Healthy lunch ideas that aren’t a salad
Snacks such as fruit and nuts can keep you going as a snack, but you have to give yourself enough time to eat and take a break from work or daily errands. If you ever get tired of having the same old thing for lunch, here are some healthy lunches you can try aren’t a salad. These recipes offer a variety of flavors and are simple to execute from any kitchen.
Citrus shrimp-stuffed avocados
This recipe will elevate your avocados for a hearty meal. You will need one small shallot (finely chopped), ¼ cup of mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons of sour cream, 3 tablespoons of lime juice, 2 tablespoons of orange juice, one pound of cooked shelled shrimp (chopped), one cup of grape tomatoes (halved), one serrano chile (thinly sliced), and 2 ripe avocados (halved with pits removed).
First, whisk the shallot, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and orange juice with ¾ teaspoon salt. Cook your shrimp and toss it with the tomatoes, chile, and half of the dressing. Refrigerate it for 20 minutes or up to 2 hours. Spoon your filling into each avocado half and drizzle the remaining sauce on top. These would go great with sweet potato chips on the side. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to make it if you already have your shrimp deveined and shelled beforehand. With 31 grams of protein, this is sure to keep you full until the end of your work shift.
Sausage and broccoli quinoa bowl
You could substitute the Italian sausage for chicken in this recipe, but the sausage adds more overall color and flavor to the dish. Begin by roasting four large Italian sausages at 425°F for 5 minutes in an oiled baking sheet. Be sure to prick them with a knife beforehand, so they don’t explode out of the thin casing. Next, prep your broccoli head by washing it and cutting them into bite-sized florets. Toss those with one tablespoon of olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and add it to the sausage pan. Continue roasting at the same temperature for 20 to 25 minutes. After the sausages cool slightly, cut them into 1 ½ inch slices.
Next, cook 1 cup of red quinoa according to the package directions. While that’s cooking, get a small bowl and whisk 1 cup of plain yogurt, 1 finely chopped scallion, ½ cup of finely chopped fresh mint leaves, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Put your quinoa bowl together by scooping in some quinoa, sausage, and broccoli. Add a dollop of your sauce to add that vibrant citrus note to top off the dish. At less than 500 calories per serving, this protein bowl gives you a guilt-free meal that you can keep for future lunches throughout the week.
Roasted portobello parmesan sandwich
Our last item is vegetarian-friendly and is a healthier version of a classic meatball sandwich. This recipe makes enough for two full sandwiches. First, preheat your oven’s broiler. Set the rack to one of the highest tiers before it gets hot. Combine ⅛ cup of panko bread crumbs, ½ tablespoon of olive oil, and ¼ teaspoon of dried oregano in a small bowl. Set that aside and line a small baking sheet with nonstick foil. Place your mushroom caps on the baking sheet and brush them with one tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and broil for 6 to 8 minutes. Let them cool slightly and cut them into ½ inch thick pieces.
Split two hoagie rolls and toast them. Divide the mushrooms among both sandwiches and add some of your favorite marinara sauce, 2 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkling of grated parmesan cheese. Get rid of the foil and place your sandwiches on the baking sheet and broil for about a minute. Add your panko mixture on top and broil for another 30 seconds to add some crunch. Serve and enjoy.
We hope these lunch recipes will spark some ideas for you to make even more simple and healthy meals. Stop wasting money by going out for lunch every day. Your waistline and your wallet will thank you later.