Quick and Easy Plant-Based Lunches
When I Have No Time to Cook, I Turn to These 5 Plant-Based Lunches
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
I've been fighting off quarantine cooking fatigue for a few weeks now. Preparing dinner doesn't bother me quite as much (I can save a lot of money by whipping it up myself), but making healthy and plant-based lunches from scratch while working from home can sometimes feel like a chore — especially if I don't have a ton of time.
I've figured out some ways to give myself more of a break on my lunch break, though. On top of meal prepping the night before, I'm rotating in these quick and easy plant-based lunches ahead. While some only need to be heated up on the stovetop or just 10 minutes of prep time, others are actually completely premade from meal delivery services.
From veggie-crush flatbreads to pumpkin soup, keep reading to check out my favourites.
Proper Good Spiced Pumpkin Soup
Thick and creamy (but still gluten- and dairy-free!), this Proper Good Spiced Pumpkin Soup ($7) is the coziest treat on a chilly fall day. Made with a coconut milk base, the recipe gets a unique and tasty kick from cinnamon and turmeric.
The brand also sells keto-friendly soups, bone broth, and other hearty meat-based stews.
Daily Harvest Flatbreads
When my salads are sad (which is often), Daily Harvest's Flatbreads ($9 each) are a welcomed veggie-based change.
All of the flatbreads are made with vegetable crusts — think sweet potato, broccoli, and cauliflower. They're also loaded with interesting (but delicious) combinations of fruits and veggies. Right now, I'm loving Tomato + Basil (in the picture above) and Kabocha + Sage.
Amy’s Vegan Chili Mac and Cheeze
Loading up my pantry and freezer with Amy's goods never disappoints. While I'm partial to the brand's organic, reduced-sodium soups, I'm now adding Amy's Vegan Chili Mac and Cheeze ($5) to my shopping cart.
It's the perfect lunch when all you're craving is comfort food. It's free of gluten, dairy, lactose, and nuts — and is also plant-based and kosher. Bonus: If you use a microwave, it'll be ready to enjoy in about five minutes (you might want to let it cool off before you take your first bite, though!).
Hungryroot
Hungryroot (weekly deliveries start at $59) is a supercustomizable grocery delivery service that has made lunch (and dinner time) so easy when I have no time to meal plan and prep.
The grocery plans come along with corresponding 10-minute recipes, which isn't too intimidating to tackle on my lunch break. You can also indicate your dietary preferences when you order — for example, I'd note that I only want vegan and peanut-free options.
Sakara Life
While on the expensive side, Sakara Life (plans start at $25/day) offers fully prepared, plant-based weekly deliveries. The plans are customizable, so you can opt in for one, two, or all three of your daily meals. The serving sizes have always left me feeling satisfied, too!
The menus change weekly, which is great if you're bored of your go-to sandwich. I definitely cannot afford to treat myself to the service often, but I do have the Sakara Life cookbook — so when I have time to cook, I can treat myself to some of the brand's cult-favourite recipes. In general, Sakara Life has helped me realise how many more new and interesting meals I can make using plants.
Click here for more health and wellness stories, tips, and news.
