They say breakfast is the most important part of the day. Well, sorry chia pudding, but we want to argue that by highlighting the fact that lunch is pretty dang important too. Once our morning coffee wears off and we're headed into the afternoon, we *need* a healthy dose of protein to help us motor through. If you've been eating a plant-based diet regularly, then you're familiar with chickpeas and tempeh and all of the other glorious ways to fill up. If you're new to the plant-based diet, don't fret. We've got 14 lunch options perfect for work.
Smokey Chickpea “Tuna” on Rye With Spinach and Avocado
Smoked paprika and cumin elevate this creamy chickpea blend loaded with both protein AND fiber. (via The Simple Green)
Sweet Pea Power Pesto Avocado Toast
Aaaand the avocado toast craze lives on. This lunch option packs a powerful punch of protein with a sweet pea pesto. (via Real Food Whole Life)
Thai Quinoa Salad With Peanut Dressing
This rainbow salad gets its protein from the tasty edamame, the hearty quinoa, and the crunchy roasted peanuts. Though that dreamy and peanut-y dressing is optional, we wholeheartedly recommend it. (via Cook’s Hideout)
Lentil Meatballs
These super healthy *cheatballs* are kind of a big deal, y’all. Made with lentils and an assortment of veggies, they’re seasoned to perfection and will fill you up with a feel-good dose of protein and fiber. (via Well Plated by Erin)
Protein-Packed Quinoa Bites With Sweet Potato and Black Beans
If you’re looking for a light lunch or snack that will help you feel fuller longer, here it is. Made with quinoa, tender sweet potato, and black beans, these little sweet and savory bites are the BOMB. (via She Likes Food)
Freezer Vegan Breakfast Burrito
Breakfast for lunch can be a thing, right? These robust burritos are made in advance and popped into the freezer for grab ‘n’ go convenience. Full of protein, they’ll give you that extra burst of energy you need to get through the afternoon. (via Emilie Eats)
Sorghum Protein Pesto Power Salad
If ease of prep and minimal ingredients are your jam, this wholesome salad has your name on it. (via Blissful Basil)
The Runner’s Sandwich
This Mediterranean-inspired meal with protein-rich cheese is the ultimate fuel for your day — especially if you love to pound the pavement. (via Hurry the Food Up)
Lentil Pasta With Vegan Butter and Garlic Sauce
Heading home for your lunch break? This 15-minute wonder is pure perfection. It’s quick, easy, and full of the nutrients you need in order to keep on keepin’ on. (via Neurotic Mommy)
Bali Bowl With Tempeh, Peanuts, and Tomato Sambal
Tempeh brings you a generous helping of protein, fiber, and vitamins in this bowl, making it a total powerhouse. (via Quite Good Food)
Avocado Chickpea Salad Sandwich
This swoon-worthy sandwich is stacked high with layers of heirloom tomato, microgreens, beets, and carrots. (via Abbey’s Kitchen)
Turkish White Bean Salad
Adding white beans, green peppers, boiled eggs, and other simple ingredients to the mix, this recipe will give you that surge of mid-afternoon energy you need. (via Give Recipe)
Chickpea Caesar Collard Wraps
Chickpeas and a homespun vegetarian caesar dressing put a plant-based spin on this chicken classic. (via Girl Adulting)
Smashed Avocado Hummus Sandwich
No time to get fancy? No problem. You can keep things simple and still end up with something incredibly delicious and protein happy with a few generous smears of hummus. (via Sincerely, Katerina)
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Dana Sandonato
Born in Canada and now living in the beautiful state of North Carolina, Dana is a coffee-reliant food writer with a healthy appetite, a taste for culinary adventure, a thirst for good beers, and an endless hunger for food photography. When not writing for Brit + Co, she can be found pouring herself into her blog-turned-webzine, Killing Thyme, or taste-testing at local breweries with her husband. Dana's ideal down time includes pizza, marathoning on Netflix, or watching her fave flicks from the 80s and 90s - no matter how great or awful they are!
