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Fuel your day with these hearty high-protein lunch ideas. From soups to salads, every dish is beginner-friendly and packed with flavor.

protein lunch ideas
Protein Lunch Ideas. Photo Credit: Life Around the Table.

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No need to overthink it. High-protein lunches are easier to put together than you’d expect and taste way better than anything pre-packaged.

Don’t worry if you’re not an expert cook. These recipes are easy, filling, and perfect for your busiest days.

Prime Rib Roast in Dutch Oven

prime rib roast in dutch oven
Prime Rib Roast in Dutch Oven. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

Want to enjoy irresistible steakhouse flavor without leaving your kitchen?

This prime rib roast is a hearty, juicy meal made with only four simple ingredients.

Get The Recipe: Prime Rib Roast in Dutch Oven

Copycat Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl

A copycat Sweetgreen harvest bowl filled with vegetables and a fork.
Copycat Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

If you’re craving something wholesome and filling, this harvest bowl is a good choice.

It’s packed with chewy rice, crisp apples, and tender veggies! It’s like fall in a bowl, but you’ll want it year-round.

Get The Recipe: Copycat Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl

Crawfish Fettuccine

How To Store Crawfish Velveeta Fettuccine
Crawfish Fettuccine. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

This seafood pasta comes together in just around 30 minutes.

The crawfish adds a briny, slightly sweet seafood flavor everyone will love. Serve it with sweet tea with lemon or a light white wine.

Get The Recipe: Crawfish Fettuccine

Slow Cooker Hoppin John

slow cooked hoppin john
Slow Cooker Hoppin John. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

This slow cooker creation is made with smoked sausages, black-eyed peas, bell peppers, and seasonings.

The taste is smoky, hearty, and a little bit spicy. If you want it to become thicker, mash some of the black-eyed peas.

Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Hoppin John

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Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie

A plate of food on a table.
Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

This dish is a cozy, no-fuss version of grandma’s chicken pot pie.

Main ingredients include rotisserie chicken, mixed veggies, potatoes, milk, and flour. Serve it straight from the Dutch oven with a big spoon.

Get The Recipe: Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie

Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Cream Cheese

How to Make Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Cream Cheese
Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Cream Cheese. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

High protein lunches are way easier than you think. Try this crockpot soup!

If it ends up being too thick, just add more broth and adjust it to the consistency you like.

Get The Recipe: Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Cream Cheese

Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Onion Soup Mix

slow cooker beef stew recipe with onion soup mix
Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Onion Soup Mix. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

Try this recipe for a filling lunch that feels like a hug in a bowl.

It’s deep, meaty, and slightly sweet, with potatoes, carrots, and beef stew meat. You can add a bit of balsamic vinegar to brighten it up.

Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Stew with Onion Soup Mix

Shrimp Sushi Bowl

Chopsticks holding a piece of breaded and fried food over a bowl with sliced avocado, orange carrots, and a main dish topped with nori flakes. A striped cloth is partially visible.
Shrimp Sushi Bowl. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

If you love sushi but don’t feel like rolling anything, this satisfying bowl will be your new go-to.

It’s a colorful, high-protein lunch featuring shrimp, carrots, cucumbers, and Kewpie mayo.

Get The Recipe: Shrimp Sushi Bowl

Baked Salmon With Mayonnaise

The best Spring recipe featuring a plate with a succulent piece of salmon.
Baked Salmon With Mayonnaise. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

Enjoy the most delicious baked salmon in less than 15 minutes.

This version is one of the easiest recipes you can make, with salmon fillets, mayo, parmesan cheese, and black pepper.

Get The Recipe: Baked Salmon With Mayonnaise

Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites

INSTANT POT GARLIC BUTTER STEAK BITES BY FOOD PLUS WORDS
Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words.

These steak bites cook up in just minutes using the Instant Pot. You’ll love how garlicky and buttery they are.

They’re great for any occasion, whether you need something filling on a busy weekday or want flavorful bites for a family gathering.

Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Vegan Black Bean Burger

hamburger meal recipes
Vegan Black Bean Burger. Photo Credit: Happy Food Healthy Life.

Here’s a meatless lunch that still delivers in the protein department.

You only need a few simple ingredients, like black beans, rolled oats, mushrooms, and bell peppers.

Get The Recipe: Vegan Black Bean Burger

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Instant Pot White Bean Soup

A bowl of white bean chili garnished with sliced jalapeno, cilantro, and a lime wedge on the side, accompanied by a striped cloth napkin.
Instant Pot White Bean Soup. Photo Credit: Happy Food Healthy Life.

Who doesn’t love comforting high-protein vegan soups? This one is so easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.

Also, feel free to add your favorite garnishes—from cilantro to lime wedges.

Get The Recipe: Instant Pot White Bean Soup

Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas

A bowl of black-eyed peas with broth, garnished with a lemon slice and herbs, evokes the warmth of a Kwanzaa Feast. It's served with pieces of crusty bread and a spoon on the side.
Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas. Photo Credit: Happy Food Healthy Life.

Black-eyed peas are a great ingredient for high-protein lunches!

This Southern-inspired lunch idea is a must-try. It’s savory, smoky, earthy, and it cooks fast in the Instant Pot.

Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas

Crispy Tofu with Balsamic Tomatoes

low carb recipes
Crispy Tofu with Balsamic Tomatoes. Photo Credit: Happy Food Healthy Life.

Trying to add more plant-based proteins to your lunch rotation?

This dish is full of flavor and an easy choice. It includes tofu, tomatoes, maple syrup, and olive oil.

Get The Recipe: Crispy Tofu with Balsamic Tomatoes

Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

protein lunch ideas
Cottage Cheese Egg Bake. Photo Credit: Hanaa Box.

Enjoy this egg bake for a midday energy boost. All you need are a few cheeses, spinach, eggs, pepper, and salt.

It’s an awesome treat for all-day breakfast lovers.

Get The Recipe: Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

Buffalo Chicken Cobb Salad

protein lunch ideas
Buffalo Chicken Cobb Salad. Photo Credit: Dizzy Busy and Hungry.

This isn’t your average salad—it’s got crunch, flavor, and loads of protein.

Sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh finish, then serve it with sparkling water and lemon slices.

Get The Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Cobb Salad

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich

protein lunch ideas
Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich with Smoked Gouda. Photo Credit: Bless This Meal.

A solid protein boost in the middle of the day can make a world of difference.

Make this sandwich a part of your routine. It pairs well with sweet potato fries and a tangy apple-cabbage slaw.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich

Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli

protein lunch ideas
Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli. Photo Credit: Simply Macros.

Beef and broccoli is such a satisfying combo you’ll want to have again and again.

This version is packed with salty-sweet, and garlicky flavors. You’ll also need rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, and honey.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli

High Protein Bagels

protein lunch ideas
High Protein Bagels. Photo Credit: Fit Liz Kitchen.

These bagels aren’t just healthy—they’re downright delicious. They’re also great for an on-the-go lunch!

Place them in a lunch box along with some veggie sticks and homemade hummus.

Get The Recipe: High Protein Bagels

Instant Pot Carnitas

protein lunch ideas
Instant Pot Carnitas. Photo Credit: Organically Addison.

Ready to level up your taco game?

These carnitas are juicy, citrusy, and full of that classic slow-cooked flavor, except they’re done in a fraction of the time.

Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Carnitas

Manhattan Clam Chowder

protein lunch ideas
Manhattan Clam Chowder. Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

This chowder combines clams with bacon, onions, carrots, bell peppers, and potatoes.

It comes together on the stovetop in one pot, making it easy enough for a weekday lunch.

Get The Recipe: Manhattan Clam Chowder

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Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl

protein lunch ideas
Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl. Photo Credit: Hello Frozen Bananas.

Pizza lovers, this one’s for you—without the crust or the guilt.

Main ingredients include cottage cheese, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and turkey pepperoni.

Get The Recipe: Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl

Cranberry Beans

protein lunch ideas
Cranberry Beans (Brothy Borlotti Bean). Photo Credit: Balancing Bowls.

If you’ve never cooked with fresh cranberry beans before, this recipe is the perfect place to start.

Aside from cranberry beans, it includes onions, thyme, garlic, and a bit of salt.

Get The Recipe: Cranberry Beans

Grilled Chicken Thighs

protein lunch ideas
Grilled Chicken Thighs. Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

You don’t need to be a great cook to make these girlled chicken thighs.

They’re marinated in a punchy mix of soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Asian sesame oil, and sugar.

Get The Recipe: Grilled Chicken Thighs

Harissa Chickpea Smash Sandwich

protein lunch ideas
Harissa Chickpea Smash Sandwich. Photo Credit: Life Around the Table.

Tired of feeling hungry an hour after lunch? Time to try new high-protein sandwich recipes!

This one includes a mouthwatering chickpea mixture, butter, honey, and lettuce.

Get The Recipe: Harissa Chickpea Smash Sandwich

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It’s hard to focus when you’re running on snacks and caffeine.

These high-protein meals can keep you going with steady energy in the middle of a busy workday. And the best thing about them?

They’re full of flavor. Sandwiches, casseroles, and one-pan meals are amazing beginner-friendly options.

25 Cold Lunch Ideas for Kids That Won’t Come Home Uneaten

cold lunch ideas for kids
Pizza Bagel Bites. Photo Credit: XOXO Bella.

Time to say goodbye to boring lunches! This list of cold lunch ideas for kids features everything from pinwheels and pasta salads to wraps and sandwiches.

Read it here: 25 Cold Lunch Ideas for Kids That Won’t Come Home Uneaten

25 Flavor Packed Healthy Lunch Ideas For Busy Parents

A delicious whole wheat wrap bursting with diced chicken, crisp green leaves, juicy grapes, crunchy pecans, and celery. Perfect for those seeking healthy lunch ideas. In the background sits a bowl of fresh grapes, inviting you to indulge in nature's sweetness.
Healthy Lunch Ideas. Healthy Turkey Wrap with Grapes and Pecans. Photo Credit: Haute and Healthy Living

These healthy lunch ideas are easy to make and will make sure you’re eating a healthy meal to help you power through the day. Each of these ideas are flavor packed and loaded with healthy ingredients.

Read it here: 25 Flavor Packed Healthy Lunch Ideas For Busy Parents

Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!

A woman in a kitchen writes on a notepad beside a grocery bag with a Walmart logo and various groceries on the counter.
Photo Credit: La Passion Voutee.

Is the new Walmart Plus worth the annual fee or is it just another failed version of Amazon Prime? I spent my own money trying this service out for 12 months and counting. I have a lot to say about the benefits and drawbacks in this Walmart+ honest review.

Read it here: Is Walmart+ Worth It? Honest Review 3 Years Later!

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