19 Best Vegetarian Lunch Recipes for Better Blood Sugar

Reviewed by Dietitian Katey Davidson, M.Sc.FN, RD, CPT
Ali Redmond

Ali Redmond

Keep your blood sugar levels under control with these satisfying vegetarian lunches. Each recipe is lower in carbs, calories, saturated fat and sodium to align with a diabetes-appropriate eating pattern. From batch-friendly soups and salads to speedy grain bowls and sandwiches, these highly-rated dishes are flavorful and balanced. Options like our Easy Chickpea Salad Lunch Box and our Marry Me White Bean Salad will leave you feeling nourished until dinner time.

01 of 19

High-Fiber Chopped Salad with Italian Vinaigrette

Ali Redmond

Ali Redmond

This chopped salad is a crisp, colorful mix of veggies. It’s tossed with a zesty homemade vinaigrette while chickpeas bring on the plant-based protein and fiber. Everything is chopped small for the perfect forkful every time.

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02 of 19

Easy Chickpea Salad Lunch Box

Ali Redmond

Ali Redmond

This chickpea salad is a fresh, no-cook lunch that’s perfect for busy weekdays. Chickpeas are tossed with crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes and a splash of lemon juice and olive oil for a refreshing bite. It’s easy to prep multiple servings at once, so you can stock your fridge with grab-and-go lunches for the week.

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03 of 19

Veggie & Hummus Sandwich

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey

This mile-high vegetable and hummus sandwich makes the perfect heart-healthy vegetarian lunch to go. Mix it up with different flavors of hummus and different types of vegetables, depending on your mood.

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04 of 19

Marry Me White Bean Salad

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

This salad is a bright, flavor-packed dish that’s hard not to fall for. Pulling inspiration from Marry Me Chicken, the tender white beans are tossed with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil and a creamy dressing that soaks into every bite. It’s quick to throw together and perfect for meal prep, picnics or pairing with grilled meats.

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05 of 19

Cucumber-Hummus Wrap

Photographer: Ali Redmond.

Photographer: Ali Redmond.

This easy 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.

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06 of 19

Herb-Marinated Veggie & Chickpea Salad

Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.

Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.

This salad is a refreshing, no-cook dish packed with fresh flavors. It brings together crisp raw vegetables and fiber-rich chickpeas, all tossed in a zesty herb dressing that infuses every bite. It’s perfect for warm days, meal prep or busy weeknights when you want something quick.

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07 of 19

High-Protein Blueberry & Peanut Butter Chia Pudding

Photographer: Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.

Photographer: Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.

This healthy dish is loaded with chia seeds that soak up a dreamy blend of almond milk and blueberries as it chills overnight, transforming it into a thick, creamy pudding. A swirl of peanut butter and strained (Greek-style) yogurt add more creaminess along with protein.

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08 of 19

Bean & Pasta Salad

Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali.

Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali.

This bean-and-pasta salad is a satisfying dish packed with plant-based protein. It combines tender pasta with fiber-rich beans, crisp vegetables and a zesty vinaigrette for a well-balanced bite. The flavors continue to meld as it sits, making it an ideal recipe for meal prep or gatherings.

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09 of 19

Quinoa, Avocado & Chickpea Salad over Mixed Greens

Protein-rich quinoa and chickpeas add staying power to this zesty and healthy salad recipe.

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10 of 19

White Bean Salad with Feta & Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen

Tossed with fresh herbs and toasted walnuts, this salad is perfect for a light lunch. White beans provide plant-based protein while creamy feta cheese adds a tangy, salty contrast to the bright vinaigrette.

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11 of 19

Roasted Potato Tzatziki Bowls

Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist Christina Daley

Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist Christina Daley

Crispy, golden roasted potatoes are the centerpiece of these tasty bowls, accompanied by a tangy, herb-packed tzatziki sauce at the base. Loaded with fresh veggies like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and red onion with a side of chickpeas, these bowls deliver big on flavor and nutrition.

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12 of 19

High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bowl

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel

This cottage cheese bowl is loaded with capers, dill and a soft-cooked egg for the ultimate high-protein meal. This bowl will keep you going strong, while an egg adds richness and even more staying power.

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13 of 19

High-Protein Veggie Sandwich

Ali Redmond

Ali Redmond

From beans to tofu to tempeh bacon, this high-protein veggie sandwich formula can help mitigate blood sugar spikes and keep you feeling full until your next meal.

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14 of 19

Veggie Wraps

Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek

Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek

These wraps are packed with veggies, including zucchini, bell pepper and spinach. The vegetables cook quickly in a skillet, so you can pull together this easy lunch in no time. Hummus adds plant-based protein and keeps the wrap from getting dry.

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15 of 19

Garlicky White Bean & Kale Stew

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.

This lemony kale and white bean stew offers bright, hearty,and comforting flavors all in one pot. Tender carrots, onion and lacinato kale simmer with creamy cannellini beans, some of which are mashed to thicken the broth. A sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley adds a fresh zesty finish.

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16 of 19

High-Protein Mason Jar Salad

Ali Redmond

Ali Redmond

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 taste preferences.

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17 of 19

Cajun-Spiced Tofu Tostadas with Beet Crema

Photographer / Jacob Fox, Food styling / Sue Mitchell, Food Styling / Kelsey Bulat
Photographer / Jacob Fox, Food styling / Sue Mitchell, Food Styling / Kelsey Bulat

Crumbled tofu spiced up with Cajun seasoning is layered onto these tostadas with a juicy mango slaw. A dollop of sour cream zhuzhed up with beet and lime adds even more flavor. Look for precooked beets in the produce department of your grocery store.

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18 of 19

Bhel Puri-Inspired Salad

Ali Redmond

Ali Redmond

This flavorful salad was inspired by bhel puri, a type of chaat (savory snack) served across India, and features puffed quinoa and lentils for extra protein and fiber.

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19 of 19

Cilantro Bean Burgers with Creamy Avocado-Lime Slaw

Lighten up your burger! Bean patties have less saturated fat and more fiber than beef patties. They're also cheaper and easier to cook indoors--and we promise they're just as satisfying, especially with the mouthwatering creamy slaw on top.

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Original Source:

https://www.eatingwell.com/best-vegetarian-lunch-recipes-for-better-blood-sugar-11866412