When you’ve got a busy day on the go, whether you’re rushing from meeting to meeting or running errands with your family, it can be tough to keep your energy up. Bringing along a healthy, protein-packed lunch that’s easy to eat on the go is one of the best ways to ensure you stay energized throughout the day. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite lunch recipes that are sure to satisfy both your appetite and your tastebuds.
Tilapia Sandwiches with Spicy Mayo
For a sandwich that’s a far cry from a basic PB&J, try this spicy Tilapia sandwich. Just toast some sandwich rolls and brush them with spicy mayo, and top them with thick slices of tomato, crunchy lettuce and protein-rich Tilapia fillets. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can always omit the hot sriracha from the mayo.
Try the recipe: Tilapia Sandwich with Spicy Mayo from The Weary Chef.
Oven-Baked Fish Sticks
This fish sticks recipe is a great protein-rich lunch for busy days. It’s not messy and is easy to eat with just one hand. These are much better than traditional fish sticks that you find in the freezer section of a grocery store—they’re not fried in oil and there are no unhealthy additives.
We recommend making a big batch of these fish sticks at the beginning of the week and keeping any leftovers in the freezer. That way, you’ll always have a last-minute healthy lunch on hand to grab when you’re heading out the door.
Try the recipe: Oven-Baked Fish Sticks from Real Simple.
Black Bean and Hummus Sandwich Wrap
If you’re looking for a lunch that will keep you full but won’t weigh you down, this award-winning black bean and hummus sandwich wrap recipe is sure to satisfy. This wrap gets its protein from black beans and garbanzo beans, and other nutritional benefits from spinach, mushrooms, corn and bell pepper. Just wrap all the ingredients in a whole-grain tortilla.
Try the recipe: Black Bean and Hummus Sandwich Wrap from The Spruce.
Blackened Tilapia Taco Bowl
This blackened Tilapia taco bowl is a great on the go option because you can throw all the ingredients together in a plastic container, it doesn’t require reheating and you can enjoy it a few bites at a time between meetings or phone calls. This dish has a whole Tilapia fillet per serving, along with other nutrient-rich ingredients like beans, corn, avocado and bell pepper. It’s sure to keep you full and energized throughout the day.
Try the recipe: Blackened Tilapia Taco Bowl from The Chunky Chef.
Salmon Salad Sandwich
If you need a portable lunch but don’t have much time to put something together, this salmon salad sandwich recipe is a great option. It takes only a few minutes to whip up the salad mixture of salmon, lemon juice, onion and spices. Then, all you need to do is spread the mixture on the bread and top with cream cheese, lettuce and tomato. This recipe would also work well with any leftover fish you may have in the fridge.
Try the recipe: Salmon Salad Sandwich from Eating Well.
Next time you have a busy day where you’re constantly on the go, be sure to bring along one of these protein-packed lunch dishes to help you get through the day. For more lunch inspiration, check out these 4 speedy seafood lunch recipes.
Photo credits: Africa Studio / Shutterstock.com, The Weary Chef, Real Simple, The Spruce, The Chunky Chef, Eating Well