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If you’re reading this while eating the same boring sandwich you bring to work every day, we have good news for you: Lunch doesn’t have to be lame. It can actually be a healthy midday pick-me-up packed with protein and the essential nutrients you need to power through until 6:00 p.m.
We’ve rounded up a mouthwatering array of one-pot meals ideal for lunch, which you can make ahead and pack away in chic Tupperware for later, with minimal cleanup involved. Just grab your favorite pot and get cooking!
Mexican Hot Pot with Avocado Cream
Soup can leave us still feeling hungry, so we appreciate this savory, protein-rich recipe by Half Baked Harvest. The key to pulling off a delicious batch of this Mexican version of a traditional Asian hot pot is making sure you have enough toppings on-hand to add in for extra flavor.
Sausage and Veggies
Just what exactly makes this one-pan creation healthy? The lean, turkey sausage for one, the generous array of side vegetables another. Seasoned with garlic, paprika, and oregano, this is a lunch recipe you won’t want to miss out on.
Quick and Easy Lo Mein
This vegan lo mein takes just 15 minutes to make and is versatile enough to whip up at the office. It’s the ultimate option for meal prep-fans and packed with hearty veggies, a sweet-savory sauce, and crunchy sesame seeds.
Mexican Shakshuka
Krista Rollin’s twist on this traditional Middle Eastern dish calls for a base of fire roasted tomatoes, bell peppers, poblano peppers, cumin, and smoked paprika. The jalapeno and avocado layer on top gives the 30-minute recipe a spicy kick.
Lentils and Quinoa with Spinach
This protein-rich recipe comes with a blend of fragrant herbs, fresh spinach, and accented veggies that lend a dynamic flavor element to the dish.
Lemon-Garlic Baked Salmon and Asparagus
Kicking the week off with a healthy meal begins with a nutrient-rich dish, much like this savory salmon and asparagus blend.
One Pan Pesto Chicken
Loaded with chicken, zucchini, and tomatoes, this one-pot creation hits on all the right flavor pairings.
One Pan Balsamic Chicken
Balsamic vinegar combines with a tangy Italian dressing to create this flavorful blend loaded with a delectable side of roasted vegetables.
Vegan, One-Pot Quinoa
This one-pot wonder features no shortage of delicious vegetables, which come together to form a well-balanced plate that’ll keep you full for hours.
Zucchini Pasta
Say what you will, but as the weather turns towards the warmer side, we find ourselves craving zoodles in lieu of the traditional carby variety.
Salmon and Squash on Couscous
This protein-rich meal means you won’t be reaching for that mid-afternoon snack. With no shortage of bold flavors and spices (10, to be exact!), this roasted salmon is cooked atop a bed of chickpeas and spinach and served with a cilantro couscous that’s too good to pass on.
This story was originally published on March 21, 2017. It has been updated with new information.
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