The 14 Best Healthy Lunch Ideas for on the Go

When lunchtime rolls around, it can feel easy to rely on takeout or skip the midday meal altogether—especially when your to-do list seems to pile on as the day progresses. Instead of making a food choice that you won't feel great about later (whether that's hitting the drive-thru or feeling ravenous come dinner because you skipped lunch), prep a quick and healthy lunch. 

Here, we have put together a list of tasty and healthy lunch recipes that are easy to pack and ready in 10 minutes or less.

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Why Packing a Healthy Lunch Is So Important

A healthy lunch gives your body the midday boost needed to stay energized and focused. As the day progresses, our energy levels and mental clarity can start to wane. However, eating a balanced meal helps replenish energy reserves, raises blood sugar levels, and supports concentration.

Forgetting to eat can be a mindless mistake while you're busy tackling your to-do list, and skipping meals can lead to lightheadedness, irritability, and less focus and concentration. Those are all feelings we don't necessarily have the bandwidth to put up with in the middle of a work day. So, by planning a nutritious lunch, you can ensure you’re fueling your body with the right nutrients for better productivity and maybe even a sunnier mood as the day progresses.¹ 

<div class="pro-tip"><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href=easy-low-glycemic-lunch-ideas>Easy Low-Glycemic Lunch Ideas</a></a>.</div>

14 Healthy Lunch Ideas You Can Make in 10 Minutes

We get it—you don't have enough hours in the day to fit in both work and downtime. So we're not suggesting you spend more time cheffing up in the kitchen. Instead, you can fall back on quick and easy lunch ideas that don't require much effort to put together. 

Here are some healthy packable lunches that you can make in 10 minutes or less:

1. Hummus and Veggie Wrap

This plant-forward wrap is packed with fiber-rich veggies and creamy hummus for a satisfying meal on the go. Hummus provides plant protein and healthy fats, while fresh veggies add crunch and nutrients. You can also add edamame for extra protein while keeping this meal plant-based. Wrap it in foil to keep everything in place for a convenient, mess-free lunch.

• Ingredients: Whole-wheat wrap or pita, hummus, sliced red peppers, cucumber, shredded carrots, and leafy greens. For extra staying power, we recommend using a high-protein wrap, like Egglife (made of egg whites).
• Prep: Spread hummus on the tortilla, layer the veggies, roll tightly, and wrap.

2. Rotisserie Chicken Tacos

These quick rotisserie chicken tacos are a delicious way to enjoy a tasty Tex-Mex-inspired lunch any day of the week. Pre-cooked chicken, fresh toppings, and warm tortillas are easy to assemble and bring to work or school. 

• Ingredients: Shredded rotisserie chicken, small corn or flour tortillas, shredded lettuce, salsa, shredded cheese, sliced avocado, and lime wedges.
• Preparation: Pack the shredded chicken, lettuce, salsa, cheese, and avocado in separate containers. If possible, warm the tortillas at lunchtime, then assemble tacos with chicken, lettuce, salsa, cheese, and avocado. Squeeze lime juice on top for extra flavor.

3. Greek Chickpea Salad

A Mediterranean-inspired salad loaded with protein-rich chickpeas, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and creamy feta cheese. This salad travels well and tastes even better as the flavors meld, making it ideal for lunchboxes.

• Ingredients: Canned chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta cheese.
• Prep: Combine ingredients in a bowl, add olive oil, salt, and pepper, and pack with a lemon wedge.

4. Egg Salad with Whole-Grain Crackers

Egg salad is a perfect blend of protein and flavor, and when paired with crunchy whole-grain crackers, it makes for easy scooping.

• Ingredients: Hard-boiled eggs, Greek yogurt or mayo, Dijon mustard, chopped green onions or chives, salt, pepper, and whole-grain crackers.
• Preparation: Chop the eggs and mix with yogurt or mayo, mustard, green onions, salt, and pepper. Pack in a container with whole-grain crackers on the side for a scoopable lunch option.

5. Egg & Avocado Toast Bento Box

With this portable option, you can create deconstructed avocado toast. Hard-boiled eggs and creamy avocado deliver protein and healthy fats, while the toast and cherry tomatoes add texture. 

• Ingredients: 3 hard-boiled eggs, mashed avocado, whole-grain bread, cherry tomatoes.
• Preparation: Pack mashed avocado, eggs, and toast separately. Assemble just before eating.

6. Turkey & Cheese Roll-Ups with Fresh Veggies

These fun roll-ups are perfect for a quick, low-carb lunch. Lean turkey deli meat provides protein, cheese adds flavor, and crunchy veggies give you much-needed micronutrients.

• Ingredients: Turkey breast slices, cheese slices, leafy greens, bell pepper strips, baby carrots.
• Preparation: Roll up cheese and greens in turkey slices. Pack with fresh veggies.

7. Black Bean & Avocado Burrito Bowl

This protein-packed burrito bowl features hearty black beans, creamy avocado, and fresh salsa; all layered over brown rice for a filling, Southwest-inspired meal. It is great in a container for an easy, fork-friendly lunch.

• Ingredients: Canned black beans, cooked brown rice, avocado, salsa, shredded cheese, leafy greens.
• Preparation: Layer rice, beans, and greens. Top with avocado, salsa, and cheese, and pack with a fork.

8. Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Bagel 

Enjoy the classic flavors of a New York bagel wherever you go. Cream cheese and smoked salmon make for a savory, protein-rich combo, while spinach and cucumber add fresh crunch. 

• Ingredients: Whole-grain bagel, low-fat cream cheese, smoked salmon, spinach or arugula, sliced cucumber.
• Preparation: Spread cream cheese on both halves of the bagel, layer with salmon, greens, and cucumber, and wrap tightly.

9. Chickpea and Tuna Salad

This chickpea and tuna salad provides satisfying crunch and creaminess for a protein- and fiber-packed lunch. It’s easy to eat on whole-grain crackers or lettuce wraps and only improves as it sits.

• Ingredients: Canned chickpeas, canned tuna, chopped celery, chopped red onion, Greek yogurt, or mayo.
• Preparation: Mix chickpeas, tuna, celery, and onion with yogurt or mayo. Serve with crackers or lettuce wraps.

10. Veggie-Packed Cottage Cheese Bowl

Cottage cheese provides a protein-rich base for this veggie-packed bowl, perfect for a light work lunch. Cucumbers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs bring brightness, flavor, and antioxidants.

• Ingredients: Cottage cheese, chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, fresh herbs. (Pro tip: We like Good Culture cottage cheese because it contains probiotics.)
• Preparation: Layer cottage cheese with veggies and herbs. Sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired.

11. Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Light and refreshing, these chicken salad wraps combine tender chicken, crunchy celery, and creamy dressing for a satisfying meal without the carbs. Wrapping it in crisp lettuce keeps it light and easy to transport.

• Ingredients: Cooked shredded/cubed chicken breast, plain Greek yogurt (we like Chobani's Low-Fat Plain Greek yogurt), chopped celery, grapes (optional), salt, pepper, and lettuce leaves.
• Preparation: In a bowl, mix the chicken with yogurt or mayo, celery, and grapes, if desired. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon the chicken salad into lettuce leaves and pack it in a container with extra lettuce wraps.

12. Buffalo Chicken Wrap

Spice up your lunch with this tangy, creamy Buffalo chicken wrap filled with shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, and crunchy veggies. It's a high-protein, flavorful choice that stays fresh when wrapped well.

• Ingredients: Whole-wheat tortilla, cooked shredded chicken breast, Buffalo sauce (try Yo Mama's no-sugar version), Greek yogurt or ranch dressing, shredded lettuce, and sliced carrots or celery.
• Preparation: Toss chicken in Buffalo sauce, then spread a layer of yogurt or ranch dressing on the tortilla. Layer with lettuce, carrots, and celery, add the chicken and roll up tightly in foil.

13. Veggie Quinoa Salad

This nutrient-dense bowl combines fluffy quinoa, mixed greens, and colorful veggies for a refreshing, high-protein lunch. For added protein, feel free to add grilled chicken that you can meal-prep the night before. Drizzle with balsamic for a light, flavorful dressing that travels well without making your lunch soggy.

• Ingredients: Pre-cooked quinoa, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, shredded carrots, balsamic vinaigrette.
• Preparation: Layer greens and veggies over quinoa. Add dressing just before eating.

14. Caprese Pasta Salad

A twist on the classic Italian Caprese, this pasta salad combines fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze over whole-grain pasta. It's a delicious cold dish that only gets better as the ingredients mingle. To make this high-protein, consider adding shredded rotisserie chicken or half a cup of cottage cheese.

• Ingredients: Pre-cooked whole-grain or chickpea pasta like Banza, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and balsamic glaze.
• Preparation: Toss all ingredients together and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Store in an airtight container.

<div class="pro-tip"><strong>Learn More: </strong><a href=high-carb-meals>10 High-Carb Foods (And Meal Ideas) That’ll Fuel You Up</a>.</div>