Lunch is arguably the best meal of the day – it’s usually accompanied with a break, socializing, and it gives you the energy to continue your day. Whether you’re going to work, class, or a picnic with friends, you’ll be able to scoot out the door in no time with a lunch in your hand with these make-ahead recipes.
1. Burrito Bowl
Photo by Grant Sorbo
Make your own Chipotle burrito bowl in a mason jar so that it’s super easy to transport.
2. Tomato, Mozzarella, Basil, and Ham Pasta Salad
Photo by Max Bartick
Once again, mason jars make for the perfect portable lunches. And they’re just cute. Try making this delicious pasta salad in one.
3. Vegetarian Stew
Photo by Abigail Galyon
You can make this vegetarian stew for dinner and eat the leftovers for lunch or just make a batch and eat off of it all week. Either way, it makes for the perfect rainy day lunch.
4. Deconstructed Sushi
Photo by Gabby Phi
This portable sushi lunch is healthy and delicious. Add some meat for some extra protein.
5. Israeli Salad
Photo by Steven Shaltiel
Make this delicious Israeli salad ahead and then pop it in a mason jar or Tupperware to take to go.
6. Chickpea, Sweet Potato, and Apple Farro Salad
Photo by Katherine Baker
This farro salad is super healthy and can be made in 10 minutes.
7. Brussel Sprouts With Pine Nuts and Bacon
Photo by Alison Weissbrot
Don’t listen to what the haters say, Brussels sprouts are simply amazing. Plus, bacon makes everything better.
8. Baked Salmon
Photo by Yonatan Soler
This baked salmon is super easy to make-ahead and you can spruce it up with some veggies or rice.
9. Lemon Quinoa with Peas
Photo by Kelda Baljon
Quinoa is packed with protein and makes for a healthier alternative to pasta for lunch.
10. Curry Chicken Salad
Photo by Ashleigh De Simone
Spice up the lunchtime staple with this curry chicken salad recipe.
11. Vegetable Tofu Stir-Fry
Photo by Katherine Baker
Make this veggie tofu stir-fry instead or ordering Chinese takeout, the ginger sesame sauce is amazing.
12. Chicken Fajita Salad
Photo by AmiLin McClure
This chicken fajita salad is perfect to make-ahead and is dairy-free.
13. Mac n’ Cheese
Photo by Megan Prendergast
Why not stick to the classics and have some good ole mac n’ cheese for lunch. Lucky for you, you can make this mac n cheese in a mug before-hand and then just take it with you when it’s time to go.
14. Tomato Gazpacho
Photo by Helena Lin
Make this tomato gazpacho in your blender in five minutes. Plus, you won’t have to worry about re-heating it later.
15. Arugula, Brie, and Mushroom Pasta
Photo by Judy Holtz
Make this arugula and mushroom pasta for dinner and then use the leftovers for lunch the next day.