The holiday season often means indulging in sweets, but it’s important to balance those treats with nutritious meals. Our collection of 15 light and easy lunches is the perfect antidote to the holiday cookie overload. These recipes are not only simple to prepare but also offer a refreshing break, ensuring you enjoy the festive season without compromising on health and flavor.
Turmeric Chicken Salad
Add a healthy twist to your lunch with this turmeric chicken salad. Fresh turmeric root enhances this creamy and crunchy salad, served best with toasted bread or in lettuce wraps. It’s a light, nutritious meal that’s flavorful and easy to prepare, perfect for a holiday lunch.
Get the Recipe: Turmeric Chicken Salad
Honey Mustard Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Salad
Combine chicken and Brussels sprouts in this light salad, enhanced with apples and pomegranates. The honey mustard dressing adds a delightful flavor. It’s a simple yet enjoyable option for a light lunch, providing a refreshing change from the usual holiday fare.
Get the Recipe: Honey Mustard Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Salad
Avocado Lentil Cranberry Salad
Packed with healthy fats from avocado, this lentil cranberry salad is an excellent choice for a light holiday lunch. The combination of cooked lentils and fresh and dried cranberries, tossed with a lemon dijon dressing, makes it a hearty yet light option, ideal for a refreshing midday meal.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Lentil Cranberry Salad
Creamy Dijon Egg Salad
Lighten up your lunch with this creamy Dijon egg salad. Greek yogurt adds a lighter touch, while green olives, red cabbage, parsley, and pepitas offer a flavorful crunch. It’s a refreshing choice for a quick holiday lunch, easily made and enjoyed.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Egg Salad
Bok Choy Salad
This crispy bok choy salad, served with an Asian-inspired sesame dressing and topped with sliced almonds and toasted sesame seeds, is a light and crunchy option. Enjoy it alone or with grilled steak or chicken for a lighter holiday lunch that still feels special and festive.
Get the Recipe: Bok Choy Salad
Baby Kale Salad
This baby kale salad is a smart choice for a light holiday lunch. Roasted BBQ chickpeas and apple slices add a satisfying crunch and sweetness, complementing the simple tahini dressing. It’s an effortless dish that provides a refreshing change from traditional heavy holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Baby Kale Salad
Chickpea Pesto Sandwich
This chickpea pesto sandwich is an easy vegetarian meal, perfect for a light holiday lunch. The non-traditional pesto with smashed chickpeas makes a delicious sandwich filling, offering a satisfying yet lighter alternative to typical holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Pesto Sandwich
Honey Chicken Apple Salad
This honey chicken apple salad offers a fresh take on a light lunch. Combining chicken with apples and sage, it’s a flavorful and easy-to-prepare option, ideal for a midday meal. Perfect for those looking for a lighter, yet fulfilling lunch during the festive season.
Get the Recipe: Honey Chicken Apple Salad
Sardine Salad
Enjoy the health benefits of omega-3 with this simple sardine salad. Mixed with mustard, capers, lemon, and fresh vegetables, it’s a light yet flavorful lunch option. The crunchy texture and rich flavors make it a great choice for a light holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Sardine Salad
Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad
Ideal for those seeking a lighter lunch, this tofu pasta salad combines fresh vegetables with a simple balsamic dressing. The tofu adds a fulfilling texture. It’s a refreshing dish that’s quick to prepare, making it a great escape from holiday cookie indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad
Dijon Dill Salmon Salad
Our Dijon dill salmon salad is a protein-rich, light lunch ideal for the holidays. The combination of fresh dill, lemon, dijon mustard, capers, and roasted chickpeas offers a savory and smoky flavor profile. Serve on toasted bread or in lettuce wraps for a refreshing meal.
Get the Recipe: Dijon Dill Salmon Salad
Blueberry White Bean Salad
This white bean salad, dressed in a creamy tahini turmeric dressing, offers a light yet nourishing lunch option. The inclusion of blueberries, herbs, and pickled red onions, along with seeds and sprouts, provides both nutrition and a satisfying crunch. A perfect choice for a lighter holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry White Bean Salad
Roasted Sweet Potato Apple Ham Sandwich
The roasted sweet potato apple ham sandwich, served hot with melted cheddar cheese and honey mustard spread, is a delightful choice. It’s a unique and light lunch option, offering a variety of flavors and textures, ideal for those seeking something different during the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato Apple Ham Sandwich
Creamy Mediterranean Carrot Salad
This carrot salad is a colorful and light choice for a holiday lunch. Chickpeas, raisins, feta, and parsley are tossed in a creamy yogurt tahini dressing, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a lighter meal amidst the season’s indulgences.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mediterranean Carrot Salad
Healthier Tuna Waldorf Salad
This tuna Waldorf salad is a healthier option for a light and quick lunch. It doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a lighter yet fulfilling meal during the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Healthier Tuna Waldorf Salad