For a midday pick-me-up, skip theextra cup of coffeeand try one of these energizing lunch recipes instead.

The filling spread can be made ahead of time, which makes this recipe great for meal prep.

Creamy, crunchy and satisfying, this easy egg salad recipe has it all.

feta kale pear salad

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Learnhow to make hard-boiled eggsat home, or buy ready-to-eat ones from the store.

Tossing it all with mint, feta and red onion gives it a Middle Eastern flair.

Chickpea Salad Sandwich

This vegan chickpea salad sandwich is lemony, bright and surprisingly delicious.

a recipe photo of the Best Egg Salad

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Celery brings a nice crunch.

Serve over salad greens, on grilled whole-wheat country bread or tucked in a whole-wheat pita pocket.

Serve it alongside a roast chicken, then mix the leftovers together for lunch.

Chickpea Tuna Salad

Photography / Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling / Ruth Blackburn

Your future self will thank you.

To keep the ingredients from getting soggy, dress this salad and top it with peanuts just before serving.

For a delicious vegan option, swap in roasted tofu for the chicken breast (see Associated Recipes).

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Mix it up by trying it with canned chickpeas or black beans.

Cranberries add a sweet-tart flavor, while toasted walnuts and celery provide crunch.

Serve over leafy greens or use as a sandwich filling.

Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Photography / Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling / Ruth Blackburn

Pear, Gorgonzola & Walnut Salad

This pear and gorgonzola salad celebrates fall with its beautiful colors.

The light and refreshing vinaigrette offsets the tangy funk of Gorgonzola and the sweetness from the raisins and pears.

And using the flavorful leafy carrot tops in it is like getting herbs for free.

No-Cook Black Bean Salad

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Roasted Butternut Squash & Pear Quinoa Salad

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a recipe photo of the Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad served in a bowl

Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Lauren McAnelly

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Egg Salad English-Muffin Sandwich

Brie Passano