25 Vegan Lunch Ideas So Good, You’ll Forget All About Fast Food!

We may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read our privacy policy for details.

These 25 vegan lunch ideas include satisfying sandwiches, wholesome salads, and comfort foods to beat the afternoon slump. Stay full and feel good with meals perfect for your lunchbox!

Spice up your afternoons with vegan lunch recipes that will make fast food a distant memory. 

Pack any of these for work and enjoy a nutritious lunch that’s as convenient as it is delicious!

Vegan “Chicken” Salad Sandwiches

vegan chicken salad sandwich
VEGAN “CHICKEN” SALAD SANDWICHES. PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY FOOD HEALTHY LIFE. 

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox!

These vegan sandwiches have all the meaty, creamy deliciousness you love in a chicken salad! It’s also meal prep-friendly, making it possible to have a wholesome lunch even when you’re short on time. 

Get the Recipe: Vegan “Chicken” Salad Sandwiches

Copycat Zupas Ultimate Grilled Cheese

Zupas Ultimate Grilled Cheese Copycat Recipe
COPYCAT ZUPAS ULTIMATE GRILLED CHEESE. PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY FOOD HEALTHY LIFE.

This crisp, melty, cheesy sandwich will make you skip the drive-thru. The best part? All you’ll need are a few common pantry ingredients!

Get the Recipe: Copycat Zupas Ultimate Grilled Cheese

Best Vegan Lobster Roll

Vegan Lobster Rolls
BEST VEGAN LOBSTER ROLL. PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY FOOD HEALTHY LIFE.

Part of the fun of exploring vegan lunch ideas is discovering plant-based alternatives to classic comfort foods. If you love lobster rolls, you’ll be missing out if you don’t try this vegan version. 

Get the Recipe: Best Vegan Lobster Roll

Vegetarian Sloppy Joes

veggie sloppy joes
VEGETARIAN SLOPPY JOES. PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY FOOD HEALTHY LIFE.

Want a yummy sandwich for lunch that’s completely plant-based? This recipe will change the way you enjoy lentils. 

Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Sloppy Joes

The Best Vegan Black Bean Burger

vegan black bean burger
THE BEST VEGAN BLACK BEAN BURGER. PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY FOOD HEALTHY LIFE.

Craving a burger for lunch? Forget fast food or store-bought plant-based “burgers” that fall apart. Make the patties yourself using canned beans!

Get the Recipe: The Best Vegan Black Bean Burger

Sign up now for Pure Plates Newsletter! Once a week: pure vegan & vegetarian recipes, zero spam.🥗

Jerusalem Salad

Simple Jerusalem Salad
JERUSALEM SALAD. PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY FOOD HEALTHY LIFE.

This refreshing cucumber tomato salad only takes 10 minutes to prepare. The only part that requires some effort is chopping the veggies!

Get the Recipe: Jerusalem Salad

The Best Vegan Cobb Salad

vegan cobb salad
THE BEST VEGAN COBB SALAD. PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY FOOD HEALTHY LIFE.

This isn’t your ordinary lettuce salad. It’s loaded with corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, radish, roasted chickpeas, and baked tofu—it’s a feast for all the senses!

Get the Recipe: The Best Vegan Cobb Salad

Spiced Chickpea Kale Salad with Lemon Cashew Dressing

chickpea kale salad
SPICED CHICKPEA KALE SALAD WITH LEMON CASHEW DRESSING. PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY FOOD HEALTHY LIFE.

This vegan salad is so easy to make, it’s perfect for lazy days! Packed with hearty veggies, it’s exactly what you need for an afternoon boost. 

Get the Recipe: Spiced Chickpea Kale Salad with Lemon Cashew Dressing

Beet Flatbread

beetroot and feta flatbread
BEET FLATBREAD. PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY FOOD HEALTHY LIFE.

This beet flatbread is guaranteed to turn heads at lunchtime. It features grilled beets, vegan feta cheese, kale, and candied almonds over a toasted flatbread and then drizzled with balsamic reduction.

Get the Recipe: Beet Flatbread

Vegan Potato Salad

vegan potato salad
VEGAN POTATO SALAD. PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY FOOD HEALTHY LIFE.

Creamy, savory, and hearty—what more can you ask for?  Even non-vegans won’t be able to resist this filling and comforting potato salad.

Get the Recipe: Vegan Potato Salad

Sign up now for Pure Plates Newsletter! Once a week: pure vegan & vegetarian recipes, zero spam.🥗

Copycat Cafe Rio Veggie Salad with Vegan Creamy Cilantro Dressing

cafe rio veggie salad copycat
COPYCAT CAFE RIO VEGGIE SALAD WITH VEGAN CREAMY CILANTRO DRESSING. PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY FOOD HEALTHY LIFE.

Give in to your Cafe Rio salad cravings without leaving the house! This delicious recipe only takes 20 minutes. 

Get the Recipe: Copycat Cafe Rio Veggie Salad with Vegan Creamy Cilantro Dressing

Vegan Street Corn Salad

street corn salad
VEGAN STREET CORN SALAD. PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY FOOD HEALTHY LIFE.

Imagine everything good about street corn minus the hassle of grilling it and eating it on the cob. This salad version of street corn is so yummy, everyone will be digging into your lunchbox. 

Get the Recipe: Vegan Street Corn Salad

Super Easy Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

VEGAN STUFFED PEPPERS
SUPER EASY VEGETARIAN STUFFED PEPPERS. PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY FOOD HEALTHY LIFE.

These stuffed peppers might outshine the classic meat-filled version. Quinoa, beans, corn, and salsa make these vegetarian stuffed peppers hearty and delicious!

Get the Recipe: Super Easy Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

Vegan Stuffed Eggplant

VEGAN STUFFED EGGPLANT BY FOOD PLUS WORDS
VEGAN STUFFED EGGPLANT. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Enjoy the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine using simple ingredients! This packable lunch idea is also a breeze to make since the oven does the work for you. 

Get the Recipe: Vegan Stuffed Eggplant

Sign up now for Pure Plates Newsletter! Once a week: pure vegan & vegetarian recipes, zero spam.🥗

Vegan Pasta Puttanesca Without Anchovies

VEGAN PASTA PUTTANESCA BY FOOD PLUS WORDS
VEGAN PASTA PUTTANESCA WITHOUT ANCHOVIES. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

A guilt-free pasta recipe? Yes, please! This quick lunch idea also comes together in under 30 minutes so that you can satisfy your afternoon hunger ASAP.

Get the Recipe: Vegan Pasta Puttanesca Without Anchovies

Vegan Fried Chicken

VEGAN FRIED CHICKEN BY HAPPY FOOD HEALTHY LIFE
VEGAN FRIED CHICKEN. PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY FOOD HEALTHY LIFE.

If fried chicken is one of your favorite weekday lunch meals, this tasty vegan version will hit the spot! You might even already have the ingredients in your pantry.

Get the Recipe: Vegan Fried Chicken

Black Bean Sweet Potato Burritos

BLACK BEAN SWEET POTATO BURRITOS BY HAPPY FOOD HEALTHY LIFE
BLACK BEAN SWEET POTATO BURRITOS. PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY FOOD HEALTHY LIFE.

Make lunchtime a fiesta with these vegan burritos! Just don’t forget the avocado crema for this delicious and easy-to-make dish.

Get the Recipe: Black Bean Sweet Potato Burritos

Chili Baked Potato

chili stuffed baked potato
CHILI BAKED POTATO. PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY FOOD HEALTHY LIFE.

Need an afternoon pick-me-up? How about a fluffy potato overloaded with chili and cheese that’s completely vegan-friendly? 

Get the Recipe: Chili Baked Potato

Sign up now for Pure Plates Newsletter! Once a week: pure vegan & vegetarian recipes, zero spam.🥗

Sheet Pan Tofu and Veggies

vegan sheet pan tofu dinner
SHEET PAN TOFU AND VEGGIES. PHOTO CREDIT: HAPPY FOOD HEALTHY LIFE.

If you want to make a filling lunch at home but dread the idea of having a sink full of dishes to wash after, this recipe is for you! The tofu and colorful veggies are cooked in the same pan, and you can just sit back and let the oven do its magic. 

Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Tofu and Veggies

Tofu Burrito Bowl

TOFU BURRITO BOWL BY SERENE TRAIL
TOFU BURRITO BOWL. PHOTO CREDIT: SERENE TRAIL.

Vegan rice bowls don’t have to be boring. This tofu burrito bowl features cilantro lime rice and flavor-packed toppings, so you’ll love everything from top to bottom!

Get the Recipe: Tofu Burrito Bowl

Easy Vegan Chickpea Tuna Pasta Salad

EASY VEGAN CHICKPEA TUNA PASTA SALAD BY EASY CHICKPEASY
EASY VEGAN CHICKPEA TUNA PASTA SALAD. PHOTO CREDIT: EASY CHICKPEASY.

Is there a tastier way to stay energized throughout the day than having a “tuna” pasta salad? You can even take the experience to the next level and use butter lettuce to scoop it up!

Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Chickpea Tuna Pasta Salad

Vegan Crunchwrap Supreme Recipe 

VEGAN CRUNCHWRAP SUPREME RECIPE BY BASICS WITH BAILS
VEGAN CRUNCHWRAP SUPREME RECIPE. PHOTO CREDIT: BASICS WITH BAILS.

Who knew you could satisfy your Taco Bell cravings without any meat? This copycat recipe only takes 15 minutes!

Get the Recipe: Vegan Crunchwrap Supreme Recipe

5-Minute Avocado Bagel Sandwich

5-MINUTE AVOCADO BAGEL SANDWICH BY THE FRUITY JEM
5-MINUTE AVOCADO BAGEL SANDWICH. PHOTO CREDIT: THE FRUITY JEM.

Imagine a rich and satisfying creamy avocado sandwich, all in just 5 minutes! This is also the ideal lunch box idea if you don’t want to bring cutlery. 

Get the Recipe: 5-Minute Avocado Bagel Sandwich

Vegan Pearl Couscous Salad

VEGAN PEARL COUSCOUS SALAD BY A LITTLE AND A LOT
VEGAN PEARL COUSCOUS SALAD. PHOTO CREDIT: A LITTLE AND A LOT.

Bring this vibrant pasta salad in a mason jar for the most gorgeous packed lunch ever! Use your favorite veggies to accompany the couscous.

Get the Recipe: Vegan Pearl Couscous Salad

Asian Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

ASIAN BROCCOLI STIR FRY RECIPE BY SPOONS OF FLAVOR
ASIAN BROCCOLI STIR FRY RECIPE. PHOTO CREDIT: SPOONS OF FLAVOR.

Looking for a recipe for kids who don’t like broccoli? Serve them tender, crisp broccoli bites in an Asian-style glaze!

Get the Recipe: Asian Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe

Sign up now for Pure Plates Newsletter! Once a week: pure vegan & vegetarian recipes, zero spam.🥗

Conclusion

Breakfast is not the only important meal of the day!

Don’t settle for less. Refuel with these vegan lunch ideas to tackle the rest of the day with gusto. 

I don’t know about you, but I’ll gladly trade fast food for a packed lunch consisting of vegan lobster rolls and street corn salad.

Interested in more vegan recipe ideas? You’ll love these related recipes:

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *