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Home » Lunch

21 Easy Protein-Packed Recipes That Make Lunchtime Matter

Published: Aug 18, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Protein-heavy lunches can be a game-changer when you’re looking for something that’s both healthy and filling. These 21 recipes are perfect for keeping you energized throughout the day without a lot of hassle. Packed with protein and designed to be simple, they’re great for anyone wanting a lunch that supports a busy lifestyle. If you’re tired of the same old options and need something that will keep you full and satisfied, these meals are worth a try.

An image of chickpea tuna salad in a bowl.
Chickpea "Tuna" Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan Bolognese

An image of bolognese in a bowl with basil on top.
Vegan Bolognese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Hearty vegan bolognese, made with lentils, mushrooms, and a rich tomato sauce, is ready in under 1 hour. This protein-packed meal is a solid choice for a nutritious lunch.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Bolognese

Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

Mediterranean Black Bean Salad in a white bowl being drizzled with cilantro lime dressing.
Mediterranean Black Bean Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Black bean salad with cilantro lime dressing is a protein-rich vegan option. This meal is prepared in just 10 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a quick and nutritious lunch.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Black Bean Salad

Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese

An overhead image of microwave mac and cheese in a bowl with a spoon.
Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Enjoy a quick and creamy microwave mac and cheese that's loaded with protein. It’s a convenient choice for a protein-heavy lunch and can be ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Microwave Mac and Cheese

One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Straight view of cooked one-pot lemon ricotta pasta garnished with rocket and fresh basil leaves placed in a white plate with a fork on the side.
One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Classic one-pot lemon ricotta pasta is prepared in just 15 minutes. Rich in protein, it makes for a quick and filling lunch that's perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Chickpea Tuna Salad

An image of chickpea tuna salad in a bowl.
Chickpea Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Chickpea tuna salad is a protein-packed vegan alternative for sandwiches or salads. It’s ready in 10 minutes and offers a satisfying option for a protein-heavy lunch.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Tuna Salad

Sesame Soba Noodles

Sesame Soba Noodles. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Sesame Soba Noodles offers a quick meal with a spicy, slightly sweet sesame sauce. These protein-rich noodles can be customized with extra veggies or protein, making them suitable for both light and hearty lunches.
Get the Recipe: Sesame Soba Noodles

Hot Egg Roll Salad

An image of hot egg roll salad in a bowl.
Hot Egg Roll Salad. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Hot Egg Roll Salad is a quick, high-protein dish that’s ready in about 5 minutes. It’s packed with vegetables and protein, making it a great choice for an energizing lunch.
Get the Recipe: Hot Egg Roll Salad

Blackened Chicken Thighs

Blackened chicmen thighs in a white dish.
Blackened Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Blackened chicken thighs are tender, juicy, and provide a high-protein option. They’re versatile and perfect for adding to salads, sandwiches, wraps, or bowls.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Thighs

Ground Beef Egg-in-a-Hole

A plate of meat burgers with an egg on top.
Ground Beef Egg-in-a-Hole. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Ground beef and eggs come together for a high-protein breakfast that’s both quick and fun. With just four ingredients and five minutes, it’s an easy and satisfying start to the day.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Egg-in-a-Hole

Smoked Salmon Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette

A close-up image of a smoked salmon salad with dijon vinaigrette.
Smoked Salmon Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Smoked salmon salad is a nutritious lunch option featuring smoked salmon, mixed greens, crumbled feta, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, boiled eggs, and Dijon mustard dressing. It’s a protein-rich choice that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Salmon Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette

Tofu Vegetable Noodle Stir Fry

Tofu Vegetable Noodle Stir Fry. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Tofu Vegetable Noodles Stir Fry is a fresh, protein-packed dish. The flavorful marinade and crunchy vegetables make it an excellent choice for a light lunch or a busy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Vegetable Noodle Stir Fry

High-Protein Low-Carb Baked Omelette

High-Protein Low-Carb Baked Omelette with parsley garnish.
High-Protein Low-Carb Baked Omelette. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Baked omelette is a protein-rich breakfast that’s easy to prepare. Packed with eggs and cheese, it will keep you full for hours and is perfect for a nutritious start to the day.
Get the Recipe: High-Protein Low-Carb Baked Omelette

Spaghetti Marinara

Someone sprinkling parmesan cheese on a spaghetti marinara.
Spaghetti Marinara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Spaghetti marinara is a budget-friendly meal that’s packed with protein. Using pantry staples and affordable pasta, it’s an easy way to create a filling lunch.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

Chicken Bean Soup

Overhead image of a bowl of chicken bean soup.
Chicken Bean Soup. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Chicken Bean Soup is a hearty stew packed with protein and flavor. Its combination of chicken and beans makes for a savory and filling lunch option.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bean Soup

Avocado Tuna Salad

A bowl of avocado tuna salad with avocado slices and lemon slices.
Avocado Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Avocado Tuna Salad is an easy-to-make, protein-rich lunch. This option will keep you full and energized throughout the day with its simple yet satisfying ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tuna Salad

Tuna Stuffed Avocados

A glass bowl of tuna salad with pickles and multiple avocados stuffed with the salad around it.
Tuna Stuffed Avocados. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Tuna-stuffed avocados are a high-protein lunch or snack that’s both easy to prepare and filling. This combination of tuna and avocado keeps you satisfied and energized throughout the day.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Stuffed Avocados

Chicken Miso Soup

Chicken Miso Soup with seaweed and green onion garnish in a white soup bowl.
Chicken Miso Soup. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Miso soup made with chicken broth, miso paste, seaweed, and cooked chicken breast is a protein-rich option. This simple recipe is easy to make and provides a nourishing and flavorful lunch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Miso Soup

Chicken Tostadas with Crispy Cheese Tortilla

Chicken tostadas with cheese shell on plate on a terra cotta tray.
Chicken Tostadas with Crispy Cheese Tortilla. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Tostadas with hard cheese shells are loaded with protein and veggies. Top the crispy cheese shells with taco meat, lettuce, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and cheese for a balanced and hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tostadas with Crispy Cheese Tortilla

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are a quick and protein-rich snack or lunch. Made with chicken, bacon, and cheese in cucumber halves, they’re a simple and satisfying choice.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Chicken Tortilla Soup

A bowl of chicken tortilla soup.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a protein-rich choice for a cold day. Filled with tender chicken and topped with crunchy tortilla chips, it’s a hearty option for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Air Fryer Shredded Chicken

How to Make Air Fryer Shredded Chicken on a fork in a tan bowl with parsley.
Air Fryer Shredded Chicken. Photo credit: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes.

Air Fryer Shredded Chicken is a quick and protein-packed ingredient. It’s perfect for adding to salads, wraps, or tacos, and is incredibly easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Shredded Chicken

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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