As winter fades and spring blooms, it’s time to refresh your lunch routine with seasonal ingredients and lighter fare.
These 15 spring lunch ideas combine fresh produce, vibrant flavors, and satisfying textures to brighten your midday meal.
Whether you’re looking for make-ahead options for busy workdays or leisurely weekend lunches, these recipes offer something for everyone.
1. Asparagus and Goat Cheese Quiche
This springtime classic pairs tender asparagus with tangy goat cheese in a flaky crust. The creamy egg filling holds it all together, creating a slice that’s equally perfect warm from the oven or chilled the next day.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Add fresh herbs like chives or dill for an extra flavor boost. Perfect for meal prep – make it on Sunday for easy lunches throughout the week.
2. Caprese Sandwich with Basil Pesto
Transform the classic Italian salad into a satisfying sandwich. Layer fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and basil leaves on crusty bread, then spread with homemade or store-bought basil pesto.
This no-cook option comes together in minutes but delivers big on flavor. For the best results, use the ripest tomatoes you can find.
3. Spring Vegetable Risotto
Creamy arborio rice provides the perfect backdrop for spring’s bounty. Fold in blanched asparagus, sweet peas, tender zucchini, and fresh herbs just before serving to preserve their vibrant colors and textures.
Top with shaved Parmesan for a touch of saltiness. This dish reheats beautifully, making it a great option for packed lunches.
4. Lemon Herb Chicken Wraps
Light and portable, these wraps combine grilled lemon-herb chicken with crisp vegetables and a bright yogurt sauce.
Use a variety of spring greens for color and nutrition, and choose whole grain wraps for added fiber.
Tightly rolled and wrapped in parchment paper, they travel well for lunch away from home.
GET THE BOOK!
Food Prep Guide: A Plan for Money-Saving, Self-Sustaining Abundance in Hard Times is a book of strategies & tutorials that help you build a long-term pantry that sustains your family on a budget—even in the midst of rising food costs.
5. Farro Bowl with Roasted Spring Vegetables
Nutty, chewy farro forms the hearty base for this nutritious bowl.
Top with a rainbow of roasted spring vegetables – think multicolored carrots, radishes, asparagus, and spring onions.
A simple vinaigrette brings everything together. The components can be prepared in advance and assembled just before eating.
6. Spring Vegetable Frittata
This egg-based Italian dish is essentially a crustless quiche that comes together in one pan. Sauté leeks, asparagus, and peas before adding beaten eggs and finishing in the oven.
Slice into wedges for an easy grab-and-go lunch option that tastes great at room temperature – perfect for packed lunches or picnics.
7. Chilled Cucumber Avocado Soup
When the weather starts warming up, turn to this refreshing no-cook soup. Blend ripe avocados with cucumber, yogurt, lemon juice, and herbs until silky smooth.
Chill thoroughly and top with crunchy garnishes like radish slices and cucumber rounds just before serving. Pack in an insulated container for lunch on the go.
8. Salmon and Radish Grain Bowl
For a protein-packed lunch, pair omega-rich salmon with crisp radishes and hearty grains. The contrast between the warm, flaky fish and cool, crunchy vegetables makes every bite interesting.
A light vinaigrette with spring herbs ties all the elements together.
Assemble components separately for meal prep, then combine when ready to eat.
9. Artichoke and Lemon Pasta Salad
Pasta salad gets a spring makeover with marinated artichoke hearts, bright lemon, and fresh herbs. Choose a short pasta shape that catches the tangy dressing in its crevices.
Add cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta for Mediterranean flair. This salad actually improves with time in the refrigerator, making it ideal for make-ahead lunches.
Get more spring pasta salad ideas here!
10. Egg Salad with Fresh Herbs on Rye
Reimagine classic egg salad by folding in plenty of spring herbs—think dill, chives, parsley, and tarragon. The herbs add color, nutrition, and bright flavors that complement the richness of the eggs.
Serve on hearty rye bread for a satisfying open-faced sandwich, or pack the components separately to assemble at lunchtime.
11. Pea Shoot and Burrata Flatbread
This light yet satisfying flatbread showcases delicate pea shoots—one of spring’s fleeting treasures. Pair them with creamy burrata cheese, sweet peas, and thin lemon slices on a crispy base.
Cut into wedges and enjoy warm or at room temperature. For packed lunches, store the components separately and assemble just before eating.
12. Spring Vegetable Bowl with Green Dressing
Colorful, nutritious, and completely customizable, buddha bowls are lunchtime chameleons.
Start with a base of quinoa or brown rice, then add roasted sweet potatoes, fresh sugar snap peas, radishes, avocado, and sprouts.
The star is the vibrant green goddess dressing made with spring herbs, avocado, and yogurt.
13. Sesame Ginger Noodle Salad with Sugar Snap Peas
Cold noodle salads are perfect for meal prep and packed lunches.
Toss soba or rice noodles with a zingy sesame-ginger dressing, then add crisp sugar snap peas, carrots, and bell peppers.
The flavors meld beautifully as the salad sits, and everything can be enjoyed straight from the refrigerator.
14. Carrot and Ginger Soup with Herb Croutons
This vibrant soup celebrates spring carrots, which are sweeter and more tender than their winter counterparts. The addition of fresh ginger adds warmth and digestive benefits.
Make a big batch on the weekend, then portion into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Pack the herb croutons separately to maintain their crunch.
15. Shaved Fennel and Orange Salad with Grilled Shrimp
End our list with an elegant salad that combines anise-scented fennel, sweet oranges, and succulent grilled shrimp. The bright citrus dressing and crunchy pistachios add layers of flavor and texture.
For packed lunches, store the dressing separately and toss everything together just before eating to maintain the fennel’s crispness.
These spring lunch ideas offer a delicious way to celebrate the season’s bounty. Many can be prepared in advance, making weekday lunches something to look forward to rather than an afterthought!
