15+ Gluten-Free Vegan Lunch Ideas that are Delicious, Healthy, and Easy to Prep & Pack

In need of some mid-day meal inspiration? These 15+ vegan and gluten-free lunch ideas are perfect for taking to work or school, or for enjoying a tasty meal at home. 

Does your lunch routine leave you feeling like you’re in a bland and boring rut? I promise you’re not alone. Lunch is often the hardest meal for me because I’m a busy gal – once my day gets started, it’s GO, GO, GO!

Because I feel your lunchtime meal pain, I’ve rounded up 15 of my favorite delicious, easy-to-prepare vegan lunch recipes that are excellent for meal prep. These trusty recipes are a snap to make and will make lunch an occasion to look forward to rather than a sad affair taken over your keyboard.

What Can I Eat For (EASY) Lunch As A Vegan?

Just because you don’t want to eat animal products or you need gluten-free food DOES NOT mean your lunch has to be boring. I also promise that it doesn’t have to be hard, either!

I have assembled an incredible list of gluten-free soups, salads, grain bowls, cold pasta, and wraps, PLUS easy protein add-ons, and healthy sweets to make sure that lunchtime is something you can look forward to all week long.

I’ve made sure you’ll have a full arsenal of go-to lunch recipes so you can keep the blah at bay. Packed lunch has never been so fresh and colorful!

So put down the takeout menus and forget about PB&Js; these easy, healthy gluten-free vegan recipes are about to transform your weekday lunch life for the better. Let’s get cookin’!

What do I use to store it?

I always store my lunches in easy-to-carry and easy-to-heat portable glass containers like these Pryrex containers.

If you’re looking for more of a bento box style, there are these glass meal prep/bento box containers too.

I avoid plastic so I know I don’t have any toxic chemicals getting into the food I eat. Using these heat save glass containers is a safe way to reheat/store food (just don’t use the plastic lid when reheating).

Soups

I don’t know about you, but soup is my go-to comfort food all year round. It’s cozy, nourishing, and the perfect way to warm up in the depths of winter – or in my case, the freezing cold, overly air-conditioned office in the summer.

Creamy Vegan Tomato Soup with Chickpeas

I’ll start off the list with my own favorite lunch. My Creamy Vegan Roasted Tomato Soup is warming, filling, AND good for you! I make a batch on Sundays and bring the rest to work.

Check out this recipe

Vegan Chick’n Noodle Soup

This vegan take on the comfort food classic is a balm for the soul. Make a batch whenever you need a meal that feels like a hug! (Gluten Free Option)

Check out this recipe

Vegan Colcannon Soup

This creamy, dreamy Colcannon Soup isn’t just for St. Patrick’s Day. Loaded with potatoes and cabbage, this inexpensive meal is hearty, healthy and downright slurpable.

Check out this recipe

Creamy Vegetable Soup

Made in the Instant Pot, this speedy soup is loaded with veggies and brown rice for a tasty and filling bowl full of goodness.

Check out this recipe

Salads

I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but salads don’t have to be boring!!! Scratch your itch for crispy, crunchy, and cold foods when the weather is too hot to bear.

TIP: To keep your salads nice and fresh until lunchtime, be sure to pack the dressing separately. You can also follow this handy guide for packing the perfect salad in a mason jar.

Buffalo Soy Curl Salad

Want to add a little punch to your lunch? Try this salad loaded with crispy buffalo soy curls, lettuce, carrots, celery, onion, avocado and a creamy vegan ranch dressing.

Check out this recipe

Thai-Inspired Quinoa Salad

This salad combines quinoa, creamy chickpeas, sweet carrots, crunchy cabbage, cilantro and a sweet and spicy peanut sauce for a meal your officemates will envy.

Check out this recipe

Green-Inspired Quinoa Salad

Take a trip to a Mediterranean beachside cafe with this Greek-Inspired Quinoa Salad. Quinoa and veggies are topped with tasty vegan feta for a bright and fresh midday meal.

Check out this recipe

Vegan Broccoli Salad

This Broccoli Salad from Bohemian Vegan Kitchen is sugar free and a great way to get your veggies in at lunch! Add in vegan protein (see options below) and you’re all set for a healthy lunch!

Check out this recipe

Pasta Salads

When work (or life in general) is tough, I love turning to a big bowl of carbs as comfort. These pasta salad recipes are easy to transport, don’t require any microwaving, and are loaded with veggies so you don’t have to feel guilty about your indulgences.

Healthy Ramen Noodle Salad

Ramen noodles are good for more than just soup! Ready in about 10 minutes, this healthy and colorful salad is made with gluten-free rice noodles, crunchy shredded veggies, and a zesty oil-free dressing.

Check out this recipe

Vegan Ranch Pasta Salad

My tasty Vegan Ranch Pasta Salad is easy to make, much healthier than boxed pasta salads, and is perfect for lunch! It’s a hit with kids and adults alike.

Check out this recipe

Easy Vegan Pasta Salad

No microwave? No problem. This Easy Vegan Pasta Salad is loaded with veggies and beans, uses very little oil and comes together with just 15 minutes of effort, making it a perfect recipe for packed lunch.

Check out this recipe

Bowls

Whether you heat these in the microwave or enjoy them cold, these deliciously colorful bowls are sure to make your co-workers crazy with envy.

Glass Noodle Salad Bowls

These Glass Noodle Salad Bowls are loaded with fresh vegetables, smoky grilled tofu, glass noodles, and a tangy sauce.

Check out this recipe

Green Power Bowls

This Green Power Bowl is full of plant-based goodness! Whole grains, beans, tasty veggies, creamy avocado and a cilantro lime sauce is all you need for a spectacular lunch.

Check out this recipe

Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl

Roasted peppers and sweet potatoes, fiber-filled black beans and brown rice, creamy avocado and a delightful tahini dressing? Sign me up.

Check out this recipe

Mediterranean Bowl

These colorful Mediterranean Bowls are filled with briny olives, sweet red peppers, brown rice, roasted sweet potatoes and a creamy hummus dressing. They’re sure to leave you fala-full until dinner!

Check out this recipe

Wraps & Sandwich Ideas

These vegan taco meat and “chicken” salad recipes are extremely versatile and are a big hit with the kids.

Add to salads or bowls for a big hit of flavor and protein, or make your own Lunchables with crackers or chips. You can also make wraps out of tortillas, flatbreads, lettuce, or collard greens.

Vegan Taco Wraps

My Vegan Taco Wraps have all the salty, spicy, crave-able goodness of tacos in a convenient wrap form. You can also add the taco “meat” to salads or bowls, or serve with tortilla chips for a fun take on nachos.

Check out this recipe

Vegan Chicken Salad

This creamy and easy “chicken” salad is perfect for adding to salads, sandwiches or wraps. Made in just 10 minutes, this recipe is my weekday dream!

Check out this recipe

Some other ideas to add to gluten-free sandwiches, wraps, or to eat with crakers are:

• Peanut/almond/sunflower butter and jelly (or even better strawberry or blueberry chia jam)
• Chickpea salad: mashed chickpeas with some vegan mayo, chopped celery, and spices
• Hummus & veggies

Extra Protein Add Ins

Try adding any of these easy, tasty bits to your salads, bowls or wraps for an extra filling meal that is sure to keep you full till dinnertime.

Tempeh Crumbles

These quick and easy Tempeh Crumbles are incredibly versatile, easily customizable, and a perfect vegan swap for ground meat in just about any meal. Plus they’re ready in about 10 minutes!

Check out this recipe

Popcorn Tofu

This Popcorn Tofu is crispy, dippable, and downright delicious. Try this fun (and healthy!) alternative to deep-fried nuggets next time you're in a fast-food kind of mood. It's so yummy that even the kids will love it!

Check out this recipe

Tofu Crumbles

This easy recipe for Tofu Crumbles is a staple in any vegan household. They’re versatile in flavor, and are easy to make in the air fryer or oven. It’s a great vegan and vegetarian meat substitute!

Check out this recipe

Vegan Chicken

Tender Vegan Chicken strips from soy curls are easy to make and just as good as the real thing! Make them in the air fryer or oven and add to your favorite bowls or salads for an added boost of protein.

Check out this recipe

Sweet Snacks

If you’re anything like me, you may need a little something to fight off the 3 o’clock slump. These tasty snacks are just enough to satisfy my sweet tooth without ruining my dinner.

Vegan Cookie Dough Protein Balls

A healthy cookie dough? That’s right! My Vegan Cookie Dough Protein Balls are a delicious snack when a sweet craving hits. They’re full of protein and low in sugar for a tasty treat the whole family will love. 

Check out this recipe

Vegan Sweet Pumpkin Dip

This Sweet Pumpkin Hummus is the perfect treat. It’s easy to make and so tasty you won’t believe it’s actually healthy! The surprise ingredient is chickpeas but don’t let that scare you away – no one will know (unless you tell them)!

Check out this recipe

Vanilla Almond Balls

These Vanilla Almond Balls are a perfect snack for those mid-day cravings. Although they’re delicious, they contain no added sugar – only dates – so they’re much healthier than most store-bought bars!

Check out this recipe

Chocolate Cherry Protein Balls

These Chocolate Cherry Protein Balls are the perfect treat after a workout or anytime you want a healthy delicious snack. 

Check out this recipe

If you make this recipe and LOVE IT, please give it 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!

Easy Homemade Vegan Lunch

Author: Mary Elllen Valverde | VNutrition

If you're a vegan but like your lunches to be snack-y like those prepared meat and cheese trays of childhood, it's simple to make your own!

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Prep Time 5 mins

Servings 1

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Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ⅓ cup Vegan Chicken Salad
• 1 serving gluten-free crackers or tortilla for wrapping
• 1 cup mixed greens + 1 tablespoon of salad dressing of choice
• 1 healthy-ish treat such as a piece of fruit, a Vanilla Almond Ball or Cookie Dough Protein Ball
• 1 serving water or sparkling water or unsweetened iced tea

Instructions

 

• Using a bento box style lunchbox (or some reusable containers), arrange the ingredients so that the dry items are stored away from the wet. Most notably, the chicken salad and salad dressing should be well insulated from other ingredients.
• Optional: Write love note on a paper napkin and pack it with the lunch.
• Enjoy!

Notes

• Nutrition facts will vary based on your choices of crackers/wrap, fruit/treat, and salad dressing.
• Pack up to a week in advance, keeping the bento box in the fridge. If storing for more than a few hours, be sure to use airtight containers for any dry ingredients like crackers to prevent them from going stale.

Nutrition

Calories: 207kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 7gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 549mgPotassium: 10mgFiber: 4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 1mg

Please Note: The nutritional information is a computer generated estimate so these numbers should be used only as a guide.

Tried this recipe? Let me know + share it!Leave a comment and ⭐ rating below so I know you enjoyed the recipe! Tag @v.nutrition on Instagram with the hashtag #vnutritionandwellness so I can feature you!

Mary Ellen Valverde | VNutrition

Mary Ellen Valverde MS, CNS, LDN is a Licensed Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist who empowers vegans to feel confident in creating sustainable habits that align with their values and health goals. She shares easy gluten-free plant-powered food to nourish your body + satisfy your tastebuds. Mary Ellen’s recipes and nutrition info have been featured on Yahoo News, Parade, VegNews, LIVESTRONG, Dr. Axe, Greatist, LIVEKINDLY, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more.