Healthy Living

These veggie-packed lunches come together in just 15 minutes or less. From hearty grain bowls to refreshing salads, these easy meals feature ingredients like cucumbers, spinach and tomatoes, so you can enjoy a healthy, vegetable-forward lunch. Recipes like our High-Protein Cucumber Sandwich and Chickpea Grain Bowl with Feta & Tomatoes are simple, nutritious dishes you’ll look forward to eating at lunchtime.

01 of 16

High-Protein Cucumber Sandwich

This high-protein cucumber sandwich features a creamy spread made by whipping cottage cheese with white miso, soy sauce and rice vinegar. This mixture delivers a creamy boost of protein that pairs perfectly with sliced cucumbers, which add a crisp, fresh bite.

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02 of 16

High-Protein Caprese Chickpea Salad

This caprese chickpea salad is a fresh, protein- and fiber-packed, plant-based twist on the classic Italian favorite. It combines creamy mozzarella pearls, juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant fresh basil with hearty chickpeas for a satisfying dish. A simple balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with a tangy-sweet finish. It’s quick to prepare, colorful and bursting with summery flavor.

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03 of 16

Chickpea Grain Bowl with Feta & Tomatoes

This chickpea-farro grain bowl is a hearty dish that’s packed with plant-based protein, fiber and tons of fresh flavor. Farro, a whole grain with a nutty taste and chewy texture, forms the base and pairs perfectly with tender chickpeas and veggies. If you don’t have farro on hand, you can easily swap in quinoa, brown rice or barley.

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04 of 16

Cucumber-Hummus Wrap

This cucumber-hummus wrap is a crisp, refreshing lunch packed with veggies. Shredded green cabbage adds a satisfying crunch, while the creamy dressing (flavored with pickle juice, but no pickles) adds tang without excess sodium. Hummus provides a creamy base that pairs perfectly with the fresh crispy vegetables. For a shortcut, swap in pre-shredded coleslaw mix instead of shredding your own cabbage.

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05 of 16

The Only High-Protein Mason Jar Salad Formula You Need

Mason jar salads make for a convenient lunch that can easily be taken on the go or enjoyed at home. With just a few ingredients, you have a well-rounded lunch packed with fiber, protein and micronutrients that won’t spike your blood sugars. This nutritious Mason jar salad allows plenty of room for customization based on your preferences.

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06 of 16

Cucumber-Salmon Salad Sandwich

This salmon-and-cucumber sandwich, served on rye bread, combines flaky canned salmon with crisp cucumber slices and a smear of cream cheese. Fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon juice add brightness, while a pinch of cracked pepper enhances the savory flavor profile.

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07 of 16

Gut-Friendly Veggie Sandwich

This high-fiber sandwich features a tangy yogurt spread for a probiotic boost, plus shaved asparagus for a healthy dose of prebiotics to support a healthy gut. Shaving is a great way to enjoy raw asparagus. To shave the asparagus, use a vegetable peeler to peel the spears lengthwise.

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08 of 16

No-Cook White Bean & Spinach Caprese Salad

This easy white bean and spinach caprese salad features the classic combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil and tangy balsamic vinegar, but adds tender white beans and fresh baby spinach to the mix. If you can’t find mozzarella pearls, cut or tear a fresh ball of mozzarella into bite-size pieces instead. If you like your salad with a little kick, try swapping out the spinach for arugula or use spring mix for a more mild flavor.

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09 of 16

Cucumber-Spinach Sandwich

This cucumber-spinach sandwich is light and refreshing, combining crisp cucumbers with tender spinach for a fresh, green bite. Layered on whole-grain bread with a creamy spread, it’s both simple and satisfying. Perfect for a quick lunch at work or at home, this sandwich is a no-fuss option.

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10 of 16

Anti-Inflammatory Beet & Avocado Wrap

Packed with fiber and monounsaturated fats, avocados are one of the best foods to eat to fight inflammation. Combined with raw beets, which contain their own inflammation-fighting phytochemicals, you'll get a lunch that packs a healthy punch. The tahini-lemon mixture adds brightness and a nutty flavor to the wrap. To julienne beets, cut them into thin rounds, then slice the rounds into matchsticks. Or to save time, simply grate the beets on the largest holes of a box grater.

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11 of 16

Arugula & Cucumber Salad with Tuna

Spicy baby arugula complements crisp Persian cucumbers and celery in this refreshing salad. Italian Castelvetrano olives offer a mild, buttery flavor that doesn't compete with the flavor of the tuna. If you want more punch from your olives, Niçoise olives or Kalamata olives work well too.

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12 of 16

Tomato & Cucumber Sandwich with Bacon

This refreshing, tangy sandwich is easy to pull together when you're short on time. You can lightly toast the bread if you want a little crunch. Fresh dill adds a grassy flavor—if you don't have fresh, use 1/8 teaspoon dried dill in its place. Make it a vegetarian sandwich by skipping the bacon in favor of sliced cheese or an extra slice of tomato.

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13 of 16

Gut-Healthy Miso Cup Soup

This soup is packed with gut-healthy ingredients like miso, a fermented paste that may improve digestion as well as reducing gas and bloating. The base of the soup is prepared in advance and stored in separate containers. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply add the broth and heat it in the microwave. If you don’t wish to travel with vegetable broth or don’t have access to a microwave, you can use reduced-sodium bouillon instead and just add hot water. Cover and let the soup stand for 10 minutes before serving.

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14 of 16

Kale Salad with Quinoa & Chicken

Toss the cooked chicken into this healthy salad recipe while it's still warm to lightly wilt the kale, making it softer and easier to eat. Using store-bought salad dressing saves time, but you could also make your own vinaigrette.

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15 of 16

Vegan Superfood Grain Bowls

This nutrient-packed grain bowl recipe comes together in 15 minutes with the help of a few convenience-food shortcuts like prewashed baby kale, microwaveable quinoa and precooked beets. Pack these ahead to keep on hand for easy meal-prep lunches or dinners on busy nights.

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16 of 16

Cucumber Chickpea Salad with Feta & Lemon

This cucumber chickpea salad with feta and lemon is tangy and refreshing. You can enjoy it on its own or toss it with greens for an easy lunch or dinner.

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When life gets busy, the slow cooker does the heavy lifting. These highly rated crockpot recipes make it easy to serve a nourishing, satisfying dinner. Just add everything to the pot, let it cook while you’re away and by the time you’re home, a cozy, family-friendly meal is waiting. From our Slow-Cooker Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta Bake to our Slow-Cooker Spinach & Artichoke Chicken Soup, these are the must-make crockpot recipes you’ll come back to all season long.

01 of 20

Slow-Cooker Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Pasta Bake

This simple vegetarian pasta bake is rich in protein and comes together effortlessly in the slow cooker, for a convenient one-pot meal. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, sun-dried tomato pesto and plenty of veggies delivers a mix of sweet and savory flavors with every bite.

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02 of 20

Slow-Cooker Spinach & Artichoke Chicken Soup

If you love spinach and artichokes, this is the perfect soup for you. The creamy base is packed with veggies and shredded chicken, which soaks up the broth while adding a boost of protein.

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03 of 20

Kalua Cabbage

Re-create the steaming effect of an imu, or Hawaiian underground oven, using your slow cooker to make this hearty pork and cabbage dish. Lapsang souchong, a smoky tea, mimics the imu’s smoke while a whole banana replicates the flavor traditionally imparted by layers of banana leaves.

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04 of 20

Slow-Cooker Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup

This comforting soup is loaded with broccoli and chicken in a creamy, cheesy base and finished off with the classic toppings of bacon and scallions. Frozen onions and rice keep their integrity and add texture to the soup, but chopped fresh onions and cooked brown rice (not frozen) can be used in their place.

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05 of 20

Slow-Cooker Beef Curry

Long, slow cooking periods mellow flavors while bold spices, in bold amounts, will hold their own over time. That’s just what happens here with big flavors from Thai curry paste and fish sauce finished with fresh touches of cilantro and lime juice that together, draw inspiration from Thai curry. Serve over a bed of brown rice or brown rice noodles to catch all the sauce.

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06 of 20

Slow-Cooker Three-Bean Chili Mac

Chili meets mac and cheese in this fix-it-and-forget-it slow-cooker dinner. Hot tomato sauce, a Mexican canned tomato sauce that also includes spices and chiles for heat, kicks up the flavor.

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07 of 20

Crock Pot Chicken & Dumplings

This recipe uses store-bought biscuits for dumplings that are moist and tender once stirred into the savory mixture of creamy mushrooms, chicken and veggies.

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08 of 20

Slow-Cooker Kale & Sausage Stew

Turkey sausage gets transformed in this rich stew made with hearty winter vegetables like carrots, kale and potatoes. Perfect for meal prep or family dinners, this stew comes together easily in the slow cooker.

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09 of 20

Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili

If you like Buffalo wings, you'll love the flavors in this warm, hearty chili that comes together easily in the slow cooker. Sour cream helps cut the heat, but you could also use plain strained yogurt.

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10 of 20

Slow Cooker Chicken, Bacon & Potato Soup

This chicken potato soup is perfect for soup season, hearty yet brothy and veggie-packed so it doesn't feel too heavy.

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11 of 20

Easy Slow-Cooker Potato-Leek Soup with Boursin

This creamy slow-cooker leek soup showcases leeks’ mild onion flavor, enhanced by plenty of fresh and dried herbs and with potatoes adding texture and body.

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12 of 20

Kale, Wild Rice & Chicken Stew

Chicken thighs get perfectly tender in just a few hours in the slow cooker. Plus, cooking everything together low and slow infuses all the flavors together for complexity in every bite.

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13 of 20

Slow-Cooker Potato Soup Four Ways

Be sure to use waxy potatoes, such as red or Yukon Gold, in this crockpot potato soup recipe. The result will be creamier than if you use starchy varieties like russets. Load your bowl up like a classic baked potato or see the tip below for more ways to mix it up.

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14 of 20

Slow-Cooker Mediterranean Diet Stew

With a focus on vegetables, legumes and healthy fats, this slow-cooker stew fits the bill for those following the Mediterranean diet. Swap out the chickpeas for white beans for a different twist, or try collards or spinach in place of the kale.

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15 of 20

Slow-Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Noodle Soup

Thanks to plenty of vegetables, lean chicken breast and whole-wheat pasta, this slow-cooker soup fits nicely into the Mediterranean diet. Pair it with a salad and toasted whole-grain bread for an easy, healthy dinner.

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16 of 20

Slow-Cooker White Bean & Sausage Cassoulet

This slow-cooker cassoulet comes together quickly without fuss. Mashing some of the beans makes the broth creamier, while a topping of toasted panko adds contrasting crunchiness. Serve with a crusty baguette to sop up every last drop of the sauce. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, if desired.

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17 of 20

Slow-Cooker Barbecue Brisket Sliders

Serve these slow-cooker brisket sliders when company's coming--perhaps to watch the big game--for an easy, crowd-pleasing dish. The crisp, tangy coleslaw is the perfect pairing for the tender, rich brisket.

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18 of 20

Slow-Cooker Herb & Mushroom Braised Beef

With its comforting flavors contributed by savory meat, mushrooms, onions, carrots and fresh herbs, this slow-cooker braised beef is a wonderful supper on cold-weather days.

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19 of 20

Slow-Cooker Chicken with Potatoes, Carrots & Herb Sauce

Impress the in-laws, neighbors or any other dinner guests with this pretty dish. It's a slow-cooker chicken recipe that actually looks and tastes like it was oven-roasted. To save time, prep the vegetables a day ahead or in the morning, and then refrigerate until ready to brown the meat and start the slow cooker.

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20 of 20

Slow-Cooker Turkey Thighs with Herb Gravy

Those who love tender, moist, dark meat will love these slow-cooker turkey thighs. If turkey thighs aren't available, ask your butcher to cut up a whole turkey and give you the bone-in thighs. Feel free to substitute an equal weight of chicken thighs for the turkey thighs, if desired.

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