Meatless Monday: 5 Days of Healthy Vegetarian Lunches

Lunchtime can be the downfall of many a healthy eating plan. By the time noon rolls around, I’m often so hungry that my pens and paper start looking appetizing. Rather than reaching for a convenient muffin or grabbing takeout when hunger strikes (so tempting!), try these easy, meatless options.

Monday: Mason Jar Taco Salad

If you haven’t boarded the “meal in a Mason jar” train, now’s your chance to hop on. This stackable taco salad is spicy, creamy, and easy to pack in a purse or lunch bag. Walnuts and black beans are a hearty combo that will keep you feeling full well after lunchtime—no ground beef required.

Tuesday: Almond Pear Sandwich

Sandwiches are a classic lunch for a reason: they’re easy, quick, and filling. Too bad they tend to be bland and unhealthy, made with plastic-y deli meats, mayo, and white bread. This recipe is an unconventional sandwich that delivers rich flavour from almond butter and natural sweetness from pear ... yum.

Wednesday: Mediterranean Chickpeas with Smoky Tahini Dressing

Want to ward off a midweek slump? Brighten your day with this zesty, colourful chickpea dish. Chickpeas are high in fibre and protein, so chowing down on them may help to ward off a 2 pm snack attack. The addition of roasted red peppers, golden raisins, and feta cheese makes this meal a textural and flavourful masterpiece.

Thursday: Kale Salad with Savoury Cranberry Dressing

Kale is the perfect choice for a make-ahead salad, as it’s sturdier than lettuce leaves and other greens. Massaging it the night before will also help break down kale’s bitter fibres, leaving you with silky, palatable leaves. Top this salad with crunchy pecans for a delicious counterpoint to the sweet-savoury dressing.

Friday: Teriyaki Tofu Wraps

This no-cook lunch proves that although tofu isn’t a typical wrap filling, it’s a tasty alternative to high-sodium, preservative-packed deli meats. Marinating the tofu in a teriyaki sauce before assembling the wrap allows it to soak up all that wonderful flavour.