15 Dinners That Make Even Better Next-Day Lunches
Packing your own lunch is a tried-and-true way to stick to a healthy and budget-friendly meal plan. But bringing something you're not excited about to the office may just have you heading to the nearest takeout joint. Forgo this disappointment by making one of these healthy dinner recipes that will taste even better the next day.
Soba Noodle Salad With Ginger-Peanut Dressing
The combination of citrus and spicy peanut sauce in this soba noodle salad with ginger peanut dressing makes it a perfect supper — or lunch. Added bonus: buckwheat noodles contain a bevy of nutritional benefits.
Tumeric-Spiced Mushroom Pilaf
Tasty tumeric-spiced mushroom pilaf is a debloating recipe that's delicious for dinner and easy to pack up for lunch the next day.
Red, White, Bean, and Basil Frittata
Bring patriotic fever to the table, frittata style. This gorgeous red, white, bean, and basil frittata is great morning, noon, or night. Cook it up at brunch this weekend, and then bring a slice to work on Monday.
Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry
A fresh and simple recipe for shrimp and broccoli stir-fry offers a ton of bright colors and will be delicious whether served hot from the pan or cooled from the fridge.
Marinated Chickpea Salad
Our Italian-inspired marinated chickpea salad is a brown-bag delight. Serve with some whole-wheat pita or over a bed of greens to bulk up your meal.
Red Pepper and Lentil Bake
A large serving of this simple lentil red pepper bake offers protein, fiber, and vitamin C for under 250 calories. You'll love knowing this cheesy and veggie-filled bake is waiting for you in the fridge.
Indian-Spiced Chard With Tofu
This hearty vegan curry recipe should be a healthy staple in your supper rotation. It's delicious the next day, whether served hot or cold.
Spicy Sweet Potato Salad
High-fiber sweet potatoes can regulate blood sugar and help you lose weight, while a spicy, antioxidant-rich red pepper and jalapeño dressing ties everything together in this sweet potato salad. Be sure to leave over a lunch-sized portion! This easily portable salad is more delicious the next day.
Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai
You won't believe how well this Paleo-friendly spaghetti squash pad Thai holds up overnight. This lower-carb riff on the classic rice noodle dish has over 300 percent of your recommended vitamin C and vitamin A for the day, more than 50 percent of your calcium, and over 30 percent of your iron.
Broccoli Slaw "Pasta"
For a gluten-free girl on the go, look to this cheesy, garlicky broccoli slaw "pasta" from healthy chef Hungry Girl. It's quick to come together for dinner and delicious as leftovers.
Spicy Chicken Chili
For a hearty bowl of comfort on a cold night, few things are more satisfying than this spicy chicken chili. The best part is it makes lunch the next day a no-brainer. Simply ladle some chili into your Tupperware, bring your favorite chili accoutrements, and serve Greek yogurt and scallions on the side.
Kale and Quinoa Superfood Salad
For a salad that satisfies, look to this Asian kale and quinoa superfood salad for inspiration. This fiber- and protein-packed recipe is perfect for a quick dinner and just as tasty for lunch. Make sure to leave some of the salad undressed so you can toss it once you're ready to enjoy the next day.
Two-Bean Sweet Potato Soup
Take a twist on classic cream of potato soup, and opt for low-calorie white bean soup with sweet potatoes. This hearty soup makes a delicious dinner, and it's a high-protein lunch for work, perfect if you're getting in a midday strength-training session!
Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry
Bright, colorful, and satisfying cauliflower rice stir-fry is a Paleo-friendly supper that holds up in a Tupperware the next day. Feel free to nuke it at work or enjoy it cold like a salad.
Rainbow Quinoa Salad
This beautiful veggie-packed quinoa salad is under 350 calories, offering 13 grams of protein and seven grams of fiber. Any vegetarians or vegans looking for a protein-rich recipe to support weight loss will fall hard for this salad.