What do you usually eat for lunch? When I don’t go out to lunch, I like to eat the same things on rotation. I am busy and don’t want to have to think about what I’ll eat that day. However, I want something nutritious and light but satisfying enough to power me through the day.
My 5 Fast and Healthy Go-to Lunches
1. Trader Joe’s Chickpea salad
Delicious on its own, this Balela chickpea salad has a delicious vinegar-garlic marinade that is so flavorful, it can dress a salad, even after being strained. Simply mix this salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and spinach and finish with avocado. Optional, save a bit of the marinade to sprinkle on top (not necessary).
2. Vegan Protein Shake
If you follow me on Instagram, you know I love my vegan protein smoothie! I love it for my on-the-go days when I’m out for many hours, or when I am in a rush and want quick nutrients I can drink. I make it in the morning and just before I leave the house, I throw a bunch of ice in the mason jar.
I like to get the ice to melt a bit to dilute the shake and keep it cold. It tastes good and fills me up all day! So nutritious, you’ll get a ton of vitamins and minerals from this one shake. On many days, this and coffee are all I’ll have until dinner!
3. Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi
This frozen cauliflower gnocchi has changed my view of cauliflower! I never got on board with the craze of this vegetable to replace starch. But this dish is delicious and really fills me up!
My favorite way to prepare cauliflower gnocchi is with an air fryer! I used to brown on a pan but the air fryer isn’t as messy and requires less oversight. I sprinkle some olive oil on top, toss and place it in the preheated air fryer on 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Then I flip and cook it for another 10 minutes. I love the outside crispness and pillowy inside. A little salt, pepper and parmesan and tada!
This is the air fryer I got from Amazon. I like that it’s small and cute so I don’t mind it sitting out on my kitchen counter. The only caveat is that it doesn’t hold a lot of food for “don’t put more than one layer at a time” type cooking, so take into consideration what you want to cook. For example, it will not make fried chicken well.
4. Cabbage & Kale Salad
I am a big fan of pre-prepped mason jar salads you can pull out of the fridge and empty onto a plate. One problem with mason jar salads is retaining the freshness I want in the ingredients.
This cabbage salad is the perfect mix of ingredients that won’t get soggy sitting in the fridge for a few days. Just keep the dressing separate or if you’re prepping meals in mason jars, put the salad dressing at the bottom and shake the jar just before serving.
5. Costco Organic Bean, Rice, and Cheese Burrito
From the frozen section, these bean, rice, and cheese burritos are so good! I like to have this when I’m feeling like I need something more substantial and in the mood for some carbs. At 320 calories, they are still pretty healthy (as long as I don’t eat 2!) I microwave them and top with fresh Picante, half an avocado, and my favorite hot sauce below.
So there you have it- My favorite fast and healthy go-to lunches I love to eat.
I’d love to hear about some foods you love to eat for lunch. I need a few more for my rotation! I hope my lunch line-up gave you some ideas to try for your lunch routine.
