20+ Light Lunch Ideas for Every Day of the Week

Some days you just need a light lunch. For example, maybe you had a big breakfast and aren’t very hungry but know you need to keep your energy levels up. Or maybe you’re planning on a big dinner, so you want a light lunch at work. No matter your reason, we’ve got a light lunch idea for you. 

Quick light lunch ideas 

Try one of these tasty ideas for a light lunch or midday snack when time is in short supply. 

1. Tortilla pinwheels

Tortilla pinwheels are a great lunch treat for a fun twist on the classic sandwich. All you need are meat slices, cream cheese, tortillas, and diced veggies of your choice. 

2. Tuna-stuffed tomatoes with arugula 

For a light meal packed with essential vitamins and minerals, try making this light tuna salad served in a tomato and served aside leafy greens. This recipe omits the usual mayonnaise-based sauce for one made with olive oil and sherry vinegar.

3. Japanese-style shrimp salad

This shrimp salad includes a blend of Asian flavors, including ginger, soy sauce, and sesame. It can be made in just 15 minutes, making it a quick lunch option. 

4. Deli meat lettuce wraps

This lunch is a great way to cut down on carbs and meal prep time! Stack your favorite deli meats and veggies on a solid lettuce leaf and top with your go-to sandwich sauce. 

5. Personal size charcuterie board

Pizza, potato chips, and ice cream come in single-serving sizes, so why shouldn’t a charcuterie board? Use your favorite meats, cheeses, fresh fruit, and crackers to make a light lunch that will help you power through the rest of your day. 

6. Fruit and yogurt parfait

When you’re not very hungry but know you need some sustenance to get you through until dinner, make a protein-rich parfait. Layer yogurt, fruit, granola, and nuts in a bowl or tall glass. 

7. Burger salad bowl

When you could go for a burger but want something lighter, a burger salad bowl is a perfect compromise. Rather than eating your burger on a bun, cut it into bite-size pieces and add it to a bowl of lettuce along with your favorite burger toppings. 

8. Tuna-stuffed avocados

For a party in your mouth sensation, tuna-stuffed stuffed avocados are where it’s at. You’ll be looking forward to lunch all morning with this super-simple lunch! You can substitute canned chicken or canned salmon for tuna if you like. 

Light lunch ideas for work

Taking your own light lunch to work saves not only time, but money spent on ordering in or going out to a restaurant. As a bonus, your own cooking is likely to be the healither option, too. 

1. Pita sandwich

 For a convenient lunch at work, enjoy a pita sandwich. Fill the pita bread with your favorite fillings like egg salad, tuna, deli meat, or good old peanut butter and jelly! 

 2. Leftover taco lunch bowl

Do you have leftovers from taco Tuesday? Put them in an airtight container, have it for lunch, and eat like a cold taco salad. Even if you don’t have leftovers, the ingredients are quick to mix together fresh. Don’t forget extra salsa, sour cream, and guacamole to top it off. 

3. Classic oatmeal 

Oatmeal is not only for breakfast. It’s easy to make, versatile, and inexpensive. Put prepared oatmeal in a thermos add toppings like nuts or fresh or dried fruit. At lunchtime, give everything a good stir and enjoy.

4. Thermos smoothies

Just as thermoses can keep things hot, they can also keep them cool! Enjoy your favorite fruity or creamy smoothie for lunch or a snack by preparing it with frozen fruit and taking it with you. 

5. Hummus and veggies

This is an easy-to-eat finger food for the office that is also a healthy and nutritious meal. Bring a container of hummus along with carrot and celery sticks, cucumber, peppers, and any other raw veggies that you like. Dip and indulge!

 6. Mason jar salad

A modern take on a traditional salad, mason jars are convenient because when it’s time to eat, you can flip them over and let the sauces or dressings cover all the other ingredients. These salads can stay fresh for up to five days, so you can stock your fridge for the workweek.

Light lunch ideas for vegetarians

These light lunch ideas for vegetarians and vegans can all be prepared quickly and from readily available ingredients. 

1. Zesty three-bean salad  

This vegetarian light lunch is a satisfyingly sour three-bean salad, and it’s packed with protein and vitamins coming primarily from the three kinds of beans, onions, and cilantro. Add some feta crumbles or grated parmesan for extra zing!

2. Cranberry and cilantro quinoa salad 

This light and tangy salad is vegan and full of flavor with a variety of veggies. Combine bell peppers, cranberries, and cilantro with lime juice and other spices for a light salad. You can add a side of protein for a more filling meal. 

3. Vegan spring rolls

For a light lunch, cook a package of Thai spring rolls. They are a delightful finger food lunch idea. Imagine tofu and crisp vegetables snugly rolled up and cooked until crisp. Pair them with dipping sauce for maximum enjoyment!

4. Couscous and fruit salad

Packed with filling couscous and fresh vitamin-rich fruits, this salad will hit the spot on a day when you want a light lunch. This colorful salad calls for nectarines and various berries and is topped with toasted almond slices. 

5. Creamy mushroom soup with chives

This savory soup is full of rich earthy flavors thanks to it using two types of mushrooms. Potatoes are added for a creamy, velvety texture, and you can add a splash of vegan cream before serving and topping it with crispy fried mushrooms and fresh chives. 

6. Veggie sub

Make a sandwich shop classic at home with a vegan sub roll (or another type of bread) and top it with your favorite vegetables and condiments. 

Order your lunch ingredients and other groceries online today

Whether you need a few items to make lunches for the week or it’s time to stock up on pantry staples, ordering your groceries online with Instacart is a time saver. Add items to your virtual shopping cart, and an Instacart shopper will have it ready for in-store pick up in as little as two hours, or select “home delivery,” and the shopper will bring them directly to your door. 

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