10+ Easy Lunch Recipes for Quick and Delicious Meals

Finding time for lunch can be a challenge, especially during a busy day. You want meals that are quick to make, delicious, and satisfying. Easy lunch recipes can help you prepare tasty meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re working from home or on a tight schedule, you can create meals that fuel your day. From simple sandwiches to refreshing salads, there are plenty of options to keep your lunches exciting and enjoyable. With just a little planning, you can have a variety of easy and nutritious lunches ready to go.

1) Sweet and Spicy Turkey Sandwich

This Sweet and Spicy Turkey Sandwich is a fun twist on lunch. It’s quick to make and packs a punch with flavors.

Start with two slices of hearty country bread. Layer on four slices of oven-roasted turkey breast and a slice of pepper jack cheese for some heat.

Spread two teaspoons of butter on the bread. Top it with four teaspoons of strawberry preserves for a sweet contrast.

When you grill the sandwich, aim for medium heat, about 325°F (160°C), until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

This sandwich combines savory turkey with a sweet kick, making it unforgettable.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices country bread
• 4 slices oven-roasted turkey breast
• 1 slice pepper jack cheese
• 2 teaspoons butter
• 4 teaspoons strawberry preserves

Cooking Instructions:

1. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Layer turkey and cheese between the unbuttered sides.
3. Spread strawberry preserves on top of the cheese.
4. Grill the sandwich on medium heat until golden and cheese melts.

2) Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese

Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese is a tasty and quick meal. This dish combines the spicy goodness of buffalo chicken with the gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience of grilled cheese. It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

To make this sandwich, you will need cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, and your favorite cheeses. Mix these ingredients for a flavorful filling.

Then, assemble your sandwich by spreading the filling between slices of bread. Grill it to golden perfection. The cheese will melt, and the bread will crisp up nicely.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
• 1/4 cup cream cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (like cheddar or pepper jack)
• 2 slices of bread
• Butter for grilling

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and cream cheese.
2. Spread the mixture on one slice of bread.
3. Top with shredded cheese and cover with the second slice of bread.
4. Butter the outside of the sandwich.
5. Grill on medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C) until golden brown on both sides.

3) Mexican Chicken Avocado Cups

Mexican Chicken Avocado Cups are a tasty and easy lunch option. They are filled with nutritious ingredients and are ready in just a few minutes. You’ll love how simple they are to make!

Start with ripe avocados cut in half and pitted. You can add shredded cooked chicken, black beans, and corn for a hearty filling. Mix in some salsa or your favorite seasonings for extra flavor.

These cups are not only colorful but also healthy. They make a great meal or snack any time of the day.

Ingredients

• 2 large ripe avocados
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup corn, drained
• Salsa or seasoning of your choice

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the avocados in half and remove the pits.
2. In a bowl, mix the chicken, black beans, corn, and salsa.
3. Spoon the mixture into the avocado halves.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

4) Tofu Nuggets

Tofu nuggets are a tasty and easy lunch option. They are crispy on the outside and soft inside. You can enjoy them on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce.

To make tofu nuggets, you’ll need only a few ingredients. They are perfect for meal prep and can be cooked quickly in the oven.

Ingredients

• 1 block firm or medium-firm tofu
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Drain and press the tofu to remove excess moisture.
3. Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
4. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
5. Toss tofu cubes in the breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
6. Arrange tofu nuggets on a baking sheet with olive oil.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown. Enjoy!

5) Spinach and Turkey Pinwheels

Spinach and turkey pinwheels are a fun and tasty lunch option. They are easy to make and perfect for a quick meal or snack.

To start, you need to gather your ingredients. You’ll spread cream cheese on tortillas. Then, layer fresh spinach and slices of turkey on top.

Roll the tortillas tightly and slice them into bite-sized pieces. These pinwheels are great for meal prep or a party. If you make them ahead, just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Ingredients

• 4 large tortillas
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 8 oz sliced turkey breast

Cooking Instructions

1. Soften the cream cheese at room temperature.
2. Spread about 2 tablespoons of cream cheese on each tortilla.
3. Layer spinach and turkey on top.
4. Roll the tortillas tightly.
5. Slice into bite-sized pinwheels and serve.

6) Chili-Topped Cornbread Waffles

Chili-topped cornbread waffles are a fun twist on a classic dish. They combine a crispy waffle texture with the heartiness of chili, making it a perfect meal for lunch or dinner.

Start by making cornbread waffles from simple ingredients like cornmeal and flour. You can easily whip this up in a waffle maker. The warm waffles will soak up the rich flavors of the chili.

Top your waffles with a generous scoop of chili, adding shredded cheese or sour cream for extra creaminess. You can even add avocado slices for a fresh touch.

It’s a delicious, easy lunch that is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• Salt to taste
• Chili (prepared)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your waffle maker.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
3. Whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
5. Pour batter into the waffle maker and cook until golden brown.
6. Serve the waffles topped with chili and desired toppings.

7) Greek Grilled Chicken Pitas

Greek grilled chicken pitas are a tasty and easy lunch option. You can enjoy them in just a few simple steps. The flavors of marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and warm pita bread blend perfectly.

To start, marinate chicken breasts in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. After marinating, grill the chicken until it’s cooked through. This usually takes about 6-7 minutes per side at 375°F (190°C).

Slice the grilled chicken and place it inside warm pita bread. You can add toppings like cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese for extra flavor. A drizzle of tzatziki sauce will make it even better!

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon (juice only)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pita bread
• Sliced cucumber and tomatoes
• Feta cheese
• Tzatziki sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
2. Grill the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 6-7 minutes per side.
3. Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes.
4. Slice the chicken and place it in warm pita bread.
5. Add cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and tzatziki sauce.

8) Peanut Butter Sandwich

A peanut butter sandwich is a classic choice for an easy lunch. It’s quick to make and very satisfying. You can customize it in many ways to suit your taste.

You’ll need bread, peanut butter, and any extras you like. Jams, honey, or sliced bananas work great too. Toasting the bread can add a nice crunch.

To make it even better, try a grilled version. Spread peanut butter on the bread and grill it until warm. The melted peanut butter is delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter
• Optional: jam, honey, or sliced bananas

Cooking Instructions

1. Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread.
2. Add jam, honey, or bananas if desired.
3. Top with the second slice of bread.
4. For a grilled sandwich, butter the outside and grill on medium heat (350°F/175°C) until golden brown.

9) Microwave Oatmeal

Microwave oatmeal is a quick and healthy lunch option. You can make it in just a couple of minutes. All you need are oats, water, and a few toppings.

Start with half a cup of rolled oats. Add one cup of water or milk for creamier oatmeal. Mix in a pinch of salt for flavor.

Place the mixture in a microwave-safe bowl and cook on high for about 1 to 2 minutes. You may need to adjust the time based on your microwave’s power.

Once it’s done, stir well and let it sit for a minute. Add your favorite toppings like fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of honey for extra taste.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup water or milk
• Pinch of salt
• Optional toppings (fruit, nuts, honey)

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine oats, water, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Stir and let it sit for 1 minute.
4. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

10) Thai Noodle Salad

Thai Noodle Salad is a fresh and tasty dish that’s easy to make. It’s perfect for lunch and can be prepared in about 30 minutes. You can enjoy it cold, which makes it great for warm days.

This salad features rice noodles, crunchy veggies, and a creamy peanut sauce. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or carrots, and top it with fresh herbs for extra flavor.

You can also make it vegan and gluten-free, so it fits various dietary needs. This dish is not only delicious but also healthy, making it a great option for your lunch menu.

Ingredients

• 8 oz rice noodles
• 1 cup chopped bell peppers
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup edamame
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/3 cup peanut butter
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Then, drain and set aside.
2. In a bowl, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, and garlic.
3. Toss the noodles with chopped veggies and the peanut sauce.
4. Garnish with cilantro and serve chilled or at room temperature.