15 Vegetarian Lunch Ideas

Tempeh Gyros
Photo: veggiesdontbite

Lunch can be hectic. Between meetings at the office or wrangling kids at home, you might not have all the time you want to grab something out or whip up a meal every afternoon. Instead, make one of our 15 vegetarian recipes. Easy to pack, and great hot or cold, these dishes are sure to delight.

01 of 15

Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce

Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce
Buckwheat Queen

This recipe serves eight, so it makes a great dinner with lunchbox leftovers. Make it vegan by swapping out the Parmesan for nutritional yeast. Recipe reviewer HEART2HAND says, "I liked it better as a nice refreshing macaroni salad!"

02 of 15

Queenie's Killer Tomato Bagel Sandwich

bagel halves with cream cheese, tomatoes, basil
Caroline C

This easy vegetarian lunch comes together in just 10 minutes and calls for only five ingredients. It couldn't be easier!

03 of 15

Black Bean and Couscous Salad

Black Bean and Couscous Salad
plantgrub

This easy dish can be served warm or cold, making it very lunchbox-friendly. Simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable stock to make it vegan.

04 of 15

Meyer Lemon Avocado Toast

Meyer Lemon Avocado Toast
bd.weld

Pack up toasted bread and a separate container of this delicious avocado spread. Then you can have fun assembling at the lunch table.

05 of 15

Pasta Fagioli

Pasta Fagioli
House of Aqua

Substitute the chicken broth for vegetarian stock and this soup will warm up anybody on a cold day. To up the veggies, consider following reviewer Caroline's lead: "I threw in a few handfuls of spinach. Excellent!"

06 of 15

Tempeh Gyros

Tempeh Gyros
veggiesdontbite

Tofu's heartier cousin, tempeh soaks up tons of flavor by marinating overnight. It's then baked and tucked into a pita with veggies and homemade tzatziki sauce.

07 of 15

Vegan Spinach Bites

Vegan Spinach Bites
My Hot Southern Mess

You'll love popping these tasty bites at lunch — plus, these are just as tasty when served at room temperature as when warm.

08 of 15

Vegetarian Chickpea Sandwich Filling

Vegetarian Chickpea Sandwich Filling
CC<3's2bake

Technically a sandwich filling, this recipe can also be served up as a salad or as a spread for crackers. You decide!

09 of 15

Sean's Falafel and Cucumber Sauce

Sean's Falafel and Cucumber Sauce
JOANNAH

This vegetarian falafel is bursting with savory flavors and can easily be made vegan by using plant-based yogurt and mayo. Another option comes from recipe reviewer, LitleLisa1: "I left out the cucumber sauce and instead served with tomato, cucumber, lettuce, and hummus in warm pitas."

10 of 15

Grilled Mediterranean Vegetable Sandwich

Grilled Mediterranean Vegetable Sandwich
Ms. Ho

Eggplant, mushrooms, and red bell peppers are roasted before being sandwiched in some focaccia with crushed garlic. Swap out mayo for hummus to get a dose of vegan protein.

11 of 15

Sesame Noodle Salad

Sesame Noodle Salad
OkinawanPrincess

Since this recipe serves eight, you can make enough the night before to allow for an easy lunch of leftovers. And according to BostonCook, this makes for an even better meal: "It is very good cold so it can be made a day ahead. This lets the flavors blend as well."

12 of 15

Delicious Black Bean Burritos

Delicious Black Bean Burritos
CookinBug

Cream cheese is the secret ingredient to these decadent burritos. You can also easily freeze these for easy grab-and-go lunches.

13 of 15

Protein-Packed Vegetarian Fried Rice

Protein-Packed Vegetarian Fried Rice
Linda T

Tofu and eggs act as protein powerhouses in this fried rice recipe. Don't forget to pack a little Sriracha on the side for easy drizzling.

14 of 15

Cucumber and Avocado Sushi

cucumber and avocado sushi rolls
Chelsey

You only need a handful of ingredients to make these sushi rolls that will rival your favorite takeout spot. Pack up the pieces with a side of soy sauce and wasabi for dipping.

15 of 15

Quinoa Black Bean Burgers

Quinoa Black Bean Burgers
Autumneyes

Quinoa and black beans unite for a hearty patty that's packed with protein. "This recipe needs 10 stars," says user Tlgonzalez. "It was so good that it's hard to believe it's a vegetarian dish."

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