mask before helping others so that we are our best selves. :)
That is well put, Liz. A great way to think about it!
Looking forward to that pistachio and cherry quinoa!
Thank you so much Lisa!!
So many awesome recipes…I want to eat them all! Thanks for sharing!
Oh yes, it’s so nice when lunch is prepped ahead of time! Thanks so much for including my chicken salad! Such great ideas here!
Thank you so much for including me in this delicious round-up. I’m so grateful!
I am HORRIBLE at taking time to make myself lunch. I pinned a few of these to {hopefully} change that very soon! :-) Thanks for the great roundup!!!!
You must do it girl!!!! Put your life mask on first. :)