salad in a lunch box with a jar holding the sauce

Taking time out to have a nutritious lunch, especially during a busy working day, is super-important. It helps to keep our energy levels up, keeping us focused and helping us get the most out of the rest of the day.

Here’s our pick of the best healthy lunches that really pack a flavour punch.

Coated in sesame seeds, then seared hard and fast, this salmon is beautifully tender with a gorgeous crust. Served with noodles, avocado, grated beets, carrots and cucumber, and a garlicky tahini dressing, this is not only delicious, it also provides three of our 5-a-day!

Fluffy quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, bombs of feta cheese, crunchy nuts and an incredible pomegranate, balsamic and lime dressing – this superfood salad tastes great and will fill you up for the afternoon ahead.

A fresh take on the breakfast classic, this makes a great dish for lunch, too. You can use frozen peas and broad beans here so it’s easier on the pocket – simply liven it up with fresh mint, lemon zest and feta to really get the flavours going.

Make up a big batch of this lovely aromatic soup, then portion it up into tupperware to take to work. Make a batch of the fennel flatbreads too, then freeze the surplus, ready to take out and warm in the microwave when needed. They’re great with this soup and will make your weekday lunches that little bit more exciting.

If you cooked a roast chicken at the weekend, this is the perfect leftover lunch for the days that follow. Shredded up chicken and crunchy lettuce, tossed together with mixed seeds and refreshing cucumber, then jazzed up with coriander, mint, fiery chilli and lime, this salad will certainly wake you up on a chilly Monday. It’s a great idea to keep little jam jars with secure lids as they’re perfect for storing and transporting salad dressings – you’ll just need to shake up and pour over when you’re ready to eat.

Packed with grated, seasonal veg and tossed in a simple yoghurt dressing, this wrap is easy to put together, pack up and take to work or school (the kids love it too!). Swap in your own favourite fruit and veg – hard, crunchy ones work best – then pimp it with chopped fresh, soft herbs and a little cheese. Simple and delicious.