Take steps toward lower cholesterol levels with this collection of nutritious Mediterranean diet lunches. These delicious meals are packed with foods like omega-3-rich fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds and healthy fats. They contain monounsaturated fats, which can help decrease LDL (also called “bad”) cholesterol and increase HDL (or “good) cholesterol.Plus, each serving is low in saturated fat and offers at least 6 grams of fiber, which also can help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels, regular digestion and a healthy heart. Pack a jar of our hearty and flavorful Eat-the-Rainbow Vegetable Soup in your lunch bag for later. Or, stack our very popular Veggie & Hummus Sandwich together during break time.
Lemon-Turmeric Cabbage & White Bean Soup
Photographer: Ali Redmond.
This cozy soup combines tender cabbage and creamy cannellini beans with aromatic spices. A splash of lemon juice brightens every spoonful. It’s light yet satisfying and easy enough for a weeknight.
Pesto Pasta with Peas & Tomatoes
Ali Redmond
Pasta is cooked alongside frozen sweet peas, then tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes and basil pesto for a fresh, herbaceous finish. A sprinkle of Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon add the perfect final touch.
High-Fiber Chopped Salad with Italian Vinaigrette
Ali Redmond
This chopped salad is a crisp, colorful mix of veggies. It’s tossed with a zesty homemade vinaigrette while chickpeas bring on the plant-based protein and fiber. Everything is chopped small for the perfect forkful every time.
High-Protein Cucumber Sandwich
Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food Stylist: Julia Levy, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.
This high-protein cucumber sandwich features a creamy spread made by whipping cottage cheese with white miso, soy sauce and rice vinegar. This mixture delivers a creamy boost of protein that pairs perfectly with sliced cucumbers, which add a crisp, fresh bite.
Mango-Blueberry Chia Seed Smoothie
Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food stylist: Marianne Williams, Prop stylist: Keoshia McGhee.
Sweet, tropical mango pairs with juicy blueberries for a refreshing balance of flavors and natural sweetness in this smoothie. Chia seeds add texture while providing fiber and omega-3s.
Marry Me White Bean Salad
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.
This salad is a bright, flavor-packed dish that’s hard not to fall for. Pulling inspiration from Marry Me Chicken, the tender white beans are tossed with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil and a creamy dressing that soaks into every bite. It’s quick to throw together and perfect for meal prep, picnics or pairing with grilled meats.
Easy Chickpea Salad Lunch Box
Ali Redmond
This chickpea salad is a fresh, no-cook lunch that’s perfect for busy weekdays. Chickpeas are tossed with crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes and a splash of lemon juice and olive oil for a refreshing bite. It’s easy to prep multiple servings at once, so you can stock your fridge with grab-and-go lunches for the week.
Green Smoothie
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.
This vibrant smoothie is a refreshing way to start your day. The spinach blends in seamlessly without overpowering the sweet tropical flavors. Banana adds a creamy texture, while mango and pineapple bring natural sweetness and a bright, sunny taste.
High-Protein Black Bean Salad
Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food Stylist: Julia Levy, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.
In this high-protein salad, black beans take center stage. As the main source of plant-based protein, they make the salad satisfying, with their creamy texture pairing perfectly with sweet potato, crisp veggies and a citrusy dressing.
Herb-Marinated Veggie & Chickpea Salad
Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.
This salad is a refreshing, no-cook dish packed with fresh flavors. It brings together crisp raw vegetables and fiber-rich chickpeas, all tossed in a zesty herb dressing that infuses every bite. It’s perfect for warm days, meal prep or busy weeknights when you want something quick.
Blueberry-Peach Chia Seed Smoothie
Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Grennwood.
This chia seed smoothie is a nutrient-packed drink that’s perfect for your next breakfast. It blends frozen peaches and sweet frozen blueberries with a splash of almond milk and yogurt for a creamy, fruity base.
5-Ingredient Avocado & Chickpea Salad
Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco.
This salad is a fresh, flavorful dish that comes together in minutes. Creamy avocado pairs perfectly with hearty chickpeas for a filling, plant-based meal. With no cooking required and minimal prep, it’s a perfect quick lunch or dinner.
No-Chicken Salad Sandwich
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
This no-chicken salad sandwich made with chickpeas is a delicious plant-based alternative to the classic chicken salad. Make the filling ahead of time and then serve it on whole-grain bread, in a wrap, over a salad or with crackers for an easy lunch.
Farro & White Bean Salad
Heami Lee, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keeley
This Mason jar grain salad is the perfect grab-and-go lunch. This colorful salad layers together farro, bell pepper, beets and arugula, all of which offer fiber and antioxidants that can help lower inflammation in your body. White beans add some plant-based protein to help you stay satisfied throughout the afternoon.
Veggie Wraps
Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek
These wraps are packed with veggies, including zucchini, bell pepper and spinach. The vegetables cook quickly in a skillet, so you can pull together this easy lunch in no time. Hummus adds plant-based protein and keeps the wrap from getting dry.
Lemony Orzo & Tuna Salad with Broccoli
Leigh Beisch
This pasta-salad and tuna-salad mashup gets a boost of color and texture from broccoli. Plenty of Kalamata olives add a briny bite, which pairs perfectly with the lemony dressing.
High-Protein Veggie Sandwich
Ali Redmond
From beans to tofu to tempeh bacon, this high-protein veggie sandwich formula can help mitigate blood sugar spikes and keep you feeling full until your next meal.
Crunchy Chickpea-Cabbage Salad
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman
This chickpea-cabbage salad features carrots and cucumbers, giving it a quartet of ingredients that all begin with the letter “C”! This chopped salad is loaded with fiber and prebiotic chickpeas. Green cabbage keeps the color vibrant and fresh, though red cabbage works just as well.
