50 Healthy Lunch Recipes for the New Year

50 Healthy Lunch Recipes for the New Year! Enjoy this roundup of lunch recipes to kick off a happy, healthy new year! Recipes include various proteins as well as vegetarian options.

Meal Plan with These 50 Healthy Lunch Recipes

Move over boring sandwiches and tired dinner leftovers! Give your tastebuds a new lease on life with these recipes that are great for your lunch rotation.

Each recipe is under 500 calories. Dishes include complete meals including soups and salads + mains you can incorporate into your meal prep alongside veggies + whole grains. There are low-carb, vegetarian and reimagined comfort food favorites, too!

Lunch Recipes Using Your Favorite Kitchen Gadgets

Air fryers, Instant Pots and Slow Cookers…oh my!

Air Fryer Shredded Chicken | by Recipe This

Air Fryer Shredded Chicken. Introducing you to the best way to cook chicken for shredding, using your air fryer. You will love how to you can create air fryer crispy shredded chicken with very little

Air Fryer Persian Kabab Koobideh | by This Old Gal

Air Fryer Persian Kabab Koobideh [Iranian chicken kabobs] are highly fragrant and fun to eat. Deliciously served with grilled tomatoes and rice.

Slow Cooker Tarragon Chicken Salad | by Dinner Mom

The crock-pot does the work in this amazing Slow Cooker Chicken Salad recipe that’s perfect for make-ahead lunches and entertaining!

Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken Fajitas | by The Magical Slow Cooker

Keep the kitchen cool this summer by making these easy Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken Fajitas!

Slow Cooker Turkey and Brown Rice Soup | by The Magical Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Turkey and Brown Rice is a nice change from chicken and noodle soup. Has plenty of herbs and veggies, it makes for a hearty dinner.

Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe | by Healthy Recipes 101

This Instant Pot pot roast recipe is a healthy formula for a luscious stew. It’s warm, rich, and decadent — a true comfort food.

Shredded Italian Chicken in the Instant Pot | by Wright Things

This delightfully tangy Instant Pot shredded Italian chicken salad gets a bright pop of flavor from lemon juice & red wine vinegar. You won’t even miss the mayo! Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Egg Free.

shredded italian chicken by Wright Things

Dal Makhani In Instant Pot | by Culinary Shades

Dal makhani is an Indian lentil dish. It is vegan and gluten-free. Check out how to pressure cook dal makhani in the instant pot.

Dal Palak (Spinach Dal) | by Culinary Shades

Dal palak or spinach dal is a vegan, gluten-free lentil dish and served with Indian bread or rice. This is an easy recipe to make dal palak in the instant pot.

Easy Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili with Quinoa | by Piping Pot Curry

Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili with quinoa & beans is an easy, healthy, one-pot dinner made in the pressure cooker. Vegetarian & Gluten-free!

Instant Pot Vegetable Soup | by Maple + Mango

This delicious Instant Pot Vegetable Soup recipe is full of flavour, healthy and easy to make. Also includes stovetop instructions!

Visit all the Happy Healthy New Year Recipe Round-ups for breakfast, lunch, dinner and meatless meals ideas!

Chicken + Turkey Lunch Recipes

Lean proteins like chicken + turkey are perfect for salads, soups, or the main event!

Healthy Chicken Salad Without Mayo | by Go Healthy with Bea

This healthy paleo chicken salad is delicious and easy. This filling salad makes a perfect lunch to bring to school or work in a lunch box. Paleo, Whole30.

Healthy Chicken Salad | by ifoodreal

Healthy Chicken Salad is a must for summer days, lunches and quick dinner. Made with Greek yogurt and touch of mayo, low fat and low calorie.

Healthy Chicken Wild Rice Soup | by ifoodreal

Chicken Wild Rice Soup without the use of heavy cream or flour. Easy, healthy comfort food on the stovetop, the crockpot, or the Instant Pot!

Keto Chicken Tortilla Soup | by Joy Filled Eats

Keto Chicken Tortilla Soup is an incredible dish that will keep that entire family satisfied. Great for all occasions, delicious, and super easy to make. Low Carb, Dairy-Free, THM.

Keto Bacon Avocado Chicken Salad No Mayo Recipe | by Sorey Fitness

This yummy keto chicken, bacon, avocado salad makes the perfect lunch or dinner on a low carb diet! Plus it’s so simple and quick to make!

Chick Fil A Kale Crunch Salad Copycat Recipe | by Summer Yule

Try this copycat Chick Fil A Kale Crunch Salad for a healthy lunch meal prep! Kale, cabbage, and almonds were drizzled with cider vinaigrette.

Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta Salad | by Go Healthy Ever After

High protein pasta salad with spicy yogurt dressing! Make this creamy spicy pasta salad for a quick lunch/dinner. (Also ideal for picnic, potluck or even lunchbox.)

Zero Carb Chicken Pizza Crust | by Low Carb Spark

This zero-carb chicken pizza crust recipe needs only two main ingredients. Easy keto pizza crust that has zero carbs per serving and is incredibly delicious.

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad | by Monica Nedeff

This pantry staple Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad is easy to meal prep and has a delish healthy twist with Greek yogurt.

Healthy Grilled Chicken + Corn Summer Salad | by Sip + Sanity

Nothing says summer like a cool salad topped with grilled chicken, sweet corn + fresh tomatoes. Avocado lime dressing adds a tangy zip.

Baked Balsamic Chicken Thighs Recipe | by Wholesome Yum

Super EASY baked balsamic chicken thighs need just 5 minutes prep time! This balsamic chicken recipe (complete with simple balsamic chicken marinade) makes a flavorful weeknight dinner.

Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken Recipe (20 Min!) | by Wholesome Yum

This creamy lemon parmesan chicken recipe is easy, fancy, and done in just 20 minutes — perfect for a quick chicken dinner or meal prep!

Turkey Taco Skillet with Cauliflower Rice | by Randa Nutrition

If you’re looking for healthy ground turkey recipes for dinner then you’re going to love this one pan turkey taco skillet! It’s perfect for meal prep too!

Spicy White Bean Turkey Pumpkin Chili | by Sip + Sanity

Spicy White Bean Turkey Pumpkin Chili is a great way to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Or make it any time with ground turkey!

Seafood-Based Lunch Recipes

Seafood is a great source for healthy fats + omega-3s.

Healthy Tuna Salad | by ifoodreal

Less mayo Healthy Tuna Salad recipe has fewer calories and fat. Made with simple ingredients, turns out creamy, fluffy and flavorful.

Black Pepper Shrimp | by Living Healthy with Chocolate

Enjoy this wildly flavorful and healthy Black Pepper Shrimp dish. Marinated in a delicious olive oil based sauce, and cooked over garlic, sweet onions, and whole black peppercorns that pop as they cook.

Canned Salmon Salad No Mayo | by Summer Yule

Try my no mayo keto salmon salad for a healthy lunch with 331 calories, 11.2 grams net carbs! It’s Paleo, Whole30, low carb, and gluten free! Keto, Low Carb, Paleo, Whole30.

Mediterranean Chickpea & Tuna Salad | by The Healthy Epicurean

An easy, simple, nutritious and delicious Mediterranean recipe for chickpea & tuna salad that comes together in just 10 minutes!

Tuna Salad with Capers and Dill | by Wholesome Made Easy

This lightened up Tuna Salad with Capers and Dill is loaded with great flavor with less fat and calories. An easy, make-ahead lunch idea!

Tuna White Bean Salad | by Wholesome Made Easy

Fresh and light and loaded with protein. This Tuna White Bean Salad is a great make-ahead, low calorie lunch or dinner choice.

Baked Salmon Patties (Cake or Muffin Tin Style) | by Dinner Mom

Baked Salmon Patties are easy to make with canned salmon. Easy dinner recipe or appetizer, especially drizzled with lemon garlic aioli.

Salmon Salad Sandwiches | by Valeries Kitchen

A creamy lemon and dill mixture combines with canned salmon to make these easy Salmon Salad Sandwiches. A delicious meal that’s ready in 10 minutes!

The Best Low Carb Keto Salmon Patties Recipe | by Low Carb Spark

My favorite salmon patties that are ready in 20 minutes, delicious served for lunch or dinner with a homemade dipping sauce or a side salad.

Delicious Citrusy Kale and Salmon Salad | by My Chefs Apron

A flavorful and delicious raw kale salad with fennel, parsley, mozzarella cheese, wild-caught salmon and tossed in olive oil, lemon, and orange juice dressing—a delicious lunch or light dinner idea!

Spinach Tuna Melt | by Served from Scratch

This Spinach Tuna Melt recipe is everything you love about a tuna melt except with the added nutrition of spinach that even kids will love!

Pan Seared Scallop Salad with a Mandarin Vinaigrette | by Sip + Sanity

This Pan Seared Sea Scallop Salad is quick and easy to make. A perfect light seafood dinner for when you’re short on time, but not on style.

Roasted Acorn Squash Bisque with Crispy Bay Scallops | by Sip + Sanity

Roasted Acorn Squash Bisque with Crispy Bay Scallops is a healthy soup recipe that fills you with warmth + comfort. Serve as a light meal or appetizer.

Additional Protein-Based Recipes

Mix it up with beef, eggs, and pork for lunch!

Keto Stuffed Cabbage Rolls | by Tastylicious

These low-carb stuffed cabbage rolls are loaded with beef, veggies, and spices. Topped off with mozzarella cheese, they’re impossible to resist.

Whole30 Egg Salad | by Organically Addison

This Whole30 Egg Salad is easy, creamy and flavorful. It is great for lunch, dinner, meal prep, and leftovers. Serve with lettuce wraps!

Vegetarian Chopped Salad Recipe with Hard-Boiled Eggs | by Amy Gorin Nutrition

This chopped salad recipe has a mixed vegetable salad base and a delicious vegetable salad dressing—and features hardboiled eggs and chopped vegetables. It might just be the best chopped salad you’ve ever had!

Keto Ham and Pimento Cheese Wraps | by The Soccer Mom Blog

Crisp lettuce, sweet honey ham, and creamy pimento cheese — these Keto Ham and Pimento Cheese Wraps are the perfect fresh and easy lunch!

The Best Garlic Butter Pork Tenderloin | by Low Carb Spark

Garlic Butter Pork Tenderloin s juicy, tender, and full of flavor. A recipe loved by the whole family ready within minutes.

Vegetarian-Friendly Lunch Options

With these recipes, vegetables are never boring!

Vegan Rice Bowl with Smoky Tempeh | by Happy Kitchen

This vegan rice bowl with smoky tempeh makes for a great hot dinner and cold lunch on the go. Easy to make, high in protein, and absolutely delicious!

Curried Butternut Squash + Granny Smith Soup | by Sip + Sanity

As the temps are drop, this Curried Butternut Squash + Granny Smith Soup will warm you from the inside out! Freezer-friendly, too!

Healthy Pasta with Pesto and Broccoli | by ifoodreal

Healthy Pasta dinner recipe is simple to prepare and bursting with flavor from pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, broccoli and Parmesan cheese.

Maple BBQ Cauliflower Wraps | by Rainbow Nourishments

Roasted maple BBQ cauliflower bites in sweet potato wraps with a herby butter bean spread and loads of fresh vegetables. Wholesome finger-licking goodness!

Sweet Corn and Chickpea Salad | by Amanda’s Cookin’

In need of a quick side dish that will make your family actually want to eat their vegetables? This Sweet Corn and Chickpea Salad recipe is quick to whip up and so delicious!