As much as we love a hot meal, a refreshing cold lunch on a warm day is always a welcome change.
Whether it’s a busy workday or a relaxing day off, we all need a quick and easy midday meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. But with so many options out there, it can be tough to settle on just one.
That’s why we’ve put together 35 easy cold lunch ideas that are not only satisfying but also healthy and flavorful.
35 Easy Cold Lunch Ideas
1. Mason Jar Salads
The perfect portable cold lunch, mason jar salads are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Just layer your favorite greens, protein, vegetables, and dressing in a mason jar and give it a quick shake before eating.
2. Hummus and Veggie Wraps
Spread hummus on a tortilla and add your favorite veggies like cucumbers, carrots, and spinach. Roll up and enjoy the fresh and tasty wrap.
3. Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps
Swap bread for lettuce cups and fill them with tuna salad for a low-carb, protein-packed lunch.
4. Rice Bowls
Cook some rice, add your favorite protein like grilled chicken or tofu, and top it off with vegetables like roasted broccoli, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
5. Greek Yogurt Parfait
This sweet yet healthy lunch option features layers of Greek yogurt, fruit, and granola. Get creative with your combinations and enjoy the sweetness without the guilt.
6. Bagel Sandwich
Toast a bagel and add your favorite sandwich fixings. Cream cheese, smoked salmon, and avocado make for a delicious and filling combination.
7. Antipasto Plate
Combine some meats, cheeses, and veggies for a protein-heavy lunch. Olives, roasted peppers, and artichoke hearts add a flavorful touch.
8. Pita Pockets
Cut open a pita and stuff it with your favorite vegetables, hummus, and protein like grilled chicken or falafel.
9. Quinoa Bowl
Cook some quinoa, add avocado, cherry tomatoes, and grilled shrimp for a nutrient-packed lunch.
10. Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups
Roll up some turkey slices with cheese and serve with fresh fruit or a side salad.
11. Caprese Salad Skewers
Skewer cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves for a simple and tasty lunch that’s perfect for warm days.
12. Shrimp and Avocado Salad
Shrimp and avocado combine for a filling and protein-rich salad. Add roasted corn and grape tomatoes for some extra flavor.
13. Veggie and Hummus Plate
Chop up some vegetables and serve with hummus for a crunchy and well-rounded lunch.
14. Egg Salad Lettuce Wraps
Swap bread for lettuce cups and fill them with egg salad for a low-carb lunch option.
15. Cucumber and Tuna Boats
Split a cucumber in half and remove the seeds. Fill each half with tuna salad and enjoy the refreshing twist on this classic dish.
16. Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Like tuna salad, chicken salad can be served in lettuce cups for a low-carb, protein-packed lunch option.
17. Turkey and Avocado Lettuce Wraps
Spread avocado on lettuce cups and add turkey slices for a healthy and satisfying lunch.
18. Asian Noodle Salad
Cook some rice noodles and add shredded carrots, cucumbers, and sesame seeds. Top it off with a peanut sauce for a flavorful lunch option.
19. Greek Salad with Chicken
Add some grilled chicken to a classic Greek salad for some extra protein and zest.
20. Smoked Salmon Salad
Smoked salmon, arugula, and cherry tomatoes make for a delicious and omega-3 rich lunch option.
21. Chicken Caesar Salad
Romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, croutons, and Caesar dressing make for a classic and delicious cold lunch option.
22. Couscous Salad
Prepare couscous and mix it with diced vegetables, chickpeas, and a lemon vinaigrette dressing for a light and refreshing lunch.
23. Pasta Salad
Make a pasta salad with your choice of pasta, assorted veggies, and your favorite dressing. Add some protein like grilled chicken or tuna for extra substance.
24. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with a mixture of quinoa, black beans, corn, and salsa. Enjoy them cold for a satisfying meal.
25. Cold Soba Noodles
Cook soba noodles and toss them with a sesame-soy dressing, sliced cucumbers, and scallions for an Asian-inspired cold lunch.
26. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Combine chickpeas, diced cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and a lemon-oregano dressing for a tasty and healthy salad.
27. Cold Cucumber Soup
Make a refreshing cold cucumber soup with yogurt, dill, and garlic. It’s perfect for a light and chilled lunch.
28. Peanut Butter and Banana Wrap
Spread peanut butter and sliced bananas on a tortilla, drizzle with honey, and roll it up for a quick and satisfying wrap.
29. Egg and Avocado Toast
Top whole-grain bread with sliced avocado and boiled or sliced eggs. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings for a nutritious open-faced sandwich.
30. Chickpea Salad
Mix chickpeas, diced red bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and a lemon-tahini dressing for a protein-packed and flavorful salad.
31. Tofu Poke Bowl
Marinate cubes of tofu in soy sauce and sesame oil, then serve it over a bowl of cold rice with avocado, cucumber, and sesame seeds.
32. Italian Sub Salad
Enjoy all the flavors of an Italian sub sandwich in a salad form. Combine salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese, lettuce, and Italian dressing.
33. Panzanella Salad
Create a Tuscan-style bread salad by tossing cubed stale bread with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and fresh basil. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.
34. Cold Pesto Pasta
Cook your choice of pasta and toss it with homemade or store-bought pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls for a delightful pasta salad.
35. Curry Chickpea Salad
Make a curry-spiced chickpea salad with diced apples, raisins, celery, and a yogurt-based dressing. Serve on a bed of greens or in a pita pocket.
Final Thoughts,
Eating a cold lunch doesn’t have to be boring or unsatisfying. With these 35 easy and nutritious cold lunch ideas, you can enjoy a filling and flavorful midday meal no matter where you are.
So, if you’re tired of the same old boring sandwich, try one of these tasty and healthy options for a refreshing change.
