Lunch can be one of the toughest meals to keep on track when it comes to sticking to eating healthfully, especially when that mid-day hunger sneaks around. So often our days get away from us and we end up grabbing a meal that is convenient and easy, but perhaps not the best in terms of nutrition, leaving the second part of the day sluggish and unproductive.Here are a few plant-focused nutrient dense lunch ideas — a few you can quickly throw together in the morning, and a few you’ll want to prepare the night before.
Tangy Bean Salad with Carrots and Green Onions opens in a new tab For a delicious lunch, fill pita bread halves with this tangy bean salad and top with shredded lettuce.
Spinach Salad with Aduki Beans and Clemetine Vinaigrette opens in a new tab To make ahead, simply prepare the vinaigrette and Clementines, pack everything separately and toss all together just before you eat. For an entrée salad, add raw veggies and double the beans.Zesty Quinoa with Broccoli and Cashews opens in a new tab Make this one for dinner, then take the leftovers for lunch the next day!
Black Bean Salad opens in a new tab This colorful mix of veggies and beans makes for a robust vegetarian lunch. It's best to enjoy this dish the same day it's made.
Kale Waldorf Salad opens in a new tab This variation on the classic Waldorf salad uses kale instead of lettuce and adds apple and walnuts to the dressing for a creamy consistency without using the typical mayonnaise base. To pack for lunch, keep the dressing separate and then toss when you’re ready to eat. This is a favorite of mine just tossed in a wrap with some grilled tofu.
Get more quick and simple recipes opens in a new tab, or browse over 100 Health Starts Here recipes opens in a new tab. What are some of your go-to nutrient-dense lunches?
