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25 Vegetarian Lunch Ideas

by on (last updated Jan 6, 2022) // 3 Comments

Get your lunch packing mojo going with these 25 delicious and healthy Vegetarian Lunch Ideas! We've got sturdy salads, grain bowls, Buddha bowls, pasta bowls, and other tasty Vegetarian Lunch Recipes for your lunch packing inspiration!

photo collage of vegetarian lunch recipes

I don't know if back to work / back to school time has already started for you or if it's looming, but I do know what will help make it easier to take: some really great vegetarian lunch ideas.

If the thought of packing your lunch makes you want to run screaming for the hills, you'll want to start by checking out my top 10 Lunch Packing Tips for healthy, tasty, and budget-friendly lunches. That post has everything you need to know, from how to make a meal plan to bulk-prepping a week's worth of lunches on the weekend, to the best containers to get your lunch to work in one piece.

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Today I'm rounding up 25 incredible Vegetarian Lunch Ideas, and we're hitting up meal bowls of all kinds  of all forms: Buddha bowls, fajita bowls, pasta bowls, and sturdy, packable salads that will fuel you into the afternoon. Related: How to Make a Meal Bowl Without A Recipe

To be honest, I'm much more of a lunch bowl person than a sandwich person these days. I love the variety they deliver, how versatile they are, and they're practically designed to be packed for lunch. Bowl meals also tend to be great for batch cooking and meal-prepping, which makes my meal planning heart happy. Related: Batch Cooking for Beginners.

If you're more in the mood for sandwiches and wraps for lunch, though, check out these 22 Vegetarian Sandwich Ideas! And I've also got 15 Healthy After School Snack Ideas you won't want to miss out on.

25 Make-Ahead Vegetarian Lunch Recipes

We've got healthy whole grains, plant-based proteins, and lots of veggies. What could be better than that? So without further ado, here are 22 gorgeous Vegetarian Lunch Ideas to get your season started!

1. Vegan Poké Bowls

For an easy, high-protein vegan lunch that will keep you satisfied throughout the day, try these Vegan Poké Bowls! They're as tasty as they are pretty.

Vegan poké bowls in white bowls topped with avocado

30-Minute Vegan Poké Bowls With Tofu
These Vegan Poké Bowls are a healthy plant-based riff on the Hawaiian classic. Made with tofu, massaged kale, and a creamy vegan dressing, this is a healthy and delicious meal bowl recipe.
Check out this recipe
overhead photo of two vegan poke bowls with tofu topped with avocado, mango, cilantro, kale, and sesame sprinkles

2. Vegan Sheet-Pan Fajita Bowls

Here's a lunch packing tip: pack the avocado for these Vegan Sheet-Pan Fajita Bowls with the skin still on, face down in the lunch box, and it'll still be in good shape come lunch time. Tuck a little jar of the chipotle-lime cashew cream alongside and you're in business!

a fajita bowl made with chickpeas and vegetables on a grey background with rice, cashews, avocado, and lime
Vegan Sheet-Pan Fajita Bowls
These easy Vegan Sheet-pan Fajita Bowls are sure to be a crowd pleaser! With zucchini, peppers, cauliflower, spicy chickpeas roasted on a sheet pan, and served with a zippy chipotle-lime cashew cream and quick fajita rice, these vegan fajita bowls are a healthy, satisfying, and delicious meal. 
Check out this recipe
a fajita bowl made with chickpeas and vegetables on a grey background with rice, cashews, avocado, and lime

3. Veggie Burger in a Bowl

A veggie burger can be kind of a pain to pack for your lunch... but a veggie burger in a bowl? Now that's a vegetarian lunch idea I can get on board with! Use your favourite veggie burger, a burger topping salad, and a tasty vegan burger sauce to bring it home.

overhead photo of a veggie burger bowl on a grey surface
Veggie Burger Bowl – Easy Bunless Burger Salad with Vegan Sauce
Craving a burger and a salad? This veggie burger bowl gives you the best of both worlds. Built with homemade veggie burgers, crisp greens, classic burger toppings, and a creamy vegan burger sauce, it’s a light but satisfying meal packed with plant-based protein. This deconstructed, bunless burger salad is easy to prep, endlessly customizable, and perfect for quick lunches or weeknight dinners.
Check out this recipe
A veggie burger bowl topped with pickled onions and burger sauce.

4. Sweet Potato Chickpea Buddha Bowl

Will you just look at this Sweet Potato Chickpea Buddha Bowl? I don't know about you, but I'd like to dive face first into that spicy green Mojo sauce.

sweet potato chickpea buddha bowl topped with jalapenos on a grey surface
Sweet Potato Chickpea Buddha Bowl
This Buddha Bowl is topped with roasted sweet potatoes, peppers and chickpeas and drizzled with a tangy green mojo sauce. It’s a healthy (vegetarian + vegan) dinner or lunch.
Check out this recipe
sweet potato chickpea buddha bowl topped with jalapenos on a grey surface

5. Vegan Rice Noodle Bowls

These Vegan Rice Noodle Bowls are one of my favourite vegetarian lunch ideas. They're like a salad bar meets a noodle dish and they're endlessly adaptable. Pack the dressing in a little container to add at the last minute and you'll be golden.

A white bowl with cold rice noodle salad on a grey background, with a bowl of rice noodles, peanut sauce and tofu, and a platter of vegetables in the background
Vegan Noodle Bowls
This cool and refreshing Vegan Noodle Bowl is totally vegan and gluten-free, and has a zippy peanut sauce to complement. You can mix and match the vegetables as you see fit, which makes this healthy recipe family-friendly and versatile as well!
Check out this recipe
An overhead shot of cold rice noodle salad in a white bowl with chopsticks, cashews, and chili flakes to the side

6. Easy Greek Orzo Salad

A salad packed with carbs is totally my kinda salad. This Easy Greek Orzo Salad takes practically no time to make and will last for several days in the fridge.

greek orzo salad in a dark grey bowl
Easy Greek Orzo Salad
This easy Greek Orzo Salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, BBQs and get togethers. Whenever you need an easy and healthy side dish, that is guaranteed to disappear first, make this gorgeous Greek orzo salad!
Check out this recipe

7. Tortellini Pasta Salad

This quick and easy Tortellini Pasta Salad is delicious served warm, at room temperature, or even cold, which makes it perfect for packed lunches! Add that to your list of awesome vegetarian lunch ideas!

a large platter of tortellini salad with a small white plate of salad in the front.
Tortellini Pasta Salad with Green Beans and Burst Tomatoes
This easy vegetarian pasta salad can be served warm or at room temperature. It's quick to make, packed with protein, and super healthy. Perfect for family gatherings and picnics alike. 
Check out this recipe
A platter with tortellini salad with a pair of serving spoons and a small pot of pine nuts

8. Cold Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing

I do love a cold noodle salad, and the colours in this Cold Thai Noodle Salad are making me want to jump right in!

thai noodle salad in a white bowl with wedges of lime to the side
Cold Thai Noodle Salad
This Cold Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing has hearty noodles with tons of fresh veggies covered in a delicious peanut dressing and topped with crunchy peanuts.
Check out this recipe
thai noodle salad in a white bowl with wedges of lime to the side

9. Vegetarian Caesar Salad with Kale

If I'm going to eat a salad for lunch it had better have some oomph to it so I don't end up hangry at 2pm. This Vegetarian Caesar Salad is pumped up with kale, crispy roasted chickpeas, croutons, and a vegetarian caesar dressing. What more could you want?!

overhead photo of a kale caesar salad in a wooden salad bowl with cherry tomatoes on the side
Kale Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpeas (Anchovy Free!)
This zesty massaged kale salad combines fresh Tuscan kale with crispy roasted chickpeas, all topped with a tangy, homemade lemon-greek yogurt Caesar dressing. It's anchovy—and egg-free!
Check out this recipe
overhead photo of a kale caesar in a wooden salad bowl

10. Vegetarian Burrito Bowls

I don't know about you, but I'm kind of the opinion that a burrito bowl > an actual burrito a lot of the time. These Vegetarian Burrito Bowls are perfect for a quick vegan lunch.

overhead photo of two vegetarian burrito bowls on a grey surface with a bowl of tortilla chips on the side
One-Pan Vegetarian Burrito Bowls
Easy one-pan Vegetarian Burrito Bowls made with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and other healthy veggies. A perfect meal prep recipe that's completely plant-based and gluten-free, these vegan burrito bowls are a hit with the whole family.
Check out this recipe
two vegetarian burrito bowls on a grey surface with two gold forks on a green napkin to the side

11. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

The colours in this Mediterranean Quinoa Salad make me want to soak in the very salty sea, and then pack this salad for my lunches whenI go back to work. Is that weird? Don't answer.

quinoa salad with cucumber and avocado in a white bowl
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
This Mediterranean Quinoa salad is nourishing and full of flavor and fresh vegetables. Tossed in a refreshing and tangy lemon herb dressing, this salad is a crowd-pleaser and perfect on its own or as a side. Make it for potlucks, picnics, barbeques, or work tomorrow.
Check out this recipe
quinoa salad with cucumber and avocado in a white bowl

12. Buddha Bowl with Maple Roasted Chickpeas

Roasted chickpeas were a revelation to me, so naturally this Nourishing Buddha Bowl with Maple Roasted Chickpeasis right up my alley. Talk about a delicious vegetarian lunch idea!

buddha bowl with roasted chickpeas and avocado on top
Nourishing Buddha Bowl with Maple Roasted Chickpeas
This nourishing Buddha bowl with maple roasted chickpeas makes the perfect wholesome plant-based meal. Loaded with chickpeas, avocado, and sweet potato, you’ll love this bowl!
Check out this recipe

13. Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Bowls

Have you ever wanted to just eat a giant bowl of hummus for your lunch? Great, me too! These Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Bowls are just that. A base of hummus, crunchy roasted cauliflower, and pita on the side if that's your thing.

two hummus bowls topped with roasted cauliflower on a grey background
Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Bowls
Roasted Cauliflower Hummus Bowls are perfect for lunch, a snack, or a party platter! Protein-packed hummus is spooned into bowls and topped with roasted cauliflower and toasted pumpkin seeds for a deliciously different meal. 
Check out this recipe
overhead photo of roasted cauliflower hummus bowls

14. Cold Vegan Pesto Pasta Salad

Pasta salads just make me happy. They're such an obvious choice for vegetarian lunch ideas because they can be served cold or at room temperature, which means you can eat them anytime, anywhere. This Cold Vegan Pesto Pasta Salad is as tasty as it is colourful.

pesto pasta salad topped with tomatoes on a marble background
Cold Vegan Pesto Pasta Salad
This cold vegan pesto pasta salad is made with vegan pesto & pumpkin seeds for extra flavor & crunch. Tossed with tomatoes, cucumbers & crunchy veggies!
Check out this recipe
pesto pasta salad topped with tomatoes on a marble background

15. BBQ Tofu Bowls

These quick and easy BBQ Tofu Bowls are one of my favourite easy vegetarian lunches. The tofu and veggies are roasted on a sheet-pan, which makes both prep and clean-up a cinch!

two white bowls with bbq tofu and roasted vegetables, with a blue cloth and a glass of lemon water in the background
Barbecue Tofu Bowls
These quick and easy BBQ Tofu Bowls are made with crispy oven baked tofu tossed with your favourite barbecue sauce. Paired with sheet-pan roast veggies and brown rice, you'll love this easy vegan BBQ Tofu! 
Check out this recipe
two white bowls with bbq tofu, brown rice, and roasted vegetables on a grey background

16. Baked Tofu Sushi Bowls

Doesn't wasabi tahini sauce sound like a vegetarian lunch box dream come true? These Baked Tofu Sushi Bowls hit it out of the park!

baked tofu sushi bowl on a white plate with chopsticks
Baked Tofu Sushi Bowls
Tofu cubes are soaked in a savory ginger-sesame marinade and baked until crisp, then served over a bed of rice and veggies topped with wasabi seasoned tahini dressing in these delicious and healthy vegan sushi bowls.
Check out this recipe
baked tofu sushi bowl on a white plate with chopsticks

17. Vegetarian Meal Prep Bowls

These vegetarian meal prep bowls feature quick pickled red cabbage, roasted sweet potatoes, smoked tofu, and a magic tahini sauce that you'll legit want to bathe in.

overhead portrait shot of brown rice and winter vegetables in a white bowl with chopsticks and sauce in the background
Winter Vegetable Meal Prep Bowls
Winter Vegetable Meal Prep Bowls with brown rice, quick-pickled red cabbage, sweet potato, broccoli, and tofu. 
Check out this recipe
broccoli, sweet potatoes, red cabbage, tofu, and brown rice in a white bowl on a wooden platter

18. Caprese Pasta Bowls

These Caprese Pasta Bowls are right up my alley! I love the fresh flavours in there, and sometimes you just want a good carby lunch, ya know?!

a bowl of caprese pasta with tomatoes and cheese on a white surface
Caprese Pasta with Goats Cheese
An easy and delicious pasta bowl with fresh tomatoes and goats cheese, inspired by a caprese salad.
Check out this recipe
a bowl of caprese pasta with tomatoes and cheese on a white surface

19. Beluga Lentil Salad

This Beluga Lentil Salad is a vegetarian lunch idea that can be served a little on the warm side, cold, or at room temperature. Plus: Halloumi Croutons.

black lentil salad on a blue plate topped with tomatoes and halloumi
Beluga Lentil Salad with Halloumi Croutons
This quick and easy Beluga Lentil Salad recipe is made with salty, chewy halloumi croutons to take it to the next level. Make it with black lentils, Puy lentils, or French green lentils, this is a healthy lentil salad recipe you'll come back to again and again. 
Check out this recipe
beluga lentil salad on a blue plate with a bowl of greens in the background

20. Spinach Pecan Brown Rice Salad

This beautiful and nutritious Spinach and Pecan Brown Rice Salad is almost too pretty to eat... but eat it, it's delicious!

more vegetarian lunch box ideas: spinach pecan brown rice salad
Spinach and Pecan Brown Rice Salad
Spinach Pecan Brown Rice Salad with Feta makes a healthy weekday lunch or a hearty salad for a weekend picnic. An easy, make ahead cold rice salad. vegan option + gluten free.
Check out this recipe
more vegetarian lunch box ideas: spinach pecan brown rice salad

21. Spicy Tofu Grain Bowls

These Spicy Tofu Grain Bowls feature tofu with a no-press technique, roasted sweet potatoes, kale, wild rice, and apples. They're a perfect meal prep lunch idea!

portrait shot of wild rice salad in a wooden bowl with apples and cheese
Spicy Tofu Grain Bowls with Roasted Sweet Potato
These Spicy Tofu Grain Bowls are a healthy vegetarian option that's easy to fit in your meal prep plan. Made with wild rice, roasted sweet potatoes, and kale, plus a game-changing tofu technique that doesn't require any pressing! 
Check out this recipe
wild rice salad in a wooden bowl on a grey dish cloth shot from overhead

22. Zucchini Chickpea Quinoa Salad

This protein-packed Zucchini Chickpea Quinoa Salad will fuel you all the way to dinner time! It's one of my favourite vegetarian lunch ideas to date.

zucchini chickpea quinoa salad in a blue bowl
Zucchini Chickpea Quinoa Salad
Zucchini Chickpea Quinoa Salad mixes zucchini, chickpeas, quinoa, fresh parsley and green onions, all tossed in a spiced olive oil dressing. This quinoa salad recipe has the rich, warm flavors of cumin, turmeric and paprika and makes a healthy, filling lunch.
Check out this recipe
zucchini chickpea quinoa salad in a blue bowl

23. Black Bean Noodle Bowls

These Black Bean Noodle Bowls are loaded with protein and dietary fiber, and make the perfect base for a vegetarian lunch box. Topped with veggies and a spicy sesame sauce, these make for one delicious lunch.

black bean noodles in a white bowl topped with broccoli, cucumber, cilantro, radishes, and peanut sauce
Black Bean Noodle Bowls with Spicy Sesame Sauce
Spicy sesame peanut sauce with black bean noodles and veggies for a quick and easy meal that would rival any takeout dinner
Check out this recipe
black bean noodle bowls with spicy sesame sauce // www.heynutritionlady.com

24. Chickpea Mason Jar Salads

Last but not least, one of my favourite vegetarian lunch ideas is these Chickpea Mason Jar Salads. Super packable, easy to make, and delicious to eat.

three wide mouth mason jars layered with chickpea salad and lettuce
Chickpea Mason Jar Salads
Level up your lunch packing game with these Chickpea Mason Jar Salads! Packed with veggies and plant-based protein, these will keep for several days in the fridge.
Check out this recipe
chickpea mason jar salads on a grey background

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  1. Sustainable Cooks - Sarah says

    I love all these ideas and can't wait to dig into all of them!

    Reply

  2. Ceri says

    Wow, so much inspiration here. I need this now I'm back to packing lunchboxes a few days a week. I've totally forgotten how!

    Reply

  3. Sandra Lea says

    I agree with you, bowls are my favorite way to eat and so easy. It's a good way to use up leftovers, throw some veggies and grains together and top with a delicious dressing.

    Reply