55 Easy Vegetarian Lunch Ideas To Pack For Work

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You’ve come to the right place for some tasty and healthy vegetarian lunch ideas.

Tasty wraps, creative buddha bowls, protein packed salads, even soups in a jar!

And of course we’ve made sure these recipes all contain a good amount of protein!

Does this sound familiar? You’re opening your packed lunch – and are met with the same boring old.

Wilted greens, soggy sandwiches, and tedious cauliflower rice dishes are not the stuff exciting vegetarian lunch boxes are made of!

And eating out daily is hardly a viable prospect – budget-wise AND health-wise.

Well, what if we can put you out of your misery and add some zip and zing to your veggie-packed lunches with our list of vegetarian lunch ideas?

What makes a good vegetarian lunch list?

Not only are they supremely yummy and exciting lunch recipes, but they are also:

• easy recipes
• healthy
• filling and
• perfect for lunch boxes!

While we are on the subject of lunch boxes, how about a new one to go with your new recipe collection? We suggest you take a peek at the following:

Lunchboxes to choose from:

1. Plastic Container Set (BPA free, will do for anything, even liquid)

2. Glass Container Set (BPA free and leak proof. A little heavier, but great, if you don’t want to microwave your food in plastic containers. I have a set, and I’m super satisfied – works excellently with soups)

3. Stainless Steel Lunch Box (lighter, definitely BPA-free, but also not truly watertight. I also own one though and I love it)

One last most obvious tip: always chuck your lunchbox in a plastic bag to be sure nothing leaks. Better to be safe than sorry 😉

Then, without further ado, let’s spice up your (lunch) life!

And here they are – our 55 favorite vegetarian lunch ideas!

Make sure to scroll down all the way down to our last 9 lunches. These are especially suitable if you are active and looking to get in at least 550kcal and at least 24g of protein per dish.

Bonus: heart-healthy recipe

You won’t believe this tasty bad boy is actually good for you! Ready in 7 minutes, high in protein, fiber and absolutely delicious. Perfect for a quick lunch.

Bonus: perfect for batch prepping ahead of time

Fresh, easy, and delicious vegetarian wedge salad with creamy cashew dressing makes a perfect high-protein lunch in a jar.

Bonus: perfect for school lunches, very versatile

Bell peppers, onion, some spinach, cheese, and our delicious red pesto. Quesadillas are perfect for sneaking in a whole bunch of veggies.

Bonus: Just add hot water and microwave

Pre-packaged instant noodles can be fun, but this ramen soup is a whole different level! Top tip: switch up the veggies and pack in separate containers for different healthy vegetarian lunches for the week!

Bonus: ideal weight loss recipe

The high-protein and high-fiber combo of lentil and quinoa will keep you going all afternoon. An excellent way to get rid of mid-afternoon energy slumps!

Bonus: vegan and dairy-free

A few, simple ingredients are enough to whip up this flavorful Buddha bowl, packed with healthy veggies and protein-rich tofu. A quick and delicious meal for lunch or for a midweek dinner.

Bonus: picnic-friendly

Zingy ginger, zesty lemons, and mustard come together with crunchy veggies to create a party in your mouth! A fun way to add some pep to your next barbeque or picnic.

Bonus: gluten-free and packed full of fiber

Is it Greek? Or American? Or is it Mexican cuisine? All we know is, it is all kinds of delicious! Red kidney beans, crunchy cucumber and a punchy dressing – this ought to be the poster child for easy lunch options!

Bonus: easy recipe, batch prep

Prep ahead in your favorite mason jars and mark a big tick in the “healthy lunch ideas” column. Use soba noodles to make it a high protein, gluten-free powerhouse of a lunch.

Bonus: high in fiber and protein

Chickpeas are such flavor sponges that this sandwich packs a punch rather reminiscent of a homemade falafel. Ready in 10 minutes, the chickpea filling can be made ahead, cutting prep time on weekday mornings.

Bonus: healthy and hearty

The easiest thing to put together for a packed lunch, this rice bowl with Mediterranean flavors comes together quite quickly, making it ideal for hurried mornings.

Bonus: gluten-free

Kale and feta go so well together in this buckwheat salad. Packed with fiber and flavor, you will never go back to a boring salad with generic leaves and taste, ever again!

Bonus: tasty meat-free alternative for your Korean-themed lunch

Korean tacos, anyone? Prep these simple ingredients in advance and put together at the table, for a fun, DIY vegetarian lunch.

Bonus: perfect for school lunch

Sneak in some fresh vegetables and cheese and a whole bunch of goodness in these Greek-inspired pita sandwiches. This was one of our first 5 recipes on the blog!

Bonus: toast the couscous lightly for a richer flavor!

Spinach, pear, and goat’s cheese, on a bed of fluffy couscous, drizzled over with a sweet, maple syrup – balsamic vinegar dressing. What’s not to love?

Bonus: sweet and sour and creamy!

Love avocados and need a change from same old avocado toast? Well, how about something sweet, something sour and something avocado?

Bonus: quick and easy vegan lunch

So easy to make and so tasty, you would never even think of ordering takeaway from your local Chinese again! Toss in some bean sprouts for some added crunch!

Bonus: filling lunch for one or appetiser for two

NOT your boring salad! Colorful, flavorful and packed full of phyto-nutrients, this is as healthy as your egg salad can be!

Bonus: heart-healthy recipe

A healthy and nutritious sandwich filled with avocado, cheese, tomatoes and rocket for a juicy and unbeatable taste!

Bonus: high fiber, high protein

This salad comes with a warning – it is super addictive! Try it out right away, if you don’t believe us! Don’t blame us if it becomes your favorite way to eat avocados. Or chickpeas. Or salad.

Bonus: Vegan, beginner-friendly

Fragrant ginger, tender veggies and a creamy peanut stir fry sauce come together to make this delicious dish. Substitute soy sauce with tamari, if you cannot tolerate it.

Bonus: minimum effort for maximum taste

An assembly job of a recipe, with only the quinoa needing cooking time. This Buddha bowl hits the nutrient trifecta – grains, greens and legume! What’s not to like?

Bonus: packed full of fibre and prebiotics

Who would have thought chickpeas, kidney beans and feta would go beautifully together? (We did!) Replace feta with vegan cheese to make this vegan-compliant.

Bonus: a meal-in-itself salad

Say goodbye to boring weight loss recipes. This protein packed vegan lentil and potato salad is filling, healthy and nutritious. The red onion and sweet mustard sauce give it the right zzzing!

Bonus: Vegan, easy recipe

Pasta with maple syrup, soy sauce AND peanut butter? You will never dress your salad any other way!

Bonus: zero cooking time!

Speedy White Bean Salad – this tangy take on the classic is super-quick and super-tasty. Perfect for midweek packed lunches.

Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp

Bonus: pack sauce separately to maintain freshness

Get extra firm smoked tofu to add some oomph to your lunch. You can ditch the wrap and make it into a burrito bowl, if you are watching your carbs.

Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp

Bonus: 6 ingredients only!

Zhuzh-up your lunch time sandwich with this one – it is an absolute joy to eat! And so nutritious and healthy too!

Bonus: quick, easy and tasty

This mega quick lunch recipe from ace chef Jansen Schouten is bound to please – it’s tasty, nutritious and most importantly – a break from the norm!

Bonus: Makes a great dinner option too

These veggie lentil tacos are our new go-to meal. SO TASTY and stacked with lentil protein and fiber!

Bonus: cheesy jokes extra!

Full of protein, fiber and loads of other nutrients this halloumi salad will keep you feeling full for hours – and you’ll secretly be looking forward to more!

Bonus: swap chickpeas with red kidney beans or black beans for a different flavor

These firm faves are really easy to make, super tasty and oh-so satisfying. We’ll even show you how to roll them properly!

Bonus: add avocado slices for a creamy element

This tempeh sandwich is THE new vegan sandwich. Mega tasty and super nutritional, it sets the new bar for all sandwich lovers out there.

Bonus: makes a filling meal in itself

A quick and easy traditional Mexican breakfast that makes a great healthy option for vegetarians.

Bonus: vegan, makes a great party appetiser

They’re tasty and uncomplicated, and can virtually always be made with simple store cupboard ingredients.

Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp

Bonus: ditch bread for rice, for a gluten free option

Really easy recipe that is healthy, quick and vegan. You can jazz it up by adding some raw, sliced ones to the top, for added crunch.

Bonus: vegan & packed with fiber

An animal friendly, fresh and tangy winter salad with some serious health benefits. Get it on the plate in 15 minutes!

Bonus: can be enjoyed by non-runners too!

Say bye to your boring old post-run protein drink. Here’s a flavor bomb of a sandwich that hits all your nutritional post run needs – carbs, protein, healthy fats and electrolyte replenishment.

Bonus: creative use of leftovers

Great for lunch boxes and does wonderfully as a weekday dinner too. Grill some firm tofu for added protein.

Bonus: high in fiber and protein

Our take on the traditional Mexican dish, with a health-conscious twist! Healthy and easy, they make excellent appetisers served with tortilla chips.

Bonus: Vegan

High protein, iron and fibre in exotic Arugula and Lentil Salad that’s healthy and easy to make.

Bonus: keeps you full for longer

High Protein White Bean Salad that’s healthy and vegan. High in fiber, vitamins A, C, E, B2 and B6 as well as iron and calcium.

Bonus: Perfect for lazy Sunday brunch

There’s ordinary beans on toast and there’s ours, super charged with a sauce made of fresh basil and parsley, leafy spinach, oat milk, garlic and lemon juice, to perfectly complement the smooth creamy white beans.

Bonus: anti-inflammatory ingredients inside

Ready to blow your tastebuds away with a Vietnamese green noodle salad? Grab your noodles and tofu and chop-chop!

Bonus: serve with Crudités for a healthy party appetiser

Masa-whata? Made with chickpeas and served with roasted tomatoes, this one is for all the hummus lovers who like an Oriental style lunch!

Bonus: freezer-friendly

High-protein vegetarian lentil patties can be used as lentil burgers or fritters, and even made vegan, too! Serve with pita for a filling lunch.

⚡️ Unlock 9 more high-protein lunches for sporty people 💪🏽. The following lunches are the upgraded high-protein versions of our meals 😎

We hope you’ve enjoyed these quick and healthy vegetarian lunch recipes. Thanks for looking!