One of my favorite perks of working from home—whether you’re fully remote or lucky enough to take advantage of flex days—is having a little more freedom at lunchtime. You’re not stuck hauling around a refrigerated bag, waiting for the office microwave to free up, or racing through a sandwich at your desk. (Or springing for takeout as a fresher, tastier alternative, which adds up fast!)
But let’s be honest: The window between meetings, deadlines, or client calls can be tight, so even when you have a full kitchen at your fingertips, lunch often still needs to be quick, easy, and hearty enough to leave you feeling energized for the rest of your day.
That’s why I’ve been turning to this Mediterranean-inspired Greek yogurt bowl, which has become one of my favorite weekday at-home lunches. It’s light, super satisfying, full of essential nutrients, and comes together in just 10 minutes. Plus, you can prep multiple batches of the core chickpea mixture at once for a major meal prep win. I love it as a fast, no-fuss, no-cook lunch upgrade from my typical snack plate or sandwich.
On top of all those benefits, this bowl is also a strong at-home lunch option because of its robust protein content. Unlike a meal that’s heavy on carbs, one that is rich in protein can help you avoid the dreaded 3 p.m. slump (a.k.a the food coma that often hits in the afternoon). Since protein slows down the rate at which carbs are digested, it causes a less dramatic spike in blood sugar, which helps prevent the resulting crash and translates to a more stable energy level. Fiber and healthy fats have a similar effect. (Which isn’t to say you should avoid carbs at lunch entirely—just that it shouldn’t be the only or main nutrient represented! Balance is best.)
The recipe
If you’ve never had a savory Greek yogurt bowl, now’s the time. Fruit, honey, granola, and other sweet toppings get all the glory, but savory flavors pair with the versatile dairy product just as well. In this bowl, thick, cool, and creamy Greek yogurt serves as a base for a mix of marinated chickpeas, crunchy cucumbers, chewy sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh dill and lemon juice. And if you like a little spice (like me), just add a sprinkle of cayenne to give it a kick. (Check out the full recipe below!)
Of course, the registered dietitian in me loves the nutrition profile of this meal almost as much as the flavor and texture combo. Greek yogurt is an incredible source of protein, at 12 grams per half-cup, but with the addition of chickpeas and a sprinkle of pistachios, your total will rise to a whopping 21 grams of the filling macro. Speaking of chickpeas, they also provide a hit of fiber, which most folks tend to skimp on but is vital for digestion, satiety, and a healthy gut microbiome. And thanks to the generous drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, you’ll get a boost of oleic acid and phenolic compounds, which help fight inflammation and support heart health. Together, all these nutrients work to keep you full and focused throughout the afternoon, so you’re not fighting hunger pangs an hour later.
Why it works to keep you full
You can largely thank the protein and fiber content. Protein has the highest satiety rating of any macronutrient (meaning that it keeps you full for the longest time), to the point that high-protein diets are actually associated with weight loss. Research links protein consumption to a boost in gut hormones that signal satiety, including cholecystokinin and glucagon-like peptide 1 (which you probably know better as GLP-1), according to a 2023 study published in the Journal of Functional Foods. To some extent, this perk is intuitive. Just consider which would be more satisfying: a chocolate chip cookie or a plate of scrambled eggs.
