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Don’t get me wrong, I love chowing down on rich, creamy, calorie-dense meals that leave me feeling utterly stuffed after just a few bites. (I’m only human!) But sometimes I prefer a recipe that’s airy and light, so I don’t feel bloated and weighed down the rest of the day. It feels good to prioritize healthy eating and light meals, because these options tend to keep you energized as opposed to the dreaded sedative reaction from eating too much pasta before it’s even noon. (Guilty!)
If you want to prioritize light lunches in 2026, you’re not alone. Here are the best options that will keep you nice and full, but won’t offer that unfortunate bloat which leads to a midday crash.
Scroll for 8 delicious and balanced lunch choices!
Healthy Spring Roll Chicken Bowl
Brit + Co
I love, love, love cozying up with this deconstructed spring roll bowl — tender grilled chicken, crisp fresh veggies, and a generous drizzle of your favorite peanut sauce for a flavorful, fuss-free twist! It’s warm, light, and positively mouthwatering. If you’re a spring roll fan but not up for the rolling, this is a great way to spice things up.
Burrata Caesar Salad Pizza
Half Baked Harvest
Is this the most delicious lunch I’ve ever tasted in my entire life? Yes. There’s no debate here. I can confidently say that this Burrata Caesar Salad Pizza is hands down my favorite. It’s hard for me not to crave pizza, but it’s not the best health decision to eat it all the time. However, this Caesar salad pizza, topped with lettuce and tahini Caesar salad dressing, is a much healthier alternative. I can enjoy my pizza and get some nutrients in, too.
Authentic Fattoush Salad
Forks & Foliage
I absolutely adore this exotic and airy salad, complete with delicious Middle Eastern pita chips, fresh lettuce, purslane, cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, radishes, and green onions. The pita chips help keep you full, while the salad provides the nutrients to keep you satiated throughout the hours leading up to dinner.
Blackened Salmon Caesar Salad
Half Baked Harvest
If you’re a fan of all the Caesar salad options, this Blackened Salmon Caesar Salad is perfect. It is so fresh, tasty, and nutritious that it’ll easily become your new go-to meal. I’m a big fan of salmon and have had it prepared all kinds of ways, but this is certainly my favorite. I love how healthy and high-quality this recipe tastes!
Pizzadillas
Feel Good Foodie
This delicious lunch will satisfy your hunger without leaving you feeling uncomfortably full. The only thing better than pizza and quesadillas is combining them into one. It only takes 10 minutes to prep, offering the perfect combo of tortilla, gooey cheese, and warm marinara. My mouth is watering just from writing about these pizzadillas!
Italian Chop Pasta Salad
Half Baked Harvest
Anyone else obsessed with pasta salads? I love that the flavor doesn’t leave you feeling all stuffed and bloated like a regular pasta dish would, and the combination of basil and tomato keeps everything flavorful and wholesome. This one is extra special because it incorporates some other Italian favorites like salami, pepperoni, and mozzarella. If you love Italian food but hate how heavy it is, this option is for you.
Tuna Avocado Salad
Feel Good Foodie
It doesn’t get fresher than this. It’s the perfect way to pack on the protein as well as the fiber we all tend to skip out on (yet desperately need in our diets!) If you love tuna sandwiches but want to cut out the carbs from bread, this is the perfect alternative. It's versatile too, use pita bread if you want something fuller or crackers to get some crunch.
Lemony Garlic Chicken and Orzo Soup
Salt & Lavender
Don’t even get me started on this mouthwatering meal combo. Fresh, savory, exotic, and totally light! You need to add this to your diet if you want to incorporate the highest-quality, most nutritious flavors at lunchtime.
Which light lunch will you choose this week?
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