35 Best Vegetarian Lunch Ideas

1. Chickpea tuna sandwich

Chickpea tuna is a quick and easy vegetarian lunch idea made with mashed chickpeas.

It’s the perfect replacement for tuna in a sandwich, to fill a baked sweet potato, and perfect as a quick lunch.

2. Tomato feta salad

Cucumber tomato salad is a refreshing vegetarian lunch idea.

Enjoy this crunchy and easy recipe as a summer side dish, or add protein, such as chickpeas or fried tofu, to upgrade it to a quick and healthy meal.

3. Pasta alla Norma (eggplant pasta)

Our pasta alla Norma (eggplant pasta) is a classic Sicilian dish with a rich and creamy tomato sauce, tender roasted eggplants, and fresh basil.

Combining roasted eggplant, marinara sauce, and al dente pasta makes an excellent vegetarian lunchbox idea.

4. Sweet potato salad

Have this sweet potato salad for lunch or a quick and healthy make-ahead dinner, or bring it to potlucks and picnics.

Roasted sweet potatoes paired with leafy greens, avocado, and a creamy maple syrup dressing make it a wholesome and happy lunch salad.

5. Rice salad

Rice salad is the perfect vegetarian summer dish, easy to prepare in advance, and perfect for bringing with you for a picnic outdoors.

It’s excellent for meal-prepping for the week and as a potluck meal, as it keeps well in the fridge for days.

5. White bean dip sandwich

Use this white bean dip for veggies, as a delicious hummus spread in sandwiches or wraps, or as a quick pasta sauce.

It’s a quick way to make a healthy vegetarian lunch sandwich.

6. Fried tofu steaks in mushrooms

Pan-fried tofu with mushrooms is a quick and delicious recipe for everyday, last-minute lunch, or dinner.

7. Chickpea salad

This vegan chickpea salad is an easy and nutritious dish with fresh vegetables and canned corn.

Make it in 15 minutes with simple, fresh ingredients and a refreshing lemon vinaigrette.

8. Pasta salad

Pasta salad is the ideal lunchtime meal as it’s quickly prepared and stores well in the fridge for days.

It’s also great to make in advance to have as a ready–to–eat meal at any time.

9. Couscous salad

Couscous with chickpeas is a meal-prep-friendly lunch salad ready in 20 minutes.

Make a big batch, store it in the fridge for the upcoming week, and serve it with tahini sauce or yogurt tahini dressing.

10. Zucchini salad with parmesan

Fresh, bright, and crunchy, this zucchini salad is the ultimate summer salad.

It’s perfect for picnics and as a light lunch with parmesan and a slice of bread.

11. Tofu ‘chicken’ salad

This tofu salad recipe is a crunchy, healthy bowl perfect for lunch or dinner.

It’s low in calories but still satisfying with plant-based protein from air fryer tofu.

12. Avocado Toast

Learn how to make the creamiest, most delicious avocado spread to eat in sandwiches and on toast or serve as a dip with warm pita bread and veggie sticks.

Add fresh tomatoes or roasted chickpeas for a colorful and nourishing lunch toast.

13. Panzanella

Panzanella is an Italian bread salad with simple summer vegetables and leftover stale bread soaked in water.

It’s an easy vegetarian lunch idea; you can add your favorite plant-based protein.

14. Zucchini soup with croutons

Make this delicious zucchini soup in less than 20 minutes with fresh zucchini and a few other simple ingredients you already have at home.

You’ll be impressed by its flavor, creaminess, and simplicity.

15. Black bean salad

Black bean salad with sweet potatoes and quinoa is a wholesome and vibrant grain bowl that works well as a vegetarian lunch.

Mix in some boiled quinoa or whole grain rice; use it as a filling for a wrap, and drizzle with chipotle sauce, tahini sauce, or avocado spread.

16. Protein-packed chickpea frittata

This chickpea frittata is crisp on the outside, soft, and moist on the inside, and for some reason, it feels like eating a regular egg frittata.

Packed with protein from chickpea flour, this frittata is tasty, satiating, and gluten–free.

17. Avocado salad with chickpeas

Avocado salad is creamy, crunchy, and refreshing, and it’s all you need for a quick lunch or light dinner during the hot summer months.

Serve it with a 5-minute couscous bowl or slices of toasted bread for a wholesome lunch idea.

18. Piadina with rucola and melted cheese

Piadina is a thin, yeast-free Italian flatbread that you can fill with fresh leaves, pesto, and dairy-free melted cheese and enjoy for a light lunch, snack, or dinner.

You can also stuff it with guacamole, black bean salad, and rice for a Mexican-inspired lunch like a burrito.

19. Cheesy zucchini pasta

Zucchini pasta, as in pasta with zucchini, is a creamy and easy one-pot recipe for a quick lunch or dinner for the whole family.

The cooking method is simple, and with grated fresh zucchini, fresh lemon, and pine nuts, you can create a spring–friendly and crowd–pleasing meal.

20. Easy eggplant caponata on bread

Caponata is an Italian eggplant salad with a delicious sweet and sour flavor. We make it with roasted eggplant (instead of deep-fried) in less than 45 minutes.

Perfect as lunch on a slice of toasted bread or spaghetti.

21. Stuffed eggplant

Stuffed eggplant boats are a modern, healthy recipe for an easy lunch or dinner with your family and friends.

It’s without meat and suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

22. Lentil tabbouleh

Our lentil tabbouleh is an excellent starter, side dish, or main dish, part of a mezze platter with other Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean recipes.

Serve it with hummus, baba ganoush, or avocado spread with toasted pita bread and fresh vegetables.

23. Zucchini pesto and spaghetti

Zucchini pesto might seem unusual, but it’s a delicious, light, and creamy pesto sauce you can make in 5 minutes with simple ingredients.

Mix it with bowtie pasta, and sprinkle it with almonds and fresh basil leaves for a restaurant–worthy lunch idea.

24. Quick aglio e olio in 15 minutes

This is the original garlic and oil pasta recipe, a delicious Italian meal called spaghetti aglio e olio.

It’s a perfect vegetarian lunch idea as it’s without meat and ready in just 15 minutes.

25. Red lentil soup

You will love our red lentil soup as it’s easy to make in one pot in 30 minutes.

It’s excellent as an easy weeknight dinner, a protein–rich lunch idea, and delicious with a thick slice of toasted bread.

26. Tofu soup in 30 minutes

This tofu soup is quick, tasty, and easy! You can make it in 30 minutes, with simple ingredients and seasonal veggies anytime.

Serve as an appetizer, or make it a meal by adding rice noodles.

27. Tomato risotto

Tomato risotto is the perfect recipe for a delicious and fulfilling family lunch and dinner.

Kids will love this recipe, and picky eaters will devour it straight from the pan.

28. Orange tofu ‘chicken’

This easy vegan dish is the best alternative to orange chicken.

We use crispy oven-baked tofu coated in a sticky, sweet, sour orange sauce. It’s tasty, tangy, and delicious.

29. Vegan cream cheese on bruschetta

This tofu vegan cream cheese is made with five simple ingredients, and it’s smooth, velvety, and perfect to use as a starter, dip, or spread in a sandwich.

Mix your cream cheese with fresh herbs or a veggie of your choice for a colorful lunch or appetizer idea.

30. Mediterranean bowl

This Mediterranean bowl is an excellent lunch idea with simple storebought or homemade ingredients that are easy, healthy, and delicious.

We combine falafel, pickled red onions, fresh vegetables, hummus, and pita bread for a wholesome vegetarian meal.

31. Red pepper pesto on toasted bread

Red pepper pesto is rich, creamy, tangy, and easy as it’s made with jarred bell peppers.

Serve this 5-minute pesto as a red sauce with pasta, a spread on bread, or a sandwich with leafy greens.

32. Easy spinach pesto with spaghetti

We use tofu to make the spinach pesto recipe creamy and nutritious.

You can use the pesto with your favorite pasta, spread it on a sandwich, or as a pizza topping. It’s a quick and creamy vegetarian lunch idea.

33. Creamy 25-minute mushroom pasta

Vegan mushroom pasta is a quick and creamy recipe in just 30 minutes!

It’s a simple yet incredibly delicious and flavorful vegetarian lunch idea.

34. Microwave sweet potato

Microwave sweet potato is quick, healthy, and delicious. 

Eat it as is or load it with one of our toppings, such as black bean salad or quinoa salad, to turn it into a tasty lunch meal.

35. Chickpea pasta salad

You’ll love this healthy chickpea pasta salad recipe because it’s tasty, nourishing, and fulfilling, with wholesome plant-based protein, vitamins, and antioxidants.

It’s one of the most satiating and wholesome vegetarian lunch ideas.

Introducing plant-based meals to your diet doesn’t have to be complicated.

As with any other diet or lifestyle, ensure you get a healthy dose of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. For even more inspiration, see our favorite collections here:

• Breakfast: get breakfast ready in 5 minutes with this scrambled tofu or overnight bircher muesli. Or check out our best vegan breakfast recipes.
• Brunch: missing weekend brunch ideas? You’ll love this vegan French toast and vegan crepes. Brunch can be fun and vibrant; see our brunch ideas here.
• Lunch: Try this Moroccan carrot salad, cauliflower lentil salad, or 10-minute chickpea salad for a nutritious on-the-go lunch. Or get inspiration from our vegan lunch ideas.
• Dinner: you can easily make an inviting and meat-free dinner for your family! Try our vegan fish, tofu curry, vegan orange chicken, or cheesy eggplant parmigiana.

How to store these vegetarian lunch ideas

• How to store: you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave. On the second day, these meals will be stickier and less creamy.
• How to freeze: you can also freeze the vegetarian lunch ideas for up to 3 months. To freeze, let it cool down first, then transfer it to a freezer-friendly container, leaving some space to allow it to expand.
  Thaw in the microwave or a pot on the stovetop. Before serving, garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil optionally.

Vegetarianism is a versatile and flavorful way of incorporating vegetables and whole foods into your diet.

For many, a great place to start when cooking vegetarian is with familiar dishes, such as pasta, meat substitutes, and chicken replacements. For inspiration, take a peek at some of our favorite recipes:

• Easy pasta recipes include vegetarian meatballs, bolognese, and Alfredo sauce recipes.
• Replacing chicken and beef with different Tofu recipes
• Replacing eggs with various chickpea recipe ideas
• Add creaminess to salads and protein with these top vegan sauce recipes.
• Satisfy sweet cravings by making these indulgent vegan cakes

Give yourself time to try new herbs, flavor combinations, and ingredients. Slowly, you’ll find your favorite meals and learn new tricks in the kitchen.