Lunch | Vibrantly Vegan

I know there are a lot of new vegans out there who need ideas for delicious and nutritious lunches. I’m sure there are some seasoned vegans out there who could use some suggestions also. Well, I am coming to the rescue! I have been making 4 vegan lunches every weekday for about 4 years now and I would like to share my favorites with you. I pack up lunches for my kids, although sadly I only make 2 of these each day since my oldest just went off to college, and I often pack a lunch for my husband to take to work. It has become a source of pride for me – knowing that my family is eating cruelty-free and incredibly healthy lunches and even though some may take a little more time than throwing together a pb&j (don’t get me wrong – I love a good pb&j quite often), they are well worth the effort. Today I am posting the first of five lunches. This one is what I just made and packed up tonight for tomorrow, Monday’s, lunch.

Vegan Lunch #1 – Monday

mock tuna salad sandwich, orange slices, and chocolate lime meltaways

I love making mock tuna – not just because it is vegan, but also because I love knowing that there is no mercury in it! And it tastes really great! I find that it is even better the next day, so I always try to make it the night before. It is packed with protein and tons of flavor and is a definite favorite in my house!

Mock Tuna Salad

ingredients for mock tuna salad

1 box garbanzo beans (I prefer to use boxes that have no harmful glue, but you can also use 15 oz. cans).
2 celery stalks, diced
1 pickle, diced
1/2 t onion granules
2 t nutritional yeast
1 T soy sauce
3 T vegan mayo
3/4 T kelp granules

In a large bowl, mash the garbanzo beans. My family prefers them very well mashed, but some people prefer them with more texture.

Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.

Optional – for best taste, place in fridge overnight.

Once the mock tuna is made, making a sandwich with it is simple. My kids prefer it plain, but for my husband I add lettuce, tomato and onion.

Along with the mock tuna sandwich, I have added orange slices, chocolate lime meltways (click here for the recipe) and a box of chocolate hazelnut milk.