14 Tasty Lunch Ideas to Keep You Full Until Dinner

We’ve all been there. The afternoon hits, and you’re tired, hungry, and not quite sure how you’re going to work a few more hours. But before you reach for a coffee or soda, your lunch might be to blame!

We want our lunches to be satisfying enough to hold us over to dinner, and there are a few ways to make sure this happens. Your meal needs to have enough calories – caloric needs will vary greatly, but you most likely don’t want a meal under 500 calories unless you’re going to add in a decent-sized snack. You also want to make sure your meal includes a variety of components — carbohydrates, protein, produce, and fat. This combo will help keep your blood sugar level and prevent the post-meal crash, making you too tired and hungry.

The lunch ideas we’re sharing are nutritious, balanced, satisfying, and of course, delicious and should all help keep you full until dinnertime.

Black Bean Quinoa Salad

If you love a healthy salad, this black bean and quinoa salad is it. It has layers of bright, fresh flavors and is both satisfying and nutritious.

Packed with plant-based protein and fiber thanks to the quinoa and black beans, each serving has 16 grams of protein and 12 grams of fiber and everything is tossed with a homemade dressing made of lime juice, shallots, and honey to bring this delicious salad together for a satisfying meal you will love.

Get the recipe: Black Bean Quinoa Salad

Summer Ramen Noodle Salad

Ramen noodles don’t have the best reputation as being a nutritious meal, but this summer ramen salad is simple, colorful, and delicious.

Green beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and corn all add great flavor and nutrition but can also easily be swapped out for whatever fresh produce you have on hand. Toss with a homemade dressing and sprinkle with some sesame seeds and fresh scallions for even more texture and flavor.

Get the recipe: Summer Ramen Salad

Easy Ground Turkey Stir Fry

If you want a protein-packed lunch that will keep you energized and satisfied until dinner, this easy ground turkey stir fry is sure to be a hit. It has everything you need for a complete meal: protein, veggies, and carbs.

This is a versatile dish. You can easily swap the broccoli for another favorite veggie, and if you want to add even more veggies, swap out the rice for cauliflower rice.

Get the recipe: Ground Turkey Stir Fry

Peanut Tofu Buddha Bowl

Tofu is a versatile, nutrition-packed, plant-based protein that is delicious when cooked correctly. This rice bowl's combination of brown rice, tofu, and peanut sauce is a satisfying combination that we think you’ll love.

This dish can also be prepped ahead, which makes it a great lunch option. You could even switch up the veggies to keep this meal fresh all week.

Get the recipe: Peanut Tofu Buddha Bowl

Whipped Cottage Cheese

Whipped cottage cheese is a protein-packed spread that can be enjoyed in sweet and savory ways. If you’re not the biggest cottage cheese fan because of the texture, you’ve got to try it whipped!

To turn the whipped cottage cheese into a meal, try adding some chopped fresh veggies like cucumber and tomato, a fried egg, and a drizzle of chili crunch oil. Serve with pita bread or toast for a delicious meal.

Get the recipe: Whipped Cottage Cheese

Vegan Taco Salad with Quinoa Taco Meat

This vegan taco salad with quinoa taco meat is a tasty lunchtime treat that is both satisfying and delicious. The quinoa is seasoned with chili powder and cumin for classic taco flavors — it's so good you won’t miss the ground beef.

Serve the quinoa taco “meat” over a refreshing mix of lettuce, tomatoes, avocados, olives, and pinto beans, tortilla chips, and a homemade Catalina dressing.

Get the recipe: Vegan Taco Salad

Southwest Salad

While this delicious salad has plenty of Southwest vibes, it has fresh and modern flavors as well — particularly with the taco-spiced garbanzo beans.This hearty salad won’t leave you sleepy. It has a variety of textures and flavors that you’ll love: juicy chicken, crunchy lettuce, crispy tortilla chips, creamy avocado, fresh tomatoes, and so much more, all drizzled with a creamy homemade taco-seasoned dressing.

Get the recipe: Southwest Salad

Bagels and Lox

Bagels on their own may be delicious but are usually a little short on protein to make it a satisfying lunch. The easy and delicious solution? Add lox!Lox, or cured salmon, adds a delicious flavor and a great boost of protein and healthy fats to your bagel. Add some fresh fruits and veggies on the side to turn it into a meal that requires zero cooking!

Get the recipe: Bagels and Lox

Burger Salad

Love a burger, but don’t love the slump it leaves you in after lunch? Meet the burger salad!Designed after the fast-food favorite, this salad is so good you won’t miss the bun. Burger meat is served over crunchy lettuce and with all of the burger toppings — shredded cheese, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and a delicious burger sauce. Serve with some fries on the side if you like.

Get the recipe: Burger Salad

Vietnamese Spring Roll Salad

Spring rolls are delicious but might involve a little too much prep for lunch. This salad is the best way to get all of the flavor from spring rolls in an easy-to-make salad.Crispy tofu is served over rice noodles and topped with fresh carrots, lettuce, and cucumbers; all drizzled with a homemade peanut sauce that adds not only incredible flavor to the salad but also adds healthy fats and a touch of spice.

Get the recipe: Spring Roll Salad

Cheesy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet

This hearty and healthy lunch is ready in just 15 minutes. Ground turkey, black beans, corn, and cheese are seasoned with taco seasoning and cheese for a deliciously cheesy dish.

Serve with mini bell peppers for some extra veggies and tortilla chips for crunch! You can also serve over rice, stuffed into tortillas, or even on tostada shells.

Get the recipe: Ground Turkey Taco Skillet

Lentil Nicoise Salad

This vegetarian twist on a classic Nicoise salad adds in protein and fiber-rich lentils instead of tuna and eggs. Tender potatoes are served with green beans, tomatoes, seasoned lentils, and briny olives for a delicious combination of flavors.

Look for steamed lentils that are ready to eat for a quick shortcut! This hearty salad will leave you feeling great and will no doubt become a favorite.

Get the recipe: Lentil Nicoise Salad

Crispy Baked Quesadillas

If you are trying to get a quick and delicious lunch ready for the family, crispy baked quesadillas are sure to be a hit. Baking your quesadilla is the best way to do it if you're making this dish for a crowd.

You can fill your quesadillas with just about anything — shredded chicken, seasoned ground beef, or even shrimp. Serve with your favorite quesadilla toppings and some raw veggies or fruit on the side.

Get the recipe: Crispy Baked Quesadillas

Lunch Charcuterie Board

Mini charcuterie boards are perfect for a filling and delicious lunch that you can put together quickly. Grab a variety of components and throw them on a plate or cutting board for a healthy meal.

Be sure to include fruits, veggies, deli meats, cheese, crackers, olives, and a bit of dark chocolate for a balanced and satisfying variety to keep you satisfied.

Get the recipe: Lunch Charcuterie Board