Protein-Packed Lunch Recipes

School is back in session—or right around the corner—and with it comes both excitement and stress. When days fill up with drop-offs, pick-ups, homework, and activities, it’s easy for nutritious lunches to become an afterthought. That’s why we’ve put together six protein-packed Mediterranean-inspired recipes that will make tackling even the busiest of schedules a piece of cake.

So whether you’re prepping your child’s lunchbox or your own, we hope these recipes inspire you to make lunch worth savoring. 

Farmer’s Market Calabrian Chili Tuna Wraps

Say goodbye to your boring PB&J, and hello to this quick and easy tuna wrap. Drizzled with a light Greek Yogurt ranch dressing and full of fresh veggies, these wraps offer extra fuel—and flavor—for whatever your afternoon holds. And if spicy isn’t your thing, swap out our Tuna in Calabrian Chili Infused Olive Oil for our Tuna in Garlic & Tuscan Herb Infused Olive Oil or Premium Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Tuna Pasta Salad with Arugula Pesto & Dates

Perfect for both weekend and weekday lunches alike, this vibrant, tuna-rich pasta salad is bursting with a bright, nutty pesto, sweet dates, savory kalamata olives, and luscious tuna. Trust us when we say, every bite is better than the last. And for those picky eaters, this recipe is easily customizable so feel free to omit ingredients or swap in others like cherry tomatoes, raisins, peas or mini mozzarella balls.

Tuna Cakes with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

These portable paleo tuna cakes take just 20 minutes to make and are great for those weeks when you’re on-the-go. Simply toss your ingredients in a mixing bowl, scoop, shape, and cook to a golden brown. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, you can serve them warm with a roasted red pepper sauce or make ahead of time for an easy lunch the next day. They’re gluten-free, grain-free, and lower in carbs. 

Pesto Tuna Caprese Cucumber Bites

Sure, these super cute—and super tasty—pesto tuna caprese cucumber bites might seem more suitable for entertaining, but they also happen to make a delicious solo snack. The best part? They come together in less than 30 minutes and require just a few ingredients: one can of Genova Premium Yellowfin or Albacore Tuna in Olive Oil, one cucumber, and a few cherry tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. Drizzle with a homemade or store bought balsamic glaze, and you have yourself a fancy lunch that came together quickly. 

Mediterranean Tuna Lettuce Cups

When it comes to light, lower-carb lunches and high-protein meals, these easy Mediterranean Tuna Lettuce Cups are a weekday staple. They’re loaded with fresh ingredients and chunks of luscious yellowfin tuna. And the toasted slivered almonds add a perfect nutty crunch. Feel free to work in additional ingredients like avocado and fresh herbs for even more flavor and texture.

High Protein Chickpea Avocado Tuna Salad Sandwiches

Five-minute recipe? Say no more! This healthy, no-cook avocado tuna salad toast checks all the boxes. It’s not only high in protein, but it’s also rich in fiber thanks to the addition of chickpeas. Plus, the avocado, grape tomatoes, and cilantro add a level of Mediterranean flavor and freshness that make every bite simply delicious. Don’t forget to garnish with some goat cheese crumbles for an extra tangy taste.

Find Genova Seafood in stores and online.