25 Plant-Based Lunch Ideas Ready To Eat In Minutes
A quick lunch doesn’t have to be takeout, unhealthy, or instant ramen. No matter how much time you’ve got, you can still enjoy a satisfying and healthy vegan lunch. These plant-based lunch ideas are made to fit every schedule and nutritional need.
BBQ black bean quesadillas
Make these BBQ black bean quesadillas right before lunchtime or meal prep ahead and heat in your office microwave. This filling recipe is made with whole wheat tortillas, kale, and plant-based cheddar. You get 17 grams of belly-filling plant protein and 14 grams of fiber per serving.
Kimchi hot dogs
Kimchi hot dogs are great any time of day, but really hit the spot when you need a tasty energy boost midafternoon. You’ll top Better Balance plant-based hot dogs with vegan kimchi and gochujang mayo. Serve with a side of grilled zucchini for 15 grams of protein and five grams of fiber per serving.
Sweet and sour cauliflower
Store sweet and sour cauliflower in the freezer when you need an easy, zero effort lunch. Each serving includes cauliflower, edamame, carrots, and red bell peppers, smothered in a restaurant-quality sweet and sour sauce. Everything sits on top of a healthy whole grain mix of brown rice and farro, with 12 grams of protein and seven grams of fiber per serving.
Cheesy bean burritos
Craving something cheesy, but trying to maintain your plant-based lifestyle? Try these bean burritos made with plant-based cheddar. It’ll melt in your mouth while you enjoy 17 grams of protein and 14 grams of fiber per serving.
Gotham Greens goddess salad kit
When you need a light grab-and-go option, reach for this green goddess salad kit. Each kit includes greenhouse-grown lettuce, basil, quinoa, pepitas, dried cranberry, and of course, a side of green goddess dressing.
Chickpea tikka masala
Save your money and opt for this ready-to-eat chickpea tikka masala when you’re tempted to get takeout. Chickpeas are covered in a delicious spiced tomato sauce over a bed of rice and served with a side of curried cauliflower for extra filling fiber.
Spaghetti and meatballs
Keep these ready-made vegan spaghetti and meatballs in your fridge for a comforting and easy lunch anytime. Meatless meatballs are served over al dente spaghetti, with 26 grams of protein and eight grams of fiber per serving.
Harvest salads
Fuel your afternoon with a low-carb, nutrient-dense harvest salad. You’ll crisp up chickpeas and toss them with mixed greens, tart cherries, and a tangy lemon poppy dressing.
Plant-based sweet corn elote bowl
Get all the incredible flavors of Mexican street corn in this mouthwatering elote bowl. This plant-based delight stays in the freezer until you’re ready to heat and enjoy.
Green curry udon
If you’ve got access to a stove and saucepan, this green curry udon only takes 15 minutes to prepare. Simply cook your udon noodles, put them to the side while you make the coconut green curry sauce, and then toss it all together. It also reheats well in the office microwave the next day.
Buffalo tofu mac and cheese
When you’re craving comfort food, but still trying to hit your protein goals, try this Buffalo tofu mac and cheese with 19 grams of protein per serving. Store in the fridge and heat in the oven or microwave when your stomach starts growling.
Peanut tofu ramen bowl
Enjoy this perfectly-portioned, ready-to-eat peanut tofu ramen bowl in just three minutes. With high-fiber ramen noodles and tasty tofu, you get 27 grams of protein and 22 grams of fiber in every bowl.
Chimichurri lentil bowls
Great as a lunch or dinner recipe, our chimichurri lentil bowls feature 21 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber in every delicious serving. You’ll roast broccoli, cook quinoa on your stovetop, and microwave the ready-made lentils at home the night before (or in between work calls if you WFH). If you want to make a day ahead, keep the chimichurri sauce in a separate container and drizzle on top after reheating the other ingredients.
Tamarind lime soba
Light yet filling, this unique tamarind lime soba noodle salad is packed with flavor. The tamarind pad Thai dressing is complemented by mushrooms glazed in agave and low-sodium tamari. Top with sesame seeds and lime zest and enjoy.
Chorizo mojo rojo
No prep work needed for this smokey sensation! Our plant-based chorizo mojo rojo bowls just need to be stored in the fridge. They take only three minutes to heat up, too, so you’ll go from hangry to happy in a flash.
Plant-based udon bowl
This plant-based twist on beef stir-fry is savory and satisfying. Save this udon bowl in your home or office freezer, and lunch is ready in minutes. With 18 grams of protein per serving, you’ll stay full until dinnertime.
Sonoma chickpea salad wraps
Assemble these delicious chickpea salad wraps in just 10 minutes. You can prep in the morning or make it right before lunchtime. Just keep the tortilla and chickpea mixture separate until it’s time to eat.
The salad is made with chickpeas, tahini, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar, mixed with grapes, pecans, and celery for the perfect balance of textures. If you don’t have access to a skillet, heating the tortilla in the microwave works just fine.
Stuffed shells
You don’t have to dirty any dishes or spend precious time assembling these plant-based stuffed shells. This comfort food is made with tofu and vegan mozzarella. It’s all ready to eat in minutes and easily stores in the fridge.
Lentil farro power bowls
These energetic powerhouse grain bowls are appropriately named. Our lentil farro bowls fuel you with 20 grams of protein and 16 grams of fiber per serving. Each bowl also features a little something green with kale, avocado, and pistachios.
Bean quinoa chili
This bean quinoa chili is made for busy people like you. All you have to do is heat it up and you’ve got a bowl of high-fiber goodness, ready to enjoy.
Tofu Bánh mì
Enjoy a plant-based version of one of the best sandwiches ever made. Our tofu Bánh mì is a party in your mouth with pickled veggies on crusty ciabatta. Plus, this twist on a Vietnamese street food staple includes 34 grams of plant-based protein per serving.
Sweet potato ancho bowl
This one-serving ancho bowl includes a savory blend of caramelized sweet potatoes and grilled squash, served with brown rice and pinto beans. The smokey mojo rojo sauce is so good, you’ll have a hard time thinking about anything else before it’s time for your lunch break.
Panzanella salad
Travel to Tuscany without having to leave your home office. Panzanella salad takes only 25 minutes to make and most of that time is just toasting the ciabatta bread croutons. With cannellini beans, cucumber, and tomato, this salad provides 16 grams of protein and 11 grams of fiber. If you want to prep in the morning and bring it to work, we recommend keeping the dressing and vegan pesto on the side until it’s time to eat.
Thai tofu lettuce cups
These Thai lettuce cups include tofu, sweet potato glass noodles, and 38 grams of protein. Keep the lettuce in a separate bag and assemble at the office for a tangy, peanut-filled flavor bomb.
Rainbow poke bowls
Skip the line and high takeout prices for this homemade rainbow poke bowl. Juicy tomatoes are marinated in a citrus ponzu for out-of-this-world plant-based sushi. Add orange and avocado slices, purple cabbage, grated carrot, and crispy onions on top of sushi rice. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a colorful, delicious, and healthy vegan lunch.
Look forward to lunch when you eat with Purple Carrot
When you shop with Purple Carrot, lunchtime is easy and delicious. Our meal kits and ready-made meals are chef crafted and dietician designed, so you can hit your nutrition goals with plant-based food that tastes great. Save time and money when you avoid the lunchtime takeout rush. Explore our recipes and pre-made meals, delivered right to your door every week.
