From savory entrees to delightful snacks, each of the healthy fall lunch recipes in this list are crafted with the warmth and comfort of the autumn season in mind. Whether you’re craving the tangy goodness of a smashed chickpea salad sandwich or the rich, creamy texture of a Butternut Squash Soup, these recipes offer a diverse array of flavors to satisfy every palate.
Embrace the essence of fall with seasonal ingredients like figs, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins, transforming your kitchen into a haven of delicious and nutritious meals. Let the aromatic spices and hearty combinations in these recipes bring the spirit of fall to your table, making each bite a celebration of the season’s bounty.
Enjoy the convenience of meal prep with options like healthy turkey chili and easy meal prep honey sriracha meatballs, ensuring that wholesome and delectable meals are always within reach.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking for inspiration, this curated list of healthy lunch fall recipes promises to elevate your culinary experience with the delicious flavors of the season.
1. Smashed Chickpea Salad Sandwich
This tangy smashed chickpea salad sandwich is a versatile and flavorful vegetarian dish, ideal for sandwiches, spreads, or dips. With ingredients like chickpeas, pickles, onions, and a zesty mix of mayo and mustard, this easy-to-make recipe provides a hearty and creamy texture with a hint of spice. Enjoy it between slices of multigrain bread with your favorite veggies for a quick and delicious lunch.
2. Fig & Goat Cheese Salad
This fig and goat cheese salad offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner. Featuring roasted asparagus, fresh apples, figs, goat cheese, and walnuts atop a bed of kale and arugula, the salad is crowned with a creamy balsamic dressing. Quick to prepare, it’s an ideal choice for fall—when figs are in season—and a versatile option for a week-long lunches.
3. Butternut Squash Soup
This creamy and nourishing butternut squash soup is a quintessential fall comfort food, bringing warmth and satisfaction to chilly days. With a delightful blend of fresh sage, rosemary, and ginger, this vegan recipe boasts rich flavors without relying on dairy or nuts. The aromatic concoction of onion, garlic, and perfectly seasoned vegetable broth is paired with the vibrant orange and velvety texture of the blended butternut squash. Serve it piping hot, garnished with chopped parsley and pepitas, accompanied by crusty bread for a delightful autumn meal.
4. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Fresh, vibrant, and perfect for dinner parties or a light fall lunch, this shaved Brussels sprouts salad is a star on the table. Served family-style, it boasts a delightful medley of thinly sliced Brussels sprouts, matchstick-cut Gala apples, chopped shallots, and toasted hazelnuts. The dressing, a blend of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, pure honey, salt, and pepper, ties the ingredients together with a burst of flavor. Topped with shaved Pecorino cheese, this salad is an instant favorite, offering a harmonious blend of textures and tastes in just 20 minutes.
5. Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup
Indulge in the richness of this creamy roasted cauliflower soup, a luscious delight that doesn’t rely on cream or cheese. Roasted cauliflower takes center stage, delivering a depth of flavor, while a blend of onions, garlic, and vegetable broth adds complexity. A touch of butter in the blending process elevates the soup to a luxuriously creamy texture. Seasoned with nutmeg and a hint of lemon juice, this soup is a warm, comforting treat that pairs perfectly with fall or winter dishes. Garnish with roasted cauliflower florets, parsley, and green onions for a finishing touch. Freeze the leftovers for future enjoyment or savor it fresh for a delightful fall lunch.
6. The Best Healthy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
This healthy pumpkin pie smoothie is a delightful blend of real pumpkin puree, frozen banana, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, almond milk, pumpkin pie spice, and a touch of almond butter. This thick and creamy smoothie captures the essence of fall, resembling the flavors of a classic pumpkin pie. The recipe ensures a perfect texture thanks to the frozen banana, and the addition of almond butter enhances the richness, making it reminiscent of a milkshake. Easy to prepare and bursting with cozy pumpkin spice, this smoothie is a delicious and nutritious choice for breakfast, lunch, or a snack during the fall season.
7. The Best Healthy Turkey Chili
Savor the rich flavors of this healthy turkey chili, a renowned recipe that boasts lean ground turkey, kidney beans, and corn. Bursting with perfect spiciness, protein, and fiber, it’s a surefire hit for a satisfying fall meal. Whether you opt for the stovetop or slow cooker method, this chili delivers an easy, delicious meal. The blend of veggies, spices, and lean turkey creates a thick, flavorful chili that has earned its reputation as the BEST. Customize it with your favorite toppings—avocado, cheese, tortilla chips, and more. This chili also freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Reheat when anytime you need a quick and easy lunch.
8. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Indulge in these delightful air fryer sweet potato fries, a quick, crispy, and healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. These fries, requiring less oil and boasting fewer calories, are seasoned with a tasty blend of garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Simply preheat the air fryer, toss the sweet potato slices in olive oil and spices, and cook for approximately 12 minutes, turning halfway for an even, crunchy result. These fries are the perfect side dish to accompany a juicy burger, fall salad, or warm bowl of soup, or, fantastic all on their own.
9. Chipotle Black Bean Tortilla Soup
Enjoy the simplicity and bold flavors of this 1-pot chipotle black bean tortilla soup. To make this hearty recipe, simply sauté vegetables, add spices, salsa, stock, and beans, and let it simmer into a hearty, chipotle-spiced delight. Topped with avocado, red onion, and cilantro, this quick and savory soup is perfect for easy entertaining or make-ahead meals to enjoy for healthy lunches this fall or winter.
10. Healthy Stuffed Acorn Squash {Low Calorie, GF, Paleo}
Indulge in the delightful flavors of healthy stuffed acorn squash, a low-calorie, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly dish that’s perfect for fall. Featuring perfectly roasted acorn squash filled with lean turkey sausage, apple, onion, and savory seasonings, this filling and nutritious meal is a cozy dinner option that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Top with dried cranberries, pecans, and parsley for an extra punch of fall flavor. With fewer calories, lower fat content, higher protein, and a burst of high fiber, this dish offers a well-balanced nutritional profile, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a comforting and health-conscious fall dinner or lunch.
11. Healthy Apple Pie Bars
Satisfy your sweet cravings guilt-free with these healthy apple pie bars, a delectable autumn-inspired treat. These bars feature a luscious almond butter crumble, Honeycrisp apples, and a delightful glaze, all crafted from wholesome ingredients. Easy to make and perfect for on-the-go indulgence, these chewy and sweet bars offer a unique twist on the classic apple pie flavor. With a base and crumble made from natural almond butter, coconut oil, and almond flour, a flavorful apple layer, and a powdered sugar glaze, this recipe delivers a healthier alternative without compromising on taste.
12. Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Experience comfort with this easy instant pot lentil soup, offering heartwarming flavors and wholesome nutrition. Made with French green lentils, vegetables, and a blend of herbs, it’s a simple yet satisfying dish that brings joy in every spoonful. The recipe’s versatility allows for vegan or meat additions, and it can be easily stored for convenient, flavorful meals throughout the week.
13. Easy Meal Prep Honey Sriracha Meatballs
Delight in the simplicity of these flavorful meal prep honey sriracha meatballs, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes. Ideal for those who love to prepare meals in advance, these moist and delicious meatballs are baked, not fried, making them a healthier option. Served over brown rice and drizzled with a delightful honey sriracha sauce, these meatballs are a convenient and tasty meal prep choice, lasting up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
14. Spaghetti Squash, Quinoa and Parmesan Fritters
Delight your family with these delectable spaghetti squash, quinoa, and parmesan fritters—a tasty and healthy snack that will win everyone over. The recipe combines the savory goodness of quinoa, parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach, all bound together by eggs and flour. The spaghetti squash, a star ingredient, is wrung out to remove excess liquid, ensuring the fritters are perfectly crispy. Cooked on a hot skillet, these fritters make a colorful and flavorful treat, especially when garnished with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and chopped green onions.
15. Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake
Indulge in the ultimate cozy dinner with this cheesy white bean tomato bake. Canned white beans are simmered in a flavorful fire-roasted tomato sauce, enhanced with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a generous layer of cheese. The addition of spinach and basil provides extra flavor and vibrancy to this satisfying fall recipe. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a comforting evening, served with a side of crusty bread to savor every bit of the saucy goodness. Adjustments, like making it saucier with fire-roasted tomatoes and cheesier with mozzarella and parmesan, elevate this recipe to a delightful, heartwarming meal.
16. Korean Inspired Ground Turkey Meal Prep
These Korean-inspired ground turkey meal prep bowls are a quick and flavorful option for a healthy lunch or dinner. Ground turkey is cooked in a delicious Korean-style sauce that includes honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and garlic. The resulting mixture is then paired with rice and broccoli, creating a balanced and satisfying meal prep option. The versatility of ground turkey makes it a convenient choice for various meal prep recipes, and the Korean-inspired flavors in this dish add a delightful twist to traditional options. With a prep time of under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those looking for a quick and delicious meal for weeknight dinners or grab-and-go lunches.
17. Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Potatoes & Carrots
Slow cooker chicken thighs with potatoes and carrots is a fuss-free and savory dish prepared effortlessly in the crockpot. Featuring seared chicken thighs, tender potatoes, carrots, and a delightful chicken gravy, this healthy fall recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and lunches the next day. The slow cooker convenience, minimal prep time, and all-in-one meal are sure to make it a family-friendly favorite.
18. Farro and Spinach Salad with Air-Fried Beets
If you don’t already love beets, you may feel different about them after trying this recipe. This farro and spinach salad with air-fried beets offers a burst of flavors and textures in every bite. Featuring air-fried beets, tangy orange dressing, and fresh pears, this salad combines fruity sweetness with crispy beet chips. The orange dressing, made with orange juice, red wine vinegar, walnuts, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard, adds a delightful tang. The key to perfectly crispy beet chips is slicing them ultra-thin, and they are complemented by a mix of fresh baby spinach, chilled cooked farro, and chopped red onion.
19. Pear Pomegranate Salad
This pear pomegranate salad is a delightful seasonal dish featuring mixed greens adorned with candied pecans, fresh Bartlett pears, pomegranate arils, sweetened dried cranberries, and optional feta cheese. The star of the show is the raspberry poppy seed dressing, crafted with real raspberries, adding a burst of flavor to this holiday favorite. Prepare the candied pecans in advance for convenience, and enjoy the vibrant combination of textures and tastes in this show-stopping salad.
20. Recipe for Sheet Pan Pork Chops with Potatoes and Broccoli
This recipe for sheet pan pork chops with potatoes and broccoli offers a quick, delicious, and wholesome meal, all cooked on a single pan for easy preparation and cleanup. Featuring well-seasoned, thick-cut pork chops alongside perfectly roasted potatoes and broccoli, this recipe combines simplicity, nutrition, and tenderness, making it a convenient dinner option ready in under an hour and perfect for lunch leftovers the next day.