Best Healthy Lunch Ideas

5 from 11 votes
Jump to RecipeComment

This post may contain affiliate links.

Looking for delicious and easy healthy lunch ideas? We’ve got you covered. These Middle Eastern and Mediterranean style healthy lunch recipes are perfect for any day of the week and you can prepare most of them in advance to save time. From salad and soup lunches to chicken and seafood, we have in all here for you!

healthy lunch ideas Mediterranean style.


 

Healthy lunch ideas – soups and stews

Turkish zucchini stew recipe

5 from 11 votes

Turkish Zucchini Stew Recipe

This Turkish zucchini stew is hearty, healthy and simple to make. It's made in one pot and is ready in just 30 minutes.
View Recipe
This Turkish zucchini stew is hearty, healthy and so easy to make. It's made in one pot and is ready in just 30 minutes.

Mediterranean green lentil soup

4.67 from 205 votes

Easy Mediterranean Green Lentil Soup

Here's a green lentil soup with a Mediterranean twist. Packed with vegetables and spices, this recipe proves that healthy soups don't have to be bland!
View Recipe
easy healthy dinner ideas - Here's a green lentil soup with a Mediterranean twist. Packed with vegetables and spices, this recipe proves that healthy soups don't have to be bland!

Moroccan chickpea stew

5 from 9 votes

Easy Moroccan Chickpea Stew

Moroccan chickpea stew is made with simple ingredients and flavored with warm spices. It’s quick and ready in no time!
View Recipe
easy healthy dinner ideas -Moroccan chickpea stew is made with simple ingredients and flavored with warm spices. It’s easy and ready in no time!

Avgolemono (Greek lemon chicken soup)

4.93 from 14 votes

Avgolemono (Greek Lemon Chicken Soup)

This avgolemono soup recipe is comforting with bright flavors. Made with the classic egg lemon sauce, avgolemono, this Greek lemon chicken soup is so satisfying. Follow along for all my tips and instructions to make this authentic Greek chicken soup.
View Recipe
easy healthy dinner ideas - This avgolemono soup recipe is comforting with bright flavors. Made with the classic egg lemon sauce, avgolemono, this Greek lemon chicken soup is so satisfying. Follow along for all my tips and instructions to make this authentic Greek chicken soup.

Chicken lentil soup

4.87 from 43 votes

Easy Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe

Enjoy a delicious chicken lentil soup that's full of Mediterranean flavor. Seasoned with warm spices and packed with veggies, this soup is all you need for a hearty dinner.
View Recipe
easy healthy dinner ideas - Enjoy an easy chicken lentil soup that's full of Mediterranean flavor. Seasoned with warm spices and packed with veggies, this soup is all you need for a hearty dinner.

Instant pot chicken soup

5 from 6 votes

Instant Pot Chicken Soup Recipe

This comforting instant pot chicken soup is ready in 25 minutes and is the perfect weeknight dinner. Flavored with warm spices such as cinnamon and cumin, this soup is very comforting. This comforting instant pot chicken soup is the perfect weeknight dinner. Learn how to make soup in a pressure cooker with this guide and video.
View Recipe
This comforting instant pot chicken soup is ready in 25 minutes and is the perfect weeknight dinner. Flavored with warm spices such as cinnamon and cumin, this soup is very comforting. This comforting instant pot chicken soup is the perfect weeknight dinner. Learn how to make soup in a pressure cooker with this guide and video.

Greek lemon chicken orzo soup

4.96 from 49 votes

Greek Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Greek lemon chicken orzo soup is tasty and packed with flavor. This healthy soup is creamy, hearty and so tasty, perfect for a cozy dinner.
View Recipe
easy healthy dinner ideas - Greek lemon chicken orzo soup is easy and packed with flavor. This healthy soup is creamy, hearty and so tasty, perfect for a cozy dinner.

Healthy vegetarian main dishes

Whole roasted cauliflower with tahini sauce

5 from 5 votes

Best Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Sauce

This is the best whole roasted cauliflower recipe with so much flavor in every bite. Learn how to roast a whole head of cauliflower perfectly every time using my step by step tutorial.
View Recipe
This is the best whole roasted cauliflower recipe with so much flavor in every bite. Learn how to roast a whole head of cauliflower perfectly every time using my step by step tutorial.

Grilled eggplant sandwich

5 from 10 votes

Grilled Eggplant Sandwich

Grilled eggplant sandwich is the perfect lunch. This sandwich is made with grilled eggplants, olives, onions, capers, hummus and other delicious ingredients. 

View Recipe
Looking for delicious and easy healthy lunch ideas? We've got you covered. These healthy lunch recipes are perfect for any day of the week and you can prepare most of them in advance to save time. From salad and soup lunches to chicken and seafood, we have in all here for you!

Easy Flatbread Pizza Recipe

Flatbread pizza.
5 from 6 votes

Easy Flatbread Pizza Recipe

Ready in 30 minutes, flatbread pizza is such an easy option for lunch or dinner. With so many options for toppings, this recipe will please the whole family!
View Recipe

Avocado caprese sandwich

4.94 from 16 votes

Avocado Caprese Sandwich Recipe

Caprese sandwich with avocado is perfect for weekdays. You can make this sandwich with just a few ingredients in only 15 minutes.
View Recipe
Caprese sandwich with avocado is perfect for weekdays. You can make this sandwich with just a few ingredients in only 15 minutes.

Turkish Lentil Meatballs (Vegan)

Vegan Turkish lentil meatballs are usually served with lettuce.
4.70 from 69 votes

Turkish Vegan Lentil Balls (Mercimek Köftesi)

These vegan lentil meatballs are a Turkish classic. Made with red lentils and bulgur, these meatballs are usually served with lettuce and herbs. 
View Recipe
These vegan lentil meatballs are a Turkish classic. Made with red lentils and bulgur, these meatballs are usually served with lettuce and herbs.

Salad recipes for a healthy lunch

Mediterranean couscous salad

5 from 6 votes

Mediterranean Couscous Salad Recipe

A simple couscous salad packed with Mediterranean flavors and vegetables. This couscous salad recipe comes together in only 15 minutes and makes an amazing side dish.
View Recipe
An easy couscous salad packed with Mediterranean flavors. This couscous salad recipe comes together in only 15 minutes and makes an amazing side dish.

Healthy chicken salad with walnuts and dill

5 from 9 votes

Healthy chicken salad with walnuts and dill

A healthy chicken salad that's perfect for a light and easy lunch. This healthy chicken salad is made with a delicious Greek yogurt dressing. 

View Recipe
A healthy chicken salad that's perfect for a light and easy lunch. This healthy chicken salad is made with a delicious Greek yogurt dressing.

Turkish homemade potato salad (Patates Salatasi)

4.92 from 12 votes

Turkish Homemade Potato Salad (Patates Salatasi)

Learn how to make homemade potato salad Turkish style. This no mayo potato salad is flavored with fresh herbs and delicious spices. 

View Recipe
Learn how to make homemade potato salad Turkish style. This no mayo potato salad is flavored with fresh herbs and delicious spices.

Turkish white bean salad

White bean salad piyaz.
4.82 from 32 votes

Turkish White Bean Salad

This Turkish white bean salad is ready in just 10 minutes. It's a simple and tasty side dish that pairs nicely with many Mediterranean flavors.
View Recipe
This Turkish white bean salad is ready in just 10 minutes. It's an easy and tasty side dish that pairs nicely with many Mediterranean flavors.

Mediterranean green bean salad

5 from 16 votes

Mediterranean Green Bean Salad Recipe

Here's a green bean salad recipe with a Mediterranean twist that can be ready in 20 minutes. Topped with crispy shallots and feta, this salad is packed with a lot of bright flavors. This salad keeps well, so it's fine to make it ahead of time.
View Recipe
overhead shot of green bean salad with tomatoes and walnuts.

Healthy fish and seafood lunch ideas

Baked salmon with olives and capers

4.76 from 25 votes

Oven Baked Salmon with Olives and Capers

The best ever oven baked salmon is here! Flaky and moist Alaska salmon with olives and capers on a bed of vegetables is the best weeknight dinner!
View Recipe
The best ever oven baked salmon is here! Flaky and moist Alaska salmon with olives and capers on a bed of vegetables is the best weeknight dinner!

Parmesan baked cod

4.55 from 81 votes

Easy Parmesan Baked Cod Recipe

Parmesan crusted baked cod recipe is easy and ready in 30 minutes. Tender cod fillets are coated with parmesan and baked to perfection. You can serve this dish with appetizing side dishes such as brown rice or a simple salad. 
View Recipe
Parmesan crusted baked cod recipe is easy and ready in 30 minutes. Tender cod fillets are coated with parmesan and baked to perfection. You can serve this dish with appetizing side dishes such as brown rice or a simple salad.

Baked salmon fillet with lemon

5 from 6 votes

Baked Salmon Fillet with Lemon

Here is a baked salmon fillet recipe everyone loves. Tender and flavorful salmon fillet are baked on a sheet pan and served with a delicious arugula avocado salad.
View Recipe
easy healthy dinner ideas - Here is an easy baked salmon fillet recipe. Tender and flavorful salmon fillet are baked on a sheet pan and served with a delicious arugula avocado salad.

Mediterranean salmon marinade

4.70 from 60 votes

Best Salmon Marinade Mediterranean Style

This salmon marinade features bright flavors and doesn't require a long list of ingredients. You can use this marinade for baked or grilled salmon. 
View Recipe
easy healthy dinner ideas - This salmon marinade features bright flavors and doesn't require a long list of ingredients. You can use this marinade for baked or grilled salmon.

Garlic lemon shrimp

garlic lemon shrimp
5 from 2 votes

Best Garlic Lemon Shrimp Recipe

A simple lemon shrimp recipe that's packed with so much flavor. It's made in one pan and takes only 20 minutes from start to finish.
View Recipe
An easy lemon shrimp recipe that's packed with so much flavor. It's made in one pan and takes only 20 minutes from start to finish.

Mediterranean style shrimp

4.81 from 21 votes

Mediterranean Style Shrimp Recipe

This Mediterranean style shrimp recipe is bursting with vibrant flavors. Large shrimp marinated with spices, garlic and olive oil, then cooked in a delicious tomato and pepper sauce results in one of the tastiest 20-minute dinners you'll ever find!
View Recipe
This Mediterranean style shrimp recipe is bursting with vibrant flavors. Large shrimp marinated with spices, garlic and olive oil, then cooked in a delicious tomato and pepper sauce results in one of the tastiest 20-minute dinners you'll ever find!

Mediterranean tuna salad

5 from 12 votes

Healthy Mediterranean Tuna Salad Recipe

Ditch the mayonnaise and try this Mediterranean tuna salad. This no mayo tuna salad is packed with delicious ingredients like artichokes and herbs. 

View Recipe
Ditch the mayonnaise and try this Mediterranean tuna salad. This no mayo tuna salad is packed with delicious ingredients like artichokes and herbs.

Mediterranean baked dijon salmon

4.86 from 67 votes

Mediterranean Baked Dijon Salmon Recipe

A quick salmon recipe with so much flavor, this dijon salmon recipe is a family favorite. This baked salmon is juicy, tender and very simple to make. 
View Recipe
easy healthy dinner ideas - An easy salmon recipe with so much flavor, this dijon salmon recipe is a family favorite. This baked salmon is juicy, tender and very easy to make.

4-ingredent pesto salmon

4.95 from 19 votes

Baked Pesto Salmon Recipe (4 ingredients)

A baked pesto salmon recipe that even picky eaters love! Have dinner on the table within 25 minutes using this simple yet delicious recipe.
View Recipe
An easy baked pesto salmon recipe that even picky eaters love! Have dinner on the table within 25 minutes using this simple yet delicious recipe.

Baked mahi mahi Greek style

4.94 from 63 votes

Baked Mahi Mahi, Greek Style!

This mahi mahi recipe is ready in 30 minutes. Tender and flaky fish baked with bright Mediterranean flavors makes the perfect dinner.
View Recipe
Front shot of baked mahi mahi topped with garlic and spices.

Broiled salmon (15 minutes!)

4.88 from 8 votes

Broiled Salmon (15-minutes)

You can make this delicious spiced broiled salmon recipe in less than 15 minutes. Broiling is the way to go for a fast, tasty and satisfying salmon dinner!

View Recipe
easy healthy dinner ideas - You can make this delicious spiced broiled salmon recipe in less than 15 minutes. Broiling is the way to go for a fast, tasty and satisfying salmon dinner!

Greek salmon salad

5 from 2 votes

Greek Salmon Salad Recipe

Ready in 30 minutes, this Greek salmon salad is perfect for lunch or dinner. You only need a few ingredients and some good salmon to make it!
View Recipe
Ready in 30 minutes, this Greek salmon salad is perfect for lunch or dinner. You only need a few ingredients and some good salmon to make it!

Honey and lemon baked salmon in foil

5 from 6 votes

Baked Salmon in Foil Recipe with Honey and Lemon

Baked salmon in foil perfect for a weeknight dinner. This salmon recipe is ready in 25 minutes and is so delicious!
View Recipe
Baked salmon in foil perfect for a weeknight dinner. This easy salmon recipe is ready in 25 minutes and is so delicious!

Healthy lunch ideas using chicken

Baked Greek chicken

5 from 7 votes

Baked Greek Chicken Recipe

This baked Greek chicken recipe is a weeknight favorite. Marinated in yogurt, lemon and garlic, this chicken is flavorful in every bite.
View Recipe
This baked Greek chicken recipe is a weeknight favorite. Marinated in yogurt, lemon and garlic, this chicken is flavorful in every bite.

Chicken shawarma salad

4.50 from 4 votes

Easy Chicken Shawarma Salad

This chicken shawarma salad is simple yet delicious. It's loaded with juicy and flavorful chicken, vegetables, and a delicious yogurt sauce! 
View Recipe
This chicken shawarma salad is easy and delicious. It's loaded with juicy and flavorful chicken, vegetables, and a delicious yogurt sauce!

Italian skillet chicken

4.89 from 26 votes

Italian Skillet Chicken Recipe

Ready in 30 minutes, this Italian chicken skillet recipe is a great option for a healthy and comforting dinner. This is a simple skillet chicken recipe that calls for real ingredients and is seasoned with bright spices and lemon.
View Recipe
easy healthy dinner ideas - Ready in 30 minutes, this Italian chicken skillet recipe is a great option for a healthy and comforting dinner. This is a simple skillet chicken recipe that calls for real ingredients and is seasoned with bright spices and lemon.

Greek chicken and potatoes

4.66 from 23 votes

Greek Chicken And Potatoes Recipe

This Greek chicken and potatoes is the perfect dinner. Made in one pan with lots of garlic and lemon, every bit of this baked chicken and potatoes is juicy and packed with flavor.
View Recipe
This Greek chicken and potatoes is the perfect dinner. Made in one pan with lots of garlic and lemon, every bit of this baked chicken and potatoes is juicy and packed with flavor.

Roasted chicken and vegetables Turkish style

5 from 9 votes

Roasted Chicken and Vegetables Turkish Style

Roasted chicken and vegetables is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Chicken is flavored with spices and roasted on a bed of vegetables with a tasty sauce all in one dish. It's a simple classic dinner that everyone loves.
View Recipe
easy healthy dinner ideas - Roasted chicken and vegetables is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Chicken is flavored with spices and roasted on a bed of vegetables with a tasty sauce all in one dish. It's a simple classic dinner that everyone loves.

Healthy Rice and Pasta Recipes

Greek spinach rice (Spanakorizo)

5 from 16 votes

Spanakorizo Greek Spinach Rice Recipe

Spanakorizo is a classic Greek spinach rice that's so comforting. You only need a few ingredients to make this delicious vegetarian recipe.
View Recipe
easy healthy dinner ideas - This spinach pesto pasta is creamy and rich, plus it's loaded with vegetables. Easy to make and ready in 30 minutes, this vegetarian pasta is both healthy and delicious.

Instant pot chicken and rice

4.67 from 33 votes

Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Instant pot chicken and rice is ready in less than 30 minutes! Packed with veggies and so much flavor, this dish is perfect for a quick dinner!
View Recipe
Instant pot chicken and rice is ready in less than 30 minutes! Packed with veggies and so much flavor, this dish is perfect for a quick dinner!

Greek one pan chicken and rice

4.48 from 17 votes

Greek One Pan Chicken and Rice

A simple one pan chicken and rice recipe made Greek style! Juicy chicken and flavorful rice make the perfect weeknight dinner.
View Recipe
easy healthy dinner ideas - An easy one pan chicken and rice recipe made Greek style! Juicy chicken and flavorful rice make the perfect weeknight dinner that's easy yet super delicious.

Persian one pan tomato rice (Dami gojeh farangi)

Persian tomato rice dami gojeh farangi.
4.72 from 46 votes

Persian One Pot Tomato Rice – Dami Gojeh Farangi

Persian tomato rice is a vegetarian dish full of amazing flavors. This one pot rice recipe uses very few ingredients and can be prepared in no time!
View Recipe
Persian tomato rice is an easy vegetarian dish full of amazing flavors. This one pot rice recipe uses very few ingredients and can be prepared in no time!

Roasted Vegetable Pasta

4.67 from 3 votes

Roasted Vegetable Pasta

Roasted vegetable pasta is a delicious weeknight meal that's bursting with amazing flavors. This vegetarian pasta recipe is quick and perfect for a family meal. 
View Recipe
easy healthy dinner ideas - Roasted vegetable pasta is a delicious weeknight meal that's bursting with amazing flavors. This vegetarian pasta recipe is easy, quick and perfect for a family meal.

Creamy Spinach Pesto Pasta

5 from 14 votes

Creamy Spinach Pesto Pasta

This spinach pesto pasta is creamy and rich, plus it's loaded with vegetables. Easy to make and ready in 30 minutes, this vegetarian pasta is both healthy and delicious.
View Recipe
This spinach pesto pasta is creamy and rich, plus it's loaded with vegetables. Easy to make and ready in 30 minutes, this vegetarian pasta is both healthy and delicious.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make these recipes ahead of time?

You can make most of these recipes including rice dishes, soups and salads at least a day in advance which would save a lot of time to enjoy a homemade healthy lunch on a busy day. Check out each recipe for more details.

How can I modify the recipe to my preference? i.e. gluten-free, dairy free or vegan?

For the recipes that use bread, simply use gluten-free bread or wrap. As for dairy free versions, you can use plant-based milk or yogurt if needed. We have many vegetarian and vegan lunches in this collections, however, if a recipe’s main ingredient is chicken or seafood, there really isn’t a way to veganize it yet keeping the flavors and texture close to the original version.

How long do these dishes last in the fridge?

If stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, most of these dishes last for up to 4 days. Read each recipe for complete instructions and details.

More Recipe Collections

Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear about it! Please comment and leave a 5-star🌟 rating below. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or subscribe to our newsletter to get a free e-Cookbook!

Healthy lunch ideas you should try.
5 from 11 votes

Best Healthy Lunch Ideas

Looking for delicious and easy healthy lunch ideas? We've got you covered. These Middle Eastern and Mediterranean style healthy lunch recipes are perfect for any day of the week and you can prepare most of them in advance to save time. From salad and soup lunches to chicken and seafood, we have in all here for you!
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Save this Recipe
Enter your email and get it sent to your inbox!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Ingredients 

  • Check out each recipe for the complete list of ingredients

Instructions 

  • Check out each recipe for detailed instructions.
  • For most of these recipes, you can use gluten-free and dairy-free alternatives.
  • Make ahead: You can make most of these recipe in advance. The instructions and details are mentioned in each recipe.
  • Refrigerate and reheat: Store the food in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in a microwave or in a pan over medium heat.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcal

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!

About Shadi HasanzadeNemati

I'm here to show you how to make delicious Persian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food at home. My easy to follow recipes will bring exciting new flavors to your table!

Get a free eBook!
Fill out the form to get exclusive recipes that aren’t available anywhere else, plus receive free weekly recipes!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
5 from 11 votes (1 rating without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




10 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    There is not one dish in the round up that isn’t making my mouth water. I want to try them all!! Pinning to refer back to!

  2. 5 stars
    There are so many delicious recipes to choose from on this list! I think I’m most excited about the soups. There’s nothing quite as delicious in the winter as a bowl of soup for lunch.

  3. 5 stars
    What a fantastic lunch compilation! Definitely bookmarking this since I’m trying to better plan my lunch menu for the week in advance.

  4. 5 stars
    Salad is usually my go-to lunch idea, but I am loving all these Mediterranean options. They look easy to make and I love the idea of making some in advance and heating them up for lunch.