18 Vegetarian Lunch Ideas That Will Make Your Colleagues Jealous

Eating lunch in a restaurant every day is often repetitive, probably boring, definitely bad for your wallet and possibly even worse for you.

Even if you stumble across a local that’s unique, exciting and great value, there’s a good chance that as non meat-eaters you’ll still only have the choice between a bowl of tomato soup (the appetizer for others) or a bland salad consisting of lettuce and tomato.

Vegans get it even worse.

So we’re here to put you out of your misery – this round up boasts 18 vegetarian lunch ideas and all of them are…

• quick to make
• healthy
• filling and
• easily storable in a lunchbox!

Talking of lunchboxes!

If you need a new one, we suggest perusing these:

1. Plastic Container Set (BPA free, will do for anything, even liquid)

2. Glass Container Set (BPA free and leak proof. A little heavier, but great, if you don’t want to microwave your food in plastic containers. I have a set, and I’m super satisfied – works excellent with soups)

3. Stainless Steel Lunch Box (lighter, definitely BPA free, but also not truly watertight. I own one though and I love it)

One last most obvious tip: always chuck your lunchbox in a plastic bag to be sure nothing leaks. Better to be safe than sorry 😉

Then without further ado – it’s time to spice up your lunch life.

1. Amazing Chickpea Spinach Salad (Vegetarian)

High in protein, fiber and with an absolutely delicious dressing. Excellent for a quick lunch.

Ready in: 7 minutes
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp

2. Smoky Tempeh, Apple, and Arugula Sandwich (Vegan)

The sandwich that encompasses fall and all its flavors! Smoky tempeh, sweet apples and spicy arugula, a perfect dipper for those winter soups.

Ready in: 5 minutes
Recipe by: Veggies Don’t Bite

3. Easy Mexican Breakfast Burritos (Vegan)

These amazing burritos only require 8 ingredients (plus salt & water), and by repeating some of the ingredients in the avocado cream, it’s incredibly easy to make.

Ready in: 30 minutes (Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes)
Recipe by: TheVegan8

4. Egg Fried Cauliflower Rice (Vegetarian)

Now how easy is that? So so good for you, basic ingredients and delivers on the flavour too!

Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: Hedi Hearts

5. Lentil Quinoa Salad with Spinach and Lemon (Vegan)

This delicious Lentil Quinoa Salad with Spinach and Citrus is protein packed and filling while still being an energizing light lunch.

Ready in: 30 minutes (Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes)
Recipe by: Veggie Inspired Journey

6. Pasta Salad in Peanut Butter Dressing (Vegan)

Pasta Salad with an unbelievable Peanut Butter Dressing. Did we mention it’s actually healthy too? Ready in 15 minutes, and packed with fiber and protein.

Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp

7. Butternut Squash and Quinoa Mason Jar Salad (Vegan)

A healthy, light, and flavourful butternut squash and quinoa mason jar salad with arugula and pine nuts.

Ready in: 30 minutes (Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes)
Recipe by: Green Evi

8. Addictive Chickpea Soup (Vegan)

You’re in luck: this addictive, creamy vegan chickpea soup tastes even better the next day once flavors have had time to meld. A perfect vegan lunch you can take to work!

Ready in: 45 minutes (Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes)
Recipe by: PopSugar

9. Red Lentil Salad with Feta & Mint Yogurt Dressing (Vegetarian)

This satisfying salad that makes for a light yet filling lunch. One thing about this salad is that it tastes even better leftover, so I urge you to make extra!

Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: Food Hunters Guide

10. Tofu and Kale Pesto Sandwich (Vegan)

This vegan tofu and kale pesto sandwich with grilled zucchini, carrots, and lettuce, is not only super delicious but also pretty easy to make.

Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: Vegan Heaven

11. The Best Kale Caesar Salad (Vegan)

Crisp, hearty, and tangy, this kale caesar salad has to be one of the best “classic salads” out there.

Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: Wake The Wolves

12. High Protein Kidney Bean Salad (Vegetarian)

 A delightfully crunchy and satisfying bean salad bursting with Mediterranean flavors, including lemon, garlic and fresh herbs. This healthy salad is gluten free, but mostly just delicious!

Ready in: 7 minutes
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp

13. Sweet Potato Salad (Vegan)

This sweet potato salad is best served cold but can also be enjoyed warm, easily portable and even more delicious the next day.

Ready in: 35 minutes
Recipe by: Vegan Family Recipes

14. Back to School Lunch Idea: Tri Colored Pasta Salad (Vegan)

A fresh and savory pasta salad that you can enjoy hot or cold.

Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: Veganosity

15. Quick and Easy Thai Green Curry (Vegan)

Quick and Easy Vegetarian Thai Green Curry. Ready in 30 minutes and packed full of taste, spice and a fresh lime kick. Delicious and nutritious!

Ready in: 30 minutes
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp

16.Greek Couscous Salad with Watermelon and Feta (Vegetarian)

The combination of watermelon and feta is all the rage, so Katie took it one step further and added a few more Greek elements – kalamata olives, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette.

Ready in: 15 minutes
Recipe by: Katie at the Kitchen Door

17. Buddha Bowls (Vegan & delicious!)

Not exactly a recipe, but you need to check out this guide on Buddha bowls to see what’s possible with rice, beans and greens. Of course, perfect for lunch as well!

Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by: HurryTheFoodUp

18. Tangy Veggie Wrap (Vegetarian)

A refreshing and tangy summer veggie wrap that’s easy to make and perfect for on the go – ideal for BBQs, picnics or wherever it’s needed!

Ready in: 25 minutes
Recipe by:  HurryTheFoodUp

19. Coconut Zucchini Fried Rice (Vegan & delicious!)

This healthy fried rice is a delicious and easy way to boost your intake of fibre, antioxidants, good fats and protein!

Ready in: 20 minutes
Recipe by: Green Living Soul  <– Currently offline 🙁