The Lemon Bowl®

20 Healthy Make Ahead Hot and Cold Lunch Ideas

About 5 minutes to read / 18 Comments

Twenty delicious make ahead hot and cold lunch ideas for work that are packed with nutrition to give you energy all afternoon long.

20 Healthy Make Ahead Lunch Ideas - The Lemon Bowl

Sundays are meal prep days in our house. My husband typically grocery shops on Sundays so that we can spend later in the next day in the kitchen cooking, singing and dancing.

Jacob recently started doing this new dance move where he bobs his head from left to right, from one shoulder to the other, to the beat of the music. It’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen and the reason I am always grooving and blasting music..I want to see his moves.

Jacob Eating

One of my biggest time savers and healthy eating strategies is that I take time out on the weekends to plan out what we are having for breakfast and lunch throughout the week. People often talk about weekly meal plans for dinner but around here the first two meals of the day are often the most hectic since I’m usually out numbered by frantic, starving toddlers.

Whether you’re home with little one, sitting at your desk 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.

Pesto Egg Salad

Pesto Egg Salad

An easy and healthy lunch that’s great for sandwiches or big potlucks. This Pesto Egg Salad is filled with flavor and nutritious ingredients!
Check out this recipe!
Moroccan-Soup-with-Chickpeas-foodiecrush.com-009

Moroccan Soup with Kale and Chickpeas

This hearty vegetarian soup of chickpeas, kale, butternut squash and potatoes gets it’s exotic flair from the vibrant Moroccan spices of saffron, cumin and cinnamon and is so easy to make.
Check out this recipe!
Quinoa-salad-with-kefir-6

Quinoa Salad with Pistachios, Cherries, and Honey Balsamic Kefir Dressing

This quinoa salad is sweet, crunchy and has a little Kefir tang! It’s super healthy, gluten free and makes a quick and easy weeknight dinner!
Check out this recipe!
Spelt Tabbouleh by The Lemon Bowl

Spelt Tabbouleh with Jalapeño Vinaigrette

A twist on the traditional dish, spelt gives this tabbouleh an added chewy texture that pairs perfection with the slightly spicy jalapeño vinaigrette.
Check out this recipe!
smashed-chickpea-avocado-salad-sandwich2

Smashed Chickpea & Avocado Salad Sandwich

Smashed Chickpea Avocado Salad Sandwich is the perfect healthy lunch or dinner! This easy smashed chickpea salad can be eaten as a sandwich or served on greens, rice cakes, toast, or eaten as a dip with crackers or veggies!
Check out this recipe!
Bacon-Ranch-Quinoa-Chicken-Salad-5

Bacon Ranch Quinoa Chicken Salad

Check out this recipe!
spinach-turkey-wrap-4

Spinach, Roasted Red Pepper, and Feta Turkey Wrap

Stuffed with spinach, roasted red peppers, feta, and chicken, this wrap is hearty and filling, and most definitely an Autumn inspired sandwich.
Check out this recipe!
Brown Rice and Beans

Brown Rice and Bean Salad Recipe with Hot Sauce Dressing

Whip up this easy brown rice and bean salad for your Cinco de Mayo feast, or serve it as a vegetarian entree (vegan and gluten-free, too) any night of the week. 195 calories and 6 Weight Watchers Freestyle SP. Thanks to Cholula Hot Sauce for helping me to share this recipe with you.
Check out this recipe!
Chicken Posole Soup - The Lemon Bowl

Mexican Chicken Pozole Soup Recipe

Chicken soup gets a flavorful twist with classic Mexican ingredients like smoky chipotle peppers, chewy hominy and fresh lime juice.
Check out this recipe!
Creamy-dijon-egg-salad

Creamy Dijon Egg Salad

This creamy dijon egg salad is made with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. Green olives, red cabbage, parsley and pepitas make it flavorful and crunchy!
Check out this recipe!
Chicken_Salad_Almonds_Apples_Recipe_Aggies_Kitchen-6

Autumn Rotisserie Chicken Salad with Apples and Almonds

Rotisserie Chicken Salad with Apples and Almonds (lightened up with Greek yogurt) is always a crowd pleaser!
Check out this recipe!
Buffalo-Chicken-Salad-Sandwiches-7485

Buffalo Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Spicy and creamy chicken salad sandwiches made healthier with Greek yogurt and green peppers.
Check out this recipe!
Beef-Taco-Quinoa-Salad-Bowls-final-16

Colorful Greek Chicken Salad

Taco Salad Bowls are a delicious and healthy 30 minute meal that satisfies everyone at the dinner table. They are simple, fresh, and easy to make.
Check out this recipe!
Spinach Power Salad with Chicken and Farro - The Lemon Bowl

Spinach Power Salad with Chicken and Farro

Lean chicken breasts and chewy farro give this spinach salad a major boost of protein to give you long lasting energy.
Check out this recipe!
THK-Heinans-Salad6

Kale Chopped Salad with Berries and Freekeh (or Quinoa)

An easy, vibrantly delicious salad featuring kale, blueberries, dried cranberries, walnuts and feta. Perfect with freekeh or quinoa. Loaded with healthy superfoods, yet so good no one will even notice that they’re eating something this incredibly healthy!
Check out this recipe!
Greek Farro Salad - The Lemon Bowl

Farro Greek Salad with Feta and Dill

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.
Check out this recipe!
Thai-Chicken-Salad-Wrap_Naturipe-Post.jpg

Thai Chicken Salad Wrap with Blueberries

Thai Chicken Salad Wrap with blueberries is a refreshing and healthy lunch option that the entire family will love. Just add blueberries to create a healthy, colorful and flavorful meal!
Check out this recipe!

CHICKEN & HUMMUS PLATE LUNCH MEAL PREP

This Chicken & Hummus Plate Lunch Meal Prep is so simple yet incredibly filling and delicious! Get back to basics with fresh cut bell pepper, carrot, cucumbers, paired with a perfect portion of chicken breast, cheese slices, and grapes for a touch of sweetness. Simple portioning instructions included!
Check out this recipe!

HEALTHY TACO SALAD IN A MASON JAR

Take this Healthy Taco Salad recipe to work or school in a super convenient mason jar! Prep-ahead and have this easy mason jar salad recipe ready to grab-and-go.
Check out this recipe!

EASY HOISIN GLAZED SALMON MEAL PREP

This Easy Hoisin Glazed Salmon Meal Prep is perfect for those who may not be able to heat up their lunches. Delicious whether warm or cold, this earthy but sweet hoisin glazed salmon is just what you need for your meal.
Check out this recipe!

What are your tried-and-true make-ahead lunch recipes? Let me know in the comments below or tag @TheLemonBowl on Instagram to show me your #HealthyNewYear eats!

Your fork is waiting.

For more amazingly Healthy Lunch Recipes, head on over to Pinterest!


Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kori

    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!

    Reply

    • Liz DellaCroce

      haha YES exactly! You nailed it!!

      Reply

  2. Eveline

    They all look delicious! But I will definitely try the quinoa salad with cherries and pistachios… omnom. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  3. Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor

    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!

    Reply

    • Liz DellaCroce

      Yes lunch really is hard – I totally get it. Keep it up and keep me posted!!

      Reply

  4. Katherine

    Absolutely love this round-up! I need inspiration to get me out of the “typical lunch rut.” These all look fabulous!

    Reply

    • Liz DellaCroce

      I’m so glad Katherine! Enjoy!

      Reply

  5. Sophia @ NY Foodgasm

    This is such a fabulous round up! LOOOOVE all these ideas! Great idea for a post!

    Reply

    • Liz DellaCroce

      Oh I’m so glad Sophia! Happy New Year!

      Reply

  6. Lisa @ The Meaning of Me

    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)

    Reply

    • Liz DellaCroce

      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. :)

      Reply

      • Lisa @ The Meaning of Me

        That is well put, Liz. A great way to think about it!
        Looking forward to that pistachio and cherry quinoa!

      • Liz DellaCroce

        Thank you so much Lisa!!

  7. She Rocks Fitness

    So many awesome recipes…I want to eat them all! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  8. Aggie

    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!

    Reply

  9. Whit @ Jewhungry

    Thank you so much for including me in this delicious round-up. I’m so grateful!

    Reply

  10. kim kopp {the best is yet to come}

    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!!!!

    Reply

    • Liz DellaCroce

      You must do it girl!!!! Put your life mask on first. :)

      Reply

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