5 Easy-To-Prep Lunches To Get You Through The Week
With the seasons changing, my birthday and a new job on the horizon, there's no denying this is the season of new beginnings, and that goes for everyone. Whether you're sending your kids off to school, prepping for another year of college or like me, just turning another year older, September is for getting a fresh start.
As you head off on your adventures, you're going to need to keep yourself well-fueled. And that's where these lunch recipes will come in handy. These easy-to-prep meals are far from boring and will definitely help you switch up your regular old sandwich and salad routine. However — we did just overhear someone eating lunch with a friend in the park saying that using hummus instead of dressing had "really changed up their on-the-go salad for the better" — just in case you needed to keep everything from getting soggy. Hey — what can we say? We're here to help.
Besides using hummus instead of dressing, get these lunches packed for the week ahead, too:
1. Chicken And Spinach Pasta Salad
Recipe and Photo By: Carmyy
This dish can be eaten cold and requires little to no cooking at all. Canned chicken keeps you from firing up the skillet in this recipe. All you'll have to do is cook the noodles until they're al dente, stir the chicken, spinach and a creamy garlic dressing together and it's ready to be packed away. Top with chili red chili flakes for extra flavor!
2. No-Cook Burrito Bowls
Recipe and Photo By: Lovely Culinary
Lettuce, chicken, corn, black beans, salsa and guac are all you need to recreate your favorite burrito, in a healthier, no cooking required form. This is perfect for when you're on-the-go, especially since its packed full of flavor and will have you craving it come lunchtime.
3. Chicken Meatballs With Cauliflower Rice
Recipe and Photo By: Eating Well 101
Whether you buy the chicken meatballs or make them from scratch, drenching them in garlicky butter should take them to a whole other level. Top with seasonings and a lemon wedge and place on a bed of cauliflower rice — and you've got yourself some gourmet on-the-go!
4. Cold Sesame Noodles With Spiralized Vegetables
Recipe and Photo By: Sweet Peas And Saffron
This veggie packed lunch is sure to blow your mind. Whole wheat spaghetti noodles mix with spiralized zucchini, carrots and chickpeas to create one filling and delicious lunch. The homemade sauce is what gives this its sesame flavor, and once you open the lid on this, it's as simple as drizzle with the sauce, mix and eat.
5. Sweet Potato Black Bean Bowls
Recipe and Photo By: Spoonful of Flavor
Last, but certainly not least is a veggie-loaded quinoa bowl. Considering the quinoa is flavored with chili powder, cilantro and lime — every part of this meal will be full of flavor. As if that wasn't delicious enough, everything gets topped with a creamy cilantro dressing. So, yeah — is it lunchtime yet?
Who's ready for the week now?!
Here's a tip to make mornings easier — just in case you need a just as much help as we do to get out of the door!
—Labels and Lacquer girls
Images: Courtesy Blogs (5)