30+ Whole30 Lunch Recipes

Navigating lunch on the Whole30 program can be a challenge, especially when you’re short on time or away from home. But with a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy delicious, satisfying, and compliant lunches that will keep you energized throughout the afternoon. This article provides over 30 Whole30-compliant lunch recipes, from vibrant salads and hearty bowls to comforting soups and portable wraps.

The Whole30 Lunch Formula

A successful Whole30 lunch follows the same principles as breakfast: a balanced combination of protein, healthy fats, and vegetables. This formula ensures you’re getting the nutrients you need to stay full and focused, without the post-lunch slump that often comes with carb-heavy meals.

Key Principles for a Whole30 Lunch:

• Prioritize Protein: Chicken, beef, fish, and eggs are all great options.
• Load Up on Veggies: Aim to fill at least half of your plate with a variety of colorful vegetables.
• Incorporate Healthy Fats: Avocado, nuts, seeds, and compliant dressings will help you feel satisfied.
• Plan Ahead: Meal prep is your best friend when it comes to Whole30 lunches. Prepare ingredients or full meals in advance to make lunchtime a breeze.

Now, let’s explore some delicious and easy Whole30 lunch recipes!

Salads & Bowls

Salads and bowls are a fantastic way to pack a variety of nutrients into your midday meal. They are easily customizable and perfect for meal prep.

1. Classic Chicken Salad

A timeless lunch favorite, made Whole30-compliant.

• Ingredients: 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken, 1/2 cup compliant mayonnaise, 1 celery stalk (chopped), 1/4 red onion (diced), salt, and pepper.
• Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Serve over a bed of greens or in a lettuce wrap.

2. Taco Salad

All the flavors of a taco, without the non-compliant tortillas.

• Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (cooked with taco seasoning), 4 cups of chopped lettuce, 1/2 cup of salsa, 1/2 avocado (diced), and your favorite taco toppings (e.g., olives, cilantro).
• Instructions: Layer the lettuce, ground beef, and toppings in a bowl. Drizzle with salsa and enjoy.

3. Greek Chicken Bowls

A fresh and flavorful bowl that is perfect for a light yet satisfying lunch.

• Ingredients: 2 cups cooked and chopped chicken, 1 cucumber (diced), 1 cup of cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/2 red onion (sliced), 1/4 cup of compliant Greek dressing.
• Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and toss with the dressing.

4. Salmon and Avocado Bowl

A nutrient-dense bowl that is packed with healthy fats.

• Ingredients: 4 oz cooked salmon (flaked), 1/2 avocado (diced), 2 cups of mixed greens, 1/4 cup of compliant vinaigrette.
• Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and toss with the vinaigrette.

5. Big Mac Salad

Enjoy the flavors of a Big Mac in a healthy and compliant way.

• Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (cooked and crumbled), 4 cups of chopped lettuce, 1/2 cup of diced pickles, 1/4 cup of diced onions, and a compliant Big Mac sauce.
• Instructions: Layer the lettuce, ground beef, and toppings in a bowl. Drizzle with the Big Mac sauce and enjoy.

Hearty & Satisfying Lunches

For those days when you need a more substantial lunch, these protein-packed recipes will do the trick.

6. Leftover Steak and Veggies

Don’t let your leftover steak go to waste! Simply reheat it with some roasted vegetables for a quick and easy lunch.

7. Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies

A one-pan meal that is perfect for meal prep. Simply roast your favorite compliant sausage with a variety of chopped vegetables.

8. Bunless Burgers

Enjoy a juicy burger without the bun. Serve it over a bed of lettuce with your favorite compliant toppings.

9. Pulled Pork Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

A delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for a chilly day. Simply top a baked sweet potato with a generous portion of compliant pulled pork.

10. Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

A quick and easy stir-fry that is packed with flavor. Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep it Whole30-compliant.

Soups & Stews

Soups and stews are a great way to warm up on a cold day. They are also perfect for meal prep, as they can be made in large batches and enjoyed throughout the week.

11. Creamy Tomato Soup

A classic comfort food, made Whole30-compliant with coconut milk.

• Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes, 1 cup of full-fat coconut milk, salt, and pepper.
• Instructions: Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the coconut milk and season with salt and pepper. Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth.

12. Beef and Vegetable Stew

A hearty and flavorful stew that is perfect for a cold day.

• Ingredients: 1 lb beef stew meat, 4 cups of beef broth, 2 cups of chopped vegetables (e.g., carrots, celery, potatoes), 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), salt, and pepper.
• Instructions: Brown the beef in a large pot. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 hours, or until the beef is tender.

13. Chicken and Veggie Soup

A light and healthy soup that is perfect for a quick and easy lunch.

• Ingredients: 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken, 4 cups of chicken broth, 2 cups of chopped vegetables (e.g., carrots, celery, green beans), salt, and pepper.
• Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a pot and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

14. Zuppa Toscana

A creamy and flavorful soup that is a Whole30 take on the Olive Garden classic.

• Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage, 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 4 cups of chicken broth, 2 cups of chopped potatoes, 2 cups of chopped kale, 1 cup of full-fat coconut milk, salt, and pepper.
• Instructions: Brown the sausage in a large pot. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened. Add the chicken broth and potatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir in the kale and coconut milk and cook for another 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

15. Chili

A classic comfort food that is perfect for a cold day. Omit the beans to keep it Whole30-compliant.

• Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Instructions: Brown the ground beef in a large pot. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer. Cook for at least 30 minutes, or until the flavors have melded.

Portable & On-the-Go Lunches

For those days when you need a lunch that you can eat on the go, these portable options are perfect.

16. Lettuce Wraps

Use large lettuce leaves as a wrap for your favorite fillings, such as chicken salad, taco meat, or pulled pork.

17. Collard Green Wraps

Collard greens are a sturdy and nutritious alternative to tortillas. Simply blanch the leaves to make them more pliable, then fill with your favorite fillings.

18. Bento Boxes

Pack a variety of compliant foods in a bento box for a fun and easy lunch. Some ideas include hard-boiled eggs, sliced vegetables, compliant lunch meat, and a handful of nuts.

19. Mason Jar Salads

Layer your salad ingredients in a mason jar for a portable and convenient lunch. Start with the dressing on the bottom, followed by hard vegetables, protein, and leafy greens on top.

20. Leftover Skewers

Thread leftover cooked meat and vegetables onto skewers for a fun and easy lunch.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Lunches

Meal prep is the key to a successful Whole30. These make-ahead recipes will save you time and stress during the week.

21. Egg Roll in a Bowl

All the flavors of an egg roll, without the non-compliant wrapper.

• Ingredients: 1 lb ground pork, 1 bag of coleslaw mix, 1/4 cup of coconut aminos, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp ginger (grated), 2 cloves of garlic (minced).
• Instructions: Brown the pork in a large skillet. Add the remaining ingredients and cook until the coleslaw is wilted.

22. Meatballs

Make a large batch of compliant meatballs and enjoy them throughout the week. Serve them with zucchini noodles or over a bed of cauliflower rice.

23. Tuna Salad

A classic lunch option that is perfect for meal prep. Make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

24. Chicken Drumsticks

Roast a large batch of chicken drumsticks and enjoy them for lunch throughout the week. They are delicious hot or cold.

25. Shepherd’s Pie

A hearty and comforting casserole that is perfect for meal prep. Top a layer of ground meat and vegetables with a layer of mashed cauliflower or sweet potatoes.

More Lunch Inspiration

26. Stuffed Avocados

Fill avocado halves with chicken salad, tuna salad, or shrimp salad.

27. Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon

A simple and elegant lunch that is perfect for a hot day.

28. Shrimp and Avocado Ceviche

A refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light lunch.

29. Leftover Soup

Soup is always a great option for lunch. Make a large batch over the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week.

30. Charcuterie Board

Create a compliant charcuterie board with a variety of cured meats, olives, nuts, and fruits.

31. Leftover Curry

Enjoy a flavorful and satisfying lunch by reheating leftover curry. Serve it over a bed of cauliflower rice.

Conclusion

With these 30+ Whole30 lunch recipes, you’ll never have to worry about a boring or unsatisfying midday meal again. By planning ahead and getting creative in the kitchen, you can enjoy delicious and compliant lunches that will keep you on track with your Whole30 goals. Remember to listen to your body, experiment with different flavors and ingredients, and have fun with your food!