Tired of sad desk lunches? Below are about 45 vegetarian recipes that travel well and make weekday lunches more exciting. I organized this roundup so it’s easy to scan, grouping recipes by category and including practical notes on packing and storage. Bookmark it for inspiration and rotate dishes by season — hearty salads now, soups later.
All of these recipes are meatless and emphasize fresh produce. They’re ideal for packing generous portions so you stay fueled through the afternoon. If you want more options, check the blog’s “pack for lunch” category for additional ideas. And if you need reliable, non-toxic lunch containers, invest in sturdy, leakproof boxes you trust.
Main Dishes that Reheat Well
Make-ahead main dishes share a few common themes:
- Vegetable-packed casseroles and baked dishes like lasagna and enchiladas — they reheat beautifully.
- Whole grains such as brown rice, and grain-based dishes like curries, fried rice, and paella that hold up well.
- Hearty pasta dishes that warm up nicely and feel like a treat at lunchtime.
Cook a main dish for dinner and enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day. Freeze single portions for quick grab-and-go meals. When you need something fast, a well-made freezer burrito is a satisfying alternative to takeout.
Wholesome Casseroles
casseroles
Spinach Lasagna
enchiladas
Veggie Black Bean Enchiladas
pasta
Best Stuffed Shells
vegan
Best Vegan Lasagna
pasta
Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables
Italian
Best Vegetable Lasagna
enchiladas
Black Bean Sweet Potato Enchiladas
casseroles
Roasted Veggie Enchilada Casserole
Brown Rice & Whole Grains
main dishes
Fajita Veggie & Halloumi Bowls
Asian
Veggie Sushi Bowls
main dishes
Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
burritos
Fresh Black Bean Burrito Bowl
Indian
Quick Chana Masala
Middle Eastern
Mujadara (Lentils and Rice with Caramelized Onions)
Thai
Thai Panang Curry with Vegetables
Asian
Kale and Coconut Fried Rice
Veggie Pastas
Italian
Pasta alla Norma
pasta
Spring Pasta with Peas and Asparagus
pasta
Hearty Spaghetti with Lentils & Marinara Sauce
Asian
Veggie Sesame Noodles
Salads that Pack Particularly Well
Not every salad travels equally well. Delicate greens can wilt quickly when dressed. To avoid limp leaves, use a mason-jar technique with the dressing at the bottom, or pack sturdy salads with beans, pasta, quinoa or kale that hold up for hours. If you prefer dressed greens, keep the dressing separate and add it just before eating, or pack a lemon wedge and a pinch of flaky sea salt to brighten leftovers at your desk.
Want more protein in a salad? Top it with a veggie burger patty, homemade falafel, crispy baked tofu, or a slice of frittata for a filling, balanced meal.
Bean Salads
bean salads
Lentil Salad
side dishes
Chimichurri Chickpeas
salads
Mediterranean Bean Salad
side dishes
Cowboy Caviar
Pasta Salads
pasta
Pesto Pasta Salad
pasta
Summertime Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Corn and Jalapeño Pesto
salads
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Raw Squash and Feta
pasta
Caprese Pasta Salad
Quinoa Salads
salads
Quinoa Tabbouleh
kale salads
Southwestern Kale Power Salad
slaws
Sunshine Slaw with Quinoa
salads
Favorite Quinoa Salad
Kale Salads
kale salads
Farro and Kale Salad with Goat Cheese
kale salads
Greek Kale Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing
kale salads
Anything-Goes Kale Salad with Green Tahini Dressing
kale salads
Mexican(ish) Kale & Quinoa Salad
Hearty Soups, Stews & Chilis
Soups, stews and chilis are classic make-ahead lunches. They often taste better the next day. Let them cool to room temperature before transferring to leak-proof containers. Store soups in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze portions for up to six months.
If you want a fresh side salad, pack greens separately and keep olive oil, balsamic vinegar or glaze, and flaky sea salt at the office for a simple dressing you can add just before eating. A quick drizzle of oil and vinegar with a pinch of salt transforms a basic salad.
Soups & Stews
Cabbage Vegetable Soup
Soups & Stews
Chickpea Tomato Soup
Soups & Stews
Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
Soups & Stews
Cream of Broccoli Soup
Italian
Classic Minestrone Soup
Soups & Stews
Homemade Vegetarian Chili
Soups & Stews
Spicy Black Bean Soup
Soups & Stews
Best Lentil Soup
More resources to explore: detailed make-ahead breakfast recipes, easy healthy side dishes, and simple weeknight dinners are available on the blog to help you plan meals around these lunch ideas. For ongoing inspiration, follow the site’s recipe boards and rotate these options to keep lunches interesting all year.