The Best Lunch for Every Zodiac Sign
If you're feeling uninspired about your midday meals lately, look to the stars—they've got plenty of ideas just for you.
By Lynn Andriani
Aries (March 21 to April 19)
With your spontaneous and energetic personality, you gravitate toward foods that have big flavors (no plain cheese sandwiches for you). The piquant taste of deviled eggs will likely strike your fancy, and this version takes the classic to a new level with the addition of avocado. You stuff the hard-boiled egg whites with a mixture of mashed egg yolk and avocado, plus tomato, garlic, red onion and some seasonings for a winning combo you can round out with a crunchy salad and perhaps some crackers dusted with cayenne or
another interesting spice.
Get the recipe: Guacamole Deviled Eggs
Photo: Keller + Keller Photography
Taurus (April 20 to May 20)
You're known for your reliability and practicality, and you also have an eye for beauty. Those traits could translate to any number of go-to meals, but here's one that will really speak to you: a time-tested recipe for corn chowder (the original goes back more than 250 years!) that's hearty, unfussy and gorgeous, too. It includes fresh tomato and basil, as well as corn, potatoes and lima beans. Make it on a Sunday, portion it into single-serve containers, store it in the refrigerator and enjoy it for lunch for days, reheating your bowl just before eating.
Get the recipe: Succotash Chowder with Tomatoes and Basil
Photo: Katie Quinn Davies
Gemini (May 21 to June 20)
Sitting down for a long and leisurely lunch probably doesn't happen too often in your world—but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy something delicious in between running here and there. The ideal energizing meal for a Gemini is one that doesn't require a long time to digest. This grain salad fits the bill nicely; its base is farro, an Italian whole grain with a nutty texture that will fill you up but not leave you feeling like you need a nap. You simmer it for about a half-hour, until it's tender, and then toss it with tomato, chili, pine nuts, onion, garlic, herbs, arugula and feta. A simple lemon-olive oil dressing ties all the ingredients together nicely.
Get the recipe: Farro with Feta, Lemon and Pine Nuts
Cancer (June 21 to July 22)
If you have a sensitive stomach (as do many Cancers—all that nurturing of others may mean you transfer your emotional state to your digestive system), opt for a comforting lunch that won't make you feel bloated. Here's one we love, since it's packed with vitamin-filled veggies but free of cauliflower and other culprits that can upset your stomach. The star ingredient is carrot; the sweet root vegetable pairs well with spicy curry powder, and you can add either plain nonfat yogurt (another belly-friendly food) or light coconut milk to make it extra smooth.
Get the recipe: Curried Carrot Soup
Leo (July 23 to August 22)
Go all out at lunchtime—why not? Leos love to live it up, which could mean anything from a midday steak to, well, these decadent open-face sandwiches. They're vegetarian, but don't let that fool you into thinking they're lacking in richness. The recipe calls for slices of whole grain bread you brush with olive oil and toast; then, to contrast their crunch, you top each with pieces of creamy fresh mozzarella and avocado, sprigs of peppery watercress, some fried sage leaves and a drizzle of herby pesto for an extraordinary afternoon meal.
Get the recipe: Avocado-Pesto-Mozzarella Tartines
Virgo (August 23 to September 22)
If you've got the classic Virgo trait of being patient, then we've got one word for you: kale. This veggie requires a little work, in the form of massaging the leaves for a few minutes to tenderize them, but the payoff means you're left with a delicious vegetable that's high in iron, vitamin A, lutein and omega-3s. This salad also includes colorful beets and sweet potatoes, and stands up well to dressings that would wilt romaine or other lettuces, so you can make it ahead of time and it won't get soggy.
Get the recipe: Winter Kale Slaw
Libra (September 23 to October 22)
Looks aren't everything to Libras, but they
do matter—which means you probably aren't one to settle for a store-bought cup-of-noodles soup. This easy recipe, however, gives the old-school meal a DIY makeover (and it's no slouch in the beauty department, either). You place thin egg noodles, powdered vegetable bouillon, a pinch of sugar and some shredded, or chopped, carrot, scallion, bok choy, garlic and chili into a jar; pour boiling water over it all; and, let stand 10 to 15 minutes. The noodles and vegetables become soft and tender, and the water will turn into a delicious savory broth. It's customizable, healthy and gives you an "I made this!" pride that no disposable bowl ever could.
Get the recipe: Noodle Bowl
Scorpio (October 23 to November 21)
Passionate Scorpios are all about intensity, so their favorite meals tend to have pure, strong flavors and aromas. No surprise, garlic figures prominently in many Scorpio diets, as well as spices ranging from cinnamon to cumin. A pumpkin chili made with those three ingredients is just the thing—it's sweet and spicy, with a delicious scent, too. Making this delicious stew is a snap; first, sauté garlic and onions, and then add tomatoes, kidney beans, pumpkin puree, red bell pepper, serrano chili peppers, corn and bulgur (it's a kind of dried, cracked wheat); as well as a heady mix of spices—chili powder, cumin and cinnamon—and let it bubble away.
Get the recipe: Pumpkin Vegetarian Chili
Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21)
This filling plant-based meal features a shoestring cook's standby: rice and beans. What makes it appealing to Sagittarii, who are eager for new experiences and will try almost anything, is that the duo sits atop a tangle of garlicky sautéed greens and is topped with a fried egg. It's also a very straightforward dish, with a small ingredient list devoid of processed foods—which scores it even more points for simple-living Sags.
Get the recipe: Black Beans and Rice with Garlicky Kale
Capricorn (December 22 to January 19)
We're hesitant to tinker with a Capricorn's go-to lunch—after all, this sign has a deep devotion to foods that they've been eating for years. If you're up for it, though, this twist on PB&J is worth trying. It sounds crazy—an Asian pickled cucumber salad in between peanut butter and jelly?!—until you try it. The crunchy and slightly acidic veggies are a surprisingly terrific complement to salty peanut butter and jelly (in this case, mint jelly, which offers a zip you just don't get with grape or strawberry).
Get the recipe: Vietnamese PB&J
Aquarius (January 20 to February 18)
A nonconforming Aquarian probably isn't the type to eat a tuna sandwich or plain salad for lunch—and if that describes you, we've got an unexpected meal you'll love. It's a slow-cooked version of a beloved breakfast classic, huevos rancheros, with the eggs turning out more omelet-like but still wildly tasty. There's also shredded Monterey Jack, green chilies and taco sauce—and after the eggs are cooked, you cut a wedge and serve it atop a soft tortilla. You can even eat this tasty dish with your hands (we won't judge!). Bonus points that it's even great cold or reheated.
Get the recipe: Slow-Cooker Huevos Rancheros
Pisces (February 19 to March 20)
Your sweet-natured approach to life comes through in your food preferences, which could explain why you may find yourself craving a simple bowl of fruit for lunch. Here's a way to incorporate some sweetness into a savory meal: a salad that incorporates pears and cucumbers (which are technically a fruit) with endive and frisée, which have slightly bitter tastes. A tart cranberry dressing, pecans and blue cheese complete the dish, resulting in a plate that's a lot like you: unique and creative.
Get the recipe: Endive and Pear Salad
Published 08/29/2017
