15 20-Minute Mediterranean Diet Lunches for Weight Loss

Photographer: Ali Redmond.

Photographer: Ali Redmond.

These healthy recipes are the answer to all your lunchtime needs. Low in calories and high in protein and/or fiber, these meals can help support healthy weight loss. Plus, with plenty of whole grains, protein and healthy fats, they fit seamlessly into the Mediterranean diet, one of the healthiest eating patterns around. Not to mention, all of these recipes come together in just 20 minutes, making them perfect for a quick lunch break. Sounds good to you? Try our Chopped Broccoli & Chickpea Salad or our Cucumber-Hummus Wraps  and enjoy a lunch that’s healthy, fast and delicious. 

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Chopped Broccoli & Chickpea Salad

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong, Food Stylist: Ruth Skipworth.

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong, Food Stylist: Ruth Skipworth.

This hearty broccoli-chickpea salad is packed with satisfying texture and flavor from tender chickpeas, crunchy almonds, sweet golden raisins and tangy feta cheese. A mash of feta forms the base of the creamy, lemony dressing, coating every bite.

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02 of 15

Cucumber-Hummus Wrap

Photographer: Ali Redmond.

Photographer: Ali Redmond.

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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03 of 15

Gut-Healthy Miso Cup Soup

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall , Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall , Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

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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04 of 15

Chickpea-Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

These Chickpea-Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps give classic tuna salad a fresh, flavorful upgrade. Mashed chickpeas add creamy texture and extra protein, while Greek yogurt gives the salad a light, creamy base. A generous shake of everything bagel seasoning ties it all together with savory crunch. Wrapped in crisp butter lettuce instead of bread, it’s a satisfying, high-protein lunch that’s perfect for meal prep or a quick, no-cook dinner.

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05 of 15

Easy Chickpea Salad Lunch Box

Ali Redmond

Ali Redmond

This easy chickpea salad lunch box 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 scale up the recipe to prep multiple servings at once, so you can stock your fridge with grab-and-go lunches for the week. Just remember to add the crackers on the day you plan to enjoy it to keep them crunchy and delicious.

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06 of 15

High-Protein Cucumber Sandwich

Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food Stylist: Julia Levy, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food Stylist: Julia Levy, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

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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07 of 15

Chickpea Grain Bowl with Feta & Tomatoes

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

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

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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08 of 15

High-Protein 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

This white bean salad with feta and lemon-garlic vinaigrette is quick and requires no stove time. White beans bring plant-based protein and fiber to help keep you full. Creamy feta cheese provides a tangy, salty contrast to the bright vinaigrette. Tossed with fresh herbs and toasted walnuts, this salad is perfect for a light lunch.

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09 of 15

No-Chicken Salad Sandwich

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

This no-chicken salad sandwich, made with chickpeas, is a delicious plant-based alternative to the classic chicken salad. Mashing the chickpeas creates a creamy texture that blends seamlessly with Greek-style yogurt, celery, pecans and grapes for flavor and crunch. Serve it on whole-grain bread, in a wrap, over a salad or with crackers for an easy lunch.

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10 of 15

5-Ingredient Avocado & Chickpea Salad

Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco.

Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco.

This avocado-and-chickpea salad is a fresh, flavorful dish that comes together in minutes. Made with just five ingredients, it’s as simple as it is satisfying. Creamy avocado pairs perfectly with hearty chickpeas for a filling, plant-based meal. With no cooking required and minimal prep, it’s a perfect quick lunch or dinner.

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11 of 15

Cucumber-Avocado-Tomato Sandwich

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Pricilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Pricilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

This tomato, cucumber and avocado sandwich is the perfect light and easy lunch. With a few fresh ingredients, you can have a satisfying meal in just 10 minutes. Creamy avocado and hummus provide plant-based protein and healthy fats, while juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers bring refreshing crunch and flavor. Layer it all on whole-grain bread for an extra boost of fiber, and you’ve got a quick and wholesome sandwich at the ready!

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12 of 15

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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13 of 15

Chickpea, Beet & Feta Salad with Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette

Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop stylist: Addelyn Evans

Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop stylist: Addelyn Evans

This chickpea, beet & feta salad is a vibrant blend of flavors and textures, marrying the earthy sweetness of beets with the creamy richness of feta cheese, all tied together with a zesty lemon-garlic dressing. If you have the time, you can roast or steam your own beets or, to keep prep fast and simple, opt for precooked beets found in the produce section of well-stocked grocery stores.

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Green Goddess Tuna Salad

Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop stylist: Gabriel Greco

Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop stylist: Gabriel Greco

Canned tuna makes this recipe convenient and pantry-friendly while also offering an impressive punch of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon, sardines or mackerel would work just as well in this quick recipe. Use the remaining herb sauce as a dressing for salads or grain bowls, as a spread on sandwiches or as a dip for vegetables. This recipe is easily doubled to make a big batch to meal-prep for the week. Serve on bread, in a wrap, over a bed of greens or scooped up with your favorite chips, crackers or cucumber slices.

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20-Minute Chickpea Soup

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Huff, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Huff, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

When dinner needs to happen fast, turn to this creamy chickpea soup that’s pulled together in just 20 minutes. Cream cheese melts right into this zesty soup for a velvety texture that feels cozy and comforting. Garnished with cilantro and crunchy tortilla strips, it’s a one-pot meal that’s weeknight-friendly and crowd-pleasing.

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Original Source:

https://www.eatingwell.com/20-minute-mediterranean-diet-weight-loss-lunch-recipes-11903652