When you’re caught up in the hustle and bustle of the workday, it can be tempting to grab whatever is most convenient—often opting for something quick but heavy. But eating the right food during lunch can keep you energized and focused without the afternoon slump. Fortunately, there are plenty of fast, healthy lunch options that won’t leave you feeling sluggish afterward. From protein-packed salads to grain bowls and refreshing smoothies, these quick spots offer a variety of nutritious meals that are both delicious and energizing.
If you’re looking to fuel your afternoon with something wholesome, here are the best places for a quick, healthy lunch during your workday:
1. Sweetgreen
Menu Highlights:
- Harvest Bowl (with roasted chicken, sweet potatoes, apples, and kale)
- Shroomami Bowl (with miso-glazed portobello, crispy rice, and sesame ginger dressing)
Type: Salad bar / Customizable bowls
Sweetgreen has become a go-to for those seeking fresh, customizable salads and bowls. With an emphasis on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, you can easily build a grain bowl or salad that fuels your afternoon without leaving you feeling weighed down. Their Harvest Bowl is a fan favorite, combining sweet potatoes, apples, kale, and roasted chicken for a balanced, nutrient-packed meal. Plus, the bowls come with a variety of dressings that are light yet flavorful.
Pro Tip: If you want a plant-based option, the Shroomami Bowl is packed with savory umami flavors and provides plenty of plant protein from miso-glazed portobello mushrooms.
2. Chopt Creative Salad Company
Menu Highlights:
- Kale Caesar (with grilled chicken, kale, parmesan, and croutons)
- Buffalo Chicken Bowl (with romaine, grilled chicken, corn, and a spicy buffalo dressing)
Type: Salad bar / Customizable salads
For salad lovers looking for a quick, energizing lunch, Chopt offers a wide variety of creative and hearty salads. With options like the Kale Caesar, which combines hearty kale with grilled chicken, or the Buffalo Chicken Bowl, packed with spicy buffalo chicken, corn, and a creamy dressing, you’ll feel full and satisfied without the sluggish feeling that comes from heavier meals. All of Chopt’s salads and bowls are freshly prepared, and you can customize them to fit your dietary preferences.
Pro Tip: Add an avocado to any salad for a dose of healthy fats and extra richness.
3. Just Salad
Menu Highlights:
- Supergreen Caesar (with kale, grilled chicken, chickpeas, and avocado)
- Kale and Quinoa Bowl (with roasted beets, quinoa, cucumbers, and balsamic dressing)
Type: Salad bar / Customizable bowls
Just Salad offers a wide range of healthy, vibrant bowls and salads that make it easy to enjoy a filling lunch on the go. Their Supergreen Caesar is a great choice for those craving a hearty, protein-packed salad, with grilled chicken, chickpeas, and avocado adding texture and flavor. Alternatively, the Kale and Quinoa Bowl is perfect for a gluten-free option, featuring roasted beets and nutrient-dense quinoa.
Pro Tip: Take advantage of their “Reusable Bowl” program if you’re looking to reduce waste and make your meal even more sustainable.
4. Dig (formerly Dig Inn)
Menu Highlights:
- Market Bowl (with roasted chicken, brown rice, and roasted seasonal veggies)
- Vegetarian Grain Bowl (with quinoa, kale, and roasted sweet potatoes)
Type: Fast-casual / Seasonal bowls
If you’re looking for a fast, healthy lunch that incorporates seasonal ingredients, Dig is a great choice. The bowls are hearty yet light enough to keep you energized without the afternoon slump. The Market Bowl features roasted chicken, brown rice, and seasonal veggies, while the Vegetarian Grain Bowl is packed with quinoa, kale, and sweet potatoes—ideal for those seeking a plant-based meal. Dig prides itself on using high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients.
Pro Tip: Customize your bowl by adding a protein like grilled chicken or tofu for a satisfying, balanced meal.
5. Daily Harvest
Menu Highlights:
- Chia Parfait (with chia seeds, almond milk, and mixed berries)
- Smoothie Bowls (like the Acai + Cherry Bowl with antioxidants)
Type: Smoothie and bowl delivery / Grab-and-go
For a truly quick, nutritious lunch that can be enjoyed anywhere, Daily Harvest offers an excellent selection of frozen, ready-to-blend smoothies, soups, and bowls. Their Chia Parfait is an ideal midday snack or lunch, combining chia seeds with almond milk and mixed berries for a light yet satisfying bite. Their Smoothie Bowls—like the acai and cherry bowl—are full of antioxidants and provide just the right amount of sweetness and energy.
Pro Tip: Order ahead and have your meal ready to go for a quick, no-fuss lunch. You can even opt for their delivery service if you’re working from home.
6. Honeygrow
Menu Highlights:
- Grain Bowl (with farro, roasted sweet potatoes, kale, and avocado)
- Power Greens Salad (with chicken, crispy quinoa, and lemon vinaigrette)
Type: Fast-casual / Seasonal and wholesome bowls
Honeygrow focuses on serving healthy, wholesome food with locally sourced ingredients. Their Grain Bowls, like the one with farro, roasted sweet potatoes, kale, and avocado, are packed with complex carbs, fiber, and healthy fats. For a protein-packed salad, the Power Greens Salad features crispy quinoa, chicken, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette. The meals here are both light and satisfying, providing the nutrients you need to power through the afternoon.
Pro Tip: Try one of their fresh smoothies or cold-pressed juices to pair with your meal for an extra boost.
7. Juice Generation
Menu Highlights:
- Avocado Toast (with a gluten-free base and a drizzle of olive oil)
- Acai Bowls (with granola, banana, and peanut butter)
Type: Smoothie and juice bar / Healthy grab-and-go meals
When you need a quick lunch that’s nutritious and packed with fresh ingredients, Juice Generation is a great spot. Known for its vibrant smoothie bowls, like the Acai Bowl with granola and banana, Juice Generation also offers a range of sandwiches and wraps, such as their popular Avocado Toast, made with gluten-free bread and topped with a drizzle of olive oil for added healthy fats. You’ll leave feeling satisfied and energized, without any sluggishness.
Pro Tip: Their Cold-Pressed Juices are perfect for an added nutritional boost during a busy workday.
8. Bowl’d (Chicago, IL)
Menu Highlights:
- Crispy Tofu Bowl (with quinoa, roasted veggies, and sesame dressing)
- Chicken Avocado Bowl (with brown rice, corn, black beans, and cilantro-lime dressing)
Type: Fast-casual / Grain bowls
Bowl’d is a popular choice in Chicago for those who crave a fresh, quick lunch with a global twist. Their Crispy Tofu Bowl is a great option for vegetarians, with crispy tofu, quinoa, roasted veggies, and a sesame dressing. For a protein-packed option, the Chicken Avocado Bowl is loaded with brown rice, corn, black beans, and a zesty cilantro-lime dressing. These bowls are flavorful, balanced, and keep you feeling satisfied without the heaviness of traditional fast food.
Pro Tip: Ask for extra dressing on the side if you like your bowls extra flavorful!
9. Urban Remedy
Menu Highlights:
- Grain Bowl (with quinoa, roasted vegetables, avocado, and tahini dressing)
- Raw Vegan Wrap (with greens, sprouts, and hummus)
Type: Grab-and-go / Organic, plant-based meals
Urban Remedy is a health-conscious grab-and-go spot that offers organic, plant-based meals designed to nourish your body. Their Grain Bowl, with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and avocado, is light yet filling and packed with nutrients. If you’re craving something a bit lighter, try their Raw Vegan Wrap, which combines fresh greens, sprouts, and hummus for a fresh and energizing meal.
Pro Tip: Urban Remedy is great for those looking for organic and vegan options that won’t leave you feeling sluggish later in the day.
10. Freshii
Menu Highlights:
- Buddha’s Satay Bowl (with quinoa, edamame, and peanut sauce)
- Asian Citrus Salad (with grilled chicken, mandarin oranges, and sesame dressing)
Type: Fast-casual / International flavors and bowls
Freshii is a well-known chain offering a variety of healthy bowls, salads, and wraps. Their Buddha’s Satay Bowl, filled with quinoa
, edamame, and peanut sauce, provides a satisfying combination of healthy fats, fiber, and protein. For a lighter, citrusy option, the Asian Citrus Salad with grilled chicken, mandarin oranges, and sesame dressing is refreshing and energizing, perfect for a midday pick-me-up.
Pro Tip: Freshii offers a great selection of smoothies and soups, so don’t hesitate to pair your meal with something to drink!
Final Thoughts
When you’re pressed for time during your workday, these quick, healthy lunch spots are the perfect solution for nourishing meals that will fuel your afternoon without leaving you sluggish. Whether you’re grabbing a grain bowl, protein-packed salad, smoothie, or wrap, these places offer delicious, balanced options that keep you energized, satisfied, and ready to tackle the rest of your day. So skip the heavy takeout, and treat yourself to something healthy that you can feel good about!