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Reviewed by Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD

If you are looking for a balanced and delicious midday meal, these vegetarian lunch recipes have got you covered! Adding a bit more variety to your lunch than just salads, this list features a wide range of sandwiches, bowls and wraps that are sure to become your new go-tos. Try our Chickpea-Cucumber Sandwich and Meal-Prep Roasted Vegetable Bowls for a flavorful lunch that you’ll want to make over and over again.

01 of 20

Chickpea-Cucumber Sandwich

Make this vegetarian sandwich whenever you need a quick and satisfying lunch. Chickpeas add plant-based protein and fiber, while strained yogurt adds calcium. Be sure to leave some chickpeas whole for the best texture.

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02 of 20

Meal-Prep Roasted Vegetable Bowls with Pesto

Your co-workers will be jealous when you pull out this healthy lunch of roasted veggies and brown rice. Put together 4 of these when you have time and you will have packable lunches (or ready-to-eat dinners) for several days—just grab a container on your way out the door in the morning.

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03 of 20

Green Goddess Sandwich

This green goddess sandwich is fresh and satisfying. The dressing packs a flavorful punch with capers and lemon juice. The cucumber and sprouts add nice crunch, and the seasoned avocado brings in the creaminess.

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04 of 20

Kale, White Bean & Pasta Soup

This veggie-packed kale, white bean and pasta soup is hearty and flavorful. Mashing beans into the soup gives it body and creaminess without actual cream. Serve this delicious vegetarian soup with a piece of crusty whole-grain bread on the side.

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05 of 20

Cucumber-Spinach Wrap

This fresh and creamy cucumber-spinach wrap comes together in minutes. A quick yogurt spread, brightened with lemon and dill, acts like a shortcut tzatziki, while crisp cucumber, buttery avocado and a sprinkle of za’atar add cool crunch and herby depth.

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06 of 20

Avocado Egg Salad Sandwiches

Lighten up classic egg salad by swapping in creamy avocado instead of using mayonnaise. Sandwich it between toasted whole-wheat bread and you’ve got an easy, packable lunch ready for work or school.

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07 of 20

Sweet Potato & Cauliflower Rice Bowl

In this riff on a healthy grain bowl recipe, we use cauliflower rice instead of a whole grain like brown rice to cut back on carbs and load up on veggie servings. A simple citrusy drizzle—inspired by Cuban mojo sauce—finishes these vegan rice bowls, which are perfect for lunch or dinner.

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08 of 20

Chickpea Salad Sandwich

This vegan chickpea salad sandwich is lemony, bright and surprisingly delicious. It’s got all the flavors of a classic tuna salad sandwich—dill, lemon and a bit of garlic—but with chickpeas instead to add a vegan source of protein and a healthy boost of fiber. Celery brings a nice crunch.

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09 of 20

Chipotle-Lime Cauliflower Taco Bowls

A bold, smoky marinade elevates roasted cauliflower in this meal-prep version of our popular Chipotle-Lime Cauliflower Tacos by Carolyn Malcoun. To cut down on prep time for these healthy taco bowls, look for precut cauliflower in the produce department. You can also save time by using microwaveable quinoa pouches (you’ll need one 8-ounce pouch for this recipe) instead of cooking quinoa.

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10 of 20

Piled-High Vegetable Pitas

Fresh, bright flavors come alive in these easy vegetarian pitas. Allow enough time to make the roasted vegetables, or make them a day or two in advance for a healthy meal that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. These pitas would also work well with whatever leftover cooked veggies you have on hand. No need to warm up the roasted veggies; this recipe tastes great chilled or at room temperature.

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11 of 20

Veggie Sandwich

There’s no chance of getting the afternoon munchies when you fuel up with this vegan veggie sandwich filled with fiber and healthy fats, plus fruit on the side. It’ll keep you energized until dinner. Feel free to swap in your other favorite sandwich vegetables, sprouts or greens.

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12 of 20

Vegan Superfood Grain Bowls

This nutrient-packed grain bowl recipe comes together in 15 minutes with the help of a few convenience-food shortcuts like prewashed baby kale, microwaveable quinoa and precooked beets. Pack these ahead to keep on hand for easy meal-prep lunches or dinners on busy nights.

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13 of 20

Cucumber, Avocado, Tomato & Goat Cheese Sandwich

This Cucumber, Avocado, Tomato & Goat Cheese Sandwich is a fresh, veggie-packed option that comes together in just 15 minutes. A creamy blend of goat cheese, yogurt and dill adds tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with crisp cucumber, buttery avocado and juicy tomato for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.

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14 of 20

3-Ingredient Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Chickpeas

Boxed blended soups are the perfect canvas for simple stir-ins to make them more substantial and satisfying. Here, roasted red pepper soup is jazzed up with canned chickpeas and fresh baby spinach for a fast, comforting meal.

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15 of 20

Tomato-&-Avocado Cheese Sandwich

Parmesan cheese is such a bold flavor, you only need 1/4 cup to add a big punch to this vegetarian toaster-oven sandwich. Get a serving of fruit too, when you enjoy the sandwich with a fresh pear.

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16 of 20

Rainbow Veggie Wraps

There’s definitely a sushi vibe to these kid-friendly wraps, which are stuffed with vegetables, cheese and hummus and then rolled and sliced. Serve them with store-bought green goddess, a creamy herb-filled dressing, to take it up a notch with ease. They look impressive but they’re easy enough for kids to assemble themselves for an easy lunch or dinner.

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17 of 20

Pesto Pasta with Peas & Tomatoes

This Pesto Pasta with Peas & Tomatoes is a bright, flavorful dish that comes together quickly. Pasta is cooked alongside frozen sweet peas, then tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes and basil pesto for a fresh, herbaceous finish. You can serve it warm or chilled, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks or picnics. A sprinkle of Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon add the perfect final touch.

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18 of 20

High-Protein Cucumber Sandwich

This high-protein cucumber sandwich features a creamy spread made by whipping cottage cheese with white miso, soy sauce and rice vinegar. This mixture delivers a creamy boost of protein that pairs perfectly with sliced cucumbers, which add a crisp, fresh bite.

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19 of 20

Black Bean–Quinoa Bowl

This black bean and quinoa bowl has many of the usual hallmarks of a taco salad, minus the fried bowl. We’ve loaded it with pico de gallo, fresh cilantro and avocado, plus an easy hummus dressing to drizzle on top.

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20 of 20

Za'atar Egg Salad Pitas

These quick egg salad pitas are packed with bold flavors. Creamy yogurt, tangy feta and fragrant za’atar elevate classic egg salad, while pickled red onions add a bright, zippy finish. It’s a fast, satisfying option for lunch or a light dinner.

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