Are you getting tired of the same boring weekday lunch? Whether it’s at your work desk or on-the-go, you should be able to enjoy a delicious meal like these high protein clean eating lunch ideas.

Sounds too complicated or time-consuming to think up ideas? That’s why I have compiled a list of 27 great lunch ideas to help you. Plus, they’re high-protein and clean-eating, a win all around!

So, whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just need a quick, healthy, and tasty midday boost, these recipes offer a fabulous choice from chicken to cheeseburger, salad to shrimp, and more.

1. Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl

Are you looking for the perfect meal that packs a punch of protein? My Buffalo chicken cottage cheese bowl is a nutritious, bold, and zesty meal with 56g of protein per serving.

Imagine tender chicken breasts paired with delicious Buffalo flavor, the creaminess of cottage cheese, and the crunchiness of fresh celery. It’s the perfect pick-me-up when your workday starts to drag.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 483
• Fats: 23g
• Protein: 56g
• Carbs: 9.9g
• Fiber: 1.4g
• Sugar: 6.5g

2. Chicken Corn Rice Bowls

Source: allnutritious.com

This tasty meal takes only a few minutes to assemble.

The flavorful recipe combines delicious tender chicken, sweet corn, fluffy Basmati rice, and a zesty dressing. It’s so versatile that I make it for a workday lunch and as a treat for party guests.

It’s also high protein, clean eating, gluten-free, and low-calorie. Check out these other high protein clean eating recipes!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 434
• Fats: 13g
• Protein: 34g
• Carbs: 48g
• Fiber: 4.1g
• Sugar: 8.1g

3. Southwest Chicken Salad

Source: allnutritious.com

Here’s a nod to Southwestern cuisine – it’s absolutely delicious! I know, that might seem obvious, but as a European gal, I’m still discovering all its bold, vibrant flavors – so bear with me!

In this recipe, I have included all the fabulous classic Southwestern flavors that give smoky, tangy, and mildly spicy with just the right hint of citrus.

It’s Texas on a plate at your work desk.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 354
• Fats: 7.2g
• Protein: 33g
• Carbs: 42g
• Fiber: 9.5g
• Sugar: 6.2g

4. Shrimp Buddha Bowls

Source: allnutritious.com

While shrimp may sound high-end for a weekday lunch, you’ll certainly rethink that after seeing how quick and easy this dish is to make.

Think – juicy shrimp cooked in olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika, served with sweet potato, asparagus, kale, and quinoa, topped off with the tang of wholegrain mustard.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 323
• Fats: 12g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 23g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 7.5g

5. Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad

Source: allnutritious.com

Are you following a high-protein diet for weight management? This tasty, creamy chicken salad will boost your protein intake, keep you full until dinner, and only takes 15 minutes to get ready.

It’s a great combo of grilled or rotisserie chicken breasts, tangy banana peppers, crunchy celery, and mild oniony notes.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 316
• Fats: 15g
• Protein: 38g
• Carbs: 9.1g
• Fiber: 2.2g
• Sugar: 4.1g

6. Burger in a Bowl

Source: allnutritious.com

Are you craving a takeout burger but don’t want the unhealthy additives and the expense? Why not try my protein-packed, flavorful, burger in a bowl?

It’s a great family lunch option for a lazy weekend. Plus, it’s so versatile – everyone can add their own ingredients based on their tastes. Choose avocado, red onion and cucumbers, or vary it with mushrooms, artichokes, or kimchi.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 360
• Fats: 21g
• Protein: 26g
• Carbs: 17g
• Fiber: 5.5g
• Sugar: 7.7g

7. Italian Chicken Pasta Salad

Source: allnutritious.com

Not all salads pack a protein punch, so if you want to be sure that you’re getting a boost, try my

Italian chicken pasta salad.

It offers 22g of protein and is a refreshing, tasty dish of tender rotisserie chicken, packed with veggies, infused with authentic Italian herbs and a hint of lemon.

If you like heat, add red chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 456
• Fats: 19g
• Protein: 22g
• Carbs: 49g
• Fiber: 3.6g
• Sugar: 4.5g

8. Ranch Chicken Meal Prep

Source: allnutritious.com

Who can resist the classic taste of Ranch? My family LUV this dish, and it’s my go-to for meal prep.

Think – juicy, seasoned chicken breasts, crispy Parmesan-crusted roasted potatoes, and perfectly caramelized broccoli, all with a side of creamy ranch dressing to tie it all together.

Best of all – it offers a good amount of protein as well as healthy carbs and fats for a balanced meal.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 572
• Fats: 29g
• Protein: 33g
• Carbs: 44g
• Fiber: 5.4g
• Sugar: 3.4g

9. Chicken Salad

Source: allnutritious.com

Does chicken salad sound boring? Think again – this clean eating lunch recipe is anything but!

It’s a delish plate of perfectly tender, golden brown chicken, crisp veggies, and a tangy, citrusy, herby but not overpowering dressing.

This is my choice for meal prep Sundays when I want to make something fast, easy and protein-packed.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 597
• Fats: 31g
• Protein: 55g
• Carbs: 26g
• Fiber: 5.9g
• Sugar: 17g

10. Cheeseburger Bowls

Source: allnutritious.com

Why order greasy takeout when you can create the same delicious flavors at home in a jiffy?

These cheeseburger bowls combine everything you love from a delicious and indulgent cheeseburger, with only 11.3g of net carbs and a boost of 35g of protein.

For extra crunch, I like to add onion flakes, fried mushrooms, or roasted almonds.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 516
• Fats: 35g
• Protein: 35g
• Carbs: 15g
• Fiber: 3.7g
• Sugar: 7.1g

11. Sweet Potato Black Bean Bowl

Source: allnutritious.com

Here’s a tasty, Mexican-inspired protein-packed dish that combines roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned black beans, and lime-infused Basmati rice with a range of fresh toppings to create the ultimate meal.

Top it with avocado, guacamole, sliced red onions, or cilantro. When I have guests around for lunch, I serve it with a green salad with Mexican street corn or chilled gazpacho.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 308
• Fats: 5.5g
• Protein: 12g
• Carbs: 55g
• Fiber: 13g
• Sugar: 4.2g

12. Greek Chicken Bowls

Source: allnutritious.com

Greek flavors are my all-time favorites! So, here’s my Greek chicken bowl recipe, which brings all the authentic Mediterranean flavors in a high protein meal.

This delicious recipe combines chicken breasts with olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, and oregano. It comes with a side salad and a topping of homemade tzatziki.

Plus, it’s great to eat hot (when you have time) or cold (when you’re in a rush).

Per Serving:

• Calories: 659
• Fats: 27g
• Protein: 61g
• Carbs: 42g
• Fiber: 4.4g
• Sugar: 8.5g

13. Chipotle Chicken Salad

Source: allnutritious.com

How about Mexican chipotle chicken on a bed of fresh greens and vegetables, drizzled with the most delicious fruity, honey mango dressing? Yes, Please!

This dish is fun, flavorful, colorful, and super healthy. When I make it for guests, they ask which restaurant I ordered from. It’s that sophisticated and delicious.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 596
• Fats: 25g
• Protein: 39g
• Carbs: 61g
• Fiber: 15g
• Sugar: 28g

14. Orange Chicken

Source: allnutritious.com

If you find you’re eating bland fried chicken for lunch again, it’s time to try this recipe to make your chicken sweet, juicy, and incredibly fragrant.

These glazed, bite-sized, healthy orange chicken pieces are served with fluffy rice and broccoli for the yummiest made-in-advance lunch.

It’s a delicious high protein, clean eating meal that you can’t resist.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 662
• Fats: 15g
• Protein: 62g
• Carbs: 71g
• Fiber: 6.1g
• Sugar: 21g

15. Honey Garlic Shrimp

Source: allnutritious.com

Make your work colleagues envious when you open a lunch box filled with plump juicy shrimp coated in a delicious honey and garlic sauce. They’re sure to ask you for the recipe!

This dish is a great mid-week high protein pick-me-up.

If I make it on a weekend for the family, I serve it with an assortment of fresh, crunchy veggies. It’s like a taste of summer on a plate.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 436
• Fats: 6.2g
• Protein: 26g
• Carbs: 72g
• Fiber: 7.5g
• Sugar: 17g

16. Chicken Burrito Bowls

Source: allnutritious.com

How about a dish that has all the classic flavors of a takeout without the carbs and the expense? Try my chicken burrito bowls and you’ll be sold.

The bowl consists of shredded chicken with spicy rice, accompanied by sweet corn, creamy black beans, juicy tomatoes, and fresh arugula. It’s so yummy and the kids love it too.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 520
• Fats: 13g
• Protein: 37g
• Carbs: 64g
• Fiber: 9.5g
• Sugar: 4.2g

17. Easy Salmon Stir Fry

Source: allnutritious.com

Asian flavors just make me smile. So, here’s my easy salmon stir fry that brings all those delectable sweet and umami flavors into your kitchen.

Combining crisp vegetables, fluffy rice, and heaps of salmon goodness, it’s a tangy, tasty, colorful dish that’s perfect to banish the mid-week slump.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 488
• Fats: 29g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 31g
• Fiber: 4.6g
• Sugar: 19g

18. Spicy Pineapple Chicken

Source: allnutritious.com

Pineapple and chicken are a match made in heaven. And, this is an easy one-pan stir fry, so you don’t have loads of dishes to wash after the meal.

Let’s talk – tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and some heat from chili sauce, jalapeno peppers and red pepper flakes, served on a bed of fluffy rice. It’s spicy, umami, and high-protein and you are sure to be back for more.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 324
• Fats: 10g
• Protein: 31g
• Carbs: 29g
• Fiber: 1.8g
• Sugar: 23g

19. Salmon Meal Prep with Veggies

Source: allnutritious.com

Before I discovered meal prep, my weekdays were frantic and stressful. Now, I can plan everything in advance, feel relaxed, save money, and always have a tasty meal option ready in minutes. Sounds impossible – it’s not!

In under 40 minutes, you can prepare this healthy, high protein meal for the days to come. It’s a delicious plate of salmon and veggies with spices that are the perfect combination of sweetness and acidity.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 806
• Fats: 45g
• Protein: 54g
• Carbs: 53g
• Fiber: 13g
• Sugar: 16g

20. Teriyaki Chicken

Source: allnutritious.com

How about a mid-week trip to Japan in your own home! My teriyaki chicken will transport you to this exotic destination, and it’s quick and easy to make.

Every morsel of this juicy chicken is coated in a thick, luscious teriyaki sauce. With fluffy white rice, fresh firm broccoli, and crunchy white sesame seeds on top, this is your mid-week getaway on a plate.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 653
• Fats: 20g
• Protein: 51g
• Carbs: 68g
• Fiber: 2.4g
• Sugar: 23g

21. Honey Garlic Chicken

Source: allnutritious.com

Honey garlic chicken is sweet and sour, sticky, nutritious and delicious. I make this when guests come around, and they always ask for seconds.

The chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, nicely caramelized and coated in a garlic, soy, and honey sauce, served with fluffy white rice or brown rice.

For something different, I sometimes serve it with black rice – it has a great nutty flavor and is packed with iron, fiber, and protein.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 803
• Fats: 23g
• Protein: 47g
• Carbs: 105g
• Fiber: 4.1g
• Sugar: 26g

22. Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice and Tomatoes

Source: allnutritious.com

My Teriyaki Chicken sent you to Japan, and now my Greek Chicken with lemon rice and tomatoes will send you to Greece.

This tasty dish offers juicy, seasoned chicken, zesty lemon-infused rice, fresh vegetables, and creamy feta cheese. Best of all – it’s all made in just one pan – quick and easy.

Want to modify for a vegetarian option? Replace the chicken with marinated tofu, tempeh, or extra chickpeas.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 660
• Fats: 29g
• Protein: 53g
• Carbs: 48g
• Fiber: 7.7g
• Sugar: 3.8g

23. Salmon Bowl

Source: allnutritious.com

Salmon is a great choice as a high protein, clean eating lunch idea.

My salmon bowl is umami, a little spicy and sweet. It’s also filling and will keep you going until dinner without any mid-afternoon slump.

Think – fluffy rice, flaky salmon, finger-licking sauce, crunchy veggies, and a spicy kick.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 906
• Fats: 41g
• Protein: 32g
• Carbs: 105g
• Fiber: 13g
• Sugar: 13g

24. Salmon Quinoa Mason Jar Salad

Source: shahzadidevje.com

How much fun is this idea from Desi~licious RD? For me, Mason jars are quaint, vintage, and have a feel-good vibe.

And, what’s better than filling them with a delish mix of salmon, quinoa, and veggies all with a tangy lemon and olive oil dressing?

I make this as a pick-me-up lunch and also as a show-stopper when guests come around. They always LUV it.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 461
• Fats: 29g
• Protein: 22g
• Carbs: 29g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 3g

25. Greek Chicken Salad

Source: melaniecooks.com

Here’s another cool Mason jar idea – Melanie’s budget-friendly dish is super easy to put together.

She also supplies her homemade Greek salad dressing recipe.

This is a fresh, healthy, high-protein dish that you won’t get tired of.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 512
• Fats: 39g
• Protein: 27g
• Carbs: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 8g

26. Spinach Beet and Chicken Power Salad

Source: healthyseasonalrecipes.com

Want to power up your eating plan? This great recipe is perfect for meal prep and offers a high-protein tasty salad of chicken and beet that will keep your week lunches exciting.

You can also jazz it up with different dressings – how about apple cider vinegar dressing, a maple tahini dressing, or even a classy walnut balsamic vinaigrette? 

Per Serving:

• Calories: 377
• Fats: 27g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbs: 15g
• Fiber: 5g

27. Chopped Salad with Shrimp

Source: carmyy.com

Want a change from chicken? Shrimp is a great choice and this dish is quick and easy to make using frozen peel and tail removed shrimps.

After frying the shrimp in a delectable coating of butter and olive oil, you assemble the dish with crispy crumbled bacon, creamy avocado, fresh romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, corn, and tangy goat cheese. Give it a try.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 687
• Fats: 43g
• Protein: 45g
• Carbs: 34g
• Fiber: 9g
• Sugar: 9g