There is nothing better than a home-cooked meal, and lunch can be one of the best parts of your day! You might already know that eating healthy lunches is a great way to maintain a healthy weight.
But you don’t have time? That’s okay! There are many easy recipes for delicious, light lunches that only take around 15 minutes to make.
In this blog post, we will explore 6 of the best home-cooked healthy lunches out there – from pasta salads to sandwiches with all kinds of toppings!
1. Italian Panini with Provolone, Peppers, and Arugula
This delicious Italian panini is easy to make and perfect for a healthy lunch. Start by spreading some roasted red peppers onto a slice of bread.
Then, add some sliced provolone cheese and top with fresh arugula leaves. Close the sandwich with another piece of bread and grill in a Panini press until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy and golden brown.
2. Turkey BLT Salad
Another excellent option for a healthy lunch is the classic turkey BLT salad. This recipe calls for essential ingredients and takes only 20 minutes to make, so it’s perfect if you’re short on time but still want an impressive meal.
3. Fig, Prosciutto, & Goat Cheese Salad
The combination of the three different flavors tastes good together. This salad makes a great quick and easy lunch to bring to work or school without needing much time for preparation. And it’s healthy, so you will not feel guilty about eating this tasty treat!
4. Caprese Sandwich
This simple sandwich is easy to make and packed with vegetables or fruits. All you need is a few slices of fresh mozzarella, some tomato slices, and a bit of balsamic vinegar.
Caprese sandwiches are the most straightforward and healthiest options for a home-cooked lunch. All you need is a few slices of fresh mozzarella, some tomato slices, and a bit of balsamic vinegar.
The tangy balsamic vinegar pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the tomatoes, and the mozzarella provides a creamy and salty contrast. This sandwich is also easy to customize so that you can add in your favorite vegetables or fruits.
5. Chicken Fingers with Chipotle-Honey Sauce
Chicken fingers are a popular kid-friendly meal that can be made healthier without sacrificing flavor. For this recipe, you’ll need to bake the chicken instead of deep-frying it, but your family won’t even notice because they’re so delicious!
You will still get breaded and crispy bites with homemade breading using gluten-free flour and bread crumbs. Even though the chicken is baked, you can still make it crispy on the outside by letting them bake for longer than average time in an oven set at 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
For this recipe, they are served with a delicious chipotle-honey sauce that gives these fingers some kick!
6. Grilled Chicken Salad with Cranberries, Avocado, and Goat Cheese
This grilled chicken salad is the perfect healthy lunch to make on a warm day. The sweetness of the cranberry’s pairs perfectly with the tart goat cheese and creamy avocado. The chicken is marinated in a sweet dressing, making it moist and delicious.
- Marinate the chicken for up to two hours in barbecue sauce or Italian dressing
- Mash one avocado with half of a lemon (to prevent browning) and salt and pepper to taste. Spread over grilled sourdough bread when done cooking. Add the chicken, cranberries, and goat cheese on top.
- Grill sourdough bread until golden brown
- Add grilled chicken to the salad for a complete meal.
- Top with crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese before serving.
Serve with avocado on the side if desired. This dish pairs well with fresh fruit!
There you have it! Six easy and healthy lunch ideas you can make at home with readily available ingredients.