High-Protein Lunch Recipes For Fall

High-Protein Lunch Recipes For Fall

Fall Flavors for a Nutritious Lunch

As the seasons change, it’s the perfect time to refresh your lunch routine with high-protein recipes that incorporate the flavors of fall. In this article, we’ll explore 20 delicious and nutritious lunch ideas that feature sweet potatoes, kale, cauliflower, and other seasonal ingredients. Each recipe is packed with at least 15 grams of protein to support muscle recovery, bone health, and heart health.

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Recipe 1: Sweet Potato, Kale & Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

These hearty kale salads hold up well for 4 days, making them perfect for meal-prep lunches. To keep the ingredients from getting soggy, dress this salad and top it with peanuts just before serving. For a delicious vegan option, swap in roasted tofu for the chicken breast.

Recipe 2: Cabbage Grilled Cheese

This warming cabbage grilled cheese has it all from melty cheese, tender cabbage, and crispy sweet-tart apple slices. This sandwich is an easy winner for lunch or dinner served with a green salad. A light layer of mayonnaise on the outside of the bread is a great way to toast a grilled cheese to golden brown without having to rely on butter.

Recipe 3: Farro Salad with Arugula, Artichokes & Pistachios

Precooked farro makes this dish come together in no time. And you can make it in the same bowl you serve it in, minimizing cleanup!

Recipe 4: Stuffed Sweet Potato with Hummus Dressing

Hearty yet simple to prepare, this stuffed sweet potato with black beans, kale, and hummus dressing is a fantastic 5-ingredient lunch for one!

Recipe 5: Spiced Cauliflower & Whipped Ricotta Pitas

Spiced cauliflower bites sit atop a bright and nutty walnut spread layered with creamy whipped ricotta in this delicious open-face sandwich. The cauliflower bites are seasoned with shawarma seasoning, a complex Middle Eastern spice blend that can include cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and more.

Recipe 6: Pickled Beet, Arugula & Herbed Goat Cheese Sandwich

This pickled beet, arugula, and goat cheese sandwich is peppery with creamy notes from the goat cheese and sweet and tangy undertones from the pickled beets. Chopped walnuts add nuttiness and crunch to this easy sandwich.

Recipe 7: Moroccan-Inspired Chicken & Sweet Potato Soup

This healthy chicken soup recipe gets bold flavor from sweet potatoes, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and a touch of fiery harissa. To get a homemade stock flavor using store-bought broth, we simmer bone-in chicken breasts in the broth before adding the rest of the soup ingredients.

Recipe 8: Rainbow Grain Bowl with Cashew Sauce

This vibrant bowl is packed with nutrients to keep you full for hours. Look for precooked lentils in the refrigerated section of the produce department.

Recipe 9: Loaded Chicken-Quinoa Salad

Turn simple precooked ingredients into a delicious one-dish meal, high in fiber and with plenty of protein to keep you feeling satisfied.

Recipe 10: Turkey & Brown Rice Chili

This hearty turkey chili recipe takes just 35 minutes to prep. While it’s cooking, you’ll have time to throw together a green salad and warm up some crusty bread to complete the meal.

Recipe 11: Celeriac & Lentil Salad with Poached Eggs

Gnarly and knotty, celeriac (aka celery root) is a staple on many French bistro menus, often shredded and tossed with rémoulade sauce. Here, it’s diced and combined with lentils and plenty of other veggies, along with a poached egg on top, for a salad packed with staying power.

Recipe 12: Vegetable Sandwich with Lemon-Shallot Herb Sauce

We pile on the veggies in this satisfying vegetarian sandwich. Lemon zest and juice add brightness to the herbaceous sauce. Use any leftover sauce with pasta or as a dressing with salad greens.

Recipe 13: Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Sandwich

Got leftover chicken? This copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Sandwich is easy to make at home. You get smoky flavor and mild heat from the chipotle peppers, while the mayonnaise adds creaminess. The bread is super crispy, with basil adding freshness.

Conclusion

These high-protein lunch recipes for fall are perfect for fueling your body during the cooler months. With a focus on seasonal ingredients and bold flavors, you’ll be sure to satisfy your hunger and support your overall health and well-being. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or a more elaborate dish to impress your friends and family, there’s something on this list for everyone.

FAQs

Q: What are some other high-protein foods I can incorporate into my lunch routine?
A: Other high-protein foods you can add to your lunch routine include lean meats like chicken, turkey, and beef, as well as fish and seafood like salmon and shrimp. You can also try adding eggs, tofu, and legumes like lentils and chickpeas to your meals.

Q: How can I customize these recipes to suit my dietary needs?
A: All of these recipes can be customized to suit your dietary needs. For example, you can substitute chicken with turkey or tofu for a vegan option. You can also adjust the level of spiciness or add your favorite herbs and spices to make the dishes your own.

Q: Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
A: Yes, many of these recipes can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. For example, you can prepare the chicken and sweet potato salad up to 4 days in advance and assemble the salad just before serving. You can also cook the chili and quinoa salad ahead of time and reheat them when you’re ready to eat.