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Let’s be honest for a minute. Sometimes lunches are just boring. Leftovers don’t always taste as good the next day and, as much as you love your weekly meal prep, sometimes we get stuck in a lunchtime rut. And with so many of us juggling hectic schedules, what we are really looking for are super quick, easy lunch ideas that are not only healthy, but hit the spot, too!

If you read the title of this post about best lunch ideas for vegetarians, you might be thinking that this will be a list composed entirely of salads, black beans, and crunchy vegetables. While there are a few salads on this list, there is also a huge variety of meatless lunch ideas to satisfy absolutely everyone. These healthy vegetarian lunches are easy ideas for work, kids’ lunch boxes, or even as meal prep for the rest of the week.

So, if you have been in a mealtime slump and want to try fresh, flavorful vegetarian recipes for your next lunch, make sure to save these recipes to Pinterest or add into your quick meal prep routine this week.

Spring Vegetarian Pasta with Butter Sauce

Photo credit: Elise Tries to Cook

This pasta with spring vegetables of pea and asparagus is light, bright and delicious. This pasta dish makes an easy vegetarian lunch that takes under 30-minutes (and perfect for meal prep!).

Vegan BLT Sandwich

Photo credit: Strength & Sunshine

This Ultimate Vegan BLT recipe is packed with smoky eggplant "bacon," crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, and homemade vegan mayo, sandwiched between two toasty pieces of your favorite bread. It's also gluten-free and soy-free! Lunchtime will never be boring again!

Buffalo Cauliflower Vegan Wrap

Photo credit: Elise Tries to Cook

Delicious tangy and spicy roasted buffalo cauliflower in a vegan veggie wrap. A perfect healthy and hearty plant-based lunch.

Jackfruit Chilli Con Carne

Photo credit: Lb Health & Lifestyle

Jackfruit chili con carne with sprouted mixed beans is a healthy, super quick and easy one pot recipe, made in just 30 minutes. It’s a hearty, warm, comforting and thick chili without meat, tomatoes, red peppers and nightshade spices, to make it a vegan, vegetarian and nightshade-free easy lunch idea.

Vegan Orange Chicken (With Chickpeas)

Photo credit: Strength & Sunshine

The best vegan Orange Chicken made with chickpeas! Sticky, sweet, and umami with the right amount of spice, this orange chickpea recipe is a healthy meatless copycat of your favorite Chinese takeout! This quick and easy one pot recipe is gluten-free, allergy-free, and ready in 10 minutes! A delicious plant-based meal that's great for lunch, dinner, and leftovers!

Roasted Cherry Tomato Tart with Herbed Ricotta

Photo credit: From a Chef’s Kitchen

Ripe cherry tomatoes and fresh basil make a delicious combination atop a golden brown pastry, perfectly topped with balsamic vinegar.

Instant Pot Lentil Soup (Vegan & Oil Free)

Photo credit: A Plantiful Path

This instant pot lentil soup is so savory and delicious! It’s an oil-free recipe, packed with protein and veggies, and cooks up quickly for a hearty dinner or work lunch idea.

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

Photo credit: Through the Fibro Fog

This butternut squash and apple soup is a cozy lunch idea, and perfect for cooler days. A flavorful soup everyone will love!

Lentil Walnut Taco “Meat”

Photo credit: A Plantiful Path

This delicious Lentil Walnut Taco “Meat” is perfect for your tacos, burritos, and more! So simple to make for easy weekday meals and for meal prepping!

Kale Wild Rice Salad

Photo credit: Through the Fibro Fog

This kale wild rice salad combines fresh vegetables with a delicious ginger dressing. Easy to make and so healthy, too!

Vegan Mediterranean Buddha Bowl

Photo credit: Clean Plate Mama

This vegan Mediterranean Buddha bowl recipe is loaded with nutritious, real food. Fresh Mediterranean inspired ingredients are topped an easy tahini dressing.

Raclette Grilled Cheese

Photo credit: Food Worth Feed

This Raclette Grilled Cheese is all about everybody’s favorite fondue cheese, paired with mushrooms, thyme, garlic and grain mustard, sandwiched between butter-slathered bread and grilled to golden brown, melty perfection.

Mushroom Masala

Photo credit: Culinary Shades

Mushroom masala is a vegan and gluten-free Indian curry, that pairs so well with Indian bread or rice.

20 Minute Vegan Chow Mein

Photo credit: Jack Slobodian

Craving your favorite takeout recipes? This easy 20 minute Vegan Chow Mein is made with plenty of vegetables and tasty Chinese flavors, but healthier and tastier than the restaurant version.

Stone Fruit Caprese Salad (Without Tomatoes!)

Photo credit: Through the Fibro Fog

Perfect for a summer lunch, this stone fruit caprese salad combines creamy cheese with sweet fruit and has a flavorful honey dressing. Super quick and easy lunch idea for work!

Roasted Parsnip Soup with Gremolata Croutons

Photo credit: Food Worth Feed

Roasted parsnips and celery root are blended with a little onion, garlic, nutmeg, olive oil and stock to create a smooth, cozy soup. The Toasted Gremolata Croutons are made from stale bread tossed with parsley, lemon and garlic. A perfect vegetarian recipe for cold nights.

Instant Pot Indian Black Eyed Peas

Photo credit: Culinary Shades

Indian black eyed peas curry—also known as lobia masala—can be made in an electric pressure cooker like instant pot without soaking the peas. It is a simple vegan meal prep recipe that is gluten-free, too!

Vegan Hungarian Goulash

Photo credit: Jack Slobodian

This vegan Hungarian goulash uses delicious traditional flavors while being a quicker and healthier version than conventional goulash! It's made in under an hour and is packed with vitamins and minerals.

Lemony Cauliflower Salad with Edamame and Chickpeas

Photo credit: Amy Casey Cooks

This recipe is loaded with fresh veggies: raw cauliflower, chickpeas, edamame, carrots, scallions, and tossed with a delicious lemony mustard vinaigrette. The perfect meatless lunch idea for summer.

Homemade Irish Vegetable Soup

Photo credit: One Carefree Cook

Homemade Irish vegetable soup is a hearty soup filled with root vegetables and a few pantry ingredients. Plus, a simple, no-fuss method makes this a tasty soup that you will love. The fresh, clean flavor of the vegetables shines through without any heavy milk, cream, or flour. Try pairing this soup with some crusty bread for lunch.

Aloo Shimla Mirch

Photo credit: Indian Ambrosia

A healthy mix of potatoes and capsicum or green bell peppers with onions, tomatoes and a few common spices. It is a dry vegan curry that comes together in 30 minutes and is absolutely delicious with some flatbread.

Mushroom Aglio Olio

Photo credit: Aussie Home Cook

This mushroom aglio olio is a quick, easy and budget-friendly vegetarian lunch or dinner. With just six ingredients, it’s on the table in twenty minutes.

Punjabi Dum Aloo

Photo credit: This That More

This delicious Punjabi Dum Aloo Recipe is a unique Indian potato curry. It is made by adding fried potatoes to the Indian curry, leaving it creamy and full of flavors.

Mini Curried Lentil Cakes

Photo credit: The Healthy Epicurean

They're spicy pan-fried lentil cakes made with cooked lentils and curry powder, served with fresh herbs and yogurt. An amazing vegetarian dish full of protein and flavor!

15 Minute Thai Basil Stir Fry

Photo credit: Drive Me Hungry

Try this easy and fast recipe for vegetarian Thai basil tofu stir fry (aka Tofu Pad Krapow). Stir-fried ground tofu come together with garlic, ginger, and veggies in a spicy, savory soy sauce!

Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad

Photo credit: It’s Not Complicated

Healthy, delicious and tasty – this Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad is a great vegetarian lunch option. It’s fresh, nourishing, perfect for all occasions and can be made ahead of time for easy weekday meal prep.

White Bean Caprese Salad

Photo credit: Mrs. Jones’s Kitchen

This simple white bean salad is packed with juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy mozzarella. Ready in only 10 minutes, this filling salad is the idea lunchtime recipe when you are short on time.

Vegetable Fajitas

Photo credit: Vegan Punks

Fajitas are a great vegetarian lunch that can be made in a flash! Serve with all the toppings like guacamole, salsa and jalapeños, if you like it spicy!

Gnocchi Au Gratin

Photo credit: Two Kooks in the Kitchen

The pillowy gnocchi in this easy gnocchi recipe au gratin is transformed with a rich, velvety white cheese sauce. Serve it as an appetizer, side or main dish using fresh store-bought gnocchi for a great shortcut.

Moroccan Couscous Salad

Photo credit: Green Bowl 2 Soul

Moroccan-spiced couscous salad is a delicious vegan salad, loaded with vegetables, chickpeas, raisins, nuts, and fresh herbs. This filling salad can also be served as a main course dish.

Vegan Egg Salad

Photo credit: Vegan Punks

Vegan egg mayo is one of the easiest veggie lunches out there! With no cook time needed, this recipe makes a perfect lunch in almost no time at all!

Bean and Rice Burrito

Photo credit: Plant Based on a Budget

Are you a Mexican food lover? Then you'll love this bean and rice burrito! It's full of fresh ingredients and it's a breeze to prepare!

Quinoa Pulao

Photo credit: Green Bowl 2 Soul

Quinoa pulao (or pilaf) is a vegan and gluten-free Indian dish, full of flavors and packed with nutrition. This curried quinoa can be enjoyed as a filling vegetarian breakfast or saved for lunch and dinner, too.

Spicy Sesame Tofu Stir Fry

Photo credit: Plant Based on a Budget

This Spicy Sesame Tofu Stir Fry is a healthier, homemade version of the popular Chinese restaurant take-out recipe. Lightly pan-fried crispy tofu bites, tossed with crunchy snow peas, tender mushrooms, and nutty sesame seeds—all coated in a sweet soy glaze with a punch of heat! It is a hearty and delicious comfort food that only takes 30 minutes and one pan to make.

Vegan Puff Pastry Tart

Photo credit: Emily Leary

This vegan puff pastry tart is the perfect option for a quick, flavorful lunch with a vegan pesto base, topped with thinly sliced vine tomatoes and baked to perfection to give a golden oregano and poppy seed crust.

Mixed Mexican Bean Salad

Photo credit: Plant Based on a Budget

Mexican Bean Salad uses three types of beans for a vegetarian lunch idea that is not only simple, but packed with protein, fiber, flavor, and texture! Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, picnics—all you do is throw a few things together in a big bowl and let it sit for ten minutes.

Pesto Pasta Bake

Photo credit: Rich And Delish

This pesto pasta bake is a super delicious pasta dish that is made in under an hour and tastes just like your favorite restaurant pasta!

Creamy Sweet Potato Soup

Photo credit: Little Sunny Kitchen

This recipe for sweet potato soup is rich, creamy, and silky smooth. Enhanced with the warm flavors of ginger, garlic, and some optional heat from cayenne pepper, sweet potato soup can be prepared for a weeknight dinner and saved for chilly winter lunches.

10 Minute Ramen Noodle Stir Fry

Photo credit: Budget Delicious

Who doesn’t love ramen? If you’re running short on time at least, you can quickly whip up this Asian comfort food at home in only 10 minutes. This endlessly customizable recipe makes the ideal vegetarian lunch dish for those who get bored often!

Strawberry Quinoa Salad

Photo credit: A Paige of Positivity

This delicious superfood Strawberry Quinoa Salad is perfect for your vegetarian lunch rotation during the summer. It's packed with fresh and vibrant fruit, creamy feta cheese and avocado, and can be topped with your favorite dressing!

Meatless Meatballs

Photo credit: Whole Food Soul Food Kitchen

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these hearty plant-based meatballs are a perfect meatless lunch idea! This recipe is packed full of flavor and—the best part—they are super easy to make, requiring less than 10 simple pantry ingredients (no beans).

Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff

Photo credit: Emily Leary

This deliciously rich vegan mushroom stroganoff recipe uses coconut cream and nutritional yeast to give the perfect amount of creaminess, paprika for just a hint of smokiness, and garlic, chives and white wine to add a deliciously perfumed tang

Cashew Carrot Ginger Soup

Photo credit: The Littlest Crumb

This thick & creamy cashew carrot ginger soup is an easy-to-make instant pot soup recipe. Made with cashews, carrots, ginger, coconut milk and Thai red curry paste for a bit of spice, it’s both vegan and gluten-free!

Vegan Pasta Salad

Photo credit: Nourish Plate

Delicious, quick and easy, this pasta salad takes less than 20 minutes to prepare and should be a staple in any vegan meal prep. It’s made with simple ingredients that are healthy and colorful and can be enjoyed all week.

Vegan Butter “Chicken”

Photo credit: Little Sunny Kitchen

The same rich, fragrant butter chicken you love, but made into a healthy vegan recipe with cauliflower. This easy family-friendly meal is so hearty, satisfying, and filling.

Pineapple Fried Rice

Photo credit: Recipes from a Pantry

Pineapple Fried Rice is bursting with tons of flavor, tender vegetables, and—of course—sweet pineapple chunks. The perfect way to use up all those leftovers, this pineapple fried rice recipe comes together quickly and is ready to serve in just 15 minutes!

Vegan Pumpkin Soup

Photo credit: Nourish Plate

You don’t have to wait until fall to enjoy all things pumpkin! This gluten-free and vegan pumpkin soup is just the treat when you’re craving a bit of seasonal nourishment.

Pesto Pasta Salad

Photo credit: A Paige of Positivity

This Pesto Pasta Salad is hearty, green, and super tasty. Made with fresh veggies including broccoli, tomatoes, and kale, it packs a healthy punch. (And crunch!)

Caprese Panini

Photo credit: Planted in the Kitchen

A vegan caprese? Say it isn’t so! This panini a must-try for your next vegetarian lunch.

Curried Cauliflower Soup

Photo credit: Nourish Plate

The most delicious curried cauliflower soup made of good-for-your-health vegetables. It’s vegan, gluten-free and is ready in less than 30 minutes!

Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad

Photo credit: Budget Delicious

Sweet, tangy, colorful, and fresh Strawberry Avocado Pasta Salad with poppy seeds is ready in under 20 minutes and a great side dish or mains for everyday eats or holiday gatherings. We love it as the perfect dish to bring to a summer outdoor party!

Chickpea Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Photo credit: A Paige of Positivity

The fresh, clean, and crisp flavors in this one bowl of Easy Chickpea Mediterranean Chopped Salad will make you feel like a million bucks. It's so tasty, versatile, and meal prep friendly!

15 Minute Black Bean and Spinach Burritos

Photo credit: Served From Scratch

When you need a healthy vegetarian lunch or dinner idea in a hurry! This 15 Minute Black Bean and Spinach Burritos is one of our go-to super quick, easy, well-rounded, and delicious meals. Everything you love about a black bean, cheesy vegetarian burrito, with some bonus greens added in!

Plant-Based Gyro

Photo credit: Planted in the Kitchen

This plant-based veggie wrap is a great alternative to a traditional gyro, filled with savory falafel and loaded with fresh lettuce, cucumber and onion!

Pan Fried Gnocchi

Photo credit: The Littlest Crumb

This crispy pan fried gnocchi is an easy weeknight vegetarian meal recipe that makes delicious grab-and-go leftovers for lunch. Crispy gnocchi coated in a light sauce made with garlic, herbs, butter and parmesan can be paired with vegetables or your favorite sides for a warm, comfort lunch.

Vegan Poke Bowl

Photo credit: Our Plant Based World

Spring and summer are perfect for enjoying light and healthy meals, like this vegan poke bowl. The combination of fresh vegetables and a delicious mint pesto makes this easy vegetarian lunch dish irresistible.

Leek & Mushroom Quiche

Photo credit: Vintage Kitchen Notes

This mushroom tart has a buttery crust and a rich creamy filling. A perfect recipe that freezes well, this leek and mushroom quiche can be made ahead and reheated for a fast vegetarian breakfast idea.

Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad

Photo credit: The Littlest Crumb

This strawberry goat cheese salad is the perfect spring and summer salad! Made with fresh strawberries, goat cheese, spinach, walnuts & pine nuts, then drizzled with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette with just a hint of cinnamon. A refreshing addition to a vegetarian lunch routine.

Moroccan Bean Stew

Photo credit: Whole Food Soul Food Kitchen

This Moroccan Bean Stew (aka Loubia) consists of only a couple of simple ingredients and is ready in 30 minutes. It can easily be made on the stove-top, but also in an instant pot when you’re short on time. It's the perfect weeknight meal that's bursting with traditional African flavors, leaving leftovers for an easy lunch idea for work.

Vegan Buddha Bowl

Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry

Packed with wholesome nutrition and flavor, this Buddha bowl is the perfect hearty vegan meal. Fresh kale, roasted sweet potatoes and chickpeas, quinoa, avocado, and a tangy lemon tahini dressing make this bowl truly delicious.

Green Sauce Pasta

Photo Credit: Whole Food Soul Food Kitchen

Want to make your own sauce at home? This green sauce pasta requires less than 10 simple ingredients. It's super creamy, packed with fresh greens and ready within a couple of minutes! You'll only need a blender so it's the perfect sauce when you don't feel like cooking.

Vegan Panang Curry with Tofu & Vegetables

Photo credit: Piping Pot Curry

This authentic Vegan Panang Curry with Tofu and Vegetables comes together as a rich and creamy dish with a balance of sweet and spicy flavors.

Vegan Tuna Sandwich

Photo credit: Vegan Huggs

This Vegan Tuna Sandwich is satisfying, delicious, and completely customizable (one of our favorite things about any recipe!). It takes just 20 minutes to prepare and it's perfect for healthy, make-ahead lunches for work or school lunch boxes.

Kidney Bean Salad

Photo credit: Debra Klein

We love an easy recipe for bean salad that is also perfect for a quick vegetarian lunch. It's loaded with bold flavors, contrasting texture, vibrant colors. Ready in just 15 minutes, this crunchy salad is anything but boring.

Kale and Quinoa Power Salad

Photo credit: Our Love Language is Food

This healthy and filling salad recipe is a must-make! A delicious blend of grains, nuts, seeds, veggies, and goat cheese is topped with the most delicious maple tahini dressing.

Chili Con Carne

Photo credit: The Cooking Collective

Bright and full of flavor, this ‘chili sin carne’ (or meatless chlli) is just the thing when you’re looking for a healthy lunch idea. It is packed with nutritious vegetables, beans and spices and is so easy to make! Pair it with your favorite gluten-free crackers or tasty flatbread.

Asian Sesame Ginger Slaw

Photo credit: Served From Scratch

This Asian Sesame Ginger Slaw isn't your average slaw! It's heartier than a traditional recipe, thanks to the addition of kale and quinoa. Not only that, but it is also mayo-free and lighter with a delicious sesame ginger dressing, making this Asian cabbage salad one of our favorite quick and easy recipes!