Vegan Lunch

We’ve previously discussed appetizers and breakfast, so now let’s talk about vegan lunch! 🌱

Plant based lunch options go far beyond salads. I’ve curated a list of my favorite recipes for you to try, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! You can also find additional recipes on my Pinterest page.

Potato Soup

Creamy potato soup is so comforting! I’ve made different variations of potato soup throughout this pandemic. 💃

Minestrone

Black Bean Soup

Lentil Soup

Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese

I recommend Chao brand for grilled cheese.

Gazpacho

Gazpacho is my favorite summertime soup. 😍

Buffalo Chickpea Sandwich

Vegan chickpea sandwich topped with fresh tomatoes.

By now you’ve probably noticed that I love buffalo sauce. Love the flavor, love the spice, love the heat. (You can find a list of vegan-friendly condiments here.)

Peanut Butter and Jelly

One of the simplest vegan lunches there is! But make sure the jam is vegan (i.e. no gelatin and don’t forget about sugar!)

Vegan BLT with Baked Tempeh Bacon

Vegan BLT sandwich made with tempeh bacon and served with fresh sliced cucumbers for lunch.

This was sooooo good! I truly didn’t miss a “normal” BLT. (Also FYI: I recommend Chosen Foods Traditional Vegan Mayo.)

Tofu “egg” Salad

I’m telling you, the amazing “veganized” version of dishes just keep coming! This was a really tasty egg salad sandwich substitute, and was even more flavorful on the second day.

Chickpea “chicken” Salad

Open-faced chickpea pecan salad sandwich topped with whole pecans, craisins, and chives.

Not only is it healthy, but it’s delicious and easy to make! You can mash chickpeas with a fork, but I prefer using a pastry cutter. It works really well and takes less time.

Wraps & Lettuce Cups

Pasta Salad

Homemade Salad Dressing

Variety of three different homemade vegan salad dressings: ranch, Greek vinaigrette, and thousand island.

Mixed salad greens topped with tomatoes, celery, carrots, cucumbers, sunflower seeds, and hemp seeds and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

I much prefer homemade salad dressings, and these are some of the best. 😊 If you don’t want to make your own, there is now a nice variety of vegan salad dressing options available in grocery stores.

Black Bean & Avocado Quesadilla

Store bought meals

Look for these products at your local supermarket in the freezer section:

Amy’s has a wide variety of vegan products.

StarLite Cuisine is 100% vegan: taquitos, enchiladas, and tacos.

Check out these microwavable vegan meals for those extra busy days when you don’t have time to cook.

Also look for frozen burritos, or ramen, mac and cheese, and other microwavable meals.

Crispy breaded tofu slices served with roasted potato and broccoli.

We know by now that processed foods are not as healthy as a whole food plant based diet. When my husband and I first transitioned to a vegan diet, we ate more of the processed foods and meat and dairy alternatives. But now, 8 months in, we’re eating less and less–and craving more fruits and veggies! 🌱

It gets easier, I promise. Getting started is the most daunting part. Always remind yourself of those health benefits and the positive impact you’re making on the environment and animal kingdom.

What has surprised you the most about a plant based diet? Are there things in your diet that you could never give up? Leave your comments below and any additional questions you have! Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. And get ready for the next course–dinner! 😍

Potato Soup

Minestrone

Black Bean Soup